Keith Roberts, a Tampa resident and co-founder of the Tampa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, received the group’s “Individual Voice of Equality” award for his efforts to pass human rights ordinances in Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. The not-for-profit also presented its inaugural “Equality Means Business Award” to the GaYbor District Coalition.

“We want to move into the 21st century,” Capin told reporters following last week’s council meeting. “This is the way people live today.” The councilwoman says that a domestic partner registry is in step with the values and needs of a modern society. “It’s not illegal to cohabitate,” Capin pointed out. “So we need to accommodate those people. And there are some people that can’t get married.”

Capin’s proposal is based upon the ordinance that took effect in January in Orlando. A similar plan is expected to be implemented across Orange County with the backing of Mayor Teresa Jacobs, who lent her support to such a measure last week after several months of public soul-searching on the issue.

Orlando’s domestic partner registry permits domestic partners to visit each other in the hospital, make health care decisions for one another, make funeral and burial arrangements for one another, be considered each other’s next of kin for the official purposes of police and other first responders, designate one another as caretaker in the event of incapacitation, and participate in school activities as parents of their shared children. “Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as recognizing or treating a domestic partnership as a marriage,” the ordinance reads.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said he is in favor of creating a domestic partnership registry. “Giving folks who are unmarried but in a relationship the right to be there at a critical time for their partner is humane and absolutely defensible,” Buckhorn stated. Since 2005, Tampa has extended insurance benefits to the domestic partners of city employees. A similar measure was rejected by the rest of Hillsborough County in 2009. Capin’s proposal would call for people who register as domestic partners to receive a card which instructs first responders whom to call in case of an emergency. Domestic partnerships would be tracked by a database maintained by the city. Census data indicates that Tampa has over 9,000 unmarried-partner households. Less than 10 percent are same-sex couples.

Memorial Service for  Frank Holden

Wilton Manors, FL – The memorial service for Frank Holden, who unexpectedly passed away on November 4,  will be held at Bill’s Filling Station, in the Mustang Lounge, on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and remember a loved bartender in our community.

Congressman to Speak at Transgender Day of Remembrance

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – US Congressman Alcee Hastings will  speak at this year’s local Transgender Remembrance Day candlelight vigil on Saturday, November 19 at 6 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Each November, the worldwide transgender community turns its attention to its family, friends and loved ones lost to violence and prejudice. A tradition inspired by a vigil for slain transsexual Rita Hester in 1998, this day has become the worldwide rallying point for a community long under siege.

Hastings will speak on the injustice and struggle suffered by transgender individuals and what action Congress must take to protect the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. A reception will follow the vigil. This is a free event and all are welcome to participate.

1426 Fashion Week

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – 1426 Fashion Week is a three-day event which will take place November 11 through 13 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel. The weekend event includes a welcome reception, a model workshop, a designer networking event and a series of fashion shows. This year’s charity beneficiaries are The Poverello Center and The Continuous Love organization.

The 1426 Fashion Week will feature designers, models, and high profile fashion industry representatives showcasing their talents. The weekend starts at the host hotel with a poolside Welcome Reception featuring a fashion show from LaMaica Designs and The Fashion Honors Group from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale on November 11. On November 12 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, there will be a Models Workshop featuring guest speakers from New York, Atlanta, and DC There will also be an invite-only Designer Trunk Show to highlight all the designers and to network. The one-of-a kind super finale fashion show on November 13 will feature standard and plus models followed by an after party. This show will feature designs from Jill Alexander Designs, The Angel Alternative, Robert E. Knight Designs, Pheline, Jaspher Royalty D’Marco, Big Girlz, Inc., and Curvysta Plus.
For tickets or more information, email admin@LS1426inc.com.

AVER to Participate in Wilton Manors Veterans Day Ceremonies

WILTON MANORS, FL – On Friday, November 11, the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), their significant others and friends will be participants at the City of Wilton Manors Annual Veteran’s Day celebration at Hagen Park located behind City Hall. The moving service has been held by the City for the last several years and AVER has been a welcomed participant. The ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Hagan Park for all interested individuals. The public is encouraged to participate and respectfully honor those who have or are currently serving their country.

Political Leaders Show Support for LGBT Equality

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – More than 40 congressional, state and local elected leaders have joined the Honorary Host Committee for the Equality Florida Institute’s Broward Gala, an annual gathering that brings 400 community leaders together to honor people who have made a difference. Equality Florida Institute is the largest charity dedicated to ending discrimination and securing full equality for Florida’s LGBT community.

“I’ve known and worked with Equality Florida for years and am proud to stand with them in support of full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community,” said US Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

This year’s Honorary Host Committee includes: US Senator Bill Nelson. US Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Alcee Hastings, Ted Deutch  and Frederica Wilson; former Representatives Ron Klein, Kathy Castor, Corrine Brown and Kendrick Meek; Florida State Senators Nan Rich, Jeremy Ring, Chris Smith, Eleanor Sobel, Larcenia Bullard and Maria Sachs; and former Florida Senator Gwen Margolis.

Representing the Florida House of Representatives: Ari Porth, Gwyn Clarke-Reed, Evan Jenne, Marty Kiar, Hazelle Rogers, Perry Thurston, Joe Gibbons, Franklin Sands, Daphne Campbell, Darryl Rouson, Elaine Schwartz, Ron Saunders, Jim Waldman, Irving Slosberg and Dwight Bullard. Representing Broward County: Property Appraiser Lori Parrish, Sheriff Al Lamberti, State Attorney Mike Satz and Clerk of Courts Howard Foreman. From the Broward County Commission: Sue Gunzburger, John Rodstrom, Lois Wexler, Stacy Ritter, Dale Holness, Chip LaMarca, Kristin Jacobs, Barbara Sharief and Ilene Lieberman. Representing the Broward County School Board: Robin Bartleman, Nora Rupert, Laurie Rich Levinson, Ann Murray, Katie Leach, Donna Korn, Maureen Dinnen, Ben Williams, Patty Good and Superintendent Robert Runcie.

Honorary local hosts include The Honorable Jack Sieler, Bruce Roberts, Charlotte Rodstrom, Bobby Debois, Romney Rogers, The Honorable Gary Resnick, Tom Green, Julie Carson, Scott Newton, Ted Galatis, The Honorable Suzanne Boisvenue, Anne Sallee, John Adornato, Shari L. McCartney, Le Peerman, Bryan Caletka, Paula Thaqi, M.D. and Kevin Beckner.

The 2011 Equality Florida Broward Gala takes place November 13 at the Museum of Art of Fort Lauderdale, 1 E Las Olas Blvd. and will honor two local Broward County heroes.

Teri Williams and Michael Rajner will each receive the “Voice for Equality” award for their tireless work on behalf of Florida’s LGBT community.

Tickets for this cocktail reception are $125. For more information, visit http://eqfl.org/browardgala or call Stratton Pollitzer at (954) 682-6094.

Calling All Marilyns

MIAMI, FL – They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and after nearly 50 years of fame and beauty, Marilyn Monroe is being honored by The Grove Retrospective Gallery, in conjunction with Dress for Success Miami, with a Marilyn Monroe Look-alike Contest on Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m. in Coconut Grove.

To celebrate the opening of the Marilyn Monroe exhibit at the Retrospective Gallery, one of the largest pop and surreal art galleries in Miami-Dade County, South Floridians are invited to put on their best blond wig, diamonds and Chanel No. 5 and take part in the Marilyn Monroe Look-Alike Contest. The contest is free and open to men and women over the age of 21, who pre-register. To register to be a part of the Marilyn Monroe Look-alike contest please email acposter@acposter.com.

All proceeds from donations and raffles will benefit Dress for Success Miami, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for underprivileged women who need professional clothing and assistance in finding employment.

Tickets for the exhibit opening event are $10 and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/event/2427167724?nomo=1 or at the door.

The “Tribute to Marilyn Monroe” exhibit will be open until December 23.

Vets Eat Free on Friday

WILTON MANORS, FL – In honor of Veterans Day, Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café on Wilton Drive will be offering a free breakfast to military veterans on Friday, November 11. Breakfast will be served all day and includes two eggs, potatoes, toast plus coffee or tea. Thank you for your service!

White Party Tickets and Passes Go On Sale

MIAMI, FL – Tickets and passes for the year’s White Party have gone on sale at www.WhiteParty.org. The White Party, which is considered the crown jewel of HIV/AIDS fundraisers, will be held on Friday, November 25 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Join thousands dressed in a sea of white as they dance until dawn at the Miami Seaquarium overlooking Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne. Renowned event producer, Mark Baker, will deliver a brand new dance party concept and an over-the-top production that will last ‘til dawn with extended hours, shows, live performance featuring JES, international DJs, a fireworks display, silent auction, live casino games and  prizes at the Viva Las Divas Casino and more. Roundtrip shuttle service will be available from the host hotel.
Other official White Party events include:

Heatwave Pool Party on Saturday, November 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Enjoy Miami Beach’s finest one-of-a-kind 205-foot-long infinity pool, elevated main pool, delicious cocktails and food while enjoying the sounds of our special guest DJ Kio Kio. Poolside loungers are available on a first-come basis.

White Starz on Saturday, November 26 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. – This stellar night delivers you to yet another dimension in sight, sound and fantasy and is guaranteed to keep you dancing the night away with DJ Jack Chang, DJ Bugie and DJ Wayne G.

Muscle Beach, Sunday, November 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Just steps from Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean, this award-winning eight-hour open-air dance party features two of the hottest circuit DJs–Michael Tank and Gustavo Scorpio, direct from Rio De Janeiro–and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Atlantic Ocean.

“Picasso for Pets”

OAKLAND PARK, FL – An art exhibit for pet lovers benefitting the Pet Project, a non-profit foundation, will be held on Friday, November 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Train Station Gym, 1164 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Second Floor in Oakland Park. The exhibit features the artwork of Marcy Miller, Torche and Tuta Veloso. Included is an art sale, silent auction, raffle drawing, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music. Admission is free but a $5 donation is suggested.

Nadadores Swimsuit Fashion Show

MIAMI BEACH, FL – The Nadadores of South Florida will host its 11th annual Noche Nadadores fundraiser on Saturday, November 12 at the Design Within Reach furniture studio in South Beach. This year’s event will benefit the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and will feature a swimsuit fashion show, a silent auction, gourmet treats and an open bar sponsored by ROKK Vodka.

This fashion show will feature a variety of swimsuit designs courtesy of the Creative Male store, accessories from Zuhr Jewelry and Design, and eyewear from SEE. The evening will also include a silent auction, music by DJ Sayho, gourmet treats and open bar.

Proceeds from the event also help support the Nadadores’ all-inclusive year-round swim program in Miami.

For more information, please contact Chris Gates or Diego Suarez at nadadores@nadadores.org.

Market 17 Hosting Benefit

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Market 17 (1850 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316), will be hosting an event benefitting HANDY. The event will be held on Thursday November 10, between 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is complimentary but a $20 donation to HANDY is appreciated. Wine, cocktails and hors d’ouevres will be provided.

HANDY, Inc. is an award winning non profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985 to meet the fundamental needs of Broward County’s foster care children and those who have been placed in the care of non-relative and relative caregivers under protective supervision.

They provide direct services to children from birth to 23 years, who have been removed from their homes due to domestic violence, substance abuse, physical and/or sexual abuse, and abandonment. They also serve the older youth who are aging out of the foster/relative care system and those who may be homeless or on the verge of homelessness. They do not discriminate – they help the children who need help.

In Fiscal Year 2008-2009 HANDY provided free services to a total of 1,932 children touching their lives 16,500 times.  HANDY’s programs provide children with safety and well being, education, social and recreational activities, and advocates to give these children a voice.  All programs are provided free of charge to children/youth thanks to the support of philanthropists, corporations, foundations and grantors.

The program, called Learning for Life, was said to be a character education program which teaches students values like respect, responsibility, honesty and fairness. A $54,000 grant would have supported the program at several Pinellas County schools. The school board decided not to fund the program due to the Boy Scouts’ discrimination against gay youth.

The Boy Scouts have said that homosexuality is inconsistent with its values. The Supreme Court ruled it is the private organization’s right.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, appeared before U.S. District Judge James Moody in a Tampa Federal Courtroom and faced 15 years to life, but 10 years is the minimum sentence.

By a 5-2 vote, Kemple was appointed to the Human Relations Board whose purpose is to, “encourage equality among all people.”

“People are speaking up because they are outraged by the appointment of someone who opposes equality, the very thing this board is supposed to represent,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida.

Kemple articulates an absolutist view — that homosexuals are stealing children from Christians by indoctrinating the young to gay lifestyles. He calls it the “homosexual agenda.” Gay marriages pose the biggest threat of all.

Terry Kemple is a leader in the Florida Coalition to Protect Marriage. He is responsible for bringing in the Hillsborough County vote in November for Amendment 2. It would cast in state constitutional stone marriage between men and women only.

No gay marriages. No legal unions. No exceptions.

“People are speaking up because they are outraged by the appointment of someone who opposes equality, the very thing this board is supposed to represent,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida.