In the end, isn't this what Pride is all about: same-sex couples being able to walk in public holding hands without fear of harassment? Imagine the changes these two women have seen in their lifetimes!
But in the wake of the 2024 elections, our community has to ask how much longer it will be OK for less heteronormative folk
. . . or people of color to fly their freak flags.
Like the sign carried by the woman at the back says, If you're not ANGRY, you're not paying attention.
As a direct result of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" rollbacks mandated by the federal government, corporate America has begun to cut budgets for Pride sponsorships or eliminate them entirely. Props to Bank of America (#Love Has No Labels) and Starbucks for not caving. Yet.
(Still, not even a hunky barista could get me to overpay for my morning Joe.)
Local businesses capitalized on the opportunity to raise awareness. Despite their liberal use of the bubble gun, these little girls looked as if they'd recently availed themselves of the service advertised. "Aquamation" was new to me, but I guess it makes sense on a peninsula surrounded by water.
Participation by red state law enforcement in a county that also includes Mar a Lago is encouraging although I can't quite shake the image of mounted members of the NYPD clubbing students with batons at Columbia in 1971.
Speaking of my beleaguered alma mater, a Jewish group made a pretty big splash to muted cheers.
"Love Is Kosher" can be a tricky message to convey right now, even in the context of a gay pride parade.
If there's a silver lining to the cloudy future of Pride corporate sponsorship, it's the renewed focus on community groups, organized around activities that bring LGBTQI+ people together, something that already had begun to happen in New York City for better reasons. Bikers
. . . and readers for example.
My favorite new discoveries: The Imperial Sun Court of All Florida
. . . and Witchy Hippies for All. Who knew?
They're part of a "Femininomenon," that's for sure!
My neighborhood association sent a golf cart, one of many.
National politics and overcast skies did little to diminish the enjoyment of either the marchers
. . . or spectators.
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