Watermark's Tampa Bay Living With Pride Guide 2024
TAMPA BAY WITH PRIDE
OWNER
Rick Todd
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jeremy Williams
MANAGING
Ryan Williams-Jent
CREATIVE
Caitlin Sause
Dylan Todd
SALES
Danny Garcia
ACCOUNT
Daisy Chamberlin
Tom Dyer
Dear LGBTQ+ Residents, Visitors, and Allies,
On behalf of the City of St. Petersburg, welcome to our inclusive community.
Here in St. Pete, we're committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Our city staff, residents, and businesses are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and celebrating the rich diversity that makes our community so special.
For more than a decade, St. Petersburg has consistently earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index. This recognition is evidence to our ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have equal access to all the opportunities and resources our city has to offer. We're proud to be a city of progress and acceptance, and we look forward to continuing to build upon this legacy as we host the Southeast's largest and most inclusive Pride celebration.
While you're here, we encourage you to explore all that St. Pete has to offer. From our world-class restaurants and art galleries to our stunning beaches and vibrant neighborhoods, there's something for everyone.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we will continue to strive for a St. Petersburg that is a welcoming place where everyone can thrive.
Greetings:
Tampa, Florida is known globally as a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating all our citizens, businesses, and organizations for their impact within our city’s neighborhoods, and we promote the contributions the members of the community make in adding to Tampa’s success as a forwardthinking city and in enhancing our economic growth, improving our region, advancing the arts and culture scene, and contributing to our distinctive heritage. Our unique and rich culture have fostered a strong inclusiveness that protects both residents and visitors from discrimination and harassment, including those within the LGBTQ community.
Tampa was one of the first cities in the region to have a domestic partnership registry and the City continues to be committed to social progress including actively supporting LGBTQ owned businesses through the City’s Equal Business Opportunity Program, and Tampa consistently receives the top score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equity Index for our LGBTQ inclusive laws, policies, and services Every year, Tampa Pride Day is proclaimed, and the entire city celebrates year-round with community festivals, parades, sporting and cultural events, concerts, and more. Tampa proudly supports individuality, and by partnering with others, we promote the contributions the members of the LGBTQ community make in adding to Tampa’s success as a diverse city and appreciate their impact to our economic growth, neighborhood improvement, advancing the arts and culture scene, and adding to our proud heritage.
Tampa will not lose sight of what is most important – doing the right thing. Our city never fails to come together through difficult times, and the community demonstrates its love for one another and Tampa Pride, Inc., the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, and Metro Inclusive Health that help keep diversity in the forefront
Congratulations to Watermark Publishing Group for its fourth annual Tampa Bay Living with Pride guide. This magazine continues to provide Tampa Bay area residents and visitors to our city with the many wonderful highlights of what to see and do in our great community.
Sincerely,
Jane Castor
Dining With Pride
Ask the Locals: Fernando Chonqui
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
Whether he’s dancing with projectALCHEMY — the international dance company based in Tampa Bay — or performing with the region’s Sparks Collaborative Ensemble, Fernando Chonqui can work up an appetite.
Thankfully he lives in the right place. Tampa Bay’s dining scene has “something for everyone,” he explains. “I love seeing how much it has grown in the past few years.” Check out some of his favorites below.
FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS:
Most establishments are very inclusive and friendly. If I were looking for LGBTQ+-owned, I’d probably go to Uptown Eats for breakfast or Love Food Central Cafe for a vegan lunch.
Uptown Eats | 689-D Dr., MLK. Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-810-3287 | UptownEatsStPete. com; Love Food Central Café | 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713 727-317-2034 | LoveFoodCentral. com
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER & DRINKS:
I eat a chorizo and pollo verde taco from Casita Taqueria at least once a week, but if I wanted drinks and dinner, I'd probably go to Mangosteen
Casita Taqueria | Multiple Tampa Bay locations | CasitaTacos.com; Mangosteen | 656 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-954-3381 MangosteenFL.com
FAVORITE SWEET
TOOTH SPOT:
Chiki Churros. Nothing is better than a three-churro order with a side of dulce de leche and Nutella to appease the sweet cravings. I do have to give Bright Ice a shoutout, too.
Chiki Churros | 685 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | ChikiChurros. com; Bright Ice | 3701 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | 727-289-5438 BrightIceIsNice.com
FAVORITE DINING
DATE NIGHT:
If I were planning the date I would go to COPA and get a bit of everything to share. If he doesn’t share, he is not the one, period. If anyone
reading this has been thinking of asking me out on a date and is looking for a sign: Wild Child, Baba (for a lunch date), Pizza Box or the Lure are very safe bets.
COPA | 1047 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-623-9199 CopaDTSP.com; Wild Child | 2710 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-954-7425 | WildChildStPete. com; Pizza Box | 923 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-623-0444 PizzaBox727.com
FAVORITE UNIQUE
FLORIDA MENU:
While this is not necessarily a “Florida menu,” if you are visiting or live in the Tampa Bay area, you probably will hit The Dalí Museum at some point. Café Gala is one of our hidden gems and their Spanishinspired menu will not disappoint. Their beet gazpacho is delicious and I love getting their jamon serrano sandwich.
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-623-4725 | TheDali.org
FAVORITE VENUE FOR FANCY DINING:
Fortu's menu is exquisite. Start with the pork belly and potato millefeuille, and then get the scallops. It pairs deliciously with a bottle of red cotê du rhone.
97 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-256-0268
FortuRestaurants.com
FAVORITE LOCAL JOINT:
The Chattaway hands down. They are the only reason I always carry $20 cash with me.
358 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-823-1594
TheChattaway.com
FAVORITE BRUNCH:
If you are looking for a Sunday, 1 p.m. brunch (if you know what I mean!), the Frog Pond is your savior. I love getting their eggs benedict or their potato hash. Now, if you want something for Instagram, go with The Library Restaurant or Oxford Exchange
Frog Pond | Locations throughout Tampa Bay | FrogPondDTSP.com; The Library Restaurant | 600 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-3699969 | TheLibraryStPete.com; Oxford Exchange | 420 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 | 813-253-0222 OxfordExchange.com
FAVORITE DINNER WITH A VIEW: The Rusty Pelican. Their salted butter and bread table service
perfectly pairs with a beautiful view of the Bay and the Howard Frankland Bridge. Right next to it is Casa Cami. 2425 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 | 813-281-1943 | TheRustyPelicanTampa.com; CasiCami.com
FAVORITE SMALL PLATES: Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant’s Patatas bravas, picanha and croquetas… why are you still reading? Go get some and then come back.
332 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-209-2299 | Ceviche.com
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Poppo’s Taqueria. A small chicken bowl with one corn tortilla on the
Photo courtesy Fernando Chonqui
DON’T MISS…
ARMATURE WORKS
1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, FL 33602 813-250-3725 | ArmatureWorks.com
BODEGA
1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-623-0942 | EatBodega. com
NEW YORK NEW YORK PIZZA 1512 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 813-248-1845 | NYNYPizzeria.com
NOBLE CRUST
8300 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 | 727-329-6041 | Noble-Crust. com
RED MESA RESTAURANT
4912 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 727-527-8728 RedMesaRestaurant. com
RED MESA CANTINA
128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-8226 | RedMesaCantina. com
THE STUDIO PUBLIC HOUSE
2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | 727-873-6992
side is the quickest way to my heart. 1033 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-289-1121
PopposTaqueria.com
FAVORITE SEAFOOD DISH/ RESTAURANT:
For more sophisticated seafood, I love Sea Salt. Their happy hour is incredible, especially if you like oysters. But I am the biggest fan of the mahi sandwich at The Big Catch at Salt Creek
Sea Salt | 183 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-873-7964
AielliGroup.com; The Big Catch at Salt Creek | 1500 2nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 TheBigCatchAtSaltCreek.com
FAVORITE VEGETARIAN
DISH/RESTAURANT:
The lentil soup at La Deja Vu Cafe is authentic, rich, and filling, and it
makes you feel like you are getting a giant hug from a loved one.
401 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-656-2334 Facebook.com/DejaVuCafeStPete
FAVORITE FOOD TRUCK: Latin Lunch Box. It's the most authentic Boricua food in St. Pete. 601 5th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Instagram.com/LatinLunchBox
FAVORITE COFFEE HOUSE: I am a tad obsessed with Pour and Decor. Dirty Chai Oat Latte for the win!
2210 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | 727-516-7678 PourAndDecor.com
FAVORITE CRAFT BEER: Beach Blonde from 3 Daughters any day.
222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | 727-495-6002 | 3Dbrewing. com
FAVORITE SPOT FOR WINE: CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop. I love everyone there and want to thank them for being the best!
1005 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 77-289-9889
CellarmastersStPete.com
FAVORITE GLOBAL CUISINE: I love taking guests to Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria for Italian food. The Floribbean offers a lovely Caribbean-infused “build your own bowl” experience, which is excellent for a quick lunch.
Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria | 2363 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713 727-851-9114 | MatteoTrattoria. com; The Floribbean | 2410 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-826-0198 | TheFloribbean.com
Photo via Casita Taqueria 's Facebook
Nightlife of Pride
Ask the Locals: Rockell Blu
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
Rockell Blu loves Tampa Bay’s nightlife — and Tampa Bay’s nightlife loves Rockell Blu! The entertainer has lived in the region for 10 years, performing in and out of drag throughout it.
“ Blu is the owner of the Tampa Bay-based ROCA Productions. The award-winning company creates talent numbers for pageants, conventions, special events and more. When Blu isn’t on stage herself, she’s happy to support the community she’s proud to be a part of. Check out a few of her favorite ways to do that here.
FAVORITE LGBTQ+ OR LGBTQ+-FRIENDLY BAR:
Whether it's an event or an afternoon in the pool, the staff at Cocktail and The Wet Spot makes a visit worth your while. They even offer wine and cheese for their guests staying at the Mari Jean hotel. It's the little things!
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | 727-592-1914
CocktailStPete.com
FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY EVENT NIGHT:
Drag Queen Bingo is always the ticket. Tampa Bay queens like Georgia Moore and Alexis De La Mer regularly host events and raise money for people and organizations in the community. Find them on
social media for the latest spaces they’re doing it.
Events throughout Tampa Bay
FAVORITE DRAG SHOW:
Well duh, it has to be Slay Fridays, which I host at Pro Shop Pub. Our shows always have cheap drinks and local entertainers.
I only dance when I am getting paid, but if I wanted to do it outside of that it would be at Bradley's on 7th. The home of a legendary go-go contest, Bradley's will definitely get
you sweaty on the dance floor. Say hi to the dancers who are there all weekend.
1510 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 813-241-2723 | Bradleyson7th.com
FAVORITE DATE NIGHT:
I am a huge fan of Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events. These threehour cruises include sightseeing, dinner and dancing. It's perfect.
Locations in Clearwater and Tampa | 813-223-7999 | YachtStarship.com
FAVORITE PLACE FOR LIVE
MUSIC: Ruby's Elixir provides nightly live music and
entertainment. Perfect for when you want to slow jam or just rock out. They also have a cigar lounge and specialty cocktails.
15 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-898-2442 | RubysElixir.com
FAVORITE FANCY
COCKTAIL BAR: With beautiful roof top view, K Club Bar & Bistro is simply perfection. Enjoy a cocktail from any of the bartenders and the charcuterie boards.
I like my martini dirty and my “vadka” tonic with no fruit. With happy hour until 9 p.m., come get you at drink at Enigma
1110 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | 727-235-0867 EnigmaStPete.com
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW:
You must check out the Columbia Restaurant, which has a Spanishand Cuban-infused menu. This 117-year-old, family-owned business has beautiful Flamenco shows on weekends where you can enjoy being entertained by beautiful dancers in amazing costumes. 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 | 813-248-4961 | ColumbiaRestaurant. com
FAVORITE LIVE SHOW VENUE:
Ruth Eckerd Hall has some of the best entertainment around. In the last year they’ve had Diana Ross, Boy George and “RuPaul's Drag Race” tours, just to name a few. I had the opportunity to see local Tampa Bay dancer Jason Carroll in “Chicago” and was floored.
The Breakroom Bar & Grill serves an amazing brunch with a view every weekend. Check this place out night or day.
13575 58th St. N., Clearwater, FL 33760 | 727-538-4273 BreakroomBar-CW.com
FAVORITE CRAZY
NIGHT OUT:
Wear a nametag just in case you forget who you are or where you have been. With theme parties all year long, The Castle is that place to just let loose.
2004 N. 16th St., Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-7547 | CastleYbor.com
FAVORITE PLACE TO SIT BACK AND BE ENTERTAINED:
St. Petersburg Opera Company lets you transport yourself all around the world with beautiful sets, costumes and performers. Don't forget my favorite holiday show, “Holiday Sparkle.”
Paul Raker is the president of OUT Arts & Culture, the premier LGBTQ+ arts nonprofit detailed on p. 8, so it’s safe to say he knows something about Tampa Bay’s exciting arts and entertainment scene.
When he isn’t volunteering with the organization, he’s also a vice president for the OUT Foundation, which uplifts LGBTQ+ individuals through inclusive health and wellness. He says he’s fortunate in both roles to connect with the community of which he’s a part. “The Tampa Bay area … is a true safe haven of inclusivity where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive and live as their authentic se lves,” he says. “It’s an area that not only talks the talk but walks the walk.” Learn more about some of his favorite ways to celebrate that here.
FAVORITE FANCY NIGHT OUT:
Florida fancy is a different kind of fancy — for me it’s about views and vibes. I love the view from Birchwood Canopy, so drinks and light bites there are a must for any fancy night out. From there, it’s a short walk to any of the excellent
restaurants on Beach Drive in St. Pete or Teak St. Pete. It has an unmatched view, a great menu and a delicious cocktail list.
Birchwood Canopy | 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-1080 | TheBirchwood.com; Teak St. Pete | 800 2nd Ave. NE 4th
Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-513-8325; TeakStPete.com
FAVORITE COMMUNITY
THEATER:
freeFall Theater always has the most appealing and diverse line up of shows each season and no matter which one(s) you pick, you can't go wrong. They o a great job of uplifting topics that are thought provoking, poignant and timely.
6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33710 | 727-498-5205 freeFallTheatre.com
FAVORITE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT:
American Stage in the Park at Demens Landing is a must see. The park is picturesque. American Stage always puts on a superb production no matter where it is held, but in the park is extra special entertainment.
163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-823-7529 | AmericanStage.org
FAVORITE VENUE FOR A MOVIE:
Green Light Cinema. I love its nostalgic feel, which reminds me of going to movies when I was kid in small town North Carolina. No frills, just the movies the way they were meant to be watched.
Dinner at Concrete Jungle and a show at Zubrick Magic Theater close by is the perfect combination. Chris and Ryan Zubrick are a part of Tampa Bay’s thriving LGBTQ+ community, so it’s also a win-win. Concrete Jungle | 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-475-5440 ConcreteJungleStPete.com; Zubrick Magic Theatre | 1211 1st Ave. N., Ste. 101, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 866-982-7425 | ZubrickMagic.com
FAVORITE VENUE FOR LIVE DANCE:
Nutcracker Ballet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is the best way to ring in the holiday season. Even for those of us who don't identify as huge fans of dance in this way, it will still put you in the holiday spirit.
Moreso an event than a venue, but Gasparilla Music Festival at Curtis Hickson Park has been the place for me to see the widest variety of music. Some I was already a fan of and knew I would like and others I stumbled upon as part of the festival and still enjoy listening to today. It’s a great event to try a variety of music. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa, FL 33607 | GasparillaMusic.com
Photo courtesy Paul Raker
FAVORITE VENUE FOR
LIVE ART:
If drag is art — and it is — one of my favorite venues to see it in has been Tampa Theater. There is never a bad seat in the house and it draws in some amazing acts. I was in the front row for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Jinxx Monsoon last year, and it was fabulous!
711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602 813-274-8981 | TampaTheatre.org
FAVORITE CRAZY
NIGHT OUT:
Mr. Dz Men's Emporium has friendly bartenders, a vending machine full of risqué goodies, a cage in the corner, great music, dancing and a pretty sweet patio. It all makes for a crazy night out you will probably be sharing stories about the next day.
Theres a reason why glass classes at Morean Arts Center fill up so quickly. They are so much fun, a great group activity and a hands-on opportunity to create a unique and beautiful piece of art. They even have fun themed workshops that keep everything new and fresh.
719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-822-7872 MoreanArtsCenter.org
FAVORITE GEEK SPOT:
I am museum and history nerd and the museum scene is great here, including the Florida roadside attraction Sunken Gardens. From the plants to exotic birds and the famous flamingos, it’s such an amazing spot to take in Florida History and enjoy the beauty of our state in the backyard of all the hustle and bustle of a growing St Pete.
1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704 | 727-551-3102 | SunkenGardens.org
FAVORITE HIDDEN A&E GEM:
For me it’s FloridaRAMA, formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete. There really is
not another spot like it in the whole area. It’s an amazing date night spot or fun trip with friends and no two visits are the same. The rotating art in the gallery or scavenger hunts and activities you can participate in throughout the space offer variety every time you visit. Plus, it might be one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tampa Bay.
2606 Fairfield Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | Fairgrounds.art
FAVORITE ANNUAL EVENT:
This is hard because we have so many, but I’m going to be a little self-serving and choose Read OUT, OUT Arts & Culture's annual LGBTQ+ literary festival held each year on President’s Day weekend. It’s one of our four signature programs and features LGBTQ+-focused panels, keynotes and authors attending from all over the country. A true must attend for book lovers!
Various Tampa Bay locations OUTArtsAndCulture.org/ReadOUT
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, ST. PETE 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-896-2667 | MFAStPete. org
ECKERD HALL 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759 | 727-7917400 | RuthEckerdHall.com STUDIOS @ 5663 5663 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 | 727-313-2250 PinellasArtsVillage.com
W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602 | 813-274-8130 TampaMuseum.org
DALI MUSEUM
Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-823-3767 | TheDali.org
JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 727-892-4200 TheJamesMuseum.org
Photo via Gasparilla Music Festival's Facebook
Saint Petersburg
Clearwater/ Dunedin/ Largo
Blur Nightclub
Pro Shop Pub
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Dharma Kava Lounge
The Breakroom Bar & Grill
K Club Bar & Bistro
TPride 365
Tampa Bay celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride year-round
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
here’s no shortage of Pride in Tampa Bay. It’s been celebrated by locals and visitors in the region for decades, a testament to the impact the LGBTQ+ community has had here. Check out some of those celebrations below and be sure to read Watermark’s Central Florida and Sarasota Living with Pride guides to see how even more of Tampa Bay’s neighbors share their LGBTQ+ Pride. Watch future issues of Watermark and visit WatermarkOnline.com for the latest details about each outing.
COME OUT ST. PETE
St. Petersburg | ComeOUTStPete.org
Come OUT St. Pete has advocated for the acceptance of every sexual orientation and gender identity since 2017, encouraging a sense of community through events and activities. The organization’s main events are traditionally held in St. Petersburg in October around National Coming Out Day. The holiday has led COSP to envision a world that is unified around a culture that values freedom
of expression, acceptance, love and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
DUNEDIN PRIDE
Dunedin | DunedinPride.com
Dunedin Pride was launched 2022 to honor the city’s growing LGBTQ+ community. The June event celebrates diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the city and features a range of events like a Pride Golf Cart Parade, Pride Festival and other educational events. It is organized by
the Dunedin Pride Committee, a volunteer-led organization which promotes equality and acceptance for all.
Gulfport’s LGBTQ+ residents have led numerous celebrations over the years. Newer events include the Gulfport Peace, Love and Pride Fest held earlier each year, presented by
ProSistersRadio and co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport. It is designed as “a celebration for everyone.” Gulfport Pride is held in June to celebrate the region’s LGBTQ+ community and allies with a vendor fair, march and more.
PASCO
PRIDE
Pasco County PascoPrideFestival.com
The goal of Pasco Pride is to connect,
Photo by Bubba Trahan
build and strengthen the LGBTQ+ community in and around Pasco County. It was founded in 2018 and made history by becoming the first festival celebrating the area’s growing LGBTQ+ population. Its main outing includes a festival earlier in the calendar year.
POLK PRIDE
Lakeland | PolkPrideFL.com
Polk Pride was formed in 2015 to showcase the LGBTQ+ community living in and around Polk County. The event aspires to be the premier platform for education and entertainment for the area’s LGBTQ+ community and is a venture of the Lakeland Youth Alliance. Their signature event is held in June.
PRIDE AT THE VILLAGE
Pinellas Park | PinellasArtsVillage. com
Pride at the Village launched in 2021 as the first official Pride celebration held in Pinellas Park and has continued to make history. The celebration benefits
Diversity Arts, which exists to support underserved youth and communities by providing safe environments, guidance and materials for creative self-discovery. It is held earlier in the calendar year.
ST PETE PRIDE
St. Petersburg | StPetePride.org
St Pete Pride is Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride and celebrated 22 years in 2024 with a month of festivities. It exists to strengthen St. Petersburg’s legacy of inclusion and diversity by providing a safe space for education, self-exploration and the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It was founded in St. Petersburg’s “gayborhood” and in recent years has expanded to welcome hundreds of thousands for events throughout the entire city.
TAMPA PRIDE
Tampa | TampaPride.org
Following an eight-year ban on celebrating Pride in Hillsborough County, Tampa Pride returned stronger than ever in 2015 and has continued to serve the community in the years since. The celebration
marked a decade in 2024 and now enjoys the support of the city and county in which it resides.
TIGLFF
Tampa Bay | TIGLFF.org
The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has been a part of the region’s LGBTQ+ community for over three decades. It has entertained, empowered and enlightened audiences with compelling films by, for and/or about the LGBTQ+ community, traditionally with a festival in October. In recent years they have also introduced monthly screenings, a Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival and Queer in Color: A BIPOC Film Festival.
WINTER PRIDE
St. Petersburg | WinterPrideSaintPete.com
One of the region’s newest LGBTQ+ events, Winter Pride hopes to become a recurring staple in the Grand Central District. The inaugural event is scheduled for February 2025 and is presented by the LGBTQ+ bar Cocktail and Grand Central District Association, which represents businesses in St. Petersburg’s traditional “gayborhood,” efforts supported by a planning committee.
Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent
Photo by Dylan Todd
Photo by Jamarcus Mosley
Photo by Caitlin Sause
Photo by Dylan Todd
Photo by Deidre Favero
Community Care
Tampa Bay organizations offer their support
RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
LGBTQ+ advocates and allies throughout Tampa Bay have long understood the importance of supporting one another, forming organizations dedicated to cultivating the community and more. Get to know some of the organizations working to make the region a warm and welcoming place for every resident and visitor here.
The LA-based AIDS Healthcare Centers provides medical care designed specifically for its more than 1 million HIV-positive clients across the globe. Its St. Petersburg healthcare center does so regardless of the ability to pay and is located in the organization’s Tampa Bay flagship facility in the Skyway Marina District. It houses AHF’s pharmacy and their fundraising thrift store Out of the Closet, which utilizes 96 cents of every dollar collected to fund programming and services benefiting those in need.
BALANCE TAMPA BAY
1802 N. Howard Ave. #4529, Tampa, Florida 33677
BalanceTampaBay.org
Balance Tampa Bay was founded to promote fellowship, fun and philanthropy for the LGBTQ+ community and Tampa Bay at large in 2011. To further its mission, volunteers have held public service activities, regular socials and large-scale
events ever since, including their signature Masquerade and Party 4 Presents. BTB partners with Empath Partners in Care for Masquerade, described as “a fabulous night of music, dance, fun and fundraising,” and Party 4 Presents is a holiday gift drive benefiting Tampa Bay charities.
CAN Community Health has served the HIV community in Florida and beyond since 1991. The private, not-for-profit organization owns and operates over 30 medical clinics, with sites in Clearwater, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa, a 30,000-square-foot headquarters. CAN’s mission is to inspire and contribute to the health and well-being of those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. They do this through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education and research while hosting annual events and more.
EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE
Multiple locations | 727-328-3260 | MyEPIC.org
Empath Partners in Care is a member of Empath Health’s network of health care providers, which has supported patients challenged by chronic and advanced illnesses in Tampa Bay since 1977. It formed after the 2016 merger of the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas and the Tampa-based Francis House and currently offers a wide variety of services via its Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa campuses. The organization participates in and regularly holds fundraisers to raise awareness for its mission. The organization also maintains EPIC Generations, programming designed to support LGBTQ+ elders.
EQUALITY FLORIDA
P.O. Box 13184, St. Petersburg | 813-870-3735 | EQFL.org
Equality Florida is the state’s largest LGBTQ+focused civil rights organization. They have worked to change the political landscape in Florida since 1997 through education, organizing, coalition building and political lobbying. They also hold annual events, including the Tampa and St. Pete galas, to raise awareness for their fight to ensure no one is discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. That work specifically extends to adoption, discrimination, family recognition, gun violence prevention, hate crimes, HIV advocacy, marriage equality, safe and healthy schools, transgender inclusion and voter mobilization.
INCLUSIVE CARE GROUP
Multiple locations | 727-753-7787
InclusiveCareGroup.com
Inclusive Care Group expanded from St. Petersburg to Tampa in 2024. The organization is described as " a patient-centered practice that incorporates compassion and dedication to promote your well-being." They partner with other local organizations like Bell Pharmacy, which champions LGBTQ+ patients.
The Lakeland Youth Alliance is a nonprofit which provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to gather to discuss issues and concerns that are
Photo by Jamarcus Mosley
important in their lives. It also allows them to meet other LGBTQ+ youth in its peer-based groups with members ranging from the ages of 13 to 24.
LOVE THE GOLDEN RULE
Multiple locations
727-826-0700
LoveTheGoldenRule.com
Love the Golden Rule expanded in 2024 and is "committed to providing exceptional care to all communities." The organization is inspired by its motto to be happy and help others as "a beacon of supportive, inclusive and compassionate healthcare" for the region.
OUT ARTS & CULTURE
Tampa Bay | 727-893-1074
OUTArtsAndCulture.org
Formerly the LGBTQ Resource Center, OUT Arts & Culture launched in 2015 and began operating as an independent nonprofit in 2019 before rebranding in 2024. Today it educates, celebrates and inspires all who value a deeper understanding of those who are LGBTQ+ and is Pinellas County’s only nonprofit focused explicitly on LGBTQ+ arts and culture. The nonprofit holds signature events like ArtOUT, ReadOUT and more.
METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH
Multiple locations | 727-321-3854
MetroTampaBay.org
Metro Inclusive Health has worked to meet the health and wellness needs of Tampa Bay for over three decades, providing services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse community they serve. In 2023, the organization announced their expansion to eight locations, with sites in Clearwater, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. With more than 100 medical and social services including LGBTQ+ youth programming and more, they strive to ensure that all are welcome all year long.
PFLAG
Chapters throughout Tampa Bay | PFLAG.org
PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to uniting LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Leaders hold support groups and events to let LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone. Learn more about Lakeland/ Polk County’s chapter at PFLAGOfPolkCounty.org; Riverview’s at PFLAGRiverview.org, Safety Harbor’s at PFLAGSafetyHarbor.org; Tampa’s at PFLAGTampa.org and Wesley Chapel/Pasco’s at PFLAGWCPasco.org.
ROSE DYNASTY FOUNDATION
1253 W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland RoseDynastyFoundationInc.org
The Rose Dynasty Foundation exists to provide a safe, family-friendly atmosphere for all through mentoring, fundraising, fostering community and promoting awareness of resources. Its message is that people are “loved, accepted and wanted,” something they amplified by opening the Rose Dynasty Center in Lakeland in 2024 — the first such space in Polk County. It offers regular programming for members of the LGBTQ+ community and more.
TAMPA BAY LGBT CHAMBER
3251 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 813-687-4993
TampaBayLGBTChamber. org
For over 40 years, the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber has sought to advance the common business interests, economic growth and equality in the workplace for LGBT and allied businesses, corporations and professional members. It provides educational and networking opportunities to engage with the community, representing hundreds of businesses, community groups and individuals in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk and Hernando counties. As an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, it also
provides LGBT Business Enterprise certification to businesses which are majority owned, managed, operated and controlled by LGBT individuals.
THE FITZLANE PROJECT
Tampa Bay | 727-349-3489
TheFitzLaneProject.org
The FitzLane Project provides access to specialized mental health services to empower underprivileged transgender youth to embrace their authentic selves and have the tools needed to succeed in their everyday lives. They fund services for those ages 13-24 in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and work to facilitate more access through a network of certified therapist/mental health counselors who share the nonprofit’s vision.
TRANSNETWORK
Tampa Bay | MyTransNetwork.org
TransNetwork launched in 2023 to build a community where trans and gender expansive people thrive as healthy, connected and supported members of society. The organization “works towards a future where everyone can live authentically and freely, regardless of their gender identity” through collaboration, education and activism, regularly hosting town halls, workshops and more to combat discrimination.
Photo by Dylan Todd
Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent
With 160+ destinations worldwide, the opportunity to escape is now. From 105+ Domestic destinations and 60+ International destinations, Orlando International Airport provides access to unique travel experiences that you seek and deserve. Why wait? The time for adventure is now.
