Bachmann Favors Reinstating Military Gay Ban

After winning the Republican presidential straw poll in Ames, Iowa, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., said this weekend she likely would reinstate the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy if she is elected president. Bachmann tried to avoid other questions about her anti-gay positions in an interview with David Gregory on “Meet the Press,” saying she wasn’t interested in judging others. However, Gregory played clips of her calling homosexuality “part of Satan,” and claiming gays and lesbians lead sad lives.

 
 
Santorum Vows to Continue Fight Against LGBT Rights
Rick Santorum said this weekend he would not retreat from fights over social issues such as abortion and LGBT equality, explaining that the GOP needs to stand for something beyond lower taxes. The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania is seeking the Republican nomination for president.

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

“Marion & Martin” at the Fox & Hounds

Dear Friends,
    Merry and I had an awesome time at the Fox & Hounds on Saturday!
It was wonderful to re-connect with some old friends and make a few
new ones! I want to express my gratitude to our hosts – Bill & Tracey
– and to Jessica who kept our glasses full and served our food hot! A
reporter from the Tampa Tribune also showed up to take some pictures
during my sound check which blended into my first set. When the story
appears, I will send it on to you! I am looking forward to our next
appearance at the Fox, so mark your calendars for Friday, August 26!
    I have my marching orders from some of the patrons who want me to
add a few tunes to my repertoire. I am already working on “Wreck of
the Edmund Fitzgerald”, along with a couple of other Gordon Lightfoot
songs. “Locomotive Breath” triggered a request for “Skating on the
Thin Ice of a New Day”. This will be a bit challenging, but I am up
for that challenge! I need to find one more Tull song to make it a
“threebie”!
    Another exciting tidbit is that Robert Hunt, my partner in “Grass
Roots Project”, will be joining me on the 26th for a set or two. If
you haven’t heard us do “Lela”, our Jim Croce threebie, or our
rendition of Cat Stevens’ “Father & Son”, this will be your chance to
experience our unique blend! A couple of other musician friends also
said they might stop in, so there might be a few other surprises, as
well!Nark your calendars for August 26 and invite your friends out for
a special night in the intimate setting of the Fox & Hounds, the
oldest pub in Brandon! Merry & I hope to see you there!
    Let me also take this opportunity to remind you that I do a
costumed holiday program and am beginning to book appearances for
that. If you or someone you know is looking for a unique musical
experience for a holiday party, please keep me in mind. I have
attached a publicity photo and a sample of my holiday music to this
message. My contact information is below my signature. Thanks for all
your support and I hope to see you soon!

Peace!
Marion Gwizdala
“Marion & Martin”
813-626-2789
SwampFox1833@Verizon.net

 
 
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Out & Equal Brings Diversity Training to Tampa Bay

July 31, 2011

Tampa, FL – Registration is open for Out & Equal Tampa Bay’s diversity training for senior management, human resources professionals, employee resource groups and individual employees to promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) workplace equality on September 13 and 14, 2011 sponsored by Raymond James & Associates, 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida.

The programs will be offered with two different levels of participation: “Train the Trainer” is on Tuesday, September 13th from 8 am to 4 pm, and “Building Bridges toward LGBT Diversity in the Workplace” is on September 14th from 8 a.m. to 12:30 pm. Register at http://rsvp.outandequaltampabay.org.

Out & Equal uses the LGBT Diversity Leadership training program to break down barriers and foster communication and alliances between LGBT and their co-workers by opening up communication and developing a healthier workplace. Employees, diversity and affinity group leaders and human resources professionals can be certified to present the 60-90 minute LGBT Diversity Leadership discussions in the workplace through the Train the Trainer course. Both sessions are designed and tailored for a wide variety of audiences including corporations, mid/small businesses, educational institutions, faith communities, governmental agencies, community groups and nonprofit organizations.

“Train the Trainer” is an all day workshop that includes the LGBT Diversity Leadership course, concepts, terminology, and the business case regarding LGBT employees. Information about Out & Equal’s mission, training, and how to tell your own story to support the learning objectives will also be covered.

By the end of “Train the Trainer,” participants will be certified for a period of two years from course completion to teach the LGBT Diversity Leadership Class in their workplace. Graduates will receive course materials, which include an editable slide deck and an invitation to join the online Trainer’s Network for continued support after the course. Many trainers volunteer and are selected to assist Out & Equal training staff to present other Out & Equal courses at other locations.

“Train the Trainer” starts at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13 and ends at 4:30 p.m. with continental breakfast and lunch included. The cost is $125 for corporate attendees and $95 for non-profit, government, or academic attendees. This course certifies the registrants to teach the “Building Bridges toward LGBT Diversity in the Workplace.” Register at http:// rsvp.outandequaltampabay.org.

“Building Bridges toward LGBT Diversity in the Workplace” training is a three-four-hour workshop conducted by two certified Out & Equal trainers to target senior executives, managers, human resources, diversity professionals, customer service representatives, and the general employee population. Unique perspectives of the corporate/business, social services, faith communities, governmental and educational settings are included in the various courses.

The course is designed to help employers get the most from all employees, LGBT and non-LGBT. This training fosters increased awareness to develop a healthier and safer workplace where all employees are engaged in the mission of the organization, increasing the level of comfort for all and improving communication between LGBT and straight employees and the customers they serve.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

·        State the significance of LGBT identity in the context of broader diversity issues

·        Evaluate myths and stereotypes about people who identify LGBT

·        Discuss the impact of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism on workplace and customer relationships

·        Be familiar with the steps to becoming an ally to the LGBT community and workplace equality

“Building Bridges toward LGBT Diversity” starts at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14 and ends at 12:30 p.m. with continental breakfast included. The cost is $90 for corporate attendees and $70 for non-profit, government, or academic attendees. Register at http:// rsvp.outandequaltampabay.org.

Media Contact: Anthony Chuchman, 813-925-6110 ext 202; Anthony.chuchman@outandequaltampabay.org  

Highlights of the weeks Dishing with Mark & Carrie

To read the whole story, more Photos & visit links…
 please scroll down. 
M&C Donation to USF LGBT Special Collections
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M&C receive Leather Award
Laughing Cat Restaurant Moved into New Home in Ybor
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Bernini’s of Ybor … a Go Go
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NEW SWIMWEAR LINE at MC FILM
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Welcome to Ybor
Paul’s Tattoos w/ Blake Rogers
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Stone Soup Company
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T Blues @ JJ’s
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Smiles @ Fresh Mouth
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Rainbow Lights @ The Ybor Resort & Spa
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Caught at ‘First Chance Last Chance Bar’
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G.BAR
*****

The Social Club
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Caught @ That 70’s Bar
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Tripp Celebrating his Birthday @ Liquid Lounge
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HYNCA Party @ The Bricks
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New Gay Sports Bar, Leather Bar, Jacuzzi Bar coming to GaYBOR?
*****
Hamburger Mary’s
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Mamma & Rich Celebrating Birthday  @ Bradley’s on 7th
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La Gaceta Newspaper
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Mark & Carrie nephew of the Week
Cesar Morales
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GaYBOR Members of the Week
Michele & Tom Keating
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What are the Greatest 15 Gay Movies?
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U.S. Tribe Legalizes Marriage For Same-Sex Couples
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Liverpool Officials Should Market City’s Gay Quarter

 

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Romney, Bachmann and Santorum Sign New Marriage Pledge
*****
From the MC Film Mail Bag….

 

Selmon Greenway moves up transportation priority list thanks Ybor Residents
Mad Theatre: Hairspray at HCC
“THE LIZARD OF OZ” Comes To Gulfport
Ybor City Saturday Market

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 8-9-11

20110804_68
M&C Donation to USF LGBT Special Collections 
 
    >USF Starting New GLBT Special Collections at Library
    The University of South Florida Library in Tampa is starting a new GLBT Special Collections area. A meeting with Merrell Dickey, USF Director of Library Development and Mark Greenberg, USF Director & Associate Librarian of Special Collections Dept. wanted to grow the beginnings of the Tampa Bay and Florida GLBT Special Collections Area. We have contributed the massive collection of gay Tampa pictorial history photo books and gay historical materials from Tampa Pride, Art For Life, Hillsborough Human Rights Force, Equality Florida, Orlando Gay Days, Tampa Intl Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, MCC Tampa, Tampa Bay’s Gay Men’s Chorus and so many other  businesses, groups and organizational meetings. This was all from a collection from decades of our dear local GLBT historian and photographer friend, Rex Maniscalco.  Covering over 3 decades of local and statewide gay events, in 13 very large packed boxes, Mark & Carrie donated and delivered. 
    Also contributed to the special collection is the entire local GLBT monthly magazine collection from The Gazette running from 1988 – 2007, Womyn’s Words monthly 20 year run magazine and a historical collection of 1940 thru 1980’s gay photos from local Tampa gay pioneers, Bobbie Smith and partner, Kay Thompson.
    More items are being collected and added to make USF one of the premier and most comprehensive GLBT library Special Collections in the country. FMI contact USF Library Special Collections/ GLBT area.
rex
Last photo of Rex
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20110807_09
 
Mark & Carrie  
San Francisco Mama Adds Extended Tampa Family Members
    We were please to be added to San Francisco’s Mama Family. A recognition to people across the country who generously help, give and participate in GLBT events.
 
In Leather
We Are Family
No one can do everything. Still everyone can do something.
Together, we can do anything
 

 
 

On behalf of Mama’s Muppet, I would like to Welcome the following People into her Extended Family:

Bobby Mckenzie as Mama’s Tampa Craftsman

Carlos Diaz as Mama’s Ybor Eagle

Mark Bias as Mama’s MCFilm Mark

Carrie West as Mama’s MCFilm Carrie

Triskalen as Mama’s Triskalen

Carol Stern as Mama’s Ybor Mama

For those that don’t know what Mama’s Family is, it is a Family of over 1000 people local, National, and International that are recognized for the way they “Do it from the heart, with manners and respect as Mama would put it”.

It is my honor to bring these fine people into the folds of the Family and I am proud to call them brothers and sisters.

 Welcome
Matt Wolf
Mr Gulf Coast Florida Leather 09
Mama’s Muppet

 

Laughing Cat Restaurant Moved into New Home in Ybor

The world famous “Laughing Cat Restaurant” has moved across the street into the former Streetcar Charlie’s location. Chef Franco & Chef Jerry are trained in extensive French cooking. At the Laughing Cat they combine the best of progressive Italian with a touch of French flair cookery.  For years the locals have all known the secret…… This is the very best lunch buffet in Tampa!!! There is a full hot & cold buffet display with countless items changing daily. Last week we had Italian grouper in lobster sauce, chicken parmigiana, fresh homemade mozzarella balls, homemade meatballs, vodka pasta, antipasto to die for & fresh baked bread. With many other choices all for just $9.95.  At night the restaurant is a packed house, so we suggest reservations.  http://thelaughingcat.com/

Bernini's of Ybor … a Go Go

Bernini owner Jason is at it again!!!!  He has transformed a school bus into a moving party experience!!! The inside is decked out with European leather, granite counter tops, LED mood lighting, cool air, a HOT sound system and a contained bathroom.  In the back is a grill for BBQ and on the side are roll out awnings. Avaliable for rental to ballgames, special events or whatever… We’re sure there are going to be many unprintable stories about this special Bernini’s A Go-Go Party Bus!!!   Way to go Jason!!!

Caught at 'First Chance Last Chance Bar'

    Welcome to historic and partyville Ybor City!!! The First Chance Last Chance Bar is located on 16th street just south of 7th Ave. This newly opened hurray establishment is setting its own theme.  On our visit we met Danie who was making everybody feel right at home. You just have to love their name. When you park in the garage and exit onto 16th street, the very first bar you will see is “First Chance.”  On your way back to the garage it’s “Last Chance”.  What a clever name for a fun adult beverage stop.  Best of luck to “First Chance Last Chance Bar”.  Follow them on face book at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/FirstChanceLastChance
 

G.BAR

Everything they do at G.BAR is always a huge hit!!!  This was so very true for their first Facebook / Grindr party!!! You all know how much we like to club hop. We just didn’t want to leave this party!!! Friends on Facebook/Grindr were given the VIP treatment early on the dance side of the club. We can’t wait to see how wild this is going to be this Saturday.