A Sapphic St Pete pool party in 2025. (Photo via Sapphic St Pete\u2019s Facebook)<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride<\/a> announced March 5 that it will host Sapphic St Pete<\/a> in November, adding the week-long celebration to its year-round programming.<\/p>\n Sapphic St Pete launched last year<\/a> to center the region\u2019s lesbian, queer women and sapphic communities. The inaugural outing was powered by LuvHer Events, a part of OutCoast<\/a> LLC led by Chief Creative Officer Rachel Covello<\/a>.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s festivities included art exhibits, comedy shows, social events and other gatherings. Tampa Bay Black Lesbians<\/a> President Tamara Leigh<\/a> and Rainbow Recreation<\/a> CEO Mia Duval were also among the organizers.<\/p>\n \u201cThis exciting expansion underscores St Pete Pride\u2019s year-round commitment to uplifting queer voices, creating safe and celebratory spaces and amplifying underrepresented identities within our vibrant LGBTQ+ community,\u201d St Pete Pride shared in a press release.<\/p>\n The nonprofit also noted that Sapphic St Pete \u201csought to fill a longstanding need for an event that speaks directly to the experiences and histories of lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, trans, nonbinary and queer women, offering both vibrant social spaces and meaningful opportunities for connection and celebration.\u201d Local leaders welcomed the chance to continue that mission.<\/p>\n \u201cI am absolutely ecstatic that Sapphic St Pete is joining the St Pete Pride family,\u201d Executive Director Bior Guigni<\/a> shared. \u201cCreating intentional space for our lesbian and sapphic community matters deeply, and I am so proud that we are expanding our legacy to ensure every identity feels seen, celebrated and centered.\u201d<\/p>\n Covello also welcomed the news.<\/p>\n \u201cMy goal was to partner with an organization that could support the funding and growth potential I envisioned for this week-long sapphic celebration while respecting its foundation and continuing several of its inaugural events that resonated well with the sapphic community,\u201d she shared. \u201cI could not think of a better organization to take on Sapphic St Pete than St Pete Pride.\u201d<\/p>\n Organizers intend to honor and build upon Sapphic St Pete\u2019s original direction in 2026. Dr. Byron Green-Calisch<\/a>, St Pete Pride\u2019s president, noted that \u201cexpanding intentional queer spaces, especially those centered on sapphic voices and experiences, is deeply aligned with our mission to foster visibility, inclusion and belonging for all.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to nurture the growth of this powerful, sapphic-focused event and celebrate the vibrant diversity, connection, and representation it brings to our community,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n Sapphic St Pete will be held in November 2026. Before then, St Pete Pride will celebrate 24 years with \u201cHere Comes the Sun.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n