Pridelines
Pridelines is a 501c(3) [1] nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida, that serves as Miami - Dade County only LGBTQAI+ community center offering comprehensive services throughout the County. Pridelines headquarters is located in Liberty City [2] and has satellite locations in Miami Beach and Cutler Bay.[3] The organization has announced the opening of a housing facility in Overtown section of Miami.[4] Pridelines provides a variety of human services including a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, housing, case management, mental health counseling, a clothing closet, showers, food pantry and daily hot meals, a clinic that includes providing the community with PrEP/PEP/ARV medications and more.[5]
History
[edit]Pridelines started in 1982 by Dr. Marilyn Volker and Peter Meyer and a group of Miami Dade College LGBTQ students in the wake of Anita Bryant and her threats to the LGBTQ community. Pridelines originally started as the Gay and Lesbian Group of Miami.[6] The group provided a peer-led/adult facilitate discussion group. The organization served as a support group where youth could understand challenges facing sexual identity and were given tools to grow. In 1996, the group was renamed Pridelines Youth services, Inc. to better represent the growth of the organization and its focus on being a supportive environment for those seeking to understand queer identities. [7]
In response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, Pridelines Youth Services, Inc. recognized its role in supporting and elevating community and begin to test community members for the virus. In 2024, Pridelines announced that it would not only test for HIV/AIDS/STIs but it would expand its services to include treatment, prevention, and providing community members with free health insurance. [8]
Over the years, the organization has received public support from Miami - Dade County, the city of Miami, and the city of Miami Beach. The city of Miami awarded the organization $50,000 to support its efforts.[9] Pridelines was recently noted as an important organization to support during Pride Month.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Charity Navigator - Rating for Pridelines Youth Services Inc".
- ^ "Pridelines' Triumphant Return with Miami Dade's LGBTQ Community Center | Hotspots Magazine". 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Pridelines, Foo Society Open Safe Space for LGBTQ Community in Miami". 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Pridelines Fills Community Void". 12 November 2024.
- ^ https://npshistory.com/publications/nhl/theme-studies/lgbtq-america.pdf
- ^ "Pridelines Turns 30 | Hotspots Magazine". 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Pridelines and Zodiac Supper Club in Miami". 8 June 2024.
- ^ "Pridelines Expands Health Services to Offer Affordable Health Insurance". 22 August 2024.
- ^ https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Resolution-2023-32631.pdf
- ^ "South Florida LGBTQ Organizations to Support During Pride Month".