The Big Gay Beach Party, an annual celebration of pride and unity, has become a highlight of our beach communities social calendar, offering a day of fun in the sun on June 15th, 2024. SarasotaOUT.com, a champion for the local LGBTQ community, spearheads The Big Gay Beach Party, under the guidance of its founder, Joshua Beadle.
Sarasota's gay beach parties started as a weekly event called "Sarasota Summer Gay Beach Party Series" in 2017. The event kicked off with around 20 people and took place every Sunday, during June, July and August. Due to the massive effort required, it has since been pared down to a singular, grand celebration during June to coincide with Pride month. "It's easily one of my favorite events," Joshua beams. The mission, he says, "is for us to celebrate our community in the most beautiful setting. Not many places can host a beach party like this, that is literally right over the bridge, minutes away!" The community response has been overwhelmingly positive with inclusivity being at the heart of the Big Gay Beach Party. "This event really brings people together—it brings families, straight people, and everyone in between of every body type" Joshua explained, "I've always said that this event is for everybody and every body!" Hundreds of people show up, wearing colorful outfits, sharing food and drinks, there to enjoy a day of camaraderie and fun. Joshua fondly remembers one particular year when someone brought an entire inflatable living room, complete with a disco ball. "It was really a spectacle to see," he laughs. The event has drawn people from across Florida and beyond, turning it into the perfect place to make new friends. Despite its success, the event has faced challenges, primarily logistical. The secluded nature of North Lido Beach, while perfect for privacy and historical significance as a nudist beach (not anymore), means that everything needed for the party must be brought in by hand or beach cart. Attendees of the Big Gay Beach Party are expected to bring everything they would need for a self contained day at the beach. Essentials like sunscreen, shade, snacks, and water are some of the top items we recommend. Joshua is proud of the support from the city, particularly in logistics and maintaining cleanliness—an area the city and SarasotaOUT.com continuously improve upon each year. SarasotaOUT.com is not just the organizer but also the primary promoter and fundraiser for the event. "We fundraise to cover most of the expenses—from the permits to the DJ," Joshua explains. For those wishing to get involved, Joshua encourages reaching out. "We always need volunteers," he says, and sponsorships are crucial for scaling the event. As for the future, Joshua dreams big. He wants to see it become a fundraising event for Sarasota's LGBTQ community and to help save North Lido beaches and wildlife. "I'd love for it to become a major event that not only celebrates but also supports our community like The Pines Party in Fire Island." The Big Gay Beach Party promises to be another fantastic gathering from SarasotaOUT.com, and a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Sarasota's LGBTQ community and their allies. As Joshua puts it, "It's more than just a party; it's a statement of our presence and our pride." Join the celebration on June 15th at North Lido Beach and experience the unity and fun that only Sarasota can offer. To inquire about sponsorships reach out to Joshua at josh@sarasotaOUT.com. To keep up to date on the event, join the Facebook event page. U.S. News named Sarasota Florida as the #1 best place to live in the Sunshine state. U.S. News reported that Sarasota offers a unique blend of vibrant arts, beachy atmosphere, and rapidly growing food culture. In summary, the U.S. News said: Sarasota's appeal is broadening beyond retirees to include young professionals, especially in areas like the Rosemary District, known for its eclectic murals and modern living spaces. Sarasota is celebrated for its outdoor activities, with beautiful beaches like Lido Key and Siesta Key. The city's cultural scene is rich with the Sarasota Orchestra, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and the Ringling Museum of Art, among others. While the cost of living and housing prices are on the rise, the absence of state income tax and potential property tax benefits through the state’s homestead exemption help balance expenses. The weather in Sarasota is warm year-round, though summers can be hot and humid. The city's infrastructure is evolving with its growth, making a car essential for getting around, despite improvements in public transit and increasing popularity of bicycling. The community is diverse, with a significant retiree population but a growing number of young professionals and families, supported by local colleges and a robust public school system. The job market is healthy, with opportunities especially in the service, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, driven by the region's status as a tourist destination and its elderly population. |
Manatee Pride looks different this year thanks to a beautiful logo created by Craig Byers. The logo is a representation of the event's message of unity and inclusivity, and it captures the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. It's a visual representation of the support and encouragement that ALSO Youth provides to LGBTQ+ youth and their families |
Manatee Pride will take place on March 11, 2023, from 12-5 PM at the Riverwalk Pavilion & Event Area in Bradenton, FL. This is a great opportunity to come out and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community, have some fun, and make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
In addition to the event itself, Manatee Pride offers a chance for volunteers to get involved and make a difference. If you're interested in volunteering at the event, email info@alsoyouth.org to get started. Volunteers play a crucial role in making this event a success, and they help to ensure that ALSO Youth can continue to provide the vital support and resources that LGBTQ+ youth need.
Manatee Pride is an important event for the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It's a celebration of diversity, support, and acceptance that brings people together from all walks of life. By attending, volunteering, and supporting this event, you're helping to make a positive difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Overall, Manatee Pride promises to be an unforgettable event with an incredible lineup of entertainers, delicious food, and refreshing drinks, this is an event you won't want to miss.
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