Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors 2026: Rain, Glitter & Finding Pride in Fort Lauderdale

There are some days you wait all year for, and Stonewall Pride in Wilton Manors is one of them.

Starting Pride with My Favorite People

My day started bright and early, setting up for the event with my work crew, and honestly, that alone was a task. Tables, supplies, decorations, last-minute changes... You know, the usual event chaos. But I wouldn't have wanted to spend the morning with anyone else.

One of the greatest gifts I've found in South Florida is being surrounded by people who allow me to be my most authentic self, and that's something I'll never take for granted.

Once we wrapped up setup, there was only one logical next stop.

Rosie's.

Because if you're going to celebrate Pride in Wilton Manors, you might as well start with one of the most iconic places in town.

Why This Year's Pride Meant So Much More

I had been waiting all year for this event. Last year, I missed Stonewall Pride because I was at my best friend's wedding. And while I wouldn't change that for the world, there was definitely a part of me that felt like I had missed out.

This year felt different.

Over the past month, I've been working on Properly South Florida and diving deep into my Finding Pride series. I've spent so much time reflecting on our community, learning more about LGBTQ+ history here in Fort Lauderdale, and understanding just how much has been fought for so that events like this can exist today.

I had more to be proud of this year.

More appreciation.

More gratitude.

More understanding of what Pride really means.

Every Pride Celebration Needs a Little Glitter

Of course, before I could properly celebrate, there was one thing left to do.

Get glam.

I was worried I wasn't going to have enough rainbow on my face, but thankfully, my friend, Fay from Fay Tality Art, came to the rescue. She somehow managed to cover me in enough color and glitter to satisfy even my most extra tendencies.

I'm still finding glitter.

Honestly, when I find glitter in my bed days later, I know I had a good time.

Walking Through the Heart of Stonewall Pride

Once I was sufficiently sparkly, it was time to make the long walk down to meet my group for the parade.

Along the way, I passed so many incredible sponsors and organizations that help make events like Stonewall Pride possible.

Thank you.

Truly.

Community events like this don't happen by accident, and they certainly don't happen without support.

The Rain, the Porta-Potty, and a Starbucks Victory

Then... the weather had other plans.

The rain came down harder than anyone expected.

I found myself seeking shelter in a nearby porta-potty, which admittedly wasn't exactly how I envisioned spending Pride.

But thank goodness for portable toilets.

And in the middle of all that chaos, I spotted something I had been eyeing for years.

The giant Starbucks mermaid water bottle sitting on their float.

I had wanted one forever.

I figured they were giving things away anyway, so why not shoot my shot?

To my complete surprise... it worked.

Mission officially accomplished.

I walked away from Stonewall Pride with the mermaid water bottle of my dreams.

I even promised I'd visit my nearest Starbucks soon, and as of today, I'm officially one iced caramel macchiato and two jalapeño pockets into fulfilling that promise.

When the Parade Was Canceled, Pride Still Won

Unfortunately, the rain only got worse, and eventually the difficult decision was made to cancel the parade.

Disappointing? Absolutely.

But honestly, I left this year's Pride with something much bigger.

Gratitude. Gratitude for the love I've found in Fort Lauderdale. Gratitude for the community I've built here. Gratitude for the history of this place and the people who fought so hard to ensure that future generations could celebrate openly and authentically.

There is something incredibly special about Pride in South Florida.

It's in the stories. It's in the people. It's in the history. And it's in those moments where you're standing in the rain, covered in glitter, holding a giant Starbucks water bottle you somehow manifested into existence.

Until Next Year's Pride Adventure

I cannot wait to celebrate Pride again next year.

Speaking of next year, if you have a favorite Pride celebration somewhere else in the South Florida area, send your recommendations my way. I'm always looking for my next adventure.

Until then, you can continue following along as I explore the history of Fort Lauderdale on Properly South Florida and discover new places, stories, and experiences right here on JohnPalmerPayne.com.

Happy Pride, friends. 🌈