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Coming off the most successful event in its 10-year history, the Miami Beach Gay Pride Board of Directors has unveiled a new branding initiative for the wildly popular event, including a new name and fresh, contemporary graphics that still recall the decade-old spirit of Pride. “The new name, ‘Miami Beach Pride,’ reflects the changing landscape of the LGBTQ+ and allied communities and better mirrors the inclusiveness of the celebration,” said Bruce Horwich, chair of the Miami Beach Pride board of directors.

“The march for equality has changed significantly over the past decade,” Horwich said. “Equality was never a solely ‘gay’ issue – although many men and women self-identified as gay in the beginnings of the equal rights movement. Now, as we get ready to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, we’re aware that the fight for equality encompasses gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, as well as people who identify as queer, questioning, pansexual, asexual and gender fluid. They all have the right to feel proud and to celebrate their authentic selves at our parade and our festival.”

Miami Beach Pride Executive Director Dave Cook continued to say that the new name also reflects the importance of LGBTQ+ allies. “We started the Ally Grand Marshal honor two years ago to call attention to our straight allies who march along with us in the struggle for equal rights,” he said. “This more inclusive name reflects their contributions as well.”

Originally developed by True Ink Designs, the Miami Beach Pride logo was given a modern make-over by ME Graphic Designs. The logo features Miami Beach Pride’s iconic, rainbow-colored beach ball alongside the event’s hometown “Miami Beach” and the instantly recognizable, rainbow-colored Pride typeface.

“Changes are always good. Evolution is just part of life and our community has changed. In this case, it was just as important to make it an easy transition to keep the logo’s recognition, also making Miami Beach prominent was key to move forward.” Maria Espinal, CEO ME Graphic Designs

According to Horwich, a new website is in the works as are new designs for advertising, marketing and social media. They will be unveiled in the coming weeks, leading up to the 11th anniversary celebration, April 1-7, 2019.

For more information on the 2018 event, please visit miamibeachpride.com.

On Saturday, November 24, from 7-11pm at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens located at 3251 South Miami Avenue, the South Florida community is invited to attend “The White Party.” This elegant affair in white will celebrate the remarkable advancements of Care Resource; a not-for-profit community-based healthcare organization serving South Florida’s diverse community for over 30 years.

In the mid-1980s, Miami-like the rest of the world-struggled with a new health epidemic: HIV/AIDS. In 1985, prominent Miamians Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez felt compelled to do their part, and with support from a local fledgling AIDS organization “Health Crisis Network,” planned a fundraising event to raise awareness of a disease that was affecting many individuals and families right here in South Florida. Through grassroots efforts, Wager and Suarez welcomed 1,600 guests adorned in white to the inaugural White Party at the enchanting Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

For over 35 years, the charitable bash has raised millions of dollars for Care Resource and has attracted national awareness, top talent, and celebrity attendees, from Ru Paul and Madonna to Calvin Klein and Cyndi Lauper.

When asked why they are returning to Vizcaya, Jonathan Welsh, Marketing and Development Manager, Care Resource said:  “For Care Resource and many in our community, bringing the WHITE PARTY back to where it all started – Vizcaya, is both a homecoming and a renewal to our commitment to eradicating this illness, bring awareness and resources through its fundraising efforts, and uniting our community for a common goal of living, AIDS-free.”

Russell Corbett, Board President/Chair, Care Resource said: “This year’s White Party is an elegant gala where one is encouraged to dress in white, celebrate life, community, family, and friends while overlooking Biscayne Bay at this legendary South Florida estate.The White Party founders Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez would be pleased with the party returning to its roots, would be thrilled to know of the health center that has been created from the grassroots organization for which The White Party was created and would be amazed to know that in 2017, through outreach, treatment, education, and engagement programs, Care Resource served 17,460 clients at our health centers, many of whom belong in the city’s most vulnerable and diverse populations.”

Funds raised from The White Party support the programs and services at Care Resource, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent and adult populations.

For more information, visit WhiteParty.org.