Big Plans

Sarasota Activist Shannon Fortner Wants to Build an Arts Center Focused on LGBTQ+ Voices

Fortner hopes to create an arts and mental health hub where queer and trans voices can shine and thrive.

07/08/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Celebration

How to Celebrate Pride Month

A list of events and activities dedicated to celebrating and uplifting our LGBTQ+ community this month.

06/01/2022 By Chloe Nelson

Fast Track

ALSO Youth Names New Executive Director

Rebecca McDonough has a long career in business and behavioral healthcare administration.

04/15/2022 By Staff

Talks

Sarasota World Affairs Council to Host Arsham Parsi at April 5 Event

Parsi lives in exile in Toronto, where he founded the International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR).

04/01/2022 By Staff

Politics

DeSantis Signs 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Into Law

The bill bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

03/28/2022 By Megan McDonald

Here to stay

The Manatee Pride Festival Is Back

Following a two-year pause, the Manatee Pride Festival returns this Saturday, March 5.

03/02/2022 By Samantha Lane

Human Rights

Equality Florida, Project Pride SRQ to Host 'Emergency Say Gay' Rally on Sunday

The event is in response to anti-LGBTQ bills being considered in the Florida Legislature.

02/21/2022 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Mary Tavarozzi Gives LGBTQ Youth a Place to Socialize

"I wanted to make sure Florida youth didn’t become a statistic in terms of self-harm or addiction or homelessness. I want them to know they can live life out and proud here.”

01/04/2022 By Megan McDonald

Diverse Voices

Mason Gallo on Being Trans, Sexual Orientation and Equality

Gallo talks about his personal journey and the need for openness and inclusivity.

09/07/2021 By Susan Burns

A Fabulous Time

The Harvey Milk Festival Has a New Name, and It's Back and Bigger Than Ever

Now known as the Fabulous Arts Foundation, the organization's art, music, dance and film festival celebrates LGBTQ identity, representation and pride. It returns to Sarasota Sept. 23-Oct. 2.

09/01/2021 By Marc Griffin

Rainbow Road

The Ringling Bridge Will Light Up Tonight For Pride Month

After weeks of debate, the John Ringling Causeway Bridge will finally be lit for Pride Month.

06/22/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

rainbow road

The City of Sarasota Still Wants to Light the John Ringling Bridge With a Pride Rainbow

Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody says he is "optimistic" that the bridge lighting may eventually take place, despite a previous denial by the Florida Department of Transportation.

06/14/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

pride month

Mural Will Raise Funds to Support Sarasota's LGBTQ Community

Tag University Town Center in your next social media post, and give a boost to Sarasota's LGBTQ community.

06/10/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

Celebrate Pride Month at These Fun Local Events

From Taste of Pride to parades to best-dressed-pet contests, fly your flag high at these Pride events.

06/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

The courts

Local Lawsuit Tests Sex Discrimination Rules for Religious Institutions

Christie Leonard says a Bradenton church fired her because of suspicions that she was a lesbian. Was that against the law?

05/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Equality

Project Pride SRQ Installing LGBTQ+, BIPOC Crosswalk in Sarasota

The mural will be painted by Detroit-based artist Joey Salmon; a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 11.

04/08/2021 By Staff

Party Time

LGBTQ-Friendly Restaurants Celebrate 'Taste of Pride' Starting Today

Several restaurants and food businesses in Sarasota are offering special deals, dishes and drinks to celebrate Pride Month.

06/10/2020 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Robert Rogers Started the Conversation With LGBTQ Elders About Loss and Legacy

“I’m a better person because of the generosity of all these people who’ve chosen to talk to me.”

01/30/2020 By Ilene Denton

Second coming

The Starlite Room Will Get a Makeover and Be Featured on the Food Network

The Starlite Room has closed, but the owner plans to reopen soon, thanks in part to a new TV deal.

03/29/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Lean on Me

Finally, LGBTQ Seniors Have Support for Aging Issues

In Sarasota County, where more than a third of the population is 65 and older, the demand for services for the aging is high. But it’s a crisis for LGBTQ adults in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

02/04/2019 By Ilene Denton