Local Happenings

I’m sitting here writing to you as the sun sets in the Florida sky.  Much, as usual, is happening here at Coach Sappho and in the world.  I am always grateful for what is ‘going well’, especially when it relates to quality of life! 

Speaking of which, a special thanks goes to Congress and the President (believe it or not!) who passed The Pension Protection Act this week, providing sorely needed financial protections to same sex couples.  Be sure to stop by The Human Rights Campaign website to read all about it.  And, while you’re there, be sure to check out their new guide for ‘living openly in your place of worship’ – I hear it’s a nice guide.

My week started out on a very positive note as I connected with the new social network here in Ocala, Florida, LGBT Ocala.  They’ve got a fall gala coming up 9/3, so, if you are in the area, be sure to go to their website and learn more about the event and the network in general. 

LGBT Ocala is a diverse and friendly bunch and their goal is to make Ocala a better place for the GLBT community.  They seem to be off to a strong start and their website looks great.  I look forward to making future meetings, and continuing to re-connect with old friends and making new ones.  For those of you reading this who live in major metropolitan areas, please support your friends in less populated areas, like Ocala.  Given that I’m from Baltimore, it is an ‘education’ process for me, learning a different culture.  I think that in many ways Ocala is at least 20 years behind where Baltimore is today, in terms of gay rights and gay community.

On Wednesday I  attended the August Equality Florida Meetup at MCC Ocala.   Those in attendance (a small but passionate crowd) cooked up some cool ideas.  Look for Rob Poth, coordinator of Equality Florida Marion and Citrus County to announce some exciting events in the near future.  Hint:  one is elections/political in nature and the other event is for the broader Ocala community.  Hey – if you want to know more, you’ll just have to be sure to come to the next Meetup in September!

If you aren’t in the Ocala area but you’re interested in knowing what’s going on, let me know.

National Happenings

I’ll be heading to the eastern shore of Maryland next weekend for Chesapeake Pride!  Unless I go to Orlando Pride in October, this will be my last pride festival in 2006.  Just a hop and a skip from Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and most of the eastern shore, Chesapeake Pride will be held near Annapolis, the state capital. 

I’m looking forward to having my booth there, so, if you are in the vicinity, be sure to come on by and say ‘hi’ to Rachael and I and support the efforts of organizer Wayne Schwandt and company!  They’ve got a great event planned, complete with vendors, food, and live music.  To learn more about Chesapeake Pride, click here.

Sponsors of  Chesapeake Pride include Southwest Airlines, Baltimore Gay Life Newspaper, and the area MCC Church.  Vendors include yours truly (I love it, they call me ‘Sister Sappho’!), the ACLU, the Baltimore Gay Community Center, PFLAG and about 30 others.  Also invited is Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, who is running for governor.

SPECIAL CHESAPEAKE PRIDE OFFER!:

In honor of gay pride, anyone who stops by my booth at Chesapeake Pride and registers for Coach Sappho’s 10 week ‘Relationship Readiness’ Class starting in early October, will get $200 off the price of the seminar PLUS a complimentary copy of ‘Conscious Dating:  How to find the love of your life in today’s world’ ($25 value), autographed by yours truly!

For those of you who are interested in the seminar but who won’t be able to attend Chesapeake Pride, just email me on August 26th and I’ll send you the special, 66% off link for the seminar.  If you register within 48 hours, I will honor that rate!