Beaches. World-class nightclubs. Thousands of lesbians. Aqua Girl is Miami’s iconic, signature event celebrating the LGBTQ community, now marking its 20th year anniversary.
Taking place from October 3rd to October 6th, 2019, Aqua Girl festivities will celebrate lesbianism while benefiting the Aqua Foundation for Women, which provides funding, support, and programs that empower and transform the lives of thousands of LGBTQ individuals in South Florida.
The event is boasting some notable talents as headliners to draw lesbians in, not only from across the country, but from across the globe. Visitors from Europe, South America and Canada are only a few of the places that make the big pilgrimage to South Beach each summer.
THE TALENT
Nearly a household name on the lesbian scene, Aqua Girl boasts some major talent, with headliners such as Jackie Cruz (aka “Flaca” from Netflix’s hit series Orange is the New Black), Rose Garcia, DJ Citizen Jane, DJ Pat Pat, DJ Zehno, DJ Whitney Abstrakt, DJ Gigi, and countless influencers in attendance.
During the daytime, everyone heads to the poolside party at the host hotel, the Marseilles, on South Beach. On Friday, the Dulce Dance Party goes all night at the Pearl Lounge on the world-famous Nikki Beach, where Cruz is slated to perform. Saturday’s party, The Future is Female, takes the crowd to Treehouse where the music doesn’t stop until 4 a.m. The weekend is sure set to be the ultimate celebration as thousands of women party, swim, dance and play together.
THE CAUSE
The production is led by Pandora Events, a powerhouse promotions company with Alison Burgos, Amy Alonso and Yesenia Leon at the helm.
Over the past two decades, the company has been responsible for launching other notable events such as Girls in Wonderland in Orlando, and the Women’s White Party. All of their events promote inclusion, acceptance, and they work with several local foundations as well as HRC, Care Resource, NVEEE, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Pandora Events donates over $30,000 a year to these worthy causes focused on championing LGBTQ rights.
THE PEOPLE
“I loved the Miami vibe of it, everyone is just so cool and accepting. Last year was my first year and I can’t imagine not coming to Miami Beach every year for this,” said Michelle, who is flying from Puerto Rico to attend the festivities.
Janet, from Cuba, has another story to tell. “I have two kids, and I go to Aqua Girl as the ultimate pleasure trip. I want to forget about my everyday responsibilities and just be free – and fall in love for the weekend.”
Oyku and Darleen have been together for more than a decade and make the pilgrimage from Tampa to Miami almost every year for Aqua Girl. “Nothing compares to this environment, this scenery,” says Oyku. “We can just be ourselves, there’s really nothing else like it.”
“Everyone is just so warm and accepting,” says Darleen.