Amanda Blixt and Johanna Engberg from Sweden have been a couple for five months and attend school in Palm Beach. This was their first visit to Tampa. Credit: Chip Weiner
Grand Marshal, entertainer Joey Brooks. Credit: Chip Weiner
The third Tampa Pride Festival kicked off Saturday morning in Ybor City. Thousands of people showed up to celebrate the diversity and unity of the LGBTQ community. The celebration included a tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting nearly a year ago. Mayor Bob Buckhorn, law enforcement, and survivors of the attack joined forces for the memorial in front of Centro Ybor.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward attend the Pulse Nightclub memorial along with survivors of the attack. Credit: Chip Weiner
The solemnity was interrupted by three men, proclaiming to be Christian protesters, speaking loudly over a bullhorn. They wore shirts with slogans such as “No Mo Homo” and spoke messages of hate and condemnation loudly while the Tampa Police Department Color Guard stood at attention and the Tampa Pride Band played The National Anthem. A verbal confrontation broke out thereafter between the protesters and those who were there to celebrate. Police surrounded the protesters, forming a shield with their bicycles. The men were eventually asked to leave by the security force of Centro Ybor, and were escorted away by TPD to the cheers of the crowd watching.
A protester is surrounded by Tampa police officers, forming a shield. Credit: Chip Weiner
A security guard for Centro Ybor speaks with Christian protesters while Tampa police officers look on. Credit: Chip Weiner
Christian protesters being escorted off of the parade route after being asked to leave by security guards. Credit: Chip Weiner
Following the drama the parade started as scheduled and was filled with organizations, floats, dignitaries, and for the first time a high school marching band.
Club Skye performers entertain the thousands in attendance. Credit: Chip Weiner
Miss Tampa Pride 2017 Kenya M. Black. Credit: Chip Weiner
Grand Marshal, former County Commissioner Kevin Beckner. Credit: Chip Weiner
Women from the Tampa Roller Derby skate down 7th to help celebrate Pride. Credit: Chip Weiner
Club Skye performers entertain the thousands in attendance. Credit: Chip Weiner
Jackie Sullivan’s secret is safe with us. We won’t tell anyone. Credit: Chip Weiner
Plant High School band director Brian Dell says he got a call from parade officials asking them to play. He thought it would be a good lesson in acceptance and diversity for the band members. At parade time he had not told them they were the first marching band in Tampa Pride Parade history.
Plant High School Marching Panthers, the first high school marching band to ever play in the Tampa Pride Parade, were a big hit. Credit: Chip Weiner
Victoria Wilson of Riverview shows some motherly love. Credit: Chip Weiner
Nicole Cuervo sports her rainbow hair in the parade. Credit: Chip Weiner
Noreen Miller, Nancy Bolton, Angela Melito and Sharon Bordwine show their American and Gay pride. Credit: Chip Weiner
The party continued after the parade at two stages, one at Centro Ybor and the main stage in the HCC parking lot.
Venus Envy, past performer at Pulse Nightclub, at Centro Ybor. Credit: Chip Weiner
Headliner Steve Grand, the first openly gay male country musician, entertains on the HCC Main Stage. Credit: Chip Weiner
