March 2018 Issue #15 March 2018 Issue #15, 4GUYS | Page 49

Rafa Carvajal: What is your role with Winter Party Festival?
Stephen Seo: I am the Festival Chair, overseeing the volunteer organization and
serving as the lead liaison between the National LGBTQ Task Force staff and
volunteers.
RC: Why is Winter Party Festival so important for the Task Force and the LGBTQ
community?
SS: 100% of the proceeds from Winter Party Festival go back to fund the work of
LGBTQ advocacy community groups in South Florida and the National LGBTQ
Task Force. The Task Force works every day to fight for freedom, justice and
quality. They mobilize millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world
where you can be you.
RC: What should attendees expect at this year’s 25th anniversary Winter Party
Festival?
SS: Guests should expect this year’s Festival to be one created just for them.
The Winter Party Planning Committee took the beginning of this season to listen
to our guests and understand how we could improve their Winter Party experi-
ence. We’re making huge changes, including introducing all-new Saturday and
Sunday parties at the James L. Knight Center. This means more space to dance
and bigger production as part of our partnership with Masterbeat.
Winter Party veterans know and love the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, so we’re
thrilled to go home to the Surfcomber as our host hotel. In addition to our legend-
ary Under One Sun Pool Party on Saturday, March 3, there are two additional
poolside events: a tea dance on Thursday, March 1 and a special Winter Party
Vagabundos Pool Party on Friday, March 2.
Last year, the crowd loved DJs Rosabel at The Beach Party. For the 25th edition,
they are returning for an encore set accompanied by superstar DJ Grind for a
special extended 8-hour event.
RC: Describe WPF in three words.
SS: One massive celebration!
RC: How is Winter Party planning to celebrate its 25th-year-anniversary mile-
stone?
SS: We celebrate every year like a milestone year. The guest experience is of
utmost importance and the 2 5th edition will certainly have its standout moments.
We booked our guests’ favorite DJs, secured the best venues in Miami, and part-
nered with amazing producers and promoters to ensure an enhanced experience
both on and off the dance floor.
RC: What is the significance of reaching 25 years of the Festival?
SS: In 1994, four volunteers produced the first Winter Party to raise money to
fight for the rights of LGBTQ people. 25 years later, we’re still fighting for our
rights. We’ve seen with just one election how everything can change. We still
need to keep fighting and we need to keep dancing.
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