The Off i cial
Guide 2023
Love is
choose well. Bayfront Health is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects and values the diversity of the community that we have proudly called home for over 100 years. BayfrontHealth.com
Contents
7// History of National Coming Out Day
9// Letter from COSP Chair 11// Letter from COSP Co-Chair
14// City of St. Pete Proclamation
16// Supporter Spotlight 17// Out & Proud 19// Event Listing 21// Business Directory 22// Thank You, Sponsors!
THE OFFICIAL COME OUT ST. PETE GUIDE IS PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP
Owner & Publisher Rick Todd
Editor-in-Chief
Jeremy Williams
Managing Editor
Ryan Williams-Jent
Creative Designers Caitlin Sause Dylan Todd
Sales Director Danny Garcia
Sr. Central Florida Account Manager Sam Callahan
Central Florida Account Manager Daisy Chamberlin
Founder and Guiding Light Tom Dyer
Contents of this Come OUT St. Pete Guide are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. © Watermark Publishing Group Phone: ORL: 407-481-2243 TB: 813-655-9890
Publisher@WatermarkOnline.com WatermarkOnline.com
Come OUT St. Pete's mission is to advocate for community awareness and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Royal Court photos by Terry Scopelliti.
Come OUT St. Pete 2023 Board Members PAT “TAZ” FEARNS, Chair
CHRIS JONES, Board member
BILL KODY, Co-Chair
NOELLE SONCRANT, Board member
JOSHUA WALLACE, Treasurer
C O M E O U T S T. P E T E 2023
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As You
Are
The History of National Coming Out Day
T
Ryan Williams-Jent
he LGBTQ+ community and its allies began celebrating National Coming Out Day more than 30 years ago, on the one-year mark of 1987’s historical National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Believing the personal is political, founding activists Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary sought to unite their community by positively raising awareness for LGBTQ+ civil rights as they celebrated authenticity. “Most people think they don't know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does,” Eichberg later reflected. “It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.” In 1988, the first National Coming Out Day was celebrated in 18 states, expanding nationwide to all 50 and even seven other countries by 1990. It was then that organizers partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights group, to reach more people than ever before. “We first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power
of coming out,” they share ahead of each Oct. 11 celebration. “One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10. “Coming out – whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer – STILL MATTERS,” the organization continues. “When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.” It’s important to remember that everyone has the right to decide for themselves if, how and when they come out, which can happen more than once. It can be an ongoing process for many in the LGBTQ+ community, which National Coming Out Day fully embraces. Whatever your age, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and much more, there’s a community waiting to welcome you whenever you’re ready. Come OUT St. Pete celebrates you for who you are on this and every National Coming Out Day. C O M E O U T S T. P E T E 2023
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THE JAMES MUSEUM
OCT. 14, 2023 - JAN. 28, 2024
thejamesmuseum.org This exhibition is organized by The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Jie Wei Zhou (b. 1962), Dragon Parade, 2012, oil on linen. The Tom & Mary James Collection. © Jie Wei Zhou. Photograph by Todd Bates.
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As Come OUT St. Pete enters its seventh year, it is with a vision of hope and the promise of continuing to create a world unified around a culture of hearts and minds that values freedom of expression, acceptance, love and equality for ALL LGBTQIA+ people! This is possible because of a dedicated Board of Directors that voluntarily work tirelessly to promote our mission throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. The teamwork and selflessness of our members and volunteers is without comparison. Our community partnerships have included Kori Stevens' annual Toys for Tots Drive, nonperishable food drives for the Metro Inclusive Health Community Pantry and our crowning achievement: the Longstreth Family Scholarship endowments to St Petersburg College. This year we were able to award $5,000 in scholarships in the Spring and Fall. Three awardees each semester “received valuable support that truly changed their lives and impacted their ability to further their educational endeavors.” This year’s annual Family Day festival, which once again includes the Chili-Cook-Off, is a celebration of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. As we continue to provide events at venues where people can live their true authentic lives, we envision additional opportunities for people to continue to share their own coming out stories. We consistently receive feedback from our communities that “they are thankful for the safe spaces and opportunities our events provide.” Our multiple social media platforms not only provide additional safe spaces for the community, but also include support, guidance and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. They also celebrate LGBTQIA+ history and the achievements of our community. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped create Come OUT St. Pete’s success throughout this year. That includes our Board of Directors, countless volunteers, sponsors, community partners and especially the supporters of all of our events. Thank you for all the continued support. If you are not already a member of the Come OUT St Pete Family, then come join us! We would love to have YOU!
Pat “Taz” Fearns Come OUT St. Pete Chair
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My name is Bill Kody, and I've had the incredible privilege of serving as the co-chair for Come OUT St. Pete, where we celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in St. Petersburg, Florida. It's a role that I stepped into two years ago, after being an active part of this wonderful organization for a total of four years. I've never looked back since. For me, it all started with a deep-seated passion for championing LGBTQ+ causes and a desire to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for my community in St. Pete. Come OUT St. Pete presented the perfect avenue to channel that passion. Over the years, I've poured my heart and soul into this organization. As co-chair, I've had the honor of working alongside a dedicated team of individuals who share the same vision of inclusivity and celebration of our community's diversity in St. Petersburg. One of the things I love most about Come OUT St. Pete is our unwavering dedication to our local "gayborhood," the Grand Central District in St. Pete. This vibrant district has become a symbol of unity and pride for our community, and I take immense joy in supporting the local businesses, art initiatives and community events that make it such a special place in St. Petersburg. But our work extends far beyond the district itself. We've made it our mission to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness about the challenges our community faces in St. Pete. It's been incredible to see the progress we've made and the positive changes that have taken place in our city. At Come OUT St. Pete, we're committed to providing help and support to all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those who are transgender and nonbinary. We understand the unique challenges they face, and we strive to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone's voices are heard and respected. I'm particularly proud of the events we've organized this year. They've brought our community together in such a meaningful way, fostering connections and strengthening our bonds. I'm excited about our Family Day and Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 14th. It promises to be a day filled with laughter, delicious food and a sense of togetherness that truly defines the spirit of Come OUT St. Pete. When I'm not immersed in LGBTQ+ advocacy and community-building, you can often find me wandering the streets of the Grand Central District in St. Pete, soaking up the culture and spirit of this welcoming neighborhood. It's a place where I feel truly at home, surrounded by people who understand the importance of acceptance and love. In my role as co-chair and as a member of the St. Petersburg community, I've found purpose, fulfillment and a sense of belonging. I couldn't be prouder of the work we've accomplished together at Come OUT St. Pete and I'm excited to continue pushing for positive change, one step at a time. Bill Kody Come OUT St. Pete Co-Chair
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Sylvia Rivera
Harvey Milk
Lorraine Hansberry
cancommunityhealth.org
Premier specialized LGBTQ+ medical care inyour commun
Bayard Rustin
Marsha P. Johnson
James Baldwin
nity through outreach, advocacy, education, and research.
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Supporter Spotlight The Studio Public House Mike and Ali Crippin, owners of St. Petersburg’s The Studio Public House, hail from England but are longtime residents of St. Pete. Their goal is to have everyone who enters The Studio Public House as guests to leave as friends! The restaurant’s name “The Studio” originates from the history of its building, which at one time served as a recording studio for local musicians. “Public House” is the original British term for “Pub.” The local hotspot offers grub, grain, vino and vibes — and as a valued ally of Come OUT St. Pete since the day they took over ownership of the space, they have been the location for the organization’s monthly board meetings, as well as a hub for many COSP events. “We champion all of the nice people in our neighborhood and circle,” the Crippins told Watermark in 2021. “We wanted to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community so we have also incorporated the rainbow flag
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in our mural on the side of our building. We are very open to having any events held at The Studio Public House and are hoping we strengthen the bonds within our neighborhood.” That’s exactly what they’ve done. The board of directors wish to thank Mike and Ali and the amazing staff at Studio Public House for always providing a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community!
OUT & PROUD Come OUT St. Pete celebrates 7 years
C
Ryan Williams-Jent
ome OUT St. Pete has advocated for every sexual orientation and gender identity since 2017. Seven years in, the organization is better positioned and more eager to serve the community than ever before. “As Come OUT St Pete enters its seventh year it is with a vision of hope and promise of continuing to create a world unified around a culture of hearts and minds that values freedom of expression, acceptance, love and equality for all LGBTQIA+ people,” COSP Chair Pat Fearns says. She credits the organization’s board and supporters, among them their Royal Court. COSP crowned its latest two representatives Sept. 24 at the VFW Post No. 39, a staple in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. Around 50 supporters attended their fourth annual Come OUT As You Are Royal Pageant to see the crowning of Tampa Bay drag king Silver Foxx, Mr. COSP 2024, and drag queen Veronica Vixen, Miss COSP 2024. “It was an honor to be crowned,” Vixen says. “Although my crown is full of rhinestones, my reign will be full of dedication, fundraising and kindness. I’m just a boy changing the world one rhinestone at a time.” “I am honored and humbled to be crowned Mr. Come OUT St. Pete 2024,” Foxx adds. “As a 65-year-old male impersonator, my success proves that no matter your age,
you can accomplish anything you put your mind to!” “This past year’s court was exceptionally productive and did a lot in the community and helped with a lot of fundraising,” Fearns says of COSP Ambassador Ceazia Giovanni Kreshé, Mr. COSP Adam Cole and Miss COSP Rockell Blu, who will continue to guide the 2024 court. “I’m really looking forward to working with Veronica Vixen and Silver Foxx and seeing the freshness that they can bring to COSP Royal Court experience.” Their work will support COSP initiatives like the Longstreth Family LGBTQ+ Scholarship, named after COSP co-founder Brian Longstreth and his family. COSP designed it to award up to $5,000 for students attending St. Pete College through a joint effort with the school’s foundation. They’ll also be seen fundraising at LGBTQ+inclusive or focused events like Halloween on Central, St Pete Pride and COSP’s T-Dances, as well as this year’s Family Day and Chili Cook-Off. “As our communities continue to be under attack from the far right … we must continue to speak up and say this isn’t acceptable,” Fearns says. “We will not go back and we will not go back into the closet! We encourage the entire greater Tampa Bay LGBTQIA+ community to come out and support our mission.” C O M E O U T S T. P E T E 2023
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EVENTS COME OUT ST. PETE FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION AND CHILI COOK-OFF
Oct. 14 | Seminole Park, St. Petersburg Join Come OUT St. Pete Oct. 14 at Seminole Park in Historic Kenwood for this annual gathering, highlighted on p. 18 and at ComeOUTStPete.org/ Events. Meet our 2024 Royal Court and more. CHARITY BINGOS
Weekdays | Multiple Venues Join us Tuesday nights with Alexis De La Mer at Quench Lounge, located at 13284 66th St. N. in Largo and Wednesday nights with Georgia Moore at The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, located at 923 72nd St. N. in St. Petersburg. Visit ComeOUTStPete.org/Events for dates and times. COME OUT ST. PETE SUNDAY T-DANCES
Central Ave. | St. Petersburg Our signature gatherings are held at several locations along Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. Visit ComeOUTStPete.org/Events for dates and venues. TOYS FOR TOTS
This Holiday Season | St. Petersburg We will once again partner with Tampa Bay entertainer Kori Stevens for a toy drive. Visit ComeOUTStPete.org/Events for additional details.
723 823 7529 | americanstage.org
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH By: John Cameron Mitchell Directed by: Kirsten Kelly
May 15 - June 16, 2024
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Howard Ashman and Tim Rice Book by: Linda Wolverton Directed by: Kenny Moten
April 3- May 5, 2024
PRIDE PLAY CRAWL By: Jayne Deely
May 30 - June 23, 2023
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Business Directory ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: American Stage Theatre Company 727-823-7529 AmericanStage.org
Duke Energy Center For The Arts – Mahaffey Theater 727-892-5767 TheMahaffey.com
AQUARIUMS AND ZOOS: The Florida Aquarium 813-273-4000 FLAquarium.org
FAMILY LAW: Family Diplomacy
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES: The James Museum Of Western & Wildlife Art
813-443-0615 FamilyDiplomacy.com
727-892-4200 TheJamesMuseum.org
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
TRAVEL AND TOURISM: Orlando International Airport/ MCO
727-823-1234 BayfrontHealth.com
407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.com
CAN Community Health CANCommunityHealth.org
MEDIA: Watermark Publishing Group 813-655-9890 WatermarkOnline.com
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813-655-9890
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