2009 St Pete Pride Guide

StPetePride.com

StPetePr de Pride in Paradise

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StPetePr de Pride in Paradise

Contents

09

Message from St. Pete Pride Co-Chairs Introduction of Board members.................7 Letters and Proclamations.........8, 9 Remembering Our Origins 40th Anniversary of Stonewall................14 Looking Back St. Petersburg’s LGBT Past.....................20 Remembering Rex Pride says goodbye to long-time photographer.....................26 Out and In Charge St. Pete Pride 2009’s Grand Marshal, Kevin Beckner..........................30 A Month of Pride June is full of LGBT Pride all month long.........................................35

Co-Chairs | Jeff Klein and Brian Stipsits Entertainment Chair | Charles Sutton 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.

© St. Pete Pride, Inc. 31 0 th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Info@StPetePride.com www.StPetePride.com

StPetePr de

InterPride Preview St. Pete will take the world’s stage in October........................44 A Proud Influence Pinellas County youth embrace Gay-Straight Alliances...........................50 What a Lineup A wide range of entertainers will take on two stages during St. Pete Pride.......60 St. Pete Pride Sponsors...............70

Editor | Steve Blanchard Art Director | Jake Stevens Producer and Advertising Sales | Jim Nixon Contributor | David Branson, Tom Dyer, Renee Lepere, Loucanne Walters Photography | Rex Maniscalco, David Shauer Contents of this St. Pete Pride 2009 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 St. Pete Pride Organizing Committee. Watermark and the St. Pete Pride Organizing Committee cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

© Watermark Media, Inc., est. 1994 Phone – 813-6 -9890 Fax – 813-849-2986 Publisher@WatermarkOnline.com WatermarkOnline.com

St. Pete Pride 2009

St. Pete Pride 2009 Program, Published by Watermark and St. Pete Pride

Map of the Promenade................36

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t

his is a very exciting and retrospective year for us in Pride.

It is the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the birth of what we consider Pride in the LGBT community.

With this being St. Pete Pride’s seventh year, we also have a chance to look back on ourselves and consider from where we have come.

First, let us welcome all of you to what is truly Pride in Paradise. The City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Tampa Bay area have been providing a home for our community for decades.

When St. Pete Pride started, it was with the hope of creating a street festival showcasing the gay owned/friendly businesses in our area in a welcoming and comfortable environment that would encourage today’s LGBT citizens to attend. What started as only a couple of blocks has since grown to seven blocks long, with over 20 events in the month of June alone. These events include an auction at a prominent museum, a sunset cruise, and a comedy festival, and culminate with our annual Promenade and Street Festival. We commemorate the traditional Pride Saturday by hosting our celebration on the last Saturday in June on Central Avenue. This year we are doubly fortunate to host Prides from around the globe as they descend on St. Pete for the

Welcome to St. Pete Pride 2009! annual InterPride conference in October.

We proudly welcome all of you that live in this wonderful community with us, and hope those who travel here are able to appreciate the beauty and atmosphere we have here in St. Petersburg. Please attend our events, enjoy our city, and make yourselves at home just as you are. This is what those who stood at Stonewall were asking for, and this is what we hope to celebrate for years to come.

thank you and welcome!

Jeff Klein and Brian Stipsits Co-Chairs, St Pete Pride 2009

St. Pete Pride 2008

FRONT ROW (L-R); Nick Cappezza, Scott Turner, Mark O’Hara, Dee Ringgold, Chris Sharp, and Charles Sutton. BACK ROW (L-R); Stanley Solomons, Jeff Klein, David Schauer, Allen Preston, Brian Stipsits, Micheal Johnson, Brian Longstreth, Scott Knowlson and Greg Stemm. Not pictured, Matt Wolf.

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When Things Changed St. Pete Pride honors the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall

I

By tom Dyer

was watching television last weekend when a promo for a new adult cartoon series featuring a gay lead character aired.

My instinctive reaction was to spread the word. But then I laughed. Television with LGBT content is about as rare as cereal with fruit these days.

There are two cable networks (Logo and Here) targeting the LGBT community 24/7 (four, if you count Bravo and HGTV).

Drama and comedy series are filled with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning characters. Using the contestants on reality series as a sampling, one could get the impression that half the population is gay.

But that wasn’t always the case. Just a decade ago, LGBT television and movies were rare. When Ellen Degeneres came out on her sitcom, it was big news. Now Ellen’s popular talk show places her in millions of living rooms every day, and her relationship with actress Portia de Rossi is an accepted non-issue to devoted fans.

Meanwhile, Will & Grace reruns make an appealing snapshot of gay life accessible around-the-clock, and in every pocket of the country.

No matter how fleeting, thought chains about LGBT progress like the one above inevitably lead back to Stonewall. For our community, Stonewall is Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day all rolled into one. It’s the singular event that moved gay equality from back rooms to the street, where it has progressed one

The Stonewall Riots led to “Gay Power” demonstrations throughout New York City.

courageous step at a time since.

Those steps have been bigger and faster of late. Many consider marriage to be the last rung on the ladder to real LGBT equality.

In the last two months, the number of states authorizing same-sex marriage has more than doubled from two to five, including most of New England and one—glorious Iowa—in the Midwest.

The first rung on that ladder was Stonewall, and from the beginning it has been the inspiration for St. Pete Pride.

“We know it’s hot in June, and we’ve considered moving the date,” said co-founder Brian Longstreth. “But we always come back to the reason for the event. It’s important to honor the symbolism of Stonewall.”

That is especially the case this year, as gays and lesbians nationwide celebrate the 40th anniversary of the pivotal three-day demonstration.

The so-called “Stonewall Riots” took place during the weekend of June 27-29, 1969. They began with a routine raid on the Stonewall Inn, a small bar located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village.

Back then, gay bars in New York City were raided frequently.

Typically a few of the more outrageous patrons were hauled off, and

The Road To 19 6

The Daughters of Bilitis, a pioneering national lesbian organization, is founded.

Equal Rights 19 2 A Quick Trip through LGBT history 18 9 St. Pete Pride 2009

Oscar Wilde is convicted of “gross indecency” and sentenced to two years in prison with hard labor.

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1948

Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, disclosing that homosexual behavior is far more widespread than commonly believed. Similar results for women follow in 1953.

19 1

Harry Hay and Frank Kameny form the Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization.

Christine Jorgensen undergoes sex reassignment surgery in Denmark, becoming the highest profile transgender person in history.

1968

Rev. Troy Perry invites 12 gays and lesbians to worship with him in his California living room and founds the Metropolitan Community Church. There are now 300 denominations in 22 countries.

1969

Gay, lesbian and transgender patrons of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village fight back during a police raid on June 27, sparking three days of violent protest. The so-called “Stonewall Riots” transform the gay rights movement into a widespread quest for equality.

Continued on pg.17 ❙

1972

Broadcast by ABC, That Certain Summer (Hal Holbrook, Martin Sheen) becomes the first television movie dealing realistically with homosexuality.

1976

Tennis Player Renee Richards undergoes sex reassignment surgery and becomes the first transgender professional athlete in history.

1976

In a Rolling Stone interview, pop superstar Elton John states that he is bisexual. He later comes out, marries his partner in Great Britain, and raises millions for AIDS charities.

1973

The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders.

1981

The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta detects an outbreak of Kaposi’s Sarcoma amongst Continued on pg.17 ❙

PRIDE matters

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❙ StONEWALL from pg.14 the bar owners paid a fine and re-opened the next day.

But on Friday night, June 27, Stonewall customers were mourning the death of Judy Garland. And when police entered the bar and began making arrests, a crowd formed outside. At first campy and festive, the mood changed when several drag queens were hustled into a waiting paddy wagon.

A melee broke out and the defiant crowd forced police back. Word spread, and local residents and patrons of nearby gay bars rushed to the scene. The crowd swelled to 2,000, throwing bottles and stones and chanting “Gay Power!” Thirteen people, mostly in drag, were arrested. Dozens of protestors and four policemen were seriously injured. It took 400 police officers to break the riot apart.But more than 1,000 returned the following night, and again four nights later. There were no more injuries, but the angry, emotional crowd caused extensive property damage. The unrest subsided, but anger born of years of harassment had risen to the surface. Protestors had learned that there was strength in numbers; that they did not have to meekly tolerate bullying by authorities. All that remained was to organize, and a new era of LGBT activism had begun.

Since then, Gay Pride marches have been held the last weekend of June in major cities, including New York City, Baltimore, Atlanta, Columbus, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Seattle and San Francisco. The biggest, like St. Pete Pride, attract tens of thousands of participants.

In fact, New York City is hosting a year-long “Rainbow Pilgrimage” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall (visit nycgo.com). In The Life, the LGBT news magazine broadcast on PBS stations like WEDU, will present a one-hour special in June commemorating the Stonewall Riots (watch local listings). A Stonewall 40th Anniversary Print is also available (at cafepress.com).

Meanwhile, the White House has announced that President Barack Obama is preparing a proclamation honoring Stonewall. And activists are organizing a “40th Anniversary of Stonewall March on Washington” on Sunday, June 28.

That spirit of Stonewall will be alive at St. Pete Pride events throughout June, and especially at the Promenade and Street Festival on June 27. SPP

❙ LGBt tIMELINE from pg.14 gay men – the first evidence of what will become known as HIV/AIDS. Over the next 28 years, the disease will kill more than a quarter million gay men, and transform the lives of many more.

1982

Making Love (Harry Hamlin, Michael Ontkean, Kate Jackson) is the first wide-release studio motion picture about the gay experience.

1983

Tennis professional Martina Navratilova becomes the highest profile professional athlete to come out of the closet.

1996

The Massachusetts Supreme Court rules that barring gays and lesbians from marrying denies them “the dignity and equality of all individuals” and creates “second-class citizens.” Same-sex marriage becomes legal a year later.

2003

Rev. V. Gene Robinson is named Bishop for the Diocese of New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church in the United States, and causing a rift in the worldwide church.

2004

The Canadian Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is constitutional. A year later, the House of Commons and Senate extend marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples.

2008

The California Supreme Court rules that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples equal marriage rights, making California the second state to legalize same-sex marriage. 18,000 marriages are performed before voters pass Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage in California.

1996

2008

Congress passes the Defense of Marriage Act, barring federal recognition of same-sex unions.

2008

The Supreme Court of Connecticut rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry, unleashing a wave of positive developments throughout New England.

1997

Comedian Ellen Degeneres comes out, both on the cover of Time Magazine and on her popular sitcom.

2009

1998

2009

1993

2000

Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between same-sex couples. Connecticut (2005), New Jersey (2006) and New Hampshire (2008) follow suit.

2001

The Netherlands becomes the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Belgium, Spain, England, South Africa and Sweden follow in the next half-dozen years.

Iceland elects Johanna Siguroardottir, the first openly lesbianhead of government in the world.

The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously rejects the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, becoming the third state—and the first Midwest state—to authorize same-sex marriage.

2009

Vermont becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by an act of legislation.

2009

Maine becomes the fourth state to approve same-sex marriage.

Legislation is pending in New Hampshire and New York. SPP

St. Pete Pride 2009

198

In Romer v. Evans, the Supreme Court strikes down Colorado’s Amendment 2, which denied gays and lesbians protections against discrimination.

2003

More than 60% of voters in Florida pass Amendment 2, banning same-sex marriage and its “substantial equivalent” throughout the state.

Rock Hudson dies as the result of AIDS, leading to increased media attention for the illness.

1996

In Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court rules that sodomy laws are unconstitutional, holding that “Liberty presumes an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct.”

Gold medalist Greg Louganis comes out of the closet, and shares that he was HIV-positive when he cracked his skull during a dive at the Barcelona Olympics.

Will & Grace brings an updated gay sensibility to network television, winning numerous awards in eight popular seasons. It remains popular in reruns.

Unable to overturn discrimination against gays in the military, President Bill Clinton implements “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, permitting gays to serve but banning homosexual activity. The compromise results in the discharge of thousands of men and women from the armed forces.

2003

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St. Pete has a Proud History I

David Branson

t’s easy to take for granted just how far we’ve come.

What started seven years ago as a small, grassroots event to recognize LGBT citizens has blossomed to become the largest LGBT Pride celebration in the state. In 2008, more than 75,000 people descended upon Central Avenue to participate in St. Pete Pride, and more are expected in 2009.

St. Petersburg is known as an accepting city, despite the lack of recognition of the LGBT community from Mayor Rick Baker, who has never officially acknowledged St. Pete Pride. In 2003, the city expanded its human rights ordinance to include protections for gay and lesbian citizens. In 2008, Pinellas County passed a similar ordinance.

St. Petersburg has evolved into a haven for LGBT people and culture. But that hasn’t always been the case.

LOOKING BACK

As LGBT Pride celebrations around the country commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the New York Stonewall riots of 1969, it’s important to look at our own local history.

Carrie West, co-owner of MC Film Festival, formerly of St. Petersburg and now in Ybor City, remembers the early 1980s

when he and his partner Mark Bias first moved to the Tampa Bay area.

“The first thing we did was find a place to live while I went for a degree at USF,” West recalls. “But when we came to get an apartment, we asked about a one-bedroom and the girl said, ‘We don’t rent to homosexuals.’”

The response was surprising, but part of the norm. A year later, West says he and some friends were attacked outside of Old Plantation, a now-closed gay bar.

“We went out with one of Mark’s roommates from college,” he says. “We were leaving the bar with Mark’s friend and a guy robbed him. Mark tried to stop him, the gun went off and shattered our car’s windshield . . . the police came, and that was the start of the Bay Area Rights Council, the prequel to Equality Florida.”

It wasn’t always all drama when it came to LGBT people in St. Petersburg. Popular bars like the Wedgewood piano bar and Bedrox, the only LGBT bar and restaurant on the beach, were the places to be seen.

The early 1980s were especially memorable for Edie Daly, who moved to St. Petersburg with her partner in 1981. The founder of The Well of Happiness bookstore remembers the Continued on pg.33 ❙

St. Pete Pride 2009

S

20

t. Petersburg and Tampa Bay have become a vacation destination for LGBTs from around the world and the local population continues to grow. A big reason for that is because of the City of St. Petersburg’s acceptance and Pinellas County’s belief that gays and lesbians are just as important as their fellow straight citizens.

But progress takes time.

Here’s a glimpse of the lavender history of St. Petersburg:

1972

There are differing opinions as to when it actually opened, but The Wedgewood was one of the most popular LGBT bars to operate in Pinellas County.

1976

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

1982

The Tampa Bay Business Guild forms and brings LGBT business owners together.

1983

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

1988

The Gazette, an LGBT newsmagazine, debuts in Tampa Bay.

1989

The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival holds its first film festival.

1994 1998

Watermark newspaper is founded.

Suncoast Resort, the state’s largest LGBT hotel, opens its doors in South St. Petersburg.

Continued on pg.33 ❙

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❙ St. PEtE’S LGBt tIMELINE from pg.20

1999

The Grand Central District forms in an effort to revitalize Central Avenue between 22nd and 28th Streets.

2003

Nearly 10,000 people attend the first annual St. Pete Pride celebration; St. Petersburg adopts a human rights ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation but fails to include gender identity and expression; Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio grants domestic partner benefits to LGBT city employees.

2006

Pride gets an infusion of energy after Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms leads a successful charge to prevent the county from “promoting or acknowledging” gay pride events; the City of Gulfport votes to add sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to its protections under its human rights ordinance; Pinellas County actively markets to LGBT tourists on a national level.

2007

After nearly nine years, the Suncoast Resort is sold and demolished; Largo receives national attention when then-City Manager Steve Stanton announces plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery; Susan Stanton is “unveiled” in a front-page article in the St. Petersburg Times.

2008

surprising number of fellow lesbians in the area.

“There was nothing I could find at all in St. Pete except a bar on Madeira Beach called The Other End,” Daly says. “And it wasn’t very conducive to talking with people in the bar. So we thought up the bookstore as an alternative to the bar.”

Within two months, Daly says she and her partner knew at least 250 women and she proudly displayed a banner on the bookstore that said “Women’s Books,” which was a major political statement for the time.

“We knew that without a community—there wasn’t a community here at the time—we wouldn’t be able to support a bookstore,” she says. “The bookstore only lasted about a year, but we kept a little black book which we asked those women to sign with their addresses and phones, and promised to never ever use it except to notify them of events.”

Today, with technology in everyone’s palm, little black books aren’t necessary. But Suzanne Noe, who operates ProSuzy, was the one who took the reigns and used that technology for the lesbian community.

In 2000, Noe took over a small list of e-mail addresses from a friend. From there, Noe began building a social network of likeminded lesbians and soon found herself creating activities for Bayarea women.

“I’d send out e-mail blasts Pride is a time to reflect.” about different activities I’d CARRIE WESt, CO-OWNER, MC FILM FESt see in Womyn’s Words and I was just having fun with it,” Noe says. “But after three years I had 900 e-mail addresses and this was becoming a real job. So I made the decision to open up a business and launched ProSuzy.com.”

The late 1990s and early 2000s were a boom for the LGBT community of St. Petersburg.

In 1998, the Suncoast Resort opened to much fanfare, and LGBTs from the area and around the country now had an all-inclusive vacation haven right here in the city. The resort housed bars, organizations, clothing stores, and offices, and held huge social events on the weekends. MC Film Fest was a staple there from the beginning until the resort was sold and closed in 2007.

In 1999, the Grand Central District began revitalizing the Central Avenue area just south of the Kenwood neighborhood, and a string of LGBT bars and restaurants and shops soon moved in. During Pride month, the association has helped display rainbow flags to celebrate LGBT culture, and every Promenade since the first St. Pete Pride has passed through the district.

There is still a ways to go for LGBT equality in the country and in Florida. But for one month out of the year, St. Petersburg has made it clear that LGBTs are welcome. But we shouldn’t forget why we’re celebrating.

“Pride is a time to reflect,” West says. “But remember, today is going to be the future’s ‘good old days!’ As our community grows and develops, let us take time to remember where we have been and what we can bring into the future with us.” SPP

St. Pete Pride 2009

Pinellas County adopts a human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or “perceived” sexual orientation; voters in Pinellas County vote against Amendment 2, which passed in the state and bans same-sex marriage in Florida.

❙ St. PEtE’S PROuD hIStORy from pg.20

23

St. Pete Pride 2009

2

Pride says goodbye to popular photographer Rex Maniscalco, 1956-2009

By Steve Blanchard

St. Pete Pride 2009

26

R

ex Maniscalco was at every St. Pete Pride event from the very beginning.

The self-proclaimed “Electric Fat Man” photographer was constantly directing vendors, promenade participants, and young men and women dancing in the streets into specific poses for his camera.

He was a historian, brother, friend, counterpart, diva and a staple in the LGBT Tampa Bay community. Maniscalco passed away on April 4, 2009. He was 53.

“Rex was always there with his camera, ready to document the moment,” recalls Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “Rex is the person who has photos of me when I was young and skinny.”

Nearly 200 people turned out for Maniscalco’s memorial service in Tampa in April. Each person had personal stories of encounters with the Ybor City native that brought tears of joy and sadness to just about every eye in the building.

Mansicalco provided photographs for Watermark for the entire 15-year history of the newspaper, according to publisher Tom Dyer. He also contributed to other publications and organizations, most notably the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Dishing with Mark and Carrie online newsletter.

“We talked to Rex at least five times a day,” Mark Bias of MC Film Festival recalls.

“Even when we would disagree, we’d always leave it on a friendly basis. He will be sorely missed. He was our brother.”

Nearly two years ago, Maniscalco began the Rainbow in Sunshine Project, aimed at preserving LGBT history through photography. His expansive collection of photos from LGBT Pride events, festivals, and weekends out have appeared online and in publications for years. Those photographs have been donated to the Florida LGBT History Initiative at USF, along with photos given to Maniscalco by Bobby Smith, who passed away last year.

“Rex was passionate about his photos,” remembers Mark Greenberg with USF. “I remember meeting with him and discussing him handing over the collection of photos.

He was apprehensive at first because he was so attached to those photographs. But he knew he was leaving a legacy in our care.”

Maniscalco is survived by his mother, Aileen Maniscalco. SPP

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Kevin Beckner: A Historic Grand Marshal

By Louanne Walters

St. Pete Pride 2009

30

I

t’s been a grand eight months for this year’s St. Pete Pride Grand Marshal.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner ran a 22-month campaign on bringing leadership and focus back to the county board, and so far he says it’s been better than he expected.

“It’s everything I expected and more, really,” he says. “The ability for all of the board members to civilly discuss and debate the issues in public without attacking each other—we don’t agree on all the issues, but there’s not a contentiousness from previous boards.”

The 37-year-old decided to run for office several years ago, following the Commission’s 2005 decisions to ban acknowledgement of LGBT Pride in Hillsborough County and LGBT library displays. In an interview before the November 2008 elections, Beckner told Watermark, “I’m at a point where I love this community so much that I can’t stand to sit on the sidelines while we’re so unprepared for the current and future growth we’re facing.”

Beckner ran an issues-focused campaign against Republican incumbent Brian Blair for the Commission’s District 6 seat, but not without several mainstream newspapers labeling him “the gay candidate.” With his November victory, he is the first openly gay elected official in the history of Hillsborough County.

The commissioner says his sexual orientation has not been a matter of discussion for the board, and he has not experienced any discrimination because of it.

“We’ve come a long way in this county,” he says. “I’m a member of the LGBT community serving openly in this county, and we still have a way to go, but over time I think we will see more progress.”

Rather, Beckner says the bigger adjustment has been in

The Hillsborough County Commissioner is the first openly gay man to hold an elected office in the county

Photo by Rex Maniscalco

acclimating to the speed of government.

As a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, he was able to set his own hours and work anytime to get the job done.

“It’s a bit of an adjustment, coming from a private practice. Government works in sunshine, so there’s not as much flexibility, it’s a slower pace and it takes a little longer.”

Beckner is used to change in business. In addition to his successful financial planning practice, he’s also seen success as an entrepreneur and law enforcement officer.

Born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana, he started his own music entertainment company at 15 years old and ran it until 1998. The business hired music entertainers, namely vocalist Beckner himself, and provided entertainment at different venues. Beckner’s love of music followed him through college.

“I sang everything from rock-and-roll to 1950s and 1960s hits,” Beckner says.

vacationed throughout his childhood. After arriving in Florida, he became a financial planner and launched his practice.

With his newly elected office, Beckner has scaled back his financial practice, but is keeping operations going by working nights for his financial clients.

“I really enjoy what I do, and I will continue on until the work is done at the county level, or the constituents feel a need for change,” Beckner says. And he’s encouraging to other members of the LGBT community who want to get involved in public service.

“There are a lot of opportunities, even if someone doesn’t want to run for office,” Beckner acknowledges. He recommends volunteering on citizen boards, in councils, or in many organizations in the community to help make a difference.

If someone is considering running for office, Beckner strongly advises volunteering

I’m a member of the LGBT community serving openly in this county, and we still have a way to go.”

KEvIN BECKNER, hILLSBOROuGh COuNty COMMISSIONER

“In college at Indiana University, I was a member of the singing Hoosiers and toured with them throughout college. I did that for three years.”

After graduation, Beckner pursued another one of his childhood ambitions: law enforcement. His goal was to get into the FBI. “I started getting law enforcement experience to build my career path for something bigger,” Beckner says. “I knew I either wanted to be in law enforcement or own my own business, and since the music business was going so well, I decided to stay with that. I loved the police work, but I had to make a choice.”

In 1998, Beckner decided it was time to move to Tampa, where his family had

in a campaign at the local level first. “It’s really important to get a feeling for what it’s like,” Beckner says.

After campaigning as an openly gay man for 22 months and serving as the first openly gay elected official in Hillsborough County, Beckner is beginning to reap some of the rewards of his efforts in both communities.

“Everyone has been very helpful in getting me organized and established, and I did not feel targeted for being gay,” he says.

Beckner is looking forward to St. Pete Pride 2009 and he’s ready to continue leading by example in this year’s St. Pete Pride promenade.

“I’m very honored and humbled to have been selected as Grand Marshal,” Beckner says. SPP

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Monday, June 1 St. PEtE PRIDE KING CONtESt

8 p.m.-11 p.m., Club nautico, 4900 66th st. n.

Come cheer on your favorite area male impersonators as they compete for the title of King of St. Pete Pride 2009. The pageant, hosted by Alicia Markstone, will feature several categories, including onstage question, club wear, presentation and talent. The winning king earns a cash prize, a slot on the Main Stage at St. Pete Pride and a chance to entertain visiting pride organizations at InterPride in October. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door or by visiting NauticoStPete.com.

Monday, June 8 SuNCOASt SquARES PRIDE SquARE DANCE

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m., st. Petersburg Metro Center, 3170 3rd ave., n.

The LGBT square dancing group Suncoast Squares will hold a special fun night to raise money and awareness for St. Pete Pride. Dancers of all (or no) skill levels are invited to participate and meet new friends and learn some new moves. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information visit SuncoastSquares.com.

MISS St. PEtE PRIDE PAGEANt

Tuesday, June 9 tAMPA BAy BuSINESS GuILD DINNER

6:30 p.m.-8:30, Feather sound Country Club, 2201 Feather sound dr.

St. Pete Pride will host the Tampa Bay Business Guild’s monthly dinner and share with members its plans for the St. Pete Pride festival later in the month.

The program will no doubt outline entertainment schedules and offer a glimpse into the process of creating the state’s largest LGBT Pride festival. For more information visit TBBG.org.

Thursday, June 11 St. PEtE PRIDE PROCLAMAtION

3:30 p.m., st. Petersburg City Hall, 175 5th st. n.

The City of St. Petersburg will officially declare June St. Pete Pride Month when council members read the official proclamation in their chambers. The annual tradition will officially launch St. Pete Pride 2009 and those attending are encouraged to wear rainbow regalia.

Saturday, June 13 tROPICAL WAvE

6 p.m.-9 p.m., dali Museum, 1000 3rd st. s.

The Tropical Wave silent auction, known as the anti-black tie event of the year, will enjoy a new location at the Dali Museum

in downtown St. Petersburg. The dress is Florida Formal, meaning flip flops and Hawaiian shirts are encouraged! Barefoot Wines and Miller/Coors will provide refreshments. The auction is hosted by Seaside Villas.

PRIDE NIGht At CLuB NAutICO

7 p.m., Club nautico, 4900 66th st. n.

Club Nautico will hold a benefit night for St. Pete Pride and provide Jell-O Shots and other specials to raise money for the organization. Expect to see some special entertainment, hear some groovy tunes and have an all-out dance fest! For more information visit NauticoStPete.com.

Monday, June 15 NIGht OF ALtERNAtIvE thEAtRE, PRELuDE tO PRIDE 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., american stage, 163 3rd st. n.

The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project will hold its Fifth Annual Night of Alternative Theatre to raise funds for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, an organization that provides funding and services to those living with HIV/AIDS. This year’s Pride celebration features the backstage romp, Our Leading Lady, by Charles Busch. The play will feature local favorite

St. Pete Pride 2009

8 p.m.-Midnight, Club nautico, 4900 66th st. n.

Female impersonators will compete for the chance to represent St. Pete Pride 2009 during a St. Pete Pride event. The audience-participation-based competition will incorporate the classic pageant categories like evening gown and talent, along with several others to choose the best candidate for this year’s festival. The winner will earn a spot on the Main Stage during the St. Pete Pride Street Festival on June 27.

A month of Pride

3

St. Pete Pride Street Festiva

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Seaside Villas Stage

Miller/ Coors Stage

10 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Muvico Baywalk, 101 2nd ave. n.

The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will present Otto; or, Up With Dead People, as this year’s St. Pete Pride Dinner and a Movie celebration. The film is part of TIGLFF’s monthly series and tells the story of Otto, a young zombie that suddenly appears on a remote highway.

He has no idea where he’s from and soon finds himself in Berlin, Germany, living in an abandoned amusement park. Soon the young zombie meets up with Medea, who is filming an epic political-porno-zombie movie. She eventually convinces the star of her film, Fritz, to allow Otto to use his guest room. Soon, Otto learns more about his past and it has devastating results.

Tickets are $9. For more information visit ClipTampaBay.com/Otto.

Saturday, June 20 huRRICANE PARty

7 p.m.-11 p.m., Beak’s Old Florida, 2451 Central ave.

What would Florida be without hurricanes?

St. Pete Pride celebrates our unpredictable weather with its Hurricane Party at Beak’s Old Florida restaurant along Central Avenue.

The night of fun and music will give party goers a chance to collect a commemorative Hurricane Glass. For more information, visit StPetePride.com or BeaksOldFlorida.com.

22nd Street

DINNER AND A MOvIE

23rd Street

6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mulligan’s, 9524 Blind Pass rd., st. Pete Beach The annual sunset cruise sponsored by the FrontRunners of Tampa Bay will ship out of St. John’s Pass at 7 p.m., just before sunset. The cruise will travel the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and includes a light dinner and a cash bar. Tickets are $40. For more information visit StPetePride.com.

24th Street

FRONtRuNNERS SuNSEt CRuISE

25th Street

Friday, June 19

26th Street

8 p.m.-Midnight, Georgie’s alibi, 3100 3rd ave. n.

St. Pete Pride board members and friends of the organization will cross dress for cash during the annual St. Pete Pride Turnabout show. Those participating will entertain the crowd with a number and incredibly fabulous outfits, all while reaching for your dollar bills! The money benefits St. Pete Pride. For more information or to participate, visit StPetePride.com.

To 275 South

27th Street

St. PEtE PRIDE & FRIENDS tuRNABOut

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Tuesday, June 16

St. Pete Pride 2009

Georgie’s Alibi

en Av

Matt McGee as Laura Keene, the Britishborn actress whose company performed at Ford’s Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit AmericanStage.org.

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Third Ave N.

Shuttle Circuit

34th Street

Tradewinds Resort

Promenade Lineup Parking after noon

al Map BEACH DRIVE

Fifth Ave N.

5th Ave N.

375

Pier

Second Ave

275

First Ave N. 1th Street

m

Central Avenue ➜

➜

Museum of Fine Art

First Ave S. 3rd Street

4th Street

MLK Street

16th Street

20th Street

21st Street

The Trop

175 Fifth Ave S. Dali Museum

KING OF PEACE MCC PRIDE MASquERADE BALL

Monday, June 22 St. PEtERSBuRG MAyORAL CANDIDAtE DEBAtE

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th ave. n.

Candidates for St. Petersburg’s mayor have announced their intentions since

Tuesday, June 23 vOLuNtEER tRAINING AND ORIENtAtION

6 p.m.-7 p.m., King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th ave. n.

Huge events like St. Pete Pride can’t happen without the help of volunteers.

That’s why all volunteers undergo a training and orientation session before the St. Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival. Those planning to help out during the state’s largest LGBT Pride celebration are required to attend this

training. For more information, visit StPetePride.com.

Wednesday, June 24 hIStORIC KENWOOD MOvIE NIGht

8:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., seminole Park, 2900 3rd ave. n.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy an outdoor movie in Seminole Park with Historic Kenwood neighbors.

The featured film is the gay classic Pricilla, Queen of the Desert and is bound to put everyone in a good mood for Pride. For information, visit HistoricKenwood.org.

St. Pete Pride 2009

7 p.m.-10 p.m., King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th ave. n.

The King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church invites the community into its social hall for a St. Pete Pride Masquerade Ball. The costume party encourages outrageous costumes. Ticket prices and details will be announced at KingOfPeaceMCC.com and StPetePride.com.

the beginning of the year, and this is their chance to directly address the concerns of the LGBT community. Every candidate will receive an invitation to participate in a debate at the LGBT-affirming church and will take questions concerning the city and its stance on LGBT issues. A reception in the social hall is scheduled to follow the debate.

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Photo Courtesy DorianPhotoInc.com

Thursday, June 25

Saturday, June 27

Stonewall Commemorative reCeption

una-voCe pride panCake breakfaSt

6 p.m.–9 p.m., St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. The Stonewall Commemorative Reception is St. Pete Pride’s sponsor and friends’ reception. Fine foods, and beautiful art— including the Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life and Legends—will be provided for those who have helped make St. Pete Pride a successful organization. This event replaces Taste of Pride, which will return in October as part of the InterPride festivities. For more information visit StPetePride.com

Friday, June 26 laughter in paradiSe

8 p.m.-11 p.m., TradeWinds Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach LGBT comedians will continue the tradition of Laughter in Paradise, but this time the laughter will be near the water. The luxurious TradeWinds Resort, which will host InterPride in October, will house several comedians the night before the big street festival along Central Avenue.

St. Pete Pride 2009

pride night at georgie’S alibi

38

More than 70,000 people participated in St. Pete Pride 2008’s Street Festival.

Emcee Alicia Markstone will host the St. Pete Pride King and Queen Pageants at Club Nautico on June 1 and 8.

9 p.m.-Midnight, Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N. Georgie’s Alibi will hold another St. Pete Pride night the night before the Street Festival and Promenade. High energy music, light shows and drink specials will get you in the mood to celebrate. But don’t overdo it; you’re due back on the streets by 10 a.m.

Saturday morning!

7 a.m.-10 a.m., King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th Ave. N. Pride day is a big day, so why not start with a big breakfast? The annual pancake breakfast, provided by Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale, is only $6 with a portion donated back to Pride. Pancakes, coffee and juice are among the selections at the annual breakfast. For details visit Una-Voce.org.

St. pete pride promenade

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Route is from Georgie’s Alibi, through Kenwood and along Central Ave. Floats from organizations, clubs, social groups and businesses will be decked out in rainbow colors for the annual St. Pete Pride Promenade. The parade will feature Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, this year’s Grand Marshal, along with performers and entertainers of all kinds.

St. pete pride Street feStival

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Vendors from across the state will perch along Central Avenue to celebrate their commitment to diversity. But remember: June is hot, so wear light colored clothes and a hat to protect yourself from that Florida sun. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Come to the Retox party at Georgie’s Alibi, June 28, for the Smart car raffle.

For details, visit StPetePride.com.

pride bingo night

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., King of Peace MCC, King of Peace MCC, 3150 5th Ave. N. Enjoy some bingo with the drag queens of the MCC church while raising money for LGBT charities. The monthly bingo night coincides with Pride, and you can expect the energy level to be even higher than normal.

Sunday, June 28 detox beaCh day

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pinellas County’s Gulf Coast Sunday is traditionally beach day for St. Petersburg’s LGBT community, so the St. Pete Pride board suggests taking your favorite rainbow umbrella and flag beach towel to your favorite beach and celebrate diversity along the water. LGBT friendly beaches include Fort DeSoto, Pass-AGrille, Gulfport, North Shore Beach and Sunset Beach.

retox party

5:30 p.m.-Midnight, Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N. Didn’t get enough partying in on Saturday?

Don’t worry, you can get your dance on at Georgie’s Alibi during the Retox party, St. Pete Pride’s official closing party.

Smart Car raffle

8:00 p.m.-Midnight, Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N. Continue to hang out at Georgie’s Retox party to see who wins the Smart car available via raffles throughout the month.

Benefits from the raffle benefit St. Pete Pride. For details, visit StPetePride.com.

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InterPride puts

St. Pete on the World’s Stage St. Petersburg will play host to InterPride 2009 in October when LGBT Pride organizers from around the world will enjoy area beaches and attractions.

By Renee LePere

St. Pete Pride 2009

44

S

t. Petersburg has long had a state and national reputation for its LGBT Pride fests. Now it is officially taking its place on the world stage when the city hosts InterPride 2009 later this year.

“This is the first one for St. Pete,” says Brian Longstreth, InterPride funds development member. “We’re really trying to get people involved.”

The three-day celebration is Oct. 15 to 18 at the TradeWinds Island Grande Resort in St. Petersburg Beach. The theme for this year’s InterPride is “Your Rights, Our Rights, Human Rights.”

An international InterPride body is working with the St. Petersburg board to help oversee the event.

“In Europe, they’re very strong on human rights,” says David Schauer, past chair for St. Pete Pride. “When Sweden and England have events, thousands of people will show up and it’s not unusual for them to adopt an entire country for a human rights cause.”

Longstreth said the international board brings to it a wide range in the gay and lesbian rights spectrum.

“There are some places where you can still be attacked for simply attending a celebration,” Longstreth says. “In Florida, we have pockets of progress. Pinellas County just added sexual orientation to

its human rights ordinance. Gainesville just beat down a challenge to its civil rights protection for its gay and transgender community.”

The seeds of bringing InterPride to St. Petersburg were planted two years ago with a bidding process not too unlike the Olympics, Longstreth said. It wasn’t a hard sell. After six years of cold climates ranging from Portland, Maine to Reykjavik, Iceland, convincing the conventioneers in Zurich to come to St. Petersburg in October didn’t take much arm-twisting.

“When we had the international board here last month, we took them to the beach and spread out a blanket and said, ‘this is what it’s going to be like in October, maybe a little cooler.’ They couldn’t believe it,” Schauer says. “That’s not something you can do in most of Europe that time of year.”

While speakers still need to be confirmed, Schauer says openly-gay United States Congressman Barney Frank, (D) Mass., is

it as a prime opportunity to involve the youth in the community, which is not as challenging as it may have been with past generations who kept their sexuality in the closet.

“Younger people are definitely more out and demanding of equal rights,” Longstreth says. “And they are more socially aware. It’s especially important this year with the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.” (See page 14.)

For evening entertainment, InterPride is working with the Salvador Dali Museum, Bay Walk, and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which will run its 11-day festival during the same time.

In addition the Florida Holocaust Museum will provide a screening of the 2000 documentary “Paragraph 175,” which refers to a law that outlawed homosexuality in Nazi Germany. Between 1933 and 1945, 100,000 men were arrested under Paragraph 175. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps.

Only about 4,000 survived.

On a much lighter note, one of the traditions of InterPride is a formal dinner.

The St. Pete Pride board has instead decided to go with a “Tacky Tourist” dinner.

“We’re doing burgers and fries on the beach,” Schauer says. “Formal in Florida means ‘wear socks.’”

Though there is still a lot of work to be done by October, Schauer knows

When we had the international board here [in April], we took them to the beach and spread out a blanket and said, ‘this is what it’s going to be like in October.’ ” DAvID SChAuER

expected to attend. Many of the class topics during the days are firm. Among them are how to protect your 501(c)(3), board development and how to keep volunteers coming back, and marketing and branding your LGBT Pride. There will also be a class on how to approach corporations for sponsorship.

“You have to know what they want to see,” Schauer says. “A lot of these places now have grant writers. Corporations aren’t shy about giving away money anymore.”

Both Schauer and Longstreth also see

that St. Petersburg will pull it off like no other city can.

“We’re a city of 250,000 people, and every year about 70,000 attend St. Pete Pride, and surveys have shown that most of them travel a significant distance,” Schauer says. “We’re a really friendly place to grow up; we have the arts, the beaches. We’re a great example of how a small group of people can pull off an incredible event that is seen around the world.”

For more information, visit IP09.org. SPP

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St. Pete Pride 2009

49

Gay-Straight Alliances are becoming more visible in Pinellas County, like this group of students who participated in AIDS Walk St. Petersburg 2008.

Photo by Steve Blanchard

Young Pride St. Pete Pride 2009

0

I

n the not-so-distant past, LGBT students were denied any outlet for their attractions and feelings, and would feel shame upon discovering they were “different” than their peers.

But that has changed, especially in Pinellas County. The Pinellas County School District has 17 high schools—and all but one have GayStraight Alliances (GSA).

“The club falls under part of the equal access act,” says Lynn Mattiace, Prevention Specialist with the Safe and Drug Free Schools Office for Pinellas County Schools. “If you have a Bible club or a chess club, then you have to allow a GSA.” Clubs are initiated by students who express a need for a club to the administration. GSAs can be social clubs or service clubs—or a combination of both. The important thing, according to Mattiace, is that LGBT students have an outlet she never had.

“I’m out at work and I believe that’s what I should be doing,” Mattiace says. “The first GSA in the county began at Largo High School, and the clubs have expanded ever since.”

There was some resistance to the clubs at first, she remembers, but the school’s legal team has done an excellent job in protecting the club.

Some right-wing groups have tried to block attempts to start the clubs, but have had no legal footing. While Florida is still considered fairly conservative when it comes to LGBT issues, courts have consistently ruled in favor of GSAs, saying districts cannot block specific clubs.

By Steve Blanchard

Pinellas County’s Gay-Straight Aliiances provide a haven for LGBT students

Continued on pg.63 ❙

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Members of Pinellas County’s LGBT Youth community were on hand at St. Pete Pride 2008, complete with their spray-painted tattoos.

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❙ LGBt yOuth from pg. 0

Pride provides such an incredible opportunity for everyone, regardless of age” LyNN MAttIACE

evident across the country, the trend toward acceptance is definitely growing.

Today, GSAs in Pinellas County are involved with same-sex proms and other activities specifically designed for LGBT students. The opportunities seem endless.

But not all of the students involved in GSAs may realize just how far we’ve come as a community.

“I don’t think all of the students really understand our history,” Mattiace says. “We’re working to rectify that.”

A group called Pinellas Youth Pride

the seven-block event.

“Pride provides such an incredible opportunity for everyone, regardless of age,” Mattiace says. “I think all of us have been in the closet and thought that there were no other gay people in the world. We’ve all felt alone. At Pride, everyone can be themselves and see that there are a lot of us in this together.

That has an incredible influence, especially on our LGBT youth.” SPP

St. Pete Pride 2009

“The clubs have a pretty even mix of gay and straight students,” Mattiace says. “All of our GSAs are diverse. We have different ages, genders and races involved. I think the kids appreciate the clubs and the opportunities they provide.”

One former GSA member who Mattiace mentored went on to graduate from Florida State University and now focuses on LGBT-specific issues in the state. Mentors like Mattiace hope that students and parents learn of similar success stories fueled by GSAs and continue to support the clubs.

The one high school in Pinellas County without a GSA—East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs—will hopefully join the other schools during the upcoming school year. So far, however, that school’s students don’t feel like there’s enough support to launch the effort, according to Mattiace.

“We’ve been in conversation with the principal and he’s said he’d be open to the club,” she says. “But we just haven’t seen it come to pass yet. That’s a goal of

ours for next year.”

LGBT people who are over the age of 30 would find it hard to imagine a GSA in their high school, but it’s a growing trend across the country. While discrimination against LGBTs is still

is organizing a leadership conference for fall 2010 that will be tied in with the schools’ GSAs. Mattiace says all ages are invited to attend, and mentors will teach students how to run a club successfully, incorporate leadership training and include different activities.

“In that full day conference we’ll probably start the day discussing our history,” Mattiace says. “Students need to know about the Stonewall riots and about LGBT history as a whole. That will give them an idea of how far we’ve come but also how far we still have to go.”

During St. Pete Pride 2008, groups of high school students participated in the street festival and promenade. Many were involved with spray painting pride “tattoos” on festival-goers throughout

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nce again, St. Pete Pride will provide two stages loaded with entertainment. The Seaside Villas stage at Central Avenue and 25th Street and the Miller/Coors stage at Central Avenue and 21st Street will bring lesbian folk rockers, Christian bands, female impersonators, and dancers and singers out to entertain the expected 75,000 revelers.

While the lineup details were still in the final planning stages during production, a sampling of some of the entertainment was already confirmed. Check out StPetePride.com and the St. Pete Pride issue of Watermark June 11 for updates.

By Steve Blanchard

Two stages, a full day of entertainment KELLy NEFF

If you’ve ever been to one of the all-girl bars in St. Petersburg, you’ve run into indie rocker Kelly Neff. The guitarist, songwriter and performer is a constant performer at places like The Hideaway, Gulfport on the Rocks and Gemini Lounge. She has also appeared on the stage at several St. Pete Pride festivals in the past. She will return again this year and perform some of her favorite tunes, like Next Time and Ladies of the Night. For more information on Neff, visit MySpace.com/KellyNeff.

St. Pete Pride 2009

StEPhANIE ShIPPAE

The popular showgirl Stephanie Shippae will entertain the crowds at St. Pete Pride again this year. Shippae has appeared at every Pride and recently took part in the El Goya Reunion show at Club Czar in Ybor City. She’s also a regular performer at Blur in Dunedin. In 2007 she was part of the entertainment lineup at Winter Pride Tampa Bay and her familiar catch phrase, “Hey Everybody,” relays her wish for everyone in the crowd to enjoy themselves. She has multiple titles, including Miss Mardi Gras.

KARMIC tAttOO

Imagine Wynonna, Heart, Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge all fused together into one vibrant harmonizing bundle and you have the energetic force known as Karmic Tattoo.

The combined members of Karmic Tattoo have been rocking the Tampa Bay area for many years. Rocks to riches describes the vocal harmonies of this dynamic band.

Interchanging guitar hooks and melodic rhythms will bring even non-dancers to their feet. Fresh off their win of the Battle of the Bands at Sawmill Campground in Dade City, Fla., Karmic Tattoo continues to gain momentum at each and every venue and fundraiser they perform. The band has been in the studio this year recording their second CD, due to be released soon. For more information visit MySpace.com/KarmicTattooMusic.

Continued on pg.63 ❙

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CANAAN BAND

Christian bands come in all shapes and forms, including groups of LGBTs. Canaan Band has been in the Tampa Bay area for several years and is planning to release its third album later this year. Popular songs like “Shine” inspire people of faith of all Christian denominations, regardless of their sexual orientation. Melanie, David Lee, James Blanchard and Amy Black are all songwriters and contribute to the band’s vocals. The group has performed concerts throughout the southeast United States but can often be seen at Christ the Cornerstone Church in Pinellas Park. For more information, visit CanaanBand.com.

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 recorded its first CD last year and has hit the local scene of Tampa Bay with a rock/pop sound that can easily transition from one style to another.

The group’s original songs weave contrasting vocal textures into a coherent poprock tapestry that quickly leaves an unforgettable mark on the eardrums. If there is an open door or window, Someday Souvenir can draw in a crowd quickly with their showmanship, great music, and warm inviting shows. For more information, visit MySpace.com/SomedaySourvenir.

The Double M Band has been a Tampa Bay staple at Pride events and fundraisers for years. Mario Jooste and Michael Monrad are working on their third album and have appeared at LGBT Pride events throughout the state. They are currently working on their third CD called “Lovin Live” and have added the talents of Pat Discianno on background vocals and percussion.

Jooste and Monrad have been featured in several area publications, including Creative Loafing, The Gazette and Watermark. Their high-energy sound has been featured at the annual AIDS Walk St. Petersburg, which benefits the AIDS Services Association of Pinellas. For more information on Double M Band, visit DoubleMBand.com.

Ricky Wilcox is a versatile and popular St. Pete musician with serious alternative rock credentials and power pop roots, and has toured the US extensively as well as Japan, Germany, and Canada. Over the last year Ricky’s song “Insignificant” from his CD monkeyshine has been featured in a recurring story line on the primetime soap “All My Children” on ABC TV. Locally, he might be best known as a former member of one of Florida’s most notorious and creative bands, Deloris Telescope. An award-winning drummer (seen recently, albeit briefly, behind the kit in the John Travolta film The Punisher) Ricky is still a sought after sideman on the skins, but now focuses mainly on his “singer/songwriter” career, playing guitar and singing full time. Ricky’s solo gigs, which he labels “acoustic power pop,” focus on creative song selection, original interpretation, a sense of humor and audience interaction. For more information on Wilcox, visit RickyWilcox.com. SPP

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