News Summary
Jacksonville’s Queer Families Together organized ‘Drag & Tell: A Queer Storytime’ to celebrate Pride Month, featuring LGBTQ-themed stories aimed at fostering understanding among families. The event, held in a lively atmosphere, included readers who shared empowering messages about acceptance. In a related initiative, the Acosta Bridge was illuminated in rainbow colors, reinforcing community solidarity as a response to state policies limiting celebrations of diversity. These events highlight the dedication to inclusivity and LGBTQ rights within Jacksonville.
Jacksonville – A Jacksonville LGBTQ organization recently hosted a family-friendly literacy event called “Drag & Tell: A Queer Storytime.” The event took place on Saturday and was organized by the Queer Families Together organization. Designed to celebrate Pride Month, the event featured stories focused on LGBTQ themes and allied narratives aimed at fostering understanding and acceptance among families.
Alexis Williams, the founder of Queer Families Together, highlighted the significance of creating a safe space for families to explore LGBTQ topics. The storytelling session included readings by notable participants such as Karissa Wade and Sister Bunny Juju Losi, both of whom shared empowering messages about love and acceptance. The event aimed to dispel myths surrounding drag queens and transgender individuals, promoting the idea that they are not to be feared but respected and embraced.
Attendees included parent Amber Baughn, who brought her children to the event to reinforce the importance of loving and respecting individuals regardless of their differences. The atmosphere during the event was lively and vibrant, showcasing a strong sense of joy and acceptance within the community.
In a related celebration of Pride Month, private citizens illuminated Jacksonville’s Acosta Bridge in rainbow colors for the second consecutive year. This DIY lighting initiative emerged as a response to the Florida Department of Transportation’s directive limiting the use of color on state bridges during the summer to only red, white, and blue. The lighting event took place on June 1, 2025, after the unexpected closure of the Main Street Bridge led organizers, including Matthew McAllister, to switch locations.
State Representative Angie Nixon referred to the lighting as a civil rights moment, reflecting the ongoing struggles faced by various marginalized groups. The event painted a picture of unity, joy, and resilience, as the community came together to demonstrate their commitment to fighting for LGBTQ rights in Florida.
Additionally, a local organization, Stonewall Sports Jacksonville, is contributing to the inclusivity movement by promoting sports for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. Founded in 2021, the organization has raised over $100,000 for local nonprofits through its charitable initiatives. They are currently inviting registrations for their bi-annual Kickball REMIX Tournament scheduled for August 10, 2025, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming environment within the sporting community.
Both the literacy event and the bridge lighting serve as reminders of the strong community spirit within Jacksonville, showcasing how local efforts can create meaningful impacts during Pride Month. As LGBTQ rights continue to face challenges in the state, these initiatives highlight the ongoing need for awareness, education, and solidarity among communities.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville LGBTQ Organization Hosts Family-Friendly Literacy Event
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
- Jacksonville.com: Pride Month Lights Go Up on Jacksonville Bridge
- Google Search: Jacksonville Pride Month
- News4Jax: Stonewall Sports Jacksonville Scores Big for LGBTQ Community
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports
- Advocate: Jacksonville Bridge Pride Lights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Culture
- Jacksonville.com: Raising Florida Bridge Spoils Pride Event
- Google News: Jacksonville LGBTQ News
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
