Time to come out
Not so long ago, the bar at 4685 28th St. North in St. Petersburg was a lot darker and a lot louder. But then again, that’s when it was Mac Daddy’s, a biker bar, and not the LGBT inclusive bar it is today.
The Broken Tusk has evolved over the past year and is now known for its wildly popular drag shows and numerous fundraisers benefitting different aspects of the community. To thank its patrons for it’s patience and commitment to its improvements, The Broken Tusk is holding a “Coming Out Party” on Friday, June 21. Of course, the bar will celebrate the best way it knows how – with a pair of drag shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. “After a lot of tweaking, cleaning, painting and renovating, we have come to call this place home,” Levi Love wrote about his bar. “Thank you to the old friends that have stuck by us through it all and the new friends we are meeting every day.” DJ LMO will spin before and after the drag shows and expect a ton of free swag from the bar’s liquor reps. It might be a good night to pick the designated driver early or program that taxi service into your smartphone.
Honoring Hizonner
The GaYbor District Coalition will honor Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn for his inclusive LGBT policies and views during its annual Mayor’s Luncheon at Hamburger Mary’s on Thursday, June 27. The luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and the light program will feature a performance by the Una Voce Rays and a short awards ceremony. Advance tickets are available at the Ybor City Wine Bar, MC Film Fest and Hamburger Mary’s. The $20 tickets include a choice of entree, a side and a drink. Expect to hear from Buckhorn himself, who has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community and of the GaYbor District Coalition.
Day of Decision Rally coming
Any day now the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of DOMA and Proposition 8 in California. Once that decision is handed down, organizers will descend upon the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Federal Courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa. The rally will either be a celebration or a peaceful protest, depending on the ruling. Organizers have created a Facebook event page and encourage all those who are interested in attending to search out the group and join for ongoing information.
Officially kick off Pride at Quench
St. Pete Pride runs a full five days this year with the big event, the Street Festival, landing on Saturday, June 29. But be sure to attend the official Pride Kick Off party scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at Quench Lounge in Largo. The young bar was aggressive in getting involved with St. Pete Pride this year, and the kick off party will feature dancers, VJ Justin Schaefer and representatives from Ketel One Vodka handing out giveaways and drink/shot samples. The festivities begin at 9 p.m. and runs until the samples and your energy runs out. Expect to see representatives of St. Pete Pride on hand throughout the night as well.
