Pride Month kicks off in Miami-Dade County under a cloud of uncertainty.
The Miami-Dade LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board unveiling a special exhibit about the F-DOT removed Miami Beach Rainbow Crosswalk and honoring the non-government funded YES Institute during this afternoon's Pride Month Kickoff ceremony in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center.
"Part of the Advisory Board's mission and reason for being is to make sure that the community is represented well and that our elected officials hear our voices," says board member Tim Wagoner.
Wagoner, who also is the YES Institute's Executive Director of Administration, adds, given what's happening in state law it's important for people to understand they are acknowledged and welcomed in the county.
While the board's future is uncertain with a state law going into effect on January 1st the bans cities and counties Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, YES Institute Executive Director Joseph Zolobczuk says they will remain in the community because, "We don't get any direct government funds, so we are able to meet the needs of our families that do have people coming out and need resources, particularly around mental health and family understanding and awareness."
Wagoner promises the YES Institute has "been here for 30 years, and should we need to be, we'll be here for another 30 years."