SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — In a signal of LGBTQ+ support and pushback toward Gov. Ron DeSantis’s “Freedom Summer” order, the Sarasota nonprofit Project Pride SRQ on Saturday will be carrying a 700-foot rainbow flag over the John Ringling Causeway.
“We felt that this is the best way that we could represent our own free voice,” said Project Pride President Jason Champion. “By having the flag march the bridge.”
The ‘Freedom Summer’ goes from May 27 to September 2, and only allows bridges in Florida to light up in red, white and blue — which some say prevents minority groups from garnering attention to their causes.
The flag requires hundreds of people to help carry it, and organizers said it’s one of the largest in the country. Champion said they only break it out for protests or rallies.
“This flag is very special to us because it is all about representation, inclusion, diversity and equity,” Champion said. “It represents many facets of the LGBTQ community, and we’re very excited to pull it out and represent all of those as we march across this beautiful Ringling Bridge.”
The governor’s “Freedom Summer” order also applies to other groups that may want to light up bridges too, like Moms Against Gun Violence or Women’s Equality Day.
Champion said he understands and appreciates Freedom Summer, but feels it has a bigger meaning.
“We live in one of the greatest countries in the world,” Champion said. “We appreciate our service men and women that have fought for us to have that freedom, and to have a ‘Freedom Summer’ means that we have representation for all.”
Project Pride said the governor’s ruling only reaffirms Florida’s status as one of the worst states for the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s super important to show your pride during pride month,” Champion said. “Because it shows that we are a united country that believes in diversity and equity.”
Saturday’s march starts at 9 a.m. on the south end of the causeway. They will march over and back across the bridge and have speakers, merch and more for attendees.
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