St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique.
This St. Pete Pride month’s spotlight is directed toward Nathan Bruemmer, a Tampa Bay native and LGBTQIA+ consumer advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As the first transgender appointed statewide LGBTQIA+ liaison in the United States, he’s tasked with raising awareness on opportunities within the agricultural industry and addressing discrimination and fraud targeted at the LGBTQIA+ community. This role is just the latest in his history of advocacy, inspired by his own story.
From Struggle Comes Strength
Growing up when supportive resources for LGBTQIA+ youth were nearly nonexistent, Bruemmer struggled. He knew that he didn’t see himself as the world defined him, but he had no one who could help him understand and define his own identity. Other students targeted and tormented him. The bullying drove him from one school and then another, but he didn’t give up. Influenced by his grandmother, mother, and aunt, who, despite the gendered obstacles of their time, earned advanced degrees in law, medicine, and educational administration, he chose to persevere. Attending night school and working to make his own way, he eventually graduated high school and then continued on to the University of South Florida, where he earned a degree in business administration. Still unsure of his future path, fate stepped in when he was unexpectedly offered an opportunity to be an advocate for those in need. As a public school teacher, working primarily with lowincome students, he saw the impact that food and housing insecurity had on them and their families. The desire to do more led him to the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, where he was director of operations and programs. As he continued to advocate for others, his own voice grew stronger.
“Where can I make a difference?”
As Bruemmer came to terms with his own sense of identity, he developed a deeper understanding of how the lack of supportive resources and support had affected his path. He wanted to continue to use his voice to be the advocate he’d never had. This led him to Stetson University College of Law. As Bruemmer noted, developing a “strong voice” was one of the most important things he learned from the “triumvirate of strong women” in his family. Earning his J.D. degree helped him do just that. While at Stetson, he interned at the Office of Public Defenders, Homeless Advocacy Clinic, Veterans Advocacy Clinic, Office of Human Rights, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Once he graduated, he continued his advocacy. He served as the executive director for ALSO Youth, a nonprofit that “provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 24, their families and friends, and the community” and then as president and acting executive director for St. Pete Pride, before being appointed as LGBTQ consumer advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His work has not gone unnoticed. Among other awards, he has been presented with the Business of Pride “Outstanding Voice Award” for his work on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community. Bruemmer’s philosophy is simple: “Read, learn, apply.” He may not know exactly where his path will lead, but he will continue to seek places where he can use his voice to make a contribution.
