Tampa Bay's new People's Pride rejects corporate, police ties
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Members of the People's Pride Coalition marching in last year's St. Pete Pride parade. Photo: Courtesy of People's Pride
Concerned that St. Pete Pride has grown too corporate, a group of activist organizations say they want to return the celebration to its roots.
Why it matters: The People's Pride Coalition will hold its inaugural Pride Night on Friday at a time of increasing skepticism of corporate-backed Pride events and marketing campaigns.
The big picture: That's especially true this year, as major companies retreat from Pride sponsorships and participation amid President Trump's attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- "They're outing themselves as not truly supporting queer people," coalition member V Garcia told Axios.
- The wishy-washy approach also shows that relying on corporate support isn't sustainable, added coalition member Gabby Aguilera.
Zoom in: The coalition — made up of local grassroots organizations including Tampa Democratic Socialists of America and the Justice Advocacy Network — formed in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks and the ensuing war that has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians.
- Organizers were troubled by the big-business sponsors underpinning St. Pete Pride, such as defense contractor GE Aerospace and phosphate mining firm Mosaic, which has a troubling environmental history in Tampa Bay.
- They've also taken issue with the festival's police presence, a wariness that's only grown as more law enforcement agencies, including St. Pete police, sign partnerships with federal immigration authorities.
What they're saying: "It just goes directly against the roots and history of Pride," which began as an uprising, Aguilera said.
The other side: St. Pete Pride leaders have heard the coalition's concerns "and recognize that the origins of Pride are rooted in protest and the ongoing fight for liberation and equity for all," president Byron Green-Calisch said in a statement to Axios.
- Police officers are there to "ensure the safety of the more than half a million attendees expected at our Pride events."
- "This is a necessity, not an endorsement," he said, adding that leaders "understand that it raises valid concerns for some."
Between the lines: Coalition organizers recognize the need for security and that police are typically involved with closing off city streets for parades and similar events.
- Cutting ties is "not going to be a quick fix," Aguilera said.
The nonprofit St. Pete Pride is also working on broadening its individual donor base, new executive director Bior Guigni told Axios in a previous interview.
- When it comes to corporate partnerships, her goal is to ensure that "it's not just a monetary exchange, but it's also a mission alignment," she said.
The latest: While GE Aerospace and Mosaic are not listed among this year's sponsors, coalition members plan to continue putting pressure on the organization to meet their demands.
- And while they'll march in Saturday's Pride parade, coalition members organized Pride Night for folks who identify with their mission.
If you go: The event is 6-10pm Friday at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Pete. The lineup includes live music, drag performances, crafts, free food and a free store. A $5-15 donation is suggested but not required.
- "We want to break as many financial barriers as possible," Garcia said.