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Kmetko lends talents to Tampa's gay film festival
Tampa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Steve Kmetko is master of ceremonies for opening night of the 20th Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival showcasing independent films Oct. 8-18 at the Tampa Theatre and Baywalk Muvico in St. Petersburg.
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Published: October 7, 2009
Over a 30-year television news career, Steve Kmetko has interviewed a kaleidoscope of subjects from Bette Davis to mother of Matthew Shepherd, the teen targeted and murdered because he was gay.
On Thursday, the former CBS and E! Entertainment Television reporter lends his talents — and face — to the Tampa Bay area.
Kmetko is master of ceremonies for opening night of the 20th Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival showcasing independent films Oct. 8-18 at the Tampa Theatre and Baywalk Muvico in St. Petersburg.
He also is scheduled to attend the black-tie Festival Gala on Friday at the Ritz Ybor, plus host the panel discussion "Homophobia in Sports" following the screening of "Training Rules" on Sunday .
By attending the film festival and contributing to myQmunity.com, an online resource connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to local events, Kmetko hopes to make a difference.
"I'm a gay man who at one point lost my job for being gay. I'm not sure that a lot of younger gay and lesbians know what we went through [then]," he said. "By being a part of this I'm hoping I can do some good."
Kmetko left television news in 2008 when his father became ill and returned to his hometown of Chicago. After his father's passing he enrolled at Columbia College to finally receive his bachelor's degree.
While a senior, Kmetko dropped out of college to accept an on-air gig at a television station in the small northern Wisconsin town of Rhinelander. His career took off and he was soon in Los Angeles.
"It was really gratifying," he said of returning to school. "It felt great and was on cloud nine."
Kmetko now hosts a regular podcast on www.myqmunity.com, the epiphany of Tampa resident, Mariruth Kennedy, after her daughter finished college and moved away to New York City.
Contemplating the next chapter in her own life, Kennedy, who is gay and lives with her partner, decided to quit her high paying franchising job to launch the Web site in 2008.
"It's a pretty big bite to chew and it meant dipping into the retirement savings," Kennedy said. "I just have this vision that this can work."
The site features event listings, blogs and video casts designed to keep the LGBT community informed and connected. There also will be a social networking section where registered users are able to submit photos and reviews.
"We're kind of like a USA To-gay," Kennedy said. "We're interested in more than just bars and clubs."
For more information on the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and screening times, visit: http://www.cliptampabay.com/. To listen in to "And Here's Steve," visit http://www.myqmunity.com/.
Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832.
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