ORLANDO | The Zebra Coalition is hosting its first-ever Youth Pride Prom at the Orlando Museum of Art June 22 from 6-10 p.m. for LGBTQ youth ages 14-20.
Zebra is partnering with more than a dozen coalition partners and a youth committee to plan the event.
ORLANDO | Equality Florida had a huge turnout for its Greater Orlando Gala at the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 2, and its message to everyone in attendance: “Get out and vote this Tuesday!”
The event was a who’s who of Central Florida’s LGBTQ, Democrat and progressive communities. The crowd watched as Pulse survivor and gun safety advocate Brandon Wolf was awarded the Voice For Equality Award and Michael Thomas of John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Events accepted the Equality Means Business Award.
Orlando – Two weeks ago the Orlando Museum of Art opened what museum director Glen Gentele calls “the single most important collection of art to come to the Museum in its history.” He was speaking of the new J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora Gallery.
Named for the late fashion illustrator, the gallery opened with its first exhibit at the 30th Anniversary Gala of OMA’s collecting group on Oct. 9.
Hundreds attended the inaugural Art in Equality event at Orlando Museum of Art August 7. Many local politians and artists were part of the excited crowd, which enjoyed performances by Varietease, Todd Kimbro and the Orlando Gay Chorus. Tom Dyer, Mike Morris, Michael Farmer, and Rick Singh participated in an LGBT property rights panel.
Never fear, Carlos Smith is here
As the newly elected chair of the Orange County Democrats, Carlos Smith is responsible for 295,000 voters. Corralling the resources needed for contentious upcoming elections that includes two high profile races, for governor and county mayor, is a scary thought. So, is Smith afraid? It’s not likely. He’s a thrill-seeker. Among his achievements: hanging precariously 1,000 feet in the air from a plane traveling 100 mph, wearing a water-filled helmet with angry eels swimming around and leaping across construction platforms. Smith, 33, who can also boast climbing the Andes Mountains, was once a contestant on NBC’s Fear Factor. The reality show that has contestants performing scary stunts and Smith made it to the finals. Compared to facing what I did on Fear Factor all those years ago, taking on Republicans in 2014 will be a cakewalk, Smith said. Democrats in Orange County have great candidates, a message that resonates with voters, and a record of fighting for fairness and equal opportunity for everybody. Republicans like Rick Scott and Teresa Jacobs are the ones who will be running scared.
Family-friendly fun
Many of Central Florida’s LGBT festivals and celebrations, like Gay Days and St. Pete Pride, aren’t always viewed as family-friendly. In their enthusiasm for those street parties, revelers are often scantily clad or overly inebriated. Converge Orlando, Inc, Central Florida’s LGBT Convention and Visitors Bureau, has come to the rescue with a brand new event called Family Outfest. It’s scheduled for July 1- 7 and promises to be wholesome fun for the whole family. (Though the opening event looks to be a cocktail reception). The Facebook page promises several events daily, including theme park excursions, though a specific schedule has not been released.
A new twist on the Nutcracker
The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies is nothing new when you attend a holiday pageant during this festive time of year, but at the Orlando Gay Chorus “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” show on Dec. 14 at Plaza Live, the traditional dance took an untraditional turn. Instead of sweet, darling ballerinas dancing out in adorable pink tutus, four big and beefy guys, along with one tall and furry guy danced out”¦ in adorable pink tutus. The chorus hummed along as the bear-lerinas attempted to dance and pirouette their way to be prima ballerina, but instead had to settle on being the most memorable part of the holiday show.
Back home in time for the holiday
Gay activist Randy Ross, 48, who handles marketing for the Orlando Museum of Art, and 96-year-old Elizabeth Smith are unlikely friends. But the two crossed paths a few months ago when Ross heard Smith was in need. Her Carver Shores home was plagued with problems the bathtub had fallen through the floor, the roof leaked and the house was full of termites. Calls to the city and county for help went unanswered. Her neighbors were worried. Working with a small group of volunteers, Ross raised money and in-kind donations to renovate Smith’s home. Everything from paint and tile to appliances and furniture have been donated in recent months, including professional labor through contractor Eugene Roberson, Jr. All the hard work will culminate in “24 Hours for Mrs. Smith,” at noon on Dec. 22 at 4643 Raleigh St. when Mrs. Smith will return home. The Council of 101 will give her a decorated Christmas tree. If you would like to contribute to the project or volunteer your time, call Ross at 407-401-4409.
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