PRIDE Cape Coral kicks off celebrations ahead of the weekend’s main event

PRIDE Cape Coral is disappointed by the so-called ‘don’t say gay’ bill that is moving through the Florida legislature but it’s not putting a damper on their pride celebrations this weekend.

Pride celebrations began on Thursday night at The Dive in Cape Coral head of the weekend’s big event. Thursday night’s festivities included a drag show, music and celebration.

The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association started PRIDE Cape Coral four years ago. AJ Ford is the president of the non-profit. He said his organization helps support and educate people about the LGBTQ+ community, and events like the one on Thursday prove the ‘don’t say gay’ bill can’t hold Cape Coral back from celebrating pride.

“It just proves why every community across Florida needs an organization like ours to help support and educate, and you know, help people see that there’s nothing wrong with the LGBTQ community, we’re not, you know, adulterers, and perverts, like I’ve heard people say, even at school board meetings, and that I’ve been to, and spoke at and things like that. And I’m a firm believer that ignorance is just a lack of education,” said Ford.

“To sit there and have something like this in a community like Cape Coral, Fort Myers I think is a huge pivotal point in our journey and the fact that we all feel safe and strong enough in the community to sit there and have these events just make everyone feel at home,” said Drag Queen Savage Fierce.

People in Cape Coral are also getting ready for this weekend’s main events.

Saturday is a block party on 47th Terrace in Cape Coral that is free to attend. There will also be a parade and a meet and greet.

On Sunday is a ticketed event. It is a drag brunch that is taking place on SE 10th Place in Cape Coral. Tickets are $25 each.

If you would like to learn more about the PRIDE Cape Coral events that are taking place this weekend, you can visit the organization’s website by clicking here.