Out Candidate on National Ticket?
Too soon to talk 2016? Not for Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund president and CEO Chuck Wolfe, who was the guest of honor at an April 16 reception hosted by Bob Poe, who sits on the organization’s board. Wolfe touted the organization’s accomplishments, including almost doubling LGBT representation in Congress from four to seven, and electing the first out U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin.
And he noted that out state legislators were elected for the first time in several states, including Florida. Wolfe said his immediate goal is helping elect the first out mayor of New York City, Christine Quinn. But he couldn’t resist biting at a question about the 2016 ticket. His projection: Jeb Bush backed by John Huntsman for the Republicans, and Hillary Clinton and Gavin Newsome for the Democrats. And Wolfe went even further, projecting that an out candidate will be on the national ticket by 2032.
Garden Tour Gays
There were “gays for days” traversing the streets of Eola Heights on Sunday afternoon, April 21. A steady rain didn’t stop hundreds from visiting ten varied and wonderful backyards during the 6th tour of the “Private Gardens of Lake Eola Heights.”Stops included the beautiful homes of Kelly Brock and Reid Pasternak, John Guerts and Robert Stolt, Dr. Andrew Summers, and LGBT allies Judge Bob Leblanc and his wife, Joan. The iphones were out in force, recording ideas for future projects. Overheard by one attendee: “I could do this – if I had a yard crew of six!”
CFSL is Such a Drag
The 5th annual Mr. and Ms. CFSL Pageant was April 14 at Parliament House’s Footlight Theater. Orlando’s Central Florida Softball League players whipped out duct tape, wigs and lots of make up for a competition in hilarity. The annual fundraiser assists teams that represent the league at the NAGAAA and ASANA World Series. Six teams put their best high-heeled foot forward with elaborate performances. The results for this year’s pageant:
Mr. CFSL went to Holly Nichols from David Dorman Royalty and Ms. CFSL went to Jerry Graham from Grindr’s Base Grindrs. The crowd favorite was Bobby DeSormier from Hope & Help Impact.
Zebra Coalition Wins IKEA Challenge
Zebra Coalition received the highest number of votes for the IKEA Challenge. The organization wins $10,000 in product and design services from IKEA Orlando. “This opportunity will allow us to improve our food, clothing and hygiene bank as well create a lending library and other resources for LGBT+ youth in Central Florida,” Zebra Coalition said in a statement. Zebra is one of 38 charitable organizations in the nation awarded $10,000 in IKEA products, services and in-kind donations.
Honoring a Survivor
The hoi polloi were out in force at the 2013 Dinner of Tribute for the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida at the Rosen Plaza on April 17. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs rubbed elbows with Police Chief Jerry Demings and his wife, Val Demings, Florida Blood Centers chair Rick Walsh, Orlando Ballet president Ava Doppelt, and many more. The fundraiser, a tribute to Holocaust survivor Helen Greenspun, was co-chaired by partners Ted Maines and Jeff Miller. The Orlando Ballet performed.
