WMNF’s Mission Calendar
Because WMNF values the diverse and rich community that is Tampa Bay, we have made a point to focus on a different sub-topic of our mission statement each month of the year. You can hear this reflected from our music choices on air, to the news stories we bring to you.
JUNE: PRIDE
ORIGIN
On June 28th, 1969, the Stonewall Uprisings began at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village New York. It was in reaction to police conducting raids at gay bars because homosexuality was illegal in most states. There were six days of protests and uprisings, and it is credited with starting the modern-day gay liberation effort.
The first Gay Pride March took place on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings. In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” after two decades of efforts to raise awareness and combat hatred and ignorance.
Important dates that are recognized during Pride Month:
June 12, 2016: a gunman killed 49 people and injured 53 more at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. Police later killed the gunman. The City of Orlando later bought the site and is building a memorial on the site that is hoped to open in 2027.
June 15: Anniversary of U.S. Supreme Court Bostock decision expanding protections to LGBTQ employees. The 2020 ruling holds that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on sexual orientation and transgender status.
June 26: this year is the 11th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This date is often celebrated as LGBTQ+ Equality Day because it coincides with three historic Supreme Court victories for queer rights.
GET INVOLVED
eqfl.org – Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. They focus on changing Florida through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building to end harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Executive Director: Stratton Pollitzer
pflagtampa.org – PFLAG Tampa holds support meetings on the first Monday of the month, 5:30-7:30pm in space generously provided by Capital One Café, 700 S Village Cir Suite #150 Suite 150, Tampa. Support meetings are free and all are welcome. Email: PFLAG.Tampa@gmail.com for more information.
thetrevorproject.org – The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. It provides information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round. 1-866-488-7386.
communitytampabay.org –The Anytown program started in 1991 and cultivates inclusive leaders. The program is 5 days/4 nights and helps young adults understand what makes us who we are and how to deal with the differences of others. Quenita Oats, CEO of Community Tampa Bay is willing to talk to someone live or on tape about their Anytown program. Her number is 262-617-6277.
WMNF PROGRAMMING:
The Big Gay Radio Show — Tampa Bay’s only radio program dedicated exclusively to the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by Esmé Russell, Chris Gorman, Bryan Hinkson, and Vyn Suazion. The show delivers timely and insightful coverage of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals locally and nationwide. Each week, Claire Elisan provides in-depth LGBTQIA+ news reporting, while Joanna Grosso keeps the community informed with a comprehensive events calendar, “Jo on the Go”. Join us as we explore the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape LGBTQIA+ life in Tampa Bay and beyond. After-Show available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
PRIDE EVENTS
St. Pete Pride Kickoff Weekend – Grand Central Street Fair: May 29 from 5 – 10PM in the Grand Central District on Central Ave.
Pride Flag Raising – May 31st, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dunedin City Hall
Pride in the Park Family Day – May 31st, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dunedin Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Dunedin, FL.
Family Day on the St. Pete Pier – Sunday, June 7, 2o26. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 600 2nd Ave. NE, Family-focused activities, vendors and live local entertainment
Big Gay Bingo – Monday, June 8th, starting at 8pm. Hosted by Alexis De La Mer! Cocktail St Pete is located at 2355 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, 33713 It’s Drag Bingo in benefit of WMNF Community Radio, with support from Chris and Bryan of WMNF’s Big Gay Radio Show!! All BINGO and other event proceeds to benefit WMNF 88.5FM Community Radio.
Stonewall Reception – Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Urban Stillhouse, 2232 5th Ave. South, St. Pete. Celebrates the history of the LGBTQ+ movement.
Shades of Pride – Friday, June 19, 2026, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Morean Arts Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. St, Petersburg. Panel Discussions, ballroom dance demonstration, cultural food and cocktails.
Transtatic – Thursday, June 25, 2026, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the James Museum, 150 Central Ave. Celebrate St. Pete’s Trans and Non-Binary community.
SPOTIFY SONG LIST
How are you celebrating Pride this year? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story in the comments on this page or leave a message on our testimonial line at 855-239-1558.