Pride Month at UUSP

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In the early morning hours of June 28, 1968, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in Lower Manhattan patronized by LGBQTAI+ people. While this was a frequent occurrence, this time, the clientele fought back. Over the next few days, the protests expanded into other areas of Greenwich Village and the event became known as the Stonewall Rebellion. On the one-year anniversary of the riot, thousands of people gathered to march past the Stonewall Inn, and the first gay pride parade took place.

St. Petersburg is the site of the largest Pride celebration in Florida and one of the largest in the US. This year, more than 200,000 people are expected to attend. UUSP was a part of the parade last year, and will be again this year, along with UU Clearwater, UU Tarpon Springs, and the St. Pete UU Fellowship. There will be a marching unit and a float consisting of a tow vehicle and a decorated flatbed utility trailer, which will accommodate riders. The number of seats on the float is limited, so if you want to ride, please speak up as soon as possible. Contact Dayna Foster at Dayna.foster@uustpete.org.  

Future editions of the newsletter will include additional details as they become available. Also check the church’s website and Facebook page.

June is traditionally Pride Month, and there will be multiple opportunities to celebrate with UU St. Pete:

  • June 3 is Gulfport Pride from 10 am to 8 pm along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport. UUSP will have a booth. More info about the event here Gulfport Pride Florida. If you plan to come, why not volunteer to help staff the table? It’s a great chance to share your affection for our church home with others who may be seeking what UUSP has to offer. Contact Dayna Foster at Dayna.foster@uustpete.org to volunteer or with questions.
  • June 10 is LGBTQ+ Youth Pride and Family Day from 10 am to 2 pm at North Straub Park in St. Pete. UUSP and UU Clearwater will have a booth with activities for children and youth. Information about the event Here St. Pete Pride LGBTQ Youth Family Day.   Contact Ariana Drew at arianad@gmail.com if you are interested in helping or to volunteer to help staff the table or with questions.
  • June 24 is the St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival from 2 pm to 10 pm. March or ride in the parade. UUSP will team with UU Clearwater, UU Tarpon Springs, and UU Fellowship St. Pete. The parade will begin at 6 pm at Albert Whitted Park and proceed up Bayshore Boulevard to Vinoy Park. Festivities continue until 10 pm, with vendors and music along Bayshore, at North Straub Park, and Vinoy Park. There are a limited number of seats on the float so reserve a spot if you want to ride.
    Information Here for  St. Pete Pride Parade 2023. Contact Dayna Foster at Dayna.foster@uustpete.org with questions.