2018 St Pete Pride Guide by St Pete Pride

June 2018

st pete pride guide

ST PETE PRIDE CELEBRATE DIVERSITY PRESENTED BY

SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

EPIC

MAJOR SPONSORS

SPONSORS

COMMUNITY LEADERS

CORPORATE PARTNERS AAA Auto Club Accenture American Airlines Bath Fitter Bayfront Health Citi Bank Clear Health Alliance ConnectWise Delta Eye Associates of Pinellas

EY Eyeglass World FIS Global Frito Lay Gateway Radiology Geico Hair Cuttery Hilton Worldwide Humana Iberian Rooster

IKEA Johnson & Johnson JP Morgan Chase Lasik Vision Institute McKinsey and Company New York Life Nielson Nordstrom One Magical Weekend Progressive Insurance

Pepsi Co PwC Rainbow 411 Raymond James Raytheon Sam's Club Solar Source SPCA Tampa Bay Starbucks State Farm

Sunset Toys Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rowdies Tampa International Airport The Aveda Institute of Tampa Bay The HOTH TransAmerica TransferWise Inc. Xcenda

FEATURES 9 | THE ABSOLUT BEST PRIDE COCKTAILS 28 | 7 BARS TO ENJOY A BREW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRIDE ESSENTIALS 17 | LETTER FROM MAYOR RICK KRISEMAN

COVER St Pete Pride celebrates diversity in all its forms. A composition of many faces represents the unity and ambiguity of gender, race, and origin. Read more about gender expansion on page 34. Pride Guide designed by Dash Creative Printed by Creative Loafing

24 | GRAND MARSHALS

STAFF Luke Blankenship, Executive Director

40 | AREA MAP

BOARD MEMBERS Scion Crowder, President Laura Legarreta, Vice President Chrys Bundy, Secretary Stanley Solomons, Treasurer J. Aller Susan McGrath Nathan Bruemmer Richard Brandt

45 | TRANSPORTATION MAP 51 | PRIDE MONTH CALENDAR 58 | PRIDE COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLANNING TEAM

SCHEDULE 19 | WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY SCHEDULE 23 | FRIDAY SCHEDULE 27 | SATURDAY SCHEDULE 37 | SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Kim Chavez, Volunteer Director Tri Nguyen, Volunteer Director Travis Geerdes, Parade Director Danny McAfee, Parade Director Dan Garcia, Parade Director Frank Hay, Festival Director George Allen, Festival & Pride Parks Director

OUR MISSION The purpose of St Pete Pride is to promote unity, visibility, self-esteem, and a positive image of and among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community of Tampa Bay and throughout the State of Florida by way of cultural and educational programs and activities.

www.stpetepride.com |

PO Box 12647, St Petersburg FL 33733 | ï&#x2021;¹ 2018 St Pete Pride

st petep r id e.com

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3.75oz. Absolut Lime 3.75oz. Absolut Pears 1.25oz. Simple Syrup 2.5oz. St. Germaine 2.5oz. Lime Juice TOP 1/2 Grapefruit La Croix TOP 1/2 Sparkling Wine 5-10 Raspberries 10-25 Cucumber Slices Floating in Punch 10-15 Sprigs of Mint Floating in Punch Pre Batch punch for Mint and Cucumber infusion. Add ice when ready. Yields 5 Servings

7.5oz. Absolut Lime 3.75oz. Lillet Rose 3.75oz. Lemon Juice 3.75oz. Simple Syrup TOP 1/2 Sparkling wine TOP 1/2 Lime La Croix 10-15 Mint Leaves Floating in Punch Pre batch for mint infusion Add ice when ready. Yields 5 Servings

Lime N RASPBERRI 3.75oz. Absolut Raspberri 3.75oz. Absolut Lime 3.75oz. lime 3.75oz. grapefruit juice TOP 1/2 Lime La Croix 15-20 Crushed Raspberries Yields 5 Servings

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In Sickness and in Healthâ&#x20AC;Ś At WellCare, diversity and inclusion are key to developing solutions that work for ALL our members. This is fundamental to our mission to help our members live better, healthier lives. And why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to sponsor St Pete Pride. Learn more at www.wellcare.com/StPetePride NA8WCGADV14094E_0000

PROUDLY SUPPORTS

5223 NORTH ORIENT ROAD | TAMPA, FL 33610 | SEMINOLEHARDROCKTAMPA.COM

Standing together Standing together to save young lives. to save young lives. The Trevor Project Ashby Dodge, Clinical Director The Trevor Project Carmen Jane, Volunteer Ashby Dodge, Clinical Director Carmen Jane, Volunteer

Standing together makes a difference in the LGBT community. That’s why we’re committed to supporting national local organizations — contributing over $50 million inThat’s the past years. Standingto proudly with Standingand together makes a difference in the LGBT community. why30 we’re committed supporting our LGBT friends allies is another way we’reover Building better every national and local and organizations — contributing $50 million in theday. past 30 years. Standing proudly with our LGBT friends and allies is another way we’re Building better every day. Visit wellsfargo.com/standingtogether to watch our video series highlighting the positive impact that The Trevor Project and other organizations making in theseries LGBThighlighting community.the positive impact that Visit wellsfargo.com/standingtogether toare watch our video The Trevor Project and other organizations are making in the LGBT community.

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend and Pride season represents the unofficial start of summer and the kickoff to warm weather travel. In fact, according to AAA, almost 40 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home last Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re going abroad or traveling stateside this summer, it’s important to think ahead about how you’ll manage your money on-the-go.

ADVERTORIAL

Stateside Tips for keeping your finances organized during summer travel

Fortunately, in today’s digital world, virtually all of your financial travel arrangements can be made in the palm of your hand. From scheduling bills due during travel, to initiating a travel plan to prevent card disruptions, mobile banking apps give convenience a whole new meaning. While mobile banking is more convenient, there are simple steps you should take to help stay on top of your finances and ensure you don’t fall victim to scams.

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13 page 13

Consider these tips to help keep your finances organized and secure as you embark on summer travel this year:

Start with a travel notification Most banks and card issuers will temporarily turn off your card if they notice suspicious activity, such as a large purchase or charges in an unusual location. While it’s actually a good thing, it can be frustrating to deal with, especially while traveling abroad. To help your bank monitor your account appropriately and ensure consistent card access, place a travel notification on your bank account and credit cards before you hit the road. Some banks are making this step easier than ever. Wells Fargo, For example, has an in-app predictive banking feature that prompts customers to set up a travel notification at the time of booking. For instance, upon buying an airline ticket, a customer may be prompted to set up an account travel plan for their upcoming trip, which alerts the bank to potential transactions in other states or countries. It’s simple and convenient, and only takes a few minutes.

ADVERTORIAL PRESENTED BY

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Be prepared in case of fraud Unfortunately, scammers have long preyed on unsuspecting travelers. It pays to plan ahead and be vigilant to avoid costly mistakes while traveling. When it comes to getting cash, avoid standalone ATMs as these are primary targets for skimming devices that can steal your card’s information via a card reader. Only withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks or via cash-back options at merchants. Also, beware of bogus wifi networks. When using a public network, say at a hotel or café, play it safe by asking an employee for the specific name of their network, and whether they require a security key for access – it’s a good idea not to access your banking apps from any unsecured network. It’s important to keep credit and debit cards with you at all times, or locked in your hotel room safe. If at any time you misplace your card, or realize you accidentally left it somewhere, act quickly to help prevent fraud. For Wells Fargo customers, it’s as simple as accessing the card “on/off” feature

via your mobile app. Once the card has been recovered, you can simply turn it back “on.”

Review your purchases when you get home If you’re a seasoned mobile banker, you likely monitor account and card activity from your mobile app frequently, and while traveling. If you see any unusual activity or unauthorized transactions, alert your bank and card issuer right away to resolve disputes and request replacement cards. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your accounts for any delayed travel-related fraud for a short time after returning home. By keeping these tips in mind, it’s easier than ever to keep your finances organized and secure whenever, and wherever your travels take you. A little thought and planning on the frontend can save you time and money in the end.

Florida’s Largest Company* Is a Proud Sponsor of St. Pete Pride techdata.com/careers

11 years and counting … Source: Tampa Bay Times

Proud to be part of this community. Proud to be building Tampa Bay’s future.

Proud to celebrate Pride.

Home to the 2017 IGLTA World Conference, Florida’s largest Pride celebration and nation’s third LGBT Welcome Center. Scored a perfect 100 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index three years in a row.

361 days of sunshine every year is only the beginning. St.Pete also shines through its charming, bungalow-lined neighborhoods, original craft brew pubs, world-class restaurants led by award-winning chefs and a cultural fabric as diverse as its offerings. Come for a weekend. Make memories for a lifetime. Your sunshine is here.

#sunshineshere

#Follow Us: @StPeteFL

stpete.org/LGBT

April 27, 2018 Dear Friends, On behalf of the residents of the Sunshine City, welcome to St. Pete Pride. Although we celebrate our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich diversity throughout the year, the month of June and the weekend of St. Pete Pride is historically significant and extra special to us in St. Pete. As we enjoy the parade and festival, let us remember all those who fought for equality and contributed to our progress, both locally and throughout the world. I know that without the LGBTQ community, the Sunshine City wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shining quite as bright. Enjoy this Pride season and all that the City of St. Petersburg has to offer, and be assured that as your mayor, I will continue to stand up for and beside all residents. Sincerely,

Rick Kriseman Mayor

CAN I GET A WITNESS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY HERB SNITZER ON VIEW NOW THROUGH AUGUST 5, 2018

255 Beach Drive NE

mfastpete.org

Herb Snitzer (American, b. 1932), St. Pete Pride Parade, 2010, Gelatin silver print, Collection of the Artist

WEDNESDAY ST PETE PRIDE RECEPTION PRESENTED BY THE MFA

The Stonewall Commemorative Reception is St Pete Pride’s annual sponsor and friends’ reception. Over 300 guests will gather to celebrate Pride Weekend in one of downtown St Petersburg’s most stunning venues, the Museum of Fine Arts. Settle in for an evening of festive camaraderie and set your mood for the week’s Pride celebrations as you mingle among friends and experience the art of the MFA’s legendary permanent collection and fascinating traveling exhibits.

Gather together to celebrate and kick-off Pride Weekend 2018!

Your ticket include access to the museum galleries, food, and an open full-service bar.

THURSDAY ST PETE PRIDE ROOFTOP KICKOFF PARTY PRESENTED BY THE HOTEL ZAMORA

Now in its third year, the Castile Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Zamora on beautiful St Pete Beach has become the place to begin your Pride weekend. You will bask in panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway while enjoying live entertainment, Cabana Boy Cocktails and Spanishinfluenced Topaz. The Hotel Zamora’s unique Castile Rooftop Bar offers the perfect combination of sweeping views of nature while maintaining an urban vibe, making this Pride Party an event like no other this Pride Weekend.

W H AT T O K N O W ST PETE PRIDE RECEPTION, PRES. BY THE MFA

Wednesday, June 20th 7pm - 9pm Museum of Fine Arts, Downtown St. Petersburg $30. Tickets available at www.stpetepride.com ST PETE PRIDE ROOFTOP KICKOFF PARTY, HOSTED BY THE HOTEL ZAMORA

Thursday, June 21st 7pm - 10pm Kimpton Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach Free Admission

st p etep r id e.com

WE SHARE A SENSE OF PRIDE Kimpton Hotel Zamora is proud to sponsor Pride. Join us for our official Pride kick-off party. When: Thursday, June 21 | 7 PM Where: The 360Â° Rooftop Lounge (at Kimpton Hotel Zamora)

3701 Gulf Boulevard | St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706 | 727.456.8900 | thehotelzamora.com | #HotelZamora

Wrap. Test. Repeat. ifYouSex.org

a member of

Proud Supporter of St. Pete Pride

(727) 467-7423 | EmpathHealth.org

CULTURE. NEWS. EVENTS. MUSIC. FOOD AND DRINK.

FriDAY Transtastic: Trans March Pre-Party

HOSTED BY FLYING BOAT BREWING COMPANY

Board games, movies, beer and vegan approved food options await you at the Flying Boat Brewing Company. Visit the up and coming LGBT-friendly brewery in town as they host a pre-party with an emphasis on the gender expansive community.

From above clockwise: Spazmatics, Rolando, Swipe Right, and SP2 Concert host Coco Montrese.

Prepare to feel empowered and ready to march in the Saturday parade!

The SP2 Concert

HOSTED BY COCO MONTRESE

The SP2 Concert is a fundraising event to assist in funding various Tampa Bay community organizations. Enjoy good vibes and rhythmic tunes with Swipe Right, Rolando and Spazmatics. Attendees can cool down with their choice of Bud Lite and Absolut Vodka beverages. Beverage sales benefit the St Pete Pride Community Grants Program.

W H AT T O K N O W TRANSTASTIC:TRANS MARCH PRE-PARTY HOSTED BY FLYING BOAT BREWING COMPANY

5:30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9pm Flying Boar Brewing Company Free Admission

THE SP2 CONCERT; HOSTED BY COCO MONTRESE

6pm - 10pm North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete Free Admission

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Introducin1g8 the 20

D N A R G

Since 2013, the Grand Marshal selection process has been a community effort with individuals asked to select the Grand Marshals of Tampa Bay's LGBTQ Pride Celebration. Being named a Grand Marshal of the St Pete Pride Parade is among the highest honors bestowed by the Tampa Bay LGBTQ community. Individuals and organizations nominated for Grand Marshal have made significant achievements for LGBTQ rights and have made considerable contributions to the LGBTQ community at large. All nominations were made by community members within Tampa Bay.

s l a h s r a M ZdiE ryl Suean Che

Hawkes

SueZie and Cheryl Hawkes met in 1997 and fell in love. For the love of Cheryl, SueZie gave up all she had and knew in England to be with her in the USA. They married in 2000 as husband and wife. SueZie spent the following years still struggling with her gender identity and Cheryl was her only confide. By early 2014, they couldn’t continue living in the public’s perception of husband and wife. They chose to pursue transitioning and leading a positive life. Those first steps, humiliation and psychological pain was something both of them felt no one should have to endure. SueZie and Cheryl decided to educate the world by going public on a grand scale, by letting reporters document and film some of the transition, including the operating room. The story of SueZie’s boldness together with Cheryl’s unwavering passion and love captured the media’s attention around the world. One news story was nominated for an EMMY. Since 2015

Suezie and Cheryl have written extensively for workplace and public LGBT publications. They have spoken at numerous company public events and conferences, including a full house of 340 attendees from the Fortune 500 companies in Atlanta. Other voluntary activities include positions with Equality Florida as a Transaction Advisory Council Member, Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber Of Commerce as Board Member as the bylaws Committee Chair; Greater Tampa Bay Out & Equal as Communications Chair. Through giving back, they have found that their love is what impacts and inspires the most. SueZie says “Everyone needs a Cheryl.”

Bob e Pop Robert (Bob) Pope is a pillar of St. Petersburg, Robert Pope began his legal career in 1971 and has served clients in the Tampa Bay area for over 45 years. Mr. Pope is widely known as the founder of Metro Wellness, which started to support the AIDS crisis and has expanded to a full service medical center including LGBTQ+ health care, counseling and HIV prevention. Bob’s list of advocacy work includes:

T T A M N E S S LA

As a proud, gay, eightyear Air Force Veteran, Matt Lassen considers it an absolute honor to serve LGBT Veterans and their families throughout the state of Florida as a Federal employee for the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in St. Petersburg. In 2012, Matt joined the Regional Office’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Special Emphasis Program. (SEP) He works to ensure LGBT Veterans, who may not have been previously eligible for benefits, are provided an opportunity to requalify and know they will be treated equally and honorably. In September 2011, Matt developed an outreach program to educate LBGT veterans affected by the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policies on how to request “case-by-case” discharge upgrades. Matt has renewed one of the LGBT SEP committee’s focus to educate and advocate for gay veterans to affirm their honorable military service. With the aging veteran population, he works with many vets whose dream is to be buried with honor and dignity in a national cemetery. Matt and his husband, Carlos, reside in St. Petersburg, and enjoy spending quality time with their five children and two grandchildren.

Founding member of the Gay Hot Line; board member of ASAP; one of the Founders of Metro Wellness Center; served as President of Tampa Bay Arts, the umbrella organization for the Gay Men’s Chorus, Crescendo, the Gay Women’s Chorus, and the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival; Served for eleven years on the King of Peace MCC Board; 1971 graduate of Stetson University College of Law, where he served as President of Student Government, and has practiced law in Pinellas and Hillsborough for over 47 years. Bob and his husband Lawrence Konrad, have been together for almost 55 years and live in St. Pete.

t t Ou Lose Of the

No matter where one may be, Out of the Closet Thrift Stores play an integral part in its community’s daily life, and the OTC in St. Pete is no exception. In addition to being a thrift store where you can donate and buy unique and fashionable pieces, OTC offers a fullservice pharmacy and free HIV Testing for all who come in. Founded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 96 cents out of every dollar that is spent at the store goes back to treating those living with HIV/AIDS and AHF’s mission of treating anyone who walks in their doors, regardless of ability to pay. This mission is made possible in-part by the work of Out of the Closet, and OTC continues in that same tradition of always having it’s doors open for all who may need any of the services inside.

(727) 321-1145 - 3400 26th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 *Special thanks to muralist, Chad Mize

In this moment, nothing else matters. When you’re confident in your finances, anything is possible. Let us help you and your family achieve your dreams—big and small. Stop in, call 800-SUNTRUST or visit suntrust.com

SATURDAY ST PETE PRIDE CELEBRATION

Featuring live entertainment on the Wells Fargo Stage, fantastic food and beverage vendors, the St Pete Pride Celebration is the best way to begin your parade experience.

Trans Pride March & ST PETE PRIDE PARADE

PRESENTED BY VISIT ST PETE CLEARWATER The St Pete Pride Parade captivates the city and reverberates around Florida! Join over 200,000 fabulous people as they unite for a glittering explosion of pride in the heart of Downtown St. Pete.

Celebrate diversity at Florida's largest LGBT Pride Celebration!

End of Parade Firework Celebration

PRESENTED BY BERT’S BARRACUDA HARLEY DAVIDSON

Born from a single night of protest in 1969, the true spirit of Pride lives on 49 years later throughout the world. Hundreds of thousands line Bay Shore Dr. in St. Petersburg in support of diversity, pride and a dazzling spectacle of sparkles and self-expression.

THE GLAMSTANDS

PRESENTED BY HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO Immerse yourself in the St Pete Pride Parade experience. North Straub Park is where the magic happens. Enjoy spectacular views of the parade and fireworks in bleacher style seating, access to a private bar, gourmet food, private toilets, and the party starting DJs. No bustling crowds, no lines, no stress… The Glamstands Viewing Area makes St Pete Pride the perfect night out.

BLEACHERS by the bay

PRESENTED BY TECH DATA

A classy diva like you doesn’t do crowds… just rock up with your tickets to the Bleachers at Straub and you’ll get exclusive cash bars, quick access to food, private bathrooms and viewing area so you won’t miss a moment of the action. It’s totally you!

W H AT T O K N O W ST PETE PRIDE CELEBRATION

2pm - 6:30pm North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete Free Admission THE GLAMSTANDS

5pm - 10pm North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete Single Ticket or Private Booths (While Available) BLEACHERS BY THE BAY

5pm - 10pm Across from North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete $25, single ticket TRANS PRIDE MARCH / ST PETE PRIDE PARADE / FIREWORK CELEBRATION

Trans Pride March: 7pm Parde Start: 7:30pm Firework Liftoff: 9:30 pm (subject to change) Bay Shore Dr. NE, Downtown St. Pete Free Admission

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Bars to ENJOY a BREW By Great Bay Dist

ributors

B A R & g R IL L T S E W Y E K D L E O 2451 CENTRAL AV

MorPeOTS

S Great ge N Pa o

THE DOg BAR

E 2300 CENTRAL AV

E N Ig M A

1110 CENTRAL AVE

LE P U N K Y 'S g R IL E

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EAD THE QUEENS H e

2501 Central Av

RESORT T H E F L A M IN g O 4601 34th St S.

THE gARAgE

2729 CENTRAL AV

stp ete p rid e.com

INVESTED IN EQUALITY At Franklin Templeton, we proudly join the St. Petersburg community in celebrating LGBTQ Pride 2018. To us, pride means embracing individual differences, unique experiences, and the wealth of perspectives brought by diversity. It’s why we foster a culture of inclusion, encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to the workplace. This commitment has helped us earn a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index and the distinction of being named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.”

“I’m so proud to work at a global organization that not only values diversity, but actively makes inclusion a top priority.” — Amy Gordin Vice President, Global Risk & Control St. Petersburg

PROUD SPONSOR OF 2018 ST. PETE PRIDE

FastER Care Close By C L E A R W A T E R GULF TO BAY BLVD

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A Department of Largo Medical Center

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TREASURE ISLAND ST. PETE BEACH

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PALMS OF PASADENA H HOSPITAL

St. Petersburg General Hospital was named a 2018 Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.

Text “ER” to 32222 for ER Wait Time Averages

Our hospitals are proud to create an environment where every patient is treated with exceptional care no matter their background, religious views or sexual preference.

Message and data rates may apply. For more info, visit TextERHelp.com.

For a free physician referral or health information 24/7, please call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-855-422-2228.

Largo Medical Center Northside Hospital Palms of Pasadena Hospital St. Petersburg General Hospital

Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity Fear of discrimination causes many LGBT people to avoid seeking healthcare. Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity. St. Petersburg General Hospital has been recognized as a 2018 LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader by the LGBT Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2018, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

The hospitals earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve. They are part of a select group of 418 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training. The hospitals need to meet all of the HEI Core Four Criteria for LGBT patient-centered care in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2018, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The first part of the criteria calls for a written patient non-discrimination policy (OR patients’ bill of rights) that includes both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continue to face discrimination in healthcare because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, creating a need for explicit non-discrimination policies. The second part of the criteria calls for a written

equal visitation policy. Across the U.S., same-sex couples, same-sex parents and other LGBT people fear that they could be prevented from visiting their loved ones in healthcare

settings because of bias or discomfort on the part of hospital employees regarding same-sex relationships. In 2010, after learning of a tragic incident in which a lesbian was denied visitation to her dying partner, President Barack Obama directed the U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services to develop regulations protecting the visitation rights of all patients. These regulations are now in effect at all hospitals across the U.S. that accept Medicare or Medicaid payments – the vast majority of facilities.

The third part calls for an employment non-discrimination policy (or an equal employment opportunity policy) that includes both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Such a policy typically covers all conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, termination and compensation. Federal law does not yet protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Furthermore, fewer than half of states have passed laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (22 states and the District of Columbia) or gender identity (20 states and the District of Columbia). This Core Four criterion calls on healthcare facilities to protect their LGBT employees from discrimination regardless of state non-discrimination laws. LGBT staff members not only deserve a discrimination free workplace but they also informally educate co-workers, provide valuable guidance to facility leadership and serve as ambassadors to LGBT communities. The fourth part of the criteria calls for key facility employees to receive expert training in LGBT patientcentered care. This criterion recognizes the fact that training is critical for policies to be successful and for truly LGBTwelcoming care to occur. Training programs should offer all incoming and current staff the information and skills they need to provide culturally competent care and services to their LGBT patients. The HEI training requirements vary by facility and are determined by whether or not the facility has previously met the HEI training requirement. During the first year of participation in the HEI training, a facility must have a core group of executive level staff members participate in an online training that covers systemic strategies for delivering LGBT-accessible and -affirming healthcare. In subsequent years, facilities need to demonstrate that they have provided a minimum number of hours of HEI-approved training to any of their staff in LGBT patient-centered care.

GENDER

EXPanSION CELEBRATING IDENTITY

As we evolve as a society, gender has evolved with us. Gender is a social construct and we’ve seen a revolution of sorts in people identifying in expanding ways. Below, we’ve outlined Numorous gender identities to further the conversation.

#genwdoekre First, here’s a couple of basic definitions. Sex - Your assigned gender at birth and/or the gender of your reproductive organs. Gender - Where you feel that you personally fall on the spectrum between male and female. Commonly people identify as male or female, but some fall in the middle or move throughout the spectrum. Cisgender - When you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth. Transgender - When you identify with a gender different than that you were assigned at birth. Binary - Genders at each end of the gender spectrum (male and female). Non-Binary - An umbrella term for genders that fall somewhere in the middle of the gender spectrum and are neither strictly male or female. This can be used as a gender identification without further explanation. Sometimes the term, genderqueer, is used.

Below are the terms changing gender across society. Genderfluid - Moving between genders or having a fluctuating gender identity. Agender - Not identifying with any gender. Sometimes referred to as being genderless or gendervoid. Bigender - Identifying as two genders, commonly (but not exclusively) male and female. Sometimes you feel like both genders at the same time and sometimes you fluctuate. Polygender - When you identify with multiple genders at once. Sometimes referred to as multigender. Neutrois - is a non-binary gender identity which is often associated with a neutral or null gender. Those who identify as such may be associated with genderlessness and may also share many similarities with agender-people who consider themselves neutrally gendered or genderless some may identify as both while others may prefer one term or the other. Intergender - As an identity, intergender can be considered to be between male and female, or to be a combination of the two. Intergender people may also identify as nonbinary, genderqueer and/or transgender. However, some intergender people consider themselves cisgender, as their gender is reflective of their sex characteristics at birth.

Demigender - When you feel as if you are one part a defined gender and one or more parts an undefined gender. Terms can include demigirl, demiboy, demiagender, etc. Greygender - A person who identifies as (at least partially) outside the gender binary and has a strong natural ambivalence about their gender identity or gender expression. They feel they have a gender(s), as well as a natural inclination or desire to express it, but it’s weak and/or somewhat indeterminate/indefinable, or they don’t feel it most of the time, or they’re just not that invested in it. Aporagender - Somebody with a strong gender identification of themselves that is non-binary. Maverique - A specific nonbinary gender identity characterized by autonomy and inner conviction regarding a sense of self that is entirely independent of male/ masculinity, female/femininity or anything which derives from the two while still being neither without gender nor of a neutral gender. Novigender - A gender that is super complex and impossible to describe in a single term. Pangender - is a non-binary gender defined as being more than one gender. A pangender person may consider themselves a member of all genders. Pangender individuals may identify with gender inclusive or gender neutral pronouns (such as they/them) instead of gendered ones.

Flags (Beginning Left Column) :

Transgender, Non-Binary, Genderqueer, Genderfluid, Rainbow Pride Flag, Agender, Bigender, Polygender, Neutrois, Intergender, Demigender, Graygender, Aproagender, Maverique, Novigender, Pangender.

st petep r id e.com

SUnDAY

St Pete Pride Street Festival PRESENTED BY THE AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Join us in the Grand Central District for one of the community's most-loved events. The St Pete Pride Street Festival attracts more than 40,000 people that enjoy a selection of cuisine while perusing blocks of community exhibitors and learning from local LGBTQ+ organizations. We top it off with wonderful entertainment from various venues throughout the district all day long, ensuring that there's something for everyone, including you.

Come as you are and enjoy the exhibitors and vendors from across the Bay Area.

W H AT T O K N O W

WE SUPPORT No Straws St. Pete at St Pete Pride.

If you need a straw, please ask.

ST PETE PRIDE IS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING OUR BEAUTFUL WATERFRONT CITY.

ST PETE PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL; PRESENTED BY THE AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Time: 11am - 5pm Location: Grand Central District, St. Pete Admission: FREE

We have pledged our support to the “No Straws St. Pete” campaign. All festival exhibitors throughout the weekend are asked to refrain from freely distributing straws. Those that who agree to participate in protecting our city will display this plaque. St Pete Pride is also working with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the St. Petersburg Stormwater Department, and the Suncoast Surfrider Foundation to protect our bay from beads and other debris left over from Pride Weekend. st petep r id e.com

There’s a lot of feel good in every bottle.

†† ††

Contains a trace amount of alcohol

Humm.com

Caladesi Caladesi Island Island

20 20

Oldsmar Oldsmar 3

41 41

Dunedin Dunedin

Clearwater Clearwater5 5 Beach Beach

Tampa Tampa Internationa International l Airport Airport

38 38

Sand SandKey Key

Clearwater Clearwater

Belleair Belleair Beach Beach

41 41

Largo Largo

16 16

Pinellas Pinellas Park Park

Redington Redington Beach Beach

28 28

22 22

15 15

Madeira Madeira Beach Beach

11 11

43 43

14 14

St. St.Pete Pete Beach Beach

47 47

Pass-a-Grille Pass-a-Grille Beach Beach

Albert AlbertWhitted Whitted Airport Airport

33 33 GULFPORT GULFPORT 45 45

17 17 18 18

Gulf Gulf of of Mexico Mexico

Tampa TampaBay Bay

DOWN GRAND DOWN GRAND EDGE TOWN TOWN CENTRAL CENTRAL EDGE STSTPETE PETE

---- magnified below ------- magnified below ----

Treasure Treasure Island Island

St. St.Petersburg Petersburgisisfull fullof of amazing amazingbeaches, beaches, great food, great food,impressive impressive museums, and museums, andso so much muchmore. more.Check Check out outsome someof ofthe theareas areas must see places. must see places.

St. St.Petersburg Petersburg

19 19

D O AD LLW OA N W N E I O W V D O D A PP A AP MM SSEM IIG H p T H R T m om//m LA maap

10 10 15 15

TAMPA TAMPA 13 6 13 6

AREA MAP

St. St.Petersburg/Clearwate Petersburg/Clearwaterr International International Airport Airport

Indian Indian Rocks Rocks Beach Beach

.co epe.rc .icdoem ppprerid id e t e t e e t t e ssttpp s at

Tierra Tierra Verde Verde

Shell ShellKey Key

20 20

3rd Ave N 3rd Ave N

7 6

Burlington Ave N Burlington Ave N

12 12

3rd Ave S 3rd Ave S

26 26

central ave central ave

2 13 2 13

10 10 4 24 34 44 29 4 24 34 44 29 5

32 36 2 32 36 2

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1st Ave N 1st Ave N

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12 16 12 16

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central ave central ave

1st Ave S 1st Ave S

39 39

13 13

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25 25

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NN WW

23 23 3 7 16 3 7 16

5 15 15

1st Ave S 1st Ave S 2nd Ave S 2nd Ave S

3rd Ave N 3rd Ave N

2nd st 2nd st

14 14

8th st 8th st

12 12

20 42 20 42

11th st 11th st

16th st 16th st

27 27

14 14

PARADE START PARADE START

I-275 I-275

35 35

40 31 40 31

22nd st 22nd st

27th st 27th st

31st st 31st st

18 18

1st Ave N 1st Ave N

2nd Ave N 2nd Ave N

36 36

4th Ave N 4th Ave N

21 21

I-I-373575

4th Ave N 4th Ave N

2 1

bays baysh hore driv ore dr e ive

Arlington Ave N Arlington Ave N

275 I-I-275

5th Ave N 5th Ave N

4th st 4th st

I-175 I-175

PARADE END PARADE END

10 10

RESTAURANTS / BARS 1. 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House 400beachseafood.com

2. The Avenue Eat/Drink theavenuedtsp.com

3. Bandit Coffee banditcoffee.co

4. BellaBrava

bellabrava.com

5. The Bends

727-202-8931

6. The Birch & Vine thebirchwood.com

7. Bodega on Central bodegaoncentral.com

8. Bradley's on 7th bradleyson7th.com

14. Dog Bar

dogbarstpete.com

15. Engine No. 9 no9burgers.com

16. Enigma

enigmastpete.com

17. Florida Orange Groves Winery floridawine.com

18. The Garage

2729 Central Ave.

19. The Flying Boat 1776 11th Ave N.

20. Green Bench Brewing Co. greenbenchbrewing.com

21. Hamburger Mary's Clearwater

26. Kings Street Food Counter

39. Red Mesa Cantina

27. Lucky Star Lounge

40. The Queens Head

28. Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar

41. Quench Lounge

kingsdtsp.com

2760 Central Ave.

madhattersteabar.com

29. Mandarin Hide mandarinhide.com

redmesacantina.com

thequeensheadbar.com quenchlounge.com

42. Red Mesa Mercado redmesamercado.com

30. Meze 119

43. Rollin Oats Market and Café

31. Old Key West Bar & Grill

44. Ruby’s Elixir

32. Park & Rec

45. Salty’s Gulfport Bar

meze119.com

727-623-0969

parkrecdtsp.com

33. Peg’s Cantina & Brew Pub pegscantina.com

34. Pipo's To Go

rollinoats.com

rubyselixir.com

saltysgulfport.com

46. Sea Salt

seasaltstpete.com

pipos1979.com

47. Silas Steakhouse

22. Hamburger Mary's St Pete

35. Pom Pom’s Tea House and Sandwicheria

48. Stillwaters Tavern

23. Hawkers Asian Street Fare

36. Proper Kitchen & Cocktails

49. Tryst Gastro Lounge

12. Community Café

24. Iberian Rooster

37. Punky’s Bar & Grill

50. Wine Madonna

13. Copper Tail Brewing

25. The Independent

38. Pro Shop Pub

9. The Canopy Rooftop Lounge thebirchwood.com

10. Cask & Ale

thecaskandale.com

11. Cassis American Brasserie cassisab.com

communitycafestpete.com coppertailbrewing.com

HOTELS 1. Avalon Hotel 727-317-5508

2. Beach Drive Inn Bed and Breakfast 727-822-2244

hamburgermarys.com/clearwater hamburgermarys.com/stpete eathawkers.com

iberianrooster.com

independentstpete.com

6. The Cordova Inn 727-822-7500

7. Courtyard Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown 727-450-6200

8. Don Cesar

727-360-1881

pompomsstpete.com properdtsp.com punkysbar.com

silassteakhouse.com

stillwaterstavern.com

trystgastrolounge.com winemadonna.com

proshoppub.com

12. Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown 727-892-9900

13. Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront 727-894-5000

17. Ponce De Leon Boutique Hotel 727-550-9300

18. Residence Inn by Marriott Treasure Island 727-367-2761

19. Staybridge Suites St Pete Downtown

9. DoubleTree Beach Resort

14. Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg Downtown

727-896-1080

10. Flamingo Resort

15. Kimpton Hotel Zamora

5. Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites

11. Gay St Pete House

16. Marriott St. Petersburg

21. Watergarden Inn at the Bay

7. Morean Arts Center

12. St. Petersburg Opera Co.

8. Museum of Fine Arts

13. St. Pete Sculpture Museum

3. Beso Del Sol Resort 727-734-8851

4. The Birchwood

727-596-1100

727-391-4000 727-321-5000 727-365-0544

ATTRACTIONS 1. Busch Gardens

4. Flordia Craftsman Gallery

2. Chihuly Collection

5. Florida Holocaust Museum

3. Creative Clay/Good Folk Gallery

6. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

buschgardens.com moreanartscenter.org

creaiveclay.org

floridacraftart.org

flholocaustmuseum.org

fmopa.org

727-822-4814 888-809-1588 866-508-0265

moreanartscenter.org fine-arts.org

9. Ocean Blue Galleries oceanblue.gallery

10. Salvador Dali Museum thedali.org

11. St. Petersburg Museum of History spmoh.com

727-821-0777

20. The Vinoy Renaissance Resort 727-894-1000

727-822-1700

stpeteopera.org

jonhair.com

14. Sunken Gardens stpete.org/sunken

15. Treehouse Gallery treehousegallery.com

st petep r id e.com

4055 35th St North St. Pete, FL 33714

727-379-2578

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Barb Lawrence (left) and Kimmy Denny of Palm Harbor embraced during a rally in front of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. [June 2013] Times Photo | Eve Edelheit

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Steve Weintraub (Founder/CEO), Julie Weintraub (President), Patty Weintraub (Vice President, Sister), Sons: left to right: Steven Weintraub Jr. (Gem Cutter), Troy Weintraub (Diamond Consultant), Adam Johnson (Sales Consultant) & Christopher Weintraub (GIA Graduate), plus Daughter, Emily Johnson (Sales Consultant) & Daughter-in-Law, Sujen Weintraub (Inventory Specialist)

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Valpak is a proud sponsor of St. Pete Pride weekend. Go to valpak.com now to receive great savings from your favorite local shops and restaurants. To advertise with Valpak, visit valpak.com/tampabay or call 727-221-0796.

t h g i l y t t o i p n s u m m Co

Andy o n i t i C SashA AND

Andrew Citino (Andy & 6Pak) and Sasha Citino’s love for each other knows no bounds. Below is the story of their incredible journey which encompasses Andy’s transition, their intense love for one another, a heartbreaking loss and their journey to starting their business. St Pete Pride’s Executive Director Luke Blankenship sat down with them for an interview to get the full story. Luke: How did you and Sasha meet? Andy: We met in summer 2007 when I

was a performer at Witness (bar is now out of business) as 6 Pak. L: What did you perform? A: A number of things but I was most

known for doing Kid Rock and Frank Sinatra impersonations. After the first two years of performing, I had an epiphany. I was 35 and realized I was transgender. A lot of the community embraced me and the entertainer around who I was. Most of the community hadn't really met a transgender man before and here I was a novelty. It was embraced by some and not by others. It was a double-edged sword. I think I was quite successful. I was cast at ChicBar, Detour, Georgie’s Alibi, I worked in Vegas, with the cast of Frank Marino’s Divas as well. I was the first drag king to perform with an open shirt. To be able to perform with an open shirt was a big deal and many other kings took it and tweaked it to match their style. Transitioning in front of everyone in the spotlight gave me the platform to talk to people. At first, I didn't know about activism. I didn't know that was advocacy, however I soon learned that's what I was doing.

Sasha: We spent so much time talking

to people after shows, during breaks, between shows, all types of questions about being transgender, what’s it like to be a couple, etc. L: Sasha, what is your background? S: I am not from the entertainment

world, completely the opposite. I have a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and I currently work as an independent consultant doing data engineering and architecture for a medical analytics company. My Associates is in Fashion Merchandising which is the connection to the store and the fashion world. All of the stuff I learned there has helped in some fashion with 6S. L: So back to your journey together... A: Sasha and I had been dating for three

months. New Year's morning rolled around and I was worried because before getting into the shower she said she needed to talk. I thought we were going to break up. Once she sat down with me on the couch, she says, I would like to help.͟I said, "define help."͟I’d like to help you with your surgery.͟Then I started crying. As I have issues with pride, as we all do. So I was crying, and I told her "There’s no way I can say no to this."͟ So Sasha paid for my surgery. After I said that she told me, I already contacted the surgeon and asked if I can pay for this anonymously. The doctor said, Yes, but if he asks, I will have to tell him.͟I know I loved her and I believed she loved me at the time, but whether or not we were going to spend the rest of our lives together, she still would have done that. S: It wasn’t about the romance. It was

about being confident and not afraid to be out in the world. Being able to be close to me, comfortable hugging me, just simple things. L: So let me get this straight. Y’all had

been dating for three months, New Year’s Day, you thought Sasha was going to break up with you and that is definitely not what happened.

A + S: NOOOOO! (intense laughter) A: Ok, so then we moved in together and

I had my surgery. When we went back for my unwrapping for the surgeon to undo everything, my nipples were still there. L: Oh my god! What a thing to worry about! A: If you smoke, you could lose one. S: And he did not listen to the͞please

don’t smoke warning. L: What a weird thing to worry about. S: They blame nicotine for everything. A: I know some dudes who have lost a

nipple. They are out there. A: So, as he’s unwinding, Sasha starts

filming, the doctor sees and says, Heck yea, put it up on YouTube!͟I’m crying, saw myself in the mirror and it was amazing. We were the first, trans man to unveil a top surgery on YouTube, in 2008. S: We gotta talk about how we got

married. So the real story is Andy had surgery in March 2008 and in May of 2008, Pride was coming up and we were looking to go on vacation soon after. I had never been to Vegas, coincidentally, since he had top surgery he was able to get his gender marker and name changed on his driver’s license. It was a requirement back then since there was no same sex marriage at that time. I happened to look on the Vegas registry to see what their requirements were to get married. Well low and behold all you needed was your social security card and your driver’s license. In Florida, at the time, you needed your birth certificate, so they would not let us get married. A: In 2008, New York was not redoing

birth certificates, they are now. Things were really different back then. In order to change your gender marker, you needed to have SRS, sex reassignment surgery. Us guys, they were giving them out as there are less steps, generally. The trans women’s doctors, were not giving out the SRS letters unless they had the lower surgery. So, it was very difficult for them to get it changed. The organization we worked with and did a lot of advocacy work and eventually got that changed.

It wasn’t about the romance. It was about being confident and not afraid to be out in the world. Being able to be close to me, comfortable hugging me, just simple things. S: We worked with Trans Action Florida,

which is now under Equality Florida. We did fundraisers to help other trans men have their top surgeries. It was important to us to give back for other trans men. S: So as soon as we figured out, that

in Vegas, we could get married legally, my mom, my aunt, my best friend, his best friend, his parents all flew to Vegas and got married in the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. A: You wouldn’t let me get married as Elvis! S: I couldn’t do that to my mom. She was

really, really Catholic and just got ok with us. She didn’t know originally, that Andy was transgender, until she Googled him. She read about his whole transition story from Watermark. She saw that and in true mom fashion, freaked out, quoted the Bible. It took a couple of weeks, it wasn’t long, but she showed up at the wedding and we had a great time.

A: I always felt embraced. L: People change... S: Oh I saw her change in front of my

eyes. She came to Pride, she was tipping drag queens, she always came into the store when she was in town and was a big supporter. People change, including very, very Catholic women. S: We came back to Florida after our

Vegas wedding, we were both working, Andy performing and then I lost my job. I found a contract in Vegas, we moved to Vegas in May 2009 and I started working over there. I worked for one of the largest slot machine manufacturers in the Casino industry and Andy performed. It was hard to find friends over there, but our parents and friends would visit. In February 2010, my best friend came out and we all wanted to go sledding on Mount Charleston. Unfortunately, while we were sledding, she had a fatal accident and that dampened the whole mood for Vegas. Yea, she was there at our wedding and she was in town to introduce her new girlfriend to us. It was a horrible time. All we wanted to do was go back home to Florida and shortly after, we did. A: Our friend, Mary Lynn, we lost that

day, a year prior, the three of us were planning a business. Originally was going to be a bar, and then we nixed that quite quickly. Then the boutique idea was born. Customer service was our number one priority. Mary Lynn was supposed to be a part of our business. st petep r id e.com

on their second visit, I'll get an answer from them. But on the third time in, it’s over. The guard is down, we have a conversation and a transformation happens. A: We do makeovers and while we

aren’t makeup artists, it’s amazing to see someone transform into the gender they identify with. S: Some people will walk in, their head is

down, and they go back and have their makeover and then everything changes. That’s the best part, when they walk out with a big smile. L: Tell me a bit about your store, the

products you sell and all that. S: Mary Lynn passed away on February

S: The name of our store is inspired by us,

20th, 2010 and we opened 6S Boutique on February 20th, 2011. Purposely with that date in mind, to remember her, as she was going to be a huge part of this.

6Pak and Sasha. We also think of ourselves as the neighborhood’s Fun Store.

A: The idea of retiring from performing

Oh I saw her change in front of my eyes. She came to Pride, she was tipping drag queens, she always came into the store when she was in town and was a big supporter. People change, including very, very Catholic women.

was there, we knew we wanted to do this. However, Georgie’s Alibi called and wanted me to be a part of their new cast. Kori Stevens, Alexis Mateo, it was a great cast. In our minds we were planning the business, researching it and we were peeking into different dressing rooms of performers, asking what sort of products they were using, asking them all sorts of questions and they had no idea we were going to open 6S. Another thing we wanted a safe, comfortable place, and have resources where people can’t get anywhere else. We have a very diverse customer base, trans women, drag queens, cross dressers, cos-players, theatre, ballroom, make-up artists, body painters, ladies who just love make-up, all across the board. There are groups that really need a safe place. S: I’ve seen countless, and it's mostly

cross-dressers, they will walk around, not say anything and then walk out. Then a week or so later, they will do it again. I’m always asking if they need help and maybe

A: Our cosmetics is 60% of our product

sales. Kryolan Professional Make-up, is one of our biggest product lines, they go from beauty, all the way to special effects. Kryolan was the makeup sponsor of the first two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and are current sponsors of FaceOff on Syfy. We are the only retailer that sells Kryolan in the Tampa Bay area. Kryolan has over 16,000 individual products and as a retail distributor, we have access to any product from their line. We also have La Femme Cosmetics, blushes, eye shadows, lipsticks, etc. Many drag queens in the area use La Femme as well as Kryolan. S: We also have a variety of synthetic wigs

including lace front wigs. Many wig stores will kill you price wise, but we have seen return business and because you can get 3 or 4 wigs for the price of one at many other wig stores. We do a lot of transition through our wigs too, always having something new. Other than cosmetics and wigs, 6S is stocked with fun accessories, dance tights, brushes and rhinestones. We have services too, we offer custom rhinestoning, beauty make-overs and One-onOne Shop Monday’s.

Andy performed at the very first St Pete Pride, back in 2003. Sasha’s first pride ever, was St Pete Pride 2008. Andy and Sasha have been a part of each Pride since. 6S Boutique has also been a sponsor to more recent Miss St Pete Pride pageants. Andy and Sasha are two of the main organizers of St Pete’s Transgender Day of Remembrance at City Hall. You can find them at 6S Boutique on 7213 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. stp ete p rid e.com

PRIDE

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WEARE

There are some jokes that are as old as time. How many times have you walked up to a register at a clothing store with shirts, a pair of pants or something that you couldn’t wait to take home and wear and the attendant had trouble scanning the item and you said, “If it doesn’t scan, that I means I get it for free, right?” Or maybe it’s just me. I can’t help it! But there is a joke I think we’ve gotten a little too comfortable hearing or saying. I have to preface this and say that I’m not writing this sitting on any high judgmental throne or soapbox. This is one of those teachable moments when you realize you’ve been doing something wrong and have to make a course correction to fix it. You’ve been somewhere before and heard someone say, “So it was LGBT, then it was LGBTQ – now how many letters are we going to add to that? The entire alphabet?” At first, a statement like that can seem harmless, but every letter of that acronym represents actual people – whole groups of underrepresented individuals who, like me and you, just want to be accepted. Now that we are taking that in, how exactly does that apply to your life? Education. As our community grows and we have people stepping forward wanting to take leadership roles and wanting a voice, we as a community have to educate ourselves and be advocates for friends. I recently had a discussion with a friend about whose job it was, if anyone, to teach people about the different aspects of our community. Is it a trans man’s responsibility to teach their co-worker about their experience growing up in a body they felt like wasn’t their own? Neither of us could answer that. All I could offer was this: As a black man, who works in the public eye, I have encountered people that didn’t like me because of the color of my skin. My response has always been to ask them questions about their prejudices and counter incorrect beliefs with facts. Was it frustrating having to basically hold someone’s hand to teach them tolerance? Yes. But I felt better knowing that when I left that situation I had done my best to create a better understanding from someone who was walking around with false notions of what it means to be black. As we head into St Pete Pride 2018 we are filled with love, connection and celebration. Before you hit the parade route, go to one of the local establishments that lifts up our community or spend time at the St Pete Pride Festival, take a little time to read up on the diversity in our community so we can lift up all colors of the rainbow. Happy Pride!

! E S R DIVE

e w e r a t u (B Really?)

MIGUEL FULLER

stp ete p rid e.com

E D I PR nity

u m m o C TS

EVEn

MISS ST PETE PRIDE SUNDAY / MAY 20 / 8PM Quench Lounge

PRIDE & JOY, AN LGBTQ ART SHOW

OPENING FRIDAY JUNE 8 / 7PM*

Back for its 15th year, another talented drag queen will be crowned Miss St Pete Pride. This year’s pageant features a ‘creative pride’ presentation, a talent portion evening gown and on-stage Q&A.

MIZE Gallery

Celebrate life and living free with MIZE Gallery’s exhibit Pride & Joy! This collection features local and out of state LGBTQ artists. *Exhibit runs through the month of June.

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE TAMPA BAY RAYS FRIDAY / JUNE 8 / 7:10PM Tropicana Field

PRIDE WITHOUT PREJUDICE JUNE 9-JUNE 30 / 6PM

Join St Pete Pride and the Tampa Bay Rays as they take on the Seattle Mariners in the annual “Pride Night with the Rays”

The Cider Press Café & The Emerald Bar So much Pride we couldn’t keep it under one roof! One show; two venues. Artists celebrate diversity in the LGBTQ community and beyond.

PRIDE BOWL W/ BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF TAMPA BAY SATURDAY / JUNE 9 / 4PM-6PM

“THE GAY DISTRICT” JUNE 22-JUNE 24 / ALL DAY Central Ave, from 16th Street & 31st Street Eat. Drink. And Play. The Grand Central District is host to numerous restaurants, bars, art galleries, and antique shops that are open throughout the weekend and are LGBTQ+ friendly.

$50/Bowler (includes goodie bag) $150/Teams of 4 $25 General Admission (no bowling) Dunedin Lanes Join us for our Pride Bowl benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay! Enjoy Cosmic bowling, glowing lanes, laser lights & music videos on the big screen with our special guest & MC TeMonet Cavalier! We’ll also have a 50/50 Raffle & Silent Auction. Come decked out in your best rainbow pride gear!

2ND ANNUAL ONE LOVE – PROM IN WONDERLAND FRIDAY / JUNE 22 / 9PM-2AM

ANNUAL PRIDE BLACK AND WHITE PARTY SUNDAY / JUNE 17 / 3PM-7PM Nova 535 Pre-Produced by Social Women In Motion (SWIM) the B&W Party'sannual event welcomes over 350 women in attendance! DJ Shannon C will be back as well as our awesome silent auction, and food truck. Our VIP tickets include a complimentary first drink and Queens Head will host complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds for this event will go to Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA). CASA's mission is to raise our voices against violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change.

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State Theater Everyone deserves to experience Prom and some LGBTQ+ individuals may have never had the opportunity to attend or bring the person they wanted to go with to this special occasion! We bring you Prom in Wonderland! An LGBTQ+ inclusive event with a Mad Hatters Theme! Wear your best Mad Hatter's themed attire, glam it up, or come as you are! Either way, we want to spend this fun and safe evening with you!

PRIDE ON THE EDGE JUNE 22-JUNE 23 / 12PM 1113 Central Ave OPENHOUSE, the newest and most unique event space in St. Pete’s’ EDGE District in collaboration with “I love the burg” presents, Pride on the Edge. St. Pete's first pop-up Gay Club experience benefiting METRO Wellness & Community Centers. Indulge in cocktails at our 4 bars or get access to our VIP lounge. Come celebrate all things PRIDE, dance the night away to beats from DJ Sugarbear, and enjoy the biggest pride party in St. Pete!

PRIDE ON THE BAY YACHT PARTY

THIRD ANNUAL PRIDE SHABBAT FRIDAY / JUNE 22 / 6:30PM Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg hosts Pinellas County’s 3rd annual Pride Shabbat service, celebrating equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, and questioning Jews, friends, families and allies. The Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat service is the only Jewish LGBTQA+ Pride event on Florida’s West Coast.

FRIDAY / JUNE 22 250 8th Ave SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701 Join the ultimate yacht party leaving out of the Port of St. Petersburg. A luxurious 3-level vessel with occupancy of over 200 people will be host to 3 unique and sexy parties of fun that can be tailor-made for the participants of your weekend of festivities. There will be 3 parties within 1 location, this will be the event of the summer.

PRIDE ROOFTOP DISCO SATURDAY / JUNE 23 / 12PM

GET PRIDE READY WITH MACY’S SUNDAY / JUNE 24 / 11AM Macy’s Tyrone Square Mall Come out to Macy's as it celebrates Pride. Join us in-store on Saturday, June 23rd at 11AM for live entertainment, refreshments and other surprises as we kick off the weekends festivities. Let Macy's help you get parade ready! Plus, with any $50 or more purchase in Men's receive a free gift!

Station House We're celebrating Pride with a rooftop disco party at Station House on Saturday, June 23rd. It will feature special guest DJs that include Chicago and New York originals Mystic Bill and Richard Vasquez, as well as Salt Lake City's Jesse Walker. The event will run from noon until parade time and then continue at Ichicoro Ane after the parade is over until 3am. A portion of proceeds will benefit local LGBTQ non-profit Metro Wellness & Community Centers.

TAMPA BAY DIVERSITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL LUNCHEON

DIVINE DISCO BRUNCH SUNDAY / JUNE 24 / 10AM-3PM The Cider Press Cafe Come dressed in your best ‘70s Pink Flamingoinspired costume to get down and body with our retro disco beats! Its the best place in town to recover from the parade and refuel for the Festival. Featuring our award winning plant based cuisine and Pride specials, including our Cliffton’s Pink Flamingo Cocktail and bottomless mimosas, this is your hook up to delicious and rejuvenating comfort food!

THURSDAY / JUNE 28 / 11:30AM Members - $35 / Non-Members - $45 The Club at Treasure Island Join us for our Annual Luncheon on at The Club at Treasure Island. This year we have the honor of our speaker being City of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, sponsored by PNC Bank.

MIDICI THURSDAY / JUNE 28 / 5PM-10PM The Neapolitan Pizza Company Show your PRIDE at MidiCi, The Neapolitan Pizza Company and score a complimentary cocktail! Dress in your favorite pride attire and enjoy a glass of wine, call liquor, or draft beer. Enter to WIN PRIZES (like a hotel stay for two)! Best dressed attendee will win a special prize. Taste our extensive menu of pizzas, calzones, salads, antipasto, charcuterie, desserts, and more! Groove to live entertainment, and make new friends! #MeetMeAtMidiCi

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y a B a p m a T 8 1 0 2 A A A G A N s t Hos ies r e S d l r o W l l a Gay Softb For the first time in NAGAAA’s 42-year history, Tampa Bay will host the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance’s (NAGAAA) 2018 Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) from Sept. 3rd-8th and will showcase our region in ways that will leave a lasting impression and create treasured memories for all involved. We call on the support of the entire Greater Tampa Bay Community to host thousands of participants that will take part in the 2018 GSWS. Over 200 of these teams with 5,000+ players and fans participate in NAGAAA GSWS annually, hosted in a different member city each year. While the primary focus of NAGAAA remains the organized athletic competition of gay softball, NAGAAA is also committed to helping the community. NAGAAA raises thousands of dollars through its annual fundraising event held each year during the Gay Softball World Series. The money supports various local HIV/AIDS organizations, as well as other local non-profits in the city hosting that year’s GSWS. We also need hundreds of volunteers to assist us with the

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various events occurring throughout the week as well as helping at each of the five softball complexes. These events include an Opening Ceremony at Curtis Hixon Park on Sept. 3rd, the Hall of Fame Dinner at the Florida Aquarium on Sept. 4th, the Charity Fundraiser benefitting local LGBTQ organizations on Sept. 5th, and finally the Closing Party at the Cuban Club in Ybor on Sept. 8th. We offer sponsors multiple touch points to connect with consumers during seven days of community events and a five-day, multi-division softball tournament. We are seeking financial patronage from our local businesses to assist in hosting the 2018 GSWS in Tampa Bay this fall. For more information about either volunteering for NAGAAA’s 2018 Gay Softball World Series and/ or sponsoring, please go to the NAGAAA host city website at: www. tampagsws.com or send an email to Ron Frank, Executive Director of the NAGAAA 2018 GSWS, at: executivedirector@tampagsws.com.

About NAGAAA Formed in 1977, the North America Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance is a 501c(3) international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competition in safe environments. Currently, more than 17,000 players from 45 cities across Canada and the United States participate in member leagues, and the best of these teams converge once a year for head-to-head competition at the annual Gay Softball World Series. Member city leagues across the United States and Canada compete in six divisions of play - A, B, C, D, Masters Classic and Masters Legends. Find out more about NAGAAA at nagaaasoftball.org.

About Tampa GSWS, Inc. Formed in 2016, Tampa GSWS Inc. is a 501c(3) organization formed for the sole purpose of hosting the 2018 GSWS for NAGAAA. A team of nine volunteers serve as the organization’s officers, working to plan and execute the seven days of events and the five days of softball competition. Visit www.TampaGSWS.com for more details.

We Sell History, Not Just Houses Southern Roots Realty is a local boutique real estate firm with five generations of real estate experience in St. Petersburg & the Tampa Bay area. Our firm specializes in unique, mid century, and historic homes & estates that fit any lifestyle. We also represent our clients with their commercial and investment real estate needs. We offer white glove real estate services to help clients put down their roots in our hometown. For more information, please visit our website:

www.southernrootsrealty.com Southern Roots Realty is a Proud Supporter of St. Pete Pride

SATURDAY JUNE 23RD

REST OF THE WEEKEND LINE-UP

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Community spotlight

Frank i z n e v Bo Frank Bovenzi is a local member of the St. Petersburg community and attends St Pete Pride every year. You may recognize him from the parade as he rides his electric bicycle down the parade route in his Uncle Sam outfit. Pride’s Executive Director, Luke Blankenship, sat down with him to share his story and why he participates in our parade. LUKE: Back in October, the very last person I talked to at the World Pride Conference, was Anthony, your grandson, and he showed me a picture of you. I recognized you right away, recognized your bike from St Pete Pride eight years ago and every year since. Why do you participate in Pride every year and tell me a bit about your bike. Frank: My patriotism for our country is why I participate. I’m very picky on my bike, I dress it up in red, white and blue and also put God Bless the USA on it. I now wear an Uncle Sam outfit as well. L: You’re quite patriotic; does that stem from anything? F: I used to vacation in Clearwater, and I love the beach. My old partner and I would get bored sitting there, so we collected every state’s flag and placed them in the sand. You would be amazed how many people stopped and took pictures. L: What year was this? F: 1985.

L: Have you seen St Pete Pride grow? F: Oh yea, I remember when it was just 20,000. L: What are some of your memorable experiences in being a part of Pride? F: The people sharing the experience, celebrating, happy, taking pictures and all that. I wish I could see all the pictures everyone takes! I have people come up to me constantly wanting to take a picture of me and my bike. L: How are you doing personally? You’ve been participating in Pride for a long time, are you ever going to call it quits? F: I’m 85-years-old and my health is going down. Having trouble breathing. But I’m going to keep on going until I drop. The cancer is now under control, I go to a cancer doctor once a month. It’s in my bones, I get injected once a month

to prevent it from spreading. St. Anthony’s treats me very well. My partner usually takes me. L: Tell me about your family. F: I have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Most of them are up in Massachusetts, but they come down and visit. L: Do you want to talk about advocacy you’ve done? F: I haven’t been as involved in my life as I’d like to. However, something I’m especially proud of is I worked with numerous political campaigns in Massachusetts, including John F. Kennedy’s Senate run. That’s where my patriotism stems from.

Frank’s grandson, Anthony Bovenzi is a drag performer and will perform during Pride Weekend as Nikita Le Femme. Frank and his partner Kone, have been together for five years. Frank lives on 1st Ave. N with his 7-year-old dog, Gigi.

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Grand Central has also provided a safe space for the LGBT community for over two decades and was instrumental in creating one of the largest celebrations of the community in the southeast United States.

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The Grand Central District is a designated and accredited Main Street by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a member of Florida Main Street. Grand Central is the longest tenured Main Street district in St. Petersburg as its 20th year is on the horizon. After suffering a drastic economic decline in the 1980s, the Grand Central District has become a thriving community full of interesting shops, arts and craft studios, professional and personal services, health and wellness providers, local breweries and a variety of restaurants and bars. Grand Central is bordered by the two distinct and unique neighborhoods of Palmetto Park and Historic Kenwood, whose residents support and collaborate on artistic endeavors and issues concerning the business corridor. Grand Central has also provided a safe space for the LGBT community for over two decades and was instrumental in creating one of the largest celebrations of the community in the southeast United States.

St. Petersburg was recently designated City of the Arts following the Great Recession. Art studios and art galleries are visible throughout the entire district. The arts community is woven into the fabric of Grand Central as it is now home to the ever increasing building murals that have become part of the culture of St. Petersburg. Grand Central is also a model for the continuing efforts of city government to cultivate and sustain alternative transportation initiatives. Recent infrastructure efforts, with the cooperation of Grand Central District and the City of St. Petersburg, have seen widened sidewalks, improved lighting, and traffic slowing concepts put to use. All with the intent to replicate the model throughout the district, and potentially throughout the rest of the city. The district is pedestrian and bicycle friendly, as well as having electric vehicle chargers. When bike share platforms arrived in St. Petersburg, Grand Central was among the first to have them installed. Grand Central is easily accessible through the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public transportation system. One of the primary directives of the Main Street program is economic revitalization and repurposing of existing structures, and Grand Central has taken this concept to another level. The district was once dotted with gas stations and auto repair shops end to end. Those facilities shuttered and closed have been reborn as taco stands, Southern cuisine restaurants and coffee shops. Long time businesses in the district that have survived decades have also seen great improvement, and are benefiting from the efforts by Grand Central. As the city continues to reinvent itself, Grand Central will provide a home, an entrepreneurial enclave, and creative space for interesting people with imaginative ideas and dreams. A famous selection from the American songbook told the story of the place beyond the rainbow, Grand Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts in the future will aspire that endeavor. Whether you want to come for an hour or for a day, Grand Central has something for you.

Jon Tallon

Grand Central District Association President

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