The recent Pridelines Masquerade Gala, held on August 17, 2024, at the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club, was more than just a dazzling social event; it was a powerful testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of one of the oldest LGBTQ+ centers in the country.
Photography: JR Davis
Pridelines, a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in South Florida for over four decades, has weathered storms that would have sunk lesser organizations. This gala was not merely a celebration; it was a statement—a declaration of survival, strength, and renewed purpose.
For years, Pridelines has been a lifeline for countless individuals in Miami-Dade County and beyond. As one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ social service organizations in South Florida, Pridelines has consistently provided a safe haven for those who have nowhere else to turn. Yet, the past year was one of the most challenging in its history. The retirement of Victor Diaz-Herman after 15 years of transformative leadership and the sale of Pridelines’ building left many wondering if this was the end of an era. Rumors swirled that Pridelines might close its doors for good. However, in the face of adversity, Pridelines did what it has always done—it persevered.
To regain its place in the minds, hearts, and spirits of the community, Pridelines embarked on a strategy in 2024 to reimagine, reengage, and reconnect. This strategic vision has not only helped the organization to survive but has also allowed it to flourish in ways that are crucial to the community’s well-being. The acquisition of a new community center in Liberty City, Miami, is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to serving the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in underserved areas. With expanded services that now include providing PrEP, PEP, NPEP, and health insurance, Pridelines has significantly broadened its reach and impact. The organization’s efforts to create the first-ever LGBTQ+ youth housing in Miami-Dade County, backed by a $2.4 million grant from HUD, the Homeless Trust, and Miami Homes for All, is a groundbreaking initiative that will provide much-needed support to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Pridelines has also continued its critical programming for support groups, recovery groups, and has enhanced the Pridelines Halo Awards, which honor unsung heroes doing community work to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the organization introduced a new award called Pridelines UnMasking, which honors a youngish person who lives their authentic life. In 2023, this award was presented to Love and Hip Hop Miami cast member Bobby Lytes, celebrating his courage and authenticity. Pridelines’ involvement in The Joy Ride, modeled after The Smart Ride, further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to innovative, impactful community engagement.
This year’s Gala also took the opportunity to honor several key partners and individuals who have played significant roles in supporting Pridelines’ mission. The Miami Foundation and The Our Fund Foundation were recognized for their ongoing support, which has been instrumental in allowing Pridelines to expand its reach and impact. The Miami Girls Rock Camp, an organization that empowers young women and gender-expansive youth through music education, was honored for its commitment to fostering inclusivity and creativity in the community. Michael Roman and Veronica Barrios-Garcia were also celebrated for their tireless efforts and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the importance of individual dedication to collective progress.
But Pridelines’ success is not just about new buildings or expanded services; it is about the people whose lives have been touched and transformed by the organization’s work. Aaliyah, a speaker at the Gala, shared her story of finding family and belonging at Pridelines when she had none. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the vital role Pridelines plays in the lives of those it serves.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Pridelines has stood tall in the face of challenge and controversy, proving that its mission is as relevant and necessary as ever. This is echoed in the words of Nelson Mandela, who said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Pridelines has not only risen, but it has soared, coalescing groups that traditionally did not work together, demonstrating leadership and vision that has been crucial to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Former President Barack Obama once remarked, "The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something." Pridelines has embodied this ethos, not just surviving but thriving by expanding youth programming, forging strategic partnerships, and launching initiatives for seniors and young professionals. This determination to take action and serve the community has defined Pridelines for decades.
Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech in South Africa, said, "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." Pridelines has been sending ripples of hope across South Florida for years, each action contributing to a broader wave of change and progress for the LGBTQ+ community.
LL COOL J’s famous line, "Don't call it a comeback because I been here for years," perfectly encapsulates Pridelines’ journey over the past year. This is not a comeback; it is a continuation of the hard work, commitment, and dedication that has been the hallmark of Pridelines for so long. The Gala was a celebration of all that has been accomplished, but it was also a reminder that Pridelines has always been, and will continue to be, a pillar of the LGBTQ+ community.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Pridelines is not just back—it is better, stronger, and more committed than ever to serving the community. This year has been about more than just survival; it has been about showing up for the community, staying true to the mission, and laying the foundation for the next 40 years of impact. The Pridelines Masquerade Gala was a night to remember, but it was also a night to look forward to all that is yet to come.
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