'Coming Out Day' Kicks Off Pinellas Pride Events

Today may be National Coming Out Day, but the gay and lesbian community in North Pinellas want it to be about "being out," too.

That's why North Pinellas Pride, Inc., a nonprofit group that began in 2010, is kicking off upcoming Pride festivities with a special "Pride is Coming Out and Being Out" program today (Oct 11), and then, carrying the spirit into next week with events in Clearwater, Dunedin and Safety Harbor.

Watch “Pride is Coming Out and Being Out,” a free presentation and interactive session that highlights experiences of role models and mentors in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender community at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clearwater. The group's website says the program is geared at young people and their families. Program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place, Kinports Hall, 407 South Saturn Ave (at Gulf to Bay Boulevard); call 727-446-7718.

If you can't make it, you can plan to attend any of the planned events for North Pinellas Pride's week, which runs Oct. 16 to 23.

Upcoming Pride Events

Tuesday, Oct. 18

• “Pride Gets Fat on Tuesday,” a Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday celebration with live music and N’awlins-inspired fare; 6 p.m.; Tapping the Vine, 737 Main St, Suite 100, Safety Harbor

Wednesday, Oct. 19

• “Pig Out for Pride’s Sake,” a Kalua pig roast and entertainment; 6:30 p.m.; Nauti Nancy’s Seafood Shack, 700 Eldridge St., Clearwater; call 727-446-3717.

Thursday, Oct. 20

• “Bowling Night Out,” bowling and Miss Natasha Richards performs; 10 p.m.; , 405 Patricia Ave, Dunedin

Friday, Oct. 21

• “The Finest in Female Impersonation;” 8 p.m.; , 325 Main St, Dunedin

Saturday, Oct. 22

• “Absolut Pool Party;” 11 a.m.; , 1420 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin
• “2011 Pride Production;” 8 p.m.; , 325 Main St, Dunedin

Sunday, Oct. 23

• "Pioneering Pride in the Park;" 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; , 420 Main St, Dunedin
  
• “Pride Tea Dance;” 6 p.m.; , 325 Main St, Dunedin

See the group's website for more information on North Pinellas Pride events.