NAPLES, Fla — Naples Pridefest has celebrated diversity and unity since 2017, but this year’s event looks a little different. Organizers say they took extra precautions due to new Florida laws.
Naples Pride President Nicki Brock says the new law threatening businesses that host drag shows can’t stop their event.
Brock is talking about SB 1438 ‘Protection of Children’ law.
The State can now fine, suspend, or revoke licenses of any group that lets kids into “adult performances.” That includes drag shows.
“Now more than ever we need everyone to show up, speak up. Our theme this year is rise, resist, persist. And it couldn’t be a more accurate theme for the year,” said Brock.
Before the bill was signed into law, Naples Pride decided to move their drag show indoors to The Norris Center. Only people 18+ are allowed inside.
Organizers say more than 5,000 people come to Pridefest every year. And with that they also expect protestors.
Mandy Kinyon, who works for the Parasol Patrol, chooses to block the negativity.
“So basically if protestors show up with their signs, we just hold these umbrellas up and block them. A lot of times we will play positive Disney music, things like that to try to keep things calm and happy,” said Kinyon.
Collier County Sheriff’s Deputies are also on stand-by in case anything gets out of hand.
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