If you live in St. Pete, chances are someone you know was either marching down Central Avenue today or watching others do so. They may have been your brother or sister, your aunt or uncle, your son or daughter, your boss or employee…or a fellow church member.
I counted almost 2 dozen churches marching in the parade today, perhaps more if you count multiple congregations of each denomination. The front and back of the t-shirt I wore (pictured at the beginning and end of this post) was also worn by members of the Lakewood Church of Christ at Florida’s largest gay pride parade: St. Pete Pride!
It wasn’t just churches who were in attendance. One organization represented was the local chapter of PFlag–Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
Of course, politicians were there in abundance and, for the first time, a mayor of St. Petersburg wrote a welcome for the event program.
Numerous corporations and business that support sexual orientation inclusiveness were represented. You’ll recognize these business when you see their banners in this video slideshow of pictures I took of the parade today. If you have your speakers on, the words and music you hear were composed and orchestrated (and produced) by me a few years back.
if you are having trouble viewing this video try it on YouTube
or download this Quicktime version
Personal favorites of mine are the representatives of the local chapter) of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence , an organization known for “Wig Out,” their program of providing wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to radiation treatments.
In addition to other business serving the gay community there were also a number of gay social clubs represented. A couple of notable ones are the Suncoast Squares, a gay square dancing clubs that’s very active, and the International Gay Rodeo Association.Those two organizations should shake up any preconceived notions of what a gay person might be like!
If you’ve never been to a gay pride parade and you’re in St. Pete next year, go! You’ll enjoy it. Bring your sun block, bottled water, a bag to collect goodies in, and wear a hat. It’s VERY hot this time of year in St. Pete.
Most images link to larger images.
click on larger image for closeup
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You know Hilton…this just warms my heart! There should be parades like this across every city in America to bring awareness to The Gay Community. The time for hate-mongering out of ignorance needs to stop. It was especially invigorating to watch your video as well as to listen to the outstanding message in the music! I love the fact that so many churches in your area gathered together in momentum to bring awareness. We are after all, One Race, One Universal Tree, One Vision, and One Love!
Many Blessings for posting about this…I say Bravo!
I have some very neat “gays” next door. In my over 80 years I always thought that “gays” or queers were something in story books!
How about a picture of “Knight” shooting range. I love that place. Thursday is only $10. for an hour…but I think everyone knows that.
Hi, Larry–Thanks for the tip on the firing range. I’ll check it out. A friend and I are considering starting a local chapter of the Pink Pistols (http://www.pinkpistols.org/).