People of St. Pete: Jim Nixon

St. Petersburg 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 Monthly shines a light on one of the many people who make our city unique.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and in that spirit, we’re shining the spotlight on Jim Nixon. As the City’s LGBTQ liaison and tourism marketing manager for Metro Inclusive Health’s LGTBQ Welcome Center, Jim works tirelessly to help ensure St. Petersburg’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. His personal commitment to service even extends into his down time, when you’re likely to find him on his bicycle, logging miles for a good cause.

A Dashed Dream and a New Journey

His current role seems a perfect fit, but Nixon originally envisioned something very different. After ROTC training at his North Carolina high school, Nixon enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduation. He had long dreamed of a career in the military. In 1984, and the U.S. Armed Services still barred LGTBQ persons from serving. Only 11 months after enlisting, he was “outed” as a gay man and involuntarily discharged. Forced to forge a new path, he rose steadily in hospitality corporate management before segueing into advertising sales. Then in 2004, Nixon’s nephew convinced him to give St. Petersburg a try. Nixon immediately fell in love with the ‘Burg’s friendly, home-like charm. Once here, he worked in several ad sales jobs before becoming the membership director for the Dali Museum. He loved his work, but his life in St. Pete had awakened a new vision for his future, and in 2015 he looked to make that dream come true.

Dream Job

Nixon wanted to combine advocacy for the LGTBQ community with his business development and sales prowess to create his “dream job.” So he contacted the mayor’s office to sell himself as the city’s LGTBQ liaison. Soon after, he was asked to take on the role of volunteer LGTBQ liaison. He grabbed this opportunity to serve the community while he continued his job at the Dali. Then a year later, the city and Metro Inclusive Heath partnered to offer Nixon his current full-time position as a “shared resource.” The dual role means that he serves the community as both the city’s LGBTQ liaison and the tourism marketing manager for Metro Inclusive Health’s LGTBQ Welcome Center. He works closely with the city to improve official policies for the LGTBQ community but he also manages efforts to boost tourism and form strong partnerships with area businesses and attractions. His work has helped St. Petersburg maintain a perfect score for the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index and contributes to our rising national ranking as an inclusive community. He’s still shaping his dream job through challenges and successes.

Speaking of Worthy Paths … Nixon Takes a (second) Smart Ride

In November, Nixon will participate in the two-day, 165-mile Smart Ride ride from Miami to Key West to raise awareness and money for HIV /AIDS service organizations. Nixon lost two partners to HIV/AIDS so this event has a special place in his heart. As he told me, it’s his “side passion.” As with his regular job, it’s centered on helping others so if you’d like to help Nixon help others, find him at thesmartride.org/donate