(Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent)<\/p>\n
The inaugural Winter Pride<\/a> welcomed an estimated 57,000 people to St. Petersburg last year. Originally presented in partnership with the Grand Central District<\/a>, that success led organizers to form an independent nonprofit<\/a> while planning this year\u2019s return, set for Feb. 15-22.<\/p>\n Executive Director Rob Hall<\/a> called it \u201ca critical milestone\u201d for the organization. Becoming a nonprofit strengthened Winter Pride\u2019s \u201cability to build trust, deepen relationships and invite ongoing support from individuals, businesses and institutions who share our values \u2026 making it possible to grow and sustain our work meaningfully,\u201d he told Watermark Out News<\/a>.<\/p>\n In addition to Hall, that work is guided by six other volunteers: Gabe Alves<\/a>, Aron Tomko, Evelyn Long<\/a>, David Fischer<\/a>, Kaycee Smith and Frank Clemente. He says the group represents \u201ca thoughtful mix of creatives, business leaders and community advocates who care deeply about visibility, inclusion and impact.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir leadership has helped guide Winter Pride with clarity, compassion and accountability,\u201d Hall continues. \u201cThere is a shared belief in the mission and a collective commitment to building something lasting for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s evident through Winter Pride\u2019s work. Organizers have been an active part of St. Petersburg since last year\u2019s inaugural event, like when the Florida Department of Transportation threatened to remove the city\u2019s Progressive Pride street mural.<\/p>\n Hall was among the prominent voices at a City Council meeting last year, urging officials to push back against state overreach. He spoke both as executive director and as a representative of Pour Behavior, the group behind LGBTQ+ businesses\u00a0Cocktail<\/a>,\u00a0The Wet Spot<\/a> and\u00a0Mari Jean Hotel<\/a> owned by Fischer. The venues are focal points during Winter Pride and more.<\/p>\n \u201cFriends, family and visitors are hesitant about coming to Florida because of the political climate \u2014 and when they ask us if it\u2019s safe here, we tell them yes,\u201d he told city council<\/a>. \u201cSt. Pete is a bubble. We are the safe space \u2026 but it\u2019s not just our words that tell them that, it\u2019s the art in our streets.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the mural that greets them before they ever speak to a single person. It\u2019s that silent, powerful message that says, \u2018This city is for you. You belong here,\u2019\u201d he continued. \u201cIf we remove these murals, we\u2019re not just painting over streets. We\u2019re erasing part of the identity and the promise of who we are, and the world is watching to see what we decide.\u201d<\/p>\n While Florida ultimately removed the mural<\/a>, Winter Pride was among the first to celebrate the city\u2019s installation of 11 Pride-inspired bike racks<\/a> at the site. The organization also made it clear they were here to stay after Tampa Pride announced a one-year hiatus in 2026; a new celebration, organized by Pride of Tampa<\/a>, will fill the gap next month.<\/p>\n Hall called Tampa Pride\u2019s decision<\/a> \u201ca reminder of the political and economic challenges facing Pride events across Florida.\u201d He stressed that Pride \u201cbrings visibility, joy and connection, [creating] safe spaces when they\u2019re needed most.\u201d<\/p>\n To that end, Winter Pride announced \u201cGlobal Rainbow: We Rise in Light\u201d<\/a> last month. The LGBTQ+-focused laser installation is scheduled to illuminate St. Petersburg\u2019s skyline during this year\u2019s celebration.<\/p>\n \u201cPowerful beams of light will shine from atop the Mari Jean Hotel on Central Avenue, visible for up to 60 miles, sending a bold message of visibility, resilience and belonging across our region,\u201d Winter Pride shared. \u201cFor our community, these lights are about more than beauty.\u00a0They are a response. A reminder. A statement. They say: You belong. You matter. You are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Hall says the installation is about more than the removal of St. Petersburg\u2019s mural, however, pointing toward anti-LGBTQ+ attacks state and nationwide.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about the growing voices in Tallahassee and Washington that are actively trying to erase LGBTQIA+ people from public life,\u201d he explains. \u201cThis is our response. We are choosing light over fear, visibility over silence and love over erasure.\u201d<\/p>\n Fundraising is still underway for the project, which Winter Pride says requires $40,000. The first major contribution came from Inclusive Care Group<\/a>.<\/p>\n ICG Founder Dr. Antonio Luis<\/a> says the organization was eager to support Winter Pride\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a gay physician, I know that visibility is not symbolic; it is essential. When LGBTQ+ pride flags were erased from public spaces, it sent a message that our lives and our identities are disposable. We refuse that narrative,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n \u201cSupporting Winter Pride and the Global Rainbow installation is our way of responding with light, with art and with joy,\u201d Luis continues. \u201cInclusive Care Group proudly contributed to help bring the Global Rainbow to the sky as a reminder that our community will not be silenced or erased. Pride is resistance. Visibility is healthcare. And we will always show up, loud, proud and together.\u201d<\/p>\n The installation will be led by Yvette Mattern. The artist\u2019s large-scale laser works have appeared in New York, Miami, London, Provincetown, Las Vegas and Berlin.<\/p>\n \u201cThroughout my work around the world, I\u2019ve learned that light carries meaning far beyond aesthetics,\u201d Mattern told Watermark Out News last month. \u201cIn moments when communities are pushed into silence, light becomes a form of presence and protest.<\/p>\n \u201cBringing Global Rainbow to Winter Pride \u2026 is about refusing to disappear, choosing visibility over fear, and reminding people that even in dark moments, we can still be seen,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Hall calls the project \u201cone of the most meaningful initiatives Winter Pride has undertaken.\u201d A kickoff event is scheduled for Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. at Cocktail before the lighting takes place at dusk. It will shine each evening through Feb. 21 from dusk until 3 a.m.<\/p>\n Festivities kicked off before then Feb. 15 from 12-5 p.m. in the Grand Central District. Over 125 vendors filled Central Ave. between 22nd and 25th St. for Winter Pride\u2019s opening street festival.<\/p>\n Hall said it set \u201cthe tone for the entire celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s free, accessible, highly visible and welcoming, making it the perfect way to open Winter Pride,\u201d he noted ahead of time. \u201cThis year, we\u2019re also spreading our two largest outdoor events across two different weekends, giving people more flexibility to attend one or both events and enjoy them during some of the best weather of the year. It creates more opportunities for people to gather, celebrate and truly experience Winter Pride at their own pace.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to local favorites, attendees enjoyed performances from headliners Angeria Paris VanMichaels and Lydia B. Kollins of \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race.\u201d Hall says performers across the entire week reflect \u201cthe diversity, creativity and heart of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n Kaleidoscope: A Colorful Evening of the Arts will follow Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. The adults-only arts fundraiser will be held at freeFall Theatre and features \u201cPrismatic: An Exploration of Color and Pride.\u201d Tickets are $35 plus fees.<\/p>\n The multimedia drag experience is an original production by Daphne Ferraro<\/a>, Enigma\u2019s entertainment director. She\u2019ll be joined by fellow fan favorites Vyn Suazion<\/a>, Veronica Foxx<\/a>, KC Starrz, Fatalya and Conundrum.<\/p>\n \u201cI am incredibly excited to present this one-night-only event for Winter Pride!\u201d Ferraro says. \u201c\u2018Prismatic\u2019 is not just another show; it\u2019s a heartfelt tribute to our rich LGBTQ+ history and the beauty of diversity.<\/p>\n \u201cOur talented cast, featuring St. Pete\u2019s cherished local artists, is coming together in a powerful display of unity and love. Expect an unforgettable evening filled with live singing, breathtaking performances, custom tunes and lots of magical surprises that reflect our shared journey,\u201d she continues. \u201cThis is a moment to honor our vibrant community and celebrate the incredible power of coming together through art! I could not be more excited to share this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly grateful to collaborate with Daphne and freeFall Theatre,\u201d Hall adds. \u201cDaphne wrote this production specifically for Winter Pride after we were inspired by her earlier work, \u2018The Evolution of Drag: Drag Through the Decades.\u2019 Her creativity and respect for the art of drag made this collaboration a natural fit.\u201d<\/p>\n Winter Pride\u2019s Trans-n-Dance will follow Feb. 17 from at 7 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Ball. It\u2019s billed as \u201ca night of liberating dance for the trans community and their loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n