Pride in Tampa Magazine 2026

IN TAMPA 2026

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Rick Todd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ryan Williams-Jent

CFL

Bellanee Plaza

CREATIVE

Caitlin Sause

Dylan Todd

SALES

Danny Garcia

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Daisy Chamberlin

SOCIAL MEDIA CO.

Kay Yingling

MUTLI

Mike Halterman

Spencer Orr

Tom Dyer

Watermark Out News has proudly served Tampa Bay for more than three decades, detailing LGBTQ+ highs and lows as only a news source dedicated to serving our community can.

That coverage has regularly extended to Pride events in Tampa, which have a long history in the region. The first iteration of Tampa Pride ran from 1982-2002 and the second formed in 2015, bringing Pride back to the region for the first time in more than a decade.

That celebration followed the 2013 repeal of a Hillsborough County policy banning the official recognition of such events. The 11th Tampa Pride welcomed thousands to Ybor in 2025 before organizers announced a "one-year hiatus” in 2026.

They cited "the current political and economic climate" and other concerns, noting "this pause is necessary for the organization to regroup, reassess our long-term strategy, and identify additional avenues of funding to secure the future stability of Tampa Pride events.”

This prompted local leaders to take action, leading to the creation of Pride of Tampa. This new nonprofit exists to serve Tampa’s LGBTQ+ community in 2026 and beyond.

Other organizations have been inspired to do the same over the years, including a recently reimagined TIGLFF.

Our third annual Pride in Tampa magazine details many of this year’s festivities and the community working to make them possible. We check in with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, event organizers and more. Happy Pride in Tampa! From the Watermark Out News family to yours.

—Ryan Williams-Jent, Editor-in-Chief

PRIDE IN TAMPA EVOLVES

Tampa has celebrated its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors for decades, a complicated history with deep ties to the community. Its most recent events were organized by Tampa Pride, Inc., which formed in 2015.

Their 11th outing welcomed thousands to Ybor last year but followed mounting calls for change. Organizers subsequently announced a "one-year hiatus" in 2026, prompting local leaders to launch new festivities in its place.

One of those LGBTQ+ advocates was Daniel Johnson, president of PFLAG Riverview. He met with representatives from Equality Florida, the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and more to find a way for Pride to “continue in a stronger, more sustainable way.”

Those conversations, among other things, led to the formation of Pride of Tampa. The all-volunteer organization officially became a nonprofit before its first celebration scheduled for March 28.

“Born from a shared commitment to continue the spirit of Pride when others could not, we work collaboratively to create safe spaces, amplify diverse voices and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive year-round," Pride of Tampa's website reads. Johnson serves as president and says the organization hopes to “bring the community together and become one.”

Other evolutions have taken place as well. TIGLFF, formerly the Tampa Bay International

Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, announced its rebrand and a new vision in January. A key part of that was its creation of Trans Pride, the new home of its celebrated Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival.

“What began as a film festival in St. Pete is evolving into a Trans Pride Weekend by TIGLFF,” the organization shared. This year will mark its expansion into Tampa.

“Films will remain at the core of the festival, while new events and community experiences are being added to create more space for connection, celebration and visibility for trans & gender-diverse people,” organizers noted.

"We want you with us," they also shared. "Whether you come to celebrate, volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, this festival exists because of community.”

Pride of Tampa and TIGLFF have each advised they’re eager to serve Tampa’s LGBTQ+ community in 2026 and beyond, building upon the city's LGBTQ+ legacy and charting a new path forward.

Learn more about each organization’s work in these pages and visit PrideOfTampa.com or TIGLFF.com for more.

Greetings:

Tampa, Florida is known globally for its diversity and inclusivity, celebrating all our citizens, businesses, and organizations for their impact within our city's neighborhoods. We promote the contributions the members of the community make in adding to Tampa’s success as a forward-thinking city and in enhancing our economic growth, improving our region, advancing the arts and culture scene, and contributing to our distinctive heritage. Our unique and rich culture have fostered a strong inclusiveness that protects both residents and visitors from discrimination and harassment, including those within the LGBTQ community.

Tampa was one of the first cities in the region to have a domestic partnership registry and the City continues to be committed to social progress including actively supporting LGBTQ owned businesses through the City's Equal Business Opportunity Program, and consistently receives the top score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Municipal Equity Index for our LGBTQ inclusive laws, policies, and services. Every year, Tampa Pride Day is proclaimed, and the entire city celebrates year-round with festivals, parades, sporting and cultural events, concerts, and more. This year, we will celebrate more than a decade of Tampa Pride in our city, and the new edition of the 2026 Pride in Tampa magazine will look back at how Tampa has proudly supported individuality and the contributions the members of the LGBTQ community have made in Tampa Bay.

Tampa will not lose sight of what is most important – doing the right thing. Our city never fails to come together through difficult times, and the community demonstrates its love for one another and sees our differences as strengths. We are fortunate to have many dedicated organizations such as Pride of Tampa, the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF), Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, Metro Inclusive Health, and CAN Community Health, that help keep diversity in the forefront.

Congratulations to Watermark Publishing Group on its third annual Pride in Tampa publication. This magazine will provide Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with many wonderful highlights of the past decade and a preview of engaging and inclusive events to come, specifically tailored for the LGBTQ community.

Sincerely,

Jane Cast or

Dear Tampa,

My name is Daniel Johnson and I serve as the president of Pride of Tampa.

This event is more than a festival, it is a promise. A promise that our community deserves spaces where we are safe, celebrated and fully seen. Bringing Pride of Tampa to life has been a labor of love, and I am genuinely grateful to share this historic moment with you.

Recently, after one of our events, someone came up to me and said, “this was my first Drag Bingo, and it was phenomenal! We had an amazing time!”

They added that even their mother, who had no history of being an ally, really enjoyed it. It was a moment that stayed with me because it was real. It was proof that when people are welcomed into joy, community and connection, hearts can soften, walls can come down and something new can begin.

Moments like that are exactly why I have dedicated my life to nonprofit work and to serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Because creating spaces where people feel safe, supported and valued can change lives sometimes in ways we never expect.

Pride of Tampa is not the “old Pride.” We are a new organization with a clear purpose: to build an inclusive Pride that is truly for everyone. Every identity, every background, every family, every ally: you belong here. Our mission is to create a welcoming, community-centered celebration that reflects the full diversity of Tampa Bay, and to do it in a way that is accessible, respectful and rooted in real community needs.

And in today’s political climate, it’s more important than ever. When our community is challenged, Pride becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a declaration that we are not going anywhere, that our lives and our families matter, and that we will continue to stand together with courage and love.

I want to extend sincere gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers and community partners who believed in this vision from the beginning. Your support has helped transform an idea into a living, vibrant reality and you are helping build something that will last.

As we celebrate this inaugural Pride of Tampa, I invite you to come as you are. Bring your joy, your story, your family, your friends and your full self. Whether you are a longtime advocate, a first-time attendee, or someone still finding your place you are welcome here. You are part of this Pride.

Daniel Johnson (He/Him/His) President and Founder, Pride of Tampa

Pride of Tampa 2026

Pride of Tampa Festival

Sat., March 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Cuban Club, 2010 N. 14th St., Tampa

Following a series of community fundraisers, Pride of Tampa’s signature event makes its debut. Festivities will take place in and outside of the Cuban Club, a well-known spot for celebrating Pride in Tampa. It features an impressive courtyard, patio, theater and more that are perfect for the occasion.

This year’s event will feature a vendor marketplace billed as “a vital part of the festival experience, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, artisans, and community partners who support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community.” Entertainment from local fan favorites will also feature throughout the day. The inside of the building will be 18+ but all ages are welcome outside.

“This is your opportunity to be part of one of the most vibrant and inclusive celebrations in our community,” Pride of Tampa shares. “Support visibility, inclusion and Pride in Tampa Bay … let’s make this Pride unforgettable!” Learn more at PrideOfTampa.com.

For all who wish to feel seen:

At our core, we all yearn for more space for connection, celebration and visibility. To be heard, to feel seen. Over the past five years, TIGLFF has continued its evolution to create spaces for transgender and gender-diverse people and those who love them with the growth of the Transgender Film Festival.

This year, the Transgender Film Festival evolves into a new experience that's here to stay: the inaugural Trans Pride by TIGLFF. This celebration includes new events, community experiences, art, culture and the sixth annual Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival, running March 26-29, 2026.

Films remain at the core of the festival, uniting us in front of the silver screen to laugh, gasp and cry. Trans Pride brings together the community and the folks who love us in brand new ways, including the first Trans Pride Ball, the Queer Fandom Art Market and more.

For the first time, programming will take place across the bay in both St. Pete and Tampa, reflecting the growth of our community and our commitment to making this festival more accessible. This expansion aligns with TIGLFF’s rebrand and renewed focus on community-driven programming, joy and resistance through arts and culture.

We invite the entire LGBTQ+ community and all allies to join us in this celebration aligned with Transgender Day of Visibility.

With love and joy,

Trans Pride 2026 by TIGLFF

Opening Night Reception

Thurs., March 26, 5:30 p.m.

Green Light Lounge and Kitchen, 225 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg

TIGLFF will kick off its inaugural Trans Pride Weekend with snacks, drinks and more. $5-15.

Trans Pride Film Screenings

Thurs., March 26-Sun., March 29

Sun-Ray Cinema, 12332 University Mall

Ct., Tampa or Green Light Cinema, 221 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Curated by TIGLFF's Trans Screening Committee, films will play across Tampa Bay. Times vary but opening night on March 26 and another film on March 27 will screen in St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. Afternoon and evening films will follow March 28 in each city. On March 29, Tampa will feature an afternoon film while St. Petersburg will include an afternoon feature and closing night. Films are $8.

Trans Pride Dance Party & Ball

Fri., March 27, 7 p.m.

1920 Ybor, 1920 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

Themed "Night of 1000 Oscars," this event is presented with the Central Florida Ballroom Collective. It will feature a dance party with Dyke Nite St. Pete and bring “our local queer and trans community together to celebrate, dance and serve.” General admission is $25 or VIP is $50 with perks.

Queer Fandom Art Market

Sat., March 28

Details upon RSVP, Tampa

TIGLFF will partner with Attic Cat for a market designed to explore and amplify queer art and media. Attendees can expect “canonically inspired creations to the boldest expressions of our community’s fandom dreams.” Additional details will be available upon RSVP and interested vendors can contact TIGLFF via social media or Renee@TIGLFF.com.

Trans Community Picnic

Sun., March 29

Details upon RSVP, St. Petersburg

TIGLFF’s Trans Community Picnic returns for its fourth year. Participants are encouraged to bring their own blanket, chairs and/or snacks to enjoy an afternoon of music, games and more. The event “is open to all and is a space to relax, celebrate and honor the resilience and creativity of trans and gender nonconforming people.” Additional details will be available upon RSVP.

Wrap Party

Green Light Lounge and Kitchen, 225 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 8-9 p.m.

Celebrate the end of this year's Trans Pride with TIGLFF. Read more about all of this year’s offerings at TIGLFF.com/TransFestSchedule.

Girl Pride Tampa 2026

Sat., March 28, 12-8 p.m.

Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa

2026 EVENTS

Girl Pride Tampa will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with another celebration in Ybor. Organizers promise “a full day of pride, connection and visibility for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people.”

While the event has never officially been affiliated with Tampa Pride, it launched one year after the last iteration did in 2016.

“Girl Pride Tampa was created to ensure LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people always have a space to be seen, celebrated and safe,” organizers shared. “Reaching our 10-year anniversary — especially in a year when other events were canceled — shows how vital this community is and how committed we are to continuing forward.”

Featured entertainers include Ivy Les Vixens, the Erin Boone Trio, Shevonne and the Dirty Dolls. They advise that in addition to music, this year’s celebration will feature community vendors, a foam party “and one of the event’s most anticipated highlights — the Lesbian Pie Eating Contest.” The contest will feature “no hands, no forks, no shame.”

Tickets are $25 and more information can be found at Facebook.com/GirlPrideTampa.

Pride @ Disco Pony Nightclub

Fri., March 27-Sun., March 29, Times Vary Disco Pony Nightclub, 1901 N. 15th St., Tampa

Tampa’s newest LGBTQ+ bar will host a variety of entertainment this year. Patrons can expect Fantasia Royale Gaga from Haut House and “Dragula” all weekend long and Diamond from Crime Mob will also feature Friday, March 27. A live performance is expected at 1:30 a.m.

On Saturday, March 28, DJ Tracy Young and Blue Star will DJ and fan favorite “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum will perform. Guests include Orlando’s Roxxxy Andrews and Sam Star. On Sunday, March 29, season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio will also host “Comedy & Cocktails,” a special comic evening.

Tickets and meet and greets for all three days are available via the venue. Learn more by searching for Disco Pony Nightclub on Facebook or at Instagram.com/DiscoPonyNightclub.

Other Events

Additional events are expected across Ybor, which is home to LGBTQ+ hotspot Bradley’s on 7th and other fan favorite venues. Stay up to date with official partner events and more at PrideOfTampa.com.