It has come to our attention that a derogatory and hateful video was made and posted to twitter insulting a local member of our LGBTQIA+ community. This individual is a dedicated and respected member of the St Pete Pride team and has asked to have her privacy protected. We find it reprehensible that the video was made and is still up on twitter.

This is a reminder to everyone that intolerance, misinformation, and hate leads to continued transphobia, harm, and harassment. We stand in solidarity with our team member and all trans folk as we continue to face violence outside of bathrooms, on playgrounds, the grocery store, workplaces, and even the legislature! In light of the recent murder of Tee Arnold, a 36 year old Black Transgender man in Hallendale Beach, FL we call on the public to stand up to these bullies, stand up for the incredible humans in the LGBTQIA+ community, to use your voices to support local Transgender activists and Trans-led organizations, and support policies that prioritize the safe and equitable treatment of the Transgender community. 

We are disappointed that at an event aimed at inclusivity, an individual took it upon themselves to be divisive. It's a sad, and all too familiar commentary on the state of intolerance in our society, that individuals are not free to exist as themselves. 

To Be clear The only person who has done anything wrong or that they should be ashamed of, is the person who filmed this video. 

Watch the video statement here.