Viewfinder: Pride On 7th

Last Saturday morning, sidewalks were empty and a still silence hovered above Ybor City, just a  few hours after the loudness and wilderness that unleashes on the streets on weekend nights. 

Yet, the few solitary folks wandering around the historic district on a warm spring morning could have been drawn by a distant melody to the corner of 16th Street and 8th Avenue.  

There, rainbow colors laid over Centro Ybor while Pride On 7th held its second annual festivities, bringing together the GLBT community, local politicians, human rights activists, live music and messages of unity and love.

The event kicked off with a group of people marching and chanting the slogan: “Stop the bullying, stop the hate!” 

The Stop The Bullying March was to bring awareness to the enduring harassment homosexual and transgendered people undergo on daily basis. 

After the march, Brandon singer Jnathan took the stage and touched attendees’ hearts with his powerful performance of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Hillsborough County Kevin Beckner addressed the crowed during the event. Beckner was elected in 2008 and he is the county’s first openly gay commissioner. 

Tampa Mayor Bob Bockhorn delivered the official Pride On 7th proclamation and recognized Jorge Alvarado of the Umbrella Management Group, which organizes Pride On 7th. 

Local businesses and activist groups participated in the event, such as the legendary MC Film Festival, Equality Florida and Kappa Xi Omega. 

Pride On 7th culminated with a red carpet party at G-Bar in Ybor City.