This store manager leads a community event to build acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Scott Guira, #1721, Tampa, Florida, serves as the vice president of Lakeland Youth Alliance (LYA) and the president of LYA’s Polk Pride. LYA provides social support for LGBTQ+ youths and fosters a safe space for them to be themselves. And to Scott, Polk Pride extends that safe space into the whole community.

It started with an idea
In 2014, just a few years into his involvement with LYA, Scott went to the board of directors with an idea: create the 1st Pride event for their large, mostly rural, county in central Florida.

A year later, LYA hosted the 1st Polk Pride, a series of 4 events: Pride in Faith, Pride for Youth, Pride After Dark and Pride in the Park, an outdoor festival held in the center of downtown Lakeland, Florida. Six years later, the events are still growing.

“Pride in the Park is different from any other Pride event I’ve ever been to,” Scott said. “We host an event for everyone — family pride. We have parents, grandparents, children. People come from every age, every religion, every background. There’s so much warmth and fun and love. People are there to embrace each other.”

It’s also the source of one of his proudest moments.

“Every year at Pride in the Park, 1st thing in the morning when the vendors and volunteers are set up but before the event begins, I get on stage to welcome everyone,” Scott said. “The moment I see the park with thousands of people joining together to celebrate diversity, part of me glows with excitement and pride.”

The reason he does it
“Growing up in Lakeland and Polk County, it wasn’t as welcoming to people like me,” Scott said. “I felt it was important to be part of the change for the next generation. Representation is important, and Polk Pride gave LYA a reason to show everyone that we’re part of the community.”

In addition to Polk Pride, LYA acts as a resource to help educators, parents and other community members support individuals of all sexual orientations. And it continues efforts to make their community more open to diversity.

“So many youths move from small to large towns to find acceptance, and it’s not necessary,” Scott said. “There’s a place for everyone, everywhere. We’re changing the perception that the only way to be happy, healthy and successful is to move.”

And Scott lives that commitment. Although he works at a Tampa location, he and his husband — and their 2 dogs — live in Lakeland.

Publix proud
Scott has been with Publix for 25 years, starting as a front service clerk at #352, Lakeland, Florida. In college, he interned with another business but quickly realized Publix was where he wanted to be.

“I love the people at Publix, and the culture is different,” Scott said. “Associates are committed and willing to help across business areas so we can be successful. Whatever the future is at Publix, I know everyone is in it for the entire team, not just themselves.”

Leading acceptance
“I encourage every member of my team to be themselves and celebrate others,” Scott said. “We all contribute to creating an inclusive environment for every associate and customer, and the best way to do that is by living authentically and celebrating the strength that diversity brings to our community and our company.”

He also appreciates the support he has received throughout his Publix career.

“I’ve had leaders who have supported me as an individual and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, both personally and my community involvement,” Scott said. “Even when they came from different beliefs, they respected the importance of diversity.”

In your community
“Find a cause that you’re passionate about and a need in the community. Then step up to do something about it,” Scott said. “Nonprofit organizations are always looking for volunteers and there is a cause out there that needs you. The gift of volunteerism can never truly be measured, because the impact is infinite.”

Publix is a family — a big, 230,000-person one — with backgrounds from across the country and around the world. This article is part of a series featuring associates from a variety of backgrounds, age groups and cultures, and we love sharing their successes. We hope our articles help you learn a little more about your fellow associates who make up our Publix family.