Featuring Articles on how redistricting will affect gay politicians, New York’s marriage draw, Liz Langley’s book Crazy Little Thing, Gancho during Gasparilla and much more!
On the Cover: The powers that be in Tallahassee are wrangling new districts throughout the state that voters hope will remove special protections for incumbents. While it’s a Democrat and Republican issue, any final borders could directly affect LGBTs and our rights.
Illustration by Jake Stevens
Page 9 | Orlando News
Advocates for a county-wide domestic partnership registry are awaiting a decision from Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs on if an ordinance will be presented to commissioners; A split in the Presbyterian Church, headquartered in Orlando, is linked directly to the denomination’s views of same-sex relationships; Former Patty Sheehan advisor Chase Smith is running for Orlando City Council, bringing the number of out candidates in local races to three; more.
Page 11 | Tampa Bay News
King of Peace MCC once again spearheads Wine, Art and Heart, a fundraiser for Suncoast Hospice and this year’s event has a new location and a few surprises; Gasparilla invaded Tampa Jan. 26 and LGBTs took advantage of all the revelry, especially in Ybor City; A new thrift store in Pinellas Park that caters to the transgender community was robbed during its first week of business; more.
Page 17 State
While lawmakers wrangle over the details of new redistricting maps due to be finalized this month, local LGBT politicians seem to feel they’ll be unaffected; Patrons of a popular gay bar in Fort Myers say local cops used excessive force; Delray Beach expands domestic partnership benefits to same-sex couples.
Page 28 Arts and Entertainment
The touring production of the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables is playing in Tampa and two heavy hitters in the production include a gay couple of 18 years; As always, Glenn Close is impeccable in her role as a woman pretending to be a man in her newest film, but unfortunately that’s not enough to save the story of Albert Nobbs.
Page 39 Love and Marriage
St. Petersburg couple John Thomas and Jan Lund are among thousands of same-sex couples who took advantage of New York’s same-sex marriage ruling last year.
