Breaking the waves of the old Major League Baseball predecessors, our Tampa Bay Rays whole heartedly make historic welcoming gestures and remarks at a Pride Party thrown at Tropicana Field by Tampa Bay Ray’s President, Brian Auld. In attendance were a dozen community GLBT organizations leaders.

    “The older MLB regime thinking is out and the new younger members of professional baseball don’t tolerate discrimination.” said the clubs president standing next to Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner. Behind the batters box, the huge Presidents Box seats were an incredible view of the manicured ball field and had an enticing sampling of the stadiums food vendors entrees.

    Energized by the number of participants Rays Account Executive greeted the invited non profits and St. Pete City Council members Steven Kornell & Darden Rice, retiring Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and political analysts Ana Cruz and Nick Jankowsky.

     “The team had done a little in the past but we want to be more engaged in the Tampa Bay community and that includes LGBT diversity.”  the new 8 month reigning president to the Tampa’s major league baseball franchise put forth to the group.

    In showing support, coming up on Friday, June 12th is Pride Day at the Trop. The recognized organizations encompass TAMPA PRIDE (see ticket info), St. Pete Pride, Manatee Pride, Equality Florida, Community Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters and all the GLBT elected officials in the Tampa Bay area.

    Plan on the big Ray’s Pride Baseball event now.

    The times are changing in Historic GaYBOR/ Ybor City. This Saturday night will be the last night of the 8 year club run of G. Bar in GaYBOR/Ybor City. The bar will change hands to the new Orlando ownership of Southern Nights. The club change will add a little more color and dimension to the now 5 Gay bars in the historic and now identified GLBT GaYBOR District.

    B. Bar Club owners Stephen Moss and Steve Donahue still will be operating 2 other club/bars in the community, Honey Pot on 7th Ave. and The Social Club on 15th Street.

    We were told the New ownership will close down for a few weeks for remodeling and renovations, re-hiring a new staff and tentative opening the end of June.

The closing and Last Look Party for Don Vicente Historic Inn , Thursday, May 25th.

What a beautiful stay the historic inn has offered thousands. The whole Shiver Family have volunteered, entertained and hosted countless number of great events.

    Yes, Ybor City is changing with major changes this past couple of weeks alone.  The closing of MC FILM, closing of G.Bar, closing of 10 of the 20 theaters at the old Muvico Theaters in Centro Ybor and the infamous Don Vicente Historic Inn have a long lasting footprint in the tasteful inspired legends of Historic Ybor City.

    Venturing out for a quick beverage trek through St. Pete we stopped at entertaining and friendly Enigma Lounge on the newly formed St. Pete’s Edge District on Central Ave after the Rays Baseball game. Who do we run into first was Brian Chant from former Queen & I Thai with a group of friends. Bartender Sarah was behind the first bar and with hugs and kisses we ventured to the stage area to see the “Tallest Living Drag Queen ” comedian performer, Daphne Ferraro. She is very entertaining and brings in the crowds making everyone laugh and feels at home. Comedic dragstress, Ms Kathryn Nevets was also on the nights performing line-up with her wit, glamour and humor.

    Everything on Central Ave. is getting geared for the upcoming St. Pete Pride community events throughout June

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Murdered Matthew Shephard Triggers Laramie Reform

    The Laramie City Council on Wednesday approved a local anti-discrimination ordinance in the college town where gay student, Matthew Shepard’s death triggered nationwide sympathy and brought a re-examination of attitudes toward gays 17 years ago.

    The council voted 7-2 in favor of the measure that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment and access to public facilities such as restaurants.

Thursday Nights at Hamburger Mary’s in GaYBOR are changing. It is now a new special show night for new comers in our community.

 

On the corner of 15th street & 5th ave in Ybor City there are 3 new homes going up. The size of these homes is under 300 square feet each. Hum…..

Metro Wellness and Community Centers now have a fun Youth Group page on Facebook. Called “Next Generation” this is a social group for ages 13-18, to meet and be who they are.