The Pride Center

Can you feel the excitement? Aqua Foundation is presenting TransCon 2024 THIS SATURDAY, September 7 from 10 AM to 6 PM. AND they're hosting TransCon at The Pride Center this year. Don't miss it!

"TransCon 2024: a Conference by and for Trans/Nonbinary Folks" is completely FREE. Saturday's event will feature inspiring speakers, informative panels, empowering workshops, a youth hangout space, a decompression space, live musical performances, tasty lunch, a post-event social hour, and more.

TransCon is the state of Florida's longest-running conference by and for transgender and nonbinary people. TransCon 2024's themes are Whole Person Wellbeing, Celebrating Q***r Community, & Engaging In Our Democracy.

Reserve your FREE tickets here: eventbrite.com/e/918813023487

Need More Romance in Your Life? Join Us THIS FRIDAY for "Kiss Me Kosher" at Films at The Center! PLUS, don't miss BUNCO coming to The Center NEXT SATURDAY! And register to join our team for Making Strides Walk and help fight breast cancer! Learn more about all these upcoming events here - https://mailchi.mp/pridecenterflorida.org/kiss-me-kosher-films-at-the-center

“'We are excited to welcome MHB back to Florida and to The Pride Center for the conference,” says CEO Robert Boo. “For 30+ years, The Pride Center has been providing a welcoming, safe space—an inclusive home—that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.”....“'We have hope, despite those who want to deny our existence. You cannot erase us,” adds Boo. “We continue to push back against those who stigmatize LGBTQ+ identities, deny gender-affirming care, or create hostile learning environments for LGBTQ students, athletes, or family members. More than ever, our children and our families need love, strength, and support. We will stay and fight to protect the communities that we love.'”

International Non-profit Provides Unbiased Surrogacy Parenting Advice and Support for Gay Men Worldwide  In a mixed-emotion year of courtroom victories, legislative setbacks, and lawsuit settlements, Florida remains at the forefront of the fight to protect LGBTQ+ families. The non-profit Men Having Babies (MHB) has chosen Florida as a key state to hold one of its seven (7) yearly conferences to help...

Happy Labor Day! The Pride Center will be closed Monday, September 2 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 at 10 AM. We'll see you for Coffee & Conversation on Tuesday, September 3 at 10 AM. HIV Testing will be available with no appointment needed from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

We're grateful for workers and workers' movements and labor unions worldwide.

Selfcare Sunday. Today, we’re reflecting on lessons learned during Tuesday’s Coffee & Coversation. Our morning sponsors—Nancy Dulisse, Steve Lizano NP, and the team from Midland Medical—presented a fascinating, empowering exploration of wellness.

Every Tuesday, The Pride Center hosts the largest weekly gathering of LGBTQ+ Active Agers in the nation. We enjoy donuts, laughter, social support, education, corny jokes, service linkage, fun announcements, and the latest community news!

Know an active ager in the community? Invite them to gather with us on Tuesdays at 10 AM! Or join us on Facebook Live at 11 AM for our lively weekly program!

Need help accessing services for adults? Contact our Active Aging Manager Bruce Williams at [email protected] or our Active Aging Specialist Shawn White at [email protected]

Saturday Night Vibes. Jose is at Club Fort Lauderdale until Midnight. Have a conversation, take an HIV test, or get linked to healthcare, PrEP, or wellness services!

One week away! Join us Friday, September 6 for “Kiss Me Kosher”! A subversive love story between clashing cultures and families, “Kiss Me Kosher” is a romantic misadventure crossing all borders. When two generations of Israeli women fall for a German woman and a Palestinian man, chaos follows. What happens with lovers who don't fit but do belong together?

The Films at the Center series--hosted by our Women With Pride program--highlights the contributions, struggles and experiences of LBT women and is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ communities. Join us for these upcoming movies:

Kiss Me Kosher September 6
Ahead of the Curve September 20

The Films at The Center series is offered in partnership with OUTshine Film Festival, SAGE of South Florida, Inc., and Skirt SoFlo.

$10 donation includes the film, popcorn, and beverages.

“I am a 53-year-old white male living with HIV since 1994. That’s 30 years of learning how to deal with a disease that impacts so many aspects of my life. Although I have come a long way in understanding HIV, and indeed thriving in spite of it, it was not always that way.

“In my early 20s, I was quite s*xually active and not always responsible with my own protection. I used condoms most of the time, but in the heat of the moment would sometimes skip using them. In 1994, my life changed when I had a positive HIV test. Having HIV back then was not something I could easily share. I did not always tell my s*x partners I had HIV because I felt shameful and foolish,but I felt badly about not telling them too.

“So, I found a mental health therapist to talk to about my feelings. He helped me understand that disclosing my HIV status to others showed I cared about them and allowed them to make informed choices about engaging in s*x with me. We practiced in his office what I might say to partners and how I could handle various outcomes of that conversation.

“Thirty years later, I can say I always disclose now, even though I am undetectable and cannot transmit HIV through s*x. I am comfortable with my status, and much of that comes from actually telling people about it and learning to deal with any response in a mature manner. Truth be told, disclosing can be challenging but every time I do it, I feel empowered.”

At The Pride Center, our Promise program utilizes real-life stories to educate and inspire healthier and safer experiences. This is one of our monthly stories. We learn so much from the authenticity and vulnerability of our community.

At The Pride Center, we provide a safe, welcoming, non-stigmatizing environment to answer your question, provide you the support you need, and link you to the resources you need—including HIV medical care, mental health care, wellness services, PrEP, HIV testing, condoms, and more. All questions are welcome. If you need to learn your status or get linked to services to safeguard, protect, and improve your health, contact us!

Or if you (or someone you know) has made some changes in their lives that positively impact their s*xual health and our community’s HIV prevention, let us know! We’d love to share those powerful stories with the community. We are also always looking for more Peer Advocates (PA) who can help distribute these stories in their community.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

😘Kiss Me Kosher * Hate Crimes Town Hall * Breast Cancer Walk * Medicare 101 * BUNCO * Active Aging Expo * Vote 4 The Center * Pride to the Polls * NEW HIV Testing Hours * Grief & Loss Support * Films at The Center * Move with Pride * Yoga * Equality Park After Dark Market * Reiki * SAY GAY T-shirts * and MUCH MUCH MORE! Read all the latest updates, news, programs, events and services in our latest newsletter here - https://mailchi.mp/pridecenterflorida.org/kosher-hate-crimes-breast-cancer-walk-medicare-buncho

“We call for the end of bigotry as we know it. The end of racism as we know it. The end of child abuse in the family as we know it. The end of s*xism as we know it. The end of homophobia as we know it. We stand for freedom as we have yet to know it. And we will not be denied.”

—Urvashi Vaid

(Is that still a thing?) What an inspirational, empowering evening for Films at the Center with the screening of “There Are Things To Do”!

The powerful story of Urvashi Vaid—activist, writer, and community leader—sparked a thought-provoking and heartfelt post-film conversation.

Thank you to panelists Stardust Adita, Julie Carson, and Naomi Cobb for exploring your thoughts on the film and sharing your experiences in activism, human rights, and building community Thank you to Michele and Tasteful Thoughts for bringing the delicious popcorn and other savory treats!

Don’t miss the romantic “Kiss Me Kosher,” the next film in the series, next Friday, September 6 at 7 PM!

The Films at the Center series--hosted by our Women With Pride program--highlights the contributions, struggles, and experiences of LBT women and is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

"... Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park, an LGBTQ resource center in Wilton Manors, said it’s already a problem.

“'Our community is being attacked.” Boo said. “It’s hurting your own pocket. If you’re discouraging people from coming here, how does that make fiscal sense?'”

Washington Post

Florida runs on tourism. Residents worry LGBTQ visitors are being excluded. A state website recently removed information geared toward gay travelers. “I shouldn’t have to be reinforcing that [Florida is safe],” one business owner said.

Did you see Diane Pappafotis recognized as "The Women's Community Coordinator" in Out SFL's "Out and Proud" list? Check out her profile and portrait! We're grateful to have a front row seat to witnessing Diane's transformative work every day with our Women With Pride program. Thank you not only for all you do, Diane, but for how you do it! (She's the real deal, y'all. Amazing!)

Diane Pappafotis - The Women’s Community Coordinator Diane Pappafotis is the Women with Pride coordinator for The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors. Women with Pride is a program at the center that creates spaces for a q***r women’s community. Pappafotis is also the marketing director for SkirtSoFlo, a local publication focused on LGBTQ...

Know an active ager in the community? Invite them to gather with us on Tuesdays at 10 AM for “Coffee and Conversation”! Or join us on Facebook Live at 11 AM for our lively weekly program!

Last week, our sponsor and presenting speaker Julie Biederman from ABC Health Solutions prepared us for the many changes coming to Medicare.

The Pride Center hosts the largest weekly gathering of LGBTQ+ Active Agers in the nation. See ya tomorrow morning for donuts, laughter, social support, education, corny jokes, service linkage, fun announcements, and the latest community news!

Life is better with sprinkles on top. A festive crowd beat the heat and improved their social skills. The Pride Center teamed up with sponsors Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and Wilton Creamery for Flavorful Connections: LGBTQ+ Ice Cream Social to help the community enjoy tasty ice-cream and gain some communication and relationship skills.

Participants devoured ice cream, toppings, and an ice-breaker activity during the first hour. During our second, Nova psychology graduate students guided us through an interactive presentation on communication skills and forming and nurturing healthy relationships.

Presenters included Jillian Crocker, MS (Nova Southeastern University) and Jenna Bianco (Nova Southeastern University). Big thanks to Wilton Creamery for the tasty treats!

We’d rather be dry, but at least we’re alive. Thunder and rain didn’t dampen our spirits. We enjoyed a jubilant evening (albeit indoors) for this month’s Equality Park After Dark, our whimsically wonderful artisan market!

Have you attended Equality Park After Dark Market? Don’t miss our September market! Get ready for an adventure for your inner shopaholic, and a treat for your tummy! You, your buddies, your hunger, and your furry friends are cordially invited to get outta the house on Thursday, September 19. Expect a fusion of flavors, a cornucopia of creativity, and a medley of merchandise at our monthly artisan market, held under the star-studded sky at Equality Park After Dark! From 6 PM to 10 PM, let your curiosity lead you through a labyrinth of food trucks, creators, makers, vendors, and more! Every third Thursday moonlights as an extravaganza of multicultural cuisine, handmade crafts, vintage treasures, art, music, fashion, pottery, candles, soaps, jewelry, and local merchants.

Do you have a knack for making or hawking unique stuff? Samantha McCoy is your go-to gal.

Give her a ring at 954.463.9005 or drop her a line at [email protected]. Come, become a part of our vibrant vendor family!

Stimulate & strengthen your mind, body, and spirit! Enjoy this fun-filled, dance-based workout for health & energy geared to all fitness levels! This full body workout includes cardio, stretching, and strength to benefit the entire body.

Our next class is Tuesday, August 27 at The Pride Center. Registration is now open!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/move-with-pride-tickets-901458315087

Vote 4 The Center * Dance Workout * Last Chance 4 School Supply Drive * Hate Crimes Town Hall * Films at The Center * Yoga * Bunco * Active Aging Expo * * HIV Testing * Reiki * Grief & Loss Support * and MORE! Read all the latest updates, news, programs, events, and services in our latest newsletter here - https://mailchi.mp/pridecenterflorida.org/vote-dance-school-supplies

Celebrate Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by amplifying the power of your voice! Together, we can create a community response that meets our needs and ends the HIV epidemic in the South. Your voice matters—let it be heard!

Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is today, August 20th.

This year’s theme, “Power to the People!”, is meant to be a reminder of the immense power in one’s voice, one’s history, one’s joy, one’s dollar, and one’s vote. Today calls on each of us to explore different types of power we can harness to end the HIV epidemic.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Join a movement to raise awareness, erase HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and to advocate for new and necessary resources and solutions to stem the tide of HIV in the South!

“It’s a matter of time,” said (The Pride Center CEO) Robert Boo. “Our goal is to reach, at a minimum 26,000 individuals. Mpox is still an issue for not just the LGBTQ community. It is for the entire community.”

NBC 6

Mpox cases on the rise in South Florida: How the newest variant differs from the one in 2022 Doctors say South Florida could be more susceptible to disease spread because it’s an international destination.

Hoorah! The Pride Center at Equality Park, YOUR local LGBTQ+ community center, was nominated in several categories for the “Your Choice Awards.” You can vote once per day for the next four weeks in the following categories:

* Best LGBTQ-Specific Non-Profit
* Best HIV/AIDS Related Non-Profit
* Best Group for Women (“Women with Pride”)
* Best Group for Seniors (“Coffee & Conversation”)
* Best Nonprofit for Trans-Care/Support
* Best Farmer’s Market (“Equality Park After Dark”)
* Best Fundraiser (“Wicked Manors”)
* Best Local Event (“Wicked Manors”)
* Best Support Group (“Grief and Loss at The Pride Center” OR “AA at The Pride Center”)
* Best Place for Yoga (write in: “The Pride Center”)

And don’t forget to vote for the other amazing organizations housed on our Equality Park campus, including: AHF, Challenge Fitness, Congregation Etz Chaim, Dolphin Democrats, FREE, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, SAGE of South Florida, SAGE USA, SpiritSong Church, and Transinclusive Group!

Vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSDfq_CtpVmZonEToYfS7QIXTERXJHJRfOECDGWYW0dmq2lg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Wanna beat the heat and improve your social skills? Join us THIS AFTERNOON (August 17th) for tasty ice-cream, and gain some communication and relationship skills at Flavorful Connections: LGBTQ+ Ice Cream Social!

Enjoy ice cream, toppings, and an ice-breaker activity for the first hour! During our second hour, Nova psychology graduate students will guide us through an interactive presentation on communication skills and forming and nurturing healthy relationships with Q&A. Offered in Collaboration with Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and Wilton Creamery.

Free event with pre-registration. Registrants will be entered to win a gift via drawing. Presenters include Jillian Crocker, MS (Nova Southeastern University) and Jenna Bianco (Nova Southeastern University)

Prepare yourself for cuteness overload! “Thurgood Elementary School appreciates your continuous generosity.” The students created this card for The Pride Center family. Every year, we organize to support local students, including our efforts for the Holiday Toy Drive and the Back To School Supply Drive.

There's still time to support local schools. Help local students and families! Donate back-to-school supplies for our annual support of Broward Education Foundation! Please join The Pride Center and our Women With Pride program in giving back to our community by donating school supplies to under-resourced students by August 23! Together, let’s equip them with the tools they need to succeed! We are collecting school supplies in the reception area at The Pride Center and in boxes throughout the community. Bring those supplies!

Tonight’s the night. Join us for film, popcorn, and a panel discussion on activism at Films at the Center! See ya’ tonight (Friday, August 16) for “There are Things to Do,” a documentary film about the life and work of Urvashi Vaid, a prolific advocate for the LGBTQ Community!

Urvashi Vaid--an outspoken immigrant, le***an, and woman of color--was an LGBTQ+ superhero who helped shape the modern day gay rights movement. Her vision for the movement serves as a roadmap of initiatives & tools for generations of activists as they face anti-LGBTQ+ backlash.

Immediately following the film, we will host a discussion with three local activists and community leaders, Naomi Cobb, Julie Carson, and Star Adita. We will explore the film and gain their perspectives on activism and women's issues in our local South Florida community.