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Come OUT US
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – July 19, 2026 — Come OUT US, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ visibility and safety, has officially announced a new Event Curation Sponsorship campaign to empower community advocates ahead of National Coming Out Day on October 11.
"This year, National Coming Out Day falls on a Sunday, so we’re offering community advocates seed money to curate a 10/11 event in their city," said PJ Salas, Chair of the Come OUT US Board of Directors. "For nine years, we’ve specialized in creating events that foster authentic self-expression and provide welcoming, safe environments for those beginning their 'coming out' journey. Now that we’re focused beyond St. Pete, we’re offering an incentive to move our mission cross-country."
The Come OUT US Board of Directors will select applications to receive a $100 Event Curation Sponsorship to help fund events hosted at established community venues. To qualify, event submissions must align with the Come OUT US mission by meeting the following criteria:
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following information upon submission:
All fields are required for submission. Application link is live at https://comeout.us/national-coming-out-day, application deadline is Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Come OUT US is actively looking to connect, collaborate, and cross-promote with organizations already planning National Coming Out Day initiatives.
To apply for a sponsorship, view October 11 events, or learn more about the upcoming "Come OUT As You Are" Community Service Pageant, please visit https://comeout.us or email info@comeout.us.
Founded in 2017 in St. Petersburg, Florida, by community leader Brian Longstreth, Come OUT US was born from a grassroots effort to maintain an LGBTQIA+ presence in the city's historic "GaYborhood." Today, that legacy continues through the 9th Annual "Come OUT As You Are" Pageant, which honors the art of drag and provides a vital platform for entertainers to share their personal coming out stories. Contestants will compete for the 2027 Royal Court titles of Miss, Ms., Mx., and Mr. Come OUT. As a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Come OUT US advocates for the visibility, celebration, and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community across the United States through event curation, strategic sponsorships, and dedicated Performance Representatives.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Come OUT As You Are Pageant Announces New Title Holder
TAMPA, FL — The Come OUT As You Are Pageant is announcing a transition within the 2026 Royal Court.
Effective February 22, 2026, Tee Iman has been crowned Miss Come OUT 2026. Formerly the First Alternate, Tee Iman steps into the role to continue the organization’s mission as a lead community ambassador.
The organization extends its sincere gratitude to Keirra Ka’oir Summers for her contributions as Miss Come OUT 2026 and wishes her continued success as she takes her talents to Ohio.
The Come OUT Legacy
Tee Iman joins a distinguished lineage of Tampa Bay performers who have served as front-facing Community Service Ambassadors for Come OUT US. Our former title holders include:
• Cleo Patra
• Ericka PC
• Mister E
• JoZiah OK Bangkx
• Veronica Vixen
• Silver Foxx
• Rockell Blu
• Adam Cole
• Alexis De La Mer
• James Cass
• Victoria Michaels
• Fatalya
• DJK
• Ashlee T Bangkx
• Keirra Ka’oir Summers
About The Come OUT As You Are Pageant:
Title holders are contracted for a one-year reign, representing the organization through professional performance and dedicated community service.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Come OUT US Press Office
info@comeout.us | ComeOUT.US
Come OUT St. Pete Announces National Rebrand to "Come OUT US" and Expands Advocacy Mission
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Come Out St. Pete, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, announced a major strategic evolution. Effective immediately, the organization will begin doing business as Come OUT US, reflecting a shift from local grassroots advocacy to a nationwide mission.
The rebrand follows a period of rapid growth and a response to the evolving social and political landscape. PJ Salas, Chair of Come OUT US, emphasized that while the organization’s roots remain in Pinellas County, the need for safe, celebratory spaces has transcended local borders. "When I joined the organization in 2023, the goal was to strengthen our impact within St. Petersburg," said Salas. "However, the current climate requires us to look further. We are no longer focused on a single municipality; our mission is now the state of Florida and the entire United States. Securing web portal ComeOUT.US is the first step in that national journey."
A Vision for October 11th: National Expansion
The 2026 Board of Directors has set a primary objective: scaling celebrations for National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on October 11th. While the organization’s signature events have historically anchored St. Petersburg, the 2026 calendar will include coordinated programming in:
* Tampa & Orlando
* DeLand & Sarasota
* Bonita Springs & Naples
Leadership & Board Appointments
To support this expansion, Come OUT US has welcomed several prominent community leaders and professionals to its 2026 Board of Directors:
* Nethaneel Williams (professionally known as Veronica Foxx) and
* Vernon Vaden (General Manager of Mr. Dz Emporium) will spearhead initiatives within the Tampa Bay region.
* Vincent Bailey-Santamarina (professionally known as Veronica Vixen), a senior board member, continues to lead the organization’s prestigious annual "Come OUT As You Are" Pageant.
* Jim Brunswick, interim 2025 Treasurer is elected into the 2026 role, ensuring fiscal oversight during this growth phase.
* Robert Rigsby (professionally known as Rockell Blu) and head of ROCA Productions, joins as the 10/11 National Coming Out Day Entertainment Director.
* PJ Salas continues as Chair, Board of Directors.
Call to Action: Curating Safe Spaces
Come OUT US is issuing a formal call to local representatives, small business owners, and advocates across the country. The organization encourages partners to curate specialized events on October 11th that foster authentic self-expression and provide welcoming, safe environments for those beginning their "coming out" journey.
Legacy and Artistry
Founded in 2017 by community leader Brian Longstreth, the organization was born from a grassroots effort to maintain an LGBTQIA+ presence in St. Petersburg’s historic "GaYborhood." Today, that legacy continues through the 9th Annual "Come OUT As You Are" Pageant. This event honors the art of drag and provides a platform for entertainers to share their personal coming-out stories. Contestants will compete for the 2027 Royal Court titles of Miss, Ms., Mx., and Mr. Come OUT.
About Come OUT US
Come OUT US is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating National Coming Out Day every October 11th. Through event curation, sponsorships of mission-critical organizations, and the work of dedicated Performance Representatives, Come OUT US advocates for the visibility and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community across the United States.
For more information on how to host a 10/11 event in your city or to get involved, please visit ComeOUT.US or contact info@comeout.us.
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