Sarasota Living With Pride

SEASON

Community Care

Sarasota organizations advocate for all RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community has long understood the importance of coming together. Residents have leaned on one another in times of need and celebration. The region is home to wide array of organizations eager to serve, many of which are featured here. Learn more about some of these inclusive organizations below, in future issues of Watermark and at WatermarkOnline.com.

ALSO YOUTH

1470 Blvd of the Arts., Sarasota; 501 5th St. E., Bradenton | 941-951-2576 ALSOYouth.org

Local leaders and advocates formed ALSO Youth in 1992 to serve LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 in Sarasota County. It expanded to Manatee County in 2020, allowing the organization to provide events, programming and safe spaces for more youth than ever before.

It exists today to provide Advocacy, Leadership, Support and Outreach to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies with peer support services, educational programs, advocacy and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning youth ages 13 to 24. They also launched ALSO, Jr. in 2021

to support youth ages 10-12, seeking to enhance self-esteem, promote healthy dialogue and increase awareness of sexual minority youth issues for all.

CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH

Multiple locations | 941-366-0134 CANCommunityHealth.org/Sarasota

CAN Community Health has served the needs of the HIV community in Florida and beyond since 1991. The private, not-for-profit organization owns and operates over 30 medical clinics, with multiple locations in Sarasota.

CAN’s mission is to inspire and contribute to the health and well-being of those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. They do this

through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education and research. The organization also seeks to enhance public awareness through education and prevention initiatives while hosting annual events and more.

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTERS

1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota 941-955-2122

FriendshipCenters.org

The Friendship Centers is a nonprofit network in Southwest Florida that aims to meet the needs of those 50 and older. Since the 1970s, the organization has developed innovative, cost-effective approaches to address the health and wellness of older adults. They have served more than 270,000

meals, assisted in more than 16,000 doctor visits and volunteered for more than 59,000 hours.

The organization hosts LGBTQ+ support groups in an effort to build community in a supportive setting and has partnered with organizations like Project Pride to further serve Sarasota.

G2H2 SARASOTA

Locations throughout Sarasota G2H2Sarasota.com

G2H2 Sarasota, or Gay Group Happy Hour, exists to spotlight LGBTQ+-friendly businesses throughout Sarasota and is presented by SarsotaOUT.com, which regularly holds other events. It has traditionally met monthly at a new location throughout the city to

Photo by Dylan Todd

provide locals with an inclusive atmosphere to network.

The gathering exists to showcase local businesses that open their doors and hearts to the LGBTQ+ community. With its monthly meetings, G2H2 Sarasota has donated thousands of dollars to local and national charities.

FABULOUS ARTS FOUNDATION

Sarasota | FabAB.org

The Fabulous Arts Foundation has served Sarasota for more than a decade, originally as the Harvey Milk Festival. It was created to support and inspire the LGBTQ+ community and allies through music, art, film, theatre and dance.

The organization advocates for equality through events, outreach initiatives, diversity and inclusivity training and more. They do this all this and more while ensuring they uplift queer and trans BIPOC voices.

PFLAG SARASOTA

P.O. Box 671, Sarasota | PFLAG.org/ Chapter/Sarasota

PFLAG is the nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to uniting families and allies with those in the LGBTQ+ community. Formed in 1972 to create a world where differences are celebrated, PFLAG currently has more than 400 chapters, including in Sarasota. The chapter offers education, resources and support throughout Sarasota, Manatee and its neighboring counties. They have traditionally held meetings and participated in events throughout the area to advocate for inclusion.

PROJECT PRIDE

P.O. Box 48635, Sarasota

ProjectPrideSRQ.org

The nonprofit Project Pride exists to celebrate and unite Sarasota’s diverse community by providing social connection and by supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region.

They seek to expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses and governments towards a shared goal. Since their founding in 2019, their efforts have resulted in the

installation of Sarasota’s inclusive street mural and Sarasota issuing its first proclamation declaring June as Pride Month. They now oversee multiple events as well, including Manatee and Sarasota Prides.

PRIME TIMERS SARASOTA

P.O. Box 1411, Sarasota | 941-5561344 |Facebook.com/PTSarasota

Prime Timers Sarasota, a gay and bisexual social group, is a local chapter of the worldwide organization dedicated to providing social activities for older members of the community. It has more than 100 members in Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee counties and the Suncoast region.

The group seeks to hold more than 75 events throughout the year, which are chosen to fit individual needs, priorities and affordability. Activities include dinners, game nights, day trips to attractions and holiday parties.

Photo via ALSO Youth's Facebook

Photo by Dylan Todd

Photography in your best light!

Dining with Pride

Ask the Locals: Rogelio “Roger” Capote

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Rogelio “Roger” Capote knows Sarasota is special. It’s why he’s called it home for two decades, working to cultivate the community personally and professionally. Capote, a senior vice president and chief communications officer for CAN Community Health, detailed on p. 8, says “the bonds of friendship, solidarity and activism that have formed in our community are truly inspiring.”

It’s something he sees while dining in the region.

“Sarasota's dining scene is a delightful blend of culinary diversity, reflecting the area's vibrant culture and lifestyle,” he says. He points to its extensive cultural influences, fine and outdoor dining experiences, international flavors and much more. “Whether you're a foodie, a casual diner or someone with dietary preferences, you will find a restaurant that suits your taste and provides a memorable culinary experience in this vibrant Florida city,” Capote says. He shares some of his favorites here.

FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS: Sage Restaurant. It features a diverse menu with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

1216 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-445-5660 | SageSRQ.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND DRINKS: Selva Grill University Town Center. It is a sophisticated restaurant known for its Latin American-inspired cuisine and inventive cocktails. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu features a fusion of flavors from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, making it an excellent choice for a unique dining experience. Their cocktail menu is also known for its creativity and includes a wide selection of craft cocktails.

67 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243 | 941-358-6272

SelvaGrill.com

FAVORITE SWEET TOOTH

SPOT: Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village. Yoder's is famous for its homemade pies and baked goods. It's a charming Amish restaurant and bakery where you can indulge in various pies, including classics like apple and pecan, and unique options like

peanut butter cream and key lime. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

3434 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-955-7771

YodersRestaurant.com

FAVORITE DINING DATE

NIGHT: Meliora is renowned for its intimate and romantic atmosphere. It offers two menus, cold and hot, with an incredible cocktail and wine menu. Each menu and entrée provides an experience like no other.

1920 Hillview St., Sarasota, FL 34239 941-444-7692

MelioraRestaurant.com

FAVORITE UNIQUE FLORIDA

MENU: Indigenous Restaurant, known for its dedication to showcasing locally sourced and Florida-inspired ingredients. The menu features dishes that highlight the unique flavors and ingredients of the region, including fresh Gulf seafood, citrus and indigenous herbs and spices. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers and artisans is evident in its menu offerings.

239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-706-4740

IndigenousSarasota.com

Photo courtesy Rogelio Capote

Bayard Rustin

Marsha P. Johnson James Baldwin

through outreach, advocacy, education, and research.

DON’T MISS…

BOCA

19 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-256-3565 | BocaSarasota.com

CLASICO ITALIAN

CHOPHOUSE

1341 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-957-0700 | ClasicoSRQ.com

COOPER'S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT

3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-263-8100

CHWinery.com

DUVAL’S

1435 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-312-4001

DuvalsFreshLocalSeafood.com

MADE RESTAURANT

1990 Main St. #112, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-953-2900

MADERestaurant.com

MELLOW MUSHROOM

6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-388-7504

MellowMushroom.com

ORIGINAL WORD OF MOUTH

6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-925-2400

OriginalWordOfMouth.com

THE ROSEMARY

411 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-955-7600

TheRosemarySarasota.com

TSUNAMI SUSHI & HIBACHI

100 Central Ave. Ste. 1022, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-1033

Tsunami-Sarasota.com

FAVORITE VENUE FOR FANCY

DINING: Michael's On East. It's known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine and offers a sophisticated dining experience with a diverse menu. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.

1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 941-366-0007 | BestFood.com

FAVORITE LOCAL JOINT: The Old Salty Dog. This is a beloved local eatery known for its laid-back waterfront ambiance and delicious seafood.

5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34242 941-349-0158

TheOldSaltyDog.com

FAVORITE BRUNCH: Libby's, which is known for its diverse brunch menu, offering a range of dishes from classic breakfast items to creative brunch creations.

1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-236-5826

LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com

FAVORITE MEAL WITH A VIEW: Shore Longboat Key offers a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere with a mix of classic brunch dishes like omelets,

pancakes, eggs Benedict, and creative and unique options. They source many ingredients locally, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dining experience, and its beachy vibe and outdoor seating options add to the charm.

800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, FL 34228 | 941-259-4600

DineShore.com

FAVORITE SEAFOOD

RESTAURANT: Walt's Fish Market, Restaurant & Tiki Bar is a highly regarded seafood establishment. A favorite dish is their Grouper sandwich, a quintessential Florida experience.

4144 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-921-4605

WaltsFishMarketRestaurant.com

FAVORITE VEGETARIAN DISH/RESTAURANT: The Green Zebra Cafe is a popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant. One of the best dishes is their Buddha Bowl. You can expect a creative and delicious take on this wholesome dish with a mix of textures and flavors.

1377 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-312-6707 | GreenZebraCafe.com

FAVORITE COFFEE HOUSE: Project Coffee. It is a locally loved coffee house known for its specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere, prioritizing high-quality beans,

skilled baristas and a welcoming environment for patrons to relax or work.

538 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-313-2283

ProjectCoffee.us

FAVORITE CRAFT BEER: Calusa Brewing is often praised for its innovative and high-quality craft beers. They are known for their ever-changing selection of IPAs, stouts, sours and other beer styles, often featuring creative and unique flavor profiles.

5701 Derek Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233 941-922-8150 | CalusaBrewing.com

FAVORITE SPOT FOR WINE: Michael's Wine Cellar is a highly regarded spot for wine enthusiasts. It's known for its impressive wine selection, upscale ambiance and wine-related events. They often hosts wine tastings and dinners and offers a wide range of wines worldwide.

1283 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-955-2675

MichaelsWineCellar.com

FAVORITE GLOBAL CUSINE: Tandoor is my favorite spot for global cuisine. It specializes in Indian cuisine and is known for its rich and diverse flavors.

8447 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34201 | 941-926-3077

TandoorSarasota.com

Photo via Indigenous Restaurant's Facebook

Photo via Michael's on East's Facebook

Nightlife of Pride

Ask the Locals: Jason Champion

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

As the president of Project Pride, Jason Champion understands the importance of cultivating LGBTQ+ joy. The organization’s vision, detailed on p. 8, is to create an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported and celebrated.

As a Sarasota native, a senior vice president of a luxury travel company and more, he knows one of the ways the community feels at home is through an inclusive nightlife. “It’s what you make of it,” Champion says of Sarasota’s scene. “The party can be you or a group of people anywhere you go!”

He says that’s one of his favorite parts about the community. “There’s an openness and integration of the LGBTQ+ community within mainstream Sarasota,” Champion explains. “I have never felt out of place or unaccepted at any bar, restaurant or business.” He details some of his favorite ways to experience them here.

FAVORITE LGBTQ+ OR LGBTQ+-FRIENDLY BAR: 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop. They have a rotating selection of craft beer from all over the world and you can kick back, have a beer and enjoy friends in a really fun environment.

1445 2nd St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-487-7874 | 99Bottles.net

FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY EVENT OUTING: It has to be State Street or Sage Restaurant. The wait staff at each restaurant is always cute and the food is definitely unforgettable.

State Street | 1533 State St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-951-1533 StateStreetSRQ.com

Sage Restaurant | 1216 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-445-5660 SageSRQ.com

FAVORITE DRAG SHOW: From Project Pride events throughout the year to various opportunities all around Sarasota, it's always to be determined!

FAVORITE PLACE TO DANCE

THE NIGHT AWAY: Upstairs at The Gator Club has the deep dance hits that can make you move like you’re in any club in New York City.

1490 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-5969 | TheGatorClub.com

FAVORITE DATE NIGHT: I love dinner at Kojo in the back corner of the bar. They promise "a truly delightful dining experience that goes beyond the plate" and always deliver with great people watching and amazing fried rice.

1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-536-9717 | EatKojo.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR LIVE

MUSIC: The Gator Club or Cask & Ale are both super fun and have great rockabilly and Jazz.

The Gator Club | 1490 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-5969

TheGatorClub.com

Cask & Ale | 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-702-8740

CaskAleSRQ.com

FAVORITE FANCY COCKTAIL

BAR: Bar Hana has great drinks and Hawaii-themed décor that makes you feel like you’re right in 1970’s Florida. The whole experience is a wonderful trip!

1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-536-9717

BarHana.com

FAVORITE DIVE BAR

EXPERIENCE: Monk’s Steamer Bar is hands down the best in my opinion. The bartenders know your name there but best of all are the oysters on the half shell!

6690 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-927-3388

MonksSteamerBar.com

FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A

BEER: Joe’s, formerly known as Smokin' Joes. It’s our favorite local joint to pop in and see everyone in town.

1448 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9439 | JoesOnMain.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A STRONG DRINK: O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill has a margarita that will kick your butt while sitting on the bay and watching the world go by.

5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-7505 | OLearysTikiBar.com

Photo by Dylan Todd

DON’T MISS…

BAHI HUT TIKI COCKTAIL LOUNGE

4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941-355-5141 | BahiHut.com

BIG TOP BREWING

COMPANY

975 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941-371-2939

BigTopBrewing.com

JACK DUSTY’S AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-309-2266

RitzCarlton.com

MANDEVILLE BEER GARDEN

28 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-954-8688 | MBGSRQ.com

MCCURDY'S COMEDY THEATRE

1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-925-3869

McCurdysComedy.com

PANGEA ALCHEMY LAB

1564 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-870-5555 | PangeaLounge.com

PURPLE RHINO

2920 S. Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-735-6553

ThePurpleRhino.org

RINGLING UNDERGROUND

5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243 | Ringling.org/Event/ Ringling-Underground

SELVA DOWNTOWN

SARASOTA

1345 Main St. f4, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-362-4427 | SelvaGrill.com

THE WESTIN SARASOTA

100 Marina View Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-217-4777 |Marriott.com

FROM PG.15

Continued

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: There are so many wonderful options. For me it's CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key for dinner and a movie or a combination of Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection and the Florida Studio Theater for something on stage.

CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key | 3501 S. Tamiami Trail Ste. 1100, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-361-2456 CMXCinemas. com

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection | 1255 N. Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-316-0808 | Marriott.com

Florida Studio Theatre | 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-3669000 | FloridaStudioTheatre.org

FAVORITE LIVE SHOW

VENUE: Urbanite Theatre is young and progressive, offering live shows that are produced in what fans and the venue call one the most intimate in the region.

1487 2nd St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-321-1397 UrbaniteTheatre.com

FAVORITE BAR WITH A VIEW: Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection’s Rooftop Pool Bar has the best view with a high level of sophistication.

1255 N. Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-316-0808 | Marriott.com

FAVORITE CRAZY NIGHT

OUT: It depends on your group! Fun can be had all over Sarasota from Downtown, Gulf Gate to Siesta Key. Beach Club at Siesta Key is not to be missed.

6732 Sarasea Cir, Sarasota, FL 34242 941-552-9810 BeachClubAtSiestaKey.com

FAVORITE PLACE TO SIT BACK AND BE ENTERTAINED: Boca, because if you are downtown you have to walk by. The people watching is amazing.

19 S. Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-256-3565 | BocaSarasota.com

FAVORITE COCKTAIL OR MOCKTAIL: Personally, I love a strong Old Fashioned. Sarasota has a number of venues where you can enjoy one or find something else.

FAVORITE PLACE TO MEET

LOCALS: Everywhere! The locals here are very open to connecting with one another and sharing stories about Sarasota and beyond. Keep in touch with Project Pride for some of the most inclusive ways to meet them.

P.O Box 48635 Sarasota FL, 34230 ProjectPrideSRQ.org

Photo via Mandeville Beer Garden's Facebook

Pride in Arts & Entertainment

Ask the Locals: Divine AF

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

divine AF knows the power of a Sarasota stage firsthand. Iterations of the LGBTQ+ act have been entertaining audiences in the region since 2017, showcasing their unique “concoction of folk rock, classic rock and alternative that would find itself right at home at Lilith Fair.”

Some of its members have called Sarasota home for more than four decades, experiencing all it has to offer the LGBTQ+ community. In return, they work to “spread a positive message of love and inclusion in our music,” performing at fan favorite events like those detailed on p. 22.

When not entertaining themselves, the eclectic group — who by day work as executive secretaries, music store managers, sound engineers and more — is always eager to take in a show themselves. They fully embrace Sarasota’s eclectic and exciting scene, “from the visible high art you regularly see to the art and music that goes on in people's backyards and homes.” Here, the group collectively shares some of their favorite ways to experience the best in Sarasota’s arts and entertainment.

FAVORITE FANCY NIGHT

OUT: Miguel’s Restaurant. They actually make a table side Caesar salad there that's amazing. It's a very cozy and romantic atmosphere and they are celebrating 40 years in Sarasota!

6631 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-4024 | MiguelsRestaurant.net

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A LAUGH: McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. It’s a really cute and classy place with consistently good comedians. They often give away free tickets, too — if you sign up with them for a show once, they will call you when they have extra tickets to give away!

1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-925-3869 | McCurdysComedy.com

FAVORITE COMMUNITY

THEATER: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. This is a really great African American theatre company that is small and intimate! It always has great talent and there’s not a bad seat in the house.

1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-1505 | WestcoastBlackTheatre.org

FAVORITE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: Stottlemyer's Smokehouse. They have groovy outdoor tiki huts and when fan favorite musician Jami Gee plays guitar there, it makes this an exceptionally fantastic night out for stellar music and BBQ!

19 E. Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-312-5969 |

Photo courtesy of Divine AF

FAVORITE VENUE FOR A MOVIE: Burns Court Cinema. It has cushy seats and great food and is always good for a date night when you want something a little extra special.

506 Burns Ct., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-955-3456 | FilmSociety.org

FAVORITE VENUE FOR A LIVE INTIMATE PERFORMANCE: Mandeville Beer Garden.

Fridays with the talented Brittany Zeff are becoming a fun and popular lesbian hang out!

428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-954-8688

MandevilleBeer.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: Florida Studio Theatre for their Goldstein Cabaret. There are not many old school places where you can pretend you are in gay Paris and see a show with delicious food served right from your seat!

1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9000

FloridaStudioTheatre.org

DON’T MISS…

ART CENTER SARASOTA

707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-365-2032

ArtSarasota.org

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 | 800-361-8388 ASOLORep.org

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 | ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

FAVORITE VENUE FOR LIVE

DANCE: Purple Rhino! It’s one of the few places in Sarasota to dance badly and be authentically yourself.

2920 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-735-553 ThePurpleRhino.org

FAVORITE VENUE FOR LIVE

ART: Fogartyville Community

Media and Arts Center always has live music, art and community gatherings at our favorite local community radio station WSLR! The new stage and open outdoor space make this particularly inviting in the cooler months.

525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-894-6469 | WSLR.org/ Fogartyville

FAVORITE CRAZY NIGHT

OUT: Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge. Just don’t have any more than two Mai Tais, trust us! If you love mid-century tiki decor, you will be knocked out by how well this cute Sarasota iconic venue has been renovated. They hold lots of full-on resort events where you can stay at the motel and lounge poolside while dancing the night away!

4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941-355-5141 | BahiHut.com

FAVORITE GEEK SPOT: Go on over to The Dark Side, Sarasota's comic and gaming store! It's a lot of fun watching people game and geek out. There are also gender neutral restrooms, which are another plus.

935 N. Beneva Rd., Unit 902, Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941-363-0840 Facebook. com/DarkSideComicsAndGames

FAVORITE HIDDEN A&E GEM: Ringling Underground and its live music events. Held on the amazing Ringling Museum grounds, you will feel transported by the fabulous selection of indie music that is curated while hanging out under the stars in the majestic, lovely gardens, all while the giant famed statue of David just casually hangs out, literally.

5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243 | Ringling.org/Event/ Ringling-Underground

FAVORITE ANNUAL EVENT: Anything from the Fabulous Arts Foundation. There are so many reasons to go to the events they hold! From live music festivals to the annual Fabulous Independent Film Festival, a celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema in Sarasota.

Events throughout Sarasota FabAF.com

1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941-309-4300

SarasotaArtMuseum.org

SARASOTA BALLET

5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 | 941-359-0099

SarasotaBallet.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-953-4252 | SarasotaOrchestra.org

THE PLAYERS CENTRE 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 1130, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-365-2494

ThePlayers.org

URBANITE THEATER 1487 2nd St., Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-321-1397 UrbaniteTheatre.com

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-263-6799

VENICE THEATRE 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, FL 34285 941-488-1115 | VeniceTheatre.org

Photo via The Ringling's Facebook

Sarasota

1 - Shore Longboat Key

2- Ringling Underground & Sarasota Ballet & ASOLO Rep Theatre

3-Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge

4-Tandoor

5- Selva Grill University Town Center

6- Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge

7- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

8- Stottlemyer's Smokehouse

9- Selva Grill University Town Center

10- Big Top Brewing Co.

11- Meliora & Libby's

12- CMX Cinemistro Siesta Key & The Player's Center

13- Purple Rhino

14- The Old Salty Dog

15- Walt's Fish Market

16- Beach Club At Sarasota Key & Miguel's Restaurant

17- Mellow Mushroom & Monk's Steamer Bar & Original Word of Mouth

18- Michael's Wine Cellar

19- Venice Theatre

Pride 365

Sarasota celebrates authenticity through events year-round

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

There’s no shortage of ways to showcase your Pride in Sarasota. It’s been celebrated throughout the region by LGBTQ+ residents and visitors for decades. Year-round, the community gathers to offer a safe place to laugh and love, presenting a variety of festivities in honor of our shared experience. With so many ways to celebrate, this list is far from complete. Be sure to read future issues of Watermark and visit WatermarkOnline.com for more and the latest details about each outing.

FABULOUS ARTS FOUNDATION FESTIVALS

FABAF.org

The Fabulous Arts Foundation, originally the Harvey Milk Festival, has presented arts events in Sarasota for 13 years. The organization supports and inspires the LGBTQ+ community and allies through music, art, film, theatre and dance — which it now does with the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Festival, Fabulous Independent Film Festival and Drag Culture Fest, held at various points throughout the year.

MANATEE PRIDE

PPSRQ.org

Manatee Pride seeks to uplift and empower members of the LGBTQ+ community who live, love and visit Sarasota and Manatee counties. The organization has traditionally been held in March, serving as a fundraiser for local nonprofits that have served LGBTQ+ and ally youth. The celebration is now overseen by Project Pride, which promises to continue its message of inclusivity every year.

SARASOTA PRIDE

PPSRQ.org

Sarasota Pride, the region’s longest-running Pride festival that’s traditionally held in October, has served Sarasota for more than three decades. During its 31st event in 2022, local leaders announced the merger of its founding nonprofit with Project Pride. The organization promises to continue to “celebrate love, diversity and equality” through an “extraordinary experience filled with captivating entertainment, an electrifying concert and a bustling market” in the years to come.

PROJECT PRIDE CELEBRATIONS

PPSRQ.org

Project Pride seeks to create an all-inclusive community where everyone is united, supported and celebrated. One of the ways they work to accomplish this is through year-round events, with an emphasis on Pride Month featuring events like the Grand Carnival and Silver Pride. They also oversee both Manatee and Sarasota Prides, detailed here.

VENICE PRIDE

VeniceFLPride.com

Venice Pride held its inaugural celebration in 2019 on the five-acre campus of SunCoast Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church, described as a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The November celebration has since evolved and continues to expand as “an inclusive place where we celebrate the diversity, visibility and strength of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies,” partnering with local theaters and more to spread their message of love.

Photo by Samantha Ponzillo

ART GALLERY

ARTCENTER MANATEE

941-746-2862

ArtCenterManatee.org

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

941-351-9010

AsoloRep.org

SARASOTA BALLET

941-359-0099

SarasotaBallet.org

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE

941-328-1300

SarasotaOpera.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

941-953-4252

SarasotaOrchestra.org

Business Directory

CHURCH AND MINISTRIES

SAINT ANDEW UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

941-922-75951

SarasotaUCC.org

GALLERY / VISUAL ARTS CREATIVE LIBERTIES ARTIST

STUDIOS, GALLERIES & CREATIVE ACADEMY

941-799-6634

CreativeLiberties.net

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CANCommunityHealth.org

MEDIA WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP

813-655-9890 / 407-481-2243

WatermarkOnline.com

MUSEUMS

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER

407-836-8500

TheHistoryCenter.org

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM OF RINGLING COLLEGE

941-309-4300

Ringling.Edu/Museum

PHOTOGRAPHY

DYLAN TODD PHOTOGRAPHY

727-310-1212

DylanToddPhotography.com

TRAVEL AND TOURISM VISIT TAMPA BAY

813-223-1111

VisitTampaBay.com

Photo via Freepik.com