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In Tampa, Florida, nearly 50 individuals took to the streets of Ybor City on Saturday evening, marching in solidarity for Pride. Unlike the traditional festive atmosphere, this gathering was framed more as a protest, reflecting the determination of its organizers to champion the cause with vigor.
The demonstration was spearheaded by various groups following the cancellation of the annual Tampa Pride festival by its usual organizers. In response, these groups united under the banner of the “People’s Pride Coalition,” a movement fervently committed to justice and equity for all.
As twilight descended, participants congregated at Centennial Park, setting off on a march that spanned several blocks across the vibrant district of Ybor City. Their presence was a testament to the resilience of the community and its unwavering dedication to the true spirit of Pride.
The coalition emphasized that this event was essential in preserving the essence of Pride, especially in light of the earlier cancellation. Their actions aim to ensure that the message of inclusivity and equality continues to resonate throughout the city and beyond.
The coalition said the event was meant to keep the meaning of Pride alive after Tampa Pride canceled its festival earlier this year.
V Garcia of the Tampa Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression spoke about the history of Pride and the significance of the Stonewall uprising in 1969 in New York City.
“There were police raids, right…the police were raiding queer bars and brutalizing the patrons,” Garcia said. “Another gay bar got raided, the Stonewall got raided, the community got kicked out, and they said, ‘We have had enough, we’ve had enough.’ And so, they decided to fight back. And that is the origin of pride.”
In a letter posted to Facebook dated Aug. 1, the Tampa Pride board announced it would not hold its annual festival this year. The organization cited funding challenges tied to the current political climate and corporate sponsorships.
Organizers of Saturday’s event called the gathering an “Alternative Pride March.”
“We do not need corporations in order to celebrate our queerness and to be proud,” Garcia said.
The march also comes as a Senate bill banning counties and cities from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs heads to the governor’s desk.
“Taxpayer dollars should not be used to promote inappropriate activities, especially for children, and for mandatory activities under the guise of a recent effort that seeks to distort the positive, true diversity, equity and inclusion that we have known for a long time,” Sen. Clay Yarborough, the bill’s sponsor, said.
Lauren Garcia of the Freedom Roads Socialist Organization said the effort behind the march will continue even if the bill becomes law.
“We will continue to be out here because we are who we are, and we will continue to fight for what’s ours,” Rodriguez said.
Garcia said organizers are planning another event at the end of June called People’s Pride Night.