I know of a few organized groups, but overall, I feel that we are not a cohesive community. Is it that we have a bridge to drive over from St. Pete to Tampa? Is it because, like any other professionals, we are too busy with our careers to seek out each other? Or do we just don’t care to support each other?
I only know of two professional groups in the community. The first is the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This organization, with about 100 members, meets monthly and brings together all sorts of professionals from the Bay area. It is a revamped and much improved version of the old Tampa Bay Business Guild and has some young and exciting leadership. The focus is on networking and education. They usually meet the second Tuesday of the month.
The other group is the Good Old Girls Network. You can find them on Meetup.com. It’s an all-lesbian group of professionals that focuses on networking and socializing. Meeting dates vary, but they usually meet in the South Tampa area. The group has been around for two years and boasts over 250 members.
I have gone to some other lesbian social groups in the area. The people are nice, but honestly, I’m not into the bar scene and really don’t have much in common with folks who drink all night and flip burgers during the day. Not that there is anything wrong with that — it’s just not my thing.
So, where are educated singles and couples to go? Do we need to start a professional group in the area for socializing and networking?
Where do you go to meet other professionals? Thoughts are appreciated. E-mail Sharon with ideas.
