Naples Pride is taking legal action against the city of Naples and the police department over restrictions placed on this year’s Pride Fest.
The lawsuit comes after the city approved this year’s Pride Fest with two conditions: the drag show has to stay indoors at the Norris Center, and it must be 18 and up.
Naples Pride says that’s unconstitutional — and that the drag show has always been a big part of the festival. It used to take place outside on the Cambier Park stage, until 2023.
“And the community wasn't happy with that. So, we made a promise then to our supporters that we would do everything we can to get it back on the main stage,” said Callhan Soldavini, a board member with the Naples Pride Center. "So when we hear a lot of blatant attacks that drag is striptease or drag is inherently lewd or sexual, I think that's really just blatant misinformation and not willing to recognize that just like any other medium of art, it can be tailored to all ages."
The lawsuit also challenges what Naples Pride says are excessive security fees.
In 2024, the nonprofit was charged $15,520.00. This year, the city is asking for $44,160.00 to host the drag show outside, or $30,697.50 if it remains indoors.
Naples police say the increased cost is due to safety concerns and the need for a stronger police presence because of potential protests.
“As a small nonprofit organization that uses the funds that we raise from Naples Pride Festival, we can't be asked to spend those funds that literally keep the doors to our center open, that provide free mental health resources to the LGBTQ community, to everybody,” Soldavini said.
City council members Terry Hutchison and Bill Kramer both supported keeping the performance indoors back in January.
“I can tell you a drag show in Cambier Park is not small town feel and charm. For that reason, I cannot support this. And if it comes back, I'm not going to support it at all just because I think it's disingenuous,” Kramer said.
“So I'm not here to negotiate on this event. I believe it's wrong for our community in several different ways,” Hutchison added.
The city has until April 30 to respond to the lawsuit. A judge is scheduled to hear oral arguments on May 2.
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