By Peter Roos
The St. Pete Pride month-long festival is back in its full splendor celebrating its 22nd anniversary year led by one of the most diverse boards in the organization’s history. Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, business owner/consultant, LGBTQ+ advocate, and president is the first black president for Florida’s largest Pride celebration. www.stpetepride.org
“Being the first Black president is indeed a big deal,” he says. “I also want to acknowledge that we have further to go!”
The festival kicks off on May 26 with the St. Pete Pride Pageant at The Palladium. Here are some highlights of this year’s celebration:
May 26: 2nd Annual Mx St. Pete Pride Pageant (The Palladium)
June 1: St Pete Pride 22nd Season Kick-Off Party
(Grand Central District)
Date TBD: Stonewall Reception
June 8: LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Day (North Straub Park)
June 14 & 15: Shades of Pride Festival: An LGBTQ+
Juneteenth Celebration (The Factory)
Date TBD: Get Nude: Nothing But Your Flag!
Date TBD: Transtastic Celebration
Date TBD: Shades of Pride
June 21: Friday Night Concert (Jannus Live)
June 22: St Pete Pride Parade, TransMarch & Festival
(North & South Straub Park)
June 23: St. Pete Pride Street Fair (Grand Central District)
Mx. St Pete Pride Pageant 2024 @ The Palladium
May 26 | 5-11:00pm | COST TBD
St. Pete Pride is thrilled to announce the return of the Mx St. Pete Pride Pageant!!! Join them on May 26 to celebrate the incredible talent of our local LGBTQIA+ community and to honor the artistry, beauty, passion, and commitment of our 2023 Court. Be a part of the step down performances of Mr. St. Pete Pride 2023, Mr. Vyn Suazion, Miss St. Pete Pride 2023, Ceazia Giovanni Kreshe, and St. Pete Pride’s 1st Mx St. Pete Pride, Kamarion Lavish.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Mx St. Pete Pride Pageant or looking for more information on sponsorship, please email sponsorship@stpetepride.com
For more information on becoming a contestant in the Mx St. Pete Pride Pageant, please email pageant@stpetepride.com. Contestant Registration is now open for alternates currently. To access the Mx. St. Pete Pride Contestant Registration Packet, go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1saKJTFs0piOhHJzL3KsWcIO7u0JEZbAG/view