Despite Festival Cancellation, County Commemorates Pride Month

TAMPA, FL — While the coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation of Tampa Pride's streets festival and diversity parade, Hillsborough County wants to make sure that LGBT Pride Month and its message of tolerance and inclusivity is still observed.

On Monday morning, the county continued its annual tradition of demonstrating support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by raising the rainbow-colored Pride flag at the County Center in downtown Tampa.

The flag will fly over the northeastern plaza of County Center throughout the month as a visible reminder that Hillsborough County government stands with the LGBT community in its emphasis on treating all people with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

During their virtual meeting on Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners will present a proclamation to Tampa Pride, declaring June 2020 as LGBT Pride Month in Hillsborough County. The proclamation encourages residents to work to eliminate prejudice and recognize those who are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive community.

Tampa Pride originally scheduled its annual Pride Festival on March 28, then rescheduled it for May 30 before announcing its decision to cancel the festival this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The festival has been postponed until March 27, 2021.

The 2021 event will include the street festival, diversity parade and Pride at Night concert. The planned lineup of Tampa Pride 2020 sponsors, festival vendors, performers and diversity parade will be included in the 2021 event. Anyone wishing to sponsor or participate in the festival should contact Tampa Pride through its website.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's, the city's first openly gay mayor, said the cancellation of this year's Tampa Pride events shouldn't overshadow the reasons for recognizing LBGT Pride Month.

"While we wish we could be celebrating Tampa Pride in person, our community will still be celebrating together in spirit and with even more pride, passion and love for each other than ever before," she said. "In a time that feels heavy for many, I know that our Tampa Pride community will continue uplifting others and spreading kindness, positivity and love even from a distance."