“For many in our community, these lights are meant to be a reminder that they are not alone,” the executive director of Winter Pride said.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete will be covered with rainbow-color lights in February to give visibility to the LGBTQ+ community as part of Winter Pride celebrations.
Winter Pride Saint Pete said Thursday that for three nights next month — Feb. 19 to 21 — the city’s skyline will be illuminated by a large-scale rainbow laser display.
What organizers of Winter Pride are calling “Global Rainbow: We Rise in Light,” involves using beams of light which will be projected from atop the Mari Jean Hotel on Central Avenue. Organizers say this will be visible from 60 miles away.
The laser installation will be provided by Global Rainbow, led by Yvette Mattern, who has illuminated cities across the world, from Berlin to New York City to Mexico City, with rainbow lasers.
Winter Pride said in a statement that last year’s removal of the iconic rainbow crosswalk on Central Avenue in St. Pete resonated deeply with the community.
“This is about more than one crosswalk,” said Rob Hall, executive director of Winter Pride Saint Pete. “It’s about the growing voices in Tallahassee and Washington that are actively trying to erase LGBTQIA+ people from public life. This is our response. We are choosing light over fear, visibility over silence, and love over erasure.”
“For many in our community, these lights are meant to be a reminder that they are not alone,” Hall added. “This is a project we’re building together, and we’re inviting others to help us bring it to life.”
The light installation will take place within a broader event and received funding from Inclusive Care Group, but organizers say the project is not fully funded and additional support is required to deliver the installation as planned.
Winter Pride Saint Pete will be held from Feb. 15 to 22. According to organizers, it will feature events, performances, community gatherings, and other experiences across the city. On Feb. 19, organizers will host a launch gathering event for the lights display, beginning at 5 p.m.
“The public is invited to gather in front of the Mari Jean Hotel, 2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, as the city is illuminated in light, color, and pride,” organizers said.
“This project reflects the heart of St. Petersburg and the strength of its community,” David Fischer said. Fischer owns and operates the Mari Jean Hotel and is also a board member of Winter Pride Saint Pete.
Winter Pride Saint Pete launched last year. Organizers say 57,000 people attended the celebration during their first year.
Winter Pride Saint Pete is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and you can learn more about the celebration and how to support here. Donors will have the opportunity to meet the leadership of Winter Pride during a pre-event gathering.