Ricardo Bran, administrative officer: “Is this a rhetorical question? Why are straight people proud to be straight? I am gay period, end of story. People may like it, people may not.”

Max Brava, artist and author: “I am proud to be LGBT because of the wave of solidarity sweeping the nation as we are all fighting for a common cause. — equality! To achieve those things that have been so painfully absent from our lives: marriage equality, immigration equality, and all the rights that come along with them.”

Karen Brown, LGBT Visitor Center executive director: “It’s as exciting a time as it was for those at Stonewall, history is being made right now, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate being LGBT than at our own Miami Beach Gay Pride enjoying it’s fifth fabulous year!”

Geo Bustamante, web designer and editor: "I’m proud to be gay, because standing up for who you are, even when society is trying to bring you down, is definitively something to feel proud of! Be proud and don’t let anyone bring you down! "

Anthony Cabrera, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus artistic director: “I am proud to be gay in a time when true equality is not just on the horizon, but down the street; a time when I am sure my family and the family of countless others will be recognized and valued in the eyes of the society we engage with and love.”

Gino Campodonico, Adrienne Arsht Center publicist: "I am able to be myself in a society that is finally starting to understand and celebrate differences. I am proud to be part of a generation that is seeing change — a generation that will not let our rights be shoved aside until we are all equal."

Octavio Campos, performance artist: “I am proud to be Gay in 2013 because of the passion behind every attempt at making sure our community has equal rights in this world. The strides that have been made since my coming out almost 25 years ago are miraculous and I applaud Miami and all it's residents for creating a truly fluid place that I am proud to call home.”

Ivan Cano, Miami Beach Gay Pride executive director: “I am proud to be gay because I am able to be express myself anytime.”

Brad Carlson, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund treasurer: "I’m proud to be living in a country whose laws and policies are finally beginning to match its core principles. We still have a long way to go, but for the first time, I can see the real possibility that LGBT people will achieve full equality under the law in my lifetime."

Franc Castro, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival executive director: “I am proud to be gay because it has taught me that we should celebrate our individuality and find comfort in our commonalities.”

John Challenor, Phonedoctor.com: “I truly feel free to be me now that I see so many openly gay candidates running for political office right here in our own community.”

Jerry Chasen, attorney: “I’ve never been more proud. I look back on the last 15-20 years, and can trace the drive towards equality. And I know I had some part in it. As have we all."

Kim Cohane, businesswoman: “I’m proud to be LGBT because it’s an incredibly evolving and diverse community. From the artists to community leaders, their life’s mission of giving back inspired me at an early age to see community involvement as a way of life. My life is richer because of the friendships and connections I’ve made in the LGBT community.”