Gay men went absolutely feral in the Florida panhandle for Pensacola Pride

Don't say gay? Nice try.

Even in Florida, the LGBTQ+ community is gearing up for a very crucial Pride season to prove that queer visibility can't be erased.

Known as the largest LGBTQ+ Memorial Day celebration held in North America, Pensacola Pride drew in thousands of tourists as they slapped on Speedos, mingled on the beach, hit up electric circuit parties, and supported local gay bars.

Although people correlate many of the major Pride events with the month of June, Johnny Chilsolm's Memorial Weekend Pensacola truly feels like the proper kickoff to all of the queer festivities that take place throughout the summer.

This is the third year in a row I've flown down to Florida's panhandle to reunite with my chosen family and every visit reminds me just how lucky I am to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.

There's nothing quite like bonding and socializing with countless amounts of queer people on the gorgeous white sand beaches each day of the long weekend.

Beyond the gorgeous weather and sunny skies, the party really begins in the evening once all of the gays come together and dance the night away at Chilsolm's iconic circuit parties.

As someone who's traveled solo to Pensacola Pride each year I've attended, I finally found myself staying at the stunning Portofino Island Resort with a group of my queer peers thanks to Joshua Hecht, the CEO and Founder of Dance With Pride.

For a few years now, Hecht's mission as a Pensacola local is to help tourists enjoy a comfortable visit and fully immerse into all of the fun activities happening at Pride.

"I've been in Pensacola since 2016. The thing that's always made me happy is just seeing other people happy. If someone's having a good time, then I'm having a great time. It's really been for them!"

Although he's built an incredible business helping queer travelers enjoy Pensacola Pride every year, Hecht is now taking things up a notch by becoming an official event partner for WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Hecht's company, Dance With Pride, is producing eight exciting events ranging from circuit parties and drag brunches to tea dances happening all weekend in the nation's capital.

"We're really trying to capture the entire Pride community and make sure that everyone has something available to them that they love. We have ultimate pregames, rooftop socials, and the thing that I love is that they're not overpriced. Tickets start at only $10. We want to make everything as accessible as possible. It's important to show up and show out!"

There's certainly plenty of activities to explore through Dance With Pride, but there's also many other thrilling options available for tourists hoping to make the most of their time at WorldPride.

Many queens from the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race are making their way to Washington, D.C. for two special events that fans will absolutely gag over.

On Sunday, June 8, Kori King is joining the top five of RuPaul's Drag Race season 17, except for Lexi Love, at the 9:30 Club for WorldPride's closing party... the Season 17 Extravaganza.

Earlier in the day, other season 17 contestants Lana Ja'Rae, Hormona Lisa, and the season's Miss Congeniality Crystal Envy will be performing two shows at the WorldPride Drag Brunch at Throw Social DC.

WorldPride may be the main festival that has all of the gays talking this year, but there's still plenty of exciting things happening leading up to the global Pride celebration.

West Hollywood's Pride officially begins today and between marches, street parades, the OUTLOUD Music Festival, and a bustling bar scene, queer people from around the world will be hitting up the popular gayborhood for the first weekend of Pride Month.

There's no better way to kick off the gayest month of the year than to attend the GlamCocks Metallic*nt circuit party happening tonight at Catch One in Los Angeles. Tickets are nearly sold out, so be sure to grab yours before it's too late!

Pride season is truly in full effect and this is the year to be out, loud, and proud. To learn more about Pride events happening in your area, click here.