Project Pride SRQ has bustling Pride Month

Project Pride SRQ stayed very busy through Pride Month (June), holding two signature events as well as participating in numerous Pride Month celebrations and programs throughout the community. Through all of these events, Project Pride (PPSRQ) took the opportunity not only to celebrate love, diversity and equality – which the organization does all year-round – but also to welcome the wider community to join in the fun.

PPSRQ kicked off Pride Month with Grand Carnival: Palm Royale, its annual gala event. The Grand Carnival, held at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena, featured a performance by American singer/songwriter John Duff, DJ Nati Shabbat of SRQ Beats to keep people dancing, delicious lite bites donated and served by local restaurants, cocktails by Dive Wine & Spirits, and more. The event drew 550 guests and raised approximately $60,000 in support of PPSRQ’s work.

The following weekend, on June 7, Project Pride, Senior Friendship Centers and Golden Girls Solutions presented Silver Pride Sarasota, celebrating LGBTQ+ ages 50 and better. The free event – which earned national attention through coverage on AARP’s website and social media – celebrated the senior members of the LGBTQ+ community; the program featured live music and dancing, drag queen performances, vendors, food trucks, and information shared by community partners and businesses. More than 700 guests attended over the course of the afternoon.

PPSRQ also participated in numerous events throughout the community, including The Harvest Sarasota’s Diverse Fest, the Juneteenth celebration held by MCC Church, and a special Pride Night performance of “Pippin” at Dingbat Theatre. The organization also loaned its 700-foot Pride flag to the organizers of the “No Kings” protest held in downtown Sarasota on June 14, for the march across the Ringling Bridge. PPSRQ closed out its Pride Month programming with “Diverse Perspectives: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Education” at Community Day School; the event, which opened with a community mixer and featured a panel discussion, focused on creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students and educators.

"Despite the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislation across the country—and even here in our own state—we are continually reassured and uplifted by the incredible, widespread support and love for the LGBTQ+ community here in Sarasota," said Justyn Hunter-Ceruti, the recently-installed President of Project Pride SRQ. "The work we do is vital, and the strong presence and enthusiastic participation from the community truly make a difference. We look forward to continuing our outreach and programs throughout the year!"

For more about Project Pride SRQ and to see a list of upcoming programs and events, visit ppsrq.org.

About Project Pride SRQ
Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal. From providing youth scholarships to organizing local gatherings, Project Pride has brought together LGBTQ+ and allied partners since 2019 to build capacity, support, and a vision for an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported, and celebrated in Sarasota and beyond. For more information, visit ppsrq.org.