The history of The Betsy’s celebration of and commitment to the LGBTQ community is too long and rich to fit in the introduction to a blog post. (But you can read about it here). In the meantime, join us as we celebrate Pride 2020 - from the front-row seats of our Ocean Drive location, on our walls, in our Writers’ Room, on our Poetry Rail, and elsewhere. You could say Pride is taking over The Betsy.
A major exhibition of work by photographer Andy Sweet
Andrew John Sweet (1953 – 1982) was an American photographer known for his documentary photography and street photography. He grew up on South Beach and attended Miami Beach High School. He photographed the life and residents of South Beach, and his work was immortalized in an award-winning movie called, The Last Resort. The show was curated by The Betsy’s co-owner, Lesley Goldwasser in collaboration with renowned circus acrobat Ed Christin.
A commissioned poem by Richard Blanco
Richard Blanco (b. 1968) is the first immigrant, the first Latino, the first openly gay person and the youngest person to be the U.S. inaugural poet. The Betsy Hotel in partnership with the Andy Sweet Legacy Project commissioned a new poem from him about Andy Sweet's life, that is installed as part of the exhibition. Copies of the poem will be available to the public on the front desk of the Hotel, throughout Miami Beach Pride 2020.
(Four) Pride Poets Light the Night
The work of LGBTQ poets, Langston Hughes (1901-67), Carlos Pintado (b. 1974), Richard Blanco (b. 1968), Julie Marie Wade (b. 1979) will be illuminated on The Betsy Poetry Rail as part of Pride Lights the Night, from March 30 to April 5. This is part of a city-wide Tribute to PULSE where buildings and structures throughout Greater Miami will be lit with rainbow colors or fly rainbow flags in remembrance of the PULSE victims. The Façades of The Betsy – on Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive - will also be illuminated.
Teraj and Barry Hoy in Residence
Singer, music producer, songwriter and model Teraj and freelance travel writer for OUT Magazine, Swagger Magazine, View the Vibe Barry Hoy, will be visiting creatives at The Betsy Hotel for the entire run of Miami Beach Pride 2020, March 30 to April 5, 2020.
