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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.<\/p>\n
The festival, formerly known as Sarasota Pride, was rebranded last year to encompass the former Manatee Pride event as well. Unfortunately, last year\u2019s event was canceled because of Hurricane Milton.<\/p>\n
The festival will feature a street fair comprising 100-plus vendor booths; a drag show headlined by Pork Chop (from \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race\u201d); food from some of Sarasota\u2019s finest restaurants available for purchase; a kids\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile most people know that Pride Month takes place in June, they may not realize that LGBT History Month is recognized in October,\u201d Project Pride SRQ president Justyn Hunter-Ceruti said. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
New Project Pride SRQ executive director Tom Edwards will be available for conversation at the nonprofit\u2019s booth during the street fair and said he looks forward to speaking with members of the community about the organization\u2019s expanded focus.<\/p>\n