Watermark Issue 20.18: Obamcare 101 for LGBTs

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 20.18 • AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

E: E ID ID S U IN G T TS ER R S A IN LL L FA IA 3 EC 1 P 0 S R2 U O

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

What does the Affordable Healthcare Act mean for LGBTs? PLUS:

 THE FADING LEGACY OF RYAN WHITE  MEDSPA ALTERNATIVES TO AGING

RICE, FOSTER MOVE FORWARD

AFTER ST. PETE PRIMARY

ORLANDO ARTIST

JOSH GARRICK

MAKES HISTORY IN GREECE

We’re still fighting.

Join Us Sept 7 AIDSWalkTampaBay.org

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Downtown St. Pete Registration: Free Check In: 8 am Walk Starts: 10 am Walk Distance: 1.5 mi THESE GUYS ARE FIGHTING WITH US:

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MC Film Festival · Don Me Now · Quench Lounge · Georgies Alibi · Your Neighborhood Realty · Gay St. Pete House Want to support AIDS Walk Tampa Bay? Email AIDSWalk@ASAPServices.org

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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Copyright Benson 2013. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced.

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 14 // ORLANDO NEWS 18 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 22 // STATE 24 // NATION & WORLD 33 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 41 // EVENT PLANNER 43 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 45 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 47 // TRANSITIONS 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 53 // SPORTS 54 // GALLERY W

PAGE

45

Bobby Riggs wanted to win that match, I saw it in his eyes.

I saw it when we changed ends, and there is no question.

—BILLIE JEAN KING ON CLAIMS HER “BATTLE OF THE SEXES” CHALLENGER THREW THE 1973 MATCH

ON THE COVER

PAGE The Affordable Health Care

or “Obamacare,” has 33 Act, many looming deadlines,

and the law directly addresses several issues in the LGBT community.

Illustration by Jake Stevens

Preview

PAGE

43

TRANS-ATLANTIC:

Orlando-based artist Josh Garrick will be the first American to ever show his work in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece in Athens.

WATERMARK ISSUE 20.18 //AUG. 29 - SEPT . 11, 2013

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE Orlando Police say that a

PAGE

HEALTH+MEDICINE

GALLERY W

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

In addition to a Web site with daily LGBT updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

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woman was targeted and raped when she walked home from an Orlando club because of her sexual orientation; Stuart Milk will speak at Rollins College to address LGBT issues; more.

St. Petersburg City Council candidates Amy Foster and Darden Rice both survived the primary election and will campaign up to the November election; Metro Tampa Bay prepares for its first Gala; AIDS Walk Tampa Bay changes routes to beat the heat; more.

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PAGE Obamacare has many

33

provisions specifically for the LGBT community, we take a look; The Ryan White Act is losing funding, affecting the HIV care organizations in Florida; non-surgical aesthetic procedures are gaining popularity in Clearwater.

PAGE The largest Tampa Bay

Con yet invade 62 Comic the Tampa Convention

Center the last weekend in August, and LGBTs were out in force—and in costumes—to recreate their favorite super heroes and meet the actors in their favorite series.

DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING ANNIVERSARY, WEDDING OR BIRTHDAY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? SEND US YOUR TRANSITIONS AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM. AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THANKS FOR THE WRITE-UP

“It will take all of us to unite and call out transphobia when we spot it in order to make any change in our future.”

I

’M WRITING ON BEHALF OF MY PARTNER, DEANNE GABEL. Things are really hopping right now at The Alfond Inn and Deanne has, unfortunately, so little available time! We would both like to compliment you on the well-written, succinct article in Watermark.

Friends from Orlando to St. Petersburg have seen it and have been calling or emailing us. Deanne has already had walk-in guests at the hotel from the LGBT community remarking about how they will send their business or events to the Inn. In addition, as a photo editor for many years, I would also like to compliment Lonnie on the great photo of Deanne!

Thank you again, from Deanne, myself, and The Alfond Inn! Great job!

NANCY TOBIN ORLANDO

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

T

HANKS FOR PRINTING CHARLES COOPER’S TRANSITION/OBITUARY in Watermark [Issue 207]. His friends and family appreciate it greatly.

ROBERT FOTI GULFPORT

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

—RYAN OBLEY

ENLIGHTENED VIEWS

I

READ WITH GREAT INTEREST STEVE BLANCHARD’S RECENT EDITOR’S DESK referring to transphobic remarks he heard at a shoe store in his past [Issue 20.17]. I can relate to Steve’s experience. I have heard many transphobic remarks over the years and I can understand how it can be dif�icult to respond respectfully to the uneducated in these situations.

Fortunately, many, just like your editor, have gained insight and education over the years and now realize the importance of defending and standing united with our transgender brothers and sisters. Discrimination is discrimination, no matter who it targets. The only way for us to stop it is to address it directly.

I am not transgender, but I know a misconception about what it means to be so is still way prevalent in our society. And it will take all of us to unite and call out

watermarkonline.com

transphobia when we spot it in order to make any change in our future.

Kudos to Steve for sharing his experience. I know it couldn’t have been easy.

RYAN OBLEY PALM HARBOR

FOLLOW THE BI-PARTISAN LEAD

G

OV. CHRISTIE SIGNING AB 3371, a bill that will put an end to dangerous and disproved efforts designed to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender expression, into law was the culmination of a bi-partisan effort to put New Jersey’s children �irst. This is a true example of leaving politics out of the child welfare debate.

We thank Gov. Christie and members of the state legislature on both sides of the aisle. We call on all states to follow the lead of California and New Jersey in protecting all young people.

CHAD GRIFFIN HRC PRESIDENT

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

F

Desk

OUR YEARS IS A LONG TIME. GRANTED,

it’s not a milestone by any means and doesn’t really qualify for grand celebrations (unless you just secured a term as President). But it takes as many years to graduate from high school and the same number of full years to complete college—at least for a typical full-time student in search of a bachelor’s degree.

So it struck me earlier this month when someone asked me how long I had been editor of Watermark that I responded with “four years at the end of August.”

Time seems to have rushed past me in a gust of wind.

I vividly remember when our publisher, Tom Dyer, asked me to take the helm of the newspaper. I also remember my terror when I sat in front of my computer for my very �irst

WATERMARK STAFF

issue as full-time editor trying to �igure out our cover image as I wrangled writers struggling to hit deadlines and searched frantically through a cluttered e-mail inbox with letters addressed to my predecessor rather than me.

I have seen a lot in that short amount of time and have made my fair share of mistakes. I’ve made unintentional enemies, had disagreements with my

Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Admin. Assistant: Stephanie Saylor • Ext. 100 • Stephanie@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Reporter: Susan Clary • 104 • Susan@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Production Assistant: Andrés Duputel • Ext. 107 • AdProduction@WatermarkOnline.com

publisher and have helped craft a newsmagazine with an inspired team of which I am unbelievably proud.

When I enrolled in my very �irst journalism class my sophomore year at the University of Missouri, I sat just a few rows up in the large lecture hall, anxious to hear the wisdom about to bestowed upon me by the tenured professor in the tweed jacket and wire-rimmed glasses (all while trying my best to not be distracted by the tanned, handsome teacher’s aide seated off to the side).

He told us that journalism is the greatest gift that we as students can give to our country.

Freedom of the press, a First Amendment right, helps keep government, private corporations and individuals in check. He told us it was our responsibility, as future journalists, to keep a record of human history, even if our time on the planet is a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of the cosmos.

At the time of that lecture, I had visions of either writing for a large, world-renowned newspaper like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, or possibly entering into broadcasting and working for a major network, or at least a local af�iliate. Creating a web presence wasn’t even on my radar, since the internet was still in its infancy and constrained by the

limitations of dial-up modems.

I never dreamed of writing exclusively for an LGBT audience.

In fact, my �irst full time newspaper job was as a sports reporter in a rural Missouri town where I’d spend my Friday nights and Saturday mornings in high school and college press boxes overlooking football �ields. It wasn’t until after I had been in Florida for two years or more that I wrote and submitted an editorial to my mainstream newspaper editor about the ridiculousness of Florida’s ban on gay men and lesbians adopting children.

He thanked me for the submission, but said the subject matter was too controversial for our southwest Florida publication. This wasn’t in the dark ages—it was 2002!

Since joining this publication as a freelancer in 2004, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, interview celebrities from around the world and make friends that I otherwise would have never met.

I owe this publication an awful lot, and not many people can say that about the company for which they work.

Watermark is in its 20th year, and while I’ve been on staff for nearly half of that time, I realize that my four years as editor are just part of the history of this paper.

I’m excited to see what the future holds for Watermark and for our readers. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to hold a position that I love more and more every day, despite the hectic schedules and constant deadlines.

I’d have it no other way. |  |

I never dreamed of writing exclusively for an LGBT audience.

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

CONTRIBUTORS ABBY DEES

is a civil rights attorney-turnedauthor who has been in the LGBT rights trenches for 25-plus years. She lives in Los Angeles and Nashville. Page 19

ANTHONY ARMSTRONG

is a freelance writer based in Orlando, focusing on LGBT community disparity issues. He is also a grant writer and Development Manager for The Center For Drug-Free Living and Zebra Coalition. Page 33

DAVID MORAN

is the LGBTQ Services Graduate Coordinator at the University of Central Florida, where he studied Emerging Media. Page 43

Greg Burton, Scottie Campbell, Zach Caruso, Amy Dees, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Jim Walker

PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, Tom Eckert, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift, Tinkerfluff

DISTRIBUTION Debbie Oliver, Phil Garris, Ken Caraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

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orlando NEWS

KEYNOTE: Stuart Milk gave the keynote address at the recent European Union Human Rights Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

PHOTO BY TOM HOPPEL

Milk to Address Global LGBT Rights at Rollins Tom Dyer

O

RLANDO | Fresh from a history-making trip to Eastern Europe, activist Stuart Milk will address the status of LGBT equality throughout the world at a Sept. 10 forum at Rollins College. He will also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, where Russian of�icials have said they will enforce a recently enacted law banning LGBT “propaganda.”

Milk just returned from Lithuania, where he experienced the homophobia that still permeates much of Eastern Europe. He gave the keynote address at the European Union Human Rights Conference. He was also the �irst speaker to address LGBT rights at a full session of the Lithuanian Parliament in Vilnius.

On July 27, while leading the �irst Baltic Pride parade and rally in three years, Milk was pelted with eggs while police held back protestors screaming obscenities.

“They can throw eggs. For my Uncle Harvey, they threw bullets,” Milk told the crowd in Vilnius. “They can threaten the messenger, but they will never kill the message: We are all equal.”

Milk is the nephew of LGBT icon Harvey Milk, the �irst openly gay person elected to prominent public of�ice.

Harvey Milk was murdered in San Francisco in 1978, and the tragedy served as a catalyst for the modern day LGBT rights movement.

It also obliterated the “closet door” for his gay nephew, Stuart. Already a respected consultant on workplace issues, Milk began speaking publicly on LGBT issues in the 1980s. He has since traveled the world, meeting with public of�icials, addressing governments and connecting with LGBT communities in friendly and hostile nations.

Milk has spoken before the United Kingdom House of Lords, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the Panamanian Continued on page 16 |  |

14

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

NOT THE SCENE: A rape victim was unable to describe for police exactly where she was sexually assaulted, but remembers walking beneath an underpass as she was making her way home from Revolution Aug. 25. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN

Downtown hate crime?

Police investigating rape of woman leaving Revolution Nightclub Jamie Hyman

O

RLANDO | Police are investigating the rape of a woman walking home from Revolution Nightclub as a possible hate crime.

According to the police report, the victim left Revolution sometime after midnight Aug. 25 and while she was walking home alone, a silver vehicle with three white males inside approached her and began yelling sexually explicit comments, including derogatory remarks about her sexuality, calling her a “dyke.”

Police say the men stopped their vehicle and the driver and another one of the men pushed the woman to the ground on her stomach.

The vehicles driver sexually assaulted her and said “I’ll show you how a real man feels,” while doing so, according to the police report.

The victim was not able to provide a very detailed description of the suspects but told police the driver had short hair and was wearing a black t-shirt and khaki shorts. According to police, the

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

victim did not know the men who assaulted her and she does wish to pursue prosecution.

When police responded to the call, they went to the victim’s home where they saw she had scratches on her arms, a cut on her chin and blood on her clothing. She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

The victim was also unable to say precisely where the assault happened, but police say several assisting of�icers canvassed possible areas where it could have occurred.

According to Sgt. Jim Young with OPD, this is an active investigation and right now, police are working on making sure the report is accurate.

“Detectives still have to con�irm what she reported,” he said.

“We’re starting to run into a few inconsistencies so that’s all under investigation.”

Young said the possible hate crime designation is a factor, as well.

“That’s based on the victim’s alleging that the suspects made statements both prior to committing the offense as well as during the incident that would

watermarkonline.com

indicate that they either targeted her or committed this crime based upon her real or perceived sexual orientation,” he said. If it is determined that the incident is a hate crime, the investigation would move to the state attorney’s of�ice.

In addition to the sexual assault charge, the police report also indicates there was an alleged theft.

“There may have been one or two items of the victims’ that were not located, and we believe the suspects might have taken those items,” Young said, adding that he could not state what those items were in order to “protect the integrity of the investigation.”

Police are running extra patrols of the area, as a deterrent to future crimes and also in the hopes that of�icers may spot the suspects or identify some witnesses. Right now, there are no witnesses to the crime. “[OPD’s] Detective was out there for quite a long time talking to people at the bar and other businesses in the area as well, looking for potential witnesses,” Young said.

He asks that anyone who may have witnessed the assault, or who has further information, call Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous. |  |

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7/23/13 10:21 AM watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE. 15

orlando NEWS 16

Elton John and Billy Jean King to host tennis benefit Staff report Elton John and Billie Jean King are co-hosts of a starstudded tennis event in Orlando Nov. 17. Mylan WTT Smash Hits, presented by GEICO, is a charity night of tennis headlined by Venus Williams and Andy Roddick at the HP Field House of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. It bene�its the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Last year’s event in Pittsburgh raised $1 million for the Foundation. This year’s event will also bene�it Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, with a portion of the funds raised speci�ically targeted for local programs.

On the day of the event, there’s a pre-match VIP Reception and auction which starts at 4:30 p.m., then tennis action is set for 6 p.m. Tickets range from $50 $125 and go on sale Sept. 9 at WTTSmashHits.com or Ticketmaster.com. |  |

Urban ReThink moving out of Thornton Park

|  | Stuart Milk from pg.14

Susan Clary

National Assembly and the Turkish Great Assembly. He is also a featured columnist for the Huf�ington Post, and is a frequent guest on broadcast television in this and other countries.

In 2009 Milk accepted the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom, on behalf of his uncle. At the White House ceremony he forged a relationship with President Barack Obama, and spoke on his behalf throughout the 2012 presidential campaign.

Milk also met Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who encouraged him to continue his uncle’s mission of universal equality. In 2011 he co-founded the Harvey Milk Foundation, which spearheaded the creation of Harvey Milk Day in California as well as numerous events worldwide.

Milk has been a frequent visitor to Orlando, addressing gatherings hosted by Equality Florida and The Center. In 2009 he served as Grand Marshal for Come Out With Pride.

Most recently, he has spoken out against the boycott of vodkas like Stolichnaya to protest Russia’s ban on LGBT advocacy.

“Stoli is made in Latvia,” Milk noted. “A boycott will not hurt Russia, it will hurt Latvia’s fragile LGBT community.”

The boycott spotlights the complexities of challenging Russia’s homophobic policies at the Winter Olympics in February.

At Rollins, expect Milk to share the passion for equality he conveyed at Baltic Pride.

“If you are an LGBT organization, from Vilnius to Damascus, you are never alone,” he said. “The world is with you, and in time equality will be everywhere, and for everyone. And we will look back and say, ‘We are history, and we made it happen.’”

“Challenges to LGBT Equality Around the Globe” is presented by the Rollins College Of�ice of Multicultural Affairs. The event takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Winter Park Plaza building, 330 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Doors open at 6 p.m., and refreshments will be served after the event. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

A FRESH LOOK:

O

RLANDO | Without warning, it was announced that Urban ReThink would close the doors of its Thornton Park address on Oct. 1. That has left its founding director, Darren McDaniel, scrambling to �ind a new space.

“I don’t know what the future has in store for us, but I believe we have created something very valuable to the community and I’m going to do whatever I can to see that that continues,” McDaniel said.

It began as Urban Think!

Bookstore a decade ago and, after closing for a year, reinvented itself as the creative hub Urban ReThink in 2011, a collaboration between the Urban Think! Foundation and

A student group from Rollins College gave The GLBT Center headquarters a fresh coat of paint Aug. 24. They were fulfilling a community service requirement for incoming freshmen. PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN JOHNSON

downtown developer Craig Ustler, who donated the space rent-free.

Desks were rented to artists and writers on a monthly basis to work and it played host to events, avant garde �ilms and notable speakers like activist Gloria Steinem and TV and radio personality Mo Rocca.

McDaniel said upkeep of the 2,000 square foot space, located at 625 E Central Blvd., exceeded the revenue, so the executive board decided unexpectedly the space was no longer affordable. It is not known whether a new space can be found before the deadline for the move.

“I’m really sad it happened that way because we didn’t have the chance to ask the community to help us and we found ourselves with an emergency on our hands,” McDaniel said. “We weren’t able

to put out a call for help, but that’s reality and we have to move forward.”

A community conversation about the future of Urban ReThink was held on August 28 to allow creative minds involved with the project and other interested parties to come together and brainstorm.

“Urban Rethink was designed and built on a model of community spirit and listening, not just to our members, but to our community in general,” McDaniel said. “Because that didn’t happen prior to this, I want to honor the voices of the people who have been involved and contributed and see what they would like to see moving forward.” |  |

Prime Timers celebrate 18 years Staff report ORLANDO | Nearly 100 members of the Prime Timers of Central Florida gathered to celebrate the group’s 18th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex on Aug. 17.

OUTLOUD!, an ensemble comprised of members of the

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

Orlando Gay Chorus, kicked off the event with a medley of songs.

Concertina musician Dan Witiki also entertained at the gala.

Watermark publisher Tom Dyer accepted a Community Service award on behalf of Watermark Media. Ron Bush received the Prime Timer of the Year Award from Prime Timers president Patrick Caraher and treasurer Wilfred Souchereau. |  |

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PRIME HONOR: Prime Timers of Central Florida president Patrick Caraher (center) and treasurer Wilfred Souchereau (right) presents the Prime Timer of the Year Award to Ron Bush.

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17

tampa bay NEWS 18

PNC’s Brundage to speak at trans conference Susan Clary

T

AMPA | Ashley Brundage had never been to the Southern Comfort Conference (SCC), but she heard so much about the annual gathering of the transgender community that she decided to research it.

What the 33-year-old banker Ashley Brundage learned convinced her she would not only attend in 2013, but teach a class to share her experiences and assist others with gender identity issues.

“People always told me about SCC and said it would be an eye-opening experience,” Brundage said. “Once I found out what it offered, I decided I wanted to be one of those people who told others ‘you are not alone out there.’”

The conference, in its 23rd year, will be Sept. 4-8 in Atlanta. The �ive day event brings together vendors, authors, entertainers and leaders from the transgender community for a symposium, seminars, interactive activities and �ield trips.

“The whole conference is about comfort and openmindedness and getting people to a place where they can be themselves,” Brundage said. “I learned about it two years ago when I decided I was going to start to transition myself.”

Brundage, a �inancial sales consultant for PNC Bank in Tampa, submitted a proposal to the program manager to teach a class on resume writing and job interviews. She was pleased to hear her seminar was accepted as part of the 2013 conference and will speak on Friday.

Brundage, who was born male, is married with two children. She knew she needed to live as a woman.

With the support of her wife of 11 years Whitney, 31, Brundage quit her job to stay home with their two children.

A little more than 2 years ago, Brundage decided to rejoin the workforce. She went on 40 interviews before she found a place that was thrilled to have a person with her experience on its team, regardless of her gender identity.

“I would interview and get to the decision-maker and then I showed up and I knew they would think this is probably going to be dif�icult,” Brundage said. “I developed a lot of really good practices for conducting an interview, ways to make the person doing the interview feel a lot more comfortable.”

Brundage said she wants to guide others in her shoes to �ind companies that are trans-friendly. Her presentation is titled “Being Transgender in the Workplace.” She will also offer �inancial advice.

“I have obviously been very lucky,” Brundage said.

“When I get up in the morning and look in the mirror, I am happy. So I’m going to go and give back some of the things I’ve learned.”

For registration information, go to SCCAtl.org. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

A STEP CLOSER: St. Petersburg City Council District 4 candidate Darden Rice, celebrates her primary election victory at Harvey’s 4th Street Grill in St. Petersburg Aug. 27. PHOTO COURTESY LAURIE ROSS

One step closer Amy Foster, Darden Rice win primary, both head to general election Staff Report

S

T. PETERSBURG | With nearly all precincts reporting, out St. Pete City Council candidates Amy Foster and Darden Rice trounced their opponents in the primary election on Aug. 27 and will move on to the Nov. 5 general election in their respective districts.

Early results in the District 4 council race showed Rice leading the pack with almost 46% of the votes, followed by Carolyn Fries with nearly 27%, Dr. David McKalip with 24%, and Richard Eldridge with almost 5%. If the numbers hold true, Rice will face Fries in November’s general election.

Foster’s commanding lead in the District 8 race garnered more than 56% of the vote, followed distantly by Steve Galvin with 19%. Alex Duensing �inished with about 13% of the vote and Robert Davis trailed with 11%.

In District 6, incumbent Karl

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

with supporters at the Midtown Sundries Sports Bar in downtown St. Petersburg, said he was taking the early results as a sign that voters are generally happy with Nurse took the most votes with the direction the city is headed. an overwhelming 70% of the vote, Of his likely opponent, Foster far outpacing Sharon Russ, who said, “I’m going to run on my gained 19% of the vote. Trevor record. I expect him to run on his.”

Mallory trailed with only 10% of While primary voter turnout the vote, meaning the November is typically light, many expected race will pit Nurse against Russ. a stronger turnout because of Rice, Foster and Nurse were the pier controversy, a ballot all endorsed by the Stonewall referendum that gave voters a Democrats of Pinellas County, chance to keep or cancel plans to build the structure known as “The Lens.”

Early results show voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposed structure with more than 63% of the vote, —MAYOR BILL FOSTER TO meaning plans to SUPPORTERS ON ELECTION NIGHT replace the now-closed pier will return to the as was mayoral candidate Rick drawing board.

Kriseman, who also survived the No precinct in the city reported primary and will face incumbent more than 50% voter turnout mayor Bill Foster Nov. 5. during the primary election.

Bill Foster, no relation to Amy Early voting was higher than Foster, led the race with 41% of normal, however, with a record the vote. Kriseman had 39% at 29,239 residents voting ahead if press time. Kathleen Ford trailed time via absentee ballots. |  | with 19% of the vote.

Bill Foster, who was meeting

“I’m going to run on my record. I expect [Kriseman] to run on his.”

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19

tampa bay NEWS 20

Metro celebrates 20 years with inaugural gala Shortened AIDS Walk Tampa Bay hopes to ease the heat Susan Clary

S

T. PETERSBURG | When AIDS Walk Tampa Bay rolls around every year, organizers plan for a long day. With temperatures in the 90s, and a heat index reaching 100 degrees, the trek can be a challenge.

With that in mind, the event this year on Saturday, Sept. 7 will be a 1.5 mile walk, down from the 3.1 miles (5K) of previous years. In its 10th year, more than 1,200 people are expected at Vinoy Park to raise money for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas.

“We have so many different ability levels that come out to participate that it takes an hour or two hours for people to cross the �inish line, and that postpones our closing remarks and announcement of money raised,” said Jay Aller, AIDS Walk Staff Coordinator.

Participants can check in between 8-9:45 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The route begins at Vinoy Park, goes along the waterfront, past The Pier to the Yacht Club, up Beach Drive and back to the park. Registration is free, but walkers must raise $25 or more for a T-shirt.

Walkers can collect contributions and bring them to the event or ask for donations online at AIDSWalkTampaBay.org. Awards will be given to the largest team, the team that raises the most money, and the individual who raises the most money.

Indianapolis Artist Richard Terpstra, who is wellknown for his vintage, throw-back designs, created this year’s AIDS Walk T-shirt as a “distressed” athletic shirt. Terpstra’s designs can be found in Walt Disney’s theme parks.

“There are a lot of bad T-shirts out there that people pick up at events and wear that one day,” Terpstra said.

“They become a night shirt, a work shirt or a paint shirt. I design T-shirts people want to wear again.”

Terpstra, who works for Progressive Design Apparel, also designed the shirt for the popular Santa Speedo Run in December. He said he likes working for nonpro�it groups that help the LGBT community.

“It’s really fun and it’s nice to help out for a good cause,” Terpstra said. “It can be very humbling to see hundreds of people wearing your design.”

Last year, the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas beat its $150,000 goal and raised $193,000. The goal this year is a lofty $200,000. The money is used for myriad of educational programs and services for men, women and children who are HIV-positive, including a mobile testing unit. The organization, in its 26th year, offers assistance to patients in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) ranks the Tampa/St. Pete area 17th in the nation for HIV infection. Florida is third overall and second for pediatric infections.

“The AIDS Walk is an important reminder for us all,” said Aller, the event organizer. “With the advancement of medications, AIDS has taken a backseat, but it’s as dangerous of a life sentence as it used to be and we need to remind people it’s still out there and affecting all of us.”

To see a map of the 2013 route, visit WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Steve Blanchard

T

AMPA | For two decades, Metro Wellness and Community Centers has provided HIV services to Tampa Bay. In fact, the organization is the only one of its kind to continuously provide assistance under its own identity, without any kind of mergers or partnerships.

To celebrate its success, and to thank the community for its ongoing support, Metro Tampa Bay will throw an inaugural Gala with a Fire & Ice theme on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Tampa Garden Club from 7-10 p.m.

“We’ve always wanted to have a signature event,” said Lorraine Langlois, Metro’s executive director.

“What we didn’t have was the resources to put it on.”

But after two decades, the organization found the resources and the plan is for something very big, and very impressive, the night

of Sept. 14.

“It will be night like no other,” said Chris Rudisill, Metro’s director of LGBT community services.

“Amy DeMilo will be our emcee for the evening.”

Rudisill said that the night will be intermixed with entertainment, short speeches and a few award presentations.

Langlois wants the night to be comparable to her experience at Obama’s LGBT inaugural ball earlier this year.

“What I witnessed that night was something I wanted to replicate,” Langlois said. “Typically you go to an event and you meet everyone within the �irst 30 minutes, and then you just circulate with those same people. But the ball kept things moving, entertained and energized.

It constantly left you wanting more and you’re thinking, ‘Wow, I could use more of this.’”

The Metro Tampa Bay Gala has three booked speakers, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, model,

HIV advocate and reality show star Jack Mackenroth and lesbian comedian Karen Williams. Several local elected of�icials have also been invited to attend, Rudisill said.

“This is a celebratory fundraiser,” Rudisill explained. “This year’s gala speci�ically celebrates our 20th anniversary. That’s the key to the Gala and it creates a signature event.”

And it’s an event that will appear annually in Tampa Bay, both Langlois and Rudisill con�irmed “The people, our staff, and our mission at Metro has kept us successful,” Langlois said. “Our work isn’t done. HIV education and prevention is still needed and a whole new generation needs to be educated. That’s what we do. That’s why we’re funded.”

Tickets to the Metro Tampa Bay Gala are $100 and include an open bar, food and entertainment.

They may be purchased online at MetroTampaBay.org. |  |

orientation was included when the human rights ordinance was passed in 2008, but transgender protections were not included.

“Until [Aug. 20] you needed a GPS to determine what areas of the county where you are protected,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “It’s time to end that patchwork and extend protections to all residents of Pinellas County.”

There were so many people hoping to speak on the change that they waited on four different �loors.

Representatives from Equality Florida, TransAction Florida, the National Organization for Women

(NOW), the city of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce all spoke in favor of the change.

Under the new law, if a person identi�ies as female, whether or not he has male or female genitalia, she could use a female restroom. There were a number of hypothetical scenarios outlined by speakers that involved impositions on personal privacy and concerns about children in bathrooms where transgender people might be present.

Commissioner Norm Roche was the only dissenting vote.

For more on this story, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

protesting in front of the condo.

Inundated and overwhelmed, the condo quickly secured the services of Sarasota Attorney Dan Lobeck to help set the record straight. Lobeck explained that the amendment was approved in July, along with 30 other amendments, as part of a misworded draft created by another law �irm. He states that the condo’s position was never to discriminate against same-sex couples, more to

keep out those wishing to purchase the condo to turn units into timeshares. The board reversed its decision Aug. 22.

Local gay rights activist Jennifer Cohen took part in the protest.

“We always have to be out here” said Cohen. “We can’t be denied homes. We have to stand up or they will take our rights away. We have to be that little thorn in their side.” |  |

Pinellas votes to protect transgender residents Greg Stemm

C

LEARWATER | After three hours of heated public discussion the Pinellas County Commission voted on Aug. 20 to change the wording of the county’s human rights ordinance by replacing the word “sex” with “gender” and then de�ining “gender” to include those who are questioning or transitioning in their identity.

The 6-1 vote effectively extends human rights protections in employment, housing and public accommodations to transgender people on a countywide basis. Sexual

Venice condo complex reconsiders marriage requirement Michelle Rinaca VENICE | Casa Di Amici, a160-unit luxury condominium complex, garnered unwanted national attention by gay rights activists when it revised its bylaws to refuse to sell condos to unmarried couples.

Because Florida does not recognize same-sex marriages, local activists took offense and then took action by

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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21

state NEWS

Actor George Takei to receive gay advocacy award Wire Report

Susan Clary

M

S

IAMI | The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has announced that Star Trek actor George Takei will receive the 2013 National Leadership Award.

Takei will receive the award at the 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, which is scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The dinner honors individuals for their contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the LGBT community.

Takei has appeared in more than 40 feature �ilms and hundreds of television guest-starring roles. He is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the original “Star Trek’’ television series and it’s follow up �ilms.

Takei has become an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights in recent years. He married his life partner of more than 25 years, Brad Takei, in 2008. |  |

Gay Floridian to lead national Reform cantors Wire Report

P

LANTATION, FLA. | The �irst time Cantor Mark Goldman attended an American Conference of Cantors convention about 20 years ago, he went to a secret meeting of gay colleagues. ``It was in somebody’s hotel room. There were maybe a dozen people,’’ said Goldman, longtime cantor at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation.

At the next year’s convention, a few more gay cantors showed up at another word-of-mouth meeting, he said.

Now, secret meetings are out and so is Goldman, who in July was elected national president of the 505-member Reform Jewish cantors conference. ``I see being gay as being a part of me, part of my personality. It’s not everything that de�ines me,’’ said Goldman, 46, who grew up an Orthodox Jew in suburban London. He has been with his partner, Aaron Taber, for 17 years.

As a cantor, Goldman dedicates himself to progressive, contemporary Judaism.

Goldman said he sees Reform Judaism ``as the antithesis to many traditional kinds of religions that gay people shy away from. If you said the word `religious’ it’s a dirty word almost in the gay community.’’

Reform Judaism has welcomed gay congregants for many years, and many Conservative congregations have begun embracing LGBT people. |  |

22

Kate Hunt remains behind bars facing trial and significant jail time

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

EBASTIAN, FLA. | Kaitlyn Hunt, who turned 19 earlier this month, is in more trouble for allegedly communicating with the 15-year-old girl she loves. The girls met when Hunt was 18 and the younger girl—name withheld because she is a minor—was 14 and they played basketball together at Sebastian River High School.

Not even the threat of signi�icant jail time has kept the former cheerleader from contacting and seeing the younger girl. According to the state attorney’s of�ice, they girls have exchanged 20,000 text messages, lewd photos and videos since March via an iPod Hunt had placed in the younger girl’s locker.

For that, a Circuit Judge Robert L. Pegg decided Tuesday, August 20, Hunt will be held without bail at the Indian River County Jail pending trial. In addition, the State Attorney’s Of�ice in the 19th Circuit has added a new felony charge to her crimes – transmitting harmful materials to a minor.

Hunt, who could have accepted a plea offer from prosecutors of community control as late as last week, now faces up to 35 years in prison for her crimes. She still faces the original two counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child between 12 and 16 years old.

Her next court date is scheduled for September 26.

“She had the key to her own jail cell,” said Charles A. Sullivan, Jr., the Vero Beach attorney who represents the family of the victim. “She decided to step in, lock herself in there, and throw away the key.”

Hunt was initially arrested and kicked out of school in midFebruary after the parents of the younger girl unsuccessfully asked Hunt to stay away from their daughter. The parents called the Indian River Sheriff’s Of�ice, who investigated the allegations and forwarded the information to the State Attorney for charges. Hunt was 18 and the younger girl was 14 when they met and became

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

Kate Hunt

intimate. In Florida, a child under 16 cannot consent to sex.

At the time, the parents of the younger girl said they did not want Hunt to serve jail time but they just wanted Hunt to stay away from their daughter, who they believed was too young to be in a relationship with the older Hunt. Hunt’s parents accused the younger girl’s parents of targeting the girls because they were involved in a lesbian relationship. The younger girl’s parents repeatedly denied those accusations.

Early on, State Attorney Bruce Colton said that his of�ice would consider a plea offer for Hunt that would take into account the alleged “romantic high school relationship.” In most cases, a person convicted of such charges would be forced to register as a sex offender. However, �ive years ago, Florida passed a “Romeo and Juliet” amendment to the law, which allows a defendant to ask a judge to waive the requirement given the nature of the relationship.

That all went out the window two weeks ago, when the parents of the younger girl discovered she and Hunt were still communicating and seeing one another. They immediately alerted the sheriff’s of�ice, who took the iPod and processed the information. Hunt had allegedly sent sexual texts, photos and videos of herself to the younger girl. Hunt could have faced hundreds more counts related to the exchanges.

“We have added one charge and that’s all we’re going to do at the time,” said Assistant State Attorney

watermarkonline.com

Chris Taylor, who is handling the case. “We plan to go to trial.”

Hunt’s defense attorney, Julia Graves, would not comment on the case and did not argue the motion by the prosecutor asking the judge to revoke Hunt’s bail.

The night before the hearing on August 20, Hunt called her bail bondsman Ronald Barnett, of Barnett’s Bail Bonds, and asked him to rescind her bond and return her to jail, Barnett said. He obliged and Hunt was booked at 9 p.m.

Barnett said he believes Hunt and her parents made the decision after it became clear she had violated the judge’s order and could face additional charges.

Barnett said he believes she would have appeared at all court hearings and had no plans to rescind her bond himself.

The problems for Hunt and her family may not end there.

During their investigation of Hunt for contacting the younger girl, it came to light that Hunt’s mother Kelley Hunt Smith, 37, may have involved herself in the illegal communications.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Tom Raulen said detectives and prosecutors are deciding whether to open a formal investigation and possibly charge Smith with tampering with a witness in a case.

“Some things have come out during this investigation that may implicate her in a crime,” Raulen said. “We will decide together whether that warrants charges.”

Gay FL man elected president of national Jewish organization Cantor Mark Goldman has been elected national president of the 505-member Reform Jewish cantors conference. Goldman is a longtime cantor at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation. Goldman said he sees Reform Judaism ``as the antithesis to many traditional kinds of religions that gay people shy away from.’’ Reform Judaism has welcomed gay congregants for many years, and many Conservative congregations have begun embracing LGBT people.

Goldman’s partner of 17 years, Aaron Taber, is a Fort Lauderdale interior designer. |  |

Wire Report

hormone therapy as soon as possible,’’ the statement read.

Manning has requested hormone treatment from the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., which typically involves high doses of estrogen to promote breast development and other female characteristics.

George Wright, an Army spokesman at the Pentagon, said the Army does not provide such treatment or sex-reassignment surgery. |  |

State District Judge Alan Malott ruled New Mexico’s constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. As a result, the Bernalillo County clerk’s of�ice in Albuquerque began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples Aug. 27 at 8 a.m.

The decision came after a judge in Santa Fe County directed the

county clerk there to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Aug. 23. But Malott’s ruling was seen as more sweeping because he directly declared that gay marriage was legal.

Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples Aug. 21. |  |

New Mexico county legalizes same-sex marriage Wire Report ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. | A New Mexico judge on Aug. 26 declared same-sex marriage legal, ordering the clerk of the state’s most populous county to join two other counties in issuing licenses for gay and lesbian couples.

1,000 GAY ACTIVISTS IN AMSTERDAM PROTEST RUSSIA More than 1,000 gay rights supporters protested Aug. 25 in Amsterdam, waving rainbow flags and chanting slogans criticizing the Russian law making “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors’’ illegal. The protest was organized in response to a concert featuring a Russian state orchestra and choir to be held on the same place, Museum Square, later in the evening.

ALABAMA GOP WON’T SILENCE GAY MARRIAGE PROPONENT Alabama’s Republican Party decided Aug. 24 against a rule meant to silence a young party leader who supports marriage equality. College Republican Federation of Alabama Chairman Stephanie Petelos, 23, created a furor in the party when she supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning the DOMA and said more young people would take the position if they didn’t fear a backlash from party leaders.

N.M. COURT RULES AGAINST PHOTOGRAPHER IN GAY BIAS CASE New Mexico’s highest court ruled Aug. 22. that a commercial photographer violated state anti-discrimination law by refusing to take pictures of a gay couple’s 2006 commitment ceremony “because it violated [their] religious beliefs.” The Supreme Court said Elane Photography’s refusal to photograph the ceremony involving two women violated New Mexico’s Human Rights Act ``in the same way as if it had refused to photograph a wedding between people of different races.’’

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

nation+world

F

ORT MEADE, MD. | Just one day after he was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the biggest leak of classi�ied material in American history, Bradley Manning asked the U.S. military to be known as a woman named Chelsea and to undergo hormone treatment.

Manning’s gender-identity struggle—a sense of being a

woman trapped in a man’s body— was brought up by the defense at the court-martial for giving more than 700,000 classi�ied military and diplomatic documents to the anti-secrecy website Wikileaks.

Manning provided a statement Aug. 22 to NBC’s ``Today’’ show. ``As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female. Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin

IN OTHER NEWS

NEWS

Bradley Manning comes out as transgender

23

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THINKING

Must we forgive the ex-gays?

Abby Dees ABBY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

W

HEN ALAN CHAMBERS,

the president of Exodus “ex-gay” Ministries publically apologized for the hurt he has caused LGBT people, I forgave him. There are few things more powerful to change attitudes about LGBT lives than religious leaders publically sharing their personal journeys toward understanding.

No need to �lagellate him for past wrongdoings; he’s here now. Let’s look forward.

My fellow LGBT commentators haven’t been so eager to hand out forgiveness to anyone who asks for it. Look no further than the comments sections of LGBT media reports on the apology to see a litany of the psychological and spiritual torture that Chambers and his ilk have perpetuated, however well-intended his apology. Their issue with Exodus wasn’t that they simply disagreed with the message, but that the message caused real harm, even death. In

light of this, how could I have been so willing to let it all go and move on?

The problem, if you want to call it that, is that I have never once doubted that my sexual orientation was perfectly �ine in the eyes of my creator. Even when I faced discrimination at work and school, or worried that my family would never understand, or if being gay would doom me to a life of loneliness, I laid all my concerns at the feet of other people, not God. My spirituality only ever served to give me strength and determination in a world of human frailty. I have no idea what it’s like to think that my very being, as Joel Osteen frequently puts it, isn’t “God’s best plan”—a new and improved way of saying God still thinks LGBT lives kinda suck.

Now another Exodus leader, former Vice-President Randy Thomas, has apologized. The responses are just as damning as before: his apology is vague, or hollow, or means nothing until he actually does something to undo the damage. Some suggested that Thomas donate all the money he ever made from Exodus to PFLAG, or any other organization doing the clean-up work.

This all makes sense to me on an intellectual level. We throw words like “forgiveness” around the same way that we call anyone who manages to survive a calamity a “hero.” The power of those words is too easily diluted by sloppy, facile use.

Here we have men who, correctly, acknowledged their mistakes. Good.

This is important. But just how admirable is it to decide to do the right thing after you’ve been doing the wrong thing time after time? I truly don’t know.

Both of these men have made declarations to keep providing support and ministry to people who choose to keep trying to be straight— or something along those lines.

I’m not sure if that’s the accepted terminology. Could it be “struggling with homosexual inclinations”?

Something like that.

Again, I have no idea why you’d want to do anything other than make peace with your gayness, unless you still feel there’s something inherently wrong with it.

This shows me they have not yet understood their own complicity in others’ pain, let alone sacri�iced enough to atone—and how could they

ever do enough to fully make up for the slow, pernicious, soul-etching effect of the “not God’s best” happy talk? These apologies, at best, are statements of intention to begin the process of helping piece together shattered lives and spirits. No more than that.

And also, no less. I still want to forgive them. I have the right to, as much as anyone else has the right not to. I was struck by one comment, alone among the many justi�iably angry ones, from someone named Czahn: “God made me gay, he also made me have the capacity to forgive…

Today I am free to be me. Because I chose to forgive, and move forward…

�iercely.” [sic] Like Czahn, I have to believe that there is power in my forgiveness. I won’t disparage those who can’t let these ex-gays off the hook, but there must be some small measure of healing to be found in accepting an offer of reconciliation.

My forgiveness means that I expect a lot from these men, and that the hard work begins now. |  | Watermark interviewed former Exodus leader Alan Chambers and spoke with survivors of so-called ‘reparative therapy’ in issue 20.16. To read the interviews visit WatermarkOnline.com.

These apologies, at best, are statements of intention to begin the process of helping piece together shattered lives and spirits.

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Tell us what’s trending! #WAVES2013

Jamie Hyman ONLINE MEDIA DIR. JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

HE WATERMARK AWARDS

for Variety and Excellence (WAVE) are a huge webbased project every year. The survey is created, hosted and tallied online and it’s a massive job, as thousands of readers �lock to WatermarkOnline. com to tell us what’s the best in town, whether your in Sarasota, Orlando or Tampa Bay.

This year, because we are crazy people, we decided to make a giant job even bigger. After carefully considering how the WAVES were run and how our readers responded to them, Team Watermark made the decision to expand the WAVES 2013 into a two-step process.

Step one is the nomination phase, running now through Sept. 20. During this time, the survey will run as it has in years past—a series of open ended questions asking readers to choose their favorite people, businesses, organizations and more in a wide variety of categories.

From Sept. 20-26, Team Watermark will be busy behind the scenes tallying those nominations.

Those real, live people will determine the readernominated top choices in each category, and then I will

take those nominees and create a new survey for step two: the �inalist round.

That ballot will be open for voting from Sept. 27-Oct. 18 at Watermark Online, and it’s the last part—those tallied responses will determine the winners of the 2013 WAVE Awards.

And then, like every other year, we party. The date for the WAVE Awards party is set for Nov. 7 but as of press time, the venues haven’t been �inalized.

We’ve also changed a few categories, and created a few new categories, decisions that always delight some and infuriate others.

When deciding on the 2013 categories, we realized there is much more to talk about when it comes to food outside of simply where readers like to dine, so we added Favorite LGBT Chef/Caterer and Favorite Food Truck. We realized we had neglected one of Hollywood’s most treasured pop culture stereotypes— the gay interior designer!—and added a category for Favorite LGBT Decorator/Designer. Then, we re�lected on how much we cover our reader area art scenes, stuffed full of LGBT artists responsible innovative and groundbreaking creations.

Naturally, this evolved into another new category, Favorite LGBT Artist.

We also tweaked a few categories.

Favorite Local Clergy Leader is now Favorite LGBT-Af�irming Faith Community.

Open letter to Michael Wanzie: Team Watermark is okay with you dominating the Favorite Local Clergy Leader category. Most of us actually think it’s pretty amusing. A few years ago, when we changed the category’s wording from “Favorite Local Spiritual Leader” to “Favorite Local Clergy Leader,” you wrote some stuff that indicated you thought the change was an effort to shut you out. Now that we’ve changed the category from honoring an individual to honoring a group or congregation, we hope you realize that the decision was the result of lots of thoughtful conversation about trends in the local community, the strides made by faith communities to welcome LGBTs and a desire to create an opportunity to recognize a spiritual community within our larger LGBT community.

I promise it wasn’t an attempt to block you from a WAVE. We’ll see how it goes this year and based on that, reevaluate and have a long conversation about it for 2014.

Team Watermark is totally Team Wanzie, and if you want to create a name for the WanzieGram “spiritual community” and campaign under that, that’s ok with us.

Love, Jamie P.S. I hear Lizze Borden: A New Musical is dope. Congratulations.

Moving on, the �inal change is an expansion, and now Favorite Local Politician is Favorite Local Politician/ Activist, to give readers a chance to honor those in our communities who work hard to advance LGBT political interests but may not actually hold a political of�ice. This should also be an interesting experiment.

The last few categories are less serious and change every year. In past WAVES you’ve let us know which non-drag performer you’d most like

to see dressed in drag, your choice for a Watermark centerfold and what are the best and worst things about your local LGBT community. They are just two this year, and they’re pretty straight forward: What is your local LGBT community’s best-kept secret?

And if you were Watermark’s editor, who would you put on the cover? Have fun with them!

With the exception of the abovementioned nominations-tallying period that lasts from Sept. 20–26, The WAVE Awards ballots will be available at WatermarkOnline.com. We hope you’ll click over, �ill out a ballot and tell us what’s trending in 2013. |  |

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TALKING POINTS

To all you people who preach the word of God, shame on you because God loves me, like the day I laid bleeding on the sands of Iraq and that’s why he saved me!

—ERIC ALVA, AN INJURED IRAQ WAR VETERAN REACTING TO ANTI-LGBT PROTESTERS IN SAN ANTONIO, WHERE HE WAS TESTIFYING IN FAVOR OF AN ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE.

36%

OF AMERICANS BELIEVE SEXUAL ORIENTATION CAN BE CHANGED —Pew Research Center

KEEP HIS HAIR AND HIS BEAUTY QUEENS

OUT OF RUSSIA

D

“DEEP THROAT”

RESONATES

S

AN FRANCISCO-BASED GAY FILMMAKERS Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein said they chose to make the new biopic Lovelace, about international porn star Linda Lovelace, because they connected with her story. The �ilm is Lovelace’s (Amanda Seyfried) meteoric rise to fame and the abuse she suffered at the hands of husband, Chuck Traynor (Peter Sarsgaard). “We were fascinated by all the issues around the sexual revolution and what she embodied,” Epstein said. “People think the sex revolution bene�ited everyone, but originally it was straight men, then women, then gay men.” The movie is available on video-on-demand. |  |

ONALD TRUMP HAS BEEN ASKED POLITELY BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN to take his bikini-clad women out of Moscow. Trump is co-producer of the Miss Universe Pageant, which is scheduled to be held in Moscow this year. In regard to Russia’s crackdown on its LGBT citizens, the Miss Universe organization issued a statement calling the laws “diametrically opposed to the core values of our company.” It’s time to crown the new winner in a country more deserving of the attention. Plus, maybe there will be a lesbian or transgender contestant this year. |  |

TRAGEDY BRINGS PEOPLE

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM ON PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTING TO ADD TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS TO HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE: “Meanwhile, Publix supermarket at Tri City Plaza continues to promote a group that openly discriminates against LGBT people, The Boy Scouts. They even collect money at the entrance some days. I spoke to the manager who said he wants to be “neutral” in this bigotry and discrimination. I urge those of us who are not neutral about equal rights to shop elsewhere.”

—CHARLENE

ON KATE HUNT, 19, HEADING BACK TO JAIL AFTER BEING CAUGHT COMMUNICATING WITH THE MINOR WHO WAS ALLEGEDLY HER LOVER: “Kate and her parents’ biggest mistake was thinking that they were above the law. They are finding out very quickly just how much they aren’t.

Kate thought she didn’t need to follow the judge’s “no contact” order.

Kelley thought she could get away with telling the minor girl to destroy evidence and lie to the court. Kate’s currently behind bars, where she will hopefully stay for quite a while, and her mom most likely will be joining her. Additionally, since Day 1, they’ve been blaming the victim’s parents for everything. It’s sad, really, but not surprising.”

—JAY MCHUE

“If after being warned twice to stay away from the victim, being arrested, charged with three felonies, the threat of being a registered sex offender and two separate no-contact orders from two different judges is not enough deterrent for an adult to keep her fingers out of a 14-year-old child, then that adult is not only a sex offender, she is a predator.”

—POWER PLANTER

A PLACE FOR MEN TO BE MEN

G

EAR, GRUB, GUNS, AND GUYS” is the tagline of Gaybros, a Reddit subgroup that has grown from 200 subscribers at the beginning of 2012 to nearly 28,000 today, with more than 3 million page views a month. It’s a place where gay men can talk about anything, from sports to microbrewing to the military. |  |

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TOGETHER AFTER ALL, DOESN’T IT?

S

POILER ALERT: With the recent death of Glee’s Cory Monteith, there wasn’t much creators could do to make viewers feel better. Yet they found it: a reunion of gay couple “Klaine.” A video posted by glee�ilmingstuffs on tumblr shows Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Blaine (Darren Criss) sharing a passionate kiss amid a marching band performing “Got to Get You Into My Life” during a Beatles Tribute. The �ifth season returns Sept. 26. |  |

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AGING WELL The cosmetic medicine market has grown dramatically over the last 10 years as more people take advantage of new safer and more effective cosmetic medicine procedures.

While most are female, male-centric cosmetic medicine procedures have increased over 100% since 1997. Men account for over 1 million of the nearly 10 million cosmetic procedures done in the U.S. each year. The trend toward non-surgical cosmetic medicine procedures has increased as both men and women desire good treatment results with minimal downtime.

These advances in cosmetic medicine can help you look younger, more refreshed and more vital if combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise- no smoking and alcohol only in moderation. So what are the secrets to looking your best at every age? A simple equation sums up the key components of a youthful appearance:

C T3 + V

Color, Texture, Tone and Tightness plus Volume Color refers to our complexion. Even skin tones without excess hyperpigmentation brown spots and good blood supply gives skin a healthy glow. Skin texture should be smooth with good tone and tightness. Lastly, facial volume loss that occurs with aging can be replaced to maintain the youthful shape and contours of the face.

TAKE CARE OF THE SKIN YOU’RE IN Start with a good daily program to cleanse, treat, hydrate and protect your skin. We now have great cosmeceutical lines available pharmaceutical grade skin care products that harness the power of botanical agents, retinoids, skin cell proteins and human growth factors to improve the color, texture, tone and tightness of skin.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Intense Pulse Light IPL treatments minimize hyperpigmentation and the small broken blood vessels that develop with age. Controlled studies confirm that at 10 years of follow up patients treated with IPL had less visible aging and appeared younger than those who did not receive IPL. Microchanneling and Platelet Rich Plasma PRP - This office procedure uses microfine needles to create channels through the skin and trigger the body s own healing mechanisms to build new collagen. A simple blood sample drawn in the office is processed to isolate your own platelet-rich plasma which can be applied to the skin during microchanneling or injected to improve lost facial volume. This combination procedure improves skin color, texture, tightness, tone and volume.

Skin Tightening - The Apollo TriPollar RF radiofrequency device places thermal energy into the skin to tighten skin and minimize static wrinkles.

Different handpieces provide treatment to the face and neck as well as the abdomen, flanks, and legs.

REPLACE LOST FACIAL VOLUME By forty an average person loses approximately 4-8 mls of soft tissue volume, by 50, 8-12 mls and by 60 16-20 mls have been lost. Facial volume loss changes the shape of the temples, brow, cheeks and chin. Prominent folds from the nose to the mouth can develop and age the face.

Facial volume fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, Belotero and Artefill differ in applications and durability but can all be used to replace lost facial volume. The concept of global facial rejuvenation using combination non-surgical treatments that have less expense and downtime has decreased the number of surgical treatments such as brow, neck and face lifts.

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLAN

PREVENT WRINKLES WITH BOTULINS B O T OX C O S M E T I C , X E O M I N A N D DY S P O RT

Botulin treatments work best on dynamic wrinkles so if you see lines or deep creases when you frown or smile, consider starting botulins to prevent these lines from becoming permanent. Botulin treatments have a good safety record and cause minimal discomfort. Expert dosing and placement can a prevent a frozen overtreated appearance.

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At AesthetiMED each client s concerns are addressed and together with physician recommendations, a comprehensive facial rejuvenation care plan is developed. Prevention, correction and maintenance of healthy skin and facial contours and volumes can help you look ten years younger, ten years longer.

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IN DEPTH

HEALTH+MEDICINE

NAVIGATING

OBAMACARE THE AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE ACT SPECIFICALLY TARGETS LGBTS

T

Anthony Armstrong

HE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA), COMMONLY

known “Obamacare,” was passed into law in March 2010. Since then, the ACA has brought criticism and concern from both ends of the political spectrum as well as signi�icant confusion to the American public on what exactly they can expect when the ACA goes into full implementation on Jan. 1, 2014. The ACA will have an effect on all Americans, but perhaps most signi�icantly with sub-populations that are currently underserved, including the LGBT community.

Within our current healthcare system, the LGBT community faces several signi�icant barriers to equal treatment and insurance coverage. Some insurance company policies regarding pre-existing conditions as well as lifetime coverage limits put individuals with chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS and mental health conditions at a disadvantage to receive critical regiments of care.

Additionally, the lack of non-

discrimination policies within some health insurance carriers, hospitals and other medical facilities can create unnecessary lapses in coverage and in some cases refusal for treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I am concerned there might be a limitation of resources and providers for services,” says Dr. Rafael Pinero of Pinero Preventative Medical Care in Orlando. “For the LGBT community, I think there should

be more providers sensitive to their needs.”

The Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., has been analyzing the potential effects of the ACA on the LGBT population since the �irst drafts of the bill have been available. It identi�ied seven determinants to equal healthcare within the LGBT community, including lack of LGBT-speci�ic data, relationship recognition by the government, legal gender recognition for transgender individuals, poverty, homelessness and general discrimination.

To begin to combat these healthcare determinants within the LGBT community, in April 2010 President Barack Obama and Secretary of Health of Human Services Kathleen Sebelius tasked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to identify steps HHS could take to improve the health and well-being of the LGBT community under the ACA. In a report released in July 2013, HHS outlined several achievements in care within the LGBT community.

The achievements included the

Continued on page 41 |  |

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REMEMBERING RYAN: Performer Elton John, right, is joined by Ryan White, left, and Jason Robertson, both suffering from AIDS, as he performs at the “For the Love of Children” benefit for children with AIDS and other serious illnesses in 1988.

Gone too soon?

IN DEPTH: HEALTH+MEDICINE

The legacy of Ryan White is fading in 2013

A

Anthony Armstrong

S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS

wind down in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2014, Americans will not only be welcoming a new year, but also a new national healthcare plan. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as ObamaCare, will be implemented on Jan. 1, 2014. This year will also mark the 30th anniversary of Ryan White’s HIV diagnosis. At �irst thought, these two events appear unrelated; however, the legacy of one will lie in the hands of the other.

The Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) was enacted in August of 1990, just four months after White’s death. The purpose of the RWCA is to improve the availability of HIV/AIDS care to low income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and families as well as providing support services and healthcare trainings to state agencies and medical providers throughout the United States. Annually, it is estimated that the RWCA supports 2,500 medical providers and offers life prolonging treatments to over 500,000 individuals. For many affected by HIV/AIDS, the RWCA has been the sole means

of support for their medical, psychological, and psychosocial needs. However, with the passing of the ACA these individuals will see potentially drastic and counterproductive changes to the means in which they receive treatment.

Many unpredictable effects will be felt within the healthcare system and for those affected

by HIV/AIDS. The ACA is also poised to impose effects on RWCA operations and funding. One of the most debated components of the ACA is the state optional expansion of Medicaid eligibility and coverage. This expansion would provide insurance coverage for many currently receiving services through the RWCA. Since the RWCA is a “payer of last resort,” meaning it is only available when all other funding sources have been exhausted, those that will now be Medicaid eligible will no longer receive services funded through RWCA. While this may be an effective transition for some, there is fear that some individuals with HIV/ AIDS will fall to the wayside in the transition period and will not have the safety net of the RWCA to fall back on.

Many with HIV/AIDS already

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encounter barriers to receiving treatment and �ind it dif�icult to navigate the current systems of care available to them. These dif�iculties can be caused by lack of access to medical care, provider discrimination, stigma and misinformation that still surrounds the disease in many communities, and lack of proper HIV/AIDS education.

A completely new system of eligibility, enrollment, and coverage with the ACA has the potential to be dif�icult for patients and their medical providers.

To avoid lapses in coverage, providers and healthcare professionals treating those with any life threatening condition, including HIV/AIDS, will need to be well versed and educated on the new enrollment policies and procedures which begin in October 2013. Training and education will also be required to familiarize both patients and providers on new referral, treatment and care networks, and billing procedures once the ACA is in effect.

Unfortunately, providers in some communities may not have comprehensive education on the ACA or the sense of urgency necessary to provide a seamless transition to those in their care; some patients may even be lost in the system all together. Since medication adherence is critical in effective HIV/AIDS treatment, any lapse in coverage could have severe health implications on the individual.

No matter how smooth a transition or how many HIV/ AIDS patients will be treated via expanded Medicaid, it is almost certain that the scope, size and signi�icance of the RWCA will be affected. But what does that mean to the legacy of the teenager from Kokomo, Ind., who was debatably the �irst and most signi�icant face of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and ‘90s? A lack of funding has already forced the Ryan White Foundation to close its doors in 2000; the RWCA is the last tangible memory of White for the general public.

In 1984, White, at the age of 13, was infected with HIV through a tainted hemophiliac treatment. He was given only six months to live.

Treatment for hemophilia was not an uncommon mode of exposure to HIV/AIDS in the early ‘80s.

Continued on page 36 |  |

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|  | Ryan White’s Legacy from pg.35

Studies show that an estimated 90 percent of all hemophiliacs treated from 1979 to 1984 were infected with HIV because of the lack of knowledge of how HIV was spread.

What made White’s situation unique was that at the time of his infection, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that only 148 children were known to be infected with HIV in the United States. The disease at the time was overwhelming associated with gay men and drug users, not children. Many doctors, hospitals, therapists, parents and schools didn’t know how to address the fear and misinformation that surrounded an epidemic that was still in its infancy.

White’s situation was also unique because of the drawn out and very public legal battle between the White family and the Indiana Department of Education.

White’s doctors cleared him to return to school advising that he posed no threat to the other students and staff.

Upon news of White’s return, teachers and parents rallied against his attendance, strongarming school superintendent James Smith to ban his attendance. For the next nine months, the White family fought the school and court system to allow for Ryan to return to school.

White and his family gained national attention and support of many high pro�ile �igures but also became the object of public hate and bullying.

Thirty years later, LGBT youth are subjected to a similar type of undeserved typecasting, threats and bullying.

Youth today, particularly LGBT youth, may vaguely know who Ryan White was, but may not realize how similar their struggles are to those he faced as well as the legacy he left behind. Much like LGBT youth today, who only want to be understood and accepted for who they are, White was looking to be viewed as a normal 13-yearold, not to be seen as the “AIDS boy,” as he was often called.

In his 1988 testimony on HIV and AIDS to Congress, White painted a picture of his longing to just be “one of the kids,” to go to school dances and sporting events and to graduate from Hamilton Heights High School in

36

We owe it to Ryan to make sure that the fear and ignorance that chased him from his home and his school will be eliminated. We owe it to Ryan to open our hearts and our minds to those with AIDS.

We owe it to Ryan to be compassionate, caring and tolerant toward those with AIDS, their families and friends.

—FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, APRIL 11, 1990

a few years. White also described a much darker reality that he frequently faced. At school, White was forced to use separate restrooms and drinking fountains, could not enroll in gym class and had to use disposable utensils in the cafeteria.

He was also subjected to jokes and lies that he bit people, spit on vegetables in the grocery store and urinated on bathroom walls. Some restaurants would even throw away his dishes and utensils after he used them and people in his own church would not shake his hand. His school locker, books and supplies were all vandalized with the word “FAG” as well as other discriminatory remarks, a situation with which many bullied LGBT today can surely identify.

Unfortunately, according to data released by the CDC on Nov. 27, 2012, many LGBT youth are also able to identify with White through living with HIV. According to the report, an average of 12,000 youth between the ages of 13 and 24 are infected with HIV every year.

The CDC found that for every demographic that HIV/AIDS data is collected, infection rates are on the decline or staying steady, except for youth, particularly gay male youth. What may be most unfortunate about this �inding is that in the November report, the CDC said for the �irst time that they believe eradicating HIV/AIDS

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is within reach, but if and only if new infection rates are curbed.

In the past, youth infected with HIV/AIDS were typically born with the disease. This is no longer the case. The vast majority of infections in youth are from unprotected sexual exposure.

This has resulted in what many believe to be a declining sense of urgency regarding the threat posed by HIV/AIDS. Through role models and spokespeople such as White, there was a large push for education and prevention with people of all ages in the 1980s and ‘90s. However, as new infections and mortality rates began to fall, news coverage and funding began to decrease as well, opening the gates to the elevated new infection statistics we are facing now.

The past few years have seen a dramatic shift in priorities within the pro-LGBT movement.

Issues such as marriage equality, immigration and women’s reproductive rights have garnered the spotlight, and HIV/AIDS has lost the focus of the community it once had. While these mentioned issues have their signi�icance, it cannot be ignored that to �ight these additional social issues, a generation of youth has been left to fend for itself in the battle against HIV. Through HIV drug advertisements, youth are being misled on the realities of being on medications for the rest of their lives, as well as the health, social,

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and psychological side effects. A study done by the Keiser Family Foundation found that the overwhelming majority of youth do not believe HIV poses a threat to them or their generation as a whole. These same youth were found to have extremely low HIV testing rates, only 35 percent of sexually active 18- to 24-year-olds reported ever being tested for HIV. Most young people in the survey also answered that they “rarely” or “never” see or read coverage on HIV/AIDS within the past year. A lack of comprehensive education is also a leading cause of new infections. A number of states still teach “abstinence only” in health and sex education courses, which is not an effective method considering the Department of Health and Human Services has reported that an estimated 47.4 percent of high school students are sexually active.

If this is where we currently stand with HIV prevention and education, what was the early struggle of advocates like Ryan White for? Why did White and his family subject themselves to nationwide scrutiny and hate if we are sitting back and failing our youth? What hope have we given to the world to be free of HIV and AIDS? White passed away on April 8, 1990. In his short 18 years, White made an impact on the world and arguably the greatest impact to this day on the way HIV/AIDS is

watermarkonline.com

viewed. He and his mother both credited the LGBT community for its support and were able to teach countless other the virtues of acceptance, perseverance and strength through adversity. White never acted as if he was a victim of HIV, his mother told The New York Times, he would always say “I’m just like everyone else with AIDS, no matter how I got it.”

White’s funeral was attended by over 1,500 people including Nancy Regan, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Phil Donahue and football star Howie Long. John credits his relationship with White and his family as the catalyst to his sobriety and the founding of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

John also performed “Skyline Pigeon” at White’s funeral with White’s high school choir, and served as a pallbearer with Donahue, Long and three of White’s childhood friends. Michael Jackson, who gave White a red Mustang, dedicated the song “Gone Too Soon” to White after his death.

As we move forward toward a new era in healthcare with the ACA and the possible decline of the RWCA, government agencies, healthcare providers and prevention specialists must ensure that those with HIV/ AIDS have comprehensive and effective access to services and those not infected are equipped with the knowledge necessary to stay safe and healthy. We must come together to educate our youth on HIV/AIDS and to honor the sacri�ices of those who have fought the battle before us. We must not forget the mistreatment, hurt and bullying endured by White throughout his teenage years and �ight to stop preventable youth HIV infections.

The day of White’s funeral President Ronald Regan wrote a tribute to him in the Washington Post. The following quote from President Regan’s tribute is still relevant today as we move forward to help serve young LBGT youth and the memory of White: “We owe it to Ryan to make sure that the fear and ignorance that chased him from his home and his school will be eliminated. We owe it to Ryan to open our hearts and our minds to those with AIDS. We owe it to Ryan to be compassionate, caring and tolerant toward those with AIDS, their families and friends.”—Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, April 11, 1990 |  |

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RadianceMedSpa.com.

Schlageter offered Watermark a glimpse at some of the more popular procedures she and her staff perform:

JUVEDERM

AWARD WINNERS: Radiance MedSpa director Stephanie Schlageter, second from left, and her staff won the Medium Business of the Year 2013 award presented by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in January.

PHOTO COURTESY RADIANCE MEDSPA

Finding Physical Happiness IN DEPTH: HEALTH+MEDICINE

Non-surgical procedures are gaining momentum in the fight to restore youth

C

Steve Blanchard

LEARWATER | STEPHANIE SCHLAGETER

sometimes feels more like a psychologist than a director of Radiance MedSpa. Every day she meets clients who look for ways to make themselves look and feel better—and every time she guarantees them that they’ve come to the right place.

“A lot of people come in because they’re going through a life transition like a break up or the loss of a signi�icant person like a parent,” Schlageter says. “These wake-up calls in life cause people to pause for a moment and look at ways to make themselves feel better. That’s where we step in.”

Radiance MedSpa opened its doors in Belleair Bluffs in 2006. In 2011, a second location opened in Clearwater Beach.

“We offer private consultations and hand the client a mirror and ask

them what brings them in today,” Schlageter explains. “We match them with a program or set of procedures that will get them what they’re looking for.”

A consultation typically lasts an hour and treatments vary, depending on the client.

This year, Radiance MedSpa has reached out speci�ically to the LGBT community, and Schlageter says that both men and women use a variety of services, but the most popular procedures tend to be those aimed at improving skin or removing fat.

All of Radiance’s procedures are non-surgical, but only nurse practitioners or MDs actually perform them. LGBTs, she says, tend to lean toward Juvederm, versions of liposuction, Fraxel and laser hair removal. (If you’re not familiar with those terms, don’t worry, Schlageter explains them below.)

“Technological advances mixed with people wanting to go with a more natural and less evasive approach has made non-surgical procedures incredibly popular,” Schlageter says. “People don’t want any visible down time or any missed work. These non-surgical procedures offer equal or better results than procedures requiring surgery, so they are obviously gaining in popularity.”

While Radiance MedSpa, and other similar businesses, offer a variety of services, the prices and procedures vary depending on individual needs. A full list of services is available at

As we age, our skin changes.

With injectable �illers like Juvederm, which is a gel-like substance similar in appearance to hair gel, skin’s volume is restored and facial wrinkles are smoothed away.

“This replaces volume in the face,” Schlageter says. “It used to be that people had to call a plastic surgeon to get everything pulled tight. That’s not the case anymore with these �illers.”

Injections of Juvederm put volume back into the cheeks, she explains, and helps remove jowls or lines around the mouth. The substance is a hyaluronic acid, which is actually a natural component of human skin. The body reacts well because of that, Schlageter says, and clients can quickly and comfortably look naturally like they used to a few years ago.

“It lasts a year to a year and a half, depending on where it is placed on the face,” she explains. “It’s one of—if not the most—popular procedures we offer.”

BOTOX

Almost everyone has heard of Botox, but many may not know exactly how it’s used, Schlageter says. It’s often compared to Juvederm, but is better used in “expression areas” like lines around the eyes.

�ind that �ine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth dissipate with its use.

“Another use of Fraxel is to �ill acne scars,” Schlageter says. “So it’s not only an anti-aging technique, it can also repair damage that was done years or decades before.”

LIPOSONIX

Finding a way to reduce fat is something many clients seek during their initial consultation, and depending on where they are with their �itness goals, Schlageter and her staff will recommend Liposonix as an option.

This procedure was approved by the FDA almost two years ago and melts fat through the skin with the use of ultrasound.

“Wherever we put this ultrasound energy, it leaves a path of melted fat a half-inch below the skin,” she says. “Then the body removes it as damaged tissue and the whole area is reduced by small amounts.”

This procedure, however, is for those who just want to lose a little bit of fat—or maybe a small love handle.

“It’s really a little tailoring,” Schlageter explains. “You get one or two treatments in succession to get it done.

It’s usually for smaller people.”

“Technological advances mixed with people wanting to go with a more natural and less evasive approach has made nonsurgical procedures incredibly popular.”

SLIMLIPO

SlimLipo is a body sculpting laser with a “fat melting” laser wavelength that quickly and effectively melts unwanted fat.

Via a few tiny incisions, this patented laser gently melts fat so that it may —STEPHANIE SCHLAGETER, be removed DIRECTOR OF RADIANCE MEDSPA from the body.

FRAXEL Many clients “Lasers are at Radiance want to restore their inserted and look like a thin piece skin to its youthful beginnings, and of spaghetti,” Schlageter says. “The the most effective way to do that, laser �iber helps with trouble areas according to Schlageter, is through like love handles and the person is Fraxel, a procedure that actually awake throughout the procedure.” damages the old skin and forces A local anasthetic like lidocane newer, younger skin to replace it. is used to numb the area and the “We don’t like using the term procedure is typically used on abs, ‘damage,’ but that’s really what this knees, thighs, arms and hips. laser does,” Schlageter says. “We do “It contours the areas and the it in a series of four treatments and melted fat gets suctioned out with a you literally have all new baby skin small tube,” Schlageter says. “Unlike replacing your old skin.” traditional lipo, within a couple Clients who want to �ix damage of hours you get the fat removed. caused by the sun are typically It’s faster, less expensive and more directed toward Fraxel, and they effective.” |  |

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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watermarkonline.com

|  | Navigating

Obamacare from pg.33

implementation of data collection policies from federal and state agencies regarding patient gender identity and sexual orientation.

Several LGBT-based survey questions have been developed and are currently being tested by HHS as well as the Center for Disease Control’s National Health Interview Survey. The �irst results of this signi�icant data collection will be available in 2014.

Additionally, HHS has set in place a policy for all HHS and ACA medical providers that no patient can be denied bene�its or services based on among other categories, gender identity and sexual orientation.

While the actual effects, both positive and negative, of the ACA on the LGBT community will not be fully understood until a few years after implementation, it is well-believed that the effects will be positive.

“With the new healthcare laws, I see more opportunities for our LGBT community to receive more comprehensive health care services” says Pinero.

ADVANTAGES TO LGBTS

One of the most signi�icant advantages of the ACA to the LGBT community will be seen within the prohibition of insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. This will allow individuals with HIV/ AIDS not only insurance coverage, but more comprehensive coverage to best manage their overall health.

Under new provisions, HIV/AIDS medications are also expected to be more affordable. The ACA will support the development and funding of patient centered health homes for people with HIV/AIDS to ensure continuity and quality of care for those most severely affected.

In our current healthcare system, identifying as transgender has been considered a pre-existing condition. This designation makes healthcare unavailable for many in the transgender community.

“Regarding transgender patients, there are presently limitations regarding the coverage for medical and psychological therapy needed during their transition” says Pinero.

This will no longer be the accepted designation under the ACA. Transgender individuals will now have access to mandated culturally competent care and cannot be refused treatment based on gender

identity. However, there are still several details of the ACA needing clari�ication regarding transgender patient care.

“It is yet to be seen exactly what the new healthcare plans will cover for transgender individuals in regard to hormone therapy treatments and what essential services of the transition process will be covered,” explains Andrew Cray, policy analyst with the Center for American Progress.

PRIVATE INSURANCE ISN’T UNTOUCHED

For Americans with private insurance plans through their employers or other means, there

higher cost for employers which can then equate to a higher premium for employees. This was con�irmed on July 30, 2013, when Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty told the State Health Insurance Advisory Board that on average business insurance rates will rise anywhere from 5% to 20% and individual plans are expected to increase 30% to 40%.

Of concern to small business owners is the new requirement to provide health insurance for their employees. The ACA requires all businesses with 50 or more full-time employees to provide employees with health insurance options. Some small business owners have voiced

state,” says Cray. “The website is set up similar to an online travel site such as Travelocity or Expedia where you will input your criteria and easily see the various options available.”

The Marketplace website will also include �inancial screening information to allocate any available subsidies or tax credits available to individuals purchasing plans. In addition to online resources, each state will have designated ACA Navigator sites where individuals can meet face-to-face with staff that have been federally trained to guide those individuals making policy purchases in the Marketplace.

Individuals without an insurance

With the new healthcare laws, I see more opportunities for our LGBT community to receive more comprehensive health care services.

—DR. RAFAEL PINERO

will be a number of changes. The ACA will require all private health plans to become an HHS-approved “Quali�ied Health Plan.”

The two purposes of these plans is to ensure that comprehensive and effective insurance policies are being sold to consumers. Additionally, essential bene�it packages will require a clear and understandable explanation of bene�its through the policy. Quali�ied Health Plans are structured in 10 categories of care to ensure all health needs are met through the policy. These 10 categories are ambulatory care (outpatient services and doctor’s appointments), emergency services, maternity and newborn care, emergency services, mental health and substance abuse services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, prevention services, and pediatric services including oral and vision care.

The effect of this more complete insurance package, however, is a

their concerns about their ability to pay premiums for employee coverage and, as a result, being forced to cut their staff either to be able to pay insurance premiums or to decrease their total employees to a number below 50. Either scenario presents unfavorable unemployment outcomes for the employee and the state and federal unemployment rates. Businesses with less than 50 full-time employees will not be required to provide insurance but if they should chose to do so, will be eligible for federal tax credits.

THE ‘CENTERPIECE’ OPTION

For Americans not receiving coverage through their employers, a plan will need to be purchased through what is described as “the centerpiece” of the ACA, the Health Insurance Marketplace.

“Individuals needing insurance plans can go to Healthcare.gov beginning on Oct. 1, 2013, to see what plan option is best suited for them and available to them in their

policy will be required to pay to the federal government a penalty fee of $95 or one percent of their adjusted gross income, whichever is greater.

Additional coverage is also available through expanded Medicaid. However, the Supreme Court ruled in July 2012 that individual states could opt out of the Medicaid expansion component of the ACA. While Florida Governor Rick Scott initially opposed the expansion, he later supported the Medicaid expansion but the measure did not pass the Florida legislature this past session. The issue can, however, be brought back to a vote in future sessions, therefore allowing another outlet for coverage for qualifying individuals and families.

GETTING LGBT-SPECIFIC

For LGBT families, HHS has committed to provide the greatest amount of coverage available to LGBT families, particularly in states where same-sex marriage is not recognized. With the Supreme Court

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

ruling the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional in 2013, �inal regulations and best practices for insurance carriers are still being �inalized. The Healthcare. gov Marketplace site will include a search option for “domestic partner” polices for same-sex couples to see all available options to them and their family in states where samesex marriage is not recognized but domestic partnerships are.

Another signi�icant change with the ACA is the ability for young adults to stay fully covered on their parent or guardian’s policy up to the age of 26. This feature will likely prove bene�icial to young Americans graduating high school or college that are seeking work in a still dif�icult economy. For youth within the LGBT community that �ind themselves thrown out of their homes based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, they will likely be eligible for either Medicaid or qualify for a signi�icant subsidy based on their “homeless” status, therefore increasing their access to often critical healthcare needs and prevention measures.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

The ACA has dozens upon dozens of components and it is the responsibility of all individuals, families and business owners to educate themselves on the ACA and how it can best be leveraged to their healthy advantage.

“In Florida, opposition to the ACA is very politically motivated and lots of false information has been put out to create confusion” explains Cray.

“You need to �ind out for yourself what bene�its and changes you can expect.”

Pinero believes the implementation of the ACA is a step in the right direction.

“I think the ACA is the �irst honest attempt to �ix a system that is not working properly, so I expect and hope for new amendments and improvements as it gets implemented,” Pinero says.

“Regarding what speci�ic bene�its will be covered that will affect the LGBT community, I think is still unclear.”

Through all the negative press and opposition Cray believes that the highlighted bene�its of the ACA to the LGBT community will live up to the optimistic expectations.

“I think the ACA is one of the best kept secrets in LGBT equality in the United States,” Cray says. |  |

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

Grecian HONOR ORLANDO PHOTOGRAPHER JOSH GARRICK WILL MAKE HISTORY AT GREEK MUSEUM

O

David Thomas Moran

RLANDO FINE ART-PHOTOGRAPHER

Josh Garrick remembers meeting the current love of his life back in junior high.

He fondly recalls one of their �irst encounters at a Pennsylvania county fair. Garrick still has a vivid memory of that day. He won a blue ribbon in one of the fair’s contests.

Today, the love affair continues but some might say it is anything but ordinary. Garrick’s relationship led him to leave behind his hometown, his family and friends, and everything he knew as a farm boy for the hustle and bustle of city life—city life 2,400 years ago in Athens, Greece.

Garrick’s seventh grade romance from the county fair was actually with a Greek temple

he built out of plaster of Paris.

Little did he know that this blue ribbon-winning, temple would lead to him eventually becoming the �irst American in the 124year history of the National Archaeological Museum of Greece to exhibit at the museum.

The National Archaeological Museum located in Athens is

Continued on page 46 |  |

GREEK LOVE: This piece, called “Golden Youth,” directly shows Garrick’s fascination with Ancient Greek art. PHOTO BY JOSH GARRICK AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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45

TREND SETTER: Josh Garrick is an Orlando-based

photographer and artist who will be the first American ever to display his work at the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. PHOTO COURTESY JOSH GARRICK

QUITE A VIEW: This piece, called “On the Scaffolding” was taken on top of The Parthenon. PHOTO BY JOSH GARRICK

|  | Josh Garrick from pg.43

the largest museum in Greece and boasts of one of the richest collections of ancient Greek artifacts. It is arguably one of the most prestigious museums in the world, sharing the company of the Smithsonian Institution, the Louvre, and the British Museum, among others. “[As a kid,] I never dreamed that a museum this big would give me an exhibition—let alone the National Archaeological Museum,” says Garrick. “I’m very proud of this honor…that someone felt that my work deserved it.”

Though Garrick happens to be gay, the main object of his affection these days is not another man or even a person, but rather any and all things Ancient Greece.

“I’m certainly out. I don’t hide

46

EYE CATCHING: This photo, titled “The Little Jockey,” is the piece Garrick believes caught the attention of the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. PHOTO BY JOSH GARRICK

I’m certainly out. I don’t hide it, but it doesn’t have a big impact on what I do art-wise.

—JOSH GARRICK

it, but it doesn’t have a big impact on what I do art-wise,” says Garrick. “I’ve never ever had to be ‘hush hush’ about being gay.

Even in rural Pennsylvania where I grew up, I came out in my senior year of high school.”

Garrick moved to Orlando in 1996 after living and working in New York City for a number of years. He said he was fortunate to bene�it from an LGBT-friendly art scene in New York at the time, but that not all LGBT artists were so lucky in other parts of the country.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Garrick said his current artwork gives him little time for dating. His lover and his muse is the classical period of Ancient Greece—a city, a building, a time period, and in many ways an ideal.

The sensuality and homoeroticism of Ancient Greece and its relics are not lost on him, but Garrick says that his being gay does not de�ine the subject matter of his photographs.

“Homosexuality was absolutely accepted in that period of time.

It is interesting how it must have

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worked…[but] Ancient Greece is the common theme [for my work],” says Garrick.

Garrick has also had the unique opportunity to go where few Americans have ever gone before when he was granted permission to climb and photograph the iconic temple ruins of the Parthenon in Athens. He calls the legendary, 2400-year-old building a prime example of one of the most extraordinary buildings mankind has ever created.

“No non-Greek is allowed to

watermarkonline.com

touch the Parthenon,” he says.

“The greatest photo shoot of my life was being allowed to climb the scaffolding…the most glorious moment of my life was actually standing on the roof of the Parthenon. As I stood there, I remember two wild emotions going through my head…’Oh my god, you’re going to die!’ and ‘This is the greatest opportunity of your life, don’t blow it.’”

Garrick’s photographs of the Parthenon and other Greek relics have been described as contemporary art inspired by classical art. Time seems to bend back on itself in the photographs as his compositions intimately narrow the �ield of view of a seemingly larger-than-life and timeless ancient culture to the smallest, intricate details of the ruins that still linger on today. He still says that no photograph will ever do the Parthenon justice like seeing it in person.

His photograph titled “Heavy Lifting” is one of the shots he captured from the roof of the Parthenon. It depicts a cropped, black and white image of a work crew operating a crane amongst the marble ruins. Contemporary buildings of 21st-century Athens litter the horizon from a distance.

His portrait “The Little Jockey” is a black and white, still photograph of a sculpture depicting a person riding a horse. Garrick credits “The Little Jockey” photograph with catching the attention of the National Archaeological Museum.

The jockey’s face and body curled up in a riding posture are draped in shadows with his left hand and arm extended in the air as if pointing onward. The lighting and framing of the image add a lifelike quality to the sculpture as well as what Garrick hopes is a new way of appreciating the original piece.

“The biggest intent of my work is for the audience to go back to the original statue. I hope they will stop and take another look,” says Garrick.

Garrick says his photographs are going to hang alongside the original pieces this fall at the National Archaeological Museum.

The name of the exhibition is called Seeking the Ancient Kallos and will run from Sept. 12, 2013, to January 8, 2014. In Orlando, Garrick’s work is also currently showing downtown at Jai Gallery in the Exchange Building of Church St. Station. |  |

“Heartbreakingly beautiful” – The Independent

SUNDAY, OCT. 13 7:30 p.m CAROL MORSANI HALL

STRAZ CENTER

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SHOW.

Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045 Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1018 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Contains mature subject matter.

Sponsored by

This performance is funded, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with SouthArts and the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Supported by the Scottish Government’s International Touring Fund.

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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SEPT. 6-15 Daytona Playhouse 386-255-2431 DaytonaPlayhouse.org

SEPT. 14 King Center for the Performing Arts 321-242-2219 KingCenter.com

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ST. PETERSBURG The Under Construction Show

OIN JEFF KLEIN AND SWELLFELLA PHOTOGRAPHY as he embarks on his �irst ever solo art show. Inspired by his muse Alex, come see a show showcasing high fashion shots and a pieced together man. You will recognize several local models from both sides of Tampa Bay when the

show debuts at The Broken Tusk bar at 4685 28th Street North on Sept. 9. Klein is a former board member of St. Pete Pride and is also a local �ilmmaker and actor.

Entry into the show is free. For more information �ind “The Under Construction Show” event page on Facebook. |  |

T

When Serge, a novice art collector, asks his two friends to view his newly acquired work of art, this “priceless” piece tests their 15-year friendship and causes them to validate their self-worth. The productions stars local favorites Brian Shea, Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne. For tickets visit AmericanStage.org or call 727-823-7529.

ORLANDO Bill Allfred

ROMBONIST BILL ALLFRED GREW UP ON NEW ORLEANS JAZZ listening to his father and grandfather play up and down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. In 1971, he became one of the �irst musicians hired at Walt Disney World.

He organized the Goodtime

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Jazz Band at Rosie O’Grady’s, where he served as band leader for more than 15 years. Allred and his Classic Jazz Band will perform Sept.

9 at The Abbey Theater.

For ticket information, call 407-704-6261 or visit AbbeyOrlando.com. |  |

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Tampa Bay

1- SHARING A NOSH: Residents from both sides of Tampa Bay attended Watermark Wednesday at Ceviche Restaurant in Hyde Park on Aug. 14. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 2- AWAITING A WINNER: A group of friends share some cocktails and tapas before learning the results of a raffle at Watermark Wednesday Aug. 14 at Ceviche Restaurant in Tampa. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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3- GEEKING OUT: (L-R) Daniel Markovich and Nick Capezza browsed vendor booths at Tampa Bay Comic-Con held the weekend of Aug. 24. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO 4- WATCHFUL EYE: Tampa resident Joe Grill watches the stage at Bradley’s on 7th on Aug. 18. PHOTO COURTESY VINNY DIPPOLITO 5- ALTER EGO?: Josh Taylor Przybysz was in search of his inner super hero the Tampa Convention Center during Tampa Bay Comic-Con 2013 Aug. 24. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO 6- SUPPORTIVE LINEUP: An impressive line of supporters attended the Pinellas County Commission meeting on Aug. 20 to encourage a vote for transgender protections, which proved successful. PHOTO BY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM 7- CELEBRATING VICTORY: Andy and Sasha Citino were on hand at the Pinelllas County Courthouse Aug. 20 to encourage commissioners to add transgender protections to the county’s human rights ordinance. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM

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8- GAY FAB: Mark Bias and Melanie Minyon work on decor accents at the new Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater location in August. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

OVERHEARD MORMONS SHUT DOWN STRAZ SITE

W

ELL, THAT HEADLINE MAY NOT BE EXACTLY RIGHT. But it caught your attention, right? This upcoming arts season’s biggest draw to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is no doubt the Broadway musical comedy The Book of Mormon. It’s been promoted on billboards in Tampa and teased on television and print ads. So when the performing arts venue began selling tickets in mid August, it was no surprise that tickets sold at record pace. But the rush of ticket sales came at a price. The heavy traf�ic brought StrazCenter.org to a grinding halt the day tickets were available,

causing the venue to email subscribers (and the media) explaining the problem. The short, apologetic message asked those experiencing trouble purchasing online to call the box of�ice or visit the box of�ice in person to secure tickets. The musical runs Nov. 12-24.

WATCHING LESBIANS

S

EMINOLE HEIGHTS RESIDENTS PAM DIMUCCIO AND LIZ HILLEN could make television history this upcoming season. The partners of 14 years are �inalists on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live wedding contest, which could mean the couple’s legal wedding in New York could be televised nationally.

The couple told us that they had considered a wedding in the past, but always considered it just a huge party since it wasn’t legal.

Now, with the defeat of DOMA and marriage equality sweeping across the country, the couple is ready to get hitched—in front of the cameras. But to make that happen, they need votes. To push the couple across the �inish line, visit BravoTV.com/Wedding and vote up to 40 times a day through Sept. 6.

MARY SETTLES IN CLEARWATER

T

HAT HAMBURGER MARY IS SUCH A TEASE! The new Hamburger Mary’s

Clearwater is slowly trickling out information about the Pinellas County location, but in a way that leaves us begging for more. On its Facebook page, “Aunt Mary” has shared that her new location is 28910 US Highway 19 in North Clearwater. But what she doesn’t share is the dates of the grand opening celebration. Kurt King, who runs the Mary’s in Ybor, is behind the Clearwater location and hostess and performer Melanie Minyon, Carrie West and Mark Bias have been helping prep the restaurant for its big debut. More details will be released on that Facebook page in the coming days, so �ind the page and click “like” to keep up on the info.

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SIR/BOY CONTEST DATES SET!

T

HE TAMPA BAY LEATHER SIR/BOY 2014 CONTEST DATES HAVE BEEN SET, and it will return to the Flamingo Resort in October. The contest’s sixth year will be Oct 4-6, with a kick off meet-n-greet with the judges and contestants.

Saturday, Oct. 5, is the contest on the outdoor stage (weather permitting) beginning at 8 p.m.

And on Sunday, the weekly T-dance will have a leather theme. As with past years, each night will have demonstrations and Beer busts going on to keep the festivities going. For details, visit FlamingoFla.com or TampaLeatherClub.com. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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CLUB ORLANDO COME OUT TO PLAY! Gyms come and go……

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ORLANDO

1- SING OUT: Outloud!, an ensemble comprised of members of the Orlando Gay Chorus, kicked off the Prime Timers of Central Florida 18th Anniversary dinner with a medley of songs. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 2- SHOW TUNES: Entertainer Dan Witiki proved how much music you can make with a concertina and a solid repertoire of songs at the Prime Timers of Central Florida 18th Anniversary Dinner. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 3- MAIS OUI!: (L-R) Frank Hannigan, Elias Kalantzis, Daniel Shultz and Michael Vacirca share a pitcher while on vacation in Montreal Aug. 26, at the Bar le Drague in Quebec City. PHOTO FROM SHULTZ’S FACEBOOK PAGE

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4- PSYCHO PARTY: (L-R) Kiersten Taylor Kevin, Jennifer Parrish, Mary Ellen Bristoe and Michelle Sandage celebrate another great season skating for the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls at their end-of-season party, Madhouse Masquerade, Aug. 24 at Hilton Altamonte. PHOTO BY TYLER DUMAS 5- TAKE A LEAP: The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence didn’t let the gloomy weather keep them from a splashing good time while hosting an Aug. 25 Come Out With Pride fundraiser at Parliament House. PHOTO BY SISTER STRYKA POSE 6- IN MEMORIAM: Michael Hodges (left) and Rob Nicoletti paid tribute to their departed friend, Russ Crumley, at a gathering at City Arts Factory on Sunday, Aug. 18. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 7- TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Trivia Host Doug Ba’aser (left) gets his quiz on at Trivia Night at Hamburger Mary’s with Scott Stowell Aug. 21. PHOTO COURTESY DOUG BA’ASER

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8- PEEK-A-BOO ACADEMY: Pretty ladies (L to R) Vita DeVoid, Blue Starr, Michelina Wingerter Tymisha Harris and Nicki Jay backstage for Peek-a-Boo Lounge at Stardust Lounge. PHOTO COURTESY TABOR WINSTEAD

OVERHEARD FOR FASHION CONSCIOUS MEN

W

ORLD-RENOWNED DESIGNER ROBERT GRAHAM will play host to a night of men’s fashion at Neiman Marcus Orlando to bene�it the Zebra Coalition.

“An Evening with Robert Graham: Fashion and Atelier Fragrance” will be from 6- 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at 4170 Conroy Road in the Men’s Department, Level One. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided by Capital Grille. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at ZebraYouth. org. The Zebra Coalition is a network of organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBT+) ages 13 – 24.

The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness; bullying; physical, sexual and drug abuse; and isolation from their families with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.

BEATEN AT THEIR OWN GAME

K

UDOS TO THE SUSANS AT THE ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL. Journal writers Meehan and Lundine beat the Orlando Weekly on August 26 with the news about the Weekly’s

impending sale. TimesShamrock Communications, which purchased the alternative paper in 2000, has put �ive of its publications up for sale. The Weekly followed the Journal with the story a day later. Not to worry, Scott Lynett, CEO of Times-Shamrock, said the Orlando Weekly will continue to publish through the sale process—plenty of time to beat the Journal out on a follow-up.

OUT OF THE CLOSET AND UNDERCOVER

H

AVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A SPY? The CIA will

be recruiting at Come Out With Pride in October. Event organizer Mikael Audebert said the organization has been looking for new agents in the gay community for more than 20 years. Hmmm. Maybe that’s why James Bond has never settled down. If you want to learn more, contact Michael (michaab1@ucia.gov) or Gemika (gemikrm@ucia.gov) with the agency.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT

C

ONGRATULATIONS TO QUANTUM LEAP WINERY AND K RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR. Quantum Leap is the �irst winery in Central Florida to

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

serve wine on tap. Thanks to a partnership with the Winery, on August 23, K became the �irst restaurant to serve wine on tap. Until a recent change in the law, Florida and Utah were the only two states in the country that prohibited wine kegs. Thanks to our legislators, wine can now be served in reusable containers no larger than 5.16 gallons. Quantum Leap, which opened in October 2012, will provide wine on tap at its location in the Mills 50 district including Chardonnay, Riesling and Garda. |  |

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:

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(L-R) Orlando-based couple Victor Lopez and Gregory M. Henchar, of Rainbow411.com and GSHRadio celebrate 25 years together on Labor Day Weekend.

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GETTING EROTIC: Spoken

word artist Immani Love of Cocoa Beach was named Erotic Poet of the Year in the 4th Annual National Poetry Awards presented by Multi Platinum Record Entertainment.

DEARLY DEPARTED: Michael L. Johnson, 58, of Orlando,

pictured at right with one of his partners, Luis Grajales, passed away on Aug. 18 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was born in California and moved to Orlando when he was 40. He most recently worked for Fidelity. He served on the boards of The GLBT Center of Central Florida (The Center) and PFLAG. He is survived by his partners Doug Brucker and Grajales. Michael will be cremated and laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery. The mausoleum will not be completed until January 2014, at which time a private ceremony will be held to bury his ashes. A ‘Celebration of Life’ for Michael L. Johnson to be held at The Abbey on Sept. 28 from 2-5 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Marni Harmony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Center at TheCenter.org in Michael’s name.

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Sasha and Andrew Citino, owners of 6S Boutique in St. Petersburg, Fla., will celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary on Sept. 2, 2013.

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CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Local Birthdays

Mikael Frank Audebert was named one of the area’s most Influential Men in the current issue of the Orlando Business Journal for his efforts in bringing events and attention to Orlando and its surrounding areas.

Orlando Miller’s Ale House kitchen coach Nicole Phillips, Leather stud Randy Sullivan, Seminole painting expert Karen Santos, Studio@620 founder and friend to the arts Bob Devin Jones, and Orlando artist and photographer Lee Vandergrift (Aug. 29); Lakeland bear Bob Lloyd and MBA Director-at-Large Jeffrey Buak, (Sept. 2); Sarasota entertainer and comic Beneva Fruitville (Sept. 3); Orlando server and arts lover Richard Hicks (Sept. 4); Sarasota’s Asolo Rep social media coordinator

903 Mills Market marks its 10th anniversary on Sept. 7. The market & deli offers gourmet beer and wines, coffee and fresh grocery staples.

Jym Steele and Randy Mabe of Orlando will celebrate 18 years together on Sept. 6..

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David Valdez, St. Petersburgbased TIGLFF husband Erik Carroll, Butch bear and Tampa pharmacist Brian Wehling, St. Pete software genius David Palio and Gulfport party host Ed Dunn (Sept.

5); Rollins College honcho A. Eddie Mehnert, Tampa Bay everywoman and KJ Monica LeFavre, Sarasota Starbucks junkie and teacher Steve Eller (Sept. 6); St. Pete convenience store specialist Scott Petersen and Tampa leather man Todd Crutchfield (Sept. 7); Orlando drag icon Darcel Stevens, St. Pete pet portrait artist Eunice Fisher, Tampa’s Colombia

transplant Ricardo Mendez, Sarasota cowboy and “orange” spokesperson Wolf Keller, HSN bigwig Darryl Blaker, Tampa bear Mike Scott, Disney entertainment tech Charles Cantrell, Sarasota hottie Angel Perez, sexy Tampa athlete and Watermark coverboy Marty Walsh (Sept. 8); St. Pete-based big bear David Reynolds and St. Pete chiropractor Karen Reese (Sept. 9); Tampa account manager Jim Steinle, Tampa animal lover and Watermark contributor Greg Burton, and Tampa Gallery curator Albert Burruezo (Sept. 11); As I Am’s Rev. Robin Hankins (Sept. 12).

Are you making a Transition? Having a birthday or anniversary? Did you get a new job or promotion? See your news in Watermark! Send your Transition to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com or go to WatermarkOnline.com - it’s that easy!

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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ESPN: Was Battle of the Sexes a mob setup?

A

ccording to a recent report by ESPN.com, the greatest woman-beatsman triumph in sports history could have been an elaborate, ma�ia-concocted fraud.

Retired tennis champ Bobby Riggs lost to Billie Jean King on Sept. 20, 1973, in a remarkably hyped event that’s still revered in the annals of the women’s liberation movement.

Artfully playing the brash male chauvinist pig, the 55-year-old Riggs lost in three straight sets to the world’s No. 2 female player of the time. The victory netted King, then 29, the winner-take-all $100,000 prize.

Earlier that summer, Riggs beat No. 1 women’s champ Margaret Court. So his defeat at the hands of King in front of 30,400-plus fans at the Houston Astrodome and millions more watching on live TV came as a shock to almost everyone.

Now, four decades later, Hal Shaw, a Tampa country club co-worker of Riggs, said Riggs threw the match after he was visited by an infamous group of mobsters. Florida mob boss Sanot Traf�icante, Jr., and New Orleans crime boss Carlos Marcello supposedly said that Riggs was to “set up two matches against the two best women players in the world,” Shaw told ESPN’s Outside the Lines.

“He mentioned Margaret Court—and it’s easy for me to remember that because one of my aunt’s names was Margaret so that, you know, wasn’t hard to remember—and the second lady was Billie Jean King,” the 79-year-old Shaw told OTL. “Mr. Ragano was emphatic … Riggs had assured him that the �ix would be in — he would beat Margaret Court and then he would go in the tank” against King, Shaw said.

King, who later came out as a lesbian, beat Riggs handily in three matches, giving the women’s right movement a

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victory in a time when a male’s signature was still required to secure a credit card.

Riggs was an avid sports gambler and he allegedly built a $100,000 debt to the mob in lost bets.

All Riggs wanted in return from the mobsters for the Court and King matches was forgiveness for that $100,000, Shaw recalled.

But King doesn’t believe her rival threw the match, she told ESPN. “Bobby Riggs wanted to win that match, I saw it in his eyes. I saw it when we changed ends, and there is no question,” she said.

King insisted that nerves simply got the best of Riggs on that historic day. Even the greatest champions ‘“choke” on occasion, according to King.

“I think he got so nervous—it exhausted him. [He just] choked,” King said. “We’ve all done it. I’ve choked. Everybody chokes.” |  |

Testing 7 Days a Week The Risk is NOT Knowing

Puerto Rican gay boxer Orlando Cruz to marry Wire Report

S

AN JUAN, PUERTO RICO | Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has proposed marriage to his partner after announcing last year that he is gay.

Cruz made his proposal on his Facebook page, and his boyfriend accepted. ``I’d like to say, and share it with your friends, and with my friends: Do you want to marry me?’’ Cruz said on a video of about 2 minutes posted on the social media site.

Cruz also mentioned the proposal on his Twitter account, saying that he had taken an important step in his life and that he wants happiness for him and his partner as a couple.

Puerto Rican gay activist Pedro Julio Serrano, spokesman for the U.S.-based National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said he will serve as the godfather at the couple’s wedding.

The timing and location of the wedding was unknown.

Same-sex marriage is not allowed in Puerto Rico, or in Florida, where Cruz has a home.

The boxer is a featherweight �ighter and is 20-2-1 with 10 knockouts. |  |

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PHOTOGRAPHY: TAMPA BAY COMIC CON 2013

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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ELD AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER AUG. 24, TAMPA BAY COMIC CON 2013 PRESOLD MORE THAN 20,000 TICKETS. At one point in the afternoon, the line to get in snaked through two levels of the convention center and spilled outside onto Franklin Street. Some people waited in line for more than two and a half hours. But the wait was worth it. Over the top costumes ranged from superheroes to zombies, and LGBT fans were out in full force. | ď Ź |

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AUG. 29 - SEPT. 11, 2013 // ISSUE 20.18

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©2013 Ashton Woods USA L.L.C. Plans, specifications, prices, and other items are subject to changes without notice and/or may vary by elevation. Images are only the artist’s conception. Square footage is approximate. See Sales Agents for details. CRC # 1517613. Printed 09/2013