Miami Beach Pride returns for its 15th anniversary with events running from March 31 – April 16. What originally began as a parade down Ocean Drive has now transformed into programming spanning 17 days that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The festivities include lavish floats, a queer art showcase designed to support local artists, social justice night as the community faces increasing legislative attacks, celebrity guests of honor, live performances and much more. This year’s 2-day festival presented by Celebrity Cruises has grown tremendously and promises to be the biggest and best iteration of Miami Beach Pride to date. With Miami Beach recognized as one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ communities in the world, this year’s theme of ‘Growing Stronger Together’ honors the progress made and the defiance needed for the future.
The very popular Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant takes place on Tuesday, April 4 at 7pm at Exchange Miami. Your current Miss Miami Beach Pride is on the current Rupaul’s Drag Race season and a Miami native, Malaysia Babydoll Foxx. The formers are TP Lords 2014 Athena Dion 2015 Kalah Mendoza 2016 Joanna James 2017 Elisahly D’ Witches 2018 Mhyia Iman Lepaige 2019 Estephania St Lords 2020. The OG Miss Miami Beach Pride is Tiffany Fantasia 2013, when I asked Tiffany about this year’s pageant, she said: “Miami Beach Pride is having its 10th Miss Miami Beach pride pageant. I can’t wait for everyone to see what surprises are in store this year!”
At what age did entertaining become an interest of yours or were you just born an entertainer?
I think I was born an entertainer, but I first articulated that I wanted to be a comedian at 5 years old. I was the youngest of 4 kids (Sandra has 3 older brothers) so I got used to entertaining people and I loved the response.
When did you know, entertaining was going to officially be your career?
When I was 19 and started at the comedy club circuit. It felt like things were evolving and this would be it. There were discouraging times, but I powered through them. I knew for sure I was going to focus on this when I was making enough to leave my manicurist job.
Who were your inspirations in the entertainment industry?
There were so many, some of them are: Carol Channing, Mary Tyler Moore, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Carol King, Joannie Mitchell, Barbara Streisand, Lily Tomlin, and Bette Midler.
You have performed all over the world. Do you have some favorite cities or venues?
I think in terms of my actual performing it would be NYC as it’s my center. However, I do love performing wherever there is a smart interesting audience.
You are a comedian, actress, singer, radio host, author, etc. Is there one you like better or are they equally satisfying to you?
I love them all equally and it’s fun to keep shifting from one to another, so I don’t get bored. It keeps life interesting for me.
Tell me about your experience working on multiple projects with Ryan Murphy?
When I met him, he told me he was a fan of mine form the 80’s. He is a powerhouse and always thinking of new ideas and pushing things to the limit. He is a champion of the LGBTQ+ experience and has brought a lot of eyeballs to us. He is very important now more than ever.
I love it when you are on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Is it as fun for you as it is for us watching?
Andy and I go way back, and my radio show is on his channel. We also see each other at the gym. He gets me and he has always been a big supporter and fan so we can just relax into it, and we always have fun together.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I love washing dishes and doing laundry and I am a huge organizer in my apartment. I fold my clothes and my girlfriend’s clothes. I spend a lot of time organizing and its very relaxing to me as I like cleanliness and organization.
Describe yourself in three words.
Loyal, loving, and funny.
What do you do for fun?
I love to cook, and hang out with friends, and of course go on vacations. I really do love to travel to exotic places.
How excited are you to host the VIP Beach Affair for the 15th anniversary of Miami Beach Pride?
I am very excited as I love Miami. Politically Florida is not on my list for destinations, but I am hoping I can elevate the f*cking conversation so we can change things.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully a bunch of stuff. I have been writing a scripted project with my good friend Judy Gold. I recently signed a new manager and am getting new gigs, so that’s exciting. In addition, I will continue to do my radio show and I will keep putting out the word to let people be and flourish.
Is there anything else you want to talk about?
I think our politicians are very caught up in petty drama all while our planet is in trouble and we are hanging in peril environmentally. Why is that not more of an important issue?
For more information on the talented and super nice (she really is down to earth) Sandra Bernhard check out her website: SandraBernhard.com.
Other Featured Talent for the weekend will be: Jonathan Bennett, Todrick Hall, Shangela, Jaymes Vaughan, Inaya Day, Albita Rodriguez, DJ Dan Slater, DJ Tony Moran, DJ Whitney Day ft. Mindy Jones, DJ Alex Ramos, DJ Tatiana, DJ Alex Ferbeyre, DJ Josh Riptide, and many more, so don’t miss out!
- Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Miami Beach City Hall on March 31, at 6pm.
- Pride Lights the Night Flip the Switch Event at Euclid Oval (600-700 block Lincoln Rd) on March 31, at 7:30pm.
- Fun Dip by Sweet Spot Official Kickoff Pool Party featuring DJ Deanne and DJ Abel at The Clevelander on April 1, at 1pm.
- Angel’s Dinner at Baia Beach Club on April 3, at 7pm.
- Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant at Exchange Miami on April 4, at 7pm.
- Pride Movie Night at Rooftop Cinema Club on April 6, at 6pm.
- ‘In The Wyld’ – A Garden of Eve Preview Party at Gaythering on April 7, at 8pm.
- Easter Family Picnic at Pride Park on April 8, at 10am.
- Queer Art Showcase at Moxy Hotel on April 10, at 6:30pm.
- MDGLCC Spotlight Mega-Mixer on April 11, at 6pm.
- Social Justice, Health & Wellness Evening at O Cinema on April 12, at 6pm.
- VIP Beach Affair at Lummus Park hosted by Sandra Bernhard on April 14, at 7pm.
- Miami Beach Pride Festival at Lummus Park happening on April 15 and 16.
- Miami Beach Pride Parade on Ocean Drive will take place on April 16, at 12pm.
For more information about these events and to purchase tickets, visit Miamibeachpride.com.
