Homophobe's appointment to Human Rights Board irks community
It wasn't until January that word spread about Terry Kemple's appointment to the Hillsborough County Human Rights Board”and local LGBT activists were anything but thrilled. Kemple, a religious conservative political activist with a history of trying to block Gay-Straight Alliances at school and boycotting companies who provide benefits to employees in same-sex relationships, used the “equal rights, not special rights” arguments when confronted about his homophobic past actions. Kemple was also behind an attempt to prevent commissioners from acknowledging GaYbor Days in July, citing the county's ban on supporting LGBT Pride events. Equality Florida's campaign to remove Kemple from the post was unsuccessful, even after more than 700 area residents contacted the county to object to the appointment.
Tampa elects Buckhorn, another LGBT supportive Mayor
As far as equal rights for LGBTs were concerned in 2011, Tampa voters knew they would get support from either of the two candidates for Tampa Mayor. While voters overwhelmingly elected Bob Buckhorn in March with 63% of the vote to succeed outgoing Mayor Pam Iorio, challenger Rose Ferlita appeared just as committed to equality as the city's Mayor-elect. Both candidates spoke with Watermark during their campaigns and expressed support and a desire to continue Iorio's path toward equality in the city. After his election, Buckhorn appeared at several LGBT events, including the opening night of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Largo elects first openly gay commissioner
In the not-too-distant-past, Largo was viewed as backwards and a battleground for LGBT equality. But just five years after the city ousted transgender city manager Susan Stanton, voters elected Michael Smith as its first openly gay commissioner on Nov. 8. Smith unseated Seat 1 Incumbent Mary Gray Black, who went on the offensive during a town hall meeting just days before the election by attacking Smith's sexuality. The tactic seemed to do more harm than good for her campaign, and she lost when Smith received 54% of the vote.
Metro Center opens two new locations
2011 was a year of growth and expansion for the Metro Wellness and Community Center of Tampa Bay. Two of the non-profit's three locations relocated to larger and more efficient spaces this year. The new Metro Center in Ybor City held a grand opening celebration in April at its large space at 1315 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City. And in November, the St. Petersburg location, formerly next door to Georgie's Alibi, moved across the street to a new “community center” space, which houses larger offices, a community room and a clinical wing for HIV testing and treatment. Both locations are expected to serve both gay and straight citizens infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Bye, Bye Charlie
It as an end of an era May 23 when Streetcar Charlie's in Ybor City suddenly closed its doors. Details surrounding the closure of the once-popular LGBT eatery and bar vary, depending on with whom you speak, but financial difficulties plagued the restaurant that housed the space now occupied by The Laughing Cat. There were also allegations of underage employees working at the restaurant. Charlie's was one of the first LGBT businesses to open in Ybor City during the “Gay Renaissance” of the area in 2007-2008.
