ABOVE: Tampa Pride 2021. Photo by Dylan Todd.
TAMPA | Tampa Pride welcomed thousands of supporters to Ybor May 22 for its seventh season, marking a return to form for both the celebration and the city it calls home.
The celebration’s last outing hosted an estimated 60,000 people in 2019, a record which officials expected to break in 2020 until last year’s festivities were postponed. Organizers expected a 40% reduction in 2021 attendance and official totals are currently pending.
Events began earlier in the week during Tampa Pride’s annual VIP Sponsors Party. Organizers welcomed guests to the Florida Aquarium May 20 to honor this year’s sponsors and grand marshals.
This year’s honorees were chosen by Tampa Pride ahead of last year’s cancellation. The board advised that each party was chosen because of their commitment to Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community at large as well as their contributions to make Tampa a welcoming and inclusive city for all.
Grand marshals included Renee Cossette, Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Director; Bradley Nelson, Bradley’s on 7th owner and couple Sally Phillips and Ercilia Albistu of the Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus. Freddy and Bardha Mamudi, the owners of New York New York Pizza were also named, as were Carol “Mama” Steen, a longtime LGBTQ ally; Angelique Padro, the Tampa Bay performer known as Lady Janet and Jay Chetney, a Stonewall veteran.
This year’s celebrity grand marshal was Taylor Gibson, better known as the self-described, “very gay” professional wrestler Effy. Watermark was also honored as Tampa Pride’s community organization grand marshal.
“I can’t express how excited I am that Watermark has been named a grand marshal,” Watermark owner and publisher Rick Todd says. “We have been longtime supporters of Tampa Pride and work hard to make sure Tampa is represented as a thriving and inclusive city. It is humbling that the board of Tampa Pride recognizes that and amazing to receive such an honor from them.”
The kickoff was co-hosted by Tampa Pride President Carrie West and Vanessa Araiza, an anchor for Tampa Bay ABC affiliate WFTS. The outlet subsequently livestreamed the event’s parade on the big day.
“Yes, we had a year off,” West shared at the party, “but I’ll tell you we did a lot of work to make things happen. We worked overtime.”
That was evident throughout the full day of events and entertainment. Festivities began at 11 a.m. with this year’s street festival, which included an Artisans Fair, Health & Wellness Fair and vendors from throughout the state. Medical partners included Tampa General Hospital and Metro Inclusive Health, which educated and offered attendees the COVID-19 vaccine as well as provided other services throughout the day.
The Diversity Parade simultaneously began at 4 p.m. It followed its traditional path along 7th Ave., flanked by Pridegoers from across the world.
New this year was Tampa Pride’s expansion into The Cuban Club. The historic space’s four-story structure and surrounding courtyard hosted 2021’s official entertainment. Pepper Mashay, the acclaimed singer known for “Dive in the Pool,” headlined the Main Stage at 3 p.m.
“I’m so looking forward in spreading love and joy,” Mashay shared with Watermark ahead of the performance. “It’s been a very gut-wrenching year for the majority of us. To me, Pride festivals have always been a way to connect with the audience I’ve sung to for well over 20 years now. Tampa’s LGBTQ community has always held a special place in my heart.”
The inaugural Pride at Night concert featuring headliner Martha Wash followed from 6 p.m. until midnight. The celebrated disco diva known for “It’s Raining Men” performed the hit song while reflecting on her longtime support of the LGBTQ community in her first time taking a stage in more than a year.
“The Cuban Club could not be happier as the host of the before and after parties of the Tampa Pride celebration,” Cuban Club Foundation President Patrick Manteiga told Watermark last year. “We wanted to make sure that we were not only the host this year but for many more to come.
“A great event such as Tampa Pride deserves a great venue such as the Cuban Club as a showcase,” he continued. “We are excited about the event’s continued success.”
City officials are as well. Jane Castor, the city’s 59th and first openly LGBTQ mayor, reflected on Tampa Pride’s return that evening.
“Love, community, diversity – these are just a few of the reasons I’m so PROUD to be mayor of this great city,” Castor shared via social media. “Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Tampa Pride parade! I had a blast walking the parade route with my amazing partner Ana Cruz, City of Tampa employees and so many inspiring people.”
For more information about Tampa Pride, visit TampaPride.org. View the official event guide here and all of our photos from this year’s celebration below by Dylan Todd:
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