"Dave Was Here" is a personal, on-the-ground look at the moments that make Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ community
come to life. It's not just about where I go, it's about the people, the energy, and the experiences that make
each event worth showing up for.

PRIDE OF TAMPA 2026

In just about four months, something powerful came together, driven by community, fueled by volunteers, and built on one clear message: Pride cannot be cancelled or put on hold in Tampa. From the earliest conversations, the vision behind Pride of Tampa was clear.

What took shape wasn't just an event, it was proof of what happens when a community shows up for itself.

At the heart of Pride of Tampa is the team that made it happen, President Daniel Johnson and Vice President Aaron Horcha, alongside Peggy Farrell (Press), Dustin Johnson (Treasurer), Jose Navea (Marketing), and board members Jada Williams, Steph Leaf, Luis Salazar, Denny Blasingame, and KC Starrz.

The City of Tampa Proclamation was read by Mayor Jane Castor, followed by remarks from former Mayor Bob Buckhorn, adding yet another layer of visible support for the community.

  

The entertainment alone told the story, with over 100 performers across multiple spaces. On the courtyard stage, hosts KC Starrz and DJ Greg Anderson kept the energy going with performances from The Tampa Bay Pride Band, Vyn Suazion, Jeff Klein, Amari Lavish, and many more.

Upstairs in the ballroom, the vibe shifted throughout the day with rotating shows featuring Rockell Blu, Mister E, The Panic Family, Morgana Morgan, Fondi Anne Carrington, and a deep lineup of talent from across Florida.

  

Meanwhile, the courtyard stayed active with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations connecting with the community. The festival offered everything from clothing and local art to leather and woodworking (IYKYK), along with free HIV and STI testing from CAN Community Health and Metro Healthy Communities.

  

While much of the festival was at the Cuban Club, Pride of Tampa events extended across Ybor City all weekend. It kicked off with Taste of Pride at 1920 Ybor in early March, followed by the opening party at Bradley's on 7th on Thursday, leading into the festival and the afterparty, and closing at 1920 Ybor on Sunday. Along the way, events like Pride Brunch at Showbar and Girl Pride Tampa at the Crowbar added to the experience, making it a true citywide Pride.

What stood out most wasn't the scale, it was the intention. This was about creating a space where everyone felt welcome, seen, and supported. Families showed up. Friends showed up. The community showed up, estimated at 5,000 plus.

It's a reminder that Pride isn't defined by budgets or size, it's defined by unity, visibility, and the ability to create space for people to be exactly who they are.

One moment summed it up perfectly. When I first arrived, I saw my friend Rockell Blu outside the main stage, fully in performance mode: heels, hips, and hair. About 30 minutes later, I ran into Robert Rigsby, out of drag and simply enjoying the event like everyone else.

That's Pride. It's not one version of who you are, it's all of them, welcomed in the same space.

And then there's me, usually trying to stay behind the camera. This time, comedian Jeff Klein made sure that didn't happen, sending me a backstage photo of me filming with the message: "Proof you were here." I guess now it's official.

Thanks, Jeff.

  
Photo Credit: Jeff Klein

There's something powerful about being told something can't happen and then watching it come to life anyway. That was the energy at Pride of Tampa. It felt like the beginning of something that's here to stay. The community showed up and made that clear.

I showed up as "Dave Was Here," but I left reminded why I keep doing this. This is why Tampa Bay Gay shows up, and this weekend, the community showed exactly why it matters.

Check out all the photos on our Instagram account - https://www.instagram.com/realtampabaygay/

-Dave Borman
Tampa Bay Gay