In 1980 we both moved to Tampa from Minneapolis to attend USF. We found a big nice apartment complex on Fletch Ave close to USF. We asked the manager if they had any 1 or 2 bedroom apartments available. With a shocked look on his face he said “We DO NOT RENT to HOMOSEXUALS!!!”  We looked at each other and replied…”Who said we were gay?”  He replied “Only HOMOSEXUALS would ask for a 1 bedroom!  Now leave!!!” The next apartment was next door to the VA Hospital. We asked for a 2 bedroom. She said that yes they did have a 2 bedroom. But… Why should she rent to us without jobs? We had just left Minneapolis where our rent was $400 per month. The rent here was $125.  Mark said “How about we pay the first 9 months in advance.” She smiles and said “Can you move in today?” Carrie got a job at the VA Hospital right next doors and Mark worked 2 blocks away at the University Restaurant.  So things turned out the best for us after such a cold welcome to Tampa.

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HOMOPHOBIA

In the late 1990’s there was a fun LGBT group that started a club called “The Krewe of the Umbrella”. They decorated rainbow umbrellas and would make appearances across Tampa Bay. They were even at the Suncoast Resort on the 1^st Day.  One Sunday there was a Gay Play by Max Turner at the Silver Meteor Gallery in Ybor City.  The group showed up to show support to Max & Bill and the theater.  After the play we walked down the side walk of Ybor City to a brewery. There had been a pre-arranged party scheduled there on the 2^nd floor. The group had a great time and I remember the bill being over $700.00. We had so much fun that we paid and joined the bars beer mug club. Were given 2 beer mugs to take home and decorate. Then bring the mugs back, to have them on the shelves waiting for us next time. We took 2 rainbow stickers and cut the letter “M” & “C” for the mugs. Then took the mugs back to be placed on the shelf.  Several weeks later our family were in town. We told them all about the brewery and how fun it was and took them there. When we asked for our private beer mugs the server said “Oh those mugs… You know we cannot allow that Gay stuff on our shelves here!” Our family was outraged and we were embarrassed, so we all went elsewhere.