Local LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ will host the return of the Gulfcoast Pride Festival on Oct. 25 from noon-5 p.m. in the Rosemary District in downtown Sarasota.
The festival, formerly known as Sarasota Pride, was rebranded last year to encompass the former Manatee Pride event as well. Unfortunately, last year’s event was canceled because of Hurricane Milton.
The festival will feature a street fair comprising 100-plus vendor booths; a drag show headlined by Pork Chop (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”); food from some of Sarasota’s finest restaurants available for purchase; a kids’ zone with age-appropriate activities; a pet zone and pet pageant; an art zone; cool-down zone; and special guests and performances, including DJ Brianna Lee, The Harvest Band, and Merge Eleven. Musical headliner Zee Machine will perform at approximately 4:25 p.m.
“While most people know that Pride Month takes place in June, they may not realize that LGBT History Month is recognized in October,” Project Pride SRQ president Justyn Hunter-Ceruti said. “This provides the perfect opportunity for us to be visible and welcoming, and to showcase the many positive aspects of our Sarasota-Manatee region as an inclusive community, with partners and allies who appreciate the diversity of its citizens. We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable day of love, laughter and community.”
New Project Pride SRQ executive director Tom Edwards will be available for conversation at the nonprofit’s booth during the street fair and said he looks forward to speaking with members of the community about the organization’s expanded focus.
L.A.-based musician Zee Machine is the musical headliner for the Gulfcoast Pride Festival.
Zee Machine (aka Joe Bissell) is an L.A.-based pop/rock/electronic singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. After a handful of singles, he released a seven-song EP “Can I Be Honest … ?” last year. He has been featured in People magazine, SPIN and other media outlets.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event.
“Gulf Coast is proud to support Gulfcoast Pride, the largest Pride festival in our region,” Gulf Coast president and CEO Phillip Lanham said. “Our commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities drives us to celebrate our region’s rich diversity. We look forward to joining the festivities this fall and celebrating the many voices that make our community remarkable.”
Visit ppsrq.org for more information.
Submitted by Sharon Kunkel
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: LA singer headlines entertainment at Gulfcoast Pride Festival
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