Photos: 'It's OK to Say Gay' rally held in St. Pete
Around 200 people gathered on the steps of St. Petersburg City Hall on Saturday to protest the Florida legislature's passage of the controversial "Don't say Gay" bill. After hearing from several speakers, the group marched along Second Avenue N toward the St. Pete Pier, waving flags, playing music and chanting.
Florida House Representative Michele Rayner delivers an impassioned speech vowing to challenge the controversial “Don't say gay" bill passed by Florida’s Republican-led legislature and now on its way to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
People spill from the steps at city hall unto the sidewalk and the street during the "It's OK to Say Gay" rally. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
A sign reading "Say it" is held up among the crowd of onlookers and protesters. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Florida House Representative Michele Rayner addresses the crowd from the top of the steps at city hall, calling for an end to stereotypes and tropes that paint the LGBTQ community as immoral. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
People clap during the rally at city hall. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
This gallery continues below...
Advertisement
Marchers make their way toward the St. Pete Pier, playing music and calling out chants such as, "We say gay." MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Marchers wave flags as they walk at the St. Pete Pier. Onlookers waved and cheered or filmed. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
People wave flags as they march together down Second Avenue N toward the St. Pete Pier. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Activist and attorney Bianca Goolsby joins her spouse, Florida House Representative Michele Rayner during the march. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Florida House Rep. Michele Rayner (left) hugs her spouse, Bianca Goolsby, among other marchers at the entrance to the St. Pete Pier, where they stopped to end the event and take photos. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
This gallery continues below...
Advertisement
School board member Caprice Edmond addresses the crowd during a rally at city hall, calling herself an ally of the LGBTQ community and urging people to vote in all elections. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
People driving by honk and cheer for marchers. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Marchers wave flags as they walk together at the St. Pete Pier. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
Protestors and organizers walk among the fountains at the St. Pete Pier. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times
About 200 people gathered on the steps at St. Petersburg City Hall to rally in protest of the controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill passed by Florida's Republican-led legislature. MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times