Tampa Bay names the defining moments of 2022
For more than two decades, readers have recognized their favorites in the WAVES. In recent years, we’ve also asked you to reflect on the stories that helped shape your 365 days prior.
Readers primarily said the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The Supreme Court reversed nearly 50 years of precedent last June, overturning the 1973 ruling that protected a pregnant person’s right to have an abortion should they choose.
It’s an issue that impacted the entire LGBTQ community — not only because many members have or could seek to exercise that right, but because Justice Clarence Thomas targeted same-sex marriage in the decision. The conservative wrote that with Roe’s reversal, decisions like marriage equality should be revisited.
By December, it resulted in another moment readers named, President Joe Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The measure provided federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.
Readers also reflected on the political landscape in Florida, citing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ongoing attacks on minorities. They named his support for the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act,” which regulates how schools and businesses address race and gender, and the state’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law. The latter limits discussions of LGBTQ identities in schools, the impacts of which are still being felt. DeSantis and his administration’s attacks on trans youth and drag entertainment were also named, efforts which have extended into 2023.
Tampa Bay’s favorite things to return in 2022
Readers had plenty of things to find comfort in last year. That’s why we asked you to detail some of your favorite things to return in 2022.
You overwhelmingly named events. St Pete Pride’s landmark 20th year was high on the list, particularly the return of its parade. Thousands of Pridegoers from around the world came to St. Petersburg to mark the milestone, cementing its status as Florida’s largest LGBTQ Pride celebration. Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala was also named. The organization marked 25 years as the state’s largest LGBTQ-focused civil rights organization last April with its first in-person gala in St. Petersburg since 2019, raising a record amount for their work.
Other readers listed the return of restaurants, specifically the Cider Press Vegan Gastropub. It relocated to the renovated Georgie’s Alibi to resume operations in 2022. The Salty Nun also made its debut at the reimagined Swinger’s Patio Bar and Grill, a reinvention of Gulfport’s Stellas and Salty’s.
Readers also highlighted fashion choices, pointing toward the crop top, and even named music. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (Make a Deal with God)” was given new life in 2022 thanks to its inclusion in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” providing an anthem for the year in the process.
Tampa Bay remembers what we lost in 2022
In recent years, we’ve also asked readers to reflect on the year’s losses, sharing what they’ll miss the most as they move forward. There were many goodbyes in 2022.
The loss of loved ones weighed most heavily on respondents. Readers shared general tributes to their late grandparents, parents, siblings, children, partners, lifelong friends, pets and more, looking back on the loss of beloved friends and family.
Some were named specifically, like Gerald J. Mayes. More widely known as Tampa drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx, the longtime entertainer died at 73 in January 2022. Middlesex captivated audiences throughout Florida for decades.
Readers also named Tampa Bay entertainer Star Montrese Love, who died at 43 in May. The performer described herself as “a pageant girl to start with” and became the first Miss St Pete Pride in 2009. St. Petersburg mainstay Keith Joseph Frey, who died in September at 44, was also remembered.
Celebrities made the list as well, LGBTQ advocate and actor Leslie Jordan more than any other. The social media sensation — a staple on “Will & Grace” and other hit TV shows — died last October at 67. Readers also paid tribute to the late singer-songwriter Irene Cara, legendary performer Angela Lansbury, journalist Barbara Walters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
Finally, they reflected on the loss of small businesses like St. Petersburg’s Dr. BBQ and Punky’s Bar and Grill, a frequent WAVE winner in years past. The latter announced its immediate and permanent closure last August after serving Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community for more than six years.
