The Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival kicked off without any hiccups Saturday afternoon, as thousands of people braved the heat and rain to descend on Wilton Manors in rainbow umbrella hats, tutus, and T-shirts reading things like “Don’t Say DeSantis” and “Drag is not a crime.”
Saturday’s festival came exactly one month after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1438, titled “Protection of Children,” legislation that prohibits anyone from knowingly admitting a child to an adult live performance. This year, Pride came with new rules: No profanity, nudity, or sexualized conduct. No items that mimic or suggest genitals. Those dressed in drag could march in the parade, but not perform in public.
Thousands of celebrants came dressed in partial or full drag, frequently for their first time, as a protest against the new legislation.
The weather was another concern Saturday, though the event went on without an issue until the evening when a thunderstorm temporarily forced people to evacuate the event area around 7 p.m. However, the parade kicked off as usual 15 minutes later.
Neither the new rules nor the weather appeared to dampen turnout. Saturday, the street was bustling with around 20,000 people. #Queer Up South Florida & Florida