The date was February 3, 1980. The  U-Haul truck was all packed and we were heading to Florida.  All excited we were looking for a apartment close to USF and the VA Hospital in Tampa. Our first stop was at a nice complex in the USF area in North Tampa.  We walked in and asked if there were any 1 bedrooms available or 2 bedrooms.

    The leasing agent said to us, “WE DO NOT RENT TO HOMOSEXUALS!” We both looked surprised and said, “Who said anything about us being Gay?”  She replied, “Only HOMOSEXUALS would ask for a one bedroom.” 

    Welcome to Tampa LOL.  Our next stop was at Square Plaza on 30th street next to the VA Hospital.

    We asked again  “Do you have any 1 or 2 bedrooms.” She said the 1 bedrooms were all gone. She did have a nice 2 bedroom on the ground floor.”  We both said YES! Then the leasing agent asked us, “With no jobs and all your belongings in a truck, why should I rent to you?”

    We smiled and said, “How about we pay the first 6 months in advance?” She smiled and said “I am Brenda, When do you want to move in?” 

     In that 1st apartment we had many 1st’s including 1st home in Florida, 1st Thanksgiving, 1st Christmas, new jobs, our education and we made many new friends and memories there.

    Now fast forward to November 2014. We were going to the VA Hospital to get flu shots when we noticed next door……  The VA Hospital had purchased the apartment complex and were starting to tear it down.

    WOW have things changed since that time and WOW have some things not changed!  Just this week in 2014, some friends of ours were turned down for being Gay. The reason is still the same.

    Only the excuses & terminology have changed.