Sure, the U.S. Supreme Court had us all waiting with bated breath, but now that's (mostly) over, we’re issuing a mandate for you to have fun and celebrate equal rights for all. Here are some Defense of “making-merry” acts you'll find to be informative, entertaining and/or intriguing, taking place during Pride Carnivale weekend and afterward. (Intro and events by Julie Garisto; Tyler Killette, Tiffany Razzano, Davis Johnson, Carly Hobbs, Meaghan Habuda and St. Pete Pride contributed to this report.)
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
RuPaul’s Drag Girls: Alyssa Edwards vs. Coco Montrese
Georgie’s Alibi
3100 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
10 p.m.
Last season, Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese's drama overshadowed other crucial plot points of RuPaul's show, including the winner and loser at the time, Detox and Monica Beverly Hills, respectively.Catch the show during the bar’s famed $3 Long Island Iced Tea night. It will be interesting to see how these gals look after a few of those! georgiesalibi.com.
Amores di mi Vida (The Loves of my Life)
King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church
3150 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg
6:30 p.m.
Free and open to all.
Who is the love of your life, and does another human have the right to say who you should love? This and other topics will be discussed at a video screening and panel. Learn more about the benefits of a DPR (domestic partner registry), LGBT-inclusive immigration reform and the updates on the Supreme Court ruling against DOMA. 727-323-5857, amores@aclufl.org.
Craftsman House’s 5th Annual Clay Pride Show
2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Through June 30
Hours: Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you love art, you might celebrate Gay Pride Month this June by picking up a beautiful handmade object from the 5th annual Clay Pride Show. Gorgeous finds like a set of lustrous nesting bowls in shades of green by California potter Marge Margulies make great gifts. (Their rich colors and buttery surfaces will make your sweetheart gasp with pleasure.) Or snag a dramatic platter decorated with trees by Nevada artist Glenda Jordan to create the perfect foundation for a festive dinner with friends. Other artists in the exhibition—all of whom “are openly embracing the clay lifestyle,” according to a press release — include Posey Bacopoulos, Robin Beckett, Branan Mercer, Neil Patterson and St. Pete residents Charlie Parker and Stephanie Schorr. 727-323-2787. craftsmanhousegallery.com.
Lesbian Health Fund Reception and Fundraiser
Marriott Resort Suites on Sand Key, 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
9 p.m.
The 2013 Women in Medicine conference annual reception and fundraiser supports the Lesbian Health Fund, the only U.S. research fund dedicated solely to the unique health needs of lesbians and other minority women. Founded in 1992, the LHF has directly awarded more than $754,000 to fund lesbian health research studies. Reception highlights include entertainment provided by comedian Vicki Shaw, live and silent auctions and a cash bar. $50. Proceeds go directly to benefit the Lesbian Health Fund. eric.skains@stpetepride.com.
Noite de Cinema, a Night with Hedda Lettuce
Palladium Theater
253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Ms. Queen of Green presides over a screening of the 1967 camp classic Valley of the Dolls, ideal fodder for her hilarious running commentary. Hedda is “live” doing her classic comic banters while the movie runs as part of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and proceeds from the event benefit then nonprofit. Audience members will get the chance to interact and sing along as Hedda talks back to this deliciously trashy Hollywood soap opera. $15-$20. 7:30 p.m. tiglff.com, 727-822-3590.
Wordier Than Though Storytelling Open Mic
The L Train
900 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
7 p.m.
CL’s own LGBT writer and editor Tiffany Razzano hosts a casual open mic with scribes telling stories and reading from the work. The loose open format allows attendees to volunteer even if they are not scheduled to read. Usually takes place every last Thursday of the month. facebook.com/WordierThanThou.
Women in Medicine Conference
Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
This annual retreat, celebrating its 30th anniversary and hosted by Women in Medicine, offers lesbian and other sexual minority female physicians, as well as their partners, their children and medical students, continuing education about research in women’s health. Lesbian, bisexual, gender-queer and transgender women’s issues are also discussed alongside non-medical seminars that will appeal to all. Focused on meeting the needs of medical students and residents, the four-day conference features social, networking and mentoring opportunities. Registration fee varies. womeninmedicine.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
Latino Pride Party
Dj Mike “el Bori” emcees with Lady Janet, Colorina and Miah V. Enjoy a late-night happy hour and $1 wells from 11 p.m. to midnight. The Latino Pride Social Club of Tampa Bay will be there with a table setup near entrance. Liquid Tampa, 1502 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-6104
Pride Carnivale 27-82 Concert
Feat. Uh Huh Her w/ Daphne Willis
State Theatre
687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
7:30 p.m.
Uh Huh Her, the electro-pop duo of Leisha Hailey and Camilla Grey, started out on the fast track to success, to a full house of industry heads, critics and fans who knew Hailey from her character on The L Word, Alice Pieszecki. $25, $35. uhhuhher.com, 727-895-3045.
Pride on the Runway at Macy’s
Tyrone Square Mall
6901 Tyrone Square
6 p.m.
E! News Correspondent Robbie Laughlin pays a visit to the event that also entertains with a shopping party, music and some fancy nosh. The winning King and Queen from Trans*Action Florida make their first official public appearance and help kick off the weekend festivities. Models show off fashions from designers featured at Macy’s on the catwalk. $10 donation is suggested and donors will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card in return. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne will be served. stpetepride.com.
Confessions, a Cabaret
8 p.m
freeFall Theatre Company
6099 Central Ave., St. Pete, freefalltheatre.com
Meet “deliciously deranged diva” Zachary Hines, half of the Best of the Bay-winning cabaret duo Coco and Homo, and allow him to serenade you with a bevy of “drunk ditties, frothy pop, and ballads of repentance.” Hines’ act gets its inspiration from anonymous confessions he collected online, and for one night only, he conducts his own special type of church service for freaks, allowing the audience to feel like a fly on the wall inside the confession booth. In addition, Hines’ songbook runs the gamut from Leonard Cohen to Kurt Weill to David Bowie to Madonna. Expect clownish antics and surprise guests. $15, 727-498-5205, freefalltheatre.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Join the GaYBOR Krewe in the Pride Promenade
Georgie’s Alibi
3100 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
8:30 a.m.
The GaYbor Krewe invites anyone interested to join them waving and tossing beads in the annual St. Pete Pride Parade. Includes a pre-parade party with breakfast food, drinks, throw beads, two trader beads and guaranteed participation on the parade. Rider spots are limited, but there’s tons of room for walkers. Buy wristbands in advance at MC Filmfest, 1901 N 15th St., Ybor City. $30 rider, $15 walker. 727-321-2112, stpetepride.com.
Faces of HIV at St. Pete Pride
On display at St. Pete Pride
Between 21st and 28th streets, St. Petersburg
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
A mobile art exhibit depicts the vividly expressive faces of Florida residents living with HIV and AIDS, whose stories are told through portraits, video interview and journal excerpts. The exhibit has traversed Florida and now makes an encore appearance in St. Petersburg. St. Pete Pride on Central Avenue. wemakethechange.com/faces.
St. Pete Pride Promenade
21st Street to 28th Street of Central Ave., St. Petersburg
June 29, 10 a.m.
With St. Pete Pride in its 11th year, the Promenade, aka “the Pride parade,” makes its annual procession along Central Avenue, ushering in a daylong event with a whopping expected attendance of 100,000 to 125,000. Along with history-making events looming in local city governments, the Supreme Court and legislatures across the nation, St. Pete Pride made history this year by letting the community vote for grand marshals. Mark Bias and Carrie West were named male grand marshals, Susan McGrath was selected as the female grand marshal and Metro Wellness and Community Centers represents the group category. More than 100 businesses and organizations are gathering to celebrate and support the LGBT of Tampa Bay. With all that’s at stake in the U.S. Supreme Court, expect a more jubilant and/or fierce show of Pride than ever. stpetepride.com.
St. Pete Pride Street Festival
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reading of Pride Proclamations, 1:15 p.m.
Central Avenue, from 21st Street to 28th Street
With vendors, costumed revelers galore and live entertainment, St. Pete Pride’s street fest is the largest of its kind in the state of Florida and the sixth largest in the Southeast. Some things to prepare for: Park on the street. Paid lots, even though unattended are managed by private organizations and often open later in the afternoon, unless otherwise designated. Because St. Pete Pride Inc. is the sole vendor of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and bottled water at the Street Festival. We’re not recommendingyou bring a flask but if you do, hide it well. (But you didn’t hear that from us!) The St. Petersburg Trolley runs from the Pier to Georgie’s Alibi at Third Avenue North and 31st Street. Rides are only 25 cents and run every 15 to 30 minutes. On the day of the festival the trolley will run on First Avenue North and South between 21st and 28th streets and then continue on Central Avenue for the remainder of the route. stpetepride.com.
St. Pete Pride VIP Party
Suncoast Neuroscience
2201 Central Ave., Suite 301, St. Petersburg
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The reverie ramps up with cool A/C comfort at St. Pete Pride’s affordable but beneficial VIP party scene. Tickets includes music, food by Ceviche and an open bar. The 2013 St. Pete Pride Grand Marshals will be there, as well as other local leaders. $35. stpetepride.com.
Artpool Chill-Out Zone
Sat., June 29, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Cool off and relax in the Artpool pavilion's fan-refreshed courtyard and wade in swimming pools while enjoying music, 40-plus craft beers, wine, mimosas, sangria and, from 4-6 p.m., Artpool will offer for sale vegetarian-and-carnivore-friendly — even gluten-free — grub. Free admission. artpoolrules.com.
Dali and Beyond Film Series: Wizard of Oz
Salvador Dali Museum
Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg.
1 p.m.
The 1939 classic about the fantastical adventure of Dorothy, Toto, some weird half-men, a mean witch and the Emerald City just so happens to be screening at the Dali & Beyond Film Series on the day of Pride Fest. How ‘bout that! Great way to take an air-conditioned break, party people Free to all. Refreshments for sale in Cafe Gala (Refreshments not permitted in theater). the dali.org.
Official Launch of LouddMouth Radio & St. Pete Pride After Party
Nova 535
535 Ninth St. N, St. Petersburg
10 p.m.
Meet the new LouddMouth Radio Team, see a live comedy and drag shows, dance to a DJ and more. $10 advance for regular admission; $20 at the door. $30 advance for VIP; $45 at the door. Meet the team beforehand to see if they have cheaper tickets at their booth at the Pride Fest. For more info, visit blogtalkradio.com/louddmouthradio.
Pride After Party with DJ Kidd Madonny
G-Bar
1401 E. Seventh Ave (at 14th Street), Tampa
8 p.m.-3 a.m.
According to G-Bar, the Pride after party at their biggest and this year it has a popular DJ and his “fantastic sound and light show.” $1 drinks from 8 to 10. DJ Charles Machado mans the video room; visuals and décor by Mathieu Stanoch.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
Pride Poolside
Noon-late night
Flamingo Resort
4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg
Hailed as one of the largest pool parties in Tampa Bay, the fete boasts six-packs galore and refreshing cocktails. The event is a festive finale to the Carnivale festivities. Free admission. flamingofla.com.
MONDAY, JULY 1
Jeffrey
7:30 p.m.
freeFall Theatre Company
6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205.
Celebrate Pride with a classic dramedy that’s at once tender, intelligent, sweet, downright funny and boldly spirited — reasons we never tire of Jeffrey, and thanks to Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project and freeFall Theatre, we get to visit with Paul Rudnick’s hapless romantic hero once again. The play’s titular protagonist is a gay actor/waiter who has sworn off sex. As things would have it, his flamboyant friends introduce him to the man of his dreams, who also happens to be HIV-positive. As far as what we get from it all, freeFall puts it best: “Humor prevails even when tragedy might be just around the corner.” Incidentally, you can see a pretty swell film adaptation from 1995, starring Steven Weber of Wings fame. Eric Davis, Chris Crawford, Mathew McGee, Scott Daniel and Sara DelBeato star. All proceeds go to Metro Charities. $10. freefalltheatre.com.
ONGOING
Positive Choices
Every Mon. and Wed., noon-2 p.m.
St. Pete Metro
3251 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Attend an adult outpatient substance abuse program for individuals who are HIV positive and reside in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Eligibility required. 727-321-3854.
Community Pride Art Show
Through June 30
St. Pete Metro Center
3251 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Weekdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon-4 p.m.
LGBT and allied artists from the St. Pete community will display their art from painting to photography in Metro’s Community Pride Art Show. Free but donations are accepted 727-321-3854, lgbt@metrotampabay.org.
Gay & Bi Men’s Discussion
Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Tampa Metro Center
1315 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa
A safe space for gay and bisexual men to have discussions, socialize, learn and grow. Free; donations accepted. 813-232-3808.
LGBT Sunday Cinema
Every Sun., 1-3 p.m.
St. Pete Metro Center
3251 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Free LGBT-themed movies screen every Sunday afternoon. 727-321-3854
LGBT 55+ Support
St. Pete Metro Center
3251 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
55+ Brown Bag Lunch allows you to gring your lunch and engage with other 55-and-older LGBT adults. Chat about current topics and make new friends. Tuesdays, noon. LGBT Women's Group meets 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and increase your strength, endurance and flexibility in a fitness class on Thursdays at 11 a.m. Free; donations accepted. St. Pete Metro Center, 3251 Thid Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-321-3854.
The Lounge
Every Thu., 7 p.m.
Tampa Metro Center
1315 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa
Meet 18-24 year old LGBT young adults in this fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly events vary. Free; donations accepted. 813-232-3808.
Next Generation
Tue., 5:30 p.m.
Tampa Metro Center
1315 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City
Attention, young people: Attend a forum for LGBTQA youth, ages 14-18, to discuss everything from coming out, bullying and dating, play games, watch movies and more. Free dinner. Free; donations accepted. 813-232-3808.
Sing-Along w/John Sackett
Every Wed., 7-11 p.m.
Flamingo Resort
4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg
Sing in unison like the lounge lizards of yesteryear. flamingofla.com.
Live Karaoke w/Someday Souvenir’s Chrissy Derado
Every Wednesday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Beak’s St. Pete
2451 Central Ave.
No cover and one free shot for every singer. Event page on Facebook.
Vision: A Pride Art Show
Through July 13, 7-11 p.m.
Bluelucy Gallery
653 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Sponsored by Bluelucy Gallery and St. Pete Pride, the collection of work from LGBT artists. Artists include Spathose, Sophia Renee, Roman Black, John Joseph Revisky, Andrea Pawlisz, Eduardo Camejo-Garriga, Rion Sabean, Samuel South and Hugo Porcaro. Free. bluelucy.net.
WTF?! Mondays
Select Mondays every month
Liquid Tampa
Explore a new theme each month, events that begs the question: “What the fuck?” It may include a contest, show or something completely different with special guests, hosts, DJs, porn stars, local celebs and more.
Young M.I.N.D.S.
Every Mon., 1-3 p.m.
St. Pete Metro
3251 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Empowerment program for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino young adults, 18-24. 727-321-3854.
Save the Date!
Fourth of July Weekend at The Flamingo
Begins Thu., July 4, at noon
Flamingo Resort
4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg
Celebrate your patriotism at a T-dance with DJ-O, pool games, sexy male dancers and a food tent.
Rays Pride Night
Sat, July 6, 7-10 p.m.
Tropicana Field
See the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Houston Astros from the Bullpen Cafe, closest seats to the Rays pitchers. Package pricing and options at stpetepride.com. Sponsored by Your Neighborhood Realty, GayStPete.com and St Pete Pride.
P3 (Pride Pool Party)
Thu., July 11, 7-10 p.m.
Gay StPete House/ St. Pete Pride Inc.
4505 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Enjoy a poolside party, relax in the hot tub or sauna, or work on your tan. Food and beverages included. DJ Bill Kody spins. stpetepride.com.
Tampa Roller Derby
Sat, July 13, 6-8 p.m.
Downtown Skate (formally Skateplex)
5313 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa
At this bout: Tampa Jr. Roller derby rolls in with Demolition Dolls vs. Team Knockout, and TRD's Black Widows vs. Cigar City Mafia. At Halftime, play games, win Raffle prizes, get prettified by a glitter tattoo artist, or enjoy a balloon artist and photo booth. $10 in advanced, $15 at the door. TampaRollerDerby.com.
This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 3, 2013.