Letter from the Executive Director

In 2009, St. Pete Pride celebrated and remembered the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

A lot has changed in over 40 years. Today gay and lesbian couples can legally wed in 5 states and domestic partnerships or civil unions are an available alternative in a handful of others. We are probably more visible in our communities and nationwide than we have ever been. Over 80,000 people attend St. Pete Pride and our city is home to an array of international visitors year round. We have made great strides in having our families recognized locally and nationwide and we have witnessed the continued fight for adoption equality in our own backyard.

This year, St. Pete Pride is proud to celebrate our families. During the past few months, I’ve been fortunate to meet several wonderful LGBT people in the Tampa Bay area. I’ve been lucky enough to meet with local leaders who fight for equality year round, enjoy some relaxation with friends at some of the local gay and gay-friendly watering holes and attend benefits where small groups of grassroots individuals are working hard to make our families recognized and our homes free of prejudice. These people comprise our families. From the married and unmarried couples with children to the single LGBT parents and those unique families we create from our very own circle of friends – all of these people help to create the diverse community that we celebrate during Pride.

As we honor all of these families however, we must also remember the battles for equality both in our history and the ones that lie ahead in our future. We must never forget the events that occurred that fateful night in New York City over 40 years ago and the many often unheard of events that took place leading up to it. We must realize that there are still gaps in our community that need to be bridged, relationships that need to be strengthened. We must remember that we, ourselves, are a diverse group of individuals and families made up of many colors, many creeds, many sexual orientations and identities. We must stand behind the LGBT families who are trying to raise children in a country that is often unwelcoming to their families. They face many more issues than diaper prices, school supplies and how to juggle afternoon karate class and dance lessons. Only together, can we continue what was started more than 40 years ago. Only together, can we make a difference for our own families and those of the future.

I’m reminded of a poem my mother read to me as a child by Dorothy Law Nolte entitled “Children Learn What They Live.” The last line reads “If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.” Our families, no matter what they are comprised of, are the essence of that acceptance and friendship. Through our own lives and actions, we celebrate our diversity and challenge the world to make positive changes in legislation to ensure our protections and equality.

In addition, Pride is, and always has been about celebration. Pride makes us visible in a world where we need visibility to ensure our equality. It shows that we are a vital part of our local communities and the state of Florida. This week and in the months and years that follow, let’s make sure we celebrate our lives and our families – openly, honestly and most importantly – proudly.

As the Executive Director of St. Pete Pride, I welcome you and hope that you enjoy our celebration. Our month long recognition of LGBT Pride is an important milestone for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of St. Petersburg and the entire state of Florida. I am proud to be a part of such a thriving and loving community, where everyone is accepted regardless of their gender, race or sexual orientation. I send best wishes and my hope that each person who participates enjoys all the fun and awareness-raising activities that our Board of Directors and volunteers have worked so hard to organize for this celebration of ourselves, our families and our PRIDE!

Most sincerely yours,

Chris Rudisill

Executive Director

St. Pete Pride