Phish Phest is marking a decade of bringing Central Florida’s lesbians together in the name of charity and fun. The group was founded in 2000 by Sue-Bee Laginess, who calls herself “King Phish,” along with Julie Milford, Jenn Lothian and Laginess’ wife, Roxy Santiago.
What started as a birthday party at Wall Street for Laginess and two other Capricorns 12 years ago has spawned into a household name. Laginess said her gay best friend, Larry Bishop, actually came up with the group’s moniker when he asked the following year if they were having another “fish fest” for her birthday with the lesbians.
“He always called me ‘fish or fish stick,’ because he thinks he’s funny,” Laginess said.
After year two, she said both events were so packed and fun it was actually the manager at Wall Street who recommended that she put together more than one event a year. From there, approached Milford to get it started.
Since then, the organization has held dozens of events raising more than $50,000 for charity over the past decade. Recent recipients of donations have included Hope & Help of Central Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, and Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation. As a group, Phish Phest has participated in the Orlando Aids Walk, Smartride, Come Out with Pride, Headdress Ball, GayDays, Scooters 4 Hooters, and Score for Kore.
Phish Phest has participated in signature events such as its “UNITY” event for HRC, the “Pinktober” events held at Hard Rock Live, and have partnered with “Girls in Wonderland” during GayDays.
Laginess said the fundraisers, parties and monthly happy hours aren’t just for women who like women. Gay men, straight allies and even local politicians have made appearances at Phish Phest events.
“Scott Randolph and Bill Segal have some serious frequent flyer miles at Phish Phest,” Laginess said.
She said they’re also open to new venues.
“We are always looking for newer locations to keep it fresh,” Laginess says. “We really like to take a straight bar or restaurant and gay it up for a night because Lord knows they probably need it!”
Laginess said in light of the recent gay teen suicides, she is already planning Phish Phest’s next mission.
“The Trevor Project needs more awareness,” she said
The next event is “Phish Phriday,” Nov. 5 at the new Twist Asian Fusion at Sodo from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. The group’s 10th anniversary celebration will be combined with the annual “Merry Phishmas” Dec. 3.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/PhishPhest or email BeedazzledEvents@aol.com
