Photos: Neither Rain Nor DeSantis Could Stop Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride Parade

On Saturday, June 17, Wilton Drive was closed to cars as the community celebrated the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival. With Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature seemingly hellbent on rolling back the rights of the LGBTQ community, this year’s event took a more political tone, reminding everyone how far the community has come and the importance of standing up to hate and bigotry.

One area where Florida’s overreach was felt was the law prohibiting minors from attending drag shows. While the City of Wilton Manors did not prohibit drag performers from taking part in the street festival, it still reminded participants to keep their costumes modest.

However, the LGBTQ community is no stranger to struggles. Despite all the obstacles – and rain – the crowds were all smiles as they celebrated being proud of who they are. Check out some of the highlights below, as captured by photographer Michele Eve Sandberg.