People waving flags & celebrating at the Miami Beach Pride Parade in Florida — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Atomazul
As an active leader and advocate of LGBTQ+ in Miami, Miami Beach Pride announces Steve Adkins as Community Grand Marshal for the organization’s 15th-anniversary parade on April 15 -16, 2023. With a career-long mission of advancing the community’s voice through social innovation and meaningful dialogue, Steve will spearhead this year’s festivities along with actor Jonathan Bennett, his husband Jaymes Vaughan and entertainment legend Sandra Bernhard who is hosting the Miami Beach Pride VIP Beach Affair.
After living in Miami for almost 25 years, Mr. Adkins plays an active role in the hospitality and tourism industry as the owner of a Miami Beach bed and breakfast, serves as the Chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and is on the board of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the Coalition of Chambers, as well as the Executive Director’s Round Table. As a gay businessman, he is the President of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses where under his leadership membership has increased more than twentyfold. He is also on the Executive Committees of Miami Beach Gay Pride and the Miami Gay & Lesbian and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the LGBTQ+ community,” said Steve Adkins. “Miami Beach has seen an incredible amount of progress in inclusivity that has positioned the area as a gay and lesbian-friendly year-round destination and inspired hope and change within other cities worldwide. This year’s Pride is a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder that our voice will never be silenced.”
“As we continue to face challenges in our hopes for further equality and closing social gaps, we want to uplift our community and evoke optimism during our 15th Miami Beach Pride celebration,” said Bruce Horwich, Miami Beach Pride Chairman. “The many accomplishments we’ve made as a community in Miami Beach could not be celebrated without recognizing Steve Adkin’s continued support. It is through his expertise and dedication Miami Beach is one of the most prideful and embracing cities in the world and we are overjoyed to have him as our Community Grand Marshal.”
Miami Beach Pride will hold fundraising and awareness events leading up to the parade weekend, such as LGBTQ+ Night at Magic Mike Live on February 2, 2023, and the 2023 Queer Art Exhibition at Moxy South Beach on April 10, 2023. Visit https://www.miamibeachpride.com/events for more details.
On Sunday, April 16, the Miami Beach Pride Parade will take place. As thousands march in unison along Ocean Drive to celebrate their Pride, chosen partners, charities, and organizations from across the nation gather to take part in the Parade. When they march together, floats, cheerleaders, drag queen entertainers, and more can be seen, demonstrating how Miami Beach stands out during Pride in a special way.
Make sure you are staying up-to-date with the latest and most important Florida news with Florida Insider. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature, weather, or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
