08/08/2026
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Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: A National Movement Rooted in St. Petersburg
Come OUT US
In the vibrant tapestry of St. Petersburg, where art and culture intermingle with a palpable sense of community, there exists a beacon of inclusivity and celebration. This beacon is Come OUT US, an organization born from the heart of the city's historic GaYborhood. Founded with the mission to foster LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance, Come OUT US has blossomed into a national movement. It invites communities across the country to join in honoring diversity through events that are both celebratory and transformative. As the organization prepares to expand its reach, it aims to weave its colorful legacy into the broader fabric of American culture.
�The story of Come OUT US began in 2017, with the founding of Come OUT St. Pete by Brian Longstreth. The initiative was a response to the need for sustained LGBTQIA+ presence in St. Petersburg's GaYborhood. This historic district, known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming spirit, was the perfect cradle for an organization dedicated to visibility and equality. PJ Salas, who now leads the organization, reflects on its origins with pride. "I am honored to lead Come OUT St Pete as we continue championing acceptance, love, and equality for all LGBTQIA+ people," he says. The early days were not without challenges, particularly in navigating the political climate that often threatened to undermine the community's hard-won progress. Yet, the organization's resolve only strengthened, guided by a mission to create spaces where everyone could express their authentic selves.
�What sets Come OUT US apart is its commitment to extending its mission beyond the borders of St. Petersburg. While the organization was rooted in the local community, it quickly recognized the need for a broader platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. This led to the expansion of its mission nationwide, with events designed to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. A signature offering of Come OUT US is the annual 'Come OUT As You Are' Pageant. This event is a vibrant celebration of the art of drag, providing performers a stage to share their stories and express themselves without fear. The pageant is more than just a competition; it is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and community support. With categories like Miss, Ms., Mx., and Mr. Come OUT US, the pageant honors the diversity within the drag community itself, uplifting voices that are often marginalized.
PJ Salas, the Chair of the Come OUT US Board of Directors, shares a poignant memory that encapsulates the essence of the organization. "My favorite moments are during our community events, standing in the background as an observer, as our producers and volunteers are in full-swing creating engaging programming," he recalls. "Witnessing our talented performers and the genuine joy I see from the audience enjoying themselves makes it all worth it." Salas's commitment to the cause is evident in every aspect of the organization's work. Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, he is resolute in his dedication to growth and resilience. "Our task is to strengthen and expand Come OUT St Pete’s impact while celebrating diversity and inclusion," Salas explains. The organization is fortunate to have passionate advocates on its board and a talented Royal Court to represent the community. Their efforts are not just about hosting events; they are about creating safe spaces where individuals can begin their 'coming out' journeys with confidence and support.
In 2025, Come OUT achieved key milestones:
* Collaborated with local allies for events like Chili Cook-Off & Mardi Gras.
* Amplified voices via live streams.
* Held impactful fundraisers, including charity bingo.
* Powered Tampa Pride and marches.
* Fought anti-LGBTQ+ laws through advocacy.
* Sponsored dynamic pride festivals.
Looking to the future, Come OUT US is focused on its Event Curation Sponsorship campaign, an initiative designed to empower local advocates to host LGBTQIA+ friendly events nationwide. By offering seed money to community advocates, the organization aims to encourage the celebration of National Coming Out Day across the country. This campaign demonstrates Come OUT US's commitment to expanding its mission and fostering authentic self-expression on a national scale. As the application process for these sponsorships begins, Salas and his team are excited to see how communities across the country will interpret and celebrate National Coming Out Day. "We’re offering an incentive to move our mission cross-country," Salas notes. With a vision that includes strategic partnerships and continued advocacy, Come OUT US is poised to become a cornerstone of LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance in America.��Come Out
📍 St Petersburg,
In the vibrant tapestry of St. Petersburg, where art and culture intermingle with a palpable sense of community, there exists a beacon of inclusivity and c
