South Florida's "Gay Season" Set to Kick Off

South Florida's embrace of the LGBT visitor is a year-long constant, but the events that draw large numbers to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach are just about to begin.

Pride South Florida, sometimes named Pride Fort Lauderdale, begins this weekend at F.L.'s Holiday Park. Big name '80s stars like Sheena Easton, Lisa Lisa, and Tiffany are performing for a crowd estimated to draw 15,000 people. Also in March is Miami Beach's huge Winter Party, a circuit event/fundraiser that benefits groups like the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. PrideFest of the Palm Beaches kicks off the same month, with music, food, and dancing in Lake Worth.  Another March highlight is the Stonewall National Museum and Archives in Fort Lauderdale opening their new 2,000 square foot gallery space in Wilton Manors. The high-profile ribbon-cutting is set for March 21.

Not long after, in April, Palm Beach County is co-sponsoring the fifth annual Gay Polo Week in Wellington, Fla. Miami Beach Gay Pride happens April 11-13 along fashionable Ocean Drive. Many of these events take place in the spring to avoid the stifling heat of the summer, as well as to effectively draw snowbirds from the North.

As summer begins in May, other events like Aqua Girl and BeachBear Weekend are kicking off. Click here for a complete list of South Florida's upcoming LGBT parties and events.