Florida's two largest LGBT Pride events, Come Out with Pride and St. Pete Pride, area teaming up to launch a contest focusing on coming out stories.
The organizations have asked for videos of people sharing their experiences of coming out to friends and families. Eight winners will be selected and featured in a public service announcement. The winning videos will be aired on television in Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete and national markets, plus on YouTube and other social media platforms.
To enter, send an original and factual 1,500-word essay to OnceUponAPride@ComeOutWithPride.org.
“Inspiring others through shared personal stories will help all of our communities listen, learn, and grow,” said Mikael Audebert, COWP executive director, in a media release.
Chris Rudisill, St. Pete Pride executive director, said coming out is a “difficult but essential” step to achieving LGBT equality.
“By sharing our stories we will educate and inform others why understanding equal rights for all families is so important,” Rudisill said in a press release.
A panel of three judges will select the winning entries on Apr. 1.
St. Pete Pride returns for its 10th year on June 30, 2012, in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg. Come Out With Pride returns to Orlando the first week of October.
