‘We say gay’: Florida’s largest Pride parade draws hundreds of thousands – NBC News

Florida has long served as somewhat of a ground zero for the fight for LGBTQ rights, dating all the way back to the 1950s. In the week until the “Don’t Say Gay” law takes effect — and in a moment in time that for many queer people has brought a sense of unease about their future — the ever-familiar “pride as protest” refrain colored how many celebrated the largest event of its kind in Florida, a state that has propelled itself to the center of the latest culture war.

For many, the politically charged climate surrounding LGBTQ rights made St. Pete’s Pride Parade an even more important event to attend this year. 

“I’m going to continue to show up as a trans man, whether (DeSantis) likes it or not,” Samuel Mattheus, who was visiting from Gainesville, said at Saturday’s march. He and a few friends drank cold beverages to stave off the Florida heat and danced to music playing from a DJ booth. 

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, organizers brought on 20 grand marshals, one of whom was Carla Bristol, a community activist and manager of the local St. Pete Youth Farm.

“As a straight woman, it was important for me to come out and support the community,” she said. “Who we elect has consequences and right now, we’re seeing that in major ways.”

Now more than ever, Bristol said, she hopes those who are angry with the direction the state and the country are moving will take action with their vote.