Hollywood — the one right here in South Florida — will have the first LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in 2024, beating out the rest of the world.
Yup, the entire world. At least that’s what the event’s organizers have learned, according to Jameer Baptiste, marketing and publicity director of My Hollywood Pride and a board member of The Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council.
Pride events typically take place in June, in commemoration of the June 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in gay and lesbian history. But this year’s My Hollywood Pride street festival downtown has been set for 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, along the 1900 block of Hollywood Boulevard.
“We as a collective group, The Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council and My Hollywood Pride, researched all the different Prides throughout the nation and globally, and we found out that with our (event) in January, we are first,” Baptiste says.
The calendar of other South Florida Pride events was an important factor, so as to not conflict. For example, Pride Fort Lauderdale has usually been in February, Stonewall Pride in June, Palm Beach Pride in March and Miami Beach Pride in April.
“My Hollywood Pride is an important event for our community as we have successfully launched a Pride event in a city that is not known for having a large LGBTQ community,” fundraising director Jeff Oliverio says. “This event demonstrates that LGBTQ people and their allies are part of every community and celebrates our diversity while creating more visibility.”
On Sunday, Jan. 28, the main street festival event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning WSVN-Ch. 7 news anchor Craig Stevens, who’s also host of the self-titled “FayWhat Show” on YouTube and the Happening Out Television Network. (My Hollywood Pride/Courtesy)This year, the third time for My Hollywood Pride, the festivities will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning, WSVN-Ch. 7 news anchor Craig Stevens and FayWhat?!, who is host of the “FayWhat?! Show” on YouTube and the Happening Out Television Network.
There will be art, apparel and artisan goods vendors, as well as cuisine from local restaurants and a diverse mix of entertainment onstage. The lineup includes singer-songwriter Janice Robinson, best known for being handpicked by Tina Turner to open her U.S. tour in 2000, being the lead singer for Italian house music group Livin’ Joy, having a turn on “The X Factor UK” and writing songs for artists such as Kristine W., Taylor Dayne, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Ashley Tisdale.
“What we really pride ourselves in regard to entertainment — that Franchesca (D’Amore) has been pulling together — is the mixing of local talent with people throughout the country,” Baptiste says. “It’s really about those local-infused talents that really makes a difference … supporting our community in our own backyard, it’s one of the joys of My Hollywood Pride.”
Satellite events
This time around, there is more attention paid to the satellite events planned for this weekend, all in Hollywood:
- Circle of Pride Networking Event, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Sunset Club, 777 N Ocean Drive; free admission but you must RSVP at eventbrite.com
- Pride 100 Brunch, 11 am.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Redwood Bar & Kitchen, 2009 Harrison St.; a single brunch ticket is $100 at myhollywoodpride.com/pride-100-brunch
- Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, 12:45-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Anniversary Park, 1945 Hollywood Blvd.; free admission
- Queer Comedy Night, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Cinema Paradiso, 2008 Hollywood Blvd.; with $20 admission at myhollywoodpride.com/queer-comedy-night
- Pride at Cinema Paradiso, presented by OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, 12:45-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan 28, at 2008 Hollywood Blvd.; free; see screening schedule at myhollywoodpride.com/pride-cinema
- My Hollywood Pride Tea Dance, cohosted by House of Trouble, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at Karma Lounge, 1929 Hollywood Blvd.; with $20 admission at eventbrite.com
My Hollywood Pride
My Hollywood Pride on Sunday, Jan. 28, will feature art, apparel and artisan goods vendors, as well as cuisine from local restaurants and a diverse mix of entertainment onstage. (My Hollywood Pride/Courtesy)
In the context of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida, the event’s producers say the festival is all the more relevant this year.
“The importance of My Hollywood Pride has grown exponentially each year,” says My Hollywood Pride 2024 chair Todd Delmay. “Our focus of making the festival event inclusive for young people, families and our allies has definitely contributed to its uniqueness and the way it is embraced as a touchstone in the Pride calendar.
“It isn’t just the attacks on our community that draw us together, but the opportunity to show love and acceptance for everyone, especially young people who need it the most.”
“‘Welcome Home’ was our theme last year, saying, ‘Hey we’re still here, still a safe space for our community,’” adds Baptiste. “That extends to this year as well, that much like in Wilton Manors and some pockets in Miami, there is some place in Hollywood that supports our community and is a safe place for them.”
This year, organizers are bringing back the Youth Zone, which has become a cornerstone of My Hollywood Pride, with a goal of appealing to family and children.
“The current environment is challenging for LGBTQ events due to the attacks aimed at our community through state legislation, which creates fear for sponsors and local governments to continue their support of Pride events,” Oliverio says. “We hope that My Hollywood Pride will grow and evolve, and that our model for an inclusive, family Pride event will stand out and be a destination where everyone can feel at home!”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: My Hollywood Pride street festival
WHEN: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
WHERE: Along the 1900 block of Hollywood Boulevard in downtown Hollywood
COST: Admission is free and you can RSVP for your ticket at eventbrite.com
INFORMATION: myhollywoodpride.com
