Local leaders celebrate ‘incredible’ Pride Weekend

Sweltering heat and looming storms could not keep an estimated 300,000 people from descending upon the downtown waterfront Saturday for the 22^nd annual St. Pete Pride Parade.

Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ parade is the centerpiece of Pride Weekend, which began Friday with a concert at Jannus Live and concluded Sunday with the family-friendly Grand Central Street Fair. Before the celebrations, Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, president of St. Pete Pride’s board of directors, stressed the importance of “joy as resistance” among the community and those who identify as straight.

“That’s one of the biggest joys I’ve had in this position – not only creating spaces for queer people but creating spaces where our allies and our accomplices feel welcomed to celebrate with us,” Green-Calisch told the Catalyst.

He and his fellow organizers accomplished that mission over the weekend. Here is a sampling of social media posts from local leaders who attended the events to support gay pride and the freedom to express it in public.

“What an incredible weekend celebrating Pride in St. Pete!” wrote Mayor Ken Welch. “The festivities showcased the true spirit of our community – vibrant, joyful and inclusive. Seeing everyone come together … left me hopeful about our future and the possibility of achieving equity for all.”

The City of St. Petersburg operated a booth, and a large contingent of officials marched in “another AMAZING” parade.

Councilmember Gina Driscoll basked in the “joyful celebration.” She posed for a picture with a naturally occurring rainbow as the backdrop with Councilmember Richie Floyd and Jim Nixon, former LGBTQ+ liaison and director of the St. Pete Service Center.

Councilmember Copley Gerdes invited Stephen Riordan, a longtime friend and ally, to march in the parade. Riordan said the day reminded him of “why I love this city so much.”

“Thank you, St. Pete,” he added. “I’m so proud to be a part of this place.”

Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders shared self-portraits with Mayor Ken Welch, Rep. Michelle Rayner, Mike Jefferis, community enrichment administrator, and several other colleagues in City Hall. “Today was a good day,” she wrote.

Rep. Lindsay Cross called Saturday’s parade the “most joyful day of the year.” She also thanked the myriad volunteers who “joined our team to celebrate love.”

Driscoll also attended the Grand Central Street Fair. “Plenty of friends and love for all,” she captioned Sunday.