I want to express my thanks to the St. Petersburg Times, the city of St. Petersburg and all the volunteers, committees, vendors, sponsors and participants for the inaugural St. Pete Pride.
Our City Council read a proclamation on June 5 stating that June is Pride Month in St. Petersburg, beginning a monthlong celebration for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. The many events and fundraisers were organized and supported.
Thanks to all the venues that donated space for some of the events, especially to the Times for the use of your auditorium for the screening of the documentary Paragraph 175, the MCC King Of Peace Church, the Palladium Theater, and all the faith-based groups, business owners, Grand Central Station, Georgie's Alibi, Central Thyme, Fiorini Gallery, Suncoast Resort, Blue Moon Saloon, Equality Florida, and the Holocaust Museum, Pro Shop, and Sharp A's.
It was wonderful to see men and women, as well as those of different gender expressions or identities working together, side by side for four months to put on these events, culminating in the exciting promenade and wonderful street festival.
Thank you, one and all, and thank you for welcoming me to be a small part of the process. I now have new "brothers and sisters" in the community who I am certain will be lifelong friends.
I am so very fortunate to be a resident of this wonderful city!
-- Christine M. "Chris" Lovett, St. Petersburg
[Last modified July 6, 2003, 01:32:38]
