Anti-groomer group demands Tampa mayor resign over sexual pride event with children

TAMPA, Fla. – Anti-groomer group “Gays Against Groomers” is demanding that Democratic Tampa Mayor Jane Castor resign over a sexual pride event that took place Saturday which allowed children in attendance.

A social media post showed what some parents consider “age inappropriate” outfits, objects being sold with inappropriate language, and “my practice” candy in the shape of body parts, all while young children were present at the event.

The account “Libs of Tiktok” shared the images which garnered over one million views in less than 24 hours.

“This is from an ‘all ages family-friendly’ pride event in Tampa, FL yesterday. It featured p*nis pops, near naked adults performing for children, and s*xually explicit language. These sick freaks are after your kids,” the post said.

Gays Against Groomers Co-Chapter Leader Mercedes told Florida’s Voice the group witnessed dozens of children at the event which featured a parade and festival.

Castor and Sheriff Chad Chronister both posted photos of themselves participating in the parade on social media.

The organization Gays Against Groomers called for the resignation of Castor following the event.

Gays Against Groomers is a 501(c)4 organization of gay people who “oppose the recent trend of indoctrinating, sexualizing and medicalizing children under the guise of ‘LGBTQIA+.’”

Founder of Gays Against Groomers, Jaimee Michell, told Florida’s Voice the event was “a display of utter depravity.”

“Our community and parents need to do better, and we will keep sounding the alarm and showing up until they do. I am also calling on the mayor to resign in disgrace for not only allowing this to go on, but partaking in it as well,” Michell said.

Mercedes said although there was an “over 18” section, vendors that sold the items were on display in front of children.

“When you look around, there’s kink, and there’s dildos… do you really want that stuff around your kids?” Mercedes said.

“I think it brings a bad name to the community as well. It’s bringing our acceptance rate down, because you see things like that, and I think we have a duty to protect innocence and children as a society,” Mercedes said.

This is not Castor’s first appearance in the parade, as she has reportedly participated as the grand marshal of the parade in the past.

According to the event’s website, the City of Tampa sponsored the event.

Gays Against Groomers shared a video of a box truck they brought to the event which displayed a message that read “There is no pride in sexualizing, indoctrinating, or mutilating children. Leave the kids alone.”

Florida’s Voice reached out for comment from Castor, Chronister, and the event organizers, but did not hear back at the time of publication.

Florida’s Voice also reached out to city council members, and only heard back from City Council Member Bill Carlson, who said he did not attend the event.

This story will be updated if more officials respond.