Sept. 22, 2021
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Greetings Venice Pride, Inc. Friends

Welcome to Many Voices, the quarterly newsletter of Venice Pride, Inc. featuring stories important to our community!

We formed Venice Pride, Inc. to advance the visibility, voice and participation of the diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies in the Suncoast region of Florida. Since 2018, we have championed the agenda for human rights and against racism.

Our progress would not be possible without the guidance and vision of so many activists, leaders, supporters and groups who are active today.

Our feature story is about the inspiring work underway by ALSO Youth. Learn more about how they are shaping a better future for the Youth in the Sarasota and Manatee regions.

We also celebrate Hispanic Heritage month recognizing the many voices, cultures, contributions, history and leadership vital to our accomplishments.

Many Voices is a place to share your stories. Together we look forward to creating a better future for all. 

Join us on this journey!
Board of Directors Team
Feature Story
ALSO Youth is a local non-profit organization supporting the youth of the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. 

ALSO works to empower these youth, ages 13-24, and their allies, while creating inclusive communities.  
Young People in Action
ALSO Youth was created in 1992 by individuals who were alarmed at the statistics documenting high rates of suicide among gay and lesbian teens. In cooperation with other local organizations such as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Planned Parenthood; and YMCA Youth and Family Services, volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth. Upon realizing that more comprehensive services were needed throughout the community, ALSO’s founders initiated contact with school officials and implemented a training program for educators. The types of services and numbers of youth and community members served have steadily increased.
ALSO YOUTH Offers a Unique Range of Programs
The programming slate varies widely and has recently included guided meditation, karaoke nights, sex-ed Jeopardy with Planned Parenthood, yoga classes, college application prep, and various other activities focusing on the key areas of wellness, social activity, community involvement, life preparation skills, and the arts. 

In addition to programs, ALSO facilitates peer groups for trans youth specifically and for LGBTQ+ youth in general. In addition to their work with the youth at their drop-in centers in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, ALSO works in the community to provide trainings and professional development workshops to those companies or organizations who may be looking to enhance their own diversity training. ALSO works in local schools by offering workshops for the students on being inclusive and anti-bullying. They also provide inclusivity workshops for school staff and administration, all free of charge.
Warm Welcome to Mickey Stone, Executive Director
ALSO is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director, Mickey Stone, who took on the role in June. Mr. Stone arrives at ALSO Youth with over 20 years of experience working with youth as an educator and program director for nonprofit youth organizations.

The ALSO Youth Board of Directors is confident he will be an effective leader and guide the organization in achieving its goals.

Mickey most recently served as the Performing Arts teacher and team leader at Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences. He has previously worked as a Program Director for youth programs in San Diego, CA and Maitland, FL. In his prior roles, Mickey has created curriculum for adolescent youths, developed after school programs and facilitated training and workshops for youth and parents. He has successfully raised funds to produce school theater productions and educational trips for students.
New Program: ALSO, Jr. for Youth 10 to 12 Years Old
As ALSO moves into its next chapter, they are focused on bringing vibrant new programming to the area and to expanding their reach to include younger LGBTQ+ children, in need of ALSO’s services. 

The ALSO, Jr. program has started based on a community need to provide a safe space for youth, ages 10-12, to explore their own sexual and gender identity. ALSO is very excited to see where this program leads and to continue to offer Advocacy, Leadership, Support, and Outreach to the LGBTQ+ youth of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Coming Soon!
Invite your family, friends and neighbors. Let's get everyone involved.
VENICE PRIDE HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Dec. 2021
(A special treat that you won't want to miss. Stay tuned.)
VENICE PRIDE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Feb. 19, 2022
(New Date)
Apr. 26–27, 2022
(Virtual noon to noon)
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
May 2022
(More details soon)
New Website launching soon!
Until ... Contact Us HERE.
hearts
Our Vision
Create a more just future for the LGBTQ+ community and allies where human rights and a commitment to address racism is visible and affirmed
Please help fund this work! Donate ONLINE, SCAN QR CODE or MAIL A CHECK TO VPI.
General Donation 2021
Venice Pride, Inc. is a non-profit organization registered as a Florida 501(C)3.