20051216 - Joe Redner (left) receives gifts including a rainbow flag
from Carrie West who hosted his "coming out party" on Friday night at
the Velvet Underground club. Redner arrived at 11 p.m., but only
stayed for about 15 minutes. Redner, who owns a strip club in Tampa
and has run for office several times, recently came out as a
homosexual in a lawsuit he filed against Hillsborough County's new
policy banning county employees from acknowledging or participating in
gay pride events. While some have questioned the authenticity of his
claim and its timing, it is likely to stand up legally. (Times photo
by Brian Cassella)
