An outdoor drag performance will be part of Naples Pridefest, thanks to a federal judge’s May 12 order.
Naples Pride filed suit after city officials denied a permit for an outdoor drag performance, instead requiring it be held indoors and restricted to adults only.
District Judge John Steele granted a preliminary injunction, saying the drag performance is protected speech under the First Amendment.
A day after the ruling, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called the decision “both radical and wrong.”
The ruling came just weeks ahead of Naples Pridefest, scheduled for June 7, 2025, during Pride Month.
Here’s what to know about Pride Month and Pride events across Florida:
When is Pride Month 2025?
June is Pride Month, with events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots.
According to History, the riots started in the early hours of June 28, 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, and roughly hauled out employees and patrons.
This led to six days of protests and violent clashes with police on Christopher Street and the surrounding area.
The Stonewall Riots were a catalyst for the gay rights movement.
Parades, events and other festivities are held to honor LGBTQ experiences and draw attention to issues the community faces.
Naples Pridefest 2025
Naples Pridefest is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cambier Park in Naples.
Organizers say the event draws over 5,000 attendees annually.
“Funds raised during the event will support Naples Pride in its ongoing efforts and provide much needed funding to continue the lifesaving services at the Naples Pride Center including health & wellness services, LGBTQ+ safe resources, a safe community space, suicide prevention resources, youth and senior programs and much, much more,” the Naples Pride website reads.
St. Pete Pride Parade draws hundreds of thousands
St. Pete Pride’s June festivities feature nine official Pride month events and is “Florida’s largest LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration,” according to organizers.
The organization’s Pride Parade Day and Festival draws “hundreds of thousands of marchers, attendees, and supporters to the beautiful downtown waterfront to celebrate the strength, diversity, and vibrancy of our community.”
The parade is scheduled for June 28, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride to celebrate 25 years
The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival pays homage to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising.
The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival takes place on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Pride events in Florida
Here’s a sampling of upcoming Pride events and celebrations across Florida:
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Judge rules in favor of Naples Pride drag performance. When is Pride Month? Florida events
Reporting by Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
