ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of families came out to St. Pete Pride’s Family Day for a kid-friendly celebration of Pride on Sunday.
“It’s a place for everyone to be who they are, come as their authentic self and be celebrated,” said mother Wendy Vernon.
“We want every family to know that regardless of your make up, you matter,” said Darius Lightsey, board secretary for St. Pete Pride.
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The event brought together local resources and vendors, which Vernon said goes a long way.
“We’ve got things for kids to do,” said Vernon. “Nobody’s talking about anything inappropriate. It’s just all about celebration and having a good time.”
St. Pete Pride President Byron Green-Calisch said the celebration is all about love. Adding that, for kids growing up feeling like they’re different, he said it helps to have a community.
“Right now, so many of our kids are feeling so lonely and disconnected, especially on the tail of growing up in COVID, so this is giving them the chance to connect with kids who have similar experiences.”
“Everyone can learn from one another,” said Vernon. “You have people that have been out and proud for several years, and you have some that are newly coming out or questioning, and it’s nice to find that support and connection with each other.”
This year’s celebration comes just as federal and state-ordered funding cuts to DEI programs and events go into effect.
“Pride was born out of resistance,” said Green-Calisch. “It is a riot. It is an act of social protest, living out loud is more important now than ever before.”
Green-Calisch said they have to raise between $300K and $400K to keep their organization running through the year, and ready for the next Pride month.
“There will always be a Pride,” said Green-Calisch. “How it looks, how big it is, how flashy it is, the giveaways that we have, those might change, but we will always have Pride.”
St. Pete Pride has events scheduled throughout the month of June.
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