Miss Bouvèé gives rainbow crosswalk bricks a new purpose for Pride
Miss Bouvèé is turning bricks from Miami Beach’s removed rainbow crosswalk into donations for Naples Pride and Key West Pride.
A fabulous Florida drag performer is giving a dismantled LGBTQ+ landmark a new purpose, turning bricks from Miami Beach’s former rainbow crosswalk into a fundraiser for local Pride celebrations.
Eric Swanson, known as Miss Bouvèé, acquired 50 bricks from the crossing at 12th Street and Ocean Drive through a city auction. Supporters can receive a brick in exchange for donations starting at $250, with proceeds benefiting Naples Pride and Key West Pride.
The campaign has separate targets of $15,000 for Naples Pride and $7,500 for Key West Pride. Options include individual bricks, rainbow-painted designs and framed sets with commemorative plaques.
Preserving history while funding Pride
Installed in November 2018, the crosswalk became a visible symbol of LGBTQ+ pride in Miami Beach. It was removed in October 2025 after Florida officials ordered street art to be taken off public roadways. Some bricks were reused in a nearby pedestrian area, while others went to auction.
Miss Bouvèé chose the two Pride organisations because smaller celebrations can struggle to secure corporate sponsorship. The money raised for Key West Pride is intended to help fund its performance stage, production costs and paid work for local performers.
The fundraiser also comes amid wider concerns about restrictions on public funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Florida.
For supporters, the bricks offer a tangible piece of LGBTQ+ history while helping future Pride events take place. As Miss Bouvèé wrote on Instagram, “This is a part of our history.”
How to support the fundraiser
Visit the fabulous Miss Bouvèé’s Instagram account, @missbouvee, for information on requesting a brick and donating to the two Pride organisations.
Image credits - Missbouvee Instagram
