Dunedin Free Press Community - NORTH PINELLAS PRIDE 2010

Dunedin hosts First Annual Pride Event this weekend, June 18-20.

North Pinellas Pride hosts their First Annual Pride Event in Dunedin this weekend, June 18-20.

The weekend event is presented by the City of Dunedin and North Pinellas Pride. Dunedin is one of few Pinellas Cities to offer same sex partner benefits to their employees. The city also recently passed legislation preventing discrimation against trans-gendered individuals in lodging or service.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers read a Proclamation on behalf of the City at the beginning of the June 17 City Commision meeting. Dunedin City Commissioner Ron Barnett will be present to read the City's proclamation at the weekend's main event, a Family Picnic in Highlander Park, along with former Mayor Bob Hackworth and Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala. Latvala planned to speak about Pinellas County's Human Rights Ordinance, passed by the County Commission in 2008.

"We chose Dunedin to host North Pinellas Pride because this is truly the jewel of North Pinellas County,' said North Pinellas Pride co-chair Lil Barcaski. "We are an open, friendly community that respects all walks of life. This is our home and there is no place like home."

"With pro LBGT legislation and our celebration of diversity, we are honored to be hosting this event in Dunedin," said Gregory Brady, event co-chair and owner of Gregory's Salon. "We are including the entire community and invite not only LBGT individuals but their family, friends and supporters as well to come out and celebrate and enjoy the funky and beautiful City of Dunedin."

The weekend began with an opening reception at Dunedin's Beso Del Sol Resort, followed by an evening screening of the film Wigstock: The Movie presented by the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and a wig contest judged and sponsored by Gregory's, then, a Diva spectacular at Club Blur featuring Miss Tyra Sancez, winner of the Logo Channel's Ru Paul's Drag Race 2010, emceed by Miss Melanie Minyon and Miss Natasha Richards, former Miss Gay US of A. Saturday's events included a trip to Honeymoon Island, A Pink Carpet Event at Blur and Bowling at Dunedin Lanes. The event closes with a Tea Dance at Blur from 4-10 pm on Sunday.