World InterPride AGM Conference

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

The World InterPride AGM Conference held in Saskatoon Canada had International LGBT leaders sharing the direction from Prides around the world. The Annual InterPride World Leadership Conference was held in Saskatoon Canada. The conference opened by Randy Boissonault, Special Advisor to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gave the welcome address to all the conference attendees.. Howard Grater, Tampa Pride’s treasure and myself were delegates representing Tampa Pride..

United States Dept of State Jonathan Lalley was there and spoke about international LGBTA tourists. The information needed in regards prior to getting visas and working with the foverseas U.S. Embassies and Consulates when travelling to the United States.

Conference forums and seminars were led by internal speakers shared large problems to smaller incidents unique to the geographic areas of the world the leaders were from. In common was older & younger generational Pride understandings, Convening Nerd Observations in building a new world, Inclusivity in Pride, practicing the engaging Sexual Health for LGBT community and LGBT online marketing.,

First big item, the month of June 2019 focuses on the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1969 Gay Rights “Stonewall Rebellion” in NYC. This is the start of the LGBT movement. A big celebration march will be held the last week of June 2019 in NYC. An expected 2 million LGBT visitors from around the world are anticipated to attend. Tampa Pride will be attending helping lead this historic march.

A resolution for world human rights violations for LGBT people came up with a mixed review of opinions. Though solidarity of the world LGBTA leaders gave world leaders of an understanding being on the bully pulpit. Some of the delegates thought it was to small of a gesture in securing international safety to countries LGBT citizens and travelling tourists.

Tampa Pride is very proud to point out the already forward positive steps in showcasing our communities diversity, generational gap meetings and events and our reach out to other cities Pride events from around the world.

Future Planning Ybor City & LGBT Community

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

October is National Community Planning Month and did a combined workshop by the American Planning Association, YCDC, USF Urban & Regional Planning,USF Student Planning,Metro Wellness & Community Centers, Tampa bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce, Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Pride, GaYBOR District and City of Tampa about LGBTA communities and future Urban Planning in Ybor City.

The event was at Metro Wellness & Community Centers coinciding with National Coming Out Day, October 11th.

Many speakers including Petra Doan, PHD, Professor and PHD Program Director, Florida State University Dept of Urban and Regional Planning talked about the evolution of LGBT communities. Larger and smaller cities face this evolution of the “Gay Ghetto”. Chicago, Houston, Washington, DC and happening now in Atlanta. Ybor City is part of the study of LGBT community relocation and drifting locations.

I was proud to be a part of Dr. Doans study 6 years ago when she was visiting Ybor City. A lot of the qualities for making an inclusive and diverse city populous are happening now in Ybor City. Changes are not always bad and it just happens. Like “Gayborhood Ghettos”, which is a slang for pioneering redevelopment (usually new white LGBT residents move in) from a blighted area of a city changing into a very redeveloped niche place to live and work. More unique restaurants, clubs, stores and off beaten charm. It happens all the time… Community Evolution.

Many USF students, local leaders, government officials attended the seminar but really the crowd that needed to hear and participate about all the great happenings of a positive diverse city as Ybor City is, were absent

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

City of Tampa Scores First Human Rights Campaign, “100”

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and city officials should be very proud that Tampa landed for the first time a perfect score from Human Rights Campaign. People are watching.

One of Our Top Favorites

https://youtu.be/ZlS-Z04m8VU

Grocery Stores

Everyone has a favorite grocery store that is our “GO TO PLACE.” Every now and then we like to shop somewhere different. Trade Joe’s, Sam’s Club, Sanwa Farmer’s Market… etc. Our friends were talking about and old store they just found. Harvey’s Supermarket, located just 4 minutes from Ybor City, at 7851 Palm River Road, Tampa. The store is owned by Winn-Dixie and was stocked full of great produce and meats at a very reasonable prices. There was a FUN $1 ZONE too. It’s not a place we would shop everyday but is sure worth an occasional trip to.

Thank You Manny Alvarez.

Who remember the 2^nd Impulse in Tampa? We remember the black light pool tables and WILD Halloween Parties. This later became the Tampa Eagle and today is vacant lot.

Obituary

Pompano Bill Calcaterra

We have lost an icon of our South Florida community. Pompano Bill was one of the kindest, funniest and greatest men you could have ever met in your lifetime. 1,000’s of his photos will live on forever.

https://www.facebook.com/PompanoBill

Orlando; Come Out With Pride

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

On the fast track of what is labeled, “the Corridor of Prides” from across Florida. Orlando had their fanfare with positive changes as their growth has tripled in years. The double stages, moving vendors onto the street and leaving the Lake Eola Park open for greenery and was more shade and relaxing in the 97 degree heat.

Every and all public candidates were in attendance also. Hundreds of church groups, non profits and businesses filled the streets with info and trinkets for sale.

Orange County, City of Orlando and major city groups help sponsor and promote Come Out With Pride Orlando.

An estimated 200,000 enjoyed the Festival, Parade and early night Fireworks.

The Pride events of today are a far cry from the past.

From The MC Film Mail Bag

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

From The MC Film Mail Bag

You Just Can Not Make This Up

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

We all have that one friend who always makes you laugh. We had told our friend about a new store on South Dale Mabry in Tampa. The store was Fresh Sprouts Farmers Market. A couple days later we received a call from out friend. She said in a upset voice, “I’ve been driving up and down Dale Mabry and just cannot find that store Fresh Squirts anywhere!!!” We laughed and said that that sounds like a name to a Gay Bar. LMAO Every time we drive past Fresh Sprouts we say there’s that new Gay Bar Fresh Squirts.

Caught @ Bradley’s on 7th

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

Caught @ Hamburger Mary’s Tampa

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

Caught @ Steam Fridays

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin

10-11-18 Dishing with Mark and Carrie … Here Comes Halloween

Posted on October 11, 2018 by admin

Oct 11 National Coming Out Day

Last night our Rainbow Plantation came out, LOL Surprise everyone already knew LOL

Halloween 2018

The Kick Off to the Halloween Season starts this Friday. There will be a 1^st time Latino Halloween Party at Carne’s in Ybor City.

The Ybor Merchants Association and 3The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce Will be hosting The 7^th Annual Fantasma Festival Oct 26 – 28. This 3 day event will feature something for everyone.