A Celebration Of Pride - Nearly 1,000 Guests Attend Second Annual Celebration

Now in its second year, the signature Pride Month event transformed the Hard Rock’s Seminole Ballroom into a vibrant celebration of community, inclusion and entertainment, drawing attendees from across South Florida and beyond. The high-energy afternoon featured a cocktail reception, lavish brunch and unforgettable performances by Daisy DeadPetals, Erika Norell, TP Lords, FKA Twink, Christopher Peterson and Quinn Zrenity.

The celebration also included The Pride Center’s Annual Icon Awards Ceremony, recognizing leaders whose work has advanced equality, advocacy and public service while uplifting the LGBTQ+ Community.

“Pride is about joy, visibility and showing up for one another,” said Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park. “This event captured that spirit beautifully while helping support programs and services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.”

Hosted by WSVN’s Deco Drive personality Alex Miranda, the Icon Awards honored three distinguished leaders:

• Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, for his decades of advocacy advancing LGBTQ+ Rights nationwide;

• Katie Phang, Senior Advisor for Democracy Defenders Fund, for her commitment to justice, truth and civic engagement; and

• Chief William C. Schultz, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Lauderdale, for his dedication to public service and fostering trust within the community.

“CAN Community Health is proud to support celebrations that bring people together while raising awareness and resources for organizations that uplift LGBTQ+ Individuals,” said Kal Gajraj, Ph.D., MBA, CDP, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at CAN Community Health. “The energy in the room was incredible, and it reflected the strength and vibrancy of our community.”

The Seminole Ballroom was transformed into a colorful Pride showcase, complete with spectacular entertainment, chef-curated brunch stations and premium beverages, creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection.

“At Seminole Hard Rock, ‘Love All, Serve All’ is more than a motto—it’s part of who we are,” said Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “We were honored to partner with The Pride Center and CAN Community Health to create an event that celebrated Pride while supporting an organization that serves so many in our community.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park and its mission to provide programs, services and support that empower and enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ Individuals and families throughout South Florida.

About The Pride Center at Equality Park

For more than 33 years, The Pride Center has provided a welcoming, safe space, an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and its friends and neighbors in South Florida. Programs and services meet the distinct socio-economic, health, spiritual and safety needs of the LGBTQ community. The Pride Center hosts more than 45 regularly-meeting groups each month, including support, social and educational groups that focus on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender individuals, recovery, health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. More than 35,000 adults and youth attend activities at The Center each year. On The Pride Center Five-And-A-Half-Acre Campus, there is also The Residences at Equality Park, the first affordable and supportive housing community for seniors with disabilities in Florida, 30,000 Square Feet of office space, a playground and a newly renovated Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Garden Plaza in Wilton Manors. Equality Park establishes The Pride Center as a leader in LGBT Unity, inclusiveness and pride. For more information, visit: https://pridecenterflorida.org.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 Billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury Guest Rooms. Amenities include a 42,000 Square-Foot Rock Spa & Salon; an 18-Acre Recreational Water Experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; a 26,000 Square-Foot retail promenade; 120,000 Square Feet of premier meeting and convention space; and an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,500 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room. In 2023, the casino launched live craps, roulette and retail sports betting, offering 10 craps tables, 20 roulette tables, and sports betting locations including both electronic kiosks and kiosks with live sports betting agents. Introducing the new games is a historic milestone that immediately puts Florida in the same league as the world’s great gaming destinations. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 4 worldwide in 2024 gross revenue for Pollstar Magazine, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 Acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at: www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. Call: 1 (800) 937-0010. Or follow us: Facebook: @HardRockHolly, X: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.