A wave of love and acceptance washed over more than 700 residents and visitors from the Treasure and Space coasts as they gathered in the Kilted Mermaid alley for Pride on the Block 2K22, presented by VeroPride.
The all-day Pride festival, which was held on the seventh anniversary of the Supreme Court granting marriage equality to same-sex couples in the United States, was organized to celebrate members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a judgment-free environment and to honor diversity, regardless of age, race, gender or identity.
“We really had to have a Pride event this year, especially with everything that’s going on right now,” said Pat Schlitt, VeroPride executive director. “I would not have ever imagined a bill like ‘Don’t say gay’ to ever be passed in a million years.”
As a child growing up in Vero Beach, Schlitt recalls that there was no access to similar events, where everyone could be their true selves.
“We can incorporate others into our world view, our perspective. Whether you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or you’re just an ally, it was a celebration for all. A celebration of life, love, and acceptance of yourself and others,” said Schlitt.
“Nobody chooses this life. You’re born with it. I wanted this event to be accessible. There’s a big minority group and a big, underserved community out there that doesn’t make the same amount of money as folks elsewhere in Vero,” Schlitt added.
Drag Queens and divas of the stage RiPP LEE and Shelita Taylor hosted the free event, spreading love to all the partiers. Later, after the family-friendly portion of the day ended, there were high-energy performances by several area drag queens, and Vero Burlesque’s members put on a tasteful but oh-so-sexy performance.
In addition to food provided by Kilted Mermaid and Southern Social, there was a Charity Liquor Bar to benefit VeroPride. There was also live music throughout the day, a tie-dying station, vendors and chalk drawing, and the health department offered free HIV testing.
“We are an inclusive group. Not an exclusive group. If you exclude people that have the love and the care and the passion to just be with other human beings, then you’re excluding a whole generation. You’re excluding the future from progressing. That’s what it feels like is happening today,” said Schlitt.
On Oct. 29, VeroPride will host its second annual Hallo-Queen event at Walking Tree Brewery.
Photos provided
