Headdress histrionics
Relocated to the New Hilton Orlando near I-Drive, Headdress Ball 2009 was a smashing success, both as fundraiser (see story p. 8) and spectacle. In addition to the headdresses—think huge table centerpieces, only walking—there was a video feed from Carrot Top in Las Vegas, a huge aquarium filled with sexy mermaids and mermen (and reportedly one tipsy guest), and attorney John “For The People” Morgan shoving dollar bills into the briefs of semi-nude muscle men. But to those in close proximity, most riveting was an exchange between Patty Sheehan and Orlando Weekly columnist Billy Manes. Manes recounted the entire confrontation—reportedly initiated by Sheehan—in loving slow-motion-detail in the “Happytown” section of his publication. Suffice it to say it wasn’t flattering to the two-term openly gay city commissioner. At Come Out With Pride, Sheehan declined an invitation to reply in Watermark. “I had a bad day… let’s just leave it at that,” she said.
Grateful to Grayson
The Oct. 9 Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala at the City Arts Factory raised more than $60,000 for the statewide LGBT rights organization. It also attracted local political luminaries, including all three announced candidates for Orange County Mayor: Mildred Fernandez, Linda Stewart and Bill Segal (represented by his wife, Sara). But most dazzling was Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Orlando), whose recent attacks on Republicans have made him the media man-of-the-hour. Grayson shared the moving story of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who cracked the Nazi spy code and who was later arrested and mistreated for being gay. “It’s a tragic story because Turing was punished just because he was perceived as different,” Grayson said. “But our differences are our strength. Afterward, one attendee gasped, “Wow… he really gets it, doesn’t he?”
Gay Days Glimpses
Hard Rock Live has announced their headliner for Gay Days Weekend 2010: Joan Rivers. The hilarious and much-lifted comedian is reportedly scouting around for an openly gay opening act. And expect a respected event planner with local ties to step in—in a big way—if promoter Johnnie Chisholm’s problems (see story p. 8) leave a void.
