screenings. Entertainment ranges from The Players Kids
from The Players Centre for Performing Arts, popular live
bands from throughout Sarasota and fan favorite drag
performers like Beneva Fruitville.
“We have food, music, drag queens and raffles,” Fisher
says. “We’re celebrating our community and everyone
is welcome.”
Learn more about Manatee Pride’s next off ering by visiting
WatermarkOnline.com and ManateePride.com.
» SARASOTA PRIDE
Sarasota’s longest-running LGBTQ celebration
Sarasota Pride would have traditionally held its
30th annual festival in Oct. 2019 but announced in
Aug. that it would see festivalgoers in 2020.
The organization exists to promote a positive image
in the Sarasota area and throughout Florida. It does so by
participating in community activities and services while
promoting the elimination of prejudice and discrimination,
culminating in its annual PrideFest at JD Hamel Park.
Moving to 2020 seemed ideal, Sarasota Pride Chairman
Cindy Barnes told Watermark. She cited the fact that JD
Hamel Park had been booked for another celebration and
noted that Charlotte County Pride, traditionally held in
January, had dissolved in 2019.
“Sarasota Pride moves into the Winter …
WONDERLAND!” she mused.
The nonprofit’s mission is to defend human and
civil rights secured by law while advocating for visibility
and self-esteem among the LGBTQ community. The
organization and its growing board will now do that as one
of the first Pride celebrations of 2020.
Learn more about Sarasota Pride’s 2020 vision by visiting
WatermarkOnline.com and SarasotaPride.org.
» VENICE PRIDE
Venice Pride held its inaugural Pride celebration
Nov. 3, 2019 on the five-acre campus of SunCoast
Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church.
The location is described as a safe spiritual home for the
LGBTQ community and its allies.
Its theme was “We Are Here,” Senior Co-Pastor
and Venice Pride co-organizer Rev. Vickie Miller told
Watermark. “It was mostly to make a statement that the
LGBTQ community and our allies are present in Venice.”
The outing proved they were, as celebrants came
from near and far to kick off the inaugural festival. A
ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Venice Mayor John
Holic, Equality Florida’s Ken Shelin and Sarasota County
Commission Chair Nancy C. Detert was held and festivities
included a pet blessing and exciting entertainment.
Learn more about Venice Pride’s next festival at
WatermarkOnline.com and VeniceFLPride.com.
BELOW
FABULOUS
FIRSTS:
Crowds gather
for the inaugural
Venice Pride in
Nov. 2018.
PHOTO BY RYAN
WILLIAMS-JENT
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