Meet Nelida: Living and Loving Life Unapologetically

THE BASICS:

Nelida is a Black, Afro-Latinx, non-binary, queer feminist and 100% in love with life. Born in Puerto Rico to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, they moved around all of Miami-Dade County throughout their lifetime. Once featured in National Geographic: Women A Century of Change for highlighting their battle with suicide, Nelida often tells this story in hopes that their own vulnerability can open communication to help people in crisis. Nelida is a strong advocate for marginalized and disenfranchised folk as well as helping humans who face homelessness.

By existing unapologetically through art and poetry Nelida seeks to constantly make those around her more comfortable with living their truths. Nelida works with the National Pilates Certification Program and volunteers with various organizations including the Miami Worker’s Center, Planned Parenthood, Florida For All Coalition, Choose Love Foundation among many others rooted and centered in Black Liberation, Housing Justice and Reproductive Rights. In her free time, Nelida likes to write, create using different mediums like watercolors, practice Muay Thai and read as many books as her brain can absorb.

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PROFILE:

Pronoun: They/Them/Their

Gender Identity: Gender Fluid

Sexual Identity: Pansexual

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

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What do you hope to accomplish as a face of pride?

I hope to be able to bring my story and face to the forefront and ensure that people of pride know that humans like us exist and we’re beautiful in all of our complexities.

Why is being a Faces of Pride important to you?

It features real humans that represent our city. It’s a celebration as beautiful as the rainbow of humans, their stories and their complexities.

Who is your Celebrity Crush?

Indya Moore

What is your ultimate travel destination?

Switzerland

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Does Loki count, Loki

What sport did you try and FAIL at as a child?

I won at sports? Basketball

If you had a boat, what would you name it?

Usain Boat

What show on Netflix did you binge watch embarrassingly fast?

The Politician

If you could create one holiday, what would you create?

Climate Crisis Day- kind of like when the pandemic began and the air started to clear. A day where televisions only display how much carbon monoxide is in the air and plastic in the oceans and invites climate scientists to educate us.

If you could pick one job to do forever (and be guaranteed all the money you need), what job would it be?

Sociologist

"Humans like us exist and we’re beautiful in all of our complexities."

- Nelida Esther Jean-Baptiste

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ABOUT THE FACES OF PRIDE

Miami Beach Pride and Dr. Brandt have joined forces to create a powerful campaign centered around inclusivity and diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. Faces of Pride highlights the beautiful diversity within our community. We are committed to celebrating everyday people who make the LGBTQ+ community so amazing and colorful. Not only are we looking for truly unique faces, we are interested in hearing your stories and understanding your experience and lifestyle.

Miami Beach Pride continuously seeks to reach beyond the status quo and push the boundaries set by society. Our faces are committed to sending a clear message to underrepresented communities that we honor their humanity and cherish their existence.

Stay up-to-date on the unique journey of all of our Faces of Pride. Click here to learn more!