ABOVE: Equality Florida and supporters at Shuffle Jan. 28. Photo by Dylan Todd.
TAMPA | Equality Florida welcomed supporters to Shuffle Jan. 28, unveiling a new mural showcasing support for the LGBTQ community.
The mural was designed and completed by celebrated artist Chad Mize. Bids toward commissioning the piece on the Tampa Heights business, Tampa’s only indoor shuffleboard establishment, were taken during the live auction at Equality Florida’s Tampa Gala Oct. 29.
More than $23,000 was raised for the effort, supporting the nonprofit’s mission ahead of the 2022 legislative session. Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature unveiled a slate of anti-LGBTQ bills when it began Jan. 11, which advocates are currently fighting in Tallahassee.
“Recent pushback at the state level continues to underscore why visibility is so important for our community,” Equality Florida Regional Development Officer Nicholas Machuca shared ahead of the mural’s unveiling. “We are proud to partner on this mural to celebrate the progress we’ve made in Tampa Bay and highlight the important work ahead.”
Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor each spoke during the ceremony, beginning with the organization’s figurehead.
“The timing of this is perfect because we are celebrating Equality Florida’s 25th anniversary,” Smith began. “We were founded right here in Tampa and Tampa Bay remains our home … we have seen so much change in our state from more than two and a half decades ago.”
Smith reflected on some of those changes, including strides for equality in Tampa Bay. She noted that Hillsborough County, which infamously banned the celebration of Pride from 2005-2013, is now a leader in local nondiscrimination protections.
“In Tallahassee, we are seeing an avalanche of anti-LGBTQ legislation, legislation that is intended to appeal to the worst in people all to serve Governor DeSantis’ presidential ambitions,” Smith noted. “It is important that we turn to each other, that we turn to our allies and we turn to the leaders who really do bring our people together.”
Doing just that, Smith introduced Mayor Castor.
“My partner Ana Cruz and I were at the gala where this item was auctioned off,” she began. “To see it come to fruition really is wonderful – so thank you to the artists, thank you to those who purchased it. Those donations will certainly help Equality Florida fight for the rights of everyone in our community.”
She continued by reflecting on Tampa’s perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s municipal equality index, which measures how inclusive local laws are. The city received bonus points to earn more than 100.
“I have said many times that the City of Tampa is defined by our diversity – and the way that we embrace that diversity really makes Tampa the greatest city in the nation,” the mayor shared. “I have also said many times that it’s not who you love, it’s that you love and that you are loved. That is the important thing to remember in life.
“Art brings people together and it is that avenue of communication that sometimes cannot be verbalized,” she continued. “Everyone who travels along this busy thoroughfare will be able to see this mural that speaks about acceptance and speaks about the power of love.”
The mayor reiterated her thoughts via social media:
Smith welcomed U.S. Rep. Castor next. The longtime LGBTQ ally has represented the region in D.C. since 2013.
“This is a community that looks out for each other, cares for each other and loves each other no matter who they are, their race, their religion, their creed or who they love,” the representative began. She then reflected on the area’s strides in inclusivity in recent years, standing in contrast to the state’s anti-LGBTQ legislation.
“The City of Tampa is a leader. Hillsborough County has come to be a leader,” she said. “So that’s why it’s kind of hard to take at this point in time to see what’s happening in Tallahassee … the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature and our governor have decided that they want to create more division and are targeting young people and our public schools with hatred and division that we do not accept here in Tampa and Hillsborough County.”
Castor noted the mural serves as one example of that. “It’s for young people and the future of this community that we celebrate a mural like this – an important piece of artwork that unites us and brings us all together,” she stressed. The representative also reflected on the unveiling via socia media:
“We have to stand together, push back and tell them we will not let you divide us and pick us off one at a time. We are a community,” Smith added. “That’s what this mural is. That’s what this work is. That’s what Equality Florida stands for.”
Watermark was on hand to celebrate the mural’s unveiling. View our photos below and the mural itself at Shuffle, located at 2612 N. Tampa St. in Tampa. Visit EQFL.org to learn more about Equality Florida.
Photos by Dylan Todd.
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