ABOVE: The 11th annual Harvey Milk Festival’s virtual logo, courtesy HMF.
SARASOTA | The Harvey Milk Festival (HMF) will hold a virtual celebration May 1-9 in honor of its 11th anniversary.
HMF’s in-person festivities were postponed April 6 in response to COVID-19. They subsequently announced the virtual festival, which will serve as a placeholder while they work with city officials on new dates.
“In response to COVID-19, we are still working with The City of Sarasota about new dates for HMF,” the organization shared. “To keep our community inspired and connected we have several virtual series taking place during the original dates scheduled in May.”
“We are grateful that our community is working together to stay informed concerning COVID-19,” Founder and Executive Director Shannon Fortner previously added. “Harvey Milk Festival prioritizes the health and safety of our community.”
Virtual events will begin May 1 with a Queer & Trans Advocacy Talk from Tomboi, a queer indie electronic band from Jacksonville. The band began in 2014 as an outlet for members’ to share their experiences living as queer individuals in the South and has since expanded its outreach efforts. They can be found via Instagram or Facebook.
HMF’s traditional multi-day festival highlighting art, dance and music will continue May 7-9 via their website and other social media platforms. It will highlight entertainers and honor the festival’s namesake beginning with its virtual art experience, which accepted submissions until April 22.
“The mission of the exhibit is to challenge the idea that binaries divide us, and through art we create a catalyst for change,” HMF explained. “Queer history is rich with examples of strength and resiliency in the face of fear, rejection, violence and hate. Let our history serve as constant reminder of the hardships we have overcome and the progress we have yet to make as a community.”
Artists were able to submit up to four pieces of work or up to five minutes of video performance art at HarveyMilkFestival.org/QueerExhibit. Those chosen were asked to complete a video artist statement for the main event, held May 7 from 5:30-9 p.m.
HMF will highlight performance art and dance May 8 beginning at 7 p.m., showcasing a queer collection of work from artists around the globe. “We will do a virtual experience so we can continue to stay connected even during our current conditions,” organizers shared. Participating artists include Jess Pope, MXME (Erne Murphy and Fortner) and more.
Music will take the virtual center stage May 9 from 4-11 p.m. Performers from throughout the festival’s history will perform online from across the U.S.
Headliners scheduled to appear include “Rituals of Mine (FKA Sister Crayon), a Los Angeles based indie pop/downtempo r&b act; Moon Palace, Seattle-based queer artists and activists; MeteorEYES, local favorites and where Fortner’s activism and music career collides with politically charged lyrics; Roxx Revolt & The Velvets (Naples), a supernova of glam rock, classic rock and roll and riotous punk group; FRUUT (Philly); Soulpax (Miami); Emmanuel Sasson (South Florida); Jordan Esker & the 100% (Tampa); Aūto Kania (SRQ); Rose (SRQ) and possibly one of your favorite bands that has performed at a previous HMF,” the organization teases.
HMF supporters are also encouraged to donate to the organization in the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge April 28-29. The 24-hour giving event, held from noon until noon the following day, virtually supports more than 700 nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. To learn more or to donate, click here.
“We are doing this to give support to the artists that are participating, as well as to share their music with our community and encourage connection,” HMF shares. “It is important that the LGBTQ+ community is aware of resources for those that need to reach out. It might seem like we are far apart today, but we will only grow stronger as time goes on.”
For more information, visit HarveyMilkFestival.org. For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
