St. Pete Pride 2026: Inside the Parade with VP Trent Brock

St. Pete Pride 2026: Inside the Parade with VP Trent Brock

This week, we're live at St. Pete Pride 2026, kicking off with David & Paul catching up on hydration mishaps, sunburn confessions, and Paul's very memorable trip to Hawaii before heading into the parade festivities. We sit down with Trent Brock, Vice President of St. Pete Pride, to talk about the state of Pride funding this year, the community's response to a $200K sponsorship deficit, and why individual donations matter more than ever. Trent gives us the inside scoop on this year's record-breaking lineup of events, how St. Pete Pride partners with other Tampa Bay pride organizations, and what's ahead as they gear up for their milestone 25th anniversary in 2027. Plus, David and Paul talk vacation dreams, the importance of staying visible in the community no matter your age, and get a firsthand look at the parade with 120+ organizations marching through the streets of Saint Petersburg, all while Paul battles the Florida heat one bead toss at a time. In This Episode: - Live from St. Pete Pride 2026 - David & Paul's hydration (and heat survival) tips - Paul's tropical getaway to Oahu, Hawaii - Sitting down with Trent Brock, VP of St. Pete Pride - The real talk on Pride funding and community support - A record-breaking year of Pride events - How Tampa Bay's Pride organizations collaborate - Why visibility matters for every generation - 120+ organizations marching in the parade -  Looking ahead to St. Pete Pride's 25th anniversary in 2027 Whether you're a Pride veteran, a first-time festival-goer, or just here for David & Paul's banter, this episode captures the heat, heart, and hustle behind one of Florida's biggest Pride celebrations, and why showing up (and chipping in) still matters.

How the Tampa Bay Chamber Is Building Stronger LGBTQ+ Communities & Businesses in Flordia

This week, we sit down with Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, to discuss how the Chamber is helping LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, why community connections matter more than ever, and how local organizations are creating opportunities for businesses, professionals, and allies across the Tampa Bay area. Renee shares how the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through networking, education, advocacy, and community events while also discussing the importance of allyship, business partnerships, and staying engaged during challenging times. We also talk about the impact of corporate support, the value of belonging, and why building strong relationships is essential for creating a more inclusive future. Plus, we kick off the episode from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with plenty of laughs about casino games, workplace Zoom etiquette, awkward virtual meetings, out-of-office messages, and those embarrassing work-from-home moments we've all experienced. In This Episode: - Slots, blackjack & casino stories - Zoom meetings, work-from-home etiquette & awkward video call moments - Embarrassing workplace stories and virtual meeting mishaps - Meet Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber - How the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals - Why networking and community connections are so important - The role of allies and corporate partnerships in creating change - Inside the Chamber's networking events and Belonging in Business Breakfasts - Resources available for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners - The importance of supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses - How you can get involved with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ally, or simply looking to connect with your local LGBTQ+ community, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of networking, advocacy, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen our community.

From Patient to Advocate: Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Through HIV Care

This week, we sit down with Mark Myrick, Medical Peer Navigator at CAN Community Health, to discuss HIV awareness, breaking stigma, and how education, support, and compassion are changing lives in the LGBTQ+ community. Mark shares his own journey of living with HIV for nearly 30 years and explains how he now helps individuals who are newly diagnosed navigate their diagnosis with hope, education, and real-life experience. We also dive into the importance of HIV prevention, safe sex, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and the life-changing work being done by CAN Community Health. Plus, we kick off the episode with plenty of laughs as David & Paul swap stories about Disney, roller coasters, airboat adventures in the Everglades, boat mishaps, and the infamous "regular people" comment that got David into trouble at Disney! In This Episode: - Disney adventures, roller coasters & theme park debates - David's terrifying Everglades alligator encounter - Boat rescues, charcuterie boards & summer adventures - The hilarious Disney "regular people" story - Meet Mark Myrick from CAN Community Health - What a Medical Peer Navigator does for newly diagnosed patients - Living with HIV for nearly 30 years and helping others thrive - Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) - Why HIV education and reducing stigma still matter - The importance of regular testing, prevention & practicing safe sex - How peer support helps people navigate an HIV diagnosis - Why hope, compassion, and community can change lives Whether you're looking to learn more about HIV prevention, understand the meaning behind U=U, or hear an inspiring story of resilience and service, this episode is an honest and informative conversation that reminds us how education, empathy, and community support continue to make a lasting impact.

The Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights in Florida: The Economic Power of Pride and Inclusion

This week, we sit down with Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director at Equality Florida, to discuss the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida, the challenges facing the community, and how advocacy, visibility, and collective action can create meaningful change. Jon shares insights into Florida’s current legislative landscape, how Equality Florida works to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and why community engagement, storytelling, and economic impact are powerful tools in the fight for equality. From Pride celebrations to public policy battles, this conversation highlights the importance of showing up and supporting one another. Plus, we kick off the episode with David & Paul discussing current hot topics, new fitness segment, personal updates, and the conversations happening within the community before diving into a powerful discussion on activism and resilience. In This Episode: - David & Paul discuss hot topics and what's happening in the community - The current state of LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida - How Equality Florida advocates for LGBTQ+ rights - Why getting involved can make a real difference - The role businesses play in supporting diversity, equity & inclusion - How Pride events positively impact local economies - Using personal stories and advocacy to drive social change - Finding strength and resilience during challenging times - John’s advice on staying engaged and continuing the fight for equality Whether you’re looking to become more involved in advocacy, understand the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, or learn how allies and businesses can help create change, this episode is an inspiring reminder that progress happens when communities come together and refuse to be silent.

From the 70s to Today: A Lifetime of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Pride Progress

This week, we sit down with Michael Tomor, a retired art museum director, LGBTQ+ advocate, and longtime community leader, to reflect on his journey through decades of LGBTQ+ history—from the challenges and activism of the 1970s and 1980s to the progress, visibility, and new challenges facing the community today. Michael shares powerful stories of resilience, the importance of finding and building community, and why events like Pride continue to play a vital role in creating acceptance, connection, and change. We also discuss the current political climate, the work being done by organizations like the LGBT Chamber, and why staying visible and engaged is more important than ever. Plus, we kick off the episode with conversations about the Skittle Squad Podcast, the importance of representation, networking with community leaders, and the inspiring individuals working to make a difference every day. In This Episode: - David & Paul talk everything from plastic surgery, reality TV & getting older - What life was like for the LGBTQ+ community in the 70s and 80s - From leading art museums to becoming a community advocate - The power of visibility, connection, and chosen family - Why Pride events are still essential for social change - The role of the LGBT Chamber and inclusive workplaces - How current political challenges impact LGBTQ+ rights - Personal stories of resilience, authenticity, and growth - Michael’s advice for living your truth and embracing your journey Whether you’ve experienced the history of the LGBTQ+ movement firsthand or are learning about the struggles and victories that shaped the community today, this conversation is a powerful reminder that progress happens when people show up, support one another, and continue to live authentically.