Out for the evening

By Times staff

ST. PETERSBURG -- Saturday night's Spectrum Ball at Eckerd College was billed as "an evening for GLBTSQS youth to dance the night away in a safe, friendly, fun atmosphere." GLBTSQS stands for "gay lesbian bisexual transgender straight/questioning straight." Tickets were $8 in advance, $10 at the door. A DJ provided the music.

The dance, organized by area high school and college students, drew about 250 people from 11 Florida counties. The age range was 14 to 24, the theme "Fairy tales can come true." People were encouraged to come in fairy-tale costume; there was a talent show and a drag contest, with the winner crowned queen. Drugs and alcohol were not allowed. Adults chaperoned.

"This offers us a healthy place without activism, bars or clubs," said organizer Mike Rogers, 19. "It's just healthy socialization."

-- MIKE WILSON, Times staff writer.