Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn with Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin, who introduced the ordinance to Tampa City Council members 6 weeks ago, watched the signing of this historic Tampa Domestic Partnership Registry Ordinance legislation into Tampa law. Mayor Buckhorn, in his chambers, signed with several pens. After the signing the first pen was given to Carrie West, President of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Before the signing, Carrie joked with the staff and tried to change the pen to a bright pink GaYBOR District pen. “This goes right to heart of who we are as a community and how we treat people,” Mayor Buckhorn commented. “For me this is a great chance to level the playing field for a lot of folks who are in relationships that may not look like my marriage, but should be treated accordingly.” He also added that this is a great discussion point when talking to the companies that want to relocate to Tampa.
Carrie West commented, “This isn’t a gay or straight issue. It is an equality and fairness community ordinance benefiting all of Tampa’s residents. Now, let’s have the Hillsborough County Commissioners take note!” Tampa is now one of many other cities including most recently Orlando, Gainesville, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Key West that have the Domestic Partnership law on their books!
People are Talking
-With 11 LGBT bars and nights in GaYBOR/Ybor city it is easy to see why the For Rent sign in the former Blue Dog Bistro was only up a couple of days! Rumors are that a new LGBT entertainment complex will be opening there soon.
– The GaYBOR Sunday/ Fun Days have been packing them in. All the members are reporting up sales which translates into more fun your everybody!
– What a birthday party for the emcee host at Hamburger Mary’s, Miss Esmee Russell. The queen of Orlando, Miss Darcel Stevens meandered over from the Parliament House to host Sundays Gospel Brunch.
-The bull ride at Barbarella’s really brought out the rhinestone cowboys!
Miss REAL Trailer Trash
The most unusual Miss Trailer Trash Drag Pageant was held at Gaspar’s Grotto with a fair number of very specially adorned eye catching characters! The charity event proceeds went to Metro Wellness & Community Center. Contestants had people rolling or slipping off their seats. Many couldn’t enter because they didn’t qualify for not having any teeth. We heard there was a 1 tooth minimum to enter! The emcee was Miss Melanie Minyon who introduced the colorful contestants and was helped by the Tampa Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. It was a blast and congratulations for having a fun afternoon event.