Social Justice, Health & Wellness Evening 2025 @ South Shore Community Center

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM EST

FREE RSVP

As of March 2025, the ACLU is tracking a staggering 456 anti-LGBTQ bills across the U.S., underscoring the escalating threats to the health, rights, and dignity of transgender and queer individuals. At the same time, mental health challenges—including rising rates of depression and anxiety—continue to impact the broader LGBTQ+ community. In this critical moment, Miami Beach Pride is committed to more than just celebration; we are actively uniting LGBTQ+ leaders from across South Florida to foster education, awareness, and the power of shared personal experiences.

By creating an inclusive space where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, we aim to amplify the diverse voices within our community. Through the following panels, we strive to empower, uplift, and drive meaningful change.

SCHEDULE 

6:00 pm – Doors Open to the public

6:00 – 6:45 pm – Mix and Mingle – complimentary beverages (water/soda) will be provided

6:30 pm - Choral performance by members of Unity Coalition/Miami Gay Men’s Chorus

6:45 – 8:45 pm – 120 minutes – join us at one of the two back-to-back presented panels. The discussions will feature an extended opportunity for Questions & Answers

9:00 pm – event ends

Panel #1 Social Media for Good - Presented by PRISM 

For LGBTQIA+ youth, social media is more than just a platform—it’s a lifeline. It offers a space to explore identity, find support, and connect with others who share similar experiences. But with these opportunities come challenges, including cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and exposure to harmful content. How can young people navigate these digital spaces safely while maintaining their authenticity?

Moderated by PRISM’S Executive Director, MAXX FENNING discover how PRISM is fostering a safe, inclusive environment that empowers individuals to express themselves freely, access vital resources, and challenge negative stereotypes. Whether you're a young person, ally, educator, or advocate, this conversation will provide crucial insights into the evolving landscape of digital identity and community-building. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and take action!

Moderator:

MAXX FENNING (He/Him) earned his degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and sexual health education, Maxx is the Executive Director of PRISM. He is also an active creator on TikTok, where he educates on many of the same topics that PRISM addresses.

Panelists

CLEYVER DIAZ MORALEZ (He/They) is a Mexican-American writer, scholar, and educator. He graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s in English Writing and Rhetoric and is currently finishing up his master’s degree in English Literature. From 2022-2024, Cleyver was a high school ELA teacher at Miami Community Charter School, where he taught writing, literature, mathematics, and test-taking strategies. As a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough Miami, Cleyver taught college-bound eighth graders ELA, 3-dimensional art, Sci-fi appreciation, track, social-emotional wellness, and general life skills. Now, Cleyver serves as PRISM's Content Creation Director, where he leads PRISM's efforts to educate young people online and in the community.

ARTEMIS CRUZ (They/Them) grew up in Little Havana and attends Jose Marti MAST Academy where they are the President of their Gender and Sexuality Alliance. They're also the Vice Chair of PRISM's Youth Advisory Committee. They are very passionate about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and environmental sciences. They plan to major in Environmental Analysis at Pomona College.

PRISM works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida

Panel #2 EXISTENCE & RESISTANCE | The Power of Queer Arts, Identity, and Wellness - Presented by UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA

The Arts, Expression & Self Care provide vital outlets and tools to spark self-acceptance, resilience, and community-building. Creative activities like painting, poetry, photography, singing, and spoken word are therapeutic tools—fostering gender identity, sexuality, and emotions in ways that words alone cannot.

Moderated by HERB SOSA, Director & CEO of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) hear from inspiring art/wellness practitioners as they share their journeys and the transformative impact of art on their lives and the lives of the community they serve.

Panelists:

JOHN BUCKLEY | UC|CU Video Archives & Wellness Liaison

ANAIDA CARQUEZ-SOLER | Choir Director & Sound Healing Practitioner

JOEL IGLESIA | Singer, Music Director and Healthcare Specialist

GILBERTO LUNA ZEQUERIA | Performer, The Quinn Zrenity Luna & Non-Commissioned Officer, U.S. Army

DAVID ROHN | Art Teacher at Camillus House, Performer and Artist

UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA (UC|CU) is the organization for theHispanic, Indigenous & Of Color LGBTQI+ communities, advancing Equality & Fairness, through Education, Leadership and Awareness, since 2002, with programming in South Florida & Colombia.

UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA (UC|CU) es la organización para las comunidades hispana, indígena y de color LGBTQI+ avanzando Igualdad desde el 2002, con liderazgo en Miami y Bogotá.