And the religious right gets their way using vague language in laws and wording in the laws that provides the public can sue with no costs and even if they lose the party sued still has to pay all the costs. “The bill DOES NOT ban drag or pride. But it relies on vague language and harsh penalties to instill fear that inevitably leads to self-censorship– that was their goal.” It is the bounty hunter scheme first started by Texas and used in Florida against schools to get the teachers ordered to remove books just in case a maga parent sued. The goal of these laws are not to ban sex shows, not to police nudity or exaggerated genitalia but to remove any sign of men dressed as women from society and the public view. What will the right manage to ban from public view next? Jewish symbols? Non-Christian religious symbols? Women in pants? Men with long hair such as mine? Hugs
As all of you know, the political climate that we are currently in has us all very concerned for our community. After multiple meetings with city officials, it is with a heavy heart that Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast has to announce that this weekend’s Pridefest will now be a 21 and older event.
The city has decided that with the likelihood that the Governor will sign the latest bill into effect this evening, that we will need to be on the side of caution and has required us to make this necessary change.
We are obviously upset and dishearten that it has come to this. We also regret to announce that we will have to cancel our plans to bring back our beloved parade.
We hope that everyone understands that this is definitely not what we wanted at all and are working with the city to assure our safety as well as produce a positive event.
We have held off as long as we could in making this announcement as we were hoping it would not have to be made. We hope that everyone still supports out community and attends this event!
We will be making an announcement in the near future about a family friendly Party in the Park where our youth can celebrate who they are as well in conjunction with the Sanctuary of the Treasure Coast.
Port St. Lucie, population 200,000, is on the east coast about 90 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale.
SB 1438 hasn't even been signed into law, yet city officials are CANCELING pride parades + drag performances.
The bill DOES NOT ban drag or pride. But it relies on vague language and harsh penalties to instill fear that inevitably leads to self-censorship– that was their goal. pic.twitter.com/6V1beIeXlV
“[T]he political climate that we are currently in has us all very concerned for our community … [I]t is with a heavy heart that Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast has to announce that this weekend’s Pridefest will now be a 21 and older event.” https://t.co/W0KzqVy7wJ
AND they have the right to shoot and kill if they feel “threatened”. Which could mean just seeing anything they don’t like – gays, blacks, women, “non-Christians”, Catholics, …
In this case they should have simply canceled it wholly and completely. The community would suffer but so would the area as a whole as well. It should be made clear that their loss comes from acceptance of deathsantis and his supporters. No matter what, this fucking sucks and is total bullshit. But it will take not just the community suffering but the cities and towns that benefit from these parades and gatherings suffering and feeling it in their bottom lines before people stand up and fight against hate.
I suppose the big test will come with Wilton Manors Pride. The town is entirely gay run: mayor, city council, police, fire, etc. Just last month Wilton Manors had a huge turnout for their pro-drag protest march. Their parade is scheduled for June 17th and draws tens of thousands.
Wilton Manors is about to go thru some things. I believe the gays there aren’t really fully aware of what’s about to happen to them. I’m literally on a cruise with a large number of Wilton Manors residents and they don’t seem to be aware of the depth of depravity that is DeSantis and the evangelicals who are backing him.
I think it was a few days ago, a pride event that had always been given a permit unanimously by the city suddenly became newsworthy on account of “Is drag still legal?”.
All those who normally say they’re fine with it being are cowed by both the threat of legal action against them by the state, as well as the relentless beating of the “groomers” war drum.
Standard-issue hypocrisy. At 18 you’re considered old enough to fight and die for this country, old enough to be held legally and criminally responsible as an adult for just about everything… yet not old enough to handle a beer, and not old enough to handle certain “sexual” stuff…
I don’t have a good “why”, except that the bigots and haters want to make young adults fearful and self-censoring.
I am an older gay guy in a long-term wonderful relationship. My spouse and I are in our 33rd year together. I love politics and news. I enjoy civil discussions and have no taboo subjects. My pronouns are he / him / his and my email is scottiesplaytime@gmail.com
View all posts by Scotties Playtime
One thought on “FL Pride Parade Canceled Over Impending Drag Law”
AmericaFest is the very thing, as the one message above says. I bet there are lawyers who could make sure people know exactly where the line is, and how to toe it legally yet put on a fest.
I don’t like the idea of cancelling, but also don’t like the idea of relegating it to a time and place where nobody gets to really enjoy without worry. Changing it without changing it is perfect!
Scottie's Playtime 
AmericaFest is the very thing, as the one message above says. I bet there are lawyers who could make sure people know exactly where the line is, and how to toe it legally yet put on a fest.
I don’t like the idea of cancelling, but also don’t like the idea of relegating it to a time and place where nobody gets to really enjoy without worry. Changing it without changing it is perfect!
LikeLike