Polk Pride in the Park 2019. Photo by Dylan Todd.
LAKELAND, Fla. | Polk Pride’s signature Pride in the Park will return June 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community just days after Polk County commissioners rejected a Pride month proclamation for the first time in five years.
Organized by the Lakeland Youth Alliance and PFLAG of Polk County, Polk Pride is “dedicated to the awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Polk County, Florida.” This year’s festivities, promising “something for every member of the family,” began June 10.
“We are so excited for the return of Polk Pride for our 2023 series of events,” Polk Pride President Scott Guira announced last month. “Our largest event, Polk Pride in the Park promises to be larger than ever … Events are planned for the entire community, inclusive of all backgrounds and is sure to be a great time for all.”
It’s a promise event organizers have fulfilled since 2015, backed by elected officials in recent years.
“Every year, ahead of Pride month, we reach out to every Polk government body — asking them to issue a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month,” Polk Pride first shared May 12. “We believe doing so displays acceptance and solidarity with our community. We’re grateful for the those who have agreed this year, and we look forward to further progress and participation in the future.”
Those bodies include cities throughout the region like Lakeland as well as Polk County Public Schools and the Polk County Commission. The group shared an update on the latter June 10.
“Unfortunately, for the first time since they began issuing Pride Month proclamations in 2018, the Polk County Commission has decided not to recognize June as Pride Month this year,” the board shared. “While this saddens us, we remain committed to helping cultivate a Polk County where all are welcome.”
During the commission’s June 6 meeting, Commissioner Neil Combee moved to have the proclamation removed from a consent agenda to a regular agenda, allowing commissioners to debate the measure.
“I believe we shouldn’t be adopting proclamations regarding lifestyle choices from this point forward,” he said. Joining his objections were Commissioners Bill Braswell and Rick Wilson, who later expressed transphobic views to News Channel 8 as a part of their reasoning, while Commissioners Martha Santiago and George Lindsey did not object.
Guira, who submitted the proclamation, says the county’s decision won’t stop Polk Pride.
“I encourage everyone, LGBTQ+ and our allies, to attend Polk Pride in the Park,” he says. “Gathering together in numbers shows that the we will continue to stand up against those who try to push us down or minimize our voice.”
Thousands of participants are expected to attend Pride in the Park, which will feature entertainment, hundreds of vendors and more. It will be preceded by a “Pride for Youth” event June 14 from 6:30-9 p.m., a “Pride in Faith” event June 15 at 7 p.m. and followed by an adults-only Pride after Dark gathering until 2 a.m. June 18.
“Polk Pride has grown each year since 2015,” Guira stresses. “Come meet like-minded people and be part of the voice for equality in Florida.”
For more information about Polk Pride and its 2023 events, visit PolkPrideFL.org.
