Approximately 120 people turned out for the “Celebrate Our Families” event at the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa on Sunday, Aug. 8. The event, sponsored by several area LGBT political organizations, was in response to the National Organization for Marriage’s Bus Tour stop in Orlando the same day.
The indoor picnic was coupled with a press conference and a screening of the documentary In Anita’s Wake, by local filmmakers Vicki Nantz and Mary Meeks. Speakers included several politicians, including State Rep. Kathy Castor, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell and Hillsborough Commission candidate Linda Saul-Sena.
“There is no reason for us, the fourth most populous state, to be so backward,” Saul-Sena told the crowd prior to the press conference. She was referring to the passage of Amendment 2 in 2008, which bans same-sex marriage in the state, the ongoing ban against gays and lesbians adopting in Florida and the Hillsborough County Commission’s human rights ordinance nearly a decade ago. “To be a vibrant community we must be an all inclusive community. When I get elected to the commission, I will bring back the human rights ordinance.”
Originally, the NOM Bus tour was scheduled to stop in Tampa. However, a last-minute change in plans didn’t mean that Tampa didn’t have plenty to say about marriage equality. Several speakers addressed the news media, which included Watermark, NBC-8 and CBS-10, the Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times.
“You get to decide your definition of family,” MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Phyllis Hunt said from the podium. “No one can define that for you. The National Organization for Marriage came to Orlando to say that marriage is about gender. But marriage is about love and commitment. Today we stand on the shoulders of the many who have fought for equality and I’m excited to say that we are continuing their legacy of an environment where everyone matters.”
Castor agreed with Hunt, and said the recent decision by a federal judge to rule California’s Proposition 8, which outlawed same-sex marriage, is unconstitutional is a strong step toward true equality.
“We have to keep persevering,” Castor said. “The struggle for equal rights has demonstrated that throughout history. We must keep going.”
Possibly the most popular politician to speak was Beckner, who attended with his partner, Gil Sainz. Beckner spoke about the importance of family and family values, which he said is about building a healthy structure.
“I’m an advocate for at-risk youth and when I look at families and see the degradation of the family unit, that causes children to become involved with our justice system,” Beckner said. “Society has defined family and families values for too long by gender. But its about love, commitment and passion within that family unit that makes it successful.”
Noticeably missing from the event was Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who had a previous engagement. However, in her absence, she did send a proclamation declaring “Celebrate Our Families” day at Tampa MCC, along with an apology for missing the event.
