The crown jewel of Florida’s Cultural Coast, Sarasota is a distinctive brand of paradise. Artistic freedom reigns in this melting pot of perspectives; its colorful residents inspired by nature’s bounty of sun, sand and sea. From nightlife to churches to political forums and support groups, Sarasota presents a full menu of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender (GLBT)-specific activities and networking opportunities to fulfill body, mind and spirit.
Bars and beaches
Among the numerous bars and nightclubs that pepper Sarasota’s social scene, the gay community’s current favorite appears to be Barrel 87. Located in the Gulfgate bar district, it offers nightly drink specials and events that include karaoke, dancing, drag shows, and on Sundays, "the biggest happy hour in all of Southwest Florida." Eric Bunch, Master Stylist at trendy A Talk of the Town Salon, describes Barrel 87 as “A quaint, tiny place, sort of like your friendly neighborhood bar where everybody knows your name.”
Naturally, daytime, outdoor activities are virtually limitless: boating, fishing, water sports, golf, you can even tour Sarasota on a Segway with Florida Ever-Glides or Pleasure Florida. Eric enjoys swimming, sunning and bicycle riding at North Lido Beach; not necessarily because it happens to be frequented by GLBTs but rather, he says, for its quiet, unspoiled strands that are never overcrowded. For those who prefer a beach party, Siesta Public Beach is where it’s at. Stay through dusk on Sundays to engage in the Siesta Key Drum Circle, a celebration of Sarasota’s blazing sunsets. Locals and visitors of all ages and persuasions gather to bang out primitive rhythms with drums, pots and even paint cans, dance in the center of the crowd, or simply sit and take in the spectacle.
Culture, politics and pride
Sarasota is replete with art galleries, theatre, symphony, ballet and opera. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a magnificent complex that houses an art museum with both permanent and traveling exhibitions; the world’s largest miniature circus; a circus museum; Ca d’Zan Mansion; Asolo Theatre, educational facilities and art library. All will satisfy your craving for culture, whether you’re on your own, on a date or with a group of friends.
Our rich cultural calendar is a key reason former resident—and Sarasota aficionado—Errol Croft continues to return. "Sarasota is a real gem,” Errol says. “I don't live here anymore but I come back often. Where else can you get the beautiful beaches, lots of sunshine and… OMG, the arts! Anything you want. I'm a theatre junkie. Broadway, the classics, comedy, whatever! I plan my trips around what's playing in Sarasota."
The Sarasota Film Society hosts an annual GLBT Film Festival for three days in August at Burns Court Cinema. History has shown you can expect a mix of intelligent, insightful and humorous screenings.
Each year, Coexistence, Inc., a member of The Sarasota Arts Council, presents Embracing Our Differences®, an international outdoor art exhibit along Sarasota’s beautiful bayfront. Professional artists, art students and school children from Florida and around the world, through their creations and quotes, “… provide an opportunity for our community to reflect upon and deepen its awareness that embracing our differences, respecting the views of others and standing up against hatred and prejudice will lead to a better world for everyone. Respecting the beliefs of others is not only a way of thinking and feeling - but most importantly, of acting.” The exhibit features dozens of billboard size images and accompanying, inspiring quotes by members of the community.
Political activists are invited to join The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, which offers many useful resources, advocacy groups and community outreach centers. Visit Suncoast Stonewall Democrats for information about participating in a Sarasota or Manatee county chapter of the caucus.
Sarasota PrideFest is an annual event that draws multitudes. Plans are underway for this year’s celebration, including where and when it will occur. Visit their site for updates, as well as for information on this year’s First All Women’s Event, Out to Dance, an evening of dancing and dessert at Bobby Jones Country Club in April.
The State of Florida's legislatively-designated "honors college for the liberal arts," New College is the only public college or university in the state whose sole mission is to provide an undergraduate education of the highest caliber to leading students from around the country. It’s also among the top-rated for GLBT acceptance—and the venue for Queery, a club formed in late 2008 after the previous Pride group disbanded.
Queery co-founders Morgan Boecher and Alex Cline emphasize the importance of having queer spaces to foster discussion and awareness of queer issues. The term “queer”, Morgan explains, “… has been re-appropriated to take away its vitriolic charge; it’s used on a regular basis in any queer community.” Alex adds, “It’s useful as an umbrella term rather than coming with a whole alphabet soup for non-normative gender and sexuality. It’s a little bit hipper.”
The group holds regular meetings to plan events such as rallies, protests, panels and to host speakers. They recently held their first annual Queer Week, with relevant films, lectures, workshops and a widely-attended gay-trans disco. Less business and more “a loose coalition of people who like to get things done,” Queery has a creative, whimsical and somewhat radical approach to GLBT issues.
“We’re probably just the wacky kids,” Alex says. We’re a little “out there” ‘cause we read too much because we’re college students. We just sort of sit around being fabulous. And making funny noises when we’re trying to make a point.”
Spiritual pursuits
In addition to a plethora of non-denominational churches and other libertarian venues, Sarasota lays claim to Church of the Trinity MCC, a place of worship “where God’s love overflows to everyone.” This writer had the privilege of attending a wedding there of dear lesbian friends, Tammy Wernet and Debbie Weisz. Tammy describes it as “a fairytale wedding that came true.” While the state may not have recognized their union, the media certainly did, and in a very positive light. The ceremony was elegant and the sermon moving. A transgender pastor performed the service.
While tending to the spirit, keep in mind there are various support groups in the area. The aforementioned Church of the Trinity even offers Pet Support Services—a division of Trinity MCC Charities, Inc.—providing pet food and supplies for those suffering from life-threatening problems. Other support groups include The Bethseda House, Community Aids Network and Also Out Youth.
Sarasota offers many social groups and events as well. For example, Diversity: Voices of Sarasota, is a chorus of vocalists whose mission is to “promote understanding and acceptance towards gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered people, build community and touch the lives of our audiences through musical excellence.” The Florida West Coast Transgenders recently held its inauguration of their annual “Be My Valentine Ball,” with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing and more.
To paraphrase an old adage, music soothes the soul, whether savage or civilized.
Of course, there may be nothing more soothing—or spiritual—than quietly witnessing Sarasota’s fiery sun slipping into the Gulf’s endless horizon… at once visceral and ethereal.
For additional information and resources, visit www.watermarkonline.com, www.gaysarasota.com, www.gayinsarasota.com and www.outinsarasota.com.
