ABOVE: Tampa Pride 2019 supporters line 7th Ave. in Ybor. Photo by Dylan Todd.
TAMPA | Tampa Pride has been postponed until March 27, 2021 in response to COVID-19.
The sixth annual event was originally scheduled for March 28. In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, officials initially rescheduled the gathering to May 30.
Tampa Pride President Carrie West cited COVID-19’s unpredictability for the 2020 cancellation, which was discussed with city leadership. “We want everyone to be safe and healthy,” he shared. “In our meeting with officials, spring city events have been cancelled or rescheduled to fall all for safety concern.”
The cancellation follows the postponement of neighboring celebrations St Pete Pride and Polk Pride. St Pete Pride announced April 20 they will hold their 2020 celebration in the fall and Polk Pride will celebrate Sept. 26-Oct. 4. West cited those decisions and more in determining a new date for Tampa Pride.
“With all the Pride organizations changing their dates, the Tampa Pride board said August is way too hot,” he shared. “September is hurricane time! October has other city Prides every weekend [and] November has us close to our 2021 Pride event.”
It led organizers to postpone until the March 27, 2021 date. “It will be a big year of celebration,” West asserted, noting that its annual Pride-Zoo-La will return this year on Nov. 14.
Tampa Pride also advised that all paid vendors, diversity parade entries and sponsors will be credited for the 2021 celebration. Vendors are able to upgrade to a sponsorship level if desired.
West subsequently thanked Tampa Pride organizers and supporters for their hard work and dedication.
“As you’ve seen the news by now, we are unable to hold our 2020 Tampa Pride Diversity Parade and Street Festival in person this year due to continuing restrictions and uncertainty with respect to public health,” Tampa Pride’s official social media channels also shared. “But there will ALWAYS BE PRIDE!!!”
Organizers teased virtual Tampa Pride events throughout the spring and summer, adding that a virtual global Pride will be held June 27. InterPride and the European Pride Organizers Association (EPOA) announced the celebration April 1.
“The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 mean that most Prides will not take place as planned in 2020, but we’re determined that this won’t stop us from coming together as a united, strong LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate who we are and what we stand for,” EPOA President Kristine Garina said.
“Above all, we will show our resilience and determination that Pride will be back bigger and stronger than ever before,” she concluded.
Tampa Pride concluded by specifically thanking Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and city officials for their continued leadership as COVID-19 impacts Hillsborough County and beyond.
For more information about Tampa Pride, visit TampaPride.org. For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
