The Tampa Pride Diversity Parade and Festival is more than just famous drag queens and a flashy parade; it’s a community-driven event providing education and promoting equality for the LGBTQ community throughout the Tampa Bay Region. The parade and festival took over Historic Ybor City on March 26.
While planning for the parade, president and founder of Tampa Pride Carrie West was “rallying the troops” while legislation some critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” passed through the Florida Senate. West said the discriminatory bill that has been signed into law is nothing new to the community though.
When West and his partner moved to Tampa in the 80s, they were turned away from an apartment building near University of South Florida after asking for an application for an apartment. West says management told them, “We don’t rent to homosexuals.” West said most discrimination today is not as blatant, but it still exists.
Discriminatory legislation was passed in 2005 banning any Pride festivities in Hillsborough County. In 2013, the 8-year ban of Pride lifted. That was also the first year of the Pride Festival in Tampa, thanks to West. Pride continues to grow steadily each year. Last year’s festivities brought 85,000 people to Tampa, despite the pandemic. Tampa Pride estimates 80,000 people were in attendance this year.
As West continues to educate the community and fight for the rights of the LGBTQ, he says activism is not just about recognition for himself, that “it’s [about] helping someone get their dreams.” That includes anyone who is college-bound. West says hopefully by Fall 2023, the organization will implement a Tampa Pride Foundation Scholarship Fund. To qualify for the scholarship, students won’t need a 4.0 GPA. They just need to have the heart, soul, mind, and willingness to get into the community and help others.
West says Tampa Pride is “an introduction to the creativity of [people] being themselves.” Pride teaches awareness, inclusivity, and acceptance for those of all ages and sexual orientations. Young or old, attendees learn from each other and strengthen the community. The festivities are open to anyone, and they offer LGBTQ members and supporters a family or community they might otherwise lack. That is why this year’s theme of “The Haus of Tampa Pride” is so fitting. The Pride events will not only showcase what a Haus is, what they have, and what they offer, but will act as a place of refuge for many.
Check Tampa Pride’s website for more information on this year’s event, access to future events, or to become a volunteer.