2008 St Pete Pride Guide by St Pete Pride

Florida’s largest Pride event—now in it’s 6 th year

PRIDE IN PARADISE

2008

StPetePride.com

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ST. PETE PRIDE CONTENTS

Pride in Paradise

2008

MESSAGE FROM ST. PETE PRIDE CO-CHAIRS; Introduction of Board members

LETTERS AND PROCLAMATIONS

PRIDE IS ABOUT CELEBRATION

THE PRIDE ALPHABET

DIVERSITY IN ENTERTAINMENT: Street Festival entertainers ﬁll two stages

A MONTH OF PRIDE: June celebrates GLBT Pride all month long

NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE: Grand Marshal Janice Langbehn

A PROUD INFLUENCE: St. Pete’s GLBT foundation is in its leadership

VOLUNTEER POWER: The fuel that runs St. Pete Pride

PROUD CITY: St. Pete Pride—a vacation destination

OUT AND LAUGHING: Comedian ANT headlines Laughter in Paradise

ST. PETE PRIDE SPONSORS

St. Pete Pride 2008 Program, Published by Watermark and St. Pete Pride

St. Pete Pride is a non-proﬁt corporation organized exclusively for charitable, scientiﬁc, literary and educational purposes, as a tax exempt entity under Statute 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and in accordance with Florida Statutes. The Mission of the Corporation is to provide glbt persons with cultural and educational programs and activities which enhance mental and physical health, provide social support and foster awareness of the past and present contributions of glbt persons, through community activities and services, including an annual St. Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival.

Editor | Steve Blanchard Art Director | Jake Stevens Advertising Sales | Jim Nixon, Bill Polley Contributor | Tom Dyer, William Rothstein Photography | Rex Maniscalco, William Rothstein, James Pazada Contents of this Come Out With Pride 2007 Program are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Opinions expressed in articles generated by Watermark do not necessarily reflect the views of the Come Out With Pride Organizing Committee. Watermark and the Come Out With Pride Organizing Committee cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

watermark

St. Pete Pride 2008

Funds Development Director | Brian S. Sprague Coordinator | Monica Pettiette Entertainment Chair | Gary Van Fleet Marketing | Tom Stovall

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

WELCOME TO

St. Pete Pride 2008

THE LARGEST PRIDE CELEBRATION IN FLORIDA!

n behalf of the St. Pete Pride Board of Directors and staff, we welcome you to Pride in Paradise. We are excited about this year’s celebration and our anticipated 80,000 visitors. For six consecutive years, St. Pete Pride has experienced exponential growth and we are thrilled to offer what we proudly believe is the best Pride Celebration in Florida. We would like to thank all of those who have made this year’s event possible, including but not limited to, our sponsors, vendors and most importantly our volunteers who donate their time and energy to ensure a successful event. Together we have planned an exciting four-day celebration of unity, diversity and Pride.

This year, at a time when our freedoms and rights are being threatened and exploited for political rhetoric, it is more important than ever to celebrate our history, our progress and our diversity. Here in St. Petersburg, we are fortunate to live in a community that embraces that diversity. We are proud to share our beautiful surroundings with those in our GLBT family who have traveled here from across the country. We truly hope you enjoy our city, our sense of community and all of the wonderful events we have planned for you. Again, welcome to St. Pete Pride 2008 and we encourage you to take full advantage of all four days of Pride in Paradise. Suzanne Henry and David Schauer, co-chairs St. Pete Pride 2008

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

St. Pete Pride 2008 (FRONT, L-R) GARY VAN FLEET, DEE RINGGOLD, SCOTT TURNER, CHARLES SUTTON, MONICA PETTIETTE, SCOTT KNOWLSON AND TIFFANY LEWIS (BACK L-R) BRIAN SPRAGUE, CARL LOVGREN, MICHAEL JOHNSON, SUZANNE HENRY CO-CHAIR, DAVE SCHAUR CO-CHAIR, TOM STOVAL, GREG ERICSON AND TIM BRANDLE.

St. Pete Pride 2008

We’ll give you a $100 reward for each person you get to sign up for FiOS.

And we’ll give every person you refer a $100, too. Convincing them should be easy. After all, with the fiber-optic power of FiOS TV, you get amazingly sharp picture and sound. Plus, over 200 all-digital channels, access to 31 HD channels, and access to over 8,600 On Demand titles. And with the top-rated service of FiOS Internet – with the fastest upload and download speeds – you can do so much more online.

The more friends who sign up, the more rewards you get. So start spreading the word, and start collecting a $100 Verizon reward check for every person you get to sign up – up to $1200 a year – to put towards your monthly Verizon bills. You might just start valuing your friends even more. Start earning rewards today, go to www.fiosfloridareferral.com Hurry, referrals must be submitted by September 30th to qualify!

It’s the Network www.fiosfloridareferral.com

FiOS TV and Internet available in select areas only. Speed and uninterrupted service not guaranteed. Lease of additional equipment required for digital programming. HDTV with Set Top Box required for HD programming. Referrer must be a Verizon customer residing in Florida at the time of the referral. Qualifying services are FiOS Internet and FiOS TV. Verizon employees (including participants in the Team FiOS program) are not eligible to receive the $100 reward check. Referee cannot be a Verizon employee. Customer may make up to 12 referrals per month and earn a maximum of $1,200 in reward checks per calendar year. If Referee is referred by multiple Referrers, the first Referrer to place the referral will receive the reward. Referee must: (1) place an order for Verizon FiOS Internet and/or TV within 60 days of referral and (2) retain the qualifying service(s) for at least 60 days in order for the Referrer and Referee to each receive the reward check. The Referrer and Referee must reside at different addresses. Referee must fill in coupon and bring to participating Verizon Plus retail store or contact the 1-800 number on the coupon. The $100 reward check will be mailed to the address associated with the Referrer and Referee’s respective Verizon accounts. The $100 reward check has no cash value and can only be applied as a credit against customer’s bill. Redeem reward check by enclosing with monthly Verizon bill. Reward checks issued within 14-16 weeks after Referee’s 60-day activation period is successfully completed. Verizon is not responsible for replacement of lost or unclaimed rewards. Other terms apply. Verizon may cancel or modify this program or its terms at any time. Offer valid through 9/30/2008. ©2008 Verizon.

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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A strong community creates a bond between us all. It fosters friendship, kindness, brotherhood and well-being. And most importantly, we accomplish more together. No one better understands that than we do. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we sponsor St. Pete Pride. Like you, we know what it takes to reach your dreams, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do our best to help you achieve them. Fifth Third Bank proudly supports the 2008 St. Pete Pride Festival. Walk in any Fifth Third Banking Center or call (727) 298-1291 to see what we can do for you. St. Pete Pride 2008

Fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC.

Photos by Tom Dyer

We’ve come far, Compiled by

Steve Blanchard

but have a long way to go

lorida is still considered one of the more conservative states in the nation—but compared to where we were half a century ago, we’ve come a long way. That doesn’t mean we still don’t have a long way to go. Here’s a glimpse into the GLBT history of the Sunshine State showing where we began and how far we’ve come.

Members from all areas of the GLBT community rally around the Georgie’s Alibi Pride Flag that traditionally unfurls at the end of every St. Pete Pride parade.

1953 1954

A letter in the Miami Herald discusses homosexuality under the heading “Just Execute Them All.” Openly gay airline steward William Simpson is gunned down by two male prostitutes during a robbery. When Charles Lawrence confesses, he blames Simpson for the incident because he “made advances” toward the 19-year old. The remark motivates politicians to orchestrate months-long stings across the state to close gay bars and “clean up” gay beaches. Sept. 6 is “D-Day” for gays in south Florida and bars are raided. Because of advanced notice, all bars are empty but officials promise to drive homosexuals from the state. Miami makes it illegal to sell alcohol to homosexuals, for bars to employ gays and for two or more gay men to congregate.

1956

St. Pete Pride 2008

Two Miami plainclothes police officers try to arrest each other after a successful flirtation in South Florida’s Bayfront Park. A gay Fort Myers bartender is the first person to be sentenced to the state mental hospital under the new state Criminal Sexual Psychopath law. The Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (also known as the Johns Committee) is established by the Florida Legislature. The group attempted to eliminate homosexuals from state government and public education.

1957

A gang of five Tampa teenagers, who had preyed on homosexuals, are sentenced. The incidents mark the beginning of a year-long crackdown against gay bars in Tampa. The Crime Commission of Greater Miami warns of a homosexual invasion. The Johns Committee investigation leads to the firing of seven state employees for “sexual deviation”. A Miami Beach judge orders two admitted homosexuals to leave town. Continued on pg.16 | uu |

P r i d e

i s

a b o u t

celebration n ot

special

r ights

admit that I can appreciate some people’s point of view surrounding GLBT Pride events. The popular argument is that holding an event focusing on one segment of society is segregating communities rather than promoting equality. Some people very close to me have asked me many times why GLBT people need an event just for us. I always answer the same way: Pride is a celebration rooted in history. In June 1969, in New York City, police raided Stonewall, a well known gay bar. The reason behind the raid was simply because the government did not approve of homosexuality and wanted to put a stop to drag performances. That night a riot erupted and gay and lesbian rights were given a national stage. That horrible night resulted in injuries and deaths, but it was also a turning point for equality in the country. Every June, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people and heterosexuals who believe in equality commemorate that historic night with celebrations. Whether or not you agree that a person is born GLBT or simply chooses to live a certain way is not the focus of GLBT Pride events. The focus is to encourage equal treatment for all people. The United States is behind when it comes to equal treatment for all citizens. Several European countries allow same-sex marriage and outlaw discrimination based solely on orientation. Canada has taken a huge leap in recent years to do the same. Unfortunately, only one state in the U.S. has allowed marriage based solely on love and not on gender. The point of events like St. Pete Pride is to educate people and show that GLBT people are instrumental in contributing to the cultural, economic and social growth of the areas in which we reside—nothing more. The argument that GLBT people want “special rights” is flawed. I don’t know of any GLBT person who wants to be classified as special. In fact, we’ve been classified as “special” for too long. We are especially singled out for hate crimes, we are especially singled out for discriminatory laws and we are also especially singled out during election years to distract from the real issues. All we want is to be declassified as a special group and accepted as part of mainstream society. We’re a long way from that. However, we are making strides. A look back at our own state’s track record when it comes to GLBT issues offers hope that we are moving in the right direction. St. Pete Pride is a chance for the GLBT community and forwardthinking heterosexuals to celebrate our commonality—not our differences. We are sons, daughters, parents, grandparents and loving spouses. That is what we are celebrating.

By Steve Blanchard

The Miami Beach City Council bans Female Impersonators. Three South Florida bars are raided and six men are arrested. Their names and addresses are printed in local newspapers.

$60 5005 34th St. N. St. Pete, FL 33714

727.525.1181

Free Transportation to Pride Free American Breakfast Buffet

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Realtor, e-Pro, CNMS Marketing & Relocation Specialist ken.hodges@ﬂoridamoves.com 813-966-8525 cell

Ask for your Free neighborhood market report or buyer & seller analysis!

S. Tampa Ofﬁce 2201 Swann Ave 813-253-2444 x126

St. Pete Pride 2008

Photo by Tom Dyer

| uu | GLBT Timeline from pg.15

1958

The Johns Committee focuses on homosexual activity at the State University at Gainesville. Sixteen staff and faculty members are eventually fired.

1960 1961

The Johns Committee again investigates homosexuals, this time in Tampa. 130 gay men are arrested within 90 days.

1962

Miami police report the existence of a list of 3,000 “known homosexuals.”

1964

The Johns Committee issues its infamous pamphlet “Homosexuality and Citizenship in Florida,” also known as the “Purple Pamphlet.” It is almost immediately banned from distribution as “official pornography” because it depicts homosexual acts (such as two men kissing.) There are serious calls for disbanding the Committee. In an attempt to save its reputation, the Johns Committee charges that 123 state-employed teachers are practicing homosexuals. The Athenian Society lobbies for the repeal of the state’s sodomy law.

1965

A Miami Judge orders the city to issue licenses to gay bars. The Johns Committee is disbanded.

1966

A Florida State University official protests the use of student decoys in the state’s crackdown on homosexuals. The Circuit Court upholds Miami’s liquor ordinance barring homosexuals.

1967

A director of the South Florida State Hospital says that homosexuality is not itself a sufficient reason for firing hospital personnel. The vice-chancellor of Florida State University is convicted of fellatio.

1968

The U.S. Supreme Court refuses to review the Florida Appeals Court ruling upholding the Miami liquor license ordinance.

1971 1975 1976

GLBT Pride bonds, regardless of your alphabetic relation

he community that celebrates Pride every summer has many identities. Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals of both genders and individuals at varying stages of transition all share a common goal in June—to celebrate who they are. “I really think that Pride brings the whole community together in a way that you don’t usually see during the rest of the year,” said Paul Becker, a gay St. Petersburg resident who has attended every St. Pete Pride. “It’s kind of like Christmas. During St. Pete Pride you see people you never see the rest of the year and you really realize how different we all are within our own community. But labels seem to disappear—at least for one day.” Gulfport resident Susan Gilbert doesn’t really see herself fitting into any particular category or label. She said she’s been referred to as a “soft-butch” lesbian and also a “femme.” Whatever her label, she’s proud of who she is. “Growing up in my time frame it was very difficult to be open,” the 46year-old said. “It just wasn’t allowed. I’m just totally enthralled when I see support for the younger growing community.” For St. Pete Pride co-chair David Schauer, the importance of Pride and the ability to celebrate one’s true self can sometimes seem like old news, considering almost four-decades of GLBT Pride events across the country. But Schauer’s perspective was changed two years ago along Central Avenue. “I met somebody who said that year’s Pride was the first for him,” Schauer remembered. “That really drove home the point that it is always somebody’s first Pride. This may be my 20th Pride event, but every year,

By Steve Blanchard

Miami police conduct raids of gay bars, 22 men are arrested.

St. Pete Pride 2008

The Florida State Supreme Court voids the Florida Sodomy Law.

The original Parliament House Gay Resort opens in Orlando.

The Pro Shop Pub, Pinellas County’s oldest gay bar, opens its doors in Clearwater.

1977

Miami-Dade County passes a human rights ordinance prohibiting housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Anita Bryant leads a campaign to repeal the above ordinance. Her efforts eventually result in the state prohibiting gays from adopting children in Florida.

1982

1991

1983

1994 1998

The Tampa Bay Business Guild forms. Key West “secedes” from the State of Florida to protest boarder patrols blocking access to the mainland.

Womyn’s Words, a Tampa Bay area magazine for lesbians, is published.

1988 1989

The Gazette, a GLBT news magazine, debuts in Tampa Bay.

The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is founded.

The Magic Kingdom in Disney World receives international media attention when the first Gay Day is held. The GLBT newspaper Watermark is founded.

Miami-Dade reauthorizes its human rights ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Suncoast Resort, one of the largest GLBT hotel and resorts in the Southeast United States, opens in St. Petersburg.

Photo by Tom Dyer

someone experiences it for the first time and it changes their life.” JoAnn Sullivan of Tampa agrees that a GLBT Pride celebration can change someone’s life. Sullivan identifies as a lesbian, but is also a post-op transsexual. Knowing there are others like her makes existing much easier than in the past. “When I was younger I went to a Pride festival just to see it, and it offered so much comfort to me to know I wasn’t alone,” Sullivan said. “This shows we exist and we’re not going to stay in the closet for so long like we did years before.” With so many believing that GLBT people are mainstreaming into society as a whole, some question whether festivals like St. Pete Pride have served their purpose and should be laid aside. Suzanne Henry, co-chair of the festival, doesn’t agree with that point of view at all. “The posture among the GLBT community is strengthened and accepted in this area more than other areas,” Henry admits. “There’s really no fear here for our community to be what it is. But we have pride all year long— and I don’t see that tapering off at all. We are happy to share who we are with the city and the world now—and we’re not going anywhere.”

In Memory of

1999 2000

The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is founded.

The Parliament House in Orlando undergoes a major renovation.

2003

Approximately 10,000 people attend the first St. Pete Pride celebration. St. Petersburg adopts a human rights ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Newly elected Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio grants domestic partner benefits to GLBT city employees.

2004

The Florida Supreme Court upholds the state’s ban on gay adoptions.

2006

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms leads a successful charge to prevent the county from “promoting or acknowledging” gay pride events. For emphasis, she directs the ordinance to read “little g, little p.” The City of Gulfport votes to add sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to its protections under its human rights ordinance. The Florida Gay Rodeo Association forms and presents the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo in Davie—one of the largest GLBT rodeos in the country. Representative Mark Foley resigns from office after evidence surfaces that he sent sexually suggestive e-mails and instant messages to teenage male pages.

2007

Largo receives national attention when then-City Manager Steve Stanton announces plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery. A public hearing is held where ministers claim “Jesus would want him fired.” The city does fire him, claiming he is untrustworthy. Gay Auburndale resident Ryan Keith Skipper is stabbed to death and dumped on the side of a rural road. The Suncoast Resort closes just days before its ninth anniversary. The Gaybor District Coalition is formed in Ybor City to promote diversity in the historic neighborhood.

2008

Broward County includes gender identity and expression in its human rights ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Pinellas County adopts a human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or “perceived” sexual orientation. Anti-gay activists get enough petitions to place an anti-gay marriage amendment on the November ballot. The “Anti-bullying bill” prohibiting the harassment of students in public schools passes the house and senate.

“We Are Your Proud Family”

Andrea Pisanello 1954-2007 Always in our hearts Forever in our songs

Connie Lancaster, Bob Riner & Cynthia Serra

727.741.2000

connie@connielancaster.com

St. Pete Pride 2008

St. Petersburg, FL

The UCC is sort of like the

Wizard of Oz UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

— it’s about having a heart and a brain... and courage

God is still speaking

These United Church of Christ congregations welcome everyone without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Tampa/Temple Terrace First United Church of Tampa 7308 E. Fowler Ave. + 813/988-4321 Valrico St. Mark United Church 2914 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. + 813/685-0998 MANATEE COUNTY Bradenton Faith UCC 4850 State Rd. 64 + 941/746-8890 SARASOTA COUNTY Sarasota First Congregational UCC 1031 S. Euclid Ave. + 941/953-7044 St. Andrew UCC 6908 Beneva Rd. + 941/922-7595 Venice United Church of Christ 620 Shamrock Blvd. + 941/493-6741 LEE COUNTY Sanibel Congregational UCC 2050 Periwinkle Way + 239/472-0497 PINELLAS COUNTY Clearwater Faith UCC 2410 Drew St. + 727/799-4602 Indian Rocks Beach Church of the Isles 200 24th Avenue + 727/595-1038 Pinellas Park Good Samaritan 6085 Park Blvd. + 727/544-8558 Seminole Chapel on the Hill 12601 Park Blvd. N. + 727/391-2919 St. Pete Beach Pass-a-Grille Beach Community UCC 107 16th Ave. + 727/360-5508 St. Petersburg Lakewood UCC 2601 54th Ave. S. + 727/867-7961 Trinity UCC 1150 49th St. N. + 727/321-1088

HERNANDO COUNTY Spring Hill United Church of Christ 4244 Mariner Boulevard + 352/683-4870 ORLANDO METRO Orlando First United Church 4605 Curry Ford Rd. + 407/277-4945 Hope Unites 423 Columbia St. + 407/247-5294 Windermere Union Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road + 407/876-2112 Winter Park First Congregational Church 225 Interlachen Ave. South + 407/647-2416 EAST I-4 CORRIDOR Deltona United Church 1649 Providence Blvd. + 386/574-1821 Lake Helen First Congregational Church 107 S. Euclid Ave. + 386/228-2600 NORTH CENTRAL Gainesville United Church 1624 NW Fifth Avenue + 352/378-3500 Fruitland Park Pilgrims' UCC 509 County Road 468 + 352/365-2662 The Villages UCC at The Villages 13563 County Road 101, Oxford + 352/245-6849

CALL FOR INFORMATION ON SERVICE TIMES When you visit one of these congregations, please mention this ad to the pastor.

At the Annual Meeting of the Florida Conference of UCC churches in May, delegates overwhelmingly voted to oppose the so-called "marriage protection" amendment to the Florida constitution.

Check out www.ucc.org www.uccrainbowcoalition.org and www.uccfla.org

Bank of America is proud to support the 2008 St. Pete Pride Celebration. Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. St. Pete Pride 2008

NO CHANCE TO SAY

Janice Langbehn (left) with two of her adopted children and Rosie O’Donnell

GOODBYE Promenade Grand Marshal Janice Langbehn wants to make sure you don’t experience her GLBT nightmare.

By Tom Dyer St. Pete Pride 2008

t takes power to discriminate. On February 18, 2007, Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami had it all, and Janice Langbehn had none. The result was hours of burst-at-theseems frustration as Langbehn was unable to be with her partner as she died, even though only a wall and 30 feet separated them. “The hospital held the power to allow or not allow our children and me the basic human right to hold Lisa’s hand while she was still alive,” Langbehn said. “They stole that time from us, and we are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.” On the first year anniversary of the tragedy, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund announced their intent to file a lawsuit against the hospital on behalf of Langbehn and the family she shared with Lisa Pond, her partner of 18 years. The heartbreaking story, which demonstrates the urgent need for marital equality for same-sex couples, has been recounted in The Advocate and The Miami Herald.

AN ANTI-GAY CITY The Olympia, Washington couple had traveled to Miami to embark on a oncein-a-lifetime cruise to the Bahamas with three of their four adopted children, ages 9 to 13. The trip was sponsored by Rosie O’Donnell’s R Family Vacations and was specifically geared for GLBT families. As the ship prepared to depart, Lisa was playing basketball on deck with the kids while Janice unpacked in their room. Suddenly the kids burst in carrying Lisa, who could not stand or talk. Foster parents for years, the couple

“We are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.” —Janice Langbehn, St. Pete Pride 2008 Grand Marshall

had learned sign language to better communicate with language-delayed children, and Janice asked Lisa if she’d fallen or hit or head. “No,” she replied emphatically. As the medics arrived to transport her to a nearby hospital, she signed her last words: “I love you.” Struggling with three kids and a week’s worth of luggage, Janice was

stopped outside the trauma center and redirected to the waiting room. Soon thereafter, a social worker informed her that she would not be able to see Lisa or make decisions for her without a Health Care Power. “You are in an anti-gay city and state,” the social worker said, according to Langbehn. She immediately called her attorney in Olympia to fax the appropriate documents. Then she sat and watched as other families were buzzed in to see their ailing relatives. “I was numb,” Langbehn recalled. “Anger, despair and disbelief wracked my brain as I tried to figure out a way to find out what was going on with Lisa.” Eventually a surgeon came out to tell her that Lisa, just 39-years-old, had suffered massive bleeding in her brain caused by an aneurysm. If she survived—and there was little chance—she would be in a persistent vegetative state. With the faxed Living Will in hand, the decision was made to terminate life support. Only then was Janice allowed to see Lisa, briefly and with a Catholic Priest to administer last rites. Afterward, she was ushered back to the waiting room where she remained with the children while their beloved mother lay dying—alone. Lisa was pronounced dead at 10:45 a.m. on February 19. It wasn’t until Janice shared Lisa’s belief in organ donation that the hospital began to treat her with the respect due a life partner. “No one should have been able to deny our children and myself the ability to say goodbye to Lisa and to let her know—if only by holding her hand—that she was so loved,” Langbehn said. Afterward, the State of Florida and the Dade County Medical Examiner denied Langbehn’s request for a death Continued on pg.33 | uu |

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| uu | Grand Marshall from pg.20 certificate, stating that they could only be supplied to “next of kin.” THE PERFECT FAMILY LIFE Langbehn and Pond moved in together soon after they met in 1989. Still in their early 20s, they became foster parents for the State of Washington, eventually taking in more than 20 children and adopting four. Pond was a “stay-at-home mom”—a member of the PTSA who taught communion and served as a popular Girl Scout troop leader for eight years.

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“We had the perfect family life,” said Langbehn. She is trying to return some normalcy to her family’s life. In an attempt at some Lisa Pond was a Girl Scout troop closure, she and leader and “stay-at-home mom. the kids recently went on the 2008 R Family Cruise, courtesy of O’Donnell and her partner, Kelli. Meanwhile, Jackson Memorial Hospital has until July 14 to respond to Lambda

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to ProduCe St. Pete PrIde every facet of St. Pete Pride is run by volunteers—from the board to concession workers By William rothstein St. Pete Pride 2008

reating a successful GLBT Pride event is based largely on its core volunteers. St. Pete Pride is no different. It took a small core group of leaders to come up with the initial idea for the event and then a village of volunteers to work that idea into a reality. To illustrate that fact, all you need to do is look around at the legions of men and women, braving the late June Florida heat to direct the thousands of marchers and floats in the Pride Promenade. Or, leave the early morning comfort of your bed to watch the armies of pre-dawn workers frantically setting up hundreds of tables and tents for the post-parade Street Festival along Central Avenue. As impressive as those two volunteerladen events may be, that’s only the tip of the volunteer iceberg. St. Pete Pride volunteers are at work all yearround, and no one is more aware of that fact than St. Pete Pride’s Volunteer Coordinator, Scott Turner. When Turner’s friends brought him to his first Pride meeting back in 2006, he was immediately interested in donating his time and energy to the cause, although he had no idea of just how involved he would become. “I went to one meeting” Turner jokes, “and I never left!” 2008 marks the second year in a row Turner has successfully tackled the daunting role of Pride Volunteer Coordinator, overseeing the more than 400 people and five committees that make up the St. Pete Pride volunteer

voLunteers are the force behind st. pete pride and mostLy go unnoticed. in 2006, voLunteers incorporated segways to maKe monitoring the state’s Largest gLbt pride event easier.

force. And, if those numbers seem huge, be aware that Pride volunteerism has grown year after year, with 2008’s numbers up a whopping 20% over 2007. Granted, this legion of volunteers is most visible as they fan out across the Promenade and Street Fair, which has been termed “St. Pete’s largest one-day event” by city administrators. You see them in crowd control mode, manning the concession stands, patrolling the streets both on foot and on Segway, acting as security, running the entertainment area and welcoming guests. There are no paid professionals here—100% of the people working at St. Pete Pride, from the Board of Directors to the clean-up crew, are volunteers. But none of this day’s festivities could even begin take place without all the prior planning and fundraising events that help pay the bills for the “big party.” Those events also act as important community outreach programs by donating money to worthy local charities. It is these ongoing events that regularly test and prove the volunteers’ dedication throughout the year. Bowling nights, golf tournaments, theatrical presentations, art exhibits and fashion shows are just a few of the Pride events taking place in the months leading up to the June parties. These events don’t just happen. It is the corps of volunteers who schedule and plan them, recruit the talent, sell the tickets, and work the events. “Not only do these special events

raise funds for Pride” explains Turner, “but they also help to raise awareness of the GLBT community within the greater community, and to educate people on the importance of Pride.” So, how does an average person off the street suddenly become adept at working concession stands, selling tickets and controlling unruly protesters? Each volunteer is interviewed by Turner and placed in a job which best suits the volunteer’s talents and desires. And, after a few short training sessions, the newbie volunteer will be able to perform like a seasoned pro. “Just give me a person who is honest, has integrity, and is able to take a bad situation and make it better” says Turner, “and with a little bit of training, I’ll give you a great Pride volunteer.” Describing the typical Pride volunteer is not as easy as you may think, since diversity is most certainly a concept on display here. Volunteers come from all walks of life: blue collar, white collar and no collar. They range in age from 21 to well past retirement, with men outnumbering women roughly 4-to-1. It’s certainly no surprise that the overwhelming majority of volunteers are from the Pinellas GLBT community, with organizations such as the Suncoast Softball League among the largest volunteer groups. However, our straight brethren step up to the volunteer plate as well, with the contingency from Continued on pg.31 | uu |

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| uu | Volunteers from pg.28 the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association making up a healthy 4% of the overall volunteer force. And, while many believe volunteering for St. Pete Pride means signing your life away, they should think again. Some people have the time and desire to head up committees, juggle multiple projects and attend each of the monthly Pride meetings, while careers and families may limit others to a much more scaled-down volunteer program. Volunteers fill all capacities and hours work range depending on that volunteer’s situation. All efforts are appreciated, according to Turner. GLBT Pride, GLBT Rights and community spirit are among the most common causes that first bring volunteers to St. Pete Pride, but Turner says there’s something more that keeps bring volunteers back year after year. “Pride volunteers soon become a close knit family” states Turner, who is quick to point out that joining a volunteer program like St. Pete Pride is a great way to make new friends while making a positive impact in the community. “And, along with all the work, we manage to have a lot of fun along the way.” Apparently the work and play factors are in good balance, since volunteers

keep coming back year after year at a staggering rate of 90%. One volunteer who has been with St. Pete Pride since its inception in 2003 is Rob Stafford. Having just arrived in St. Pete from his native Houston the year prior, Rob’s friends got him involved with volunteerism as a way help him heal from the sudden loss of his husband, Richard. Over the years, he’s

“Seeing the event … and what it meant to so many people, gay and straight alike. It was and still is a very moving moment for me.” —Long-time St. Pete Pride volunteer Jeff Klein

performed many different job functions at GLBT Pride events, but Rob best remembers that first day in June 2003, when he packed his truck with ice and turned it into a concession stand on the corner of Central and 25th Street. “I sold water out of that truck all day. Wow, what a sight!” remembers Stafford. “And what a feeling to be a

part of it all!” Jeff Klein is another pioneer volunteer who’s been with St. Pete Pride since the beginning. Over the past six years, his wide array of jobs from street fair worker to Pride Board Member has given Klein a unique perspective on the organization. But the perspective he best remembers is the day that he and Stafford climbed to the top of the bleachers behind the Street Festival’s main stage and looked out over the thousands of people strolling through the city streets. “That showed me what we were able to accomplish that day” says Klein. “Seeing the event … and what it meant to so many people, gay and straight alike. It was and still is a very moving moment for me.” Planning for St. Pete Pride 2008 began even before last year’s tents were taken down, and according to Turner “we couldn’t even begin to think about doing Pride without selfless people donating their time to the cause.” So, this year, as you watch the armies of men and women carrying out the countless jobs that make the annual St. Pete Pride tick, keep in mind that these dedicated people are not paid professionals. They are all volunteers—ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

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NT had one major requirement her cruise, I’m doing RSVP cruises when he agreed to headline and I’ve been invited to host the this year’s Laughter in South Carolina Business Guild Paradise event the evening before Gala—a gay event,” ANT said. the St. Pete Pride street festival. He ANT’s Greek mother has wanted to be in the parade. accepted him, but wasn’t thrilled “Its elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, with his plans to become the wrist,” the gay comic jokes. “You “gay comic” when he began. have to have the movement down “She was like, Do you have to when you’re riding on those floats.” tell everyone all the time?” ANT The comic is best known for his recalls. “I told her, Mom, this appearances on every season of the lisp tells everyone I’m gay NBC hit Last Comic Standing. He has anyway, so it’s no secret.” since become the host of several reality This June will be shows—including Celebrity Fit Club ANT’s first trip to St. on VH1. But recently he’s returned to Petersburg, but he is his roots of stand up comedy and he’s familiar with the state excited to bring his life experience to the and the Gulf Coast. stage at NOVA 535 Friday, June 27, at He has performed at 7:30 p.m. McCurdy’s Comedy Club “I finally have some time to do in Sarasota and at the touring again and I’m loving it,” ANT Tampa Improv. says from his home in Los Angeles. “I “I am familiar with Pinellas County also want to see myself with a bigger and St. Petersburg though because you presence on the gay networks. I’m guys had this case a few years back with pitching ideas to LOGO as we speak.” a voyeur dorm,” ANT says, referring to Most of ANT’s career has been spent the Dude Dorm case of 2000 featuring out of the closet—but that wasn’t his a Pinellas Park web cam business. original plan. When he first began in “The city was up in arms and trying to Los Angeles, was evict them, but I was outed on stage by addicted. It was better “for some reason, Don Rickles. The than soap operas. you people who live curmudgeonly (Adult film star) Erica comedian kept Cane has nothing on around water are quizzing ANT Pinellas County.” about the so-called ANT has always surrounded girlfriend he participated in GLBT by hotties. I wouldn’t Pride events across mentioned in his routine. By the end the country—but miss that.” of the evening, ANT admits he usually —oPenLy gAy ComIC Ant was truthful about participates in events his homosexuality. close to LA. St. Pete “He told me to tell the audience who Pride will be his first GLBT Pride event you truly are and they won’t hate you,” in Florida. ANT remembers. “I originally thought “The GLBT community in California he was so rude, but he’s the nicest man has always been supportive, so if LA and he knew what he was talking about. Pride or San Diego Pride asks if I’m I’ve been honest ever since and the available, I’ll do it,” he says. “It’s a way reaction has just been amazing.” to say thank you. Doing these other ANT has appeared on The Tonight events are tough because, admit it, it’s a Show with Jay Leno seven times and lot of work being gay. It’s exhausting. So has talked about his sexuality each I’ve limited the number of parades and time. He always works his experiences events I’m involved in.” as a gay man into his routines and he But ANT said he couldn’t pass up has seen his career blossom because of St. Pete Pride, especially given his it. addictions. “Rosie (O’Donnell) has asked me to do “You have shirtless men and a beer

By Steve Blanchard St. Pete Pride 2008

o ’ L e a r y

garden,” ANT jokes. “For some reason, you people who live around water are always surrounded by hotties. I wouldn’t miss that.” ANT does have a serious side, however, and he believes the need for GLBT Pride events is just as relevant today as it was in 1969 during the Stonewall Riots of New York. The message of equality is important to him, and he believes the country still has a long way to go. “Ninety percent of the e-mails I get are from young GLBT teens in pain,” ANT says. “I read those and say, okay, this is why I’m so outspoken. This is why I talk about being gay on the Continued on pg.37 | uu |

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Photo courtesy christine o’leary Lesbian comic Christine O’Leary will open the Laughter in Paradise comedy show as part of the St. Pete Pride festivities. Proceeds benefit ASAP.

Channing,” ANT remembers. “She told me she didn’t know what to do, so I told her to use her elbow and wrist and just hope she didn’t lose her wig.” ANT will perform along with lesbian comic Christine O’Leary at the second annual Laugher in Paradise at NOVA 535 at 535 MLK Blvd. in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door and proceeds benefit the AIDS Service Organization of Pinellas. For more information or to buy tickets, visit StPetePride.com.

WHO:

Check it Out

Tonight Show—it’s an important issue to keep in the forefront.” Educating people about GLBT society and informing the general population that GLBT issues exist at all ages is important to ANT. He talks about the death of Lawrence King, an eighth grader in Oxnard, Calif, who was killed by a fellow student whom he had asked to be his Valentine. “Today kids are taught it’s better to kill a boy who gives another boy a Valentine rather than say thanks, but no thanks,” ANT said. “What does that say about our society? Pride events are relevant today and just as important as ever.” ANT is also tired of the argument that heterosexual people need a Pride day as well. “Oh please,” he quips. “Straight people have Pride every day at the mall. Go there and you see heterosexuality displayed like crazy, and nobody cares. It’s nice that we have a day to be true to ourselves and I think each Pride has its own message, its own hometown feel.” The best way to convey a message, ANT says, is to do so through comedy. Mix comedy with Pride, and you have a winning combination. “My favorite Pride memory was when I was in a parade with (comedian) Carol

ANT and Christine O’Leary

WHAT:

Laughter in Paradise

WHEN:

Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

NOVA 535, 535 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Petersburg

HOW:

Tickets, $50 in advance, $55 at the door. Visit StPetePride.com for tickets

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St. Pete Pride 2008

Lorna Bracewell

TWO STAGES A DAY FULL OF ENTERTAINMENT

oth local and national entertainers will perform on two stages during the June 28 st. pete pride street festival. The Washington Mutual stage, at Central Avenue and 21st Street will feature full bands and larger acts, while the Miller Lite Stage at Central Avenue and 26th Street will showcase solo artists and duos. A full schedule of entertainers, including local drag performers, will be updated online at StPetePride.com during the weeks prior to St. Pete Pride. The line-up of entertainers ranges from bands and choirs to solo acts and guitarists. The Sixth Annual Pride in Paradise Street Festival entertainment schedule really does offer something for everybody. Here’s a glimpse of some of the acts scheduled to perform:

St. Pete Pride 2008

Patti B.

Patti B. has been performing professionally since the age of 15, in acoustic, electric, single, duo, trio and full band projects. Patti has expanded her musical talent on an ongoing basis and continues her musical journey through the millennium. As a child, Patti always knew she would be a performer, listening to her mother tell her stories of when she was a chorus-line performer in the 1950’s. Patti enjoys performing cover material and doing popular songs, but also concentrates on writing and performing her own tunes. Patti plays guitar, bass and sings lead and back up vocals. She performs as a soloist, in duos, and in Katalyst. For more information, visit PattiB.net.

Lorna Bracewell is a native of the Tampa Bay area and a seasoned singer-songwriter with a powerful and distinctive alto voice. The 24-year-old has a fresh and timely perspective on life, and a resume that reads like that of someone twice her age: she has performed more than 1,000 engagements; she has released five full-length CDs on her own label, Braced Well Records; and she has toured Europe three times. Bracewell’s thoughtful original songs and her fresh spins and insightful commentary on a wide variety of cover tunes have endeared her to audiences and critics alike. She is one of the most recognizable female musicians in St. Petersburg and has a strong following. Bracewell is also active in seeking equality for the GLBT community. She has volunteered for Fairness For All Families and helped raise money for area GLBT groups. For more information, visit LornaBracewell.com.

Phil Garris Phil Garris may sound like a country singer when he speaks, but the Louisiana native surprises audiences when he begins singing songs featured in popular Broadway shows and a selection of gospel favorites. Garris began singing at a young age in his rural church. It wasn’t until he left home and moved to Memphis, Tenn., that he began entertaining in popular GLBT establishments across the Midwest. In 2000, Garris relocated with his partner to Florida, where the couple has resided ever since. In 2002, Garris recorded his first studio album and has performed at GLBT Pride events across the state. He is also the co-owner of Talent Quest Florida, a regional singing competition. For more information, visit TalentQuestFlorida.com.

halcyon

Longtime Tampa Bay area favorites Stephanie Callahan and Deb Hunseder of Halcyon got together in 1989 as a result of a chance meeting. Over the years they have developed a unique and fiercely loyal group of fans who have now spilled over into second and third generations of listeners. Halcyon has won awards, garnered critical acclaim and done countless work for various charities throughout the years. Bringing along their trademark harmonies, energy and irrepressible sense of humor, no one feels cheated at a Halcyon show. For more information, visit HalcyonMusic.com. * entertainers are subJect to change without notice.

Continued on pg.42 | uu |

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| uu | entertainers from pg.40

Lexi Pierson

Julie Schurr

For Lexi Pierson, it has been a long journey. Growing up in the little town of Gauley Bridge, W. Va., Lexi was raised by her grandparents in a family environment that fostered and encouraged her love for music. She attributes her musical ear to her mom, who can play anything by ear on the piano. A trio of mentors—Uncle Dan, Daddy, and Pop— showed her the guitar basics on a 1963 Sunburst Epiphone, (which has yet to be retired). In her teens, Pierson was part of several rock bands, playing drums, bass, and rhythm guitar. After high school, she spent two years playing up and down the East Coast before joining the U.S. Air Force for a four year hitch. While serving her country, she found time to perform not only across America but Europe as well, exposing her music to people of many countries, backgrounds, and cultures. When Lexi’s Air Force enlistment was up, she decided to follow her music career. Since moving to the Tampa Bay area in 2005, she has established herself on the local music scene. Pierson is known for developing a rapport with all types of audiences. For more information, visit LexiPierson.com.

St. Pete Pride 2008

Someday Souvenir

Dari Mahnic, Stephanie Wood and Christine DeRado formed Someday Souvenir after their former band developed a following with enough of a loyal fan base to earn them The Weekly Planet’s Readers Choice award as 2003’s Best New Band. The band took a break to write more material after their debut and eventually added Riz Blanton on drums and Leo Savinion on bass. Someday Souvenir is currently recording its first CD and has hit the local scene in Tampa Bay with a rock/pop sound that can easily transition from one style to another. For more information, visit MySpace. com/SomedaySourvenir.

* entertainers are subJect to change without notice.

Growing up, Julie Schurr never heard music that might have made life a little bit easier for a lesbian girl being raised in a religiously conservative community and home. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to be listening to music at all. And she wasn’t supposed to know what a lesbian was, let alone be one. Thankfully, Schurr survived her childhood and eventually escaped by running off to a heathen college for some higher education. Fully committed to exploring the new landscape as she worked her way through college, Schurr encountered “lesbian music” for the first time. And after a while she realized that while that music used the right pronouns, it still wasn’t very reflective of her own life. That music she would have to create it herself. Schurr bought a guitar, taught herself how to play it, and drew from a deep bag of creative writing tricks to wrestle twenty years’ worth of memories into critically-insightful yet personable soundbites of song— with all the right pronouns, of course. This will be Schurr’s second appearance at St. Pete Pride. For more information, visit JulieSchurr.com.

una Voce: the Florida Men’s Chorale

Since its debut in December 2002, Una Voce has performed at events ranging from Pride celebrations in Tampa, St Petersburg, and New Port Richey, to the City of Tampa’s 2003 holiday celebration. Una Voce was invited to participate in the tenth anniversary concert of the Fort Worth, Texas Men’s Chorus; made its international debut at the 2004 GALA Festival in Montréal, Canada; and, in February 2006, took the stage at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. Each performance displays the all-male group’s mission to express through excellence in men’s choral music the inherent worth and dignity of all people in order to foster a global community that celebrates and embraces diversity. Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale is under the artistic direction of John-Philip Mullinax. For more information, visit Una-Voce.org.

Josh Zuckerman

Josh Zuckerman is not your typical rocker. While exemplifying star quality, he continues to carry a message about being true to one’s self. He has released two CDs to great reviews. Zuckerman continues to spread his music across the globe and has performed in 15 countries, including Norway, Japan and Germany. Zuckerman’s music has been selling across the United States, Europe and Asia. His songs Karma, Spiritual and Circle of Friends have been featured on Kathy Griffin’s Bravo show, My Life On The D-List. And his song Out From Under was the number one most requested song on Sirius Out Q for four weeks in a row. The video has consistently been featured on LOGO TV. For more information on Josh Zuckerman, visit JoshZuckerman.com.

ricky Wilcox

Growing up in Ohio, Ricky Wilcox heard The Beatles on a small AM radio one day and never looked back. Cutting his musical teeth in America’s power-pop heartland, Ricky’s early bands included Punk from Cincinnati, legendary Chicago band D’Thumbs, and Theatre — the group that brought him to Florida by way of Chicago and Detroit. Wilcox has enjoyed success with his bands on the local club and concert circuits, and he has garnered regular rotation airplay on major radio stations. Wilcox has settled in Tampa Bay where he is concentrating on a songwriting career. He continues to perform with a solo original band, The Moonsnakes, featuring former Deloris Telescope band mates. He also continues to perform solo. For more information on Wilcox, visit RickyWilcox.com.

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Join us for Dinner Monday June 9th 2008! Money raised will be donated to Pinellas Country Library Cooperative to purchase GLBT Authored books. Sponsored by: Barefoot Wines & Cafe Dolce Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8AM - 9PM Friday & Saturday 8AM - 10PM Closed Sunday & Monday

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8 p.m.-Midnight, Tampa Museum of Art, 2306 N. Howard Ave. The third annual Pride & Passion celebrates GLBT artistry and artwork and will present a one-night showing of Duncan McClellan’s glassworks. Music provided by Business Casual. Entry includes bar service and food. Tickets are $50 and available by calling 813-259-1718.

7 p.m. at Café Dolce, 2444 Central Ave. Money raised from $45 tickets benefit the Pinellas County Library Cooperative, which will provide GLBT authored books to three county libraries. Admission includes food and a selection from Barefoot Wines.

Friday, June 13 ProShop Pub Hurricane Party

10 a.m.-1 p.m., 29th Ave. S. and Miriam St. The first ever St. Pete Pride Green Event will clean up Clam Bayou in Gulfport. Volunteers will use kayaks while removing waste from the park. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Check in is 10 a.m. Visit StPetePride.com for details.

Friday, June 20 Front Runners Sunset Cruise

6-7 p.m. boarding at 9540 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. Join one of the most popular prePride events on a ship full of GLBT adventurers. Tickets are $30 and include food, a cash bar and a live DJ provided by the Krewe of Cavaliers. Tickets are available at Fiorini Gallery and Frame at 2060 Tyrone Blvd. N. For more information visit FioriniGallery.com.

7 p.m., King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Prepare for a night of hilarity when the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host a bingo night unlike any other you’ve experienced. Money raised benefits Metro Charities, St. Pete Pride and the Sisters’ general fund. For details, visit FlSisters.org. .

St. Pete Pride Night

9 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Jello shots and raffle tickets. Need we say more?

Sunday, June 22 Pride Bowl and Brunch

10 a.m., Ten Pin Lanes, 1453 Pasadena Ave., Pasadena. This 8 Pin No-Tap Brunch and Bowl has some incredible prizes for Pride. All ages and all skill levels are invited to vie for tickets to Laughter in Paradise and St. Pete Pride merchandise. A lunch buffet, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will benefit area charities.

St. Pete Pride 2008

7 p.m., ProShop Pub, 840 Cleveland St., Clearwater. The annual St. Pete Pride party benefits Brighter Seasons Children’s Charity with a silent auction, food and raffles. For information, visit ProShopPub.us.

10 a.m. at Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd., Gulfport. This anti black-tie event encourages tropical dress to raise money for Metro Charities. Steel drums, tropical drinks and great Florida weather will set the mood for a silent auction and brunch— complete with mimosas. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Inn or online at StPetePride.com

Continued on pg.50 | uu |

St. Pete Pride 2008

MILLER LITE STAGE

St. Pete Pride 2008

FRIDAY, MAY 30 | PRIDE & PASSION

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | SEAN ENSIGN SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | PROMENADE

| uu | CaLendar from pg.47

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

Wine Tasting

Laughter in Paradise

6 p.m., Taste For Wine, 241 Central Ave. Try a wide variety of wines for $25. A portion of ticket sales benefit local charities.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 Pride Dinner and a Movie

7 p.m., Baywalk, 153 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Restaurants within the Baywalk Entertainment Complex will sponsor dinner while the Muvico Theater plays On The Other Hand Death starring Chad Allen, presented by the clip Film Festival series. Proceeds benefit St. Pete Pride. For details check out ClipTampaBay.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

St. Pete Pride 2008

A Taste of Pride

6:30 p.m. at Nova 535, 9th St. N., St. Petersburg. Area restaurants will showcase their culinary skills while Barefoot Wines supplies drinks at an event benefiting the Ryan Skipper Foundation. Tickets are $30 and available at StPetePride.com.

A Taste of Pride After Party

10 p.m., Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. The party continues after the Taste of Pride event at the popular nightspot.

6 p.m., Nova 535, 9th St. N., St. Petersburg. Comedians ANT and Christine O’Leary will tickle your fancy while raising money for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. Tickets are $50 and include dinner and the after party.

Laughter in Paradise After Party

Until 2 a.m. at Nova 535. Mingle with friends and meet the comedians as music from DJ Pride fills the dance floor until closing time.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 St. Pete Pride/Georgie’s Alibi Promenade

10 a.m., staging area across from Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N. The entire community will showcase its Pride throughout the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood and along the Grand Central District’s Central Avenue. The parade will feature Janice Langbehn, this year’s Grand Marshal, and comedians ANT and Christine O’Leary.

St. Pete Pride Street Festival

Noon to 5 p.m. Vendors from across the state will perch along Central Avenue to celebrate their commitment to diversity. Wear light colored clothes, don a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Return to Babylon (Men’s Party)

10 p.m., Nova 535, 9th St. N., St. Petersburg. Gay men everywhere wanted to go to Babylon, the club featured in the Showtime series Queer as Folk – and now’s their chance. Scheduled to entertain is sexy songwriter and singer Sean Ensign and adult film stars Michael Lucas and Matthew Rush. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit StPetePride.com for more information.

Rock Loud, Rock Proud (Women’s Party)

7 p.m., The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. This all-girls dance party is presented by TwirlGirl Promotions and East Coast Sports and Social. Local rockers will join national singing star Betty on the stage. Proceeds benefit St. Pete Pride, Metro Charities and Ribbons in the Sky. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information visit MySpace.com/TwirlGirlTampa.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 D-Tox, the Official After-Pride T-Dance

2 p.m. – Midnight, Nova 535, 9th St. N., St. Petersburg. This official closing party for St. Pete Pride will cleanse your soul and fill you with all the pride you need. Join DJ and producer Hex Hector, DJ Pride, DJ Mikel, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Nancy Rancourt for an unforgettable event. Tickets are $15 at the door and online. For more information, visit StPetePride.com.

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413 62nd Ave N | 727.527.9696 950 34th St. N | 727.328.0503 7640 49th St. N | 727.548.5755

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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INNER PEACE + SELF ESTEEM = PRIDE

Rev.

Donald McGaw

Psychotherapist

Gay Affirmative Counseling Individual, Couples, Group, HIV, Substance abuse 30 years experience with GLB community For more info, call:

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St. Pete Pride 2008

gLbt infLuence in st. pete is an important

By Steve Blanchard

FOUNDATION for PRIDE C

reating a GLBT-friendly environment takes a lot more than just wishful thinking. It takes a team of motivated people who want to create change. St. Petersburg is fortunate to have a very active GLBT community involved in all aspects of the city’s life. Doctors, lawyers and publishers work hand-in-hand with activists and politicians to create a safe and welcoming environment for the citizens of our coastal city. St. Pete Pride is the largest GLBT Pride event in the state – and that’s a direct reflection on the people who work behind the scenes to keep GLBT issues in the forefront. The number of influential GLBT people in St. Petersburg grows every year and it is impossible to recognize every one who has had a positive impact on the area. There are a set of pioneers, however, who have made the City of St. Petersburg the GLBT-friendly destination it has become. Here is a small glimpse into the world of influential GLBTs and allies in St. Petersburg:

St. Pete Pride 2008

anthony Barros

is the AIDS Walk St. Petersburg coordinator who actually brought the five-year tradition to the city’s waterfront. Since it began in 2004, the AIDS Walk has brought more than half a million dollars into the county to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.

tom Barker

is the president of Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale and is responsible for organizing the popular chorus’s appearances around the state. The men’s group has performed at GLBT Pride events around the state and is also active in several area GLBT organizations.

robert Danielson

is the Marketing Manager for the City of St. Petersburg and was a founding board member of St. Pete Pride. He continues to market St. Petersburg on an international level as a destination city and is considered one of the original volunteers for St. Pete Pride.

karen Doering

is an attorney with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and was instrumental in the fight for equal protections for gays and lesbians under the City of St. Petersburg’s Human Rights Ordinance. She continuously fights for transgender equality as well and represented former Largo City Manager Susan Stanton when she was fired for revealing plans to become a woman in 2007.

tom Dyer

is an attorney and the publisher of Watermark. He founded the awardwinning GLBT newspaper in Orlando in 1994, and expanded it to cover Tampa Bay in 1995. Watermark now has nine full and part-time staff in the Bay Area. Tom divides his time between Orlando and his home in St. Pete’s Roser Park. Continued on pg.59 | uu |

St. Pete Pride 2008

Anthony Quaglieri, Ph.D

DESIGN YOUR OWN LIFE

Licensed Psychotherapist MH 486

1006 West Platt Street Tampa, FL 33606

813-258-4252 aqphd@tampabay.rr.com 35 years experience

| uu | foundation of pride from pg.57

Brian Feist

is the publisher of the Gazette and also a founding member of Winter Pride Tampa Bay. He has long been a supporter and sponsor of St. Pete Pride and continues to remain active throughout the community. This year he celebrated his 50th birthday and raised more than $1,000 for Metropolitan Charities.

Manish Mishra

is an American playwright, director and actor known for his activism. He is the artistic director of Studio @ 620 in downtown St. Petersburg and he recently joined the board of American Stage. He continues to bring artistic diversity to the cultural center of St. Petersburg.

Suzanne Noe

is known to her fellow lesbians as ProSuzy. Noe owns and operates ProSuzy.com, a lesbian networking site devoted to Tampa Bay-area women and their events. The networking site has grown in recent years and is now a supporter of several GLBT events and functions throughout the year.

Rick Kriseman is a former St. Petersburg City Councilman and is now a State Representative in Tallahassee. He has consistently championed GLBT rights and has supported St. Pete Pride since it began six years ago. Although he’s not gay, he is one of our strongest allies.

Pat the Plumber

is the editor and publisher of Womyn’s Words, a lesbianfocused St. Petersburg newspaper published since 1983. She is an advocate for GLBT rights and is also active on several area boards. The name says it all—yes, she’s a plumber as well as a publisher.

Lorraine Langlois

Brian Longstreth

Kush Patel

Sterling Powell

is the executive director of Metropolitan Charities, an organization that provides programs for the health and wellbeing of the GLBT community. Langlois operates out of its St. Petersburg location on Third Avenue North, but the organization serves both sides of the bay with a facility in Tampa.

is a Largo doctor of internal medicine who encourages honesty and openness for his patients. While Patel is openly gay, he has patients from all walks of life. Patel says about 20% of his clients are members of the GLBT community.

is a founding member of St. Pete Pride and has been influential in getting sexual orientation included in area human rights ordinances. He also runs GayStPete.com, a Web portal for area residents and travelers that lists GLBT events and businesses. He runs an area GLBT guest house and is fighting for the inclusion of gender identity and expression in governmental protection laws.

is the no-nonsense publisher of CitiLife Magazine in St. Petersburg and he promotes the city as a hip, sleek place for people from all walks of life. Powell is a supporter of several area GLBT organizations and has served as Grand Marshal for the AIDS Walk St. Petersburg.

St. Pete Pride 2008

is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg and the openly gay Harvard-educated son of Orthodox Hindu immigrants. He has taken several active roles in the fight for GLBT equality and is a member of the GLBT Democratic Caucus and served as a Florida delegate for the Democratic Party.

Bob Devin Jones

Continued on pg.61 | uu |

| uu | foundation of pride from pg.59

Karen Reese

lives and works in St. Petersburg as a chiropractor and has long been an advocate for GLBT citizens. She is the newly elected president of the Tampa Bay Business Guild and has volunteered for several GLBT organizations over the years.

Darden Rice

has spent the last seven years as a community organizer for the Sierra Club and continues to work on environmental issues. She plans to run for the Pinellas County Commission District 3 At-Large seat this fall.

Nadine Smith

is the executive director of St. Petersburg-based Equality Florida and continues to constantly battle for GLBT equality in the state. Smith has debated conservative leaders on several topics— most recently on Amendment 2—which has been referred to as the marriage amendment.

David Warner

is the editor of Creative Loafing. The Roser Park resident has incorporated GLBT news into the popular alternative weekly magazine and provides editorial commentary supporting equal rights for everyone in the State of Florida.

Brian Winfield

is the director of communications for Equality Florida and an organizer of political fundraising and educational events that focus on the GLBT community. He is active in the continuing fight for equality for GLBTs and serves as a liaison between the organization and the community at large.

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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mystic KREWE OF BABYLON The Florida Men’s Social Club Giving Back To Our Community

As the TITLE SPONSOR of St Pete Pride we invite you to join us in our social projects (to have fun) and in our charitable efforts (to help our gay community)! mystic KREWE holds events all through the year and we hope you will join us in our efforts by becoming a member. SEE OUR SPECIAL SPONSOR TENT at the Festival Promenade on June 28, or our Float in the Parade.

Membership invites participants from all over Florida!

Our next events: RETURN TO BABYLON CIRCUIT DANCE PARTY a charitable fundraiser for St Pete Pride, Frances House and other Babylon charities! superstar concert, and many special entertainers perform as we celebrate

St Pete Pride in 3 Nights in 3 Cities!

mystic Krewe Of Babylon • www.kreweofbabylon.com 352-583-4404 P.O. Box 599, Trilby, FL 33593

St. Pete Pride 2008

Jun 27 - Sawmill Resort, Dade City Jun 28 - Nova 535, St. Pete Jun 30 - G-Bar, Ybor City, Tampa

  

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

St. Pete Pride 2008

Imagine a religion that stands on the side of

love

nitarian Universalists support the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people. We believe that families come in many forms and we welcome them in our churches. We invite you to visit one of our congregations in the Tampa Bay Area and discover Unitarian Universalism.

Nurture your spirit. Help heal our world. Bradenton Manatee UU Fellowship (941) 746-0067 • uuofbradenton.org Brooksville UU Church in the Pines (352) 799-9920 • uuchbrooksville.org Clearwater UUs of Clearwater (727) 531-7704 • uuclearwater.org Lakeland UU Congregation of Lakeland (863) 646-3715 • uuclakeland.org © 2008 Unitarian Universalist Association

Lecanto Nature Coast UUs (352) 746-9202 • ncuu.org

Sun City Center UU Fellowship of Sun City Center uuofscc.org

Odessa Spirit of Life UUs (813) 792-1622 • spiritoflifeuu.org

Tampa UU Church of Tampa (813) 988-8188 • uutampa.org

St. Petersburg UU Church of St. Petersburg (727) 898-3294 • uustpete.org

Tarpon Springs UU Church of Tarpon Springs (727) 937-4682 • uutarpon.org

UU United Fellowship (727) 344-5407 • uuunited.org Sarasota UU Church of Sarasota (941) 371-4974 • uusarasota.com

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Destination:

St. Pete Sixth Annual Pride in Paradise is more than an event—it’s a vacation By Steve Blanchard St. Pete Pride 2008

ave Schauer admits that even he is surprised at the number of out-of-state e-mails he has received from people planning to attend St. Pete Pride this year. The organization’s co-chair said that the Sixth Annual Pride in Paradise has achieved what it has always set out to become—a destination event. “The county’s convention and visitors bureau has taken great interest in St. Pete Pride because it’s a regular event—not just a one-time thing,” Schauer said. “People have seen us, they know what we’re about and they are interested in joining us.” Last year’s street festival attracted an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people. The 2008 event is projected to bring in nearly 75,000—which again secures St. Pete Pride’s spot as the state’s largest GLBT Pride celebration. Part of becoming a destination attraction, according to co-chair Suzanne Henry, is the board’s outreach efforts. “In previous years we focused on growth locally,” Henry said. “We still want to draw locally, but we’ve revisited that focus and last year we visited Continued on pg.71 | uu |

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For more than 30 years, we’ve helped people celebrate their uniqueness, grow in faith and lead lives of passion and pride. Come worship with us this Sunday at 10 am. Visit our table at St. Pete Pride, learn more at www.kingofpeacemcc.com Sunday Worship at 10 am (interpreted for the deaf) | Thursday Worship 6:30 pm, dinner at 7 pm | Java Joy Coffeehouse Second Sundays, 6 pm More info at www.kingofpeacemcc.com | Phone (727) 323-5857 | 3150 5th Avenue North St. Petersburg 33713

St. Pete Pride 2008

King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church supports St. Pete Pride!

St. Pete Pride 2008

Photo by William Rothstein

Photo by William Rothstein St. Petersburg has long been known for its beautiful white beaches—and the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Visitors and Convention Bureau has used a beach theme to lure GLBT travelers to the area for two years.

The Salvador Dali Museum sits on the waterfront of St. Petersburg and has attracted visitors from around the world. the museum markets to glbts locally and nationally.

| uu | Destination st. Pete from pg.68

A historically friendly city While St. Pete Pride has helped put St. Petersburg on the national GLBT radar, the city has had a reputation for its friendly atmosphere for years. David Connelly, public relations director for the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, arrived in the

city in 1996 and was pleased with the level of acceptance he found. “Twelve years ago the city was much quieter and more laid back, but even then it was very gay and lesbian friendly,” Connelly remembers. “We have been well-integrated into the community of St. Petersburg for years and I think that’s why St. Pete Pride is so successful. We’re now able to broadcast how GLBT-friendly we are

“We have the Dali Museum, the Vinoy (Renaissance Hotel) and the Pier. We have a great city life here of bars and restaurants that make this a great place to visit. The secret is out and people across the country are seeing what a great place this is to visit and to live.” —Suzane Henry, St. Pete Pride Co-Chair

on a national level.” This year, reporters for Out Traveler, a GLBT travel publication, featured St. Petersburg for its inclusive atmosphere and area attractions. GLBT visitors to the city are usually surprised by the quality of artistic attractions in the city, Connelly believes. “I’m such an advocate for the arts and the outreach the city does to gays and lesbians has really helped us,” Connelly says. “GLBTs have a history of supporting the arts—and the strength of the gay community here is reflected in the strength of the arts establishments.” But it’s more than the arts that tend to be community-friendly. Area restaurants and bars hold events that benefit St. Pete Pride. In 2006, the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau voted to begin advertising the city and county to GLBT travelers from across the country. That has boosted interest in the city and has helped push St. Pete Pride as a destination event. “We have the Dali Museum, the Vinoy (Renaissance Hotel) and the Pier,” Henry said. “We have a great city life here of bars and restaurants that make this a great place to visit. The secret is out and people across the country are seeing what a great place this is to visit and to live.” While the number of attractions Continued on pg.73 | uu |

St. Pete Pride 2008

Atlanta’s Pride event to drum up our Pride. It’s working and the community has rallied around us.” The Sixth Annual Pride in Paradise is an official destination event for travel Web portal giant Orbitz, which has developed packages to bring people to the Gulf Coast of Florida for a GLBT Pride vacation. Several area hotels are also on board as official sponsors, which has increased the draw. “When travelers think of St. Petersburg, of course they think of the beaches—and that’s a huge selling point,” Henry admitted. “We aren’t at the beach, we’re in the Grand Central District—but we are the attraction.” St. Petersburg offers a diverse environment for GLBT people of all backgrounds. Museums, festivals and historic points of interest provide enough entertainment for anyone, regardless of their place of origin or age. Mix in a few special Pride-related parties, and you have a vacation destination tailor-made for GLBT travelers.

Photo by William Rothstein

| uu | destination: St. Pete from pg.71 in the area is a definite draw for vacationers, the growing numbers of attendees to St. Pete Pride is a draw unto itself, according to Schauer. “We live in an era where most human interaction is done digitally,” Schauer said. “St. Pete Pride is a chance to have human interaction with like-minded people from across the country. There aren’t that many places where you can get that kind of opportunity.”

An evolution of Pride When St. Pete Pride began in 2003, approximately 10,000 people attended the festival along the Grand Central District. Since then the annual celebration has grown by leaps and bounds—and so has its core of supporters. Bars and restaurants throughout St. Petersburg keep the grassroots feel of the festival alive. But more corporate sponsors are on board than ever this year—and those companies have wide reaching influence. “I can go into our galleries and see a large number of gay and lesbian people enjoying our museum,” Connelly said. “A lot are from here locally, but others are here because of business or

The St. Pete Pier has been a tourist attraction for the city since the original structure was built in 1889.

pleasure. We’re gaining more and more notoriety.” And the city is reaping the rewards. Businesses, arts institutions and even public libraries are participating in St. Pete Pride. “Our efforts when it comes to outreach are really showing,” Henry said. “People come for Pride, but get a chance to enjoy the city at the same

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time. It’s a great place to be.” “We’ve done more outreach to women this year,” Schauer said. “We have a men’s party and a women’s party and we have people from very different backgrounds making the decisions. “Pride is about equality and we want everyone’s voices represented.”

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

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St. Pete Pride 2008

We Love our sponsors