To sign or not to sign?
That was the question recently confronting the Hillsborough County Commission. Do they all–two Democrats and five Republicans alike–sign a proclamation collectively acknowledging the annual GaYBOR District Coalition Days?
The unsurprising answer, as we know, was no. As in, arguably, no way. Democrats Kevin Beckner and Les Miller signed, the five Republicans didn’t. The chances of the GOPster Five signing were no more likely than Ronda Storms leading a discussion group after a showing of The Times of Harvey Milk.
But, still, couldn’t there have been some rationale that would have enabled the Commission to unanimously sign on to this signature event? Even Rick Scott found a way to rationalize SunRail. Sort of.
Granted, just “Do the right thing” would likely have seemed righteously heavy-handed and politically provocative–if not too reminiscent of a well-worn Spike Lee mantra. But what of “Do the right thing for the right pragmatic reasons”? Perhaps a concession to enlightened self interest.
Even President Barack Obama and Mayor Bob Buckhorn have officially recognized the event, although that tandem is likely a double-edged political sword to too many.
But if the GOPster Five were looking for cover, then they could have noted that the five-day GaYBOR event, which included a music festival, pub crawl and health fair, wasn’t officially designated a “Gay Pride” event. According to GDC president Carrie West, it’s a “showcase of businesses” within the historic district. There were plenty of rainbow flags, to be sure, but the catalytic color that resonates with all Ybor businesses is commercial green.
Of course GaYBOR is gay- bisexual and transgender-themed. So what? The GDC has nearly 250 members, the majority of whom are not gay.
They understand what a GaYBOR-related revitalization–during a down economy–means to Seventh Avenue. They know that the area doesn’t need more clubs with hip-hop enthusiasts, underage imbibers and a proven need for after-hours police patrols, curfews and decibel ordinances. The kinds of places that deter other demographics from spending their money in Ybor.
Ybor has needed an infusion of anything that doesn’t invoke weapons searches and drinks by the coupon. Once you get a reputation as a wet-zone magnet for drunks and punks, you don’t re-brand your image easily. Enter GaYBOR. Gentrification takes many forms, even within an incumbent historic context.
Put it this way. Proclamations are symbolic niceties. They are official, feel-good shout outs to various constituencies across the spectrum. The GDC and its annual celebration deserve one. Not as a token gesture or a politically correct nod, but as a bottom-line salute and message to other would-be entrepreneurs that Ybor’s GaYBOR is, indeed, appreciated and Tampa, per se, is a tolerant community–as well as a business-friendly one.
Can’t sign a proclamation? Then how about a thank-you card?