Welcome to Many Voices, the newsletter of Venice Pride, Inc.!
Venice Pride, Inc. was formed to advance the visibility, voice, and participation of the diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies in the Suncoast region of Florida.
Since 2018, we have championed the agenda for human rights. We held several festivals and car parades to celebrate Pride. This year, we reached out to the Mayor's office who issued a Proclamation declaring June 2021 as Pride month. We awarded the first youth scholarship to a Lemon Bay High School student.
The progress that Venice Pride, Inc. has made to date would not have been possible without the guidance and vision of so many who came before us, including many activists, leaders, and groups who are active today within the Suncoast region of Florida.
We welcome you to continue to support this movement with us as we look to the future and work to make a difference in the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. Our top priorities for 2022 through 2024 are a focus on community service, partnerships, and advocacy. Together, with you, we look forward to creating a better future for all.
We invite you to join us on this journey!
Venice Pride, Inc. Board of Directors
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Save the Date
Annual Community Festival
"Out and Proud"!
We are back! Join us on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 11am to 4pm at 3276 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34292 (outdoors).
This year, you can expect us to go all out with a host of entertainers, music, food, drinks, a Pet Blessing, a Kids Korner, community speakers and a mix of businesses who will display and sell a variety of merchandise, crafts and wares. Parking and admission is free.
Enjoy a great Saturday afternoon with family and friends while supporting your local businesses and community! We look forward to seeing you. More details soon. Sign-up today!
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May 2021
Talon Bottenfield the first recipient of the Spencer Stephens 2021 Scholarship
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May 2021
Board members receive Proclamation issued by the Office of the Mayor, Ron Feinsod declaring June as LGBTQ Pride Month
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Jun. 2021
Board approves Strategic Plan for 2022 - 2024 and launches Many Voices
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Our Gallery
"Ride for Pride 2021"
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Feature Story
Spencer Owen Stephens Legacy Continues
It began with one flag...
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Over 134 businesses and residential customers in Englewood, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte and Boca Grande have joined Gulf Coast Auto Salvage in celebrating Pride month by proudly displaying a Pride flag in honor of Spencer.
Spencer Owens Stephens lost his life in a tragic car accident at the young age of 18 years old. He was a college student, social media influencer and performer.
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Spencer was a Bright Light
Spencer was bullied pretty bad in middle school. It was the most difficult chapter for him. It was hard for him to make friends, people called him names and humiliated him. His mom was always reaching out to the teachers to keep an extra eye on him and she dried a lot of tears in that chapter.
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Spencer got involved in Band and Younglife. He played the clarinet and the saxophone. He was a natural leader, actor and musician. He performed for the Lip Sync Competition where he was asked to audition for a musical. Although Spencer was apprehensive, with encouragement from his family he landed a supporting roll. That is when everyone found out that he could sing! He performed a solo in Grease and stole the show! This was a stepping stone and pivotal moment for him to be his true authentic self. Everyone rallied around him and came to support him - he was coming out of his shell. |
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Spencer was a Role Model
The following month, Spencer found the courage and bravery to not hide anymore and to show the world just exactly who he really was. Five months later, Spencer would be crowned 2019 Homecoming King as an openly gay student and the crowd roared! Spencer was that kind of kid who would bake cupcakes and deliver them to his best friends when they were having difficult days. Or he would bring flowers if they had a death in the family, he brought handwritten notes to teachers when he saw they were struggling, he would volunteer, he was a part of the dream team at his church where he would be a greeter or assist with parking.
Spencer had a spirit about him that was magnetic. He loved his people fiercely, you’d never see him without a smile! He had an iconic strut and was always dressed to impress! Spencer had some very hard times, but it never crushed his spirit. He taught a lot of people about acceptance and he’s still doing just that!
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Donnie and Dawn Bring Spencer's Story to Life Everyday
This June, Spencer’s parents, Donnie and Dawn Stephens decided to display a Pride flag at their business and encouraged others to join them in honor of Spencer. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
As we celebrate Pride month, Spencer’s story is a special one. Spencer’s voice lives in the hearts of many and he is honored by the community.
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Join the Growing List of Businesses and Families Supporting Pride Month
It’s not too late to join others who are displaying the Pride flag as a tribute to Spencer’s life.
Many thanks to Donnie and Dawn for leading the way in celebrating diversity, spreading love and acceptance and making a difference!
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Our Vision
Create a more just future for the LGBTQ+ community and allies where human rights and a commitment to address racism is visible and affirmed
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3276 E. Venice Avenue
Venice, FL 34292
(941) 484-7068
info@veniceflpride.com
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Many Voices is published quarterly.
Let us know your story!
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Venice Pride, Inc. is a non-profit organization registered as a Florida 501(C)3. |
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