ABOVE: Come OUT St. Pete supporters unfurl the organization’s 375-foot Pride flag for National Coming Out Day Oct. 11. Photo by Dylan Todd.
ST. PETERSBURG | Come OUT St. Pete (COSP) and supporters gathered in Seminole Park for National Coming Out Day Oct. 11, unfurling the organization’s 375-foot Pride flag ahead of this year’s fourth annual celebration.
COSP was founded in 2017 to advocate for all sexual orientations and gender identities. It promotes a sense of community through inclusive events, including this year’s socially-distanced and virtual gathering scheduled for Oct. 17.
This year’s main events have been reimagined in response to COVID-19, as was the “Catch the Rainbow” flag unfurling. Volunteers gathered outside with access to complimentary hand sanitizer while wearing mandatory masks.
“The flag unfurling is symbolic, especially on National Coming Out day,” COSP Co-Chair Chris Jones says. “We feel that it’s important to be present during this time. This was an opportunity for us to do a little something in the community and get the community involved.”
The unfurling was simultaneously broadcast live on social media, maximizing engagement as a preview to this year’s COSP. You can view it online here and check out all of Watermark’s photos by Dylan Todd below:
Jones notes that the Oct. 17 celebration will be the first major event held within city limits that’s been sanctioned by the mayor, a responsibility the organization takes very seriously.
“This year you’ll be able to join us both online with our virtual segments and outside in the sunshine within the Grand Central District,” COSP promises. “We are fully committed to providing visitors as much space as possible to walk around, view the wares of our vendors and still stay safe.”
New this year is a photography contest and exhibit, held in conjunction with Woodfield Fine Art and underway now. Photographers living within a 50-mile radius of St. Petersburg are encouraged to enter by submitting a photograph promoting National Coming Out Day for a chance to win $500.
While not required, organizers note that photographers should place an emphasis on capturing images from actual COSP events, either from previous years or from throughout this October. This year’s main event will be held Oct. 17 from 12-5 p.m. and will be preceded by the inaugural Come OUT Cruise Around from 11 a.m.-noon, featuring decorated vehicles showcasing their Pride along a predetermined route.
There is no entry fee or limit to the number of entries each photographer may submit by Oct. 31. Finalists will be notified by the end of the day Nov. 11 and the winning entry will be announced Nov. 16, with finalists included in the virtual exhibit after that.
“This is a way to utilize the great photographers that we have in our community and get them to help capture the events of the day,” Jones says. “It’s a great opportunity to involve people and show their talent. We’re excited to see what everyone comes up with and excited about this year.”
For more information about COSP’s photography contest, click here. For additional details about COSP and this year’s events, watch for the official guide published by Watermark and visit ComeOutStPete.org.
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