Locals hope for RuPaul's All-Star cast
Florida is a powerhouse when it comes to the reality TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. Queens from throughout the state have appeared on the Logo network's signature series, which is in the midst of its fourth season and was the vehicle that spawned Drag U.
Now, word from the network is that another spin-off is in the works, called All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race, where favorite contestants from the past will compete in an all new series of challenges”and local favorites Alexis Mateo from Season 3 and Alisa Summers from Season 4 are hoping to take part.
The cast of “dragtestants” will be chosen by fans and both locals have already begun an active Facebook campaign for online votes. Find RuPaul's Drag Race on Facebook to cast your vote. The new series is set to debut this fall and the network will announce who's in the cast on NewNowNext.com.
TIGLFF sets up shop in Ybor
The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has a new home. The 23-year-old festival moved into its new offices on 7th Avenue in Ybor City the weekend of March 10 and Executive Director Larry Biddle said he expected the new location to be fully operational within a week. The new location is within the Metro Wellness and Community Center near the Hampton Inn and gives the festival a base of operations as well as a storefront from which it can sell tickets.
Until now, TIGLFF has operated out of an office space inside the King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church in St. Petersburg. The new location puts Biddle within walking distance from his husband during the day. His husband, David Warner, is the editor of Creative Loafing, which has an office just a few blocks away in Ybor City.
Taste of Pride breaks records
Walking through the Dali Museum on March 10 plenty of oohs, ahhs and mmmms could be heard from the huge number of people attending the Taste of Pride. According to St. Pete Pride executive director Chris Rudisill, the annual celebration of all things tasty in St. Petersburg was a sold-out event and by far the most successful Taste of Pride ever. This was the second year for the event at the Dali Museum and 15 restaurants set up tables throughout”and outside”of the iconic museum.
Plenty of notables were there, from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida to several DJs with Play 98.7 FM. Even St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster made an appearance, although he disappeared from view only shortly after the event got underway.
