Campaigning at Pride-Fest

After a one year absence, Pride-Fest returned to Sarasota this past weekend. This celebration of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community had drawn thousands of visitors in previous years when it was held at the fairgrounds. Now considerably toned down, the festival was held inside and outside Van Wezel. A day of beautiful weather helped attract a steady crowd of interested visitors from Sarasota, Bradenton and points beyond. Mayor Lou Ann Palmer showed up to read a proclamation recognizing and celebrating the event. The event was well organized, fun and interesting.

I rented a booth in order to meet voters, and a few other candidates were there as well. Rhyan Rice, college student home for the summer, helped me out. A lot of people stopped to talk throughout the day, sometimes waiting in line to speak to me. These voters were happy that I was there, and they wanted to tell me about some of the legal issues they face. Sadly, many of these issues involved various forms of discrimination or harassment. Really, all I could do was listen, and perhaps add a few words of advice or comfort. I am a strong believer in the equal protection of the laws for all citizens, and I believe we must fight continue to fight discrimination. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to meet a couple of hundred voters last Saturday, and hear their concerns.

A few days before Pride-Fest was the interfaith celebration of love, held at the church of the Trinity-MCC. I left the Florida Association of Women Lawyer's chocolate and champaign party early in order to go to the service, and I was glad I did. Even though I arrived a few minutes early, I got one of the last seats at the church. The Gulf Coast Men's Chorus performed with a group of female singers who perform under the name Harmony. The music and singing were outstanding, as was the preaching. Pastors from a half dozen congregations spoke on the topic of Love, for three minutes apiece. At the end of the service, we all exchanged silk roses that had been provided when we entered. I left church that evening feeling invigorated by the music and the message.

Speaking of love, I will be attending a wedding in Georgia this Saturday and so I will not be campaigning for the first time in a while. However, the Democratic Black caucus is holding their convention in Sarasota for the first time ever, and I plan to go to the welcoming reception on Thursday evening. When I return, I know that things are really going to pick up as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer campaign season.