For the past 40 years, the last weekend of June commemorates an important moments in LGBT history. Thousands of people take to the streets every year to celebrate our right to express sexual orientation and gender identity in a safe and accepting environment. We honor the bravery of the Stonewall rioters with a parade on the last Saturday of June. What began in a few large cities—New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago—in 1970 has since become an integral key to the solidarity of our community across the nation.
Now in its eighth year, St. Pete Pride has become the largest pride event in Florida. What started as a few thousand native Floridians celebrating on a couple of city blocks along the city’s Grand Central District has become an international attraction, spanning eight blocks and attracting tens of thousands of people.
With more than 80,000 people expected to be in attendance this year, we wanted to know what to expect and how this Pride event is becoming more accepted not only by LGBT families but also community leaders.
North Carolina native Chris Rudisill, the Executive Director of St. Pete Pride, gave us a peek behind the rainbow curtain.
What brought you to St. Pete? 
My partner and I visited in May of last year and we fell in love with the area immediately.
How did you get involved with St. Pete Pride?
I actually have a long history of volunteering in the community, so when my partner and I moved here in October 2009, we jumped right in as volunteers. When the opportunity came open in March to be the Executive Director, I jumped at it.
In previous years, there has been the usual handful of protestors. Are you expecting the same this year?
As with most LGBT Pride festivities, you often have protestors. We always plan for the possibility and we remind attendees to the festival that it’s best to not respond to them—it only makes their voices louder. We strive to present ourselves in a positive light and professional manner, accepting of all people. By doing this, we counter their shouts of hate even greater than shouting back.
Have you noticed a growth in LGBT families at the pride events?
Even though this is my first year with Pride, I have noticed an increase in the questions I get from people about family events. We work hard to make sure that we offer events for everyone in the community. We are a diverse community of singles, couples, families, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. It is our effort to make sure that all feel welcome and have the ability to enjoy Pride!
St. Pete Pride seems to grow each year. What are the contributing factors to its success?
We have a great team of board members and volunteers who work very hard to make sure that St. Pete Pride is like no other, not to mention the natural beauty that our area provides its guests. Who can beat over 80,000 LGBT people, the Florida sun and wonderful entertainment?
Mayor Foster is rumored to have been acknowledging St. Pete Pride. That would mark the first time a St. Pete mayor has acknowledged St. Pete Pride, correct? What role if any, will Mayor Foster play at St. Pete Pride?
Mayor Foster wrote a welcome letter to participants, which is published in the St. Pete Pride program. In addition, the city council has continued to support our event and the LGBT people of St. Petersburg. You can also find many letters from our representatives along with the city proclamation in the St. Pete Pride program.
What is your favorite St. Pete Pride memory?
Well I haven’t been through one yet, so that’s hard to answer that, but I’m sure that this year’s event will become one of my favorite memories of all time.
Don’t forget to join us on Thursday, June 10 at 3 p.m. at City Hall as the council members read the official proclamation in their chambers. The annual tradition will officially launch St. Pete Pride 2010 and those attending are encouraged to wear rainbow regalia.
