Mission & Background

 

The mission of Project Pride SRQ is to expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments toward a shared goal. 

 

Since our nonprofit incorporation in 2019, we have celebrated and united Sarasota’s diverse community by providing social connection and supporting Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ people, businesses, and organizations. 

​

 

Our Work

 

Project Pride’s vision is to establish an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported, and celebrated – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

 

To foster this community, our volunteer-operated organization offers four main programs and events in Sarasota, Florida, serving between 2,500 – 4,055 individuals each year:

 

LGBTQ+ Grief Counseling 

 

Grieving as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is a unique experience and requires a safe and inclusive space to process. Project Pride partners with Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota and Venice, Florida to provide this safe environment to help LGBTQ+ individuals navigate their grief journeys.

 

Grief is not solely caused by the death of a loved one. Losses may include the death of a partner, family rejection, lack of acceptance, loss of community, and more. While grief is a complex issue, it is further complicated by societal discrimination and stigma. 

 

Counselors in this program have a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ history, culture, and community and create an affirming, safe, judgement-free space. Through the grief counseling program, individuals are encouraged to share their emotions, and they develop coping strategies, build resilience, and create deep connections within the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

We recognize that family members and close friends may be affected by the losses described above. Our grief counseling program may extend support to these relationships, through assistance in navigating family dynamics, promoting acceptance and understanding, and facilitating communication and/or reconciliation.

 

Parental Support Counseling

 

Parental Support Counseling offers support to the parents or caregivers of a transgender child. The goal of this program is to provide guidance, education, and emotional support as parents navigate the unique challenges related to their child’s gender identity.

 

The journey of each transgender child is different, and counseling services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family. Counselors are sensitive to the cultural, social, and religious backgrounds of the child’s parents, as well as the developmental stage and unique circumstances of each child. 

 

Some of the supports that are offered through this program include: 

• Education and Information to help parents understand gender identity, transgender experiences, and the diverse range of gender identities based on the most current and accurate research available.

• Emotional Support is offered to parents, as they naturally experience a wide range of emotions throughout the navigation of their child’s gender identity. A judgement-free space is offered for parents to express their feelings, fears, and hopes for their child’s future.

• Parent-Child Relationship counseling is offered to help parents communicate with their child, address conflicts or misunderstandings, and provide guidance on the use of appropriate language and pronouns. 

• Advocacy and Support is provided to guide parents on advocating for their child’s needs within various systems such as schools, healthcare, and social environments. Parents are educated on legal protections and are connected to support groups, LGBTQ+ organizations, and other resources.

• Mental Health and Well-Being counseling helps parents who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty related to their child’s gender identity. Parents must prioritize their own mental health, and counselors teach strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and seek additional support if needed. 

• Sibling and Family Support offers counseling for additional family members who may be impacted by a child’s gender transition. Counselors facilitate family discussions, provide education, and help family members develop healthy communication patterns and support strategies. 

 

Sober Social

 

Project Pride offers Sober Social events, where people gather and have fun, without the consumption of alcohol or drugs. These events provide a safe environment for those who choose not to partake in substances or for those in recovery from addiction. 

 

A range of events are offered as Sober Socials and may include group discussions, game nights, outdoor adventures, art workshops, fitness classes, or community service projects. 

 

Our goal is to create an inclusive community of individuals without the addition of alcohol or drugs, allowing them to build meaningful relationships without compromising their commitment to sobriety.

 

Sarasota Pride 

 

Project Pride hosts Sarasota’s annual Pride Fest, which celebrates and promotes the visibility, rights, and equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. 

 

Activities are plentiful and include: 

• Pride Parade: LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, organizations, and community groups marching through the streets of Sarasota to showcase unity, pride, and inclusivity.

• Pride Festival: A community-wide festival featuring live entertainment, music, food vendors, local businesses, LGBTQ+-focused organizations, and interactive activities.

• Performances and Speakers: Live performances by local artists, drag queens, musicians, and guest speakers who share their experiences and promote LGBTQ+ rights.

• Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ community members, allies, and supportive organizations, fostering a sense of community, networking, and socializing. 

 

 

​