Pridelines

We are looking forward to this amazing AI workshop. See you there!

Today, we honor National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, recognizing the critical importance of education, prevention, testing, and support. Alarmingly, women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV. Black/African American women represented 54% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the United States in 2019, despite being only 13% of the female population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). At Pridelines, we're committed to providing free and confidential testing, accessible PrEP, and compassionate, culturally competent care. Join us in our mission to empower, educate, and uplift women and girls, especially within the LGBTQ+ community in Miami-Dade County. Together, we can end HIV stigma and build healthier communities. #NWGHAAD #Pridelines #HIVAIDS #EndHIVStigma #LGBTQHealth Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HIV and women. Retrieved from https://lnkd.in/eNuqG-R

Honoring Marilyn Volker During Women’s History Month! Today, we honor the extraordinary Dr. Marilyn Volker, a visionary, educator, and advocate whose unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community laid the foundation for what we now know as Pridelines. Dr. Volker’s pioneering work in sexual health education, advocacy, and community building has not only shaped Pridelines but has also inspired, supported, and empowered generations of activists, leaders, and organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ liberation. Dr. Volker didn’t just help create a safe space, she helped ignite a movement. Her passion for equity, dignity, and inclusion has rippled far beyond Pridelines, influencing the development of countless LGBTQ+ organizations, amplifying voices that had long been silenced, and ensuring that people of all identities could access education, support, and healthcare without shame or barriers. Because of her tireless advocacy, Pridelines has grown into a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment, and her legacy lives on in every young person who walks through our doors, knowing they belong. Her impact is felt in every safe space created, in every individual who finds their voice, and in every organization that continues to fight for justice, inspired by her trailblazing leadership. Dr. Volker, thank you for your courage, your brilliance, and your boundless heart. Your work has changed lives, shaped movements, and ensured that our community not only survives but thrives. Today and every day, we celebrate you. #InternationalWomensDay #ThankYouDrVolker #LGBTQAdvocacy #PridelinesLegacy

We are extremely proud of our Board Chair Veronica Barrios-Garcia for sharing her story of love, hope, and the power of The Joy Ride and Pridelines. Please read her story and donate to our organization to move our powerful work forward: https://lnkd.in/ecSqDFjE

Congratulations, Lisa Mercado Pridelines is thrilled to congratulate Lisa Mercado on this well-deserved recognition at the 2025 Winter Party Festival VIP Cocktail Reception! Lisa has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, dedicating her time, energy, and passion to uplifting and supporting organizations like the National LGBTQ Task Force, Pridelines, SAVE LGBT, Aqua Foundation for Women, and YES Institute. We are especially grateful for Lisa’s unwavering support of Pridelines—through her leadership on our Board of Directors, her service as a staff member, and her presence at countless events and programs. Lisa has always shown up for our community, standing with us during challenging times and celebrating our successes. Lisa, your dedication and impact have touched so many lives, and we are honored to have you as part of the Pridelines family. Thank you for everything you do, and congratulations again on this incredible honor! ????

HIV Is Not a Crime – But Criminalization Persists Did you know that in Florida, outdated HIV criminalization laws continue to penalize people living with HIV, even when there is no intent to harm or risk of transmission? Between 1986 and 2017, 874 people were arrested under these laws—43% were Black, and 56% were women. These policies don’t protect public health; they fuel stigma, discourage testing, and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. ? What’s Wrong with HIV Criminalization Laws? ? They are not based on science—current treatments make HIV undetectable and untransmittable (U=U). ? They deter people from getting tested, as ignorance of status can be a legal defense. ? They disproportionately impact Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities. ? They punish disclosure and consent, rather than focusing on education and harm reduction. ?? What Can You Do? ?? Learn: Understand how HIV criminalization laws harm our communities. ?? Advocate: Support efforts to modernize laws to align with science and human rights. ? Engage: Join Pridelines in the fight against stigma and criminalization. ?? At Pridelines, we’re working to uplift voices impacted by HIV through Hermanos del Sol, a support group for Latin men to discuss HIV prevention, treatment, and care in a safe space. ?? Help shape this initiative by filling out our quick survey: https://lnkd.in/eRrcK6vQ Together, we can create a future where no one is criminalized for simply living with HIV. #HIVIsNotACrime #EndHIVStigma #HIVAwareness #HIVDecriminalization #HermanosDelSol #LatinoMSM #Pridelines

Honoring @Michael McCann: A Dedicated Board Member and Community Champion At Pridelines, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and support of our board members, and today, we want to take a moment to recognize Michael McCann for his unwavering commitment to our mission and community. Michael may be quiet, but his presence is always felt. He shows up, supports, and brings his passion for community-building wherever he goes. Whether it’s sharing his extensive knowledge of wine and beer at our events or generously bringing his kombucha beer truck to our programs, Michael adds a unique and fun touch to every gathering. Beyond his contributions to Pridelines, Michael has also been an active participant in the Men’s Empowerment Group for Out My Closet, further demonstrating his dedication to creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Michael, your love for this community does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate the impact you continue to make. Thank you for your generosity, passion, and commitment to ensuring that our community thrives! #Pridelines #CommunityLeadership #LGBTQSupport #ThankYouMichael

?? Board Member Spotlight: Glenn Barcheski ?? At Pridelines, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and support of our board members—especially Glenn Barcheski. His unwavering advocacy, generosity, and commitment to our mission have helped shape and strengthen our work in profound ways. Glenn not only champions the vision of Pridelines but also opens his circle of friends and professional colleagues, helping us expand our reach and impact. His thoughtful questions constantly push us to think critically about what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and whether it’s the best fit for Pridelines and the community we serve. Beyond his support for Pridelines, Glenn is a steadfast advocate for our partner organizations, like SAVE LGBT, ensuring that the broader LGBTQ+ community continues to thrive. He is, without a doubt, a committed and valued leader in our community. Thank you, Glenn, for your insight, support, and dedication to Pridelines and beyond! ??????? #Pridelines #BoardMemberSpotlight #CommunityLeadership #LGBTQSupport #ThankYouGlenn #SAVE #AdvocacyMatters

At Pridelines, we are incredibly proud to honor the outstanding service of our board member, @Melba DeLeon. Recently recognized with the Commitment to a Cause Award The Our Fund Foundation LGBTQ Philanthropy awards, Melba’s tireless efforts have made a significant impact on our community. Over nearly two decades, Melba has been a changemaker within South Florida, starting her journey as a volunteer for Pride celebrations in New York City, before dedicating herself fully to the LGBTQAI+ community upon moving to South Florida 19 years ago. Today, Melba continues her invaluable work as a board member of Pridelines, Unity Coalition, and FlockFest, in addition to her vital role as a volunteer at Poverello. Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment, Melba has helped to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQAI+ individuals, ensuring that essential services, resources, and celebration of our community’s diversity persist and thrive. Melba’s unwavering dedication has not only helped stock our food pantry through an amazing deal brokered with Poverello and Pridelines, but she continually inspires us with her forward-thinking approach to community support and uplifting our peers. Whether she’s attending local events or making an impact alongside board member Matthew Dzwonkiewicz at every program that supports the LGBTQAI+ community, Melba is always at the forefront, making a difference. Melba, we’re proud to work alongside you, and thank you for everything you do for Pridelines and the LGBTQAI+ community! #Pridelines #BoardLeadership #LGBTQAI+ #CommunityService #HonoringService #SouthFlorida

Very excited and grateful for Christoph Babka's leadership. This is much needed initiative in our community!