Five favorite performers kick off Sarasota Pride 2013 with a Showgirl Reunion

Sarasota Pride returns to J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota on Oct. 19.

To help build excitement, organizers are throwing a “Prelude to Pride” event on Sept. 30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Fruitville Rd. Showgirl Reunion is an original comedy featuring five of the area’s most popular entertainers: Matthew McGee, Scott Daniel, Beneva Fruitville, Lindsay Carlton and special guest Joey Panek. It’s a combination of McGee and Daniel’s Scott & Patti Show, but incorporating the stars of Sarasota’s Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza.

Showgirl Reunion, a benefit for Trinity Charities HIV/AIDS programs, is the brainchild of Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project founder, Garry Allan Bruel. And there is a serious message behind the laughter: that members of the LGBT community must continue to be tested for HIV/AIDS. Recent reports indicate that gay and bisexual men account for a full 63% of all new HIV infections. Most concerning is a 22% increase among those between 13 and 24 years old.

So why bring laughter to such a serious topic?

“Gay people have such a great capacity for joy,” said McGee. “It’s important to raise awareness, and this is a stressful topic, but you get to people more with joy.”

All five entertainers are respected in overlapping local and regional circles. They’re looking forward to working with each other. According to the performers, the collaboration of such vivid characters has already resulted in bouts of side-splitting laughter.

“If you look at all things with a little humor, that’s how you get through life,” said Fruitville of her involvement.

Using theatre to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS is a life’s mission for Bruel, who founded Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project more than a decade ago. Bruel learned his craft at the Asolo Theatre, and has mounted several productions throughout Tampa Bay since 2002. Through them, he raises both funds and awareness about a topic that is still difficult for many to address.

He notes that Suncoast is unique because money raised can be applied to important HIV/AIDS goals beyond paying for medications and treatments.

“We can help someone take their dog to the vet or pay for electricity,” said Bruel. “Sometimes people with HIV will spend all of their money on these other things and neglect themselves.”

Though he isn’t personally infected, Bruel says he feels personally affected.

“I see these beautiful spirits being devoured by this disease,” said Bruel. “I can’t not help.”

Through the efforts of Bruel and his Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project, countless people have been made aware of the ongoing prevalence of the disease in the LGBT community, been tested and received treatments.

Bruel is concerned that gay men have grown complacent when it comes to testing because of new medications on the market that allow people to live longer and healthier lives. But he also notes that these remarkable new medications are expensive, often come with side effects, and are not a cure.

“Garry has been such a champion for awareness,” said McGee. “He and [Sarasota Pride chairperson] Cindy Barnes are really the unsung heroes behind all of this.”

The main event, Sarasota Pride, draws people from all walks of life to celebrate equality, diversity and the richness of the LGBT community. Like its big sister to the north, St. Pete Pride, the annual event was originally held in the summer. Organizers moved it to October to make it accessible to more attendees and families. The move allows Pride to create fundraising and other events throughout the year, resulting in overall growth for the event.

“I wish there wasn’t a need for Pride, and that we all had equal rights and could just have a big party to celebrate together,” said Barnes. “I hope I see that in my lifetime. With all the progress we’ve seen this past year, I don’t know…it could be possible.”

According to Barnes, Sarasota Pride allows others to see the LGBT community in a different light.

“Pride lets people see that we are parents and neighbors; that we are their doctors, nurses, and other professionals,” said Barnes. “They see that we really are no different than anyone else.”

Barnes and Bruel believe the Showgirl Reunion “Prelude to Pride” ties Pride together in meaningful ways. There will be laughter, and an opportunity to fall in love with some priceless local characters. The event will raise awareness and funds for an important and often-overlooked cause. And it will serve as an introduction to Sarasota Pride, which takes place less than three weeks later.

It will also serve as an introduction to the emcee’s for this year’s Pride: Fruitville and Carlton. Barnes says that Sarasota Pride is a fun, family friendly event that will feature live music, entertainment, vendors, and activities for the kids. With commentary by Fruitville and Carlton, let the laughter begin.

Organizers hope many will attend Sarasota Pride on Oct. 19 from noon to 6 p.m., and Showgirl Reunion on Sept. 30. Barnes promises that her staff and volunteers will greet everyone with open arms and a smile.

“We should really be Prideful…every single day of the year,” Barnes said.

More info
What: Showgirl Reunion
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
When: Monday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Info: Tickets are $15 or $25 for VIP reception and seating; contact Trinity Charities at (941) 351-4347 or info@trinitycharities.org.

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