Miami Beach to Unveil Joe Tom Easley Plaque in Pride Park

Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is set to unveil a commemorative plaque to honor the remarkable life and legacy of the late LGBTQ and human rights activist Joe Tom Easley. The ceremony will take place on Monday, March 3 at 4 p.m. in Pride Park at 19 St and Meridian Ave.

“Joe Tom Easley was a tireless advocate for fairness and justice,” shared Miami Beach El alcalde Steven Meiner. “His work not only changed the lives of countless individuals but also strengthened the very foundation of our community.”

Easley, who passed away in February of 2022, was also an attorney and passionate advocate for historic preservation. Throughout his life, he worked relentlessly to promote equality, justice and fairness, becoming a leading national figure in both the civil rights and LGBTQ movements. He helped shape significant social changes, most notably with respect to the repeal of the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that prevented gay men and lesbians from openly serving.

“Joe Tom’s life exemplified the best of who we are as a city — welcoming, compassionate and committed to progress,” added Vice Mayor Tanya Katzoff Bhatt. “He fought not only for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals but also for the preservation of our shared history. The plaque to be unveiled at Pride Park will serve as a permanent reminder of Easley’s unwavering dedication to justice, equality and historic preservation.”

A Texas native, Easley was raised in a small farming community. As a young man, he worked as a DJ and sports announcer. He became an advocate for the rights of LGBTQ service members after serving in the Navy.

After earning his law degree from the University of Texas, he became an influential leader in the Southern Regional Council, where he monitored government discrimination against African American communities. He later worked in Europe, led major investigations of pharmaceutical price-fixing, and even risked his safety to smuggle a friend’s precious family photos out of the former Communist-controlled Czech Republic.

In 2003, Easley and his partner, Peter Freiberg, were among the first American couples to legally marry in Canada after more than two decades together. Their union, later recognized in this country when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, symbolized the resilience of their love and commitment.

Easley’s work with Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Servicemembers' Legal Defense Network was instrumental in advancing LGBTQ legal rights, particularly in the U.S. military. His many accomplishments included efforts to bring an injured Iraqi child to the U.S. for medical treatment during the Iraq War.

Easley’s advocacy also extended into historic preservation. He served for many years on the board of directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, advocating for the protection of Miami Beach’s historic architecture.

“Joe Tom Easley’s impact reached far beyond Miami Beach, but here in our city, we are proud to honor his legacy and ensure that his contributions are never forgotten,” said Commissioner Laura Dominguez.

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