On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of St. Pete Pride – THANK YOU for making the 10th Annual Pride in Paradise such a huge success!! With record numbers in attendance and clear beautiful skies, the 10th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival & Promenade was the best one yet! We’d especially like to thank all of the many volunteers who helped make this day and the events throughout the month of June possible. Without the community – this event wouldn’t exist and we should all be very proud.

For one day, a record number of folks – gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight and of all races and nationalities came together as ONE on the streets of St. Petersburg to celebrate their diversity, strengthen the bonds that pull us together and increase recognition for further LGBT Equality. THANK YOU for being a part of that astounding accomplishment.

At the end of the weekend I was reminded of a simple lesson – “Act like you do on the day of Pride – where diversity is celebrated, our advances in equality are acknowledged and our fight is recognized.” Just imagine the difference in the world if we considered that with everyone we met. Even after a long Pride weekend here in Florida and beyond the tiredness the important reasons of Pride ring clear.

Many have asked the question, “Where was the flag?” Just to put all rumors to rest – the flag was scheduled for the 10th anniversary and we are also disappointed that it wasn’t part of the festival it has been a part of since its inception. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the flag which is donated for use annually from a group in Ft. Lauderdale did not make it to the festival. It is planned for a return in 2013 and make sure to save the date for the 11th Annual Pride in Paradise on June 29, 2013!!

With Pride,

Chris Rudisill
Executive Director
St. Pete Pride

Post your photos of the event on www.facebook.com/stpetepride

Stay tuned for more events coming soon!! www.stpetepride.com