Pridelines

We appreciate our leader Edward Summers, Ph.D. standing up for our community against hate!

🌟 **Honoring Labor Day with Gratitude and Reflection** 🌟 On this Labor Day, we pause to honor not just the work, but the workers—the individuals who perform critical services, often thankless jobs, and those who work tirelessly, sometimes juggling multiple roles, to make ends meet. Your dedication is the backbone of our communities, and today, we celebrate you. At Pridelines, we deeply value the contributions of our staff and volunteers who give so much of themselves every day to support our LGBTQ+ community. We recognize the importance of taking this time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the significance of your labor. Today is about more than just a break from work—it's about acknowledging the often-overlooked efforts of those who make a difference in ways big and small. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where your health, well-being, and dedication are honored not just today, but every day. Thank you for your passion, resilience, and hard work. Take this time to recharge—you’ve earned it. 🏳️🌈 #LaborDay #UnsungHeroes #ThankYou #CommunityFirst #LGBTQSupport #WellBeing #MentalHealthMatters

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a critical time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by many, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Nationally, 41% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide, with rates even higher among transgender and nonbinary youth (The Trevor Project, 2024). In Miami-Dade County, the situation reflects these national trends, underscoring the urgent need for supportive and inclusive spaces (WLRN, 2024). At Pridelines, we are committed to being a safe haven for those in distress. Our staff is trained in de-escalation, mental health crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, ensuring that every member of our community has access to compassionate care. We recognize that our work is more than just providing a space—it’s about actively participating in the prevention of tragedies that impact our community. During this month, let’s all come together to foster understanding, offer support, and remind each other that we are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is help, and there is hope. #SuicidePreventionMonth #LGBTQSupport #MentalHealthMatters #Pridelines #YouAreNotAlone **References:** The Trevor Project. (2024). *National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health.* Retrieved from https://lnkd.in/epzyVfF WLRN. (2024). *A South Florida conference looks at suicide awareness.* Retrieved from https://www.wlrn.org

🌍 **Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31** 🌍 Today, on August 31, Pridelines stands in solidarity with individuals and families impacted by drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to honor those we have lost, to acknowledge the grief of those left behind, and to renew our commitment to saving lives. Overdose is preventable, and at Pridelines, we are dedicated to providing our community with the resources, education, and support necessary to combat this crisis. This includes training our staff in de-escalation, mental health emergency response, and administering life-saving measures like Narcan. We believe that no one should have to navigate this journey alone. Together, we can reduce the stigma around substance use, advocate for harm reduction, and create a safer, more compassionate community for all. If you or someone you know needs support, Pridelines is here. Let’s continue to work together to build a world where every life is valued and protected. #OverdoseAwareness #HarmReduction #CommunitySupport #Pridelines #SaveLives

On National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we at Pridelines reflect on the profound role faith communities play in the fight against HIV. Faith has always been a source of strength, hope, and healing for many, and today, we recognize its vital role in addressing the HIV epidemic. At Pridelines, we are committed to fostering inclusive, compassionate spaces where all individuals—regardless of their HIV status—are embraced and supported. Our work in the community is strengthened by partnerships with faith-based organizations that share our dedication to health, dignity, and human rights for all. Earlier this year, at the Pridelines Halo Awards in June, we had the privilege of honoring individuals who represented a myriad of faiths. These remarkable leaders have shown how faith can be a unifying force in our community, breaking down barriers and supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. The Halo Awards event was a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and compassion. The funds and awareness raised directly bolster our efforts to reduce HIV stigma and provide essential care. As we continue this work, we are reminded of the power of faith in guiding us toward a brighter, healthier future for all. Together, we can dismantle stigma, advocate for those living with HIV, and ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need. Let’s honor this day by continuing our collective journey toward a world where faith and community unite to end the HIV epidemic. Let’s stand together in faith and solidarity, ensuring that every person receives the care, support, and love they deserve. #FaithHIVAwareness #Pridelines #EndHIVStigma #CommunityBuilding #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/ej_FknKH

We are proud that OUTSFL has recognized our work in housing! So excited to open the first ever LGBTQ youth housing in Miami - Dade county!

Panic at the Disco: Pridelines Gala Edition by Joel Olguin The Pridelines Gala at Coral Gables Country Club dazzled with performances and raised over $100,000 for a vital cause. But amidst the celebration, Lady Bunny sparked debate, using her signature edgy humor to challenge the status quo and remind us that drag has always been about pushing boundaries—both for laughs and for change. The highlight of this past weekend was the spectacular Pridelines’ Gala at the Coral Gables Country Club. The night was packed with energy, featuring performances from dancers, local youth musicians, and, of course, some of Miami’s most beloved drag queens. It wasn’t just about entertainment, though—the event raised over $100,000 for Pridelines, and included several honoree awards, including nods to Miami Girls Rock Camp and Michael Roman of the City of Miami. However, the spotlight didn’t just stay on the glitz and glamor. The legendary Lady Bunny, known for her larger-than-life presence in the drag world, found herself at the center of a heated debate. Her recent comments critiquing Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris stirred up a whirlwind of reactions, turning what should’ve been a celebratory night into a platform for political discourse. Local queer media and online commentators were quick to pounce, arguing that Lady Bunny’s words were divisive at a time when unity is crucial. Let’s be real—Lady Bunny’s known for pushing boundaries, and her uncouth jokes during the Gala were par for the course. Drag has always been about challenging norms, making people laugh, and yes, making them a bit uncomfortable. Her humor, no matter how edgy, is a staple of drag culture. But amidst the jokes, Lady Bunny also dropped some real talk, emphasizing that politicians have a chance to make actual change by passing the Equality Act. She reminded us that talking about change isn’t enough—we need to demand it. Read more at www.pridelines.org

Pridelines Expands Health Services to Offer Affordable Health Insurance Miami, FL – August 22, 2024 – Pridelines, a leading LGBTQ+ community organization in South Florida, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its health services to include affordable health insurance options. This initiative, in partnership with Pride Health, represents a major advancement in our mission to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations within the LGBTQ+ community, and it strengthens our ongoing efforts to combat the spread of HIV in South Florida. In addition to offering free to low-cost health insurance plans, Pridelines is proud to provide an additional subsidy for individuals who choose to receive their clinical services directly through Pridelines. This subsidy will, in most cases, make healthcare completely free for those eligible participants. This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and ensure that everyone in our community can access the care they need without worrying about cost. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eFufGeqs

Thank you to Edward Summers, Ph.D. for his recent opinion piece on Pridelines Resilience over the last year and the meaning of our recent Gala. Check out his piece here: https://lnkd.in/eF6SQ-Tb

This weekend Pridelines celebrated 42 years of service with our 2024 Annual Masquerade Gala. With your support we raised over S100,000 to support Miami's LGBTQ+ community! Thank you to everyone who attended, to our lovely host @FayWhat, and to our sponsors. We also extend our deepest appreciation to our incredible honorees: The Our Fund Foundation The Miami Foundation Girls RockMIA Michael Roman Veronica Barrios-Garcia. Your exceptional contributions and dedication inspires us all. Held Coral Gables Country Club, the event featured unforgettable performances and a heartfelt speech from youth member, Aaliyah King. Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava and Kamala Harris honored us with a proclamation and a letter of honor. The evening celebrated unity, resilence, and community spirit. Edward Summers, Ph.D. https://lnkd.in/eSP_aXN2