“They can’t get into these other booths that are 21 and over, and then you’re looking at them sad, like ‘I wish I could go in there,’” she said.
Jowharah Sanders, a Pridelines youth engagement coordinator, said the district is meant to provide a safe place for younger participants. It was hosted by LGBTQ youth support group Pridelines. New this year was a youth district and safe zone. “Lots of creativity, lots of fun as everybody marches down Ocean Drive celebrating who they are,” he said. He said 83 groups would draw a crowd of more than 135,000 people. Paul Thomas is on the board of Miami Beach Gay Pride. Ocean Drive was shut down for the duration of the main parade, which ran from Fifth to 15th streets. On Sunday, the event culminated with a parade. Events began last Monday with a rainbow flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. Miami Beach celebrated pride in its 10th annual Gay Pride Festival this past week.
