ABOVE: PrideWalk in Downtown Sarasota. Photo via Project Pride’s Facebook page.
SARASOTA | Project Pride is collecting signatures as it prepares to petition the city to make its PrideWalk a permanent fixture.
The organization commissioned and completed the LGBTQ-focused crosswalk and street mural last April, the first major installation of its type. The historic design covers the five-corner intersection of Cocoanut Ave. and 2nd St. in Downtown Sarasota.
“We decided to focus our first year on visibility for the LGBTQ community,” Project Pride President Jordan Letschert told Watermark at the time. “One of the ways we did that was to reach out to a famous artist named Joey Salamon, who created the largest LGBTQ street mural in the United States.”
To promote diversity, inclusion and visibility throughout the region, Salamon’s design utilizes the colors of the Progress Pride flag. In addition to the traditional flag’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, it includes black, brown, white, pink and light blue to uplift individuals of color and those who are transgender.
“We wanted to make sure it was truly as inclusive as it could be,” Letschert added.
City Commissioners approved its installation for one year, a standard practice. Additional approval is required to make the design permanent, which Project Pride will seek this month ahead of April’s one-year mark.
Project Pride received more than 400 signatures in support of their efforts within the petition’s first 48 hours. The nonprofit set a goal of 2,500 and is also seeking letters of support from local businesses and organizations.
“PrideWalk has been a beacon for the LGBTQ community,” Letschert says. “It has not only increased visibility but made our community feel more accepted, which allows us to live a more authentic life. Allies have reached out as well because they are so proud of our city’s advancement of visibility and diversity, accepting it as a strength.”
Donations are also being accepted for the project. Funds raised will be used to repaint PrideWalk, which will happen annually should the permanent installation be approved.
City support for a permanent PrideWalk is expected. Project Pride has worked closely with officials since the nonprofit’s 2019 founding, efforts which have resulted in securing Sarasota’s first formal recognition of Pride Month and more.
“Approval is important because PrideWalk will become a city installation,” Letschert says. “It sends a message to the LGBTQ tourism market that Sarasota is a safe and accepting place to visit – and signals to the LGBTQ community that Sarasota hears us, sees us and values us.”
Sign the petition to make PrideWalk permanent and learn more at ProjectPrideSRQ.org/Petition. View photos and more information below:
