USTA Florida Celebrates Community and Inclusion at St. Pete Pride Family Day

USTA Florida joined many LGBTQIA+ youth, queer families and allies at the St. Pete Pier for St. Pete Pride’s Family Day on the Pier, a joy-filled celebration that proved once again that tennis truly is for everyone. 

With a tent set up along the waterfront, USTA Florida connected with hundreds of community members throughout the day, spreading the message that it doesn’t matter how old you are or what your tennis background is. Whether someone is looking to pick up a racquet for the first time through adult beginner programming or wants to advocate for more tennis courts in their area, USTA Florida was there to show that it’s never too late to get started and anyone of any background is welcomed. The team also gave away Pride bags, towels, lanyards, stickers and more to attendees throughout the day. 

The welcoming, all-ages event featured kid-friendly activities, community resources, entertainment from local bands and artists, and the return of the 2nd Annual Pet Parade, filling the St. Pete Pier with smiles, wagging tails and Pride from 10 AM to 2 PM. With plenty of excitement, music, sunshine and fun for all, it was a wonderful day of community and inclusion. 

Pride Play Opportunities 

USTA Florida’s presence at Family Day on the Pier is part of a much larger story of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Florida tennis. The state has long been home to one of the most active Pride tennis communities in the country. The South Florida Tennis Club (SFTC), a member of the worldwide Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), is one of the largest gay-organized tennis organizations in the world with roughly 200 members. Founded in the 1980s, the SFTC was created out of the need for a safe place to play tennis by a group of friends who had experienced discrimination, fear and homophobia during the AIDS crisis. The organization has been going strong for more than 30 years, offering tournaments, competitive ladders, casual play and social gatherings. Florida also hosts major GLTA events, including the Clay Court Classics in Fort Lauderdale, which has drawn more than 300 players from 30 countries. 

Events like Family Day on the Pier remind us that when communities come together in celebration, the possibilities for connection and inclusion are limitless. USTA Florida is proud to have been part of such a special day and looks forward to continuing to champion the message that tennis is a sport for everyone.