SARASOTA – Just in time to celebrate Pride Month – the Ringling Causeway lit up the night with an array of colors that symbolize hope for inclusivity on the Suncoast.
For members of the LGBTQ + community and allies on the Suncoast lighting up the Ringling Bridge was an obstacle worth fighting for. After the state rejected a request by Sarasota earlier this month to light the bridge in rainbow colors for Pride Month, the Florida Department of Transportation reversed their decision.
“It’s lit up for the last week of Pride Month, June 26th is when we celebrate the anniversary of marriage equality, so it’s for a perfect week. And we’re thrilled that FDOT decided to change their stance,” said Jordan Letschert.
According to a city email the state agreed late Wednesday that the city’s request met “broad community interest,” and the bridge will glow in rainbow lights for the final week of the month just in time for Pride Day, which is recognized on June 28th .
Bird Key residents Annette and Bill Lloyd say they always look forward to seeing the bridge light up the Sarasota skyline.
“Every time we come out we notice that it’s lit a different color, be it Independence Day or Memorial Day; and when we heard it wasn’t going to be lit for Pride Day we were rather disappointed,” aid Bill. “So we came out tonight to see what the new Pride lights would look like.
The state’s initial stance to reject the rainbow lights led to growing backlash from the LGBTQ + community, its allies and residents across Florida – with many wondering whether FDOT’s policies were a fair representation of an inclusive Florida and its diverse communities.
Letschert, President of ProjectPRIDE SRQ, says lighting up the Ringling Causeway and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge may be a small victory for some, but to the LGBTQ + community it’s a victory that sends a strong message of equal representation.
“It’s not just about big parties it’s about celebrating the past victories but acknowledging the hurdles that we still face and the wins yet to come,” said Letschert. “And this was something that initially was a hurdle that we were facing and we turned into a win.”
The Ringling and the Skyway Bridge will continue to display the rainbow lights for Pride Day until next Monday,
Be sure to hurry and snap that picture perfect selfie and post it using the #PrideontheSuncoast to show your support; as we continue our Pride Month coverage this week.
