Pride South Florida, Fort Lauderdale (early March) Proceeds from the sponsored events benefit the Pride Center, which supports the local LGBTQ community. Expect to see a lot of bearded, burly men and hairy chests filling the beaches, riding shuttles to and fro and taking advantage of special discounts at area bars and businesses. One of South Florida’s newest events, the BeachBear patterns after California’s LazyBear Weekend and caters to the more rugged, outdoorsy types. BeachBear Weekend, Fort Lauderdale (February) Here are some of the most well-known events held in winter, spring, summer and fall. Year-round, gay tourists from all over the world come to Florida to enjoy everything from parades to film festivals to rodeo events catering to the LGBTQ community. “It’s not just Key West and South Beach anymore. “Florida is excitement, it’s sunshine, happiness, relaxation … and all really hot-looking people,” said Carrie West, President of the GaYBOR District Coalition in Tampa’s Ybor City. There’s a sense of freedom to the beaches, the warm weather and the tropical landscape – certainly a draw for people of all orientations, yes, but especially appealing to a community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Check out one just one of the coastline parades or the sunny parades and it’s easy to see why Florida is a mecca for LGBTQ events.
