Drag does TV time
Local female impersonators and LGBT club owners were featured on a three minute segment on local CBS affiliate channel 10 to talk about the influx of drag pageants in the area. Stephen Moss, who owns The Honey Pot and G. Bar, and Melody Lynn were both featured prominently. Performers Kori Stevens and Joey Brooks were also featured in the segment, which claimed more than 800 drag pageants were held in Ybor City last year alone. To see the full segment, visit WTSP.com and search “Drag Queen.”
Bear Soup stews at Flamingo
The bears came from all over Florida and beyond to participate in the annual Bear Soup event at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg the weekend of May 14. According to management, the Flamingo was full to capacity and had to utilize a neighboring hotel to help with the overflow. The bears took advantage of some rainy weather to hibernate before a jam-packed dinner on that Saturday night. Several bears returned to the pool after the passing storms. On Sunday, the hirsute seemed content in the Florida sun and were spotted playing games in the pool under the direction of T-dance host Alexis De La Mer. One of the most popular games involved swimming laps and drinking shots”all while holding onto an inflatable, well, member! The winner of the race caused a minor stir when the crowd was unsure if he completed the task at hand”namely the shot at the edge of the pool. So in the spirit of athleticism and good sportsmanship, he downed another, just to be on the safe side.
Sarasota Pride shifts setup
It may seem like it's a long way off, but preparations are already underway for Sarasota Pride in October. This year's outdoor festival is expected to be bigger than ever and organizer Cindy Barnes has already tackled last year's biggest complaint”vendors staying separated from the entertainment. This year, Sarasota Pride will all be on the same side of the street, meaning festival goers can browse vendor booths, listen to music and participate in the dunking booth that will again feature LGBT celebs. The date of the celebration has also been moved so as not to conflict with Halloween plans or with the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Sarasota Pride 2011 is Saturday, Oct. 22.
