The Rainbow Report – Safe Schools Celebrates Miami Beach Pride: A Weekend of Joy, Unity, and Advocacy 🌈
This past weekend, Safe Schools lived out its mission vibrantly and visibly at Miami Beach Pride, embodying the spirit of community, education, and empowerment that forms the cornerstone of our advocacy. As the streets of Ocean Drive filled with the colors of the rainbow, Safe Schools stood out with a contingent that was as diverse as it was enthusiastic, bringing together over 80 individuals from various facets of the community.
The weekend kicked off with an electric event at The Pub in Wilton Manors, where Joey Young, a beloved figure in the queer community and a beacon of talent and resilience, performed. The night was more than just a celebration; it was a gathering of support and solidarity, providing a space for our board members, friends, and supporters to connect and recharge before the big parade. The energy was palpable, with each cheer and clap resonating as a clap back against discrimination and each song a hymn of freedom and acceptance.
As Sunday dawned, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement. Our delegation at the parade was a microcosm of the broader community — students from local Miami-Dade Public School GSAs, educators who daily champion the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals, community faith partners who remind us that spirituality and inclusivity can coexist beautifully, and our dedicated board members and supporters. Everyone there not only marched but carried the message of Safe Schools: to be bold, live freely, stay woke, and love all.
Joey Young, once again, took the stage — this time atop the Safe Schools float. As we moved down Ocean Drive, Joey’s performance was not just entertainment but a powerful declaration of our presence and pride. The message we carried, amplified by Joey’s voice, reached thousands, reminding everyone of the ongoing struggle for equality and the joy of achieving it, even if just for a day.
This weekend was a testament to the strength and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community. It was a reminder of why Safe Schools continues to march, organize, and celebrate. It is not just about one day or one event; it is about a continual commitment to support and educate our LGBTQ+ youth, their parents, and their teachers — to create a world where everyone can be safe to learn, love, and live authentically.
As we look back on this weekend, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us, the moments we shared, and the memories we created. The strength of our community inspires us, and we are already looking forward to marching down Ocean Drive again next year, proudly proclaiming our identities and our pride. Until then, we carry the spirit of Pride in our hearts and actions as we continue to work towards a world where all are free to be themselves.
Thank you to everyone who made this weekend unforgettable. Here’s to many more.
By: Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer
We encourage you to share this information with friends, fellow teachers, and allies and join us in bringing awareness to our efforts. Your support is essential for our ongoing work to create safe spaces for all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or expression. Please consider donating to Safe Schools so that we can continue advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the education system.
