In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss the kickoff of Pride Month, highlighting their participation in local events and the importance of community engagement. They reflect on the powerful speeches delivered at the Pride and Progress Dinner Fundraiser, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation shifts to the concerning militarization of protests and the importance of free speech, culminating in a call to action for the upcoming No Kings Day protest. The hosts stress the importance of safety and community support during activism.

This week on the podcast Christian and Laura from Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County interview Marialana Kinter, who is running for Congress in Florida's 7th Congressional District.

This week, Christian and Laura are joined by Luis Salazar, a fellow LGBTQ Caucus member and Hillsborough County LGBTQ Caucus president! They try to figure out what is going on with the Democratic party statewide and nationally, and the best way to fix it.

This week on the pod, Christian and Laura talk to Katie from 5050-1 Veterans. As a medically retired Army veteran and activist, Katie gives an in-depth interview on issues for veterans that range from applying for benefits to fighting for sexual trauma survivors. We end with the Shout Out / Shut Down segment as usual!

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Christian and Laura have a varied discussion with St. Pete City Councilmember Richie Floyd. Richie represents District 8 in central St. Pete. They talked about democratic party politics, climate change and the impacts on St. Pete, and of course, the Historic Gas Plant deal.

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Natan Bruemmer joins Christian and Laura to give an update on recent changes to LGBTQ healthcare access.

Stonewall Democrats' Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Petition to save 988 funding: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtq-youth/

Christian and Laura are joined this week by Eileen Long, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss proposed changes to education standards in Florida and the politicaztion of education.

Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

We're back after an audio break last week. No interview guest this week, so Christian and Laura discuss recent news events.

Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Sabrina Bousbar is the interview guest this week, and she talks with Laura and Christian about the costs of campaigns and the impacts of the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United on the political discourse.

Don't forget to get your tickets to Stonewall Dems Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

This week Christian and Laura talk to Kristen Browde, the president of the democratic LGBTQ+ Causcus in Florida! Check out the caucus at lgbtqdems.org!

Also annouced Stonewall Dems of Pinellas are holding their first Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025! Get early bird ticket prices at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress