From the MC Film Fest Mail Bag…. 5-23-2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 16, 2012

St. Pete Pride kicks off the festivities with a Pride + Fashion event

 at Macy’s Tyrone Square

Celebrities Jai Rodriguez and Alec Mapa to host the event

WHAT:             St. Pete Pride, in partnership with Macy’s, is excited to announce that television host and Broadway singer/performer Jai Rodriguez and award winning actor, comedian, playwright, and journalist Alec Mapa will headline this year’s Pride + Fashion event at the Macy’s in Tyrone Square Mall on Friday, June 29. The annual event officially kicks off St. Pete Pride weekend for visitors and residents alike and showcases the latest trends in fashion.

WHO:             The Emmy award-winning Jai Rodriguez began his career at 18 when he was cast as Angel in the musical RENT. Although most recognized for his role in Bravo’s culturally groundbreaking series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Rodriguez has shared the stage with legends like Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, Brian McKnight and Taylor Dayne. He currently serves as the Co-Creator and Co-Executive Producer for LOGO’s new series Bad Sex, a docu-reality series that helps people face their fears around love, sex and intimacy. Most recently, Rodriguez returned to TV in roles on NBC’s Harrys Law and Are You There Chelsea?; ABC’s Detroit 187, Days Of Our Lives and How I Met Your Mother; FOX’s Bones; FX’s Nip/Tuck; and Teen Nick’s GIGANTIC. Additionally, he starred in an ABC sitcom (pilot) opposite Reba Mcentire, Lily Tomlin and Sara Rue.

Alec Mapa’s career on Broadway, television and movies spans more than twenty years. As Mapa says, “Luckily, he’s Filipino, which means he’ll look thirty when he’s fifty, fifty when he’s seventy and by the time he’s eighty he’ll be too pooped to care. But enough with the Asian Math!” Mapa had the distinction of playing network television’s first gay Asian series regular character on the short-lived CBS sitcom Some of My Best Friends. Alec then spent four seasons on the UPN sitcom Half and Halt. His Wisecrack! Comedy special debuted on LOGO in 2005 and has played in heavy rotation ever since. Currently, he can be seen on Reruns of the hit ABC comedy Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. As an out gay actor of Filipino descent, Mapa has long been a Worker for causes benefiting AIDS and the LGBT and Asian American communities, including The Human Rights Campaign, The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS), Project Angel Food, AIDS Project Los Angeles and Lambda Legal, among others. For his dedication, Mapa was recently honored with the East West Visionary Award, the Rand Schraeder Distinguished Achievement Award from the Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles and the Davidson/Valentini Award from GLADD; and he was nominated for a Maggie Award for his editorial columns in The Advocate magazine. He truly is “America’s Gay Asian Sweetheart!”

This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies and one of America’s 50 Funniest Lesbians, Christine O’Leary, will join Jai and Alec for what’s sure to be a great time on the runway. There may even be a few more surprise guests left in store for the audience!

WHEN:             Friday, June 29, 2012      6pm

WHERE:             Macy’s at Tyrone Square Mall, Men’s Department

6901 Tyrone Square St. Petersburg, FL

MORE:             A $10 suggested donation to the event is requested. In turn, Macy’s will provide customers with a $10 Macy’s gift card. All proceeds benefit St. Pete Pride. Guests will also enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, provided by Georgie’s Alibi, and champagne, provided by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. This fashion extravaganza kicks off the annual Jagermeister Pride Pre-Party, which follows at Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Avenue North in St. Petersburg and starts the party for the 10th Annual Pride in Paradise.

 

St. Pete Pride is expected to draw an estimated 90,000-100,000 people this year and has a plethora of events occurring throughout the month of June leading up to the official St. Pete Pride Street Festival & Promenade.

 

Photos: Attached.

About St. Pete Pride

St. Pete Pride is a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to promote unity, visibility, self-esteem and a positive image of and among the LGBT community of St. Petersburg and throughout the state of Florida by way of cultural and educational programs and activities including an annual St. Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival Event.

For more information call St. Pete Pride at 727-279-LGBT (5428) or visit www.stpetepride.com.

 

St. Pete Pride is sponsored by Macy’s Inc, Creative Loafing, Florida Blue, FunMaps, JetBlue Airways, PepsiCo, PLAY 98.7, Tampa Bay Times, Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater, Watermark Media, AYP 1, Inc, Gayborhood App, GSH Radio, HotSpots Magazine, Jagermeister, One Magical Weekend, Rainbow411.com, Snap!Qpon.com, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, EDELWEISS AIR, Flamingo Resort, Georgies Alibi of St. Petersburg, ProSuzy.com, Trans*Action Florida

Thank you to our additional media partners: tbt, Beadle Media, LGBT Live, MyQmunity.com, What’s Happening Magazine, Dishing with Mark & Carrie, GayStPete.com, ILoveTheBurg.com and Pet Pride Magazine.

Media Contacts:

Chris Rudisill, Executive Director

St. Pete Pride, Inc.

Email: chris@stpetepride.com, (cell) 727-643-9160, (office) 727-279-LGBT

P.O. Box 12647, St. Petersburg, FL 33733

 www.stpetepride.com  |  www.facebook.com/stpetepride  |  www.twitter.com/stpetepride

Georgi Pipkin, Macy’s Media Relations

Georgi.Pipkin@macys.com, (305)577-1973

###

Chris Rudisill
Executive Director

******************************************************
St. Pete Pride Looks for New Executive Director
May 17, 2012
St. Pete Pride Looks for Executive Director
Following Executive Director Chris Rudisill’s resignation release two weeks ago, the Board of
Directors at St. Pete Pride are opening up a search for a new Executive Director to step in for the
2012-2013 Season. Resumes are now being accepted and must be filed with the organization no
later than midnight on June 15, 2012. Rudisill will work out this year’s Pride event and will be
leaving the organization on July 15, 2012.
The Executive Director is responsible for leadership and management of the organization, funds
development, planning and coordination of events, office management and media/public
relations for the organization.
St. Pete Pride is expected to draw an estimated 90,000-100,000 people this year and has a
plethora of events occurring throughout the month of June leading up to the official St. Pete
Pride Street Festival & Promenade.
Applicants interested in the Executive Director position should e-mail a cover letter, resume,
contact information for three references and salary requirements to Stanley Solomons, Board of
Directors President at Stanley@stpetepride.com. The board asks that “Executive Director
Position” be placed in the e-mails subject line.
For more information email Stanley Solomons at Stanley@stpetepride.com or visit www.stpetepride.com.
St. Pete Pride is a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to promote unity, visibility, self-esteem and a positive
image of and among the LGBT community of St. Petersburg and throughout the state of Florida by way of cultural
and educational programs and activities including an annual St. Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival Event.

Media Contact:
Chris Rudisill, Executive Director
St. Pete Pride, Inc.
Email: chris@stpetepride.com, (cell) 727-643-9160, (office) 727-279-LGBT
P.O. Box 12647, St. Petersburg, FL 33733
www.stpetepride.com | www.facebook.com/stpetepride | www.twitter.com/stpetepride
###
***********************************************************
PFLAG Tampa Working with Others
From: pflag.tampa@gmail.com
To: pflag.tampa@gmail.com
Sent: 5/22/2012 2:07:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: PFLAG Tampa – Homeless Youth Forum Invitation

Friends-

If you’ve been reading our newsletters, you know that PFLAG Tampa has been working for months with The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County (HCHC) and other service providers to develop a Homeless Youth Forum event to raise awareness of the plight of homeless youth. On any given day there are hundreds of young people in our community who find themselves without a place to call home and this event promises to provide great insight into how our community can address this crisis. The Forum will include a guest panel of homeless and formerly homeless youth who will tell their stories through a powerful video and answer audience questions about their experiences and how they are addressing the challenges they have faced, including domestic violence, aging out of the foster care system, lockouts and commercial sexual exploitation. Resources for homeless adults in Hillsborough County are scarce. For youth, they’re almost non-existent. PFLAG Tampa is particularly concerned about this vulnerable population — research has shown that up to half of homeless youth are LGBT, having been locked out of their homes.

Mr. Jeremiah Kerr, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working at HCHC (and a PFLAG Tampa officer!), has worked tirelessly to make the Homeless Youth Forum a reality. This event will be hosted by HCHC and co-moderated by Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and Homeless Coalition CEO, Rayme L. Nuckles. (Please see the attached flyer.)

Invitations have been extended to elected officials at the city, county, state and federal levels. Gov. Rick Scott has graciously accepted his invitation and will speak at the Homeless Youth Forum.

PFLAG Tampa would like to extend a special invitation to all of you to attend this extraordinary event. Seating is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible for your FREE tickets. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

We’d like these kids to look out across a packed theater full of interested and supportive allies. If you can possibly attend, please do. Feel free to forward this to anyone you think might be interested.

Where:

Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Jaeb Theater, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Tampa, 33602

Date:

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Time:

Complimentary breakfast — 8:30am to 9:30am
Forum — 9:30am to 11:00am

Cost:

Free, but registration required.

Register:

www.homelessofhc.org (If the link doesn’t work, browse to the HCHC website and register from there.)

Parking:

Inexpensive and plentiful parking available at the Poe Garage, with a covered walkway to the Straz Center. Hourly parking entrances are on W. Cass St. and N. Ashley Dr.(Please see the attached map.)

See you at the Straz!

– John & Nancy Desmond, PFLAG Tampa

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 1963

“We must make it clear that a platform of ‘I hate gay men and women’
is not a way to become president of the United States of America.”
– Jimmy Carter, 1996

Email: pflag.tampa@gmail.com
Web: http://pflagtampa.org
Telephone: (863) 535-5239
Calendar: http://goo.gl/gg3dp
Facebook: http://facebook.com/PFLAGTampa

GaYBOR Featured Member of the Week 5-26-2012

St. Pete Pride
(46)
The 10th Annual St. Pete Pride is a GO!!!  We were founding members back in 2002 at the Grand Central Station when St. Pete Pride emerged! Now St. Pete Pride is the largest Pride event  with over 100,000 participants and is a founding GaYBOR member who works together building a bridge to our communities

GaYBOR DAYS 2012
(Memorial Day Weekend) 
This year GaYBOR Days 2012 has moved to Memorial Day Weekend and boy are there a lot of fun events to showcase the GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City. We welcome visiting GLBT visitors but everyone is welcome and to join in on the fun and activities.
    From Fine Dining, Great Entertainment, Historic Sights, #1 Rated Bars/ Clubs, Comfy Hotels,  and Fun Shopping Experiences. Special rates at Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor ( Special MC FILM Rate), Don Vicente Inn, Sheraton Riverwalk DT ( Special MC FILM RATE)  and Hilton Gardens Inn in Ybor City. Great GaYBOR Shopping at MC FILM & Agora.
 

  GaYBOR Days  May 24 – May 28th
Thursday in GaYBOR;         Social Ybor           10 pm        College Night
                                        Liquid Tampa         10 pm        Hispanic Dance Night
                                        Bradley’s on 7th     Midnight    Amateur Strip Contest

 

Friday  May 25                   Hamburger Mary’s   8,10 Drag Shows
                                       Liquid Tampa         10 pm       Dance & Show

                                       Honey Pot             10 pm       Special Guest Invited VJ /DJ
                                       Bradley’s on 7th     11:30,1am   Drag Show Revue
                                       G. Bar                   10 pm       Women’s Night

 

Saturday                        All Venues Open

 

Sunday                            Hamburger Mary’s    11 am      Sunday Gospel Brunch & Show

                                      Gaspar’s Groto        11 am       Famous Pirate Brunch Concert
                                      Barbarella’s             5 pm       GaYBOR T-Dance
                                      Liquid Ultra              6 pm      Judy B Goode Show
                                      Liquid Tampa           6 pm      T- Dance Sunday with Show
                                      RISE at Tabu           9 pm       Into the Night Dance Club
                                      Honey Pot               9 pm      Annual White
                                      Collage                    6pm      Country T-Dance

Monday                        Muvico               6:30 pm 

GaYBOR Proclamations from Local Gov. Officials

                                      * Tampa City Councilman Frank Reddick
                                      * Hills County Comm Kevin Beckner
                                      *  Fl. State Rep Janet Cruz
     Singing Performance by Tampa’s Una Voce Rays
 TIGLFF/ GaYBOR Special  Feature Movie    “FRANCES – A Mother Divine…”
                Directed by Michael O’Quinn and Timothy Dunn and will be in attendance   $6.00

A synopsis of FRANCES – A Mother Divine…
“FRANCES-A Mother Divine” is a touching and humorous docu-dramedy about Frances Milstead, the mother of the late actor/drag queen, DIVINE. This film champions human rights by capturing a glimpse of the life of Frances and her courageous humanitarian spirit. It is an unconditional love story to her deceased son as this ordinary woman journeys into an extraordinary world and becomes a mother to an entire community. Frances took the unimaginable experience; losing her only child; and turns it into the most wonderful gift a mother could give. By embracing the gay community, and following the iconic path of her son, she has inherited the most befitting name “The Mother Divine”. During filming, Frances learned that she has lung cancer. While battling this terrible disease, Frances never gave up on her purpose and continued to spread her message of Love and Acceptance of all people wherever she goes. She believed that she has survived as long as she has because in her own words “My work on Earth isn’t done yet.”
Directed by Michael O’Quinn and Timothy Dunn
You can also go to

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 5-16-2012

NEW, NEW, NEW,
 This WEEK!!!
The NEW MC Film WEB SITE!!
You asked for More Photos and More Dirt!!
 Now MORE PHOTOS sorted by locations & events.
&
A New Naughty Weekly Column…
“You Just Can’t Make This Sh*t Up…
The names have been changed to protect the innocent!!!  LOL”
Dishing with Mark & Carrie
5-16-2012
 
Three Cheers for President Obama
 
Bay News 9 @ MC Film
NEW, NEW, NEW
You Just Can’t Make This Sh*t Up!!!
The names have been changed to protect the innocent!!! 
“Tea Cup & The Police”
    For many years there have been some burning ears and edgy stories that we thought were not appropriate and  have not reported on them. After reading Infamous Todd’s last tell all book we have decided to tell a couple of these FICTIONAL (well, maybe) accounts.
    All stories told are FICTION, are not true and do not represent anybody. “Wink Wink” Let’s start with a fictional story about us. Everybody knows Tea Cup. Whenever anyone asks “What’s in the Tea Cup?” Tea Cups says “Ice Water Officer,” then laughs & says “someday an officer will ask that & I’ll be ready.” On a recent late after clubbing Friday night Mark & Carrie were walking to their car in the G.BAR parking lot. A Tampa Police officer on a big horse trotted  up to Tea Cup and said, “Excuse me guys can I ask you a question?” Tea Cup immediately said, “Ice Water  Officer!” The officer looked perplexed and said, “No I want to ask you guys a question.” Once again alerted bulging eyes Tea Cup said “Ice Water Officer!” The officer turned to Carrie and said, “Tell Mark to be quiet I really want to ask you a question.” Carrie said, ‘Mark, shut up! What’s the question.” The officer sitting on his big police horse said, ” My partner & me are getting married. Do you have double groom wedding cake toppers in your store?”  The answer was YES. Then we all had a good laugh….  You just can’t make this sh*t up!!!!
 
Tampa’s Historic Union Train Station Marks 100 Years
    It was a gorgeous day out for an outing. Today was the 100th Birthday of Tampa’s Union Station and National Train Day was celebrated at the historic station. Closed for many years the train station in now an active Amtrak Train stop and beautiful preserved building now owned by the City of Tampa. Sponsored by the Tampa’s Union Train Station Historic Board and Tampa’s Historic Preservation Boards including ARC and Ybor City’s Barrio Latino Commission that I am a commissioner appointed to. Thousands of people young and old, came to the station to get a glimpse of the old social network Morse Code Telegraph Society in action, old preserved artifacts about the famous Silver Meteor train stop,  miniature model  train covering over 3 different buildings and a special exhibit, a new Amtrak train with an open onboard tour of the 6 new train cars. New Hybrid Diesel engines, new Coach car, Group Dining & Snak car, Bedroom Sleepers, individual sleeping units, the large Superliner Dining cars and of course the have to go to Bar car! .Entertainment played all afternoon for the visitors and 8 food trucks had food available on the sidelines. Tampa Police K-9 units did demonstrations on searches through train luggage areas.
     Not a new mode of transportation but a steady reliable train system that Americans and visitors alike travel upon. Amtrak routes go from Maine to Washington state and North Dakota to Texas. Tampa is lucky to have a restored prominent Tampa Union Train Station and a dedicated group to keep it up to date and shining part of Tampa’s transportation systems.
More Photos below
Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione
Speaker @ The GaYBOR District Coalition Meeting
GAYBOR DAYS 2012 (Memorial Day Weekend)
This year GaYBOR Days 2012 has moved to Memorial Day Weekend and boy are there a lot of fun events to showcase the GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City. We welcome visiting GLBT visitors but everyone is welcome and to join in on the fun and activities.
    From Fine Dining, Great Entertainment, Historic Sights, #1 Rated Bars/ Clubs, Comfy Hotels,  and Fun Shopping Experiences. Special rates at Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor ( Special MC FILM Rate), Don Vicente Inn, Sheraton Riverwalk DT ( Special MC FILM RATE)  and Hilton Gardens Inn in Ybor City. Great GaYBOR Shopping at MC FILM & Agora.
                                  GaYBOR Days  May 24 – May 28th
    Thursday in GaYBOR;    Social Ybor           10 pm        College Night
                                        Liquid Tampa         10 pm       Hispanic Dance Night
                                        Bradley’s on 7th     Midnight    Amateur Strip Contest & Over the Top
    Friday  May 25              Hamburger Mary’s   8,10        Dreams of Illusion Touring Drag Show
                                        Liquid Tampa         10 pm       Dance & Show
                                        Honey Pot             10 pm       Special Guest Invited VJ /DJ
                                        Bradley’s on 7th      11:30,1am   Drag Show Revue
                                        G. Bar                    10 pm      Women’s Night
    Saturday                        All Venues Open
    Sunday                        Hamburger Mary’s    11 am      Sunday Gospel Brunch & Show
                                       Gaspar’s Groto         11 am       Famous Pirate Brunch & Concert
                                       Barbarella’s                5 pm      GaYBOR T-Dance
                                       Liquid Ultra                 6 pm     Judy B Goode Show
                                       Liquid Tampa              6 pm     T- Dance Sunday with Show
                                       RISE at Tabu              9 pm      Into the Night Dance Club
                                       Honey Pot                  9 pm      Annual White Party Event
                                       Collage                       6pm      Country T-Dance
    Monday                        Muvico               6:30 pm   GaYBOR Proclamations from Local Gov. Officials
                                                                                       * Tampa City Councilman Frank Reddick
                                                                                       * Hills County Comm Kevin Beckner
                                                                                       *  Fl. State Rep Janet Cruz
                                                                        Singing Performance by Tampa’s Una Voce Rays
      TIGLFF/ GaYBOR Special  Feature Movie    “FRANCES – A Mother Divine…”
                Directed by Michael O’Quinn and Timothy Dunn and will be in attendance   $6.00
                     https://www.facebook.com/FrancesAMotherDivine
 
People Are Talking
    Recently some well meaning GaYBOR/Ybor City business leaders have expressed strong concerns over men in swimwear.  The statement was made that “it doesn’t fit in with the Historic Family/Children Friendly Values of Ybor City”. REALLY… NO REALLY?!?!?!?! This statement is wrong & laughable on so many levels. First, Ybor City is not children friendly and has not been for a long time. During the cigar haven days the children were forced to work in the cigar factories at age 7 and younger. During prohibition,  they were workers in the legendary tunnels. In the 80’s & 90’s they roamed Ybor streets in vicious gangs.  Today, Ybor is more family friendly then the past decades. But children out on the street of Ybor after 9pm REALLY??? Shame on those so called parents.  Next there is definitely a double standard here. Why is it OK for women in string bikinies or worse thongs to stand outside in front of clubs on the sidewalks?  Many times these ladies walk up and down the streets doing promotions. We personaly have no problem with this. It adds to the color, the atmosphere & excitement of Ybor. Now for you to say it’s wrong for men to do it is just plain wrong. It is laughable for these businesses to be upset over this when at the same time they making big money from the Gay & Lesbian dollars that are renewing Ybors magic. GaYBOR District is Nationally Recognized as a ‘Top 15 USA GLBT Destinations by LOGO TV! ‘
    To the businesses who are not members of GaYBOR who say “You know I’m not homophobic.” and/or  “We would like to join but you understand why we can’t.”  We totally understand. The biggest anti gay homophobic people are actually Gay themselves living in the closet.  We are sure you understand why we choose not to spend our gay money in your businesses.   Have a Nice Day!  Viva La GaYBOR with over 70+ active members in Ybor City.  11 LGBT Clubs & LGBT nights in the new reborn Ybor City.  200+ GaYBOR members throughout Tampa Bay and South East USA applaud the new GLBT efforts in this National Historic Landmark District.
GaYBOR Member of the Week 5-16-2012
(45)
The Crowbar – Bonnie & Tom
One of our favorite clubs in all of GaYBOR/Ybor City!!! Founding members of GaYBOR!! Bonnie & tom have always been the very first to raise their hands at the meeting  to volunteers. If your looking for the feel of a REAL Neighborhood Community bar check out the Crowbar!!
Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/Niece of the Week  5-16-2012
(110)
Ray Hendershot
Looking HOT Ray has moved to Ybor City to live with his partner. When you see ray driving his big brown pick up it just makes you smile!!! Visit Ray at Bradley’s on 7th where he is a very popular bartender.
Andrew Shopping @ MC Film
Great Photo from GaYBOR/Ybor City
Great Meeting Space @ the Don Vicente
Big Events Coming Soon!!!
 
Mark & Carrie with Rex’s Mom Aileen Maniscalo
Mothers Day @ Hamburger Mary’s
Chuck & Al with Family
Mothers Day @ Hamburger Mary’s
The HOTTIE Table @ Hamburger Mary’s
Music @ JJ’s Cafe
Mohammad @ Bradley’s on 7th
Mother & Daughter @ Bradley’s on 7th
International Pop Singing Diva Tiffany
@ Steam Fridays
 
Josh & Mercedes @ Steam Fridays
CowBois? @ G.BAR
Happy Birthday DJ Power Infiniti @ Liquid TAMPA

 Men @ The Original Liquid Ultra Lounge
Happy Birthday Piano Man Paul @  Liquid Ultra Lounge
Chou Chou @ RISE Sundays
Two Thumbs Up @ The Social
 
Tropical Heat Wave in Ybor City
Wrestling @ Barbarella’s Sunday T-Dance
$2 Martinis @ Bernini
The GaYBOR Pizza Diet!!!

GaYBOR Meeting 5-11-2012

Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione
Speaker @ The GaYBOR District Coalition Meeting