Pinellas County LGBTQ Organization Plans Expansion Of Free Mental Health Program

ST. PETE BEACH, FL — For the past decade, Project No Labels has supported the Tampa Bay area’s LGBTQ+ community through events and gatherings.

Now, the organization is hosting its largest event ever on Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., at Cool Vibes on the Beach in St. Pete Beach as it takes on its most ambitious endeavor in its history.

The Black Veil Ball, a celebration of queer art, spirit and solidarity, will raise funds for Project No Labels mental health program, which is expanding into through a new partnership with Rainbow Wellness.

In recent years, the organization, partnering with Cypress Wellness Center, has offered free and discounted therapy through its program Dear Self, You’re Worth It.

Through its new partnership, these services will be more accessible to those living in northern Pinellas County and Pasco County, PNL’s founder Claire Elisan told Patch.

“This is the main thing we do now, mental health therapy. It’s just so important for our community and not everyone can afford it,” she said.

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The organization is also digging deeper into mental health and self care beyond therapy.

“Now we’re getting into, what does mental health look like? It’s not just going to therapy. You have to take care of your physical health, spiritual health, your relationships,” Elisan said. “Therapy just digs into your trauma and helps you with coping mechanisms. Coaching is what really helps you plan for the future. People really forget that there are so many aspects to mental wellness.”

Funds raised at Saturday’s event, co-presented by artist Sir Nicholas Lucius and Florida Witch, will support this “important program,” she said, adding, “We need this more than ever with how scary the times are right now and there’s such an urgency to raise the money we need for it. So many people are using our program right now.

The gala features immersive art and installations from artists with Echelon Fine Art Gallery in Largo.

There will also be drag performances by Alice Marie Gripp, Kori Stevens, Famou$, and Lilith Black, as well as burlesque acts from Emma Jewel and Lady Siren.

Florida Witch and 8H Studios will also lead a Circle of Unity ritual, “a grounding, spiritual gathering,” according to the Facebook event page.

Costumes are encouraged and there will be a silent auction and giveaways throughout the evening.
Tickets are available online here up until the start of the event. Use the code “JOINTHECOVEN” to get 25 percent off. After the event kicks off Saturday, tickets will only be available at the door.

Those who can’t attend Saturday’s gala can also donate to Project No Labels here to support its mental health initiatives.