Last year’s Miami Beach Pride parade saw Republican Florida Representative Fabian Basabe face a storm of protest as he rolled down Ocean Drive. This year, organizers are taking precautions to prevent a recurrence. Bruce Horwich, chair of the parade’s overseeing nonprofit, informed Basabe via text in March that his participation poses a risk. Basabe, a former reality TV personality and social media figure has had a turbulent first term as a state representative including support of Don’t Say Gay, Drag ban and other DeSantis and GOP anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives. Now he has threatened legal action against Miami Beach Pride and local authorities. He asserted, “My civil liberties are not up for debate,” indicating preparations for a federal lawsuit. However, Bruce Horwich, chair of the Miami Beach Pride board, clarified that the decision was not politically motivated, emphasizing the event’s inclusive nature regardless of political affiliation. However, Kent Harrison Robbins, Basabe’s attorney, wrote a letter to Horwich mentioning that entities like Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County sponsor the parade. Hence, it is a demonstration of political speech. Horwich, however, informed the Herald that while Basabe was invited to join the parade as an observer, the organization retained the authority to determine participants. Prospective attendees can register to march or ride in the parade via the Miami Beach Pride website for a fee. Horwich assured Basabe of a refund if he chose to register.
