![\"WMNF's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mission_red-1024x429.png\")
WMNF\u2019s Mission Calendar<\/p>\nWMNF\u2019s Mission Calendar<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
JUNE: PRIDE\u00a0<\/p>\n
ORIGIN\u00a0<\/p>\n
On June 28th, 1969,\u00a0the\u00a0Stonewall Uprisings<\/a>\u00a0began at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich\u00a0Village\u00a0New 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\u00a0uprisings,\u00a0and it is credited with starting the modern-day gay liberation effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n The first Gay Pride March took place on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings.\u00a0\u00a0In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as \u201cGay and Lesbian Pride Month\u201d after two decades of efforts to\u00a0raise awareness and combat hatred and ignorance.\u00a0<\/p>\n Important dates that are recognized during Pride Month:\u00a0<\/p>\n June 12, 2016:\u00a0a gunman\u00a0killed\u00a049\u00a0people\u00a0and injured 53\u00a0more\u00a0at Orlando\u2019s\u00a0Pulse\u00a0Nightclub.\u00a0Police later killed the\u00a0gunman.\u00a0The City of Orlando later bought the site and is building a memorial on the site that is hoped to\u00a0open in 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n June 15: Anniversary of U.S. Supreme Court Bostock decision expanding protections to LGBTQ employees. The 2020 ruling holds\u00a0that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on sexual orientation and transgender status.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n June 26:\u00a0this year is the\u00a011th anniversary\u202fof the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in\u202fObergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This date is often celebrated as\u202fLGBTQ+ Equality Day\u202fbecause it coincides with three historic Supreme\u00a0Court victories for queer rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n GET INVOLVED<\/p>\n eqfl.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida\u2019s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.\u00a0They focus on\u00a0changing Florida through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building\u00a0to end\u00a0harassment or discrimination\u00a0on the basis of\u00a0sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.\u202fExecutive Director: Stratton Pollitzer\u00a0<\/p>\n pflagtampa.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0PFLAG Tampa holds support meetings on the first Monday of the month, 5:30-7:30pm in space generously provided by Capital One Caf\u00e9, 700 S Village Cir Suite #150\u00a0Suite 150, Tampa.\u00a0\u00a0Support meetings are\u00a0free\u00a0and all are welcome.\u00a0Email:\u00a0\u202fPFLAG.Tampa@gmail.com<\/a>\u202ffor more information.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n thetrevorproject.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.\u00a0It provides\u00a0information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24\/7, all year round.\u00a01-866-488-7386.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n communitytampabay.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013The Anytown program started in\u00a01991\u00a0and\u00a0cultivates\u00a0inclusive leaders. The program is\u00a05 days\/4 nights\u00a0and\u00a0helps young adults understand what makes us who we are\u00a0and\u00a0how to deal with the differences of others.\u00a0Quenita Oats,\u00a0CEO of\u00a0Community Tampa\u00a0Bay\u00a0is willing to talk to someone live or on tape\u00a0about their Anytown program. Her number is 262-617-6277.\u00a0<\/p>\n WMNF PROGRAMMING:<\/p>\n The Big Gay Radio Show<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Tampa Bay\u2019s only radio program dedicated exclusively to the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by Esm\u00e9 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, \u201cJo on the Go\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n PRIDE EVENTS\u00a0<\/p>\n St. Pete Pride Kickoff Weekend<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Grand Central Street Fair:\u202fMay 29 from 5 \u2013 10PM in the\u00a0Grand Central District\u00a0on Central Ave.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pride Flag Raising<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 May 31st,\u00a012:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.,\u00a0Dunedin City Hall\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Pride in the Park Family Day<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 May 31st, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dunedin Pioneer Park, 420\u00a0Main St., Dunedin, FL.\u00a0<\/p>\n Family Day on the St. Pete Pier<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Sunday, June 7, 2o26. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 600 2nd\u00a0Ave. NE,\u00a0Family-focused activities,\u00a0vendors\u00a0and live local entertainment\u00a0<\/p>\n Big Gay Bingo\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 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\u2019s Drag Bingo in benefit of WMNF Community Radio, with support from Chris and Bryan of WMNF\u2019s Big Gay Radio Show!! All BINGO and other event proceeds to benefit WMNF 88.5FM Community Radio.<\/p>\n Stonewall Reception<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Thursday, June 11, 2026,\u00a06 p.m. to 11 p.m., Urban Stillhouse, 2232 5th\u00a0Ave. South,\u00a0St. Pete.\u00a0Celebrates the history of the LGBTQ+\u00a0movement.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shades of Pr<\/a>i<\/a>de<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Friday, June 19, 2026,\u00a07 p.m. to 10 p.m., Morean Arts Center for Clay,\u00a0420 22nd\u00a0St. St, Petersburg. Panel Discussions, ballroom dance\u00a0demonstration, cultural\u00a0food\u00a0and cocktails.\u00a0<\/p>\n