CAPE CORAL, Fla. | Cape Coral has not been seen as being supportive to the LGBTQ community, at least not based on the scores the city has received from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.
Cape Coral has scored at or near the bottom of Florida cities every year, receiving a final score of 39 out of 100 on the 2018 index; but some organizations in the city want to change that.
The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations, in conjunction with PRIDE SWFL, are hosting Cape Coral’s first-ever Pride parade and festival April 6-7.
“We have to bring awareness, and as the mother of a gay son, I need to make that happen,” said Shelly Walton, president of South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations, to NBC2 News.
PRIDE Cape Coral will kick off on April 6 with an evening parade down SE 47th Terrace in the heart of the city’s downtown area starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade will feature PRIDE Cape Coral’s Grand Marshal, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Sonique.
After the parade, Sonique will lead performers, including “The Voice” contestant and Southwest Florida native Sheena Brook, on PRIDE’s big stage from 7-10 p.m.
The celebration will continue on April 7 with a brunch in the street as well as more live entertainment.
PRIDE Cape Coral’s parade and big stage are free to attend and open to the public.
For more information, visit SouthCapeEntertianment.com or the events list on South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations’ Facebook page.
