St. Pete Pride celebrates 20 years, organizers reflect on how far city has come
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Celebrating its 20th anniversary, St. Pete Pride is set to welcome about 300,000 attendees in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, making it one of the largest Pride events in the Southeast United States. Initially supported by just one city council member, the event has transformed into a significant community celebration, reflecting the city's growing acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ rights. Brian Longstreth, who helped start the Pride celebrations, reminisces about the journey, expressing pride in how far the event has come.
St. Petersburg has earned a perfect score on the municipal equality index for eight consecutive years, showcasing its progressive policies, including the election of openly gay council members. Jim Nixon, the LGBTQ liaison for the city, underscores the importance of continuing the fight for inclusivity and equality. The Pride celebrations have expanded to a full month, with year-round displays of inclusion in the Grand Central District, including murals and rainbow-painted crosswalks. The success of St.
Pete Pride has also inspired similar events in surrounding areas. However, challenges remain, as recent legislation in Florida has raised concerns among LGBTQ community members.