Miami Beach Gay Pride VIP Soiree a Hit: Celebs, Pols Attend in Support

By Chris Yandek in CY Celebrities CY News CY What's Happening October 30, 2013

Since its inception in 2009, Miami Beach Gay Pride has grown by the thousands each year and serves as a signature event for the LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender] community to come together. What started as a small circuit happening has now become a global event, with visitors coming from around the world. The event, this past April, brought 80,000 people to Miami Beach.

On the weekend of October 19th, Miami Beach’s political powerhouses and some of South Florida’s most prominent celebrities came together for the first annual Miami Beach Gay Pride VIP Soiree. The event was held at the Gale South Beach and Regent Hotel located on Collins Avenue.

CYInterview friends Lea Black, of The Real Housewives of Miami, and her husband, prominent attorney Roy Black, among other notables were on hand to support the fundraiser for the 2014 Miami Beach Gay Pride weekend.

Back in May, we last saw Lea and Roy at their Coral Gables home, with country music star John Rich [see here]. CYInterview spoke with Lea about the latest happenings in her life, which you will get to read about in the coming days.

You can see a photo from the evening, with Lea and Roy, above. You can find Lea’s past two CYInterviews here and here.

Also at the event was director and producer Richard Jay-Alexander. The veteran show business professional is known for his amazing work on Broadway. Over the last year he toured the world with Barbra Streisand, adding his talents to her magnificent concerts. Richard joined me, in a duet conversation, for a CYInterview with Brazilian actor and model Rodiney Santiago, best known for the TV show A-List: New York, on the Logo Channel. Richard and Rodiney had a lot of great things to say about their respective careers and Miami Beach Gay Pride. Their CYInterviews will be available in the not too distant future.

Miami Beach’s political community was also out in full force. Current Miami Beach mayor Mattie Herrera Bower, who is in her third and final term, was joined by Miami Beach Commissioners Michael Gongora and Jorge Exposito. Mr. Gongora is a candidate to be the next Mayor of Miami Beach. The election is on November 5th.

Finally, one of Miami’s veteran media personalities, anchor Craig Stevens of WSVN Channel 7, came out to lend his support. Since the 1990s, Mr. Stevens has covered every important Miami story from Hurricane Andrew to the death of Gianni Versace.

Guests were treated to an open bar, with music provided by South Beach drag queen DJ Adora. Guests had a chance to bid on a variety of art during the evening’s silent auction. 100 percent of the ticket sales benefited Miami Beach Gay Pride. Special thanks to Richard Murray and Edison Farrow for all their efforts. It was a night to remember.

Below you’ll find photos with all the celebrities and politicians who were in attendance and a view of the evening’s festivities.

2014’s Miami Beach Gay Pride will be held from April 11th to April 13th.