The Paseo Boricua Pageant—which Vida/SIDA sponsored and Paul Lopez hosted—brought attention Vida/SIDA’s LGBT homeless youth shelter in the process. Alexis Mateo and Yara Sofia, who both have appeared on the Logo show as well, performed throughout the evening while activists Juan Calderon and Rick Garcia spoke of Puerto Rican pride and HIV prevention. Jose E. Lopez, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, closed the show after the coronation with a few words about the organization.
Also, there was a collage of pictures on display to honor the recent passing of Miss Ketty, who was honored in the pageant in 2008.
The Puerto Rican Parade followed the next day on Columbus Drive, with Wild and friends featured on one of the many floats. Photos and text by Jerry Nunn