Our History
It Began with a Pride Festival in Venice, FL
In 2018 we joined other activists and LGBTQ+ supporters and allies to celebrate the visibility and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
In what started out as a vision to promote awareness of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and friends of SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) provided the initial support needed to sponsor the first Venice Pride Festival in November 2018.
However, due to the overwhelming support from the broader community for an ongoing presence and voice of the LGBTQ+ community, Venice Pride, Inc. was formed as a new group with its own Board, strategic plan and vision.
Efforts Expanding to the Suncoast Region
Venice Pride, Inc. was incorporated in 2019. It obtained non-profit 501 (c) (3) status in 2020. In 2021 it mapped out it's Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2024. We plan to refresh our Strategic Plan for 2025 and beyond.
With your support, we plan to expand programming, build partnerships, educate and advocate -- all with the goal of making a difference in the lives of our LGBTQ+ friends and allies in the Suncoast region of Florida.
2018
1st Venice Pride Festival
2019
2nd Annual Venice Pride Festival
2020
Incorporated as a
Non-Profit 501(c)3
2021
Received Proclamation from Mayor
Holiday Tree Lighting
Car Pride Parade
Awarded H.S. Scholarship
2022
3rd Annual Venice Pride Festival
Received Proclamation from Mayor
Hosted Pride Concert
Venice Theatre Partnership
Awarded H.S. Scholarships
2023
4th Annual Venice Pride Festival
Co-Hosted Wine Down Wednesday
Venice Theatre Partnership
Awarded H.S. Scholarships
2024
Senior Expo on Health and Wellness
Co-Hosted Wine Down Wednesday
Venice Theatre Partnership
Awarded H.S. Scholarships
