GULFPORT, FLORIDA: Starting May 30, LGBTQ Pride Month will be celebrated by a full slate of programs sponsored by the City of Gulfport and the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library. All programs are free and open to the public and take place at the Gulfport Public Library (5501 28th Avenue South), unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, May 30, 6pm: LGBTQ Pride March. Gather with us at the historic Gulfport Casino (5500 Shore Blvd.) at 5:30 to prepare to march to the Library. The sidewalk march will step off at 6pm, led by the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band. Bring signs to show your pride and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. FREE
Thursday, May 30, 6:30pm: Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. We are proud that the City of Gulfport displays the LGBTQ Pride Flag every year for Pride Month in June. The Pride Flag raising will take place on the front lawn of the Gulfport Public Library, home of the LGBTQ Resource Center. Join City councilmembers and other officials as Gulfport raises the Pride Flag and displays its inclusiveness of the entire community! FREE
Thursday, May 30, 7pm: 3rd Annual ArtOut! Following the flag raising ceremony, come inside the Library to join us for the opening reception of ArtOut, LGBTQ Artists in Gulfport! This group art show will feature work by over a dozen artists in media such as oils, acrylics, photography, ceramics, glass, and more. The show will remain in place at the Library throughout the month of June. Our opening reception will recognize the participating artists and will include complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvre. FREE
Thursday, June 6, 7pm: Special Appearance by FL State Rep. Jennifer Webb. Florida’s first out lesbian state legislator – and Gulfport native – Rep. Jennifer Webb, discusses current legislation of particular interest to LGBTQ citizens, including the Florida Competitive Workforce Act of 2019, changes to domestic violence laws that would provide financial support for victims, and HB 195, which would require public high schools to provide elective classes “on the Old Testament, New Testament or both.” FREE
Wednesday, June 12, 7pm: “Welcome to Florida: LGBT Attorneys Need Not Apply.” This presentation by Broward Circuit Court Judge Robert W. Lee examines the history of barriers against LGBT people serving in the legal profession in Florida. Judge Lee is the first openly gay person appointed to the Florida State Court bench in 1997. FREE
Thursday, June 13, 7pm: STONEWALL UPRISING film screening. This compelling documentary examines what happened in June 1969 when New York police raided a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn, resulting in three days of rioting by LGBTQ people no longer willing to abide by a punishing level of harassment and inequality. The Uprising sparked the modern day Gay Rights Movement. The film will be preceded by comments from local resident Jay Chetney, who was present during the Stonewall riots. FREE
Thursday, June 20, 7pm: The Scott & Patti Show Comes to Gulfport! Mother/Son lounge act Scott & Patti (Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee) bring their mix of camp, improvisation, showmanship and glittering costumes to an unforgettable show featuring hits, standards and show tunes of today and yesterday. The Scott & Patti Show has played to sold out crowds across the country. Audiences leave with their sides aching from laughter and a classic pop song stuck in their heads. This special Gulfport appearance at the Catherine Hickman Theater is a fundraiser for the LGBTQ Resource Center. Watch for ticket information.
Sunday, June 23, 11am – 5pm: St. Pete Pride Festival. Look for our LGBTQ Resource Center booth at this year’s St. Pete Pride Festival. Find out what’s happening at the Resource Center and how to be involved. Join thousands of participants in Florida’s largest annual Pride celebration! The Festival takes place along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. FREE.
Thursday, June 27, 7pm: BranchOut! Join us for a night of music and celebration as we present our first ever Gulfport LGBTQ Scholarship to a deserving local student. We will also celebrate the establishment of the LGBTQ Resource Center as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers, as well as live music by powerhouse vocalist/singer/songwriter/guitarist and Resource Center Board Member Brittany Baldwin. FREE
For more information about the LGBTQ Resource Center, visit the Center’s website: www.mygulfport.us/lgbtq-resources or email LGBTQGulfport@gmail.com. The Resource Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2014 and is the first of its kind in a public library setting in Florida, providing collections, services and events throughout the year to the local LGBTQ community, its friends and family.