The W&M Washington Center and the Crim Dell Association invite you to gather with us to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month, 2026! Hear from historian Jay Watkins, Ph.D. as he brings to life a little-known story of queer resistance in the American South, a few words from NoVA Prism Center’s Executive Director Leon van der Goetz, followed by a reception with food, drinks, and community.

Jay will walk us through the story of an early queer society as detailed in his book Queering the Redneck Riviera: Sexuality and the Rise of Florida Tourism.

“In 1965, a group of LGBTQ+ friends in Pensacola, Florida, decided to host a small beach party on the Fourth of July. By 1972, the annual party had grown to a full weekend convention that drew 5,000 people to the beaches of Pensacola. Though the theme changed every year, the organizers were always explicit about the point of the gathering: “We’re Americans. This is our Fourth too.” The friends of Miss Emma Jones claimed space in North Florida as queer people at a time when doing so was dangerous. Before Stonewall and before the first Pride marches, they made it clear that they belonged in America.”

Our keynote reflects on what queer history shows about the power of gathering and community. This celebration continues that tradition by bringing people together to foster hope and strengthen connection.