Thousands show pride at Fort Lauderdale beach
41st annual LGBTQ event included area for families and seniors
FORT LAUDERDALE — Thousands of people celebrated the annual Pride Fort Lauderdale, flooding the beach with rainbow-colored clothes and costumes in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Sunday was the second time the Pride festival took place on the beach in its 41-year history in South Florida.
This year’s Pride was Patricia Varner’s first, and the costumes were her favorite part, she said.
“I’m here to support the LGBTQ community and to show that love is love,” Varner, of Boca Raton, said. “The music was nice and the whole event was really lively.”
The free event featured two stages of guest speakers and musicians. Electronic music filled Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Park for much of the afternoon.
Performers included British singer and producer Estelle, as well as