A Tampa resident is finding ways to make LGBTQ Pride events more inclusive so everyone can celebrate comfortably.
The Tampa Pride celebration is well known for being one of the largest in Florida, attracting around 80,000 guests at the 2022 event. Although it is a place for people to gather to celebrate love and diversity, some people are unable to attend due to the overstimulation the festival causes. This year, Jackie Simpson, the director of The Plant Dad Project, was able to help implement a sensory zone to make Pride more inclusive to all members of the community.
“Pride is a movement for love, and everybody who believes in love and tolerance should be able to attend. And it’s disheartening when people of our own community or people who believe in this movement can’t attend because there’s no access to zones like this.” Simpson said.
It all started with a series of TikToks Simpson posted discussing how there should be sensory zones to make LGBTQ Pride events more inclusive to people on the autism spectrum, which is a wide group of developmental disorders with varying degrees of intellectual, language and social difficulties. They can often include being easily sensory overloaded. There was an overwhelming response agreeing with Simpson, and eventually it reached a Tampa Pride board member that helped bring the Plant Dad Project to life.
“I’m actually neurodivergent myself. And sometimes when it comes to these things, it is overwhelming. It is over stimulating. And sometimes I do wish that I could sit back and take a break,” Simpson said.
The Plant Dad zone provided water, ear plugs and a quiet space for people that needed a break from the commotion. Instead of having to leave the event, people were able to take a break and go back out when they felt ready.
“I’m hoping that it will catch on and I’m hoping that this can be something that we can actually do for much larger clients,” Simpson said.
Although Tampa Pride is over, Simpson is hoping to bring The Plant Dad Project to the St. Pete Pride events in June.
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Reporters: Kacie Crown
Show Editor: Lauren Siegal
Anchor: Mckenzie Muskett
Web Editor: Makayla Pleasant
