For too long, Polk County has been viewed as a small town with narrow-minded views. But according to Freddie De Jesus, that stereotype just isn't accurate, and he hopes to prove that with the brand new Polk Pride 2011, unleashing a calendar of events beginning June 3.
Dr. Jesus, the owner of Just Fierce Productions said the idea for a Polk Pride materialized after he put on the successful Miss Gay Lakeland pageant.
â┚¬Å”As a result we had a discussion with members of the community about Pride,â┚¬Â De Jesus said. â┚¬Å”A lot of people said they wished people would make a big deal about Pride in our own county. Many of us will drive and celebrate Gay Days in Orlando, Pride on 7th in Ybor and St. Pete Pride. That's not a problem, but Polk County is invisible. No one knows about our community, in general.â┚¬ÂÂ
So the seeds for Polk Pride 2011 were sown and so far the reaction has been very positive, according to De Jesus. Several large businesses have come on board to support the eventsâ┚¬â€Âincluding the Historic Polk Theater, which will host two large parties on June 13 and 14.
â┚¬Å”Everyone asks if this is a paradeâ┚¬â€ it's not,â┚¬Â De Jesus said. â┚¬Å”We don't have the authority to do that yet but we can sure throw some parties. We're actually throwing 15 parties and our two fi nal parties will be in the theater. But we will be all over Lakeland.â┚¬ÂÂ
The events encompassing Polk Pride 2011 are as diverse as the community it hopes to represent. Cabaret shows at Club Pulse, a fashion show at Lake Mirror Tower, family expos and drag shows are just part of the 11-day celebration. Each event has different entry charges and VIP passes are available. Funds collected benefit Polk Pride Alliance, which will organize the 2012 event.
â┚¬Å”We hope to raise enough money this year to create a festival on the lake with art and vendors,â┚¬Â De Jesus said. â┚¬Å”There are a lot of people already involved and support has been great.â┚¬ÂÂ
So far, no politicians have come on board in support of Polk Pride 2011, but that doesn't mean they won't. De Jesus said he plans on approaching commissioners and Lakeland's mayor to ask them to come support some of the events.
â┚¬Å”The message of Pride is to show thatwe are a viable part of the community,â┚¬Â De Jesus said. â┚¬Å”We're not just about the bars, and that's why we're holding so many things outside of clubs. But we also understand that Pulse is a large part of our community and they have come on board to support us in a big way.â┚¬ÂÂ
For more information on Polk Pride 2011 or to sponsor, find the event on Facebook. You may also contact De Jesus at JustFierceProductions@gmail.com.
