Florida Agenda

The annual report of gay and lesbian market research firm Community Marketing, Inc. shows that despite a sluggish economy, the number of gay travellers climbed close to 3% this year.

David Paisley, Senior Research Director for Community Marketing says that “after two years of decreased travel spending within the LGBT community because of the recession, it was encouraging to see an increase in the October 2011 survey.”

“Nearly all destinations in our report saw an increase in LGBT visitors over the previous year, which may indicate pent-up demand for the coming year,” he added.

The report shows that New York is the Number One gay travel destination, topping the survey’s three main categories: actual visits to the destination in the past 12 months; most gay-friendly destination in the world; and personal favorite destination. Las Vegas, San Francisco and London also scored well in all three categories.

Also scoring well were gay vacation resort towns Provincetown, and Palm Springs. In an analysis of data utilizing number of hotel rooms in a destination, these destinations rank at the top. Although Greater Fort Lauderdale did not specifically earn top rankings, nearby Key West joins Provincetown and Palm Springs rounding out the summit.

The survey also reports that the “LGBT economy/budget market is larger than many people assume.

Far more LGBT travelers consider themselves to be ‘economy/budget travelers’ than ‘luxury travelers’ indicating an opportunity for every tier of travel marketers. ‘Budget traveling’ is not about income; it is about consumers spreading their travel funds across as many vacations as possible. Among economy/budget LGBT travelers, only about a third indicated they stay at economy hotels because they are low income. Most indicate they would rather spend their money on more frequent vacations, local attractions or restaurants.”

LIGHTED INN TOUR
The holidays hit historic Key West with their Lighted Inn Tour on December 9. Get into the holiday spirit by touring the historic inns including Rose Lane Villas (522-524 Rose Lane), Cypress House (601 Caroline Street), Tropical Inn (812 Duval Street), Mermaid & The Alligator, (729 Truman Avenue), Wicker Guesthouse (913 Duval Street) and Artist House on Fleming (1016 Fleming Street). Participants can visit the inns on their own each evening or in conjunction with a holiday trolley tour presented by CityView Trolley Tours. Tickets are $25 per person for the tour itself or $40 per person with the trolley tour. For more information, call 305-295-1334.

HOLIDAY CONCERT
On Friday, December 9, The Keys Chorale at Florida Keys Community College will present its annual Holiday Concert which while feature holiday favorites from all around the world. The evening will include selections such as “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and will be accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission. Staged at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road. Call 305-296-1520 for more details.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Schooner Wharf Bar will be presenting their 21st annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 10. Decorated boats from rowboats to yachts will be cruising around Key West’s Seaport and harbor areas. Prior to the parade at 6 p.m., the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will entertain the audience with songs of the holiday season. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. For more information, call 305-292-3302.

SOUTHERNMOST CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATION
On Sunday, December 11, board the Conch Tour Train to go to the Southernmost Point in the continental United States to check out the southernmost Christmas Tree at sunset overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is an annual party presented by the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens. The fun starts at 1401 Seminary Street. For more information, call 305-294-9526.

HOLIDAY MUSIC/HARBOR WALK OF LIGHTS
On Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. both evenings, enjoy traditional Christmas music under the stars on the Key West Harbor Walk of Lights.

Classical violin and Celtic fiddle compositions of favorite holiday tunes are to be performed by “Violins in Motion” from Fort Lauderdale, consisting of talented 4 to 18 year-old South Florida and international students. The event is free, but donations will be accepted for the fight against childhood diabetes.

SAVE Dade:  LGBT Voters Should Be Considered in Re-Districting Debate

MIAMI, FL – Florida, the fourth most populous state in the union, has yet to elect an open LGBT state legislator. The three larger states, California, Texas and New York, have had an openly LGBT representative serve in state elected office. Other, more traditionally conservative states, including Montana, North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming, all have elected LGBT state legislators.
Florida is considered to have the fourth highest population of LGBT people, but gay and transgender people are still not represented in Florida’s state or federal politics.  Florida’s redistricting process could change this if maps are drawn to make concentrated LGBT populations a “community of interest”.

“Florida’s legislative districts unfairly disadvantage LGBT people from being elected to state and federal office and we want to change that,” said C.J. Ortuno, executive director of SAVE Dade. “We have an opportunity to right a wrong by ensuring the redistricting process fairly includes the number of LGBT communities around the state that are recognized by their residents as a community of common interests.

“Not many states have passed statewide legal protections without an openly gay or transgender person carrying the torch in the halls of state or federal government – we want to make sure that the LGBT community is given equal representation for their equal responsibility as productive citizens of our great state,” said Ortuno.

Coastal Cleanup

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Broward County will be participating in the annual International Coastal Cleanup, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy. The Cleanup takes place in over 104 countries around the world, typically on the 3rd Saturday of September.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th,  from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and be prepared for rain or shine. The Cleanup will only be cancelled due to a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning.

Last year, almost 1,700 volunteered their time to help clean the beaches in Broward County as part of the 25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup.

Cleanup locations include: Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, John U. Lloyd State Park, Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach and Hallandale Beach.

To participate, bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and water to one of the cleanup locations. For check-in areas and more information, visit www.Broward.org or call 954) 519-1270.

Womenfest Key West

KEY WEST, FL – For over 20 years, Key West has welcomed women from all over the world to Womenfest Key West, the southernmost party for lesbians and their friends. Womenfest offers a wide range of activities guaranteed to appeal to a broad range of interests. Golfing with palm trees and iguanas, clothing-optional pool parties, a sizzling dance club scene and women-only water excursions that range from jet skis to dolphin watching all promising to pique the interest of the more adventurous, while film, live music and special comedy shows offer the opportunity to enjoy paradise at a slower pace. All of this on a tropical island that is close to perfect and far from normal.

Womenfest Key West will be held from September 6th through 11th and is being hosted by the Key West Business Guild.
For more information, visit www.womenfest.com.

Same-Sex Households Up 60% in Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Tribune reported that the number of same-sex couples living in the Tampa Bay area is up 60% over the last decade, according to results from the 2010 Census. Nearly a fifth of those couples were raising children, also according to the Census.

The Census counted 10,261 same-sex households in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, up from just under 6,500 in 2000. However, this dramatic growth only represents 1% of total households in the region and the state.

Wilton Manors had the highest percent of same-sex households in the entire state with 6,200 households, or 12%.
Teacher Suspended for Anti-Gay Facebook Comments

MOUNT DORA, FL – A Mount Dora teacher was suspended from the classroom and reassigned pending an investigation by the Lake County School Board after controversial comments he made about same-sex marriages on Facebook.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Jerry Buell, a long-time Lake County social studies teacher who was chosen Mount Dora High School’s Teacher of the Year, said during a recent Facebook exchange that he “almost threw up” in response to a news story about legalized same-sex marriage in New York. He also posted that same-sex marriages were part of a “cesspool”.

The comments were made on Buell’s personal Facebook page and visible to friends in his network.

Florida G.O.P. U.S. Senate Candidates Vow Gay Marriage Opposition

ORLANDO, FL – Though the Republicans keep saying the next election will be about “jobs, jobs, jobs,” it really appears to be more about social issues.

All of the current Republican Senate candidates, former U.S. Senator George LeMieux, former state Representative Adam Hasner, retired Army Colonel Mike McAlister and businessman Craig Miller, have come out against gay marriage.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, when asked about New York’s recent legalization of gay marriage, the four Republicans said they supported the federal “Defense of Marriage Act,” which defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

Orlando attorney John Stemberger, a founder of the Family Policy Council and who ran the constitutional amendment campaign on marriage three years ago, said the four Republicans articulated strong conservative positions in the debate and that support of social conservatives and Tea Party activists was crucial to electing Florida Governor Rick Scott and Florida’s U.S. Senator Marco Rubio last year, along with some members of the U.S. House and local governing boards.

Aqua Foundation for Women Awards Scholarships

MIAMI, FL – The Aqua Foundation for Women awarded twelve women with scholarships, recognizing their academic success and commitment to giving back to the community. Recipients of the scholarships came from Broward, Miami-Dade and, for the first time, Palm Beach County. Scholarships ranged in size from $2,500 to $4,000, with a total of $40,000 dollars granted by the foundation.

The Aqua Foundation for Women is an organization dedicated to increasing the wellness and equality of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.

Sidelines’ Teams Headed to Gay Softball World Series

WILTON MANORS, FL – Sidelines Sports Bar’s two softball teams, the Sidelines Cyclones (“C” Division) and the Sidelines Eagles (“B” Division), will be heading to Chicago to play in the 2011 Gay Softball World Series.

Over 160 teams from around the country, such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Montreal and Vancouver, will converge on Chicago from August 29 to September 3, 2011, in hopes of coming home with the 1st Place Championship Trophy and year-long bragging rights.

White Party  Finds New Digs

MIAMI, FL – Care Resource has announced that the annual White Party will move this November from its long-time home at the Vizcaya to a new location, the Miami Sequarium. The 2011 White Party begins 7 p.m. Friday, November 25, and ends 6 a.m. on Saturday, November 26.

For over 24 years, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was the location of the annual fundraiser. In the fall of 2010, however, due to increasing rental costs, it was decided that the 2010 White Party would be the final one held at that historic location.

Each year, the White Party draws thousands of guests from around the world wanting to attend the “Crown Jewel” of HIV/AIDS fundraisers and is recognized as one of the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world.

Get your tickets to the new White Party at Miami Seaquarium and world-renowned Muscle Beach Party at half the price. Florida Resident Passes are now on sale for $75 and includes the all new White Party and Muscle Beach parties. The pass offers a 50% savings off door prices and is only available for a limited time to Florida residents with a valid ID. This pass offers an opportunity to experience the two headline events of the week at a discounted price. This is a limited time offer with limited quantities and at these prices the pass will sell out.

For tickets and more information on this year’s White Party, visit the website at www.WhiteParty.org.

Pride South Florida Elects New Board

FORT  LAUDERDALE, FL – Pride South Florida, the producers of the annual PrideFest held each spring in Oakland Park, have elected a new board of directors. The new board consists of Marc Hansen (President), Roger Handevidt (Vice President), Rocky Bowell (Secretary) and Sonia Mitchell (Treasurer). Board Members-at-Large include John Fugate, Michael Rohrs, Marc J. Scharphorn and Michael Tisdale.

Island House Key West Marks 35th Anniversary

KEY WEST, FL – Island House Key West, touted as the longest continuously operated gay guesthouse in the world, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in business and its 10th anniversary under its current owners, Jon Allen and Martin Kay, who transformed it into a leader among the world’s premier gay guesthouses.

To mark this milestone, Island House is offering all 39 rooms at $13, the price it charged when it opened in 1976, for the night of June 25, 2012. The special offer is available exclusively through a special sweepstakes. 39 winners will be chosen randomly among those who complete the entry form at http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/141910. Sweepstakes participants are also encouraged (but not required) to “like” Island House Key West at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-House-Key-West-Gay-Hotel-Resort/56402142064 and post a comment with the phrase “35 and fabulous.” The offer is valid through midnight on Labor Day (September 5, 2011).

Island House Key West began operating as a modest, 16-room all-men’s guesthouse in 1976. When Allen and Kay took possession in the late ‘90s, the ramshackle 39-room guesthouse sprawled languidly across several dilapidated buildings, sorely in need of repair.

“We are honored to have served more than 125,000 guests in more than a third of a century,” said Allen, “”We’ve never rested on our laurels. We pride ourselves on our focus on customer satisfaction and professional, attentive service. We’ve invested well over two and a half million dollars since purchasing the property.”

After a massive investment of capital and time, they unveiled the new and much improved Island House Key West in 2001, transforming it into Key West’s most luxurious and pampering oasis for men. Having spent so much on award-winning upgrades over the past decade, Island House is unmatched in its class.

To book, call (800) 890-6284 or visit www.IslandHouseKeyWest.com.

“Angels in America”

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – The famed play “Angels in America” will be playing at Andrews Living Arts, 23 NW 5th Street in Fort Lauderdale with a preview on August 11 and opening on August 12, playing Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. through September 12.

“Angels in America” is set in New York City during the mid-1980s and follows the interconnected lives of several people affected by the AIDS crisis.

From the tragedy of AIDS to the camp comedy of drag queens, “Angels in America” transports us from NYC to Washington, the Kremlin, the South Bronx and Salt Lake City,  while dealing with Jews, Mormons, WASPs, mixed ethnic cultures and switching between realism and fantasy.  There are intense spiritual experiences and frequent references to the Reagan Administration.

“Angels in America” first appeared on Broadway in 1993 and was included in Harold Bloom’s controversial list of what he considered to be the most important works in literature published in 1994.

Tickets on line at www.andrewslivingarts.com – click on Brown Paper Tickets – or by phone at (800) 838-3006. Limited seating. Tickets in advance: $24.95; at the door $29.95.

Bachmann to Speak at Anti-Gay Group Dinner

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Family Policy Council has invited Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann to headline its annual policy awards dinner.

According to Think Progress, the FFPC raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to oppose abortion rights, “the gay agenda,” and Islam. In 2008, they successfully led the charge to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions in Florida’s state constitution.

By PAUL RUBIO

Though Key West failed in its formal claim of independence from the United States, the iconoclastic “Conch Republic” never really took well to dictated conformity and authority. Distance and demure allowed the two-by-four-mile island to evolve as an isolated refuge for those who deviated from supposed societal norms, and by the late 1970s, Key West had become a Mecca for wild times, unadulterated freedom and unapologetic homosexuality.

The concept of “One Human Family” has always governed everyday life in  the Conch Republic, where everyone “around the world is entitled to equal rights, dignity and respect.” Nowadays, this concept has been branded and distributed on 1.3 million bumper stickers, reminding the greater U.S. of the Keys’ exemplary philosophy. Prom King or pariah, everyone is welcome in Key West.

While most American cities tend to follow slash and burn trends, Key West’s predictability and reverence for history is a welcome respite. The gingerbread houses, coconut palms, bougainvillea and lucid waters that inspired Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway forever remain “Old Key West”. The larger than life, eccentric personalities and unwavering spirit of the island’s residents contrast modern society’s desperation to “fit in”. A drunken stupor through the “Pink Triangle” invariably ends up in a random bed (or the Island House hot tub).  And both the sunsets and sunrises seem to grow more breathtaking over the years.
Key West boasts remarkable offerings of quaint gay guesthouses and full-scale resorts.

Just recently, Equator Resort (www.equatorresort.com; 305.294.7775) added an upper sun deck for tanning all your Lever 2000 body parts, while Pearl’s Rainbow, (www.pearlsrainbow.com, 305.292.1450) once exclusively female, became all-welcoming. The Island House mayhem rages on 24/7, nary a shortage of foreskin and alcohol taking center stage around the pool. The intense summer heat means fewer reasons for remaining clothed; and summer break means more college cuties breaking through their white-knuckled anxiety, giving into the temptations of the House!

One of the island’s top resorts, the Hyatt Key West on Duval Street (www.keywest.hyatt.com; 305.809.1234), has become a new GLBT favorite for those looking to experience the Conch Republic’s latest offerings of modern luxury. While it’s a well-known fact that all of Key West is gay-friendly, the Hyatt Key West has pro-actively courted the GLBT market with pride packages and gay-centric marketing campaigns. Contrasting the palm-tree print/Tommy Bahamas style of most Keys’ hotel rooms, the Hyatt Key West is a blend of contemporary design and Florida color and flavor (delightfully without the overkill). All guest rooms flaunt private balconies, ideal for enjoying the sea breeze with a glass of bubbly or Chardonnay.  The pool is everything and anything you’d expect from a high-end resort and the hotel’s signature restaurant, SHOR American Bar and Grill (www.shorgrill.com), offers sensational, waterfront dining with a daily catch direct from the docks!

Across the water from the Hyatt at beautiful Sunset Key, Latitudes (www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com/latitudes; 305.292.5300) has unveiled the results of a protracted facelift, revealing a new, sleek, modern edge that spills onto Sunset’s downy sands, doling out even more of the delicious local seafood dishes that originally made this beachfront gem famous. Though the abundance of fresh seafood keeps the island’s top chefs at the top of their game, there’s definitely more than just amazing fruits of the sea to be had around the island. La Creperie (www.lacreperiekeywest-.com; 305.517.6799) serves authentic northwestern French delicacies and crepe creations for both breakfast and lunch. Smack in the heart of Fleming Street’s “guesthouse row,” Azur (www.azurkeywest.com; 305.292.2987) has expanded its already vast, mouth-watering Mediterranean menu to include homemade gnocchi, tapas and more Greek-influenced dishes. The perfectly executed “toasted gnocchi with pine nuts, arugula and truffle oil,” and the divine “charred octopus marinated with garlic, lemon zest and Italian parsley” showcase the diverse gastronomic talents and evolution of chefs Michael Mosi and Drew Wenzel.

After dinner, Front Street teems with partygoers and inebriation opportunities, with essentially four main bars and clubs to seek a night of promiscuous  fun. Divas rule at Aqua Nightclub (711 Duval Street, (305) 294-0555, aquakeywest.com), where the city’s renowned drag queens take center stage, attracting straights and gays alike. Come 11 PM, most gay life has converged at the riotous and frisky Bourbon Street Pub (724 Duval Street, (305) 296-1992, burbonstreetpub.com), spread between the two bars in the front and the poolside bar in the back. Saloon 1 (801 Duval Street, (305) 294-4737), Key West’s only Levi, leather and uniform bar, regularly hosts a weekend contest awarding a prize to the biggest or most attractive shlong in the house. Now, I’ll toast to that!

Bourbon Street Pub
724 Duval St., Key West, FL
Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever
since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in
The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and
a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!”

801 Bourbon Bar
801 Duval St., Key West, FL
Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed
performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others.
This legendary establishment has been around for over 30
years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11AM – 8PM.

Aqua Nightclub
711 Duval St., Key West, FL
Aqua features the “Reality is a Drag” show six days a
week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and
don’t miss the great happy hour specials from 3-8pm daily.

KWest
705 Duval St., Key West, FL
Daily Happy Hour from 3-8pm, and a piano sing-a-long every
Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10PM. Weekly
drink specials and “Wet Jockey” contests on Fridays.

Saloon One
801 Duval Street, Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar)
This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently
located in the Bourbon Street Pub Complex.

La Te Da
1125 Duval Street, Key West, FL
An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant.

Pearl’s Patio Bar for Women
525 United St., Key West, FL
Tropical themed women’s bar for gay women and

gayfriendly
women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring
drinks like “Cosmopearlitans” and “Pearl’s Passion”.

Bobby’s Monkey Bar
900 Simonton St., Key West, FL
The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy
Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool
tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access.

Garden of Eden
224 Duval Street, Key West, FL
A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long
Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or
skinny… Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional – gay friendly!

KEY WEST, FL – Key West has a lot to be proud of – they recently tied with San Francisco for the title of “Best City for Unity Between Gays and Lesbians,” and they won hands down in “Best City for Unity Between Gays and Straights.” Both their city and county official mottos are “One Human Family.” Their LGBT leaders serve openly, and visitors are welcomed throughout the island. They show their Key West Pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration!

Join them for Key West Pride and enjoy dance parties, drag shows, bike tours, water excursions, a street fair, and even a parade through town. Their Miss Pride, Mr Pride and Ms Pride competitions are infamous for their fun and their skin. Make your plans now to attend Key West Pride. Most events are All Welcome. All events are uniquely Key West.

For a full schedule visit www.pridefestkeywest.com

KEY WEST, FL– The Equality Florida 2011 Key West Gala was their best ever, with close to 400 enthusiastic Equality supporters in attendance.

The capacity crowd included political, community, business and faith leaders. The very strong presence of straight allies showed that in Key West we truly are “One Human Family”. By the end of the night, Equality Florida shattered their previous fundraising record with an all-time high $138,000.

KEY WEST – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida will host two free events in Key West catered toward gay and lesbian families. These events are as follows: Film screening and Q&A of “In Anita’s Wake: The Irrational War on Florida’s Gay Families,” on Friday, Jan. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4p.m. The film is a documentary detailing the history of Florida’s adoption ban and the efforts to overturn it.

On Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the ACLU will present GLAAD Speakers Training on Florida’s Adoption Ban.

Learn from the media experts at GLAAD about the adoption ban and how to talk about it effectively in order to preserve this victory for Florida families.

Both events will take place at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Key West, 801 Georgia St. To register, visit www.aclufl.org.

KEY WEST, Fla. – Pearl’s Rainbow, the only all-female resort in Key West, opened their doors to gay men, becoming what they describe now as “all-welcoming.” The property w as origin

ally built as a cigar factory in the late 1800s. When the cigar industry left Key West, it was converted into a dwelling space and became a guesthouse for women in 1989. The property was then purchased and renamed Pearl’s Rainbow in 2000. It is one of the largest guesthouses in Key West. Pearl’s is located on Duval Street, two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Pearl’s owner Heather Carruthers Cited current economic conditions as the reason for the conversion.