Author Archives: MC Film Festival

LGBT News

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San Diego Considers an Openly Gay GOP Mayor
Two leading Republican contenders for mayor of America’s eighth-largest city are openly gay, and voters have barely noticed. It doesn’t come up at campaign appearances or in local news coverage. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and City Councilman Carl DeMaio haven’t made their marks as gay rights activists, which may help explain why their sexual orientation has been a non-issue even among social conservatives. Neither makes a secret of being gay, but they don’t draw attention to it, either. www.Biggaynews.com

Gay.xxx Sells for $500,000
The internet address gay.xxx has been sold for $500,000, making it the most expensive domain name sold in an extension that is not yet publicly open for registration. The deal was made as part of the Founders Program offered by .xxx operator ICM Registry. The buyer is Liberty Media Holdings, aka Corbin Fisher, a Las Vegas-based gay porn production house.

Uganda’s First Openly Gay Bar Closed
The owner of Uganda’s first openly gay bar says her establishment has been shut down, the latest setback for gays and lesbians in this conservative East African nation. Jacqueline Kasha said Thursday that her Sappho Islands Bar was padlocked by the landlord on Sunday. The landlord said the bar was noisy and attracted “strange” people. The bar’s closure comes months after parliament adjourned without acting on a bill that would mandate the death sentence for some gays and lesbians.

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clearwater-Bears-Club/114699925304196?sk=wall
Friendships and goodtimes while Uniting and giving back to our community . We are now doing a pot luck buffet after our meetings. So all Members are ask to bring a dish to pass so we can share and enjoy some social time with your fellow Bears after the meetings. Also, we now have a $25 bar tab that is provided by the Pro Shop to be raffled off or a 50/50 drawing at the end of each meeting. You must be a member in good standing and sign the attendance sheet with the secretary in order to get your free raffle ticket. Thanks to the generosity of the Pro Shop they are providing a $25 bar tab to be raffled off at the end of the meeting. Members will get one free raffle ticket from the secretary at the time you sign in with him on the attendance sheet. Any additional tickets you care to purchase will cost a mere 25 cents. So you can really increase your chances of winning! This is a great opportunity, and we appreciate the Pro Shop for providing it, as well as their support to the Bear Club. You must be a current dues paid member in good standing in order to be eligible for your free raffle ticket, and to win the $25 bar tab. So it is definitely worth attending the meetings
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Hi Mark & Carrie!
We are hosting North Pinellas Pride’s “Bowling Night OUT” on Thursday October 20th at Dunedin Lanes. It will be an evening of bowling fun with entertainment by Alexis Mateo, Natasha Richards, & Jessica Foxx along with DJ Mark McKay.  We are hoping you can help us spread the word by including our event in your column.  I have attached the flyer to this email.  All of the details are available at Facebook.com/GayBowlingNight.
Thank you so much for your time!
Matt Stevenson
Dunedin Lanes
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Contact: Adam Jahr                                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(727) 321-3854 x245

3251 3rd Ave. N. Ste. 125

St. Petersburg, FL 33713
AdamJ@MetroTampaBay.org

www.metrotampabay.org

Metro Wellness and Community Centers Grand Opening

Come enjoy Metro’s new St. Petersburg

GLBT Community Center

Metro Wellness and Community Centers is celebrating its brand new complex in St. Petersburg with a Grand Opening on Friday, November 4.

Come enjoy wine and refreshments at Tampa Bay’s newest, largest GLBT Community Center, located at 3251 3rd Ave. N. Suite 125. Learn all about what Metro has planned for the GLBT community and tour the space that will surely become an epicenter for GLBT activities in the Bay Area.

Metro’s Grand Opening will provide networking opportunities amongst some of Tampa Bay’s most influential GLBT individuals and entities. Since Metro’s GLBT Community Centers are constantly evolving, input from the community is welcome. So come visit the center and help Metro help you. For more information on the St. Pete Center, and Metro’s Community Centers in Ybor City and New Port Richey, go to www.metrotampabay.org.

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WHAT IS MORE THAN A RIDE?

THE SMART Ride 8. The Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride Twenty-Eleven from Miami to Key West November 18th-19th.

The seed was planted June 25th at the St. Pete Pride Promenade by Eric the Motorcycle Crew Manager for The SMART Ride.  We were assembling our motorcycles to ride in the Promenade when Eric handed me a postcard about The SMART Ride 8.  We need motorcycle crew volunteers to escort the bicyclists,  he said, who pedal 165 miles in two days from Miami to Key West.  I got goose bumps as he described the ride.  Here was an opportunity for me to do two things I dearly love to do.  Ride my motorcycle and volunteer!   The fact that Florida ranks #2 in the nation for incidences of HIV/AIDS tells me the money is desperately needed.

If you too think this a worthwhile cause but do not have the time to volunteer as crew or participate as a rider you can still help change the world by making a tax deductible contribution and sponsoring us.  To make a pledge online go to http://thesmartride.org

On the home page click on PLEDGE and follow the step by step instructions.  Two of us from the Tampa Bay area are volunteering to crew so please use Wood crew number 756 or Newland crew number 757 when making your tax deductible contribution.

Take the challenge TODAY and sign up to ride, crew or sponsor us.  “Remember…never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world, indeed; it’s the only thing that ever has”-Margaret Mead.

By LJ Wood

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 10-5-11

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Laughing Cat Ribbon Cutting
Laughing Cat Progressive Italian Restaurant officially had its Official Grand Opening and the Grand Opening Ribbon cutting ceremony. Spruced up from street level to the front doors, the recently opened fab restaurant had Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn cut the official ribbon to its new restaurant venture. Gen. David Scott, on the YCDC Board was the emcee for the community showcase opening congratulating owners, Franco & Jerry for their culinary dream and great  positive accomplishments. Over 100 people including City Council representatives Frank Reddick and Yolie Capin and community leaders all sharing the positive Ybor City spirit.
Laughing Cat is open for lunch Mon- Fri with an Italian buffet. Dinners are served nightly until 10pm.

Stoli Party in GaYBOR

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The Honey Pot rolled out the chocolate & raspberry red carpets for the new Stoli Chocolate Raspberry Vodka Launch Party. Mathieu S & Chu Chu did an incredible job of transforming the Honey Pot into a Willy Wonka chocolate fantasy in a foreign Russian city for adults! There were three garden gazebos each with a chocolate chandelier!  To the left & right were night tents with chocolate fountains & a wide range of chocolate deserts. The center tent was a chocolate bar serving Stoli Chocolate Raspberry Vodka with Champagne & fresh raspberries! Behind  the center gazebos on stage was a copy of the St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square made of Stoli bottles & more chocolate! On top of the main bar were 5′ ice sculptures. The invited area bar owners and guests dined on frozen mudslides & other treats all made with the new Stoli Vodka. One thing was for sure……. as the guests left, we all became fans of the new Stoli Chocolate Raspberry Vodka & the chocolate euphoria it gave us. Thank You Stoli & Florida Entertainment of a night to remember!

Bryan's Sunday FUN-day in GaYBOR

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When Bryan Chant, owner of the Queen & I Thai Restauarant called and said he was at the Wat Thai Temple on Palm River Road http://wattampainenglish.com/ , we knew it was going to be a FUN afternoon. If you have never been to Wat Thai Temple on a Sunday for the food festival…. what are you waiting for? As Bryan called & said “Darling I have food from Temple for you… we go to drag show?” YES, YES, YES!!! Sunday FUN-days in GaYBOR are soooo much fun. We started out with the 1PM  Drag Brunch and show at Hamburger Mary’s. Bryan’s brother-in-law had just arrived from Laos, it was his first time in Florida & Ybor City too. After the show we stopped for a frozen drink at Centro Canteena. The guy playing guitar was great there. We couldn’t linger long as we were on a mission to say “Hi” to as many friends as possible! Next stop was Bradley’s on 7th. They are now open early every Sunday. When there are football games on it’s a great place to watch with your friends. Collage Ybor is now open on Sundays at 2PM with live bands & fun locals. http://collageybor.com/ . Owners Niely Cornacchia & Shane Zinn are creating tons of fun & magic there. Then it was over to Gaspars Grotto’s Patio to see who was there. The patio was full of friends hanging out listening to great music & their dogs as always! If you want to make new friends just bring your dog here & let your doggie do the introductions!!! We met a group of fun guys who have just moved to Ybor City from Cincinnati, Ohio. Humm…. Ohio the OH state right?  As we were leaving a classic 1972 Corvette pulled up. This is GaYBOR so of course we knew the owners! They insisted that we take photos with them & the car. Walking past Liquid Lounge, Miss Judy B Goode & Piano Man Paul Thomas were setting up for their 4 PM Show. Bryan announced he was late for work at The Queen & I Thai Restaurant. We all thought he should just call in sick but he couldn’t because he owns the place!!!  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Queen-I-Thai-Restaurant/137588342932737
So as “Bryan Darling” drove off into the sunset Sunday FUN-day  was still going strong. Shows at Hamburger Mary’s, Music at JJ’s & Centro Canteena, Roof Top Party at RISE Sunday & More & More.  See you all next week in GaYBOR for Sunday FUN-day!!! .   Written by Mark aka “Tea Cup” http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002255513296 check out Tea Cups new web site www.YborEvents.com

Meet the GaYBOR Member of the Week

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Vincent Pawlowski
of Megajustice.com
Vincent is a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition. A generous community supporter who’s office is right here in Ybor City, above Coyote Ugly. Something that a lot of people do not know about Vince is that he is fluent in French & Italian!!! He is also the President of Pro Agents Sports Management & a Certified Contract Advisor, (NFL) National Football League Player’s Association! GO VINCENT!!!!

TIGLFF: "CELEBRATING LIFE in Pictures for 22 Years"

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From the beginning 22 years ago, Tampa Theatre has been the ground zero to the showing of GLBT films for the Tampa Bays Gay Communities annual fall film festival. This year will be no different. The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicks off this week with Galas, Movies, Parties and a whole lot more Festival Movies. Now the 4th largest gay & lesbian film festival in America. The acclimated boasting comes from years of stewardship, great dedication, community direction and support, all on a volunteer basis. Thank You all for your dedication to making this annual community event happen. Added movie festival showings this year will be at the Baywalk Muvico in St. Petersburg and the new Tampa Museum of Art on the Hillsborough River waterfront.
A line-up of over 50 movies are all being shown starting this Thursday, October 6 – 16th. Big out of the theatre parties this year include “The Great Gatsby Gala” Saturday, Oct. 8th at the Don Vicente Inn in Ybor City from 10pm -2 AM, the SURGE 2011 Men’s Party at the Ritz Ybor and Sugar Party for Women at TEASE at the Honey Pot in GaYBOR both parties Saturday, Oct 15th.
Tickets range from Simply Fabulous All Inclusive Pass for $500, Crown Circle Pass for $125 and individual movie tickets for $7.50. More info www.TIGLFF.com
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Footnote:
Also 22 years ago, in 1989,  Mark & Carrie, owners of  MC FILM, started its beginnings serving the Tampa Gay Community with a traveling trunk show full of eclectic, obscure, comedic, classic and real life gay and lesbian genre movies for sale at Pride and festival events! We are Proud Supporters of the Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival since its beginnings!
New at The Sheraton Riverside
Walk to the TIGLFF Film Festival

When visiting the GaYBOR District

in Historical Ybor City

Stay at The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk

Located just minutes along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa,

just minutes away from Ybor City & The Tampa Theatre!!!

Complimentary shuttle transportation available

Ask for the Discounted MC Film Corporate rate

(Some black out dates do apply)

Below is the easy link to use when making reservations.

http://www.sheratontampariverwalk.com/mc-film

New at The Sheraton Riverside & more News

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Walk to the TIGLFF Film Festival
she_mc_film2-01

When visiting the GaYBOR District

in Historical Ybor City

Stay at The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk

Located just minutes along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa,

just minutes away from Ybor City & The Tampa Theatre!!!

Complimentary shuttle transportation available

Ask for the Discounted MC Film Corporate rate

(Some black out dates do apply)

Below is the easy link to use when making reservations.

http://www.sheratontampariverwalk.com/mc-film

Red Bull’s FLUGTAG Returns to Tampa
The not so easy to fly crazy human air machines from around the world will be launching again at the Tampa Convention Center waterside this Saturday, Oct 8th. The last Red Bull’s Flugtag, “flying day” had over 110,000 witness the courage and laughter of unforeseen imagination in Tampa 3 years ago. This is the only American Red Bull Flugtag event held this year. They have over 30 different cities worldwide that participated. Forty teams have secured a space for the unlikely gravity wins goofy air chomping wet spectacular. Starting at 11 am and the initial into… or not flight will be set to fly at 1:00 then all afternoon. It is a FREE fun filled  family event and a big laugh asset to Tampa for this much advertised autumn recession breaker.
Easy and available is Ybor City Parking and ride the trolley to downtown Tampa to avoid traffic congestion. Come back and enjoy an early or late night GaYBOR District dinner and clubs in historic Ybor City.  www.redbullusa.com

This weekend marks the Orlando Pride event “Come Out with Pride 2011.” The summer turned to fall event will have its events and parade around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando starting Oct. 8th at noon -6pm and Pride Sunday is named ‘ the most colorful Orlando parade’ Sunday, Oct 9th at 4pm. They are estimating 100,000 attendees. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will lead the parade. Also around the lake is over 110 vendors and music will be performed by a variety of artist from different musical talents including the Orlando Gay Men’s Chorus. A 25 years of Orlando GLBT history exhibit will be available for viewing and the Disney Kids Zone will be returning for families with young children.
I’m First, Now Second … Again
The state legislatures are having a hay day of seeing who will be first for the 2012 Presidential elections. Florida stepping up its game went from March to now the last weekend in January. ‘Iowa has to be first ‘ is written somewhere in the lost files of presidential candidate hierarchy. New Hampshire always followed but now the changes to be number one are fast approaching. Florida upped its primary date by 6 weeks to be #1!  Not to be outdone and unnoticed, South Carolina GOP Party chairman wants his state to be the first voting state for the long list of candidates fighting to be the GOP nominee.The change in primary dates to trump other states including the Florida change in primaries setting a January 21 voting day from February 28th for the Caroliners.
Hey aren’t there still a 1/2 dozen unnamed presidential hopefuls looking to throw their hat in the GOP ring. They’d better hurry it is less than 3 months away!
Two Gay Men Attacked By Gang in Possible Florida Hate Crime
Manuel Galan has not left his Immokalee home near Naples in a week. The 27-year-old fears being attacked for his sexual orientation. Galan is gay. “I’m scared to walk out the front door,” Galan said. “In case someone sees me, alone, they can do more damage.” Galan and his friend, Cirildo Soliz, were jumped by five males last week, according to a Collier County sheriff’s incident report. The two were walking together on Carson Road near Eden Avenue in Immokalee. The Sheriff’s Office is calling it a possible hate crime.