WILTON MANORS, Fla. – While standing in front of a heart-shaped rainbow “LOVE” sculpture, Claudia Castillo said Saturday in Wilton Manors was a celebration of the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer community.
The Colombian-American artist who owns a gallery at Gables Wilton Park said this year’s Stonewall PRIDE — a street festival and “Glow Night” parade — was also a form of activism and advocacy.
“It was a fight, now it’s a celebration, but we have to remember our history,” Castillo said.
While Wilton Manors welcomes and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, the city is in a state that doesn’t. Alfredo Olvera, an activist with Dolphin Democrats, said Florida laws have harmed the community.
“A lot of LGBTQ kids and teachers feel unprotected right now,” Olvera said referring to the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known by protesters in 2022 as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo said this is why the city’s Pride Month event is so meaningful.
“It is important that we’re all seen here, that we see all of the LGBTQ people — but also our allies,” Caputo said.
Jonathan “Jonni” Gartrelle, an activist, was also at the festival. He has been arrested during protests and has over 14,000 followers on Instagram after videos of his arrests went viral.
“It’s about rights,” Gartrelle said. “We are always doing things to make sure that we know that we are standing on our rights and PRIDE is a great example of that.”
The Pride Center was among the festival’s organizations with booths offering services specific to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Rob Shore, the center’s wellness and engagement coordinator was proud.
“There are such disparities about health services and wellness services,” Shore said.
Organizers expected about 50,000 attendees and a $6 million economic impact for the city. Tickets to the event are $13 at the door and $10 online until 11 p.m., Saturday.