… Kriseman was joined by St. Pete Pride Executive Director Luke Blankenship and city council members Gina Driscoll, Amy Foster, Brandi Gabbard, Charlie Gerdes and Lisa Wheeler-Bowman. Cole Foust, the LGBTQ+ Youth and Transgender program Coordinator at Metro Wellness and Community Centers, also addressed the crowd.

Foust came out as a transgender man last year and a gay man this month.

“I really value the space that the city of St. Petersburg provides for people to grow and blossom into their true selves,” Foust said. “I can’t thank each of you enough for showing up in this way. And I hope we all will continue to take responsibility for supporting and loving those around us.”