LGBTQ advocates and allies at City Hall June 1, 2023. Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent.
ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride and supporters from throughout Tampa Bay gathered June 1 at St. Petersburg City Hall, hoisting the Pride flag above the local landmark for the 10th year in a row.
The flag raising officially kicked off Pride month in St. Petersburg, which will host the largest LGBTQ+ Pride in Florida this June. St Pete Pride’s 21st season includes 10 major events this year.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch led the ceremony, reflecting on the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ residents, visitors and more. He began by highlighting other elected officials in attendance, including the eight-person St. Petersburg City Council, state Rep. Lindsay Cross, Treasure Island Mayor Tyler Payne and proxies for other local leaders.
Welch then addressed a growing crowd of LGBTQ+ advocates and allies.
“When I look around at the faces here today I feel the warmth of diversity in the air,” he said. “I see the strength of equity, inclusion and unity and I feel the pride of us all standing together for a cause that isn’t easy, but nevertheless a cause that we know is right.
“Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, and I will update the pronouns, ‘the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy,’” the mayor continued. “If we are to achieve true equality in our nation for everyone, regardless of our race, our faith, our orientation, or identity, then we must have the courage to stand for the rights of everyone — regardless of who they are or who they love.”
Welch also noted that this year marked the 10th such flag raising, calling on residents to stand together “for progress and against ignorance and hatred.” The mayor then read and issued a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride month in the city.
St Pete Pride Executive Director Nicole Berman accepted the proclamation before addressing the crowd as well. This year marks her second at the organization’s helm.
Berman began by thanking the city for their ongoing support of St Pete Pride, as well as the volunteers, supporters and more who make the celebration possible each year. Almost all of St Pete Pride’s board of directors were in attendance, as were members of St Pete Pride’s 2023 Royal Court and grand marshals.
“One year ago today, I stood here at City Hall to raise the Pride flag for the first time as the executive director of St Pete Pride,” Berman said. “While I was absolutely terrified … I was also excited and full of hope for the season. While that sentiment still remains, we cannot welcome the 2023 Pride season without acknowledging the challenges that it brings.
“This year the LGBTQIA community, my community, has faced countless cowardly attacks and attempts to silence our voices, restrict our rights and erase of presence,” she continued. “Well, I hate to break it to anyone who thinks our community doesn’t belong in Florida, but you can’t stop Pride.”
Berman subsequently outlined St Pete Pride’s commitment to equity, equality and more, inviting the LGBTQ+ community from near and far to attend events throughout June.
“There are a lot of different opportunities for people to come and show up,” she noted. “If your city canceled Pride or there’s not a Pride happening, please come out to ours. We’d love to have you.”
Watermark was on hand to help kick off Pride month in St. Petersburg. View our photos below.
Photos by Ryan Williams-Jent.
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