Ron DeSantis, currently Trump's top competitor for the 2024 Republican nomination for president, has reportedly fired 12 staffers and has plans to continue the trend. DeSantis, who was recently asked by GOP officials in a Florida county to ban a vaccine as a “biological weapon,” has now cut several “mid-level” staffers as a means to save money, according to NBC. “Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign has fired roughly a dozen staffers — and more are expected in the coming weeks as he shakes up his big-money political operations after less than two months on the campaign trail,” Matt Dixon, Allan…

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“Welcome to the jungle!” It was these four words, uttered by a burly taxi driver picking me up at Rome's railway station, that greeted me to the Italian capital, where I decided to move for my PhD research two years ago. As an Italian by birth and Brit by upbringing, I'd returned to my homeland with giddy optimism, but with a clear warning – as any Roman will gleefully tell you, it's not a city for the faint-hearted. Social media would have you think otherwise. In everything from sun-drenched Tik Tok videos to Netflix rom-coms as sugary as gelato, Rome is depicted as the epicentre of the ‘dolc…

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The Brown Daily Herald‘s Pride Month poll for the Spring 2023 semester found that 38% of students at Brown University do not identify as heterosexual. According to a 2022 Gallup poll measuring LGBTQ+ identification, this number is approximately five times the national percentage for adults. For individuals aged 18 to 25, Brown's rate was approximately double. Although this is similar to other polls that show evidence for increased LGBTQ+ identification nationwide, the jump is especially significant at Brown. The poll was conducted most semesters since Spring 2016 as well as one performed in Fa…

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By Daniel Kline The word “inclusive” has become a loaded one, at least for some people on the right side of the political aisle. Chick-fil-A, for example, a company known for its owners' religious views and far-right beliefs when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues faced boycotts when it placed a job ad hiring a vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. DON'T MISS: Chick-fil-A Is Latest Target of the Bud Light Boycott Movement Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the Republican nomination for president, has also made inclusive a negative word as part of his so-called “war on woke.” T…

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By Lori Ewing MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) – U.S. soccer veteran Megan Rapinoe raised the ire of retired tennis great Martina Navratilova when she said this week she would “absolutely” support a trans woman playing on the American squad. The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's events is one of the most contentious and divisive issues in sport with World Athletics and World Aquatics among global federations that have tightened their rules in recent months. The Women's World Cup which kicks off July 20 in Australia and New Zealand will feature some of the fiercest advocates for LGBT ri…

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By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) -British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, a 1960s wildchild who became a beloved figure in France, has died in Paris aged 76. The French Culture Ministry said the country had lost a “timeless Francophone icon”. Local media reported she had been found dead at her home, citing people close to her. Birkin had a mild stroke in 2021 after suffering heart problems in previous years. Birkin was best known overseas for her 1969 hit in which she and her then-lover, the late French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, sang the sexually explicit “Je t'aime…moi non p…

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Since his indictment in May, New York GOP House Representative George Santos has managed to raise an unexpected $133,000 from primarily first-time donors, RadarOnline.com has learned. A significant portion of Santos' fundraising was made in just three days, between May 20 and May 22, totaling $101,861. According to his recent campaign finance report, these donations were made by several individuals with Chinese surnames, most of whom contributed the maximum allowable amount of $3,300. 26 of these donors had never previously given to Santos, and for 14 of them, this was their first-ever politic…

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NEW YORK — The U.S. Virgin Islands is seeking at least $190 million in damages from JPMorgan Chase in a lawsuit alleging the bank benefited financially from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking enterprise as well as neglected to report suspicious financial activity. In a filing in federal court in Manhattan, the territory on Friday demanded that JPMorgan Chase shell out $150 million in civil penalties and $40 million in fees and revenues that Epstein generated for the bank while he was a client there. The Virgin Islands government further requested the bank implement an indepe…

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MANAGUA (Reuters) – In a packed bar in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, on Friday night, more than 1,000 people gathered to see a group of drag queens battle it out to snatch the crown for best performance while representing several Central American countries. The Mix Imperial Central American Tropical Drag Royale provided a stage for drag performers in a region where LGBT people often face discrimination and economic hardship. “It's a form of catharsis,” said Alexa Evangelista, a drag queen from El Salvador and one of the night's performers, who lip-synched and danced for the adoring crowd. A ju…

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A since-closed super PAC that supported Donald Trump paid his wife, Melania Trump, $155,000 in 2021, according to a newly reported financial filing by the former president on Thursday, July 13. The super PAC, Make America Great Again, Again, paid Melania in December 2021 for delivering a speech. This date was around the same time as a fundraiser the super PAC hosted at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Tickets to the dinner were sold for $125,000 each. The super PAC's federal documents, which were released last year, do not say that the payment was made to the former first lady. They instead l…

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By Colin Salao Charles Barkley has always been candid. He's also long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. The NBA Hall of Famer and TNT (WBD) – Get Free Report analyst once again showed his support for the LGBTQ+ community, this time amid the Bud Light (BUDFF) – Get Free Report controversy. Bud Light has been attacked by the right for partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April. Barkley was recorded speaking in a bar on a video posted by TikTok user l._banana. “If you're gay, bless you. If you're trans, bless you. And if you have a problem with that, f*** you!” Barkley…

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In 2019, Waco, Texas Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley received an official “public warning” from the state's Commission on Judicial Conduct for refusing to officiate weddings for same-sex couples. The warning, while public, did not come with any fine nor any severe sanctions or censure, as NCRM reported at the time, yet Judge Hensley sued. She retained a far-right wing anti-LGBTQ Christian activist group with ties to Trump, First Liberty Institute, to represent her in her $10,000 lawsuit for damages. Three years later, almost to the day of her warning, a Texas bipartisan appeals court panel…

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Vandals struck twice this week at a cafe in West Orange, smashing windows and splattering paint on two gay pride banners that hang in the front of the building, police said. Harper’s Cafe on South Valley Road was closed on Friday while the owner cleaned up after two nights of vandalism. There were fresh sheets of plywood on the front door, and paint smears across the front window, which had been shattered by a brick on Thursday night. “We are choosing to close for the time being while we make repairs to the damage,” the owner posted on Facebook. No one answered the phone at the cafe Friday aft…

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By Jeffrey Quiggle Anheuser-Busch (BUD) – Get Free Report, the maker of Bud Light, has faced a backlash from some consumers who are boycotting the beer brand over its social media advertising partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The ad showed Mulvaney featuring a Bud Light can with her image printed on it. The campaign was part of Bud Light's “Be Yourself” initiative, which aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion. DON'T MISS: Anheuser-Busch Follows Coke In Bold New Move For Changing Market The project sparked outrage. People posted videos on social media depicting them de…

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Tens of thousands of Hungarians used the annual Pride march in Budapest on Saturday to vent their anger at government laws curtailing the rights of sexual minorities in the country. About 35,000 people took to the streets in sweltering heat, according to organizers. Among those marching was the US ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman. On Friday, the US was among 38 embassies to issue a joint statement urging EU-member Hungary to do more to respect and protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community. Every EU country except Poland sent the letter. It cam…

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-Photo courtesy of Hotel Gaythering

By no means ‘over' the rainbow, the city of Miami welcomes and celebrates LGBTQ visitors as it recognizes and welcomes all others with long-time established diaspora. It's a city that thrives on its diversity and celebrates all of our communities with open arms. Known for its sun-soaked beaches, pulsating nightlife, and a culture that is as rich as it is diverse, Miami is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the city offers a plethora of events, accommodations, and attractions that celebrate and support its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

This guide is the latest in our series that caters to various interests and lifestyles. We've previously covered guides for Foodies, Sun Worshippers, Culture Vultures, Outdoors Lovers, and more. Each guide is designed to help you explore Miami through a different lens, offering unique experiences that cater to your specific interests.

So, whether you're planning your next pride-celebrating trip or looking to explore your city's LGBTQ+ scene, let's dive into the vibrant world of Miami's LGBTQ+ community

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Pride and Joy: Miami's Top LGBTQ+ Events

MIAMI BEACH PRIDE: Celebrating 15 Years next year, under the banner Growing Stronger Together, Miami Beach Pride is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world scheduled outside Pride month, in the heart of South Beach. (April 13-14, 2024)

SWEETHEAT MIAMI: Billed as a “Utopia for Women in South Beach,” this festival is cultivated for women of all backgrounds and identities, and it's well worth planning ahead for next May's edition of this annual blowout. Birthed from the mind of Miami's own Dj Dimples.

CELEBRATE ORGULLO PRIDEFEST: The Hispanic & Indigenous Pride Festival, organized by Miami's Unity Coalition. kicks off every fall to celebrate the beauty of diversity. This year's festival theme is Faith, Folklore & Fashion. (October 1-15)

AQUA GIRL: The largest women's gay charity event in the U.S. is an iconic five-day celebration with thousands of women from all of world. (October)

WIGWOOD: This annual Queer & Drag Festival, founded by Queef Latina (Antonio Mendez) and the proprietor of Gramps bar, Adam Gersten, in 2017, proudly celebrates the local community it also supports. (February 2024)

Photo courtesy of the Hotel Gaythering

Queer-Friendly Accommodations in Miami

HOTEL GAYTHERING: It's right in the name. Unapologetic, fiercely queer, and cruisy AF, while being comfortable, offering great amenities, and a little of something for everyone. Sounds like an old boyfriend of mine…

MOXY SOUTH BEACH: This very colorful Marriott property features a unicorn float in its rooftop pool. And is in South Beach. So, yeah… rewards points, and points for inclusivity.

Paint the Town Rainbow: Top LGBTQ+ Nightspots in Miami

DOUBLE STUBBLE @ GRAMPS: Who doesn't love a non-binary drag Thursday night party conveniently located in Wynwood, and connected to New York-style Pizza Tropical? Well, nobody I know at least.

CLUB BOI: Mainly Latino and Black, and sizzling hot… just like the set for most soft porn anchored in Miami.

Photo courtesy of Casa Casuarina

Miami's Must-See LGBTQ+ Attractions

VERSACE MANSION: You can't go inside, unless you stay or dine at the Villa Casa Casuarina , but it's impressive outside too, and an opportunity to see the real-life set for American Crime Story's series on Gianni Versace, pop by the local News Cafe where he was a regular, cruise Ocean Boulevard, check out the beach volleyball players if that's your thing…

MIAMI BEACH LGBT VISITORS CENTER: Located in the old City Hall, offering tips & talks, and an inclusive community space with services and counsel to visitors and residents of Miami Beach and South Florida, including information and materials make your visit even better.

Photo courtesy of Creative Male

Shop with Pride: Miami's Top LGBTQ+ Stores

CREATIVE MALE: Creative Male is billed as a “menswear boutique for the South Florida gay scene.” I'm sure you can wear it in your hometown too, for all those festival/festivalwear needs. Look for the perfect tank, mesh shirt or crop top, or bottom.

FRANGIPANI: With colorful, expressive, definite Miami vibes, the swimwear alone may be worth a trip to this quirky shop near Wynwood, but don't stop there. The home accessories had us rolling in the aisle, and pulling out our credit cards.

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Queer Bites: Miami's Best LGBTQ+ Eateries

PALACE: No trip to Miami is complete with at least one trip to the Palace. With the biggest, most famous drag brunch in South Beach is also a club, the Palace is an iconic landmark and a monument to the LGBTQ+ community's power to both make a statement and have fun. Its restaurant and club are as much a daily celebration of our identify as they are a powerful political stand.

NEWS CAFÉ: This Ocean Drive classic breakfast-anytime, trendy but unpretentious, former haunt of Gianni Versace is a respite of casual chic in the heart of South Beach, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Outdoor Adventures: LGBTQ+ Fun in the Miami Sun

12TH STREET BEACH: Rainbow umbrellas mark our territory at 12th Street and Ocean Drive, on this fee and open stretch of sand. Rent a chair or umbrella from Boucher Brothers, or go local and just put your towel down. The Palace is just across the way in case you need a less-sunny, but certainly friendly break from the waves.

GAY & LESBIAN WALK TOUR: Hosted by Miami Design Preservation League docent Howard Brayer, this by-request tour offers an overview of the LGBTQ+ history contributions in Miami Beach, and there are many!

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

CORAL CASTLE: Every queen needs a castle, and this one – made out of 1,100 tons of coral rock – has enough theories about its construction to script a vintage episode of the X-Files.Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

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Scandal-ridden far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos has seemingly settled up — financially — with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). Yiannopoulos reimbursed Greene's campaign $7,020.16 on May 12 for “use of campaign credit card for personal use,” according to a new Federal Election Commission filing reviewed by Raw Story. In November, Yiannopoulos had purchased a campaign website domain for Kanye West's yet-to-be-launched 2024 presidential domain using Greene's campaign credit card. Yiannopoulos, who is known for online harassment and making bigoted and controversial statements, including …

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A Rhode Island man accused of being part of the Jan. 6 riots left his phone charging in aU.S. Capitol office – and had cops retrieve it for him when he was kicked out, according to a report. Juan Rodriguez, of Central Falls, was taken into custody Thursday by FBI agents on four charges — entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a capitol building or ground; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a capitol building, reported MassLive. Capitol police spotted Rodriguez, Alexander …

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One of the many bright lights in Season 2 of “The Bear,” Molly Gordon is all over the amiable new comedy “Theater Camp” as co-director, co-writer and co-star. This one's a largely improvised “Best in Show” / ”Waiting for Guffman”-style ensemble project, set at a summer drama program in the Adirondacks on the brink of bankruptcy. Gordon and Nick Lieberman directed. Real-life couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, both “Dear Evan Hansen” alums (Platt originated the role and won the Tony), also star and, along with Lieberman, are co-writers. A lot of the movie's better jokes ended up in the trailer. “…

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Kevin Spacey says he has “lost everything” amid his sexual assault trial. The Oscar-winning actor, 63, is currently facing 12 charges of sexual assault from four alleged victims and appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court on Thursday (13.07.23) where he delivered his testimony and spoke out for the first time, where he claimed he had “lost his reputation” when the accusations first came to light. He said: “There was a rush to judgment and before the first question was asked or answered I lost my job, I lost my reputation, I lost everything in a matter of days.” The ‘House of Cards' star wen…

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BUDAPEST (Reuters) – The embassies of the United States, Germany and 36 other countries urged Hungary's government to protect the rights of LGBT people and scrap laws that discriminate against them in a statement ahead of Budapest's Pride march on Saturday. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government promotes a strongly Christian-conservative agenda and passed a law in 2021 banning the “display and promotion of homosexuality” among under-18s, despite criticism from rights groups and the European Union. In a joint statement, the embassies and about 10 cultural institutions including the British Co…

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By Daniel Kline When Bud Light opted to retain the transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a digital marketing campaign, it was clear what Anheuser-Busch (BUD) – Get Free Report wanted to accomplish The beer company was trying to leverage Mulvaney's prominence to reach her audience and expand the brand's audience in the LGBTQ+ community. Budweiser executives had no real reason to believe that anyone outside Mulvaney's fan base would see the promotion. DON'T MISS: Bud Light ‘Woke' War Isn't Just About Kid Rock, Garth Brooks Kid Rock, of course, changed the trajectory of that promotion. His vi…

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A Wisconsin teacher who complained about the banning of the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song “Rainbowland” has now been fired. In a unanimous decision, the Waukesha School Board on Wednesday night voted to fire first-grade teacher Melissa Tempel, four months after she criticized Heyer Elementary School's decision to prohibit her students from singing a pro-LGBTQ song in a school concert. Earlier this year, Tempel took to Twitter to express frustration at school administrators who banned the 2017 pop-country track, which was once described by Parton as a song about “dreaming and hoping that we…

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Billie Eilish has launched a range of Barbie tracksuits. The 21-year-old pop star has teamed up with the toy brand to create a fashion collection which features bright pink velour hoodies and wide-legged trousers emblazoned with the name ‘Billie' in Barbie's instantly-recognisable Dollie Script font to celebrate the upcoming release of Margot Robbie's new movie based on the iconic doll. The collection is available on Billie's own online merchandise store and also features vest tops, T-shirts, hats, necklaces and stickers. As well as launching her own Barbie clothing collection, Billie also con…

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By Chris Herring At the beginning of each episode of Goliath, the well-crafted, three-part Showtime docuseries on legendary hoops star Wilt Chamberlain that premieres this Friday, there’s a disclaimer. “Wilt Chamberlain’s voice in this series is created using an A.I. program with the permission of the Wilt Chamberlain estate. Wilt’s words have been composed of quotations of his written work and public statements,” the statement reads. Other interesting filmmaking tactics have been utilized before to voice departed legends. An ESPN documentary on former Raiders owner Al Davis and former NFL com…

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