Orlando: Fundraiser fail, Facebook fakes

Fuming at the fundraiser
With Rep. Barney Frank as featured guest, the fundraiser for Rep. Alan Grayson at The Sanctuary on Feb. 26 had all the makings of a memorable event. It was a success at raising money—more than $15,000 from close to 100 mostly LGBT attendees—and creating high drama. Dozens of vocal “Tea Party” protestors greeted attendees. Frank and Grayson flew in together, so it was a surprise when Grayson was a no-show at his own party. Turns out his oldest child, Skye, was injured while Grayson was in transit and so he high-tailed it to the emergency room. But State Rep. Scott Randolph, the event organizer, was furious that Grayson had been in the Sanctuary lobby and declined to come up five floors to make apologies to his supporters. So when Randolph later discovered that Grayson had emailed him about another matter during the fundraiser, Randolph went off—and copied everyone on the fundraiser host committee. “You are a pathetic person,” Randolph said, adding far more colorful and bridge-burning language. The following day there was an apology to Grayson. “I obviously let my judgment and true feelings about you fall to the wayside and let the wine do the talking,” Randolph wrote in his e-mail. Grayson responded with a stilted e-apology of his own regarding his absence. With handsome partner Jim Ready at his side, Frank carried the fundraiser. “I’m always amused when people talk about the ‘radical gay agenda,’” he said. “Look at what we’re trying to make it possible for gays and lesbians to do: get a job, get married and join the army. I’d call that the opposite of radical.” 

Sheehan exposes Facebook fakery
In a completely unrelated political e-matter, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan sent out her own mass email warning that someone had opened up a fake Facebook account in her name, with a fake campaign PayPal account as well. Sheehan is not currently campaigning for office. Her biggest beef with the perpetrators: that they made her older.

Bye bye Betsy
Sincere best wishes to Orlando Sentinel theater critic Elizabeth Maupin, who retired after 26 years in the position. She has been a champion of local LGBT theater, and that should come as no surprise: she is the sister of Armistead Maupin, who wrote the gay-iconic Tales of the City books.