Sarasota Pride Festival celebrates diversity with colorful array of activities

By Ian Swaby
| 9:00 a.m. October 22, 2023

Heidi walks in the pet parade with Violet Ditucci and Krista Post.

Sarasota
Neighbors

There was lots to do and see on Oct. 21 during The Sarasota Pride Festival: "LGBTQ+ A Lot More."

Just a few of the offerings at the 32nd annual festival, which spanned a large section of Boulevard of the Arts, were a pride concert and other live performances, a market with many LGBTQ+-inspired products and a pet parade and costume contest.

“We are very excited to be able to host the 32nd annual Sarasota Pride, for the fact that at this moment in time, representation matters,” said Project Pride president Jason Champion, noting that the festival welcomes all individuals to participate.

He said this year, the festival introduced a new space for those with disabilities and also brought in sign language interpreters.

Some of the notable aspects of the event included speeches by Zander Moricz, founder and executive director of The Social Equity through Education Alliance, and city of Sarasota Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch.

The event also hosted many performers from outside Sarasota, including drag queen Thorgy Thor, who came to international attention on the TV series "RuPaul’s Drag Race."

However, guests said a highlight of the experience was the sense of community present. Christine Wanat, part of the diversity chorus present at the event, praised the event’s sense of openness.

“It was one of the most amazing, fun events I’ve been to,” she said.

Champion estimated a turnout of 3,000 people throughout the day.

“It’s overwhelming support and love, and we look forward to hosting these events for many years to come,” he said.

Maria and Karla Gazziro and Alex and Christian Sarruff watch the pet costume contest.

Sage, a bearded dragon, and Rhonda Wilcox

John Wurtz and his friend Danielle Pearce enjoyed each other's company at the event.

Alicia and Shellsea Hudis-Coe and their dog Minnie take to the stage during the pet costume contest.

Zach Timmons and Eduardo Marines watch a performance.

Zander Moricz, founder and executive Director of SEE Alliance, speaks at the event.

Ryan Page and Sydney Brennan watch the performance.

Sisters Vickie and Denise Goldman were having a fun time at the event.

Adjacent vendors Tifanie Page of Eco Friendly Goods and Denise Yenchochic of Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida socialize with one another, as Tanner sits beside Yenchochic.

Elizabeth Hall and Seth Grayson of ShimmyBOOM Tribal Bellydance Troupe perform at the event.

Victor Castanella shouts together with the crowd.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch speaks at the event.

Ru Paul's Drag Race star Thorgy Thor offers a performance to close out the event.

Hollee Stamper and Gretchen Love cheer at a performance.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.