GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

By Tanya Baker
I hadn't attended a PrideFest since 1998, and going this year made me feel pangs of guilt. Why had I not bothered to go all these years? Was I too busy or did I think everything was going so well for our community and I no longer need to attend the festival to show my "pride." I think many of us in the gay community (myself included) have made so much progress in our personal lives, such as coming out to friends, family and co-workers, that we don't feel the need to attend the pride festivals.

Well, I could not have been more wrong. I realize now we must attend these events, not only to make our voices heard, but to offer hope to the next generation of GLBT people. There are still many injustices imposed on gays here and all over the world. With the current regime in the White House, it is even more important that we all get out and show our strength and spirit, and let them know that we will not be ignored or abused. And of course we should always have a fabulous time doing it.

In St. Petersburg this year PrideFest was a huge success, with an estimated attendance of nearly 20,000. There were more than 200 street vendors and about 100 entrants in the Promenade. Promenade entrants gathered in the parking lot opposite of Georgie's Alibi and made their way to the heart of the Grand Central District for the street festival.

Down the middle of Central Avenue people stood in two lines, unfurling and holding up a huge rainbow flag that spanned four city blocks. This single action showed the power and spirit our community can accomplish when we are all united in purpose.

In the days and weeks prior to the Promenade and Street Festival, PrideFest included an art gallery walk, a wine tasting, a night of rollerskating, a baseball game at Tropicana Field, and much more. Pridefest is much more than a party, it is a celebration of all the wonderful and wonderfully diverse things that the gay community has and will continue to contribute to the city.

Despite a shortage of volunteers and a few behind the scenes "challenges," the festival came off with minimal problems. A couple of people were overwhelmed by the heat and were treated by paramedics; a few protesters walked around the perimeter carrying signs, though hardly anyone noticed them. With the exception of Mayor Rick Baker, who publicly stated his disapproval of the event, it looks as if the city of St. Petersburg is starting to embrace its diversity.

When I got home that night, sunburned, dehydrated, but proud, I was glad I had attended, and felt that I had made another small step. I realized that as a member of the gay community I have a responsibility to myself, as well as to those who may not be able to stand up for themselves, to make sure our voices are heard. I pledge to do my part, just as the generations before me fulfilled their responsibility and defended me until I found my own voice.

Next year, when PrideFest comes around, grab some friends, lots of water and some sun block and come celebrate yourself and the local community. You will come away with a renewed sense of Pride, not to mention a neck full of beads.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR presented by the Tampa Bay Business Guild

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