After sharing Insta Stories of this year’s Winter Party Festival last weekend, one of my followers asked me if I ever felt intimidated attending larger gay events or circuit parties. Giving that most of the content shared from these events, showcase gorgeous ripped men.
He said the content, including mine, made him wonder whether or not he will “fit in” or feel comfortable enough to wear something skimpy in that environment since he doesn’t have a “gym body.” I feel that just like him, us average gay folks, have felt nervous or apprehensive at one point or another to attend these type of gatherings due the lack of representation.
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The National LGBTQ Task Force – who’s the organization that produces Winter Party Festival (WPF) is aware of the issue. A 2018 study conducted by them and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau showed that 55 percent of attendees at WPF identify as non-Caucasian.
That’s why this year’s theme – With Open Arms – focused on the organization’s dedication and specific efforts to make WPF a welcoming environment for all. The organizers worked on switching up the talent on the DJ roster by including more women, featuring the skills of Sharon O Love (making her U.S. debut), Anne Louise and Morabito behind the turntables.
But is that enough? I don’t think so. However, it is definitely an excellent first attempt. When I brought up this matter to JR Nexus Russ, Communications Manager. He assured me that in the upcoming years, the organization would be working on expanding the content to include stories of the people and institutions benefiting from the funds raised by WPF.
Speaking of that, while all proceeds have yet to be tabulated, festival organizers expect to be making a donation amount similar to last year’s $215,000 to critical services and organizations in South Florida in partnership with the LGBTQ Community Fund at the Miami Foundation.
It’s also worth mentioning that since the Task Force has taken over the Winter Party Festival, they have donated nearly $3 million to help the advancement of the entire LGBTQ community.
Without a doubt, this year’s Winter Party Festival was another major success – drawing more than 10,000 attendees over six days – with select passes and tickets selling out at many levels. Many events saw record attendance, including two massive parties at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami, Saturday’s day party at Nikki Beach Club, and Sunday’s crown jewel main event on the sands of South Beach.
So in the spirit of diversity, check out more photos from this year’s Winter Party Festival that celebrate everyone in the LGBTQ community.
After reading this, will you consider attending Winter Party Festival in the future? Comment below.
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face