News Summary
Equality Florida celebrated its annual St. Pete Gala, ‘Resist in Rouge,’ raising over $1 million to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights. Hosted at The Coliseum, the event featured key speeches, vibrant performances, and awards recognizing local contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Mayor Ken Welch and Executive Director Nadine Smith expressed the ongoing importance of activism and community support. The night culminated in a spirit of camaraderie and commitment to equality for all. Volunteers played a key role in the gala’s success, underscoring the critical need for continued advocacy.
St. Petersburg – Equality Florida held its annual St. Pete Gala on May 17, 2025, at The Coliseum, raising a remarkable $1,001,419 to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights. This sold-out event marked a record-breaking milestone for the organization, showcasing the strong commitment within the community to support equality and inclusion.
This year’s gala embraced the theme of “Resist in Rouge,” drawing inspiration from the celebrated musical and film *Moulin Rouge*. The evening emphasized important themes of love, revolution, resilience, and freedom, resonating with attendees against the backdrop of ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
The evening was hosted by Mason Manion, Northeast Development Director of Equality Florida. Attendees were treated to a plated dinner, an open bar, and vibrant performances led by Alice Marie Gripp. The event featured remarks from prominent community leaders including St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, who articulated his support for the local LGBTQ+ community and highlighted the city’s initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity.
As part of the evening’s celebrations, Executive Director Nadine Smith delivered a keynote address inspiring unity in the ongoing fight for civil rights. The event acknowledged local heroes in the movement with the presentation of the 2025 Voice for Equality Award to Dr. Jason Fields, recognizing his impactful contributions to the cause. Additionally, the 2025 Community Partner Award was awarded to TransNetwork for its dedication to supporting the community.
Musical contributions were made by DJ Shannon and singer-songwriter Shevonne, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging. A silent auction featuring over 150 items provided attendees with various opportunities to support equality initiatives while bidding on unique items made for a competitive and exciting environment.
Preston Scott, St. Petersburg & Sarasota Development Leader, also addressed guests, reaffirming their collective mission. Todd Richardson, Pinellas Development Director, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing that the success of the gala reflected the ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights in Florida.
Volunteers were integral to the success of the event, with co-chairs Jennie O’Leary and Loralei Matisse leading the organizational effort. The gala underscored the vital importance of continued activism and support to promote LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
Throughout the night, several speakers highlighted the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in light of current legislative affairs in Florida. The evening concluded with dinner and entertainment, helping to foster a spirit of camaraderie among attendees, united in their passion for equality.
Equality Florida has played a crucial role in advocating for LGBTQ+ civil rights across the state. Events like the St. Pete Gala serve not only as fundraisers but also as platforms for community engagement and support, essential in the ongoing fight against discrimination and for equality.
With Watermark Out News serving as a statewide sponsor, the gala fortified its mission, emphasizing the continuous need for advocacy and collective action within the community. The successful fundraising outcome promises to bolster the organization’s initiatives, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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Additional Resources
- Watermark Online: Photos from Equality Florida’s 2025 St. Pete Gala
- Florida Politics: LGBTQ Advocates Win
- Watermark Online: Equality Florida St. Pete Gala Raises Over $1 Million
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Rights
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
