Celeb Dish with Steve Kmetko

Story and photo: by John Chambrone

(Picture from Opening Night at Clip)

TAMPA-Veteran entertainment reporter Steve Kmetko will be appearing in Tampa as a featured guest for the Clip Film Festival. Taking place between October 8 - 18, the festival is celebrating it’s 20th year. Formerly known as the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the event is a celebration of gay cinema. Kmetko will be there for opening weekend festivities. I recently got the chance to interview him for ‘Out in the Open,’ where I called him at his home in Chicago.

JC: What prompted you to come out professionally?

SK: It has been 11 years now, it coincides with the death of Matthew Shepard. For so long it had been speculated about Nathan Lane but he never talked about it. Then finally he got to a point where he said in an interview with the Advocate, where he was on the cover, that as long as these kinds of things are still happening, it is incumbent on all of us who are gay to let the straight people out there know just how many of us there are, and that this is not acceptable. That made so much sense to me. Besides, I think that at some point every gay person out there is tired of living a lie. Fortunately at this day and age, they don’t have to do it as much as we once did. I think we are making progress. That was the primary reason, the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard. I just felt compelled to be public about it.

JC: I know that you have spoken to his mother recently, how did that go?

SK: It went very well. I long admired her for all of the work she has done since her son died. She became an activist for gay people against violence. Here is a woman, it is my impression, that is fairly soft spoken, very gentle, and just living her life. All of the sudden, this horrific crime intruded. Not only intruded, but claimed someone that was very dear to her. So she rolled up her sleeves and started speaking out. Here, 11 years later, she is working on getting an anti crime anti violence bill through congress. She is pretty convinced it is going to happen soon and if it does, she is certain the president will sign it. So I say good for her. It is quite a story.

JC: I did get the chance to meet her 10 years ago. She is an amazing woman. Can you tell me about your involvement in myQmunity and how we can hear the interview?

SK: You go to myQmunity.com and there is a little picture of me, several years old, because who uses current pictures in this day and age. There are a number of podcasts we have since we have been doing this. We have the current ones as well as the ones we have done previously on the website.

Demonstration/Protest Of WFLA CH 8 For Airing Homophobic Infomercial

What: A peaceful demonstration to protest Media General’s anti-gay programming.

Who:Fair-minded people willing to stand up to hateful anti-gay attacks.

Where: Media General HQ- 202 S Parker St Tampa, FL 33606-2395

When: July 15 4:30 PM Press Conference, followed by a 5:30 PM demonstration.

On a day designed to celebrate the local diversity of our community, WFLA News Channel 8 was paid to air “Speechless: Silencing the Christians”, a one hour misinformation piece reflecting views that incite harm and hate against our citizens. The airing of this infomercial coincided with the celebration of St. Petersburg Pride as well as the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which as you know began our journey to full equality. Hundreds of calls and emails were in protest to WFLA News Channel 8 unfortunately our concerns went ignored. What is at question here is not the Freedom of Speech or the Freedom of Religion, what is at question if the ethics of their actions and the lack of concern they have for our families, friends and neighbors in Tampa Bay.

When asked about airing the program, WFLA’s Manager John Scheuler stated they usually don’t screen for content, but that they didn’t think this program was hateful or vitriolic however he added that those who “chose the homosexual lifestyle might be upset by the strident tone”. The lack of concern in airing that infomercial was repugnant and it is clear now that WFLA chose to increase their bottom line instead of care for this community.

Other stations around this great nation recognized the hateful message crafted into this infomercial and chose NOT to air it. Even after our pleas to not air this propaganda, WFLA chose to ignore the will of concerned citizens. We the citizens of Tampa Bay refuse to allow this company to railroad us into accepting their actions. We ask that all fair minded people stand with us and let your voices be heard and stand with us against the unethical actions of WFLA and their parent company Media General.

Contact Scott Campbell, scsmc7@gmail.com, phone 727-455-3065 Cell or R. Zeke Fread, Director Pride Tampa Bay. pridetb@verizon.net, Home: 813-251-0693. Cell: 813-367-6792

Outrageous

WMNF Community Radio wmnf.org proudly presents the Tampa Bay Premier of the nationally acclaimed first run documentary ‘OUTRAGE!’ This Premier is currently scheduled for one showing at Tampa Pitcher Show, 14416 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa on Wednesday, July 15th at 7 P.M. Doors open at 6 with full menu and bar service available. More shows may be added by popular demand. Tickets are $8 adv., $10 at door, and will benefit WMNF. Tickets or more information can be obtained at 813-238-8001 or wmnf.org.

Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated) delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. OUTRAGE boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of our nation’s most powerful policymakers, details the harm they’ve inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media’s complicity in keeping their secret.

Evening with the Friends of Dorothy

An Evening with the Friends of Dorothy:

a Judy Garland Cabaret

Produced by Economic Stimulus Productions
June 12 - 28

Tickets are “Pay-What-You-Can”

An Evening with the Friends of Dorothy: a Judy Garland Cabaret, is an evening of song celebrating the American icon in a month that marks both her birth, and the 40th anniversary of her death. Follow the yellow brick road and enjoy such song titles as “Zing! Went the Strings of my Heart”, “Swanee”, “You Made Me Love You”, “Do It Again”, and of course, “Over the Rainbow”. This New York style cabaret will take place in the new lobby of American Stage Theatre Company, which features comfortable living room style seating, full service bar including EcStim’s signature jello-shots and PBR, and a backdrop of windows overlooking the lighted trees of Williams Park.

Prizes awarded for Judy Garland look-alikes so don’t forget your ruby slippers!

Playing nine performances only, this limited engagement stars Michael Titone, Samantha McKinnon Brown, Julie Rowe at the piano, and is directed by T. Scott Wooten. An Evening with the Friends of Dorothy: a Judy Garland Cabaret is produced by Economic Stimulus Productions. Independent Theatre can be a financial burden to produce, but thanks to The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 signed into law by President George W. Bush, Producers Julie Rowe and T. Scott Wooten decided against buying stuff and instead pooled their tax rebate checks together to produce live theatre. Economic Stimulus Productions is proud to be producing performance art fully funded by the United States Government. Thanks, FORMER President George W.!!!

An Evening with the Friends of Dorothy: a Judy Garland Cabaret will be performed on the following schedule: June 12 through June 28, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm, Sundays at 7 pm. Performances will take place at American Stage Theatre Company’s new space, 163 3rd Street North, St. Petersburg. Tickets are “Pay-What-You-Can” for all performances. There will be a cash bar, $2-PBR, and $1-Jello shots every night.

Reservations can be made by calling 727-823-PLAY (7529) or

Prelude to Pride

5th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre, Prelude to Pride
Monday, June 15, 7:30pm

American Stage Theatre Company, St. Petersburg

The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is proud to announce its 5th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre, Prelude to Pride, Monday, June 15, 2008 at the American Stage Theatre Company, 163 Third Street North, downtown, St. Petersburg. Proceeds from this event will benefit ASAP (Aids Service Association of Pinellas); an organization that provides services to people living with HIV and AIDS. The mission of the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is to raise awareness, provide assistance, and perpetuate a life of dignity for those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS.

This year’s Pride celebration follows the success of last year’s hit, TALES OF THE CITY with the hilarious backstage romp OUR LEADING LADY by Charles Busch, featuring local favorite, Matt McGee as Laura Keene. Set in Washing, DC, in 1865, the story revolves around Laura Keene, the British-born stage actress whose company is performing at the Ford’s Theatre. In classic Charles Busch fashion, OUR LEADING LADY is a backstage comedy in which a presidential assassination is not merely a national tragedy but also a vexing interruption in a powerful woman’s quest for fame and glory.

The 5th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre, Prelude to Pride will feature Joe Parra, T. Scott Wooten, Hersha Parady, Julie Rowe, Matt McGee, and others; all who are donating their time and talents for this event.

Whether you are coming OUT to celebrate Pride Month or just to enjoy a night of hilarious comedy, join the fun, Monday, June 15th, 2008 to celebrate while also benefiting a worthy cause.

Tickets are “Pay What You Can”. Complimentary desserts and coffee, a cash bar will be available. To order tickets call the American Stage Box Office at (727) 823-PLAY. Doors open at 6:30 with a curtain time of 7:30. For further information contact the Artistic Director of the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project, Garry Breul at 941/685-6348 or garallan@msn.com.

Site Update

“Regrets Only’ Comes to Tampa

2009 Horoscope for Taurus

Horoscopes for 2009 from Marty Montes

Taurus- Those born April 20-23 will experience the trine from transiting Pluto, the planet of change and transformation. This will trigger a desire for constructive change. Personal empowerment and inner transformation comes with ease. Finances also get a boost.

The new moon on April 24 affects those born from April 23-25. This will trigger a new beginning in any area of life. This influence can be stressful if you resist the endings that are necessary for the new start. Celebrity new moon birthday, Shirley McLaine turns 75.

The full moon on May 9 affects those born from May 8-10. This will trigger an emotional vulnerability and a need to heal any family issues. Celebrity full moon birthday, Billy Joel 60.

Goodbye Rex

By : John Chambrone

TAMPA-Local photographer, activist, and friend of Tampa’s GLBT Community Rex Maniscalco passed away on Saturday, April 4. Calling himself the Electric Fat Man, Maniscalco was full of energy and was a fixture in the Tampa Bay area. Whenever a gay event took place, it seemed as though he was there with camera in hand documenting, commenting, and advocating. Aside from the amazing photographs he has taken over the years, he had a voice that was heard. Loudly! Maniscalco was a true humanitarian that cared for his fellow man and spent countless hours being a vocal member of many of the area’s organizations including both Tampa and St. Petersburg’s Pride events, Gay Days at Disney, Clip - Tampa’s Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Human Rights Councils, Southern Exposure, Tampa Bay Gays Men’s Chorus, and the GaYBOR District Coalition. Maniscalco also attended many Democratic political functions, also voicing his opinions to help make the world a better place.

Metro Minute

By: Jeronica Byrd

TAMPA-Metro Chariries is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the LGBTQAI communities in which we serve. Keeping this in the forefront, Metro Charities has developed thre new mental health groups focused on common issues faced within the LGBT community: Exploring Affections for Women, GLBT Grief Support Group, GLBT Drug & Alcohol Support Group.