LGBTQ+ advocacy organization to celebrate love, diversity and equality
Project Pride SRQ will host two special events to mark Pride Month, in late May and June, the organization has announced.
On Saturday, May 31, the organization will present its fourth annual Grand Carnival; the following Saturday, June 7, it will present Silver Pride Sarasota, a news release says.
“During Project Pride’s Grand Carnival: Palm Royale, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group’s annual gala event and kickoff for Pride Month, guests should get ready to dance the night away,” the release notes. “American singer/songwriter John Duff and his talented backup dancers will get people moving, and SRQ Beats will be spinning the hottest tracks all night long from the DJ booth,” the release adds.
“Grand Carnival is known for its jaw-dropping décor, delicious lite bites, amazing cocktails, and packed dance floor,” the release continues. “Lite bites are generously donated by local restaurants, featuring a variety of tasty appetizers and desserts. The bar vendor, Dive Wine & Spirits, will provide an excellent selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, served by a top-notch team,” the release says.
The Grand Carnival will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena, which is located at 2075 Bahia Vista St. in Sarasota, the release adds. Tickets, which cover the open bar, lite bites and entertainment, are $250 for VIPs (they enable early entry, at 7 p.m.); $125 for early-purchase general admission; and $175 at the door, “subject to availability,” the release points out.
On June 7, Project Pride, the Senior Friendship Center and Golden Girls Solutions will present Silver Pride Sarasota, which will celebrate “LGBTQ+ ages 50 and better,” the release continues. This free event will feature an afternoon program with live music, vendors and food trucks, among other activities, the release adds.
That event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Senior Friendship Center, which stands at 1888 Brother Geenen Way in Sarasota, the release says. “Valet and individual parking will be available on-site,” the release notes.
“Pride Month offers the opportunity not only to celebrate love, diversity and equality — which we do all year-round — but also to welcome the wider community to join us,” said Project Pride SRQ President Jason Champion in the release. “Especially now, when LGBTQ rights are under attack in state legislatures across the country, visibility is especially important,” Champion added in the release.
“The work we do is vital, and wide presence and participation make a real difference. We invite everyone to come and celebrate Pride Month with us!”
For more about Project Pride SRQ and its Pride Month events, visit ppsrq.org.