ABOVE: COSP volunteers unveil the organization’s Progress Pride flag this year. Photo by Dylan Todd.
ST. PETERSBURG | Come OUT St. Pete will celebrate National Coming Out Day Oct. 15-17, a precursor to its main festival held Oct. 31 in conjunction with the inaugural Halloween on Central.
COSP was founded in 2017 to advocate for all sexual orientations and gender identities. It promotes a sense of community through inclusive events, including last year’s reimagined celebration and gatherings held throughout 2021, always with the safety of those they serve in mind.
“Come OUT St. Pete is celebrating its fifth year and continues to find new ways to reach the LGBTQ+ community, carrying on its spirit to honor National Coming Out Day every October,” the organization’s leadership says. “The past year has been one of discovery and growth.”
COSP will reflect on that and more beginning Oct. 15 for “Uncorked,” a wine tasting and celebration of coming out stories. COSP Chair Chris Jones will welcome St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon, Project No Labels Executive Director Claire Elisan and members of COSP’s 2021 Royal Court to share their experiences at Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe beginning at 6 p.m., located at 2927 Central Ave.
Two events will follow Oct. 16, beginning with its second annual Car Cruise Around at 4:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars and drive through St. Petersburg, its Grand Central District and the neighboring Gulfport to showcase their LGBTQ pride.
That evening, COSP will present a screening of “Milk,” the award-winning autobiographical film based on LGBTQ activist and politician Harvey Milk. The film will be presented at 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Empath Partners in Care, the gathering’s sponsor, located at 3050 1st Ave. S. Donations by carload are appreciated.
On Oct. 17, COSP will host its Sunday T-Dance at the Garage on Central Ave. from 4-9 p.m. Its 2021 court will entertain.
“In these changing times, we’re excited to bring multiple events over three days in celebration of National Coming Out Day this year,” Jones says. “Come OUT and join us in the celebratory weekend festivities!”
COSP’s annual festival will follow Oct. 31 during Halloween on Central, a collaborative initiative of Car Free St. Pete, the Grand Central District and Edge District which will shut down 22 blocks of Central Ave., from MLK Jr. St to 31st St. from noon-5 p.m.
The organization will be responsible for the 2600-3100 blocks and present the “West End Ghoul Fest.” They’ll unfurl their 375-foot Progress Pride flag at noon and are currently seeking volunteers:
The festivities will culminate in a costume contest hosted by Kori Stevens at 5 p.m. at Punky’s. Read more about the events and future opportunities to celebrate with COSP below:
For more information about all of this year’s events, follow COSP on Facebook and visit ComeOUTStPete.org.
