Florida Agenda

DEAR EDITOR,

I attended PrideFest Saturday, March 12, 2011 and there was a lady comedian on stage with an excessively loud microphone. She was telling what she called jokes, but they seemed slightly vulgar and possibly inappropriate, especially considering the time of day, and the atmosphere in terms of the audience. There were also children in the audience. Also, as you know, there were police, fire officials, and other safety personnel present. It didn’t exactly express us gays in a positive light.

I have nothing against this lady comedian, but I wanted to bring it to your attention, and the attention of those present that I was embarrassed by it.

Sincerely, – DAN

DEAR EDITOR,

I just read an article in your paper from the blind author about pridefest The story was about me and my friend Jane from a few years ago. She has since passed away and I wanted to thank him for writing that story, it brought back a good memory. If you could forward this email to him to let him know.

Thanks, – ROBERT POOLE

DEAR EDITOR, Kevin Miller is an important voice in the community. The first thing I look for in the Agenda after scanning the front page are Kevin’s cartoons. he is equipped to comment on current and vital issues concerning our rights and freedom of speech. I support him and his work and your employment of one of our sharpest artists in South Florida.’ – RALPH CARAGLIA

Furious email battle between Mayor Jack Seiler and Pridefest Organizer, Marc Hansen over the timings of The St Patrick’s Day Parade and Pridefest

The war of words began Thursday night with an opening angry volley from the organizers of this weekend’s Pridefest in Oakland Park, Seiler returned the shot, prompting a heated response from one of the Pridefest organizers, Marc Hansen. Seiler then replied with an impassioned late night e-mail.

All the back and forth was sent to a few reporters and the City Commission

Read the exchange below:

The first one, at about 7:15 p.m.:

To Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and City Commission:

For years, it has been a ritual that PRIDEFEST opens with the introduction of dignitaries and elected officials from Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor and City Commissioners.

At PRIDEFEST 2009, Mayor Seiler, newly elected, gave the impression that there would be a better relationship with the GLBT community after former Mayor Jim Naugle was out of office.

That all changed within approximately six months.

In mid 2009, PRIDEFEST contacted The War Memorial Auditorium with efforts to discuss pricing. Times were (and are still) very hard for most everyone. The goal of PRIDEFEST was to maintain or lower prices where possible, for our event attendees and vendors. It was with hope that PRIDEFEST and The War Memorial could work together, since we had used the venue for many years, and certainly one of the – if not the largest money making events over a weekend for the site.

That wasn’t going to happen. The War Memorial would not budge on fees and percentage of revenue. Additionally, as we use the venue for outside space, the surroundings have become less desirable, because of the lack of maintaining the grounds (dirt, un-manicured grass, etc.) If people wanted to sit on the grass and enjoy themselves, they couldn’t.

Fortunately, we found a venue that not only opened their arms to PRIDEFEST with joy, but, was willing to work in tandem meeting the financial goals.

Now that PRIDEFEST has relocated, there seems to be a (blatant) appearance of snubbing PRIDEFEST, and it is outright shameful.

For PRIDEFEST 2010, it was noticed by most in attendance that Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor Jack Seiler and other Fort Lauderdale officials couldn’t make the annual opening ceremony (which highlights Broward ELECTED officials and dignitaries), because the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day parade began within 1 1/2 hours of our opening ceremony. (Mind you, St. Patrick’s Day fell a week later on the calendar.)

Amazingly, other dignitaries and elected officials from Broward County who were to be in attendance at the very same St. Patrick’s Day parade, were able to be in attendance at PRIDEFEST and still make the St. Patrick’s Day parade on time.

Here it is, PRIDEFEST 2011, our 34th year, and once again, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and the City Commission will be (noticeably) absent. Why? Because the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day parade coincidentally begins at Noon – the same time PRIDEFEST opens its gates.

If it doesn’t appear PRIDEFEST, and GLBT residents of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County aren’t being snubbed again, who knows what does.

Based on Mayor Seiler’s speech at PRIDEFEST 2009, the blatant disdain and dislike of the GLBT community from the Mayor’s office was going to disappear. The truthful observation and impression is, is that it is still alive and well from that very office, which is a very, very sad statement to have to make.

PRIDEFEST will be around for many years to come, and Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor and City Commission will always be invited.

St. Patrick’s Day parades will not always be an apparent excuse not to attend. What will be the reasons in the coming years?

In Pride,

Jacqui Charvet, President

Marc A. Hansen, Vice President

Joel S. Slotnick, Secretary/Treasure

Pride One of Broward County

DBA Pride South Florida

Seiler’s first reply, at 8:15 p.m.:

I am speechless. I am being attacked for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival? John P. “Jack” Seiler Mayor City of Fort Lauderdale
Reply from Hansen at 10:04 p.m.:

Jack:

Do you even care about the grievances addressed in this letter ? Did you even take the time to read it though? Is this response all you can muster ? For years you ask for the GLBT Communities support and votes,
because …”YOU CARE”. In the great words of a local business, “ REALLY “

This event brings Thousands of Dollars to the City of Fort Lauderdale for the 2 day Festival. Parking alone raised $28,000 for our event at the Holiday Park facility,
why don’t you compare what our parking brought in to any Gun & Knife Show, which has occurred in your 2 years as our new Mayor.

I live in District 3 and I am a home owner, I vote in Fort Lauderdale and I am the Elected Democratic Executive Committee Member for District 3 and I supported and voted for you.

I had always liked having our event in Holiday Park as did many others, but in this time of difficult finances, the Board had to choose the best Fiscally responsible direction.

Instead of your tossing us aside like a group of nobodies, with a response like, “I am speechless. I am being attacked for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival? “ Could you had at least done some investigation, as to what the City lost financially when Pridefest left Fort Lauderdale ?
In response to your query about a St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, it’s all about the timing. What time does your parade start? Pridefest is an annual event that has been held now for 34 years in Fort Lauderdale and each of those years we opened with the National Anthem, and the presentation of the political officials that supported the GLBT community. Each time we contact an elected official in the last two years, they are attending your event.

The item in question was: were you doing this on purpose, considering St Patrick’s day is the following week ?

A little more thought in your response to constituents would be more Mayoral.
Marc A. Hansen
Vice President; Pride One of Broward County, Inc.
DBA: Pride South Florida / Pridefest 2011

Reply from Seiler at 10:50 p.m.

Marc:

Thanks for your email. As you and Joel both know, I did not select the date or time of our Parade and Festival. As you recall, we have an independent Committee responsible for the event, and that Committee selects the date, time, place, route, etc. In fact, I came in from out of town last year to attend our event, and then went back out of town after the event to continue my weekend campout with my then 12 year old daughter. This year, I will again be out of town in Lake Wales, Florida, and, once again, I have to return to town to participate in our event. If I controlled the event, it would definitely not conflict with my 28th father-daughter(s) campout at the Circle F Dude Ranch in Polk County, Florida.

Your Earl Rynerson approach of attack first; ask questions and investigate second; realize you made a huge mistake and had no legal or factual basis to ever attack third; and, then deny you ever irresponsibly and recklessly attacked is really sad.

My daughter and I accept your apology in advance, but my now 13 year old daughter is still very upset that I am leaving her in Central Florida for 8 hours on Saturday to fulfill my Mayoral duties in South Florida.

Good night.
John P. “Jack” Seiler
Mayor
City of Fort Lauderdale

This weekend is the 34^th annual PrideFest produced by Pride South Florida. Again this year, the festival will held at Jaco Pastrorius Park on North Dixie Highway and NE. 40 Court in Oakland Park. Pridefest will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13 from noon to 6 p.m.

Entertainment this year includes Chely Wright, Georgie Porgie, Linda Clifford, Chantal Carrere, Debby Holiday, Shelina, Teri Catlin, Heather Craig, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, Marc Hansen, Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Chorus, South Florida Pride Jazz Ensemble, KP Productions, Church of the Holy Spirit Song, Mark Angelo Cummings, Rising Action Theatre and Bishop SF Makalani-MaHee.

Spinning in the dance tent this year will be D.J. MIIK, D.J. Bugie, D.J. Sol and D.J. Gina.

Masters of Ceremonies this year will be Craig Stevens, Donna & Denise and Derek Hartley.

Florida’s oldest gay pride celebration is a must-see once again this year.

If you go, what you need to know:

- Pridefest 2011 is on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 & 13, 2011 from noon to 6 p.m. both days.
- Pridefest is at Jaco Pastorius Park, Dixie Highway and NE 40th Ct in Oakland Park.
- Pridefest fees are $5 parking and $5 entry.  No bills larger than $20 will be accepted.

- Please park in the on-site lots or in off-site locations.  Pride South Florida is offering a free shuttle to get you from your vehicle to the gate.  Please park legally, towing and ticketing will be enforced.
- Pride South Florida reserves the right to inspect all handbags, knapsacks or any other large containers.
- You may not pass out materials at Pridefest unless you are a paid vendor.  Materials will be confiscated and you will be ejected.
- You may exit, but re-entry will be required through the entry gate to be inspected once again.
- No pets, coolers, outside food or drink are allowed.
- Please feel free to bring blankets and sun chairs to enjoy the entertainment. No sun umbrellas please.

Enjoy the Party!

Make sure to stop by the Florida Agenda, Mark’s List and Mark Magazine booth a Pridefest 2011 and say hello.

Fort Lauderdale

PRIDEFEST ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP

The 34th annual PrideFest is set for March 12th and 13th from noon to 6 p.m. at Jaco Pastorius Park in Oakland Park at N.E. 38 Street and N. Dixie Highways. Entertainment this year includes Chely Wright, Georgie Porgie, Linda Clifford, Chantal Carrere, Debby Holiday, Shelina, Teri Catlin, Heather Craig, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, Marc Hansen, Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Chorus, South Florida Pride Jazz Ensemble, KP Productions, Church of the Holy Spirit Song, Mark Angelo Cummings, Rising Action Theatre and Bishop SF Makalani-MaHee. Spinning in the dance tent this year will be D.J. MIIK, D.J. Bugie, D.J. Sol and D.J. Gina. Masters of Ceremonies this year will be Craig Stevens, Donna & Denise and Derek Hartley.

“WEST SIDE STORY” LAST PERFORMANCE

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, “West Side Story” soars as the greatest love story of all time. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming”, “Tonight”, “America”, “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere”. Tickets: $29 – $79 in the Au-Rene Theater.

THE HOUSE BOY

Massimo Stinco & The blue seagull International Production / NoirDesir.it present THE HOUSEBOY – Sex. Love. Despair. A scandalous new play. A stage adaptation by Massimo Stinco inspired to the movie “The Houseboy” by Spencer Schilly. Warning: Contains Full Frontal Nudity. Empire Stage, 1140 N FLAGLER DRIVE FT LAUDERDALE 33304, Runs, February 18th – March 12th. Tickets: $30 group rates available. Call 954-678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com

Miami

“THE HOTTEST WINTER IN THE WORLD”

It may be called the Winter Party Festival, but that doesn’t mean you’re in for a chilly time. Dance your heart out at five full days of jam packed parties. From club nights to mixers to beach parties, Winter Party is a veritable thrill ride of sight and sound. A multitude of eye candy is a safe assumption, as are thousands of groggy travelers once the music stops. Winter Party runs from March 2 through March 7 on Miami Beach. A fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For more information, go to http://www.winterparty. com.

HONOREES ANNOUNCED

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce have proudly announced their honorees for their 2011 Awards Presentation: Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (MetLife Business of the Year), Ms..Naomi Wilzig — W E A M (Hilton Miami Downtown Business Person of the Year), Switchboard of Miami, Inc. (Wachovia Non-Profit Organization of the Year), Grey Goose Vodka (AT&T 10th Anniversary Special Recognition Award). The MDGLCC awards will take place on Saturday, March 26. If you’d like to attend, for more information or tickets, visit www.gogaymiami.com.

WESSON & BLUE RIBBON

Move over, Mimosas! Beat it, Bellinis! Where there’s smoked salmon, bagels and eggs, there’s a bottle of wine guaranteed to make the whole schmear taste that much more delicious. Join Joshua Wesson, IHOP’s top syrup steward (and A&P’s Director of Breakfast Beverages) and Bruce Bromberg (Blue Ribbon’s co-Founder and Executive Chef) on this jamstained, crumbs-in-bed tour across a brunchscape where Challah French Toast makes sweet love to Sherry and Smoked Salmon Toast gets down with Champagne. Crazy-good Brunch Wines featuring Josh Wesson and Blue Ribbon on Sat., Feb 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Special MDGLCC member ticket price $60.00 – www.sobefest.com – use discount code BRUNCH11 or call: 877-762-3933

“TOGETHER IN SONG.”

Miami Gay’s Men’s Chorus to host our 2nd Annual Choral Festival February 26th, 7PM, Tickets $25 Trinity Episcopal Church (464 NE 16th Street) Tickets available at: www.miamigaychorus.org or at the Event.

Bay Area

LAUNCH OF GAY SAFE HAVEN’S RAINBOW411.COM

Saturday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Streetcar Charlie’s, 1811 N. 15th St. in Ybor City. You’re invited to the launch of Gay Safe Haven’s Rainbow411.com and fundraiser for Metro Charities. Dress to impress for this red carpet affair. Appetizers, drink specials, 50/50, raffles, silent auction and will be a great opportunity for networking. Drag extravaganza at 9p.m. and bring your dancing shoes because this is going to be some party.

4TH ANNUAL PINK WEKEND

The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 4th Annual Pink Weekend is upon us, February 25 through 27. Beginning Friday, Feb. 25, Sister Merry Widow will be hosting a Multimedia Art Show at PLAY (1701 E. 8th Ave Ybor City, Tampa). This event will feature artists, fashion, performances by Rachael Sage and much, much more. Proceeds will be going to benefit the Hillsborough Arts Council’s Arts Education Youth Program. 8 to 11 p.m. $8 cover. Saturday, Feb. 26 will bring an evening of fun at the fabulous Flamingo Resort in St Petersburg. Special performances by Alexis De La Mer, Iman, Bobbie York and the Tampa Bay Sisters. 9 to 11 p.m. No cover but donations accepted. Sunday, Feb. 27 it’s time to enjoy Sister Aggy’s yummy barbeque lunch and special entertainment by Melanie Minyon at Club City Side in Tampa. The event will benefit the Francis House of Tampa Bay starting at 3 p.m. No cover but donations accepted. Drink specials, Jello shots and raffles as well as antics by your favorite Tampa Sisters will keep the day going. Don’t forget to wear your pink. Check into www.flsisters.org for more details.

2011 EQUALITY FLORIDA TAMPA GALA

Join Equality Florida for an evening of fabulous food, drinks, and equality at the Tampa Garden Club, the “venue with a view”, 2629 Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa. Tickets are $100 and sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. To be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. Over the last 4 years, the Equality Florida Tampa Gala has blossomed into a “must attend” event that brings together over 300 of Tampa’s political, business, and civic leaders. With your help, this year’s event promises to be the best ever. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://eqfl.org/tampagala

Central Florida

“WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”

Presented by Mad Cow Theatre now through February 27. On the campus of a small New England college, George and Martha invite a new professor and his wife home for a nightcap. As the cocktails flow, the young couple find themselves caught in the crossfire of a savage marital war where the combatants attack the self deceptions they forged for their own survival. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.madcowtheatre. com

“UNCUT CABARET”

On February 24, 2011 at 8 p.m., the Orlando Gay Chorus is proud to present “Uncut Cabaret” featuring OGC’s best, performing songs they’d never do anywhere else and hosted by the Lovely and Talented Chantel Reshael. Come join us for a night full of surprises at The Footlight Theatre at Parliament House Resort. Tickets are $15 and may either be reserved in advance by emailing OGCUNCUT@yahoo.com or purchased at the door.

MARDI GROWL …

An Orlando Bear Bash Kickoff Party on Saturday Feb. 26 in Orlando from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Mr. Sister’s, 5310 E Colonial Dr. in Orlando. This is where there is really something for everyone and with no cover charge. Come see what all the excitement is about with Mr. Sisters Orlando. If you have not experienced this amazing venue, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to party there with the bears. Join them early for dinner. The party starts at 7 pm when friends of Orlando Bear Bash will receive 25% off appetizers and tapas.

This is your chance to come taste the great food at Mr. Sisters with this bear discount. After you fill up, dine, dance and be hairy!

BACK DOOR BUMBY

Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408) in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday starting February 17th. This is Orlando’s premier college night as you’ve never seen it before. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. No cover ‘til 11pm for those 21+ (18+ welcome) and no cover ‘til 12 midnight with college or theme park ID. Free drinks 11 to 11:30 p.m. Drinks specials throughout the night. Performances by: Shantell D’Marco and Macaviti. D.J. Joanie on the decks in the disco area and V.J. J.B.H

Through the support of our wonderful sponsors, and dedication of our selfless volunteers and board members, Pride South Florida wishes to announce the success of Pridefest 2010, “Celebrating You.”

While attendance, and revenue, was lower than expected, PSF continues the tradition of giving back to the community organizations that support your needs.

Fourteen organizations requested funding for a variety of projects for 2010.  PSF Grants will be awarded to the following Broward Non-Profit organizations for their service and projects enhancing the lives of Broward’s LGBT population.

Pride South Florida is delighted to Celebrate:

1. Red Hispana Florida $1000- A safe place where LGBT and straight can view films on LGBT issues; acceptance and understanding, self worth or HIV issues and bridge the acceptance gap between the communities.

2. South Florida Musical Guild-Pride Wind Ensemble $1000- Support the fall concert entitled “Heavy Classics ll.”

3. South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus $500- Assist with production costs to present 3 major concerts for the coming year.

4. KP Productions $1000- Provide quality entertainment to seniors suffering with debilitating illnesses that reside in assisted or day care facilities and are physically unable to travel to attend performances outside the facility.

5. Women in Network (WIN) $1000- Continue to provide quality monthly programming for members and to increase programs to include full LGBT participation.

6. Arts United $1000- To support “Art Explosion 11.”  Two Weeks of art, film, music, theatre, literature, comedy, and cabaret by LGBT talent through South Florida.

7. Transgender Equality Rights Initiatives (TERI) $1000-To serve and give a voice to the most under-served community under the LGBT umbrella.  To educate elected officials and the general public, and change human rights legislation. To provide programs and opportunities for the transgendered community.  To serve as a coalition network of local organizations.

8. Stonewall Library and Archives $1000- To support production and distribution of the stonewall exhibition “Where the Gays Are: Fifty years in Fort Lauderdale.”

9. Names Project (AIDS Memorial Quilt) $1000-To recognize the enormity of the AIDS crisis thru community education and awareness.

10. Lambda Men’s Brotherhood $500-Creation of a website and educational materials to build awareness/education between the leather community and the LGBT and straight communities.

Pride South Florida is an all volunteer non-profit organization, which produces the annual Pridefest, a celebration and tribute to the LGBT community.  Proceeds from Pridefest serve as the primary income producer for various grant programs and public benefit opportunities bestowed throughout the year.
Pridefest 2011 is scheduled to be held on  March 12 & 13, 2011.