The success quickly spawned other locations, and though they all shuttered in the early '90s, plenty of modern-day bathhouses claim Club Baths heritage.Ĭhrist Metropolitan Church was founded as a congregation for gay and lesbian Christians in Miami. He started the first Club Baths in 1965 by purchasing and remodeling a Finnish bathhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Campbell was an active member of the Mattachine Society, an early gay activist movement during the repressive 1950s and early '60s. The gay bathhouse was a place where men could enjoy typical spa amenities such as saunas and steambaths. Campbell opened the Miami branch of the Club Baths more than 40 years ago.
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In anticipation of the fest this weekend, New Times presents the ten most memorable moments in Miami's gay history: Grand marshal is radio host and DJ Elvis Duran. Spring ushers in not only a change in the weather but also the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival and annual parade, returning for the eighth year. Last year's festivities attracted more than 100,000 attendees over three days, and nothing less is expected this year. From 1977's Save Our Children campaign to today's weekly Sunday drag brunches, the LGBT community has come a long way, so there's plenty to celebrate. Although the procession is a recently adopted South Florida tradition, the gay community has always been an active part of the cultural melting pot. In Miami, locals have been marching on Ocean Drive only since 2009. In most cities, gay pride parades have a long history tied to decades of activism and celebration.