Queer News Tonight has been following developments for the Stonewall Pride Parade and festival for Pride Month in June. In mid-December an email suggested that the city of Wilton Manors would not be issuing a parade festival permit until a $45,000 bill for BSO law enforcement was paid. That email became public to other community interests and then that suggested Stonewall was in jeopardy of happening. This resulted in another organizing group to form to host a pride event in Wilton Manors. Last week the city placed an agenda item on January 9 city commission meeting to introduce a $50,000 title sponsorship of Stonewall Pride. This lead to the new group having a meeting over the weekend to form Wilton Manors Pride and ask at last night's commission meeting to be considered as an alternative to Stonewall Pride.
Last night's representing Wilton Manors Pride was Steven Crawford, the President of FlockFest and Chuck King, General Manager of the Eagle asked for 15 minutes to be added to the agenda to talk about Wilton Manors Pride.
Gary Van Horn, President Harmony Waves spoke about his concerns of cancellation of Ft Lauderdale Pride and that a group had formed to help ensure there was a pride in Wilton Manors. When you go to the web address WiltonManorsPride.org it then takes you to FlockfestEvents.org.
The commission discussed their new business agenda item to approve a sponsorship of Stonewall Pride. Stonewall Pride President Jeff Sterling spoke and was asked questions by commissions. Most questions focused on how to better improve Stonewall Pride, admission gates, and organizational issues. Sterling reminded the commission that Pride has faced consecutive dramatic issues for the 2023 event including the politics in Florida including anti-LGBTQ+ and Drag issues at the parade and festival. He also referenced the tremendous weather event that caused significant rains. He estimated that Stonewall lost an estimated $130,000 in gate receipts because of weather.
In discussing a city sponsorship, Commissioner Paul Rolli said in the meeting “with what we are facing from Tallahassee and the LGBTQ+ community… One bad year is not a huge issue. Stonewall is Wilton Manors. This is no time to be bickering.”
Commissioner Mike Bracchi said “I’ve asked to sponsor Stonewall over the years. It’s our city that looks really great or really bad. Other cities would have supported this.”
Commissioner Chris Caputo focused on the finances and how to make Stonewall work. He especially focused on finding ways to increase revenue from ticket sales, cashless systems and more.
Commissioner Don D’Arminio asked many questions on gate admissions, creation of separate lanes to speed access and improve financial transactions.
Perhaps the most significant moment was if Stonewall Pride was in any jeopardy. The answer from Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton made it clear. He said “I don’t know where all this started? Stonewall Pride is not in trouble. This was never going to happen. This city would have this event… We’re in January. Starting over with four months… time is short. The best is to let Stonewall happen.”
Addressing the idea that there would be another pride organization or group Newton spoke directly to those in attendance saying “If you wanted to do something you have started in October. If Jeff can’t do this we are here. But now you are saying we’re taking it over.”
Many cities provide financial sponsorship of their major events and prides. The commission concluded to formulate the $50,000 sponsorship that would be dedicated to public safety, require a bond for the event and other procedures for the benefit of the city to ensure continued success of Stonewall Pride. They will finalize that sponsorship at the next City Commission meeting.
At the end of the meeting, Bracchi asked Mayor Newton if he would allow the request for the new Pride organization to outline and speak what their plans and requests are. The Commission invited Stephen. He stood and Crawford replied “No.”
So it seems Stonewall Pride is in place and moving forward. With the November elections it seems this will be a difficult year for LGBTQ+ community. #Queer Up Breaking News