Gay World Series coming to Tampa?
Well, it’s way too early to say for sure, but there is interest in bringing the Gay Softball World Series to Tampa Bay in the not-too-distant future. Organizers of the Suncoast Softball League met this week to discuss the dynamics of bringing the national tournament to Tampa Bay. Details are scarce, and the GSWS certainly wouldn’t come to us in 2015 since it’s already scheduled for Aug. 17-22, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. But the league has discussed the pursuit been discussing pursuing the long-running series for nearly a year now. Things like the economic impact of the series has helped other cities embrace the tournament. With Tampa Bay’s welcoming cities, we’re hopeful this could become a reality!
The cowboys/cowgirls are coming
It’ll be boots, buckles, Stetson hats and chaps on the stage in the Flamingo Blu Room Nov. 8 as the Florida/Georgia Gay Rodeo Association holds its Mr./Ms./Miss/MsTer FGRA competition. The royalty competition puts participants in several categories, including personal interview, public presentation, horsemanship, western wear and entertainment. The four divisions, in case you are wondering, are for men, women, drag queens and drag kings. The title holders will have the responsibility of promoting the sport of rodeo while being an advocate for charitable organizations and causes. Contestants don’t have to be members of the LGBT community to participate. Boots, Buckles, Crowns and Sashes begins at noon on Saturday, Nov. 8. Get details at FGRA.org or visit Facebook.com/FGRARodeo.
Donate to TIGLFF and win
Even with the 25th Annual Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival just recently placed in the history books, the organization is already looking ahead. And by doing so, it needs the help of the community to raise $25,000. TIGLFF needs financial support to continue growing and accommodating the changes in visual media, and has a plan to encourage that giving spirit even though the festival is done for 2014. It is asking 1,000 people to donate $25 through a link on TIGLFF.com, and then enter to win one of three prizes—a pair of tickets to Disney World, a commissioned portrait of your pet, or a copy of The Pharaoh of Filth by Robert Phelps, signed by director John Waters.
Give ’em a break, Tampa
According to Tampa Pride president Carrie West, he and the board of the new organization have met with the City of Tampa to ask for a break on the bill to hold Tampa Pride in Ybor City in March 2015. The City initially said that in order to hold Tampa Pride, the organization must pay $70,000—up front!—by the beginning of February. West said that he is hopeful that the city will see the benefits of hosting an LGBT Pride event in March, especially after presenting stats and figures showing the impact such an event can have on a city. No word yet as to if the City will help with alleviate some of the bills, so fundraising is still key. Visit TampaPride.org to donate.
