JUNE 2005
Well everyone welcome to the second installment of "From the Editor"
this section give me a chance to talk with the readers and share
my thoughts, ideas, and topics I feel are important to me. These
are strictly my views you don't have to agree but I do hope that
you enjoy and share your thoughts.
Believe it or not, FROM THE EDITOR has become one of the leading
pages on Tampa Bay Gay. I have received numerous feedback letters.
So I would like to take a moment and share some of them with you.
There has even been a vote for the Business Guild President Michael
Brill to be our first "Community Achiever(s)" (this new column
will start in July/August). So on with what you have to say! After
reading their comments be sure to check out the new updated "From
The Editor" where I speak out about the sense of community in
Tampa in recognition of Pride Month in St.Pete.
YOUR FEEDBACK: March/April
"From The Editor"
"Nice column! It will allow for readers and yourself to communicate
and perhaps open doors to new ideas and/or dispel misconceptions.
We can sense the care that you put into the site. Well done. Nancy
& Niki"
Thanks ladies this is what I am hoping as well. There will be
plenty of topics to discuss. I care about his site like I care
about all the readers and supporters in Tampa. This site is for
you guys and gals!
"Dave thanks for the new from the editor site. I must agree and
disagree w/ Francisco (sp?) I do think that the image straight
people have of gay men in particular are that you are sort of
slutty, which I know is not true. It is public perception. I think
showing all the gay/lesbian residents that are making huge changes
in business and neighborhoods (we are all kind of prissy about
how our "place" looks - and it is beautiful and artistic) - maybe
this would get the "sexy" images out and interviews like freaking
playboy/girl. What is your favorite color? How about how you have
made it successfully in a world of strait people. Blending in
and keeping a low profile can, at times, get you much further
to incorporating ourselves into society. This is not a criticism,
just an observation from a usually quiet member. And remember
Dave, you ask for it!! LOL Thanks Linda"
Linda great letter! I want your guys feedback and that is what
I asked for so bring it on! As mentioned above we are looking
into making a section of the site called "Community Achievers"
this will be where we can highlight people in the community that
have taken that extra step in helping to make out lives easier.
"Hi, Dave. I'd like to first commend you on your column and
the respectful way in which you responded to that first letter
without abandoning your position. Good job. -Bob"
Bob, thanks and we are going to consider your request to consider
Michael Brill for our first interview as you suggested also in
your email!
NOW: "FROM THE EDITOR"
Over the last month Tampa Bay Gay has donated over $13,000 in
advertising to local non-profit and social organizations. I have
noticed that over the past few months that the community as a
whole is starting to branch itself out and use the resources that
the community has to offer. This is where I say, "Finally". A
sense of community is actually coming back to Tampa Bay. Those
who were around before the fall of Tampa's Pride a few years back
know that there was a very good-sized Gay Community here. After
the collapse of Tampa's Pride there was a push to keep things
going. I remember trying to put some effort into the New Tampa
Pride Fest that was being put together with Chris at Valentines
Night Club however the manpower and resources were not behind
it. Were we losing our voice and strength? Where was Tampa Bay
heading?
St.Pete Pride steps up to the plate; taking over what I personally
consider Tamp Bay's best large Gay event celebrating Gay Pride.
Venues like the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
have been strong for years in the area but nothing new after the
fall of Tampa's Pride in the last decade. This year we are proud
to announce that Tampa Bay Gay is a Premier Sponsor for these
events. St.Pete Pride is publishing 20,000 event programs this
year due to the large attendance and participation. Community
is finally coming back together. Can you see the vision we are
embarking on?
Let me take a moment and share with you the future of Tampa Bay's
Gay Community. Introducing: the Central City District of Tampa
Bay. The North Franklin area of Tampa may become Tampa Bay's large
Gay district. Just like other cities Philadelphia, San Francisco,
Chicago, we here in Tampa have the same dreams of a district where
we can walk down the street with our friends, family, and loved
ones and feel a great deal of support with what is happening around
us. Recently, I met up with some developers Bob Cristaldi, Matt
Sireci and Manny Alverez that share our same ideas. They have
already started the vision with "The Loft" at Chambers. Sunday
Night Tea Dance for those heading back from St.Pete? It's coming!!
Tucked away in Tampa Bay is the Central City District that is
being developed into a Gay Mecca Center. There are three new bars/clubs,
a restaurant, and more all in the works. I cannot disclose too
much information but the support and feedback from the area is
needed.
I suggest anyone that shows some interest please step up to the
plate and share your ideas. What do you think that we need to
add? Write the Gazette, the local newspaper, TampaBayGay.com tell
us what you think. Maybe open a downtown Community Center? Free
HIV testing center; open late nights for our younger community
to get tested free when they are out with their friends just a
block or two from their favorite nightclub or bar. The possibilities
are endless as long as we have the support. There is a new powerful
front coming to Tampa and it is OUR VOICES. So what I am asking
is that everyone takes a moment to share your thoughts with someone.
Look at how far along we have come over the past few years. Support
for the community (St.Pete Pride), businesses (Tampa Bay Gay Business
Directory), recognition/acceptance from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio,
and traditions like the Film Festival, all in Tampa Bay. Take
a second to pat yourself on the back; your efforts and support
are what is driving Tampa Bay forward.
I thought that this would be an appropriate topic for the "From
the Editor" section for late May and June since the city of St.Pete
recognizes June as Pride Month.
Please send me some feed back. Tell us what you think, it does
not have to be anything to do with this topic. Thanks for taking
the time out to hear what I have to say.
-Dave Borman
-Editor
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