ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Parades are a common sight during Pride Month as people celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

There’s a deeper meaning too, one of reflecting on past struggles and ongoing challenges.

What You Need To Know

  • Bay area resident Tamara Leigh is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has dedicated her life to the cause

  • Leigh is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Tampa Bay Black Lesbians, and the creator of the magazine, "Blaque/Out"

  • Leigh said it’s not about the recognition for herself, it's about helping others to not be afraid

  • She wants others to take this time during Pride Month to reflect on the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, and to understand the significance of continued support

In St. Petersburg, Pride Month began with the raising of the rainbow flag. A combination of city officials and those with the LGBTQ+ community watched and celebrated.

One of those people cheering was Tamara Leigh.

“There is something incredible about Pride — like the celebration of Pride and Pride Month — that you can’t quite understand until you experience it. That sense of belonging, knowing that you are not alone, that sense of comraderies and joy, at a time when it’s so difficult,” she said.

Leigh is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has dedicated her life to the cause. Her home features years of accomplishments and achievements, showcasing her devotion to helping people within the community to find their voice — to have pride in who they are.

“It’s never why you do it, but it is hard and it is exhausting and it’s sad, and you hear stories of people who are struggling so profoundly, and so to feel in ways we are chipping away that,” Leigh said. “It makes those really, really hard days a little bit easier.”

Leigh is the founder of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and creates safe spaces for Black queer women in Tampa. Her advocacy goes back years, but her most recent accomplishment was starting her own magazine called “Blaque/Out.”

She marched in Black Lives Matter events and was named grand marshall for the St. Pete Pride Parade in 2023.

Leigh said it’s not about the recognition for herself. This is her calling, helping others to not be afraid.

“I know there is a lot of fear, that people are afraid to come outside and celebrate. They are afraid to be who they are publicly in a very red state,” she said.

Leigh said recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is why the fight continues, and that the work is far from over. She wants others to take this time during Pride Month to reflect on the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, and to understand the significance of continued support.

“I’m hoping that this Pride season brings them a tremendous amount of joy and community, and they remember why it matters and remember why they need to be loud,” she said.

Leigh said the push for equality continues, but it’s important to never hide who you truly are.