By Von Biggs, HIV Advocate & Proud South Floridian

As Pride Month 2025 approaches, the rainbow flags are flying—and so are the warning signs. Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack, and Florida has become a flashpoint in the national conversation. Here in South Florida, we are not backing down. We are showing up, speaking out, and celebrating louder than ever. 

Because Pride is not just a party. It is a protest. It is a promise. And it is personal. 

The Politics of Pride 

This year, Pride feels different. The political climate has grown colder, with legislation targeting everything from drag performances to inclusive education. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that the LGBTQ+ community knows how to turn resistance into resilience. 

Pride was born out of protest. It began with bricks and bravery at Stonewall, and it continues today in courtrooms, classrooms, and community centers. In 2025, Pride is still about visibility and also about vigilance. It is about showing the world that we are not going anywhere. 

Health Care Is a Pride Issue 

As an HIV health care advocate and part of the team at Holy Cross Health, I see firsthand how access to affirming, inclusive care can change and save lives. From HIV prevention and treatment to comprehensive care for all, we are building a model of care that centers on compassion, dignity, and justice. 

Health care is not a luxury. It is a human right. And for LGBTQ+ people, especially those living with HIV or navigating systems that were not built for us, it’s a lifeline. Pride means fighting for that care—not just in June, but every day of the year. 

South Florida: A Beacon of Queer Joy 

Despite the challenges, South Florida remains a vibrant hub of queer culture and community. From the rainbow crosswalks of Wilton Manors to the drag brunches of Miami Beach, we are visible, vocal, and vibrant. 

Visibility alone isn’t enough. We must protect our spaces, uplift our most vulnerable, and ensure that the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth grows up in a world where they are safe, supported, and celebrated. 

What Pride Looks Like in 2025

Pride in 2025 is multifaceted. It’s joy in the face of injustice. It’s community care in the face of systemic neglect. It’s dancing in the streets and organizing at the polls. It’s HIV and STI testing next to dance floors. It’s drag queens reading to children and trans youth leading marches. 

It is not just about being seen—it is about being heard. And it is about making sure that every queer person, from every background, knows they belong. 

The Movement Continues 

This Pride Month let us celebrate with purpose. Let us honor our history, protect our present, and build our future. Let us be bold in our joy, fierce in our advocacy, and united in our love. 

Because we are not a trend. 

We are not a phase. 

We are a force. 

And we are just getting started!