Watermark issue 17.09: The Outdoors

ISSUE 17.09 | APRIL 29 - MAY 12, 2010 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

FOCUS ON

OUTDOORS: SAWMILL’S CONTINUING EVOLUTION O&A’S BEST GAY LIFE YOGA ON WATER

LAKELAND MAN CHARGED IN

LESBIAN MURDER

PLUG PULLED ON

ONE MIGHTY REUNION

PARADISE FINDING ‘FAMILY’ FUN IN FLORIDA’S SUN

D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

HOT! • TA M PA

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S T. P E T E R S B U R G

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S A R A S O TA

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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| April 29 - May 12, 2010

issue 17.09

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HAIR

27

PG.

The 1960s come to life in Hair, this year’s American Stage in the Park production on Demen’s Landing in St. Petersburg.

While the play itself is more than four-decades old, the messages it shares are just as relevant today. It runs through May 16.

6 | Orlando News

St. Petersburg resident Marty Walsh displays the goods that make Florida’s outdoors so hot while modeling at Fort DeSoto Park.

Photo by OxImages

The much-maligned One Mighty Reunion event slated for Gay Days Weekend is officially off; Micheal Vance resigns his post as The Center’s Executive Director; more.

10 / SARASOTA NEWS

ORLANDO NEWS

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8 | Tampa Bay News Authorities charge Lakeland resident Jerry Seger with the murder of his daughter’s girlfriend; friends and family of Jason Galehouse hope a rally in his honor will result in murder charges for Steven Lorenzo and Scott Schweickert; more.

13 | Nation+World News Arkansas judge repeals adoption ban targeted at gays; Obama extends health care rights to same-sex partners; more.

9

TAMPA BAYS NEWS

17 | Online/Offline Watermark’s Online Editor Jaime Hyman discusses the disturbing online trend of posting online without thinking first.

27 | Scene+Heard

SCENE+HEARD

39

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In the late 1960s, civil unrest brought out protestors and influenced America’s first rock musical Hair. Forty-two years later—things are pretty much the same as American Stage in the Park presents the musical at Demen’s Landing. Florida author William Sievert spins a tale of humor and murder at a fictional gay campground.

Stephen Miller tells us why Kick-Ass really does kick ass.

39 | Outdoors Days are longer and the weather is warmer, so we offer a gay guide to Florida’s great outdoors. The Sawmill Campground is celebrating its 12th year, so we take a look at the Dade City destination’s evolution and discuss proper LGBT camping etiquette. Outings & Adventures founder Robert Geller tells us about the organization and how he’s helping LGBTs live their best gay life. And we meet Kimberly Pasquale, who explains the benefits of Yoga on Water.

KNOW+TELL

11 / STATE NEWS 14 / TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 18 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 24 / MAIL 27 / SCENE+HEARD 30 / FILM REVIEWS 35 / EVENT PLANNER 36 / TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 37 / ORLANDO OVERHEARD 50 / TRANSITIONS 51 / ADVICE 52 / SPORTS 53 / CLASSIFIEDS 54 / GOSSIP

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April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

editor’sdesk I

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

players played the “straight” card and three young athletes found themselves in magine that an organization with good intentions outright limits the number of gay people that can join its ranks. It doesn’t ban gay people, but a tribunal answering questions about their sexual orientation.

I was not there and what exactly happened in that tribunal depends its bylaws only allow for a certain percentage of LGBTs to be active in the on whom you ask. It was found, however, that two of the three players organization. were straight (gasp) and that a third was bisexual. In effect, that “finding” Let’s say that organization is a country club that prides itself on openly disqualified the team and forfeited its well-deserved second place finish. It also accepting all races and people from all religious and economic backgrounds.

It is so proud of its racial and economic diversity that it posts it on banners and caught the attention of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which is now suing NAGAAA for discrimination and $250,000 in damages. on websites—but maintains a strict two-gay-people-per-15-members rule that Officials with the softball league are saying the suit is frivolous; but if they must be abided at all times. lose, the organization could be shut down.

How, in reality, would such an organization pinpoint the gays among its Is that a bad thing? Do we, as a community that faces discrimination every ranks? The days of the pink triangles of the Third Reich are long gone, and day and on every level of government really want to even “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” appears to be on its support a group that does exactly what we fight daily to way out. But, for fun, let’s say that if someone at prevent? this country club is suspected of being gay, those Also, what does this say about our talented gay members are subjected to a harsh interrogation about Do we really want to athletes out on the softball fields every Sunday? Do we their sexuality, personal lives and sexual activity. support a group that think that just because a person is straight that he or she Then a panel votes on that individual member’s is a better athlete than a member of our community? sexuality. If they are found to be gay and they exceed directly discriminates?

As a former softball player, that offends me. Talent is the limit allowed, they are booted. If they are found to Something we fight talent—it has nothing to do with sexuality. be straight, they can rejoin their fellow members for According to the NAGAAA officials, the bylaw in cocktails on the lanai. daily to prevent? question was introduced in the 1970s. Maybe back then, As a community, we would no doubt call in the when discrimination against LGBTs was harsher than ACLU and every equality group we could find, and it is today, the rule was needed. But if an organization a Facebook page decrying the blatant discrimination wants to survive in 2010 and reflect the overall goals of the community it would sprout up and see legions of fans within a matter of hours. serves, it must evolve.

It’s hard to believe, but a version of the above situation is happening in Straight people are not our enemy. In fact, any straight ally who supports America in 2010. But in this case, it’s the North American Gay Amateur our community and is comfortable sharing the softball field or any other Athletic Association (NAGAAA) discriminating against our straight allies. sporting arena with us should be applauded, not chastised for being attracted to The popular LGBT softball league, which has affiliates in Tampa Bay and the opposite sex attractive.

Orlando, has a strict two-straight-players-per-team rule on its books that has NAGAAA, do what’s right: Drop the archaic bylaw and embrace our landed the organization smack in the middle of a well-deserved lawsuit. To straight allies. And if a straight player happens to be more talented than a gay read the full story on the suit, see our Sports page. player—I just hope that eventually, he or she lands on my team! | l | But the short of it is this—several gay players at the 2008 Gay World Series were upset that straight people participated in a gay league. So, LGBT

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watermark | orlando news

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

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Chisolm pulls plug on One Mighty Reunion jamie hyman Orlando | Promoter Johnny Chisholm, known for his “One Mighty Weekend� parties, has announced that he is pulling out of Gay Days weekend 2010.

Despite a year plagued by bankruptcy and lawsuits, Chisholm had planned to host a series of pool parties dubbed “One Mighty Reunion Events.� But the original promotion at OneMightyReunionEvents.com was changed to a cancellation on April 21, citing “a series of setbacks and broken promises over the past year.�

The message assigns some blame: “This past year has been punctuated by speculation, pessimism and outright hatred, by some in our own community, towards our organization. Despite what has been written, it has never been our intent to mislead our customers.�

The message also promises that attendees who have already booked packages will receive a full refund or a reduced rate for just the hotel room. The letter is signed by Chisholm and Ted McCrary, his manager for previous events.

Circuit party website JustCircuit.com also announced the cancellation, and assigned responsibility: “The actions by bloggers associated with other Gay Days Weekend events continue to damage the success of the overall weekend.�

JustCircuit also said there were a “sizable number of hotel bookings at Buena Vista Palace� and hinted that Chisholm may return to the Gay Days weekend circuit scene. “One Mighty Reunion Events did not announce a full withdrawal from the Gay Day weekend market and will leave open the door for future planned events,� the site said.

Tony Hayden, who runs the circuit party website TheCircuitDog.com, said he has received anonymous tips to his website that the real reason for the cancellation is that Chisholm did not book enough hotel rooms by the Buena Vista Palace’s deadline.

Chisholm did not return calls for comment.

The absence of Chisholm’s name from the website, company registration and marketing materials led to conjecture that this was designed to distance Chisholm from the weekend event in light of his problems the previous year, lawsuits and recent bankruptcy. Calls to the Reunion host hotel, the Buena Vista Palace, confirmed that the event was a “Johnny Chisholm party,� as did other sources.

Last April, less than two months before scheduled event dates, Chisholm announced that he had moved Friday night’s Beach Ball to the Buena Vista Palace and Saturday night’s One Mighty Party to the Gaylord Palms convention hotel on International Drive. Then, just three days before One Mighty Party, the venue was switched again, also to the Buena Vista Palace. Attendance plummeted. After the switch, some ticket holders complained to Watermark that they were unable to secure refunds.

A lawsuit brought by two of Chisholm’s investors confirmed that the Pensacola-based party promoter was experiencing serious financial problems. On March 8, 2010, Chisholm LLC was dissolved by a judge in a bankruptcy ruling. Many speculated that would be the end of Chisholm’s lengthy highprofile involvement with Orlando’s annual big gay event. That appears to be the case—at least for 2010. | l |

Louganis named COWP Grand Marshal staff report Orlando | The 2010 Come Out With Pride (COWP) theme “A Pride of Olympian Proportions� will carry over into the pride parade’s grand marshal. Gold medal diver Greg Louganis will be the man of honor for the event. COWP senior executive producer Dr. David Baker-Hargrove said Louganis a logical choice that people for the Olympicsthemed event. “His name kept coming up over and over,�

Baker-Hargrove said.

Louganis will appear in the parade and he’ll speak on the main stage before the entertainment.

The entertainers this year are Brian Kent, who is behind the dance club hit “Whatcha Doin To Me� and Martha Wash, the R&B diva who made it big as part of The Weather Girls

when they released “It’s Raining Men.�

Baker-Hargrove made the grand marshal announcement at the Heaven & Hell Come Out With Pride Fundraiser on April 23. About 120 people attended and they raised $2,100 through admission donations, raffles and bar sales. Savoy donated liquor. All proceeds benefitted COWP. Baker-Hargrove said the first half of the year was about shaping the event, and now the second part of the year is for making COWP happen. “We will have five other fundraisers during the summer to help continue to generate interest in the event and raise money,� he said. “[The COWP] production team goes into full swing in May.�

He said information about those fundraisers will be released as they are finalized, but the next one is scheduled for May 29. | l |

watermark | orlando news

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

DD Photo by Tom Dyer

AIDS Walk raises nearly $160,000 Orlando | Money is still coming in, but Hope and Help is reporting that the 2010 AIDS Walk has raised more than $158,000, well above its $135,000 goal.

More than 1,800 participants representing about 150 teams gathered on April 24 to walk three laps around Lake Eola. Hope and Help of Central Florida provides support for people living with HIV/AIDS. “We had more people coming out, fundraising was higher, the teams were energetic and excited to be there,” said Hope and Help events manager Julie Noda.

Organizers added a new prize for Most Spirited Team this year. “Real Biatches of Orlando” took home that prize and it raised the most money.

“They were the strongest fundraising team, like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said Noda. “They held at least 10 to 15 fundraising

events leading up to the AIDS Walk, everything from car washes to barbeques to a Botox party.”

The Biatches raised almost $19,000, blowing away their goal of $15,000.

The brand new team was created by Randy Ross after he attended the AIDS Walk for the first time last year and was inspired to volunteer in marketing the event. He and his co-captain, Scott Guthrie, decided they might as well lead a team, too.

“We fundraised a little differently than a lot of teams did,” Ross said. “We asked for $100 donors first and that’s how you become a Real Biatch.”

Noda is making plans for next year’s AIDS Walk. She said it will still be in April, although no specific date has been announced. Noda said the event’s growth means a new location will be considered that takes the walkers to the streets. | l |

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The Center E.D. steps down jamie hyman Orlando | The Center is looking for a new chief.

Executive Director Micheal Vance, who has held the position since 2007, announced his resignation on April 22.

“The next big step of the organization is more programs, more staff, more space, and I’ve made the foundation to springboard to that next level,” Vance said. “It’s time for somebody to come in who has the skill set to raise some serious money.”

Vance’s contributions to the Center include adding “transgender” to its name and bringing in new programs such as the David Bohnett Cyber Center and GLBT leadership roundtable.

Jay Lovell, president of the Board of Directors, said he’s already gotten resumes for the position but they may open it up to a nationwide search.

“His legacy is obvious, he’s made a name for himself in the community and has some large shoes to fill,” said Lovell. “We’re going

to have to find someone just as in touch with our community, who knows the ins and outs like he does.”

Lovell said Vance’s resignation was a surprise.

“We had just finished our strategic plan for the next two years and are putting everything in motion,” he said. “Any transition is rough, but with our growth, we’ll find someone ready to grow along with it. Plus, it’s an employer’s market.”

Vance said he struggled with the decision to resign, but he has a new job at Real Change Partners, an Orlando consulting company that assists non-profits.

“I’m very excited about the job I’m taking because I’ll be helping LGBT centers as well as non-profits across the country,” he said.

The plan for The Center is to hire an interim director for three to six months while the board does an extensive search for a new executive director. Vance’s resignation becomes official on July 7. He said all of The Center’s current programs will continue as planned. | l |

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watermark | tampa bay news

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

Rally for Galehouse to coincide with Harvey Milk Day

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Tampa | It’s been nearly seven years since Pam Williams has seen her son, Jason Galehouse. She knows he’s dead, but she still wants justice.

The 26-year-old disappeared in December 2003 after leaving a Tampa bar with two men, believed to be Steven Lorenzo and Scott Schweickert.

Lorenzo is serving a 200 year sentence in federal prison after a jury found him guilty on nine counts of administering the date-rape drug GHB and one count of conspiring with Schweickert to distribute the drug. Schweickert is serving a 40-year sentence as Lorenzo’s accomplice.

Authorities believe that the two men killed and dismembered Galehouse in 2003, and killed Michael Wachholtz just a few days later. Wachholtz’s body was found in mid-January 2004, wrapped in a sheet and stuffed in the back of his 1992 Jeep Cherokee sport, which was found in the parking lot of a Town ‘N Country restaurant in Tampa.

Several other men still remain missing, but authorities believe their disappearances are tied to Schweickert and Lorenzo.

So far, no murder charges have been made, and friends and family of Galehouse are tired of waiting.

Friends of Williams hope that a rally coinciding with Sarasota’s first-ever Harvey Milk Festival on May 22nd will put a spotlight on the case again and convince the State Attorney’s Office to finally press murder charges.

“Justice has not been served,” said Bryan Hadley, an organizer of the rally. “[His family] is forced to live with that every single day.”

Hadley said that Williams is in declining health and that she has yet to receive a death certificate for her son.

Hadley doesn’t see how that makes any sense.

A rally for Jason Galehouse is scheduled for May 22.

“The evidence is there,” he said. “What is it these people of the law are waiting for?”

Authorities have said that murder charges are delayed because of complications associated with Schweickert’s initial questioning.

Questions regarding Miranda Rights have tied up any charges, according to a spokesperson at State Attorney Mark Ober’s office.

But that’s not a good enough explanation for Hadley. He and others are seeking volunteers to help with a grassroots effort to convince prosecutors to move ahead with murder charges against Lorenzo and Schweickert.

A new Facebook page seeking organizational help sprang into existence on April 25 and the group appears to be growing daily. For more information on the rally or to volunteer, e-mail BryanRHadley@gmail.com. | l |

Counter-protest drowns out Westboro appearance

Tampa, FL (813) 230-2999 www.fortelawfirm.com

steve blanchard Tampa | More than two dozen counterprotestors showed up outside the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, April 17, to voice their views of the Westboro Baptist Church. The Kansas church, known for its anti-gay signs and penchant for protesting at the funerals of American soldiers, had only about six protesters on hand outside of the Bon Jovi concert—and most of their messages were drowned out by the

chanting of local LGBT-rights activists.

Westboro members held familiar signs pronouncing anti-homosexual and anti-Semitic sentiments and generally warned that America’s end is near. Across the street, the counter protestors held their own signs, some attacking church leader Shirley Phelps-Roper and others advocating tolerance.

Among the protestors was local strip club owner and LGBT rights advocate Joe Redner. | l |

watermark | tampa bay news

Lakeland man charged in death of daughter’s girlfriend steve blanchard Lakeland | Jerry Lee Seger reportedly never liked his daughter’s girlfriend.

Authorities say his dislike of Courtney Bright ran so deep that he strangled the 24-year-old to death late April 20 or early April 21.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Bright’s body was discovered inside a foreclosed home on Knights Station Road when a real estate agent showed the property to potential buyers. Upon further investigation, authorities found that the residence was the former home to friends of Seger’s and that Bright and her girlfriend, Ashley Dunn, would meet friends there.

Dunn, Seger's daughter, who told authorities she had dated Bright for the past three years. Dunn is currently in the Polk County Jail on a Jackson County warrant for dealing in stolen property. Dunn was reportedly cooperative in the investigation and provided authorities with names and phone numbers of friends, which helped piece together the last days of Bright’s life.

According to a report, Shawn Thompson, a friend of Bright’s, told detectives he had spoken with Bright on Tuesday, April 20, when she asked him for money and a place to stay. After the phone call, Thompson said that Seger and another man, Robon Strain, came to visit him to discuss Dunn’s recent arrest.

“Thompson told [Seger] about his telephone conversation with [Bright] and that he was going to pick her up and give her some money,” the Sheriff’s report reads.

That’s when Seger allegedly told Thompson he would pick up Bright and give her a bus ticket to leave town.

Thompson reportedly did not tell Bright about the change of plans.

When investigators interviewed Strain, he told them that Seger complained about Bright, saying that he never liked her and that she was to blame for his daughter’s arrest.

Strain also said that on April 20, Seger

told him he was going to kill Bright. Strain added that he was in the car when Seger met with Bright, but that he asked to be dropped off at a friend’s house shortly after.

“Seger called Strain about an hour and a half after dropping him off … and told him he needed to talk,” the report said. When the two men met, “Strain noticed some women’s clothing and shoes and a wallet in the back of Segar’s Ford Explorer.”

When Strain asked what happened to Bright, he said Seger confessed to strangling her and that he disposed of the body. Seger reportedly would not tell Strain where he had left Bright.

While official reports don’t directly tie Bright’s murder to her sexuality, a friend of the couple believes their samesex relationship was a major factor in the killing.

“He killed her because they were lesbians,” Bobbi Johnson told Tampa Bay’s Fox affiliate WTVT. “They were inseparable.”

Polk County is gaining a reputation for violent crimes against LGBTs. Ryan Skipper lived in Polk County before he was brutally murdered in a secluded area in 2007.

In the fall of 2009, a jury found William Brown Jr. guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon in early November. Prosecutors argued that Brown and Bearden, who was sentenced to life in prison last spring, targeted Skipper because he was gay.

If Bright’s murder was motivated by her sexual orientation, it would follow a disturbing trend in Florida. According to the FBI, total hate crimes in Florida have dropped over the past two years, but hate crimes directed toward the LGBT community have risen.

FBI statistics also show that nationally, hate crimes against LGBTs are on the rise with 1,265 incidents reported in 2007 and 1,519 reported in 2008.

Final hate crime statistics for 2009 are not yet available. | l |

briefs Harvey Milk tribute dinner slated for May 22

Art Pedalers to raise money for Francis House

Stand Up Florida will host a tribute dinner to Harvey Milk on Saturday, May 22, at Streetcar Charlie’s in Ybor City. The 5:30 p.m. tribute begins with a meet and greet with guests and featured speakers, including author Romaine Patterson.

After the tribute dinner a candlelight vigil will wander through the GaYbor District of the historic Tampa area. For more information visit StandUpFlorida.com.

Five local bands and more than 30 artists will combine their talents to entertain locals and raise money for the Francis House and the AIDS Lifecycle on Sunday, May 2. Art Pedalers is a collection of five local bands and more than 30 local artists brought together at the Ritz Ybor.

Tickets to the all-day event are $15 and proceeds benefit both charities. For more information visit ArtPedalersBenefit.com.

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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watermark | sarasota news

Equines’ singer rides solo at Felice’s Café anthony paull Sarasota | On Thursday nights, in the no-longer-dormant Rosemary District, there’s quite the ruckus being caused by a glamour girl, a guitar, and a revamped café connecting each of Sarasota’s indie-musical dots. The person to blame: Equines’ front woman Erin Murphy, who has been steamrolling hipster kids and adults alike with alt-rock mayhem throughout central Florida with a string of pub gigs the last few months. Now, tackling the world in a whisper, Murphy is leading weekly open-mic performances at Sarasota’s new artist haven—Felice’s Café.

In April, Murphy kept it simple. Seated before the local green-minded, granolamunching set, she matched her vibrato-full vocals with an acoustic guitar. But don’t jump to conclusions—there’s an alluring maturity to her lyrics: a sense of holding on to unbridled youth due to red flags that come with aging, i.e. failed relationships and heartache.

On “Alice,” the tormented Murphy sang, “I’ve lived 49,000 lives, but they still say I’m young.” Upon first listen, one can’t help but ask what inspired these tragic, wondrous tales. Her alt-country-tinged pain is unmistakably solemn, yet optimistic enough

to warrant fans to shake her abuser’s hand.

Murphy isn’t merely singing—she’s stringing together the good and bad parts of her past.

Such dichotomy is the main attraction of Murphy’s performance. In one moment, she’ll appear relentlessly cheery, performing “Baby Teeth” where she sings, “When I was young, I sang as loud as I could for the neighbor.”

Then without hesitation, her voice will change, swan-diving into a croak with “when you were younger, you never remembered my birthday.” Child neglect has never been marketed so well, and overall, a Murphy-led acoustic set is heart-wrenching fun on the ears, particularly when her acoustic guitar licks are accompanied by dreadlocked audience members bearing bongos.

Still, nothing beats the tropical punch of a full-fledged Equines show. But for those looking for the subtleties under the static fuzz—the lightening behind the lyrics—pay a Thursday visit to this gifted “girl before her time” and her guitar. And say hello to the owner, Felice, who’s serving up a great musical menu along with the best veggie burger in Sarasota.

Felice’s Café is at 500 Central Ave. in Sarasota. For more information on The Equines, visit MySpace.com/TheEquines. | l |

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Recount result: Gainesville elects gay mayor staff report Gainesville | Its official. Gainesville has elected its first openly gay mayor.

Craig Lowe won the April 13 election by just 35 votes, triggering an automatic recount which was done on April 16. That recount showed Lowe with 6,110 votes.

His opponent, Don March, ended with 6,068.

Voter turnout was strong, with nearly 16% of registered voters taking part in the run-off election in April. The run-off was a result of a February race where Lowe got 40% of the vote and Marsh received 29% of the votes. Since neither candidate had more than 50% of the vote, a run-off election was required.

The heated race received statewide attention because of anti-gay attacks on Lowe by local religious leaders.

Flyers, online videos and heated advertisements against Lowe and LGBTs in general circulated throughout the community and even on church signs.

Dove Outreach Church is under investigation after it posted a sign in front of the church that read, “No Homo Mayor.” A top church official confirmed that the church had erected the sign.

Pastor Wayne Sapp has been posting

anti-gay videos online, calling Lowe a “fag” and saying that “Gainesville should not be turned into ‘Homoville.’”

The anti-Lowe camp not only used Lowe’s sexuality against him during the campaign, but also his Former Gainesville City support of a Councilman Craig Lowe, who city ordinance is gay, narrowly defeated Don that added March in an April 13 mayoral transgender election that was marred with anti-gay rhetoric. people to the city’s equal protection law.

The group posted fliers declaring that the ordinance should be repealed because it allowed “predators and men” to legally enter women’s restrooms.

March had said that if he were elected, he would try to repeal the ordinance, which voters declined to do last fall. | l |

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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Miami Beach celebrates its 2nd Pridefest erik caban Miami Beach | An estimated 30,000 people showed up for this year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride on Saturday, April 17. Balconies and sidewalks along Ocean Drive were filled with onlookers and supporters as colorful marchers flourished banners, waved flags, squirted water pistols and tossed beads.

Parade Grand Marshals included Fisher Island resident Sharon Gless, the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best

known for her roles in Cagney and Lacey and Queer as Folk. She was joined by 29-year-old U.S. Army Lt. Dan Choi, who has twice been arrested for chaining himself to a White House fence to protest “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Choi was discharged from the military after coming out on television.

Now in its second year, Miami Beach Gay Pride has grown. Last year’s turnout was an estimated 20,000 and next year’s Pride will be bigger and better than ever, organizers say. | l |

Jacksonville councilman blocks HRC nominees staff report Jacksonville | A Jacksonville councilman is getting some negative attention after going public with his views on gay rights.

Clay Yarborough initially made headlines by asking some reportedly inappropriate question when considering candidates for the city’s Human Rights Commission.

Before voting on two nominees, Yarborough asked each questions about gay marriage, God, Islam, and prayer in public places. The city councilman said that before voting, he felt it was necessary to better know the beliefs of Mayor John Peyton’s commission nominees.

One nominee, University of North

Florida professor Parvez Ahmad, answered Yarborough’s questions and was recommended for approval. The other nominee, Florida Coastal School of Law professor Susan Harthill, did not. Yarborough blocked her appointment, saying he “didn’t have enough information about her to know whether she was a good fit,” reports The Florida Times-Union.

Then, in a follow-up interview, Yarborough went further in publicizing his anti-gay views.

When asked about gays in office, he said: “I prefer not.”

He was also asked whether Florida should allow same-sex marriage. He said “it’s not something that needs to be perpetuated in our country. It’s not good. It’s not right.” | l |

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Ark. judge rules against unmarried adoption ban staff report Little Rock, Ark. | The Arkansas Department of Human Services has instructed its staff to accept applications from unmarried couples who had previously been banned from serving as foster or adoptive parents.

Last week, a Pulaski County circuit judge struck down the state’s law banning unmarried couples living together from fostering or adopting children. Judge Chris Piazza said in a two-page ruling that people in ``non-marital relationships’’ are forced to choose between becoming an adoptive parent and sustaining that relationship.

“Due process and equal protection are

staff report Washington, D.C. | U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared to split sharply last week on whether a law school can deny recognition to a Christian student group because it will not let gays join.

The court heard oral argument from the Christian Legal Society, which wants recognition from the University of California’s Hastings College of the Law as an official campus organization with school financing and benefits.

The San Francisco school turned them down, saying no recognized campus groups may exclude people due to religious belief or sexual orientation.

The Christian group requires that voting

members sign a statement of faith and regards “unrepentant participation in or advocacy of a sexually immoral lifestyle” as being inconsistent with the statement of faith.

A federal judge threw out the Christian group’s lawsuit claiming its U.S. constitutional rights of association, free speech and free exercise had been violated, a decision that was upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a two-sentence opinion in 2004.

The case could clarify whether religiousbased and other private organizations that want federal funding have the right to discriminate against people who do not hold their core beliefs. The court is expected to rule later this year. | l |

briefs Obama extends health care rights to gay partners In a move hailed as a step toward fairness for same-sex couples, President Barack Obama ordered that nearly all hospitals allow patients to say who has visitation rights and who can help make medical decisions, including gay and lesbian partners. Hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid patients may not deny visitation and consultation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

9 porn agencies targeted in labor complaints An AIDS advocacy group has filed labor complaints against nine porn talent agencies for promoting actors who

are willing to have unprotected sex on camera. AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein said the Los Angeles-area agencies were knowingly exposing the porn actors to sexually transmitted diseases.

Archie Comics introduces first gay character Archie Comics has announced that its Sept. 1 issue will introduce its first openly gay character, Kevin Keller, to the student body at Riverdale High School. The strapping blond will defeat Jughead in a burger eating contest, win the affection of Veronica and wrestle over how to gently rebuff her flirtations. Jon Goldwater, co-CEO of Archie Comics, says the introduction of Kevin is “about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive.’’

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not hollow words without substance,’’ Piazza said. “They are rights enumerated in our constitution that must not be construed in such a way as to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.”

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said that the state will appeal the judge’s ruling to the Arkansas Supreme Court. He noted that 57 percent of voters approved the ban in the November 2008 election.

The law effectively banned gays and lesbians who lived together from adopting or fostering children because they are unable to legally marry in Arkansas. Florida remains the only state that explicitly bans gay adoptions. | l |

U.S. court splits on campus Christian argument

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watermark | viewpoint In my last column, I expressed dismay over the online reactions of Mississippi student Constance McMillen’s classmates.

McMillen’s school cancelled prom rather than allow her to bring her girlfriend.

An alternate prom was planned, but the other students led McMillen to a fake event while they went elsewhere and partied without the taint of her gayness.

Sure, I was upset that students defended or even boasted about their bigotry on It's nothing Facebook and in the comments sections virtual of other websites. But what really blew my mind was that the students—and their parents!—were utterly lacking in basic knowledge that would protect their privacy online.

Jamie Hyman There were online ramifications in the online editoR form of fierce rebuttal comments, but now Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com participants in the fake prom plan might be getting punched in their real-life faces by the justice system.

The ACLU is pulling on their boxing gloves and heading toward the bigots.

Back when the fiasco was unfolding, a judge ruled that the school didn’t have to host a prom for both McMillen and her classmates because the alternate prom was already being planned and his ruling was contingent on the assumption that all students would be allowed to attend.

The students and parents who organized the fake prom broke that rule and now, an ACLU case is attempting to punish them for it. Attorneys have all the evidence they need in the form of those stupid, stupid comments, made online by the students esearch out of the University and parents guilty of discrimination. of California Davis has found Internet postings—real life ramifications. that there is a scientific reason Even we journalists aren’t immune to why so many people act like assholes posting things online that can come back online. It turns out that when people to haunt us. Jason Chen, the editor of the interact in person, they pick up signals that provide social cues and boundaries popular gadget website Gizmodo, had several computers seized by police after for what is appropriate to say and how he posted exclusive photos of an iPhone to behave. Online interaction inhibits 4G prototype. those neurological signals, robbing Gizmodo admitted to paying $5,000 for communication of the prototype which the social artfulness Personal observations turned out to be enjoyed when we indicate that most speak to each other stolen from a purse in a bar. Of course, face-to-face. people have a streak a spokesperson from Less scientific of bastard running Gawker Media, research— namely, personal owner of Gizmodo, through their core. is claiming Gizmodo observations— didn’t know the indicates that most phone was stolen. people have a streak of bastard running through their But anyone who has seen an episode of Cops knows ignorance that stolen items core. When chatting or posting online, were fleeced doesn’t make their sale or the relative privacy or anonymity people purchase any less of a crime. enjoy sets loose that inner bastard all over the internet. In other words, because So how do we protect ourselves?

1. Understand privacy settings. people can’t punch you in the face through What was shocking about McMillen’s a computer, you can say whatever the hell classmates, and I can’t say it enough— you want, social niceties be damned. their parents, the adults who should know All of that is fine and good until that asshole behavior leaks through a loop better and should be teaching their kids this stuff!—was that they posted as if hole and then all of a sudden, there they were only talking to each other when are unexpected and intense real-life their Facebook pages were open to the ramifications.

R

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

public. Controlled privacy settings aren’t bulletproof—any untrustworthy or gossipy friend who can see what you say can still spread it. But it’s a good place to start.

2. Know that everything posted online is public and permanent. Ever heard of The Wayback Machine? It’s a website capable of pulling up posts from long departed urls. Caches store text long after it’s visible on its original site. Even e-mail can be made public with the click of a forward button. In a way, online interactions are even more permanent than face-to-face chats because in real life, information is subject to the memory of the listener. Online, it’s always there, in black and white, and it always has the

chance to be made public.

3. Think about what you’re saying.

You are frothing over a news article and just typed up a profanity-laden rant that might be a tiny bit libelous. Now, picture yourself reading that to your mom.

Create another mental picture, this time visualize reading it to the person who you are addressing. Now one more—this time, pretend you’re reading it to your boss. Does the mom image make you feel ashamed? Would the person you are addressing punch you in the face? Are you fired? Don’t say it.

The internet already has plenty of assholes. We don’t need another one. | l |

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watermark | viewpoint

abundant

blessings

a few year ago suggests, Pay it Forward?

Think about all the people who have touched your life. Some you will know, many you have never met. What could you offer back that could make a difference to those you know and those you will touch, unbeknownst to you, by leaving the world a better place than you found it at the beginning of this summer?

The prophet Qoheleth, author of the book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), is often quoted in a toast or celebration saying, “Eat, drink and be merry!” You may ask, what does a Hebrew prophet from an ancient Jewish society have to do with your summer plans? He was not just talking about the indulgence Rev. Phyllis Hunt of food, beverages and happiness. He was talking about living in the moment Pastor@MCCTampa.com with intention and living from a place of recognized gratitude and noticing what you do have, not what you want to get!

His audience was moving though life as they knew it would go on forever, just as it was and without any contribution from those who received so much. It was both a warning and an invitation. That warning and invitation is timeless and for anyone that lives in a society that offers autonomy and independence to its citizens, it is calling our names.

Most, if not all of us, have certainly experienced how the down turn in the economy has impacted our lives. We live in a part of the country that is vulnerable to violent storms. Our state is less than welcoming to our community with plenty f you have not already begun to pencil of people working to legislates greater in your summer plans, this edition limits on our freedom. And, while we have of Watermark may be what you have a lot to be thankful for, we must not grow been waiting for. It is filled with articles complacent in the experience of freedom we and advertisements that invite you to have and think there is nothing for us to do attend parties, concerts, shows, vacation opportunities, Gay Days, Pride events and but “eat, drink and be merry.”

There is plenty that you can do to make so much more. It is the Outdoors edition. a difference and with a little planning you Although we do not have to manage a season of bitter cold winters with the beauty may replace what might feel like a “have and hassle of snow-draped landscapes like to” with a “get to” give back opportunity.

Take a minute and think, on average, how our neighbors to the north, there is still much you spend in a week on coffee, a buzz of excitement in the air and signs drinks, fast food, everywhere that summer is peeking entertainment, dinning, etc. It may around the corner and With a little planning be as little as $5 inviting us “out” to and it may be much play. you may replace what In the spirit of greater. No matter might feel like a ‘have how much it is, add summer and all the it up and then divide exciting opportunities to’ with a ‘get to’ giveit over the next four for rest, relaxation back opportunity. and summer fun, to five months.

In a visible place there is one more in your car, home invitation that you or office, start a may miss or even dismiss. The opportunity to look “outside” giving fund throughout the summer with the plan to save that amount and give it to your yourself and notice something you could favorite charity or politician you hope to do to make a difference in the world you touch and the world that touches you is also get into office. Think about the time you set aside for recreation, entertainment and play calling for your attention.

Often, summer gets packed with time. Be intentional about donating a small portion of that time to you favorite charity, opportunities and events that are for our lobby organization, politician’s campaign own pleasure. What about scheduling a little bit of you to give back or, as the movie or someone you know that needs something

I

Summer: Time to give back

done which they can no longer do.

Maybe you enjoy time with children and could be a big brother or sister; maybe you are a skilled carpenter, painter, construction worker and could give a week to Habitat for Humanity. Maybe you sing and could go to a nursing home or senior center with a karaoke machine or a guitar and bring a smile to their lives for an hour.

Maybe you are a hair stylist and could donate some time to a homeless shelter.

Maybe you are too busy with the demands of your job, but have some resources to share. Maybe you care about a certain charity that is holding a fundraising event.

Share your passion with a few others and ask them to help you raise some money to

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

23

increase your contribution. Maybe... you fill in the blank and think about a place to offer your time and skills.

Go outside your normal summer routine and think about a way that you could give back and still do everything you want to do this summer. Work hard, play hard and “Eat, drink and be merry if you want,” just include some sort of intentional “give back” plan. As you move into this season of fun in the sun, be grateful for what you have and find some way to pay it forward. | l | Pyllis Hunt is senior paster at MCC Tampa.

24

watermark | viewpoint

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

Way ahead of time—as soon as I know what parties I like, I buy my tickets so I’m all set and can just relax and have fun.

I make my plans and buy my tickets the month before.

I make my plans and buy my tickets the week before.

I wait until the last minute.

I don’t do Gay Days Weekend.

27%

22% 17% 17% 17%

AT WATERMARkOnLInE.COM, WE ASkED YOu:

When do you make your Gay Days Weekend plans?

A new poll will be posted to the homepage this week. Be sure to visit WatermarkOnline.com and let us know what YOU think!

top web comments On the American Cancer Society canceling the LGBT Relay for Life in Pinellas County: “LGBT cancer survivors, their friends, family and caregivers deserve complete and unfettered support by all of us. To see our country’s largest cancer survivor nonprofit, the American Cancer Society, give in to homophobia is harmful to all of us.”

—LGBTCancer On a lawsuit by three bisexual men claiming the Gay World Series discriminated against them: “I think their first mistake was bringing their wives and children to the World Series.”

—KnightsTemplar On the new music venue PLAY opening up where Spurs used to be: “Good for them! These two are so talented and have been a huge inspiration to the music community. I personally can’t wait to see the talent that comes into the new space!\” —swfloridaboys Don’t be left out of the community conversation!

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mail Where’s the relevance?

would eliminate the Medicare program— well, we can’t do that. When it’s pointed out that Social Security is mandated through Steve Blanchard’s personal story (Editor’s taxes, their argument is that, “I paid into it.”

When it’s pointed out that the Ronald Desk, Issue 17.07) was relevant in what way Reagan reduction of Federal employees to today’s recent healthcare legislation? bolstered private contractors such as Bectel, The recent health bill is government which resulted in a significant increase in takeover of health care. It takes away our Federal spending, they have no answer for liberty to choose to have or not have health that. insurance. How And let’s not do struggling forget that is was college students Democratic president without families Bill Clinton who afford it? We need handed a surplus and competition, not balanced budget to more bailouts.

George W. We want our I do hope Sarah medical doctor to Palin becomes the make decisions face and standardwith our help, not bearer of the the government Teabaggers so that bureaucracy.

America can really Your health —Michael GrossMan see the nonsense insurance in these people spout. the past and Dan Fiorini my excellent St. Petersburg health insurance currently still leaves me responsible for my 20%. The health care bill has nothing to do with affordable copayments. My Blue Cross/Blue Shield from my employer, the State of Florida, still does not recognize my partner of 26 years. Maybe The Church I grew up in has become a the federal government should require fossilized relic. It mimics the Gospel and Florida to recognize us. names Jesus as its Lord even while it aids Michael Grossman and abets child abuse, denies women full and Leonard Lacey equality and teaches that its gay members Tampa are disordered at the very center of their being.

It is time for us to begin the work of reforming the Church, for us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our community A recent survey of Teabaggers suggested and replace spiritual apathy with Gospel justice. We can do so on Pentecost Sunday, they don’t want publicly funded healthcare, May 23. oppose public funded pensions, believe Joe Murray government should be reduced and believe Executive Director in a federal balanced budget.

Rainbow Sash Movement Of course, when it’s pointed out that the elimination of publicly funded healthcare

“Your health insurance in the past and my excellent health insurance currently still leaves me responsible for my 20%.”

Reform the Catholic Church

Enough with the Teabaggers

Send all correspondence to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Opinions expressed in reader mail do not reflect those of Watermark’s staff.

watermark | viewpoint special interest group,” said Orlando’s John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council.

The names of these organizations are as offensive as their pronouncements, and this issue exposes them for what they are: ignorant, fear-based and hypocritical; seeking to quash loving family connections, not cultivate them. It is frightening to imagine what they would render upon us if left to their own devices.

The president has declared that, at least when it comes to hospital visits, samesex partners are family. His memo ends discriminatory rules that some institutions have used to limit even death-bed visitation by committed couples.

25

How can there be any mistaking that Bill and Frank were a family?! Or that his nephew, Marty, and his partner of 16 years are a family—and were part of Bill’s family.

I keep thinking back to the look Bill shared with me as he left my office that last time. It was similar to the look you might see on someone sitting in a lighted theater long after a wonderful movie has ended.

Bill had 52 years with the love of his life, and their life together had been better than he ever could have imagined. But the movie was over, and the theater had been empty for a long time.

Maybe, in the darkness, it will start up again. Family should be together. | l |

publIsher’s

perspective

since a fateful golf date arranged by Bill’s brother. It was 1956, and no one suspected that sparks would fly on the fairways.

Bill and Frank lived together in more than a dozen places, eventually settling in Sarasota.

“Some were big cities and some were small towns, but we were accepted in every neighborhood,” Bill said, still smiling. “If there was a party, we were invited.”

But the social norms were different back then, and difficult to unlearn. Even in my When office, Bill lowered his voice before saying “gay.” darkness is After Frank’s death, Bill relocated to welcome Orlando to be closer to his gay nephew and his partner, a local television reporter. He rented a small condo in a downtown high Tom Dyer rise, unaware that he was surrounded by Tom@WatermarkOnline.com potential new friends.

“There are other [whispered] gay people in my building, really?” he asked me sheepishly. I could think of a dozen off the top of my head.

Bill returned to my office the following day to sign his documents before his nephew drove him to the hospital in Jacksonville. I asked him to call and let me know how things went. Still smiling, he looked at me and held my eyes, then thanked me again.

A week later, the call came from his nephew, Marty. The surgery had gone well, but there had been complications afterward and Bill had died the previous night. Later that day in my office, Marty told me that met my new client, Bill, in the Bill had called him after the operation and reception area shared by Watermark and shared that he had been praying for death. my law practice. A slip of a man in his “I think part of him died two years ago,” seventies, I offered to help him out of one Marty said, still shaken. It was clear that he of the awkwardly low chairs we provide. He had loved his uncle dearly. “When Frank waved me off, shook my hand and thanked was around, Bill was the life of the party. me for seeing him on short notice.

They brought out the best in each other. Bill When we were settled in my office, missed him every day.”

Bill looked at me across my desk with Bill was on my mind the next day, the sweetest and most unassuming smile when I read that President Obama had you can imagine. He explained that his directed hospitals around the country to estate was simple, but he had no Last honor patients’ wishes about who may visit Will or health care their sickbeds or directives. In just a risk losing federal few days he would Medicaid and undergo a difficult It was 1956, and no Medicare funds. procedure to remove The order made one suspected that bone from his leg no mention of gay sparks would fly on and insert it in his couples, but it was jaw, which was clearly intended to the fairways. deteriorating after benefit them, and to cancer treatments. reinforce the kinds “If it works and it of documents I’d helps, well that’s great,” Bill said with that just completed for Bill. beatific smile. “But if it doesn’t, well that’s And then I grew infuriated as I read on fine, too. I’m ready. I just want to make sure that conservative activists had denounced everything is in order.”

Obama’s initiative.

There wasn’t a trace of resistance in “Most certainly [Obama’s] political his voice. As I obtained the information agenda is to undermine traditional I needed to complete his estate planning families,” said Focus on the Family’s Carrie documents, I came to understand his calm Gordon Earll. acceptance. As usual, out of curiosity I “President Obama’s memorandum asked more than I needed to know. undermines marriage,” said the Family Two years prior, Bill had lost his partner Research Council’s Peter S. Sprigg. of 52 years. They had been together ever “I think it’s primarily pandering to a

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

I

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| April 29 - May 12, 2010

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April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

27

(L-R) Jonathan Hack, Alison Lea Bender, Clint Harris, Aleshea Harris, Luerne Herrera, Laura Hodos and Dick Baker star in the 25th anniversary American Stage in the Park production Hair.

S

still

t. Petersburg | When Hair hit the stage in 1967, people were protesting in the streets, political unrest was prevalent and discussions over what constitutes a “real” relationship were taking place in churches and in the streets.

Fast forward 42 years and things are—well, pretty much the same.

“This production is still relevant in so many ways,” says Eric Davis, who is directing Hair for American Stage in the Park’s 25th Anniversary at Demen’s Landing in St. Petersburg. “From the point of view of homosexuality, it’s the first major Broadway show that had any gay characters. It opened two years before Stonewall and it’s still pertinent today because we see ‘Woof’s’ crush on a man and his struggle to live a double life. That still happens today, which is unfortunate.”

Davis, who is gay, says that because Hair is set in such a pivotal moment in history—the beginning of the gay rights movement, feminism, etc.—that it still resonates today as people strive

Hair-raising Continued on page 35 | uu |

steve blanchard

THE ROCK MUSICAL HAIR IS STILL RELEVANT 40 YEARS LATER

28

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watermark | film

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

29

tiara twist OrlandO’s Tyra sanchez Takes Drag race TiTle

steve blanchard

T

yra Sanchez goes by many titles.

She’s seen as a villainess, a bitch, a role model—and as a father. But now the Orlando resident and female illusionist can add one more title to the list—she’s the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 2.

Sanchez—also known as James Ross— has known for nearly a year what the rest of us just learned April 26—that she was the season two winner. But she had to keep the results a secret for months, even from her boyfriend, Taylor.

Plenty of talent surrounded the big finale of the Logo reality show as Sanchez, Raven and Jujubee battled it out for the coveted drag title. But only one could be the winner.

The day after the finale aired, Sanchez, 22, was in New York taking on interviews and posing for photo shoots. She took time out of her busy schedule to speak with her hometown paper about her experience and what her win means for her future and the future of her family.

How difficult was it for you to not share the big news of your win with your friends and family?

I wasn’t able to talk to anyone at all, of course unless it was with one of the girls. I had to keep it all to myself because I didn’t want to risk the chance of letting it out or being sued.

You told us before that your son had never met “Tyra.” Will that change now that you’ve won RuPaul’s Drag Race?

He still doesn’t know about Tyra and he hasn’t seen the show. I’m not sure how this will change the way I tell him but I know it won’t be as hard to tell him. I want him to be in his teens when he learns about Tyra so that he understands it better.

Was the overall experience of the show what you imagined?

It was a lot different—it was more exciting and fun. We had more challenges and more girls than they did in season one.

How was RuPaul during the show?

She talked to us more off camera than on.

When she first comes to workroom or if the crew had to change batteries or tapes, she would talk to us more about personal stuff.

Then she’d get in trouble if the cameras were off because they wanted everything on film. She was really fun and really good to

work with.

How accurately do you think you were represented on camera?

That’s the real me on television.

Unfortunately, you saw more of the bad than the sweet.

What do you say to people who refer to you as the villain or the bitch of the show?

I tell them, "Thanks and I love you."

Surely you have some dirt to dish for your hometown fans.

There were slumber parties in Juju’s room every night, but I wouldn’t go. I would go straight to my room. I didn’t hang out so I don’t know what happened. They probably gossiped a lot and formed an alliance against me.

What does this win mean for you and your career in drag?

It means I can only get better. I’m going to challenge myself to do more things. I want to be in movies and TV shows but I don’t want to stop performing. This is going to let me better myself, my life and my son’s life.

Orlando performer Tyra Sanchez was revealed as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 2, on April 26.

shouldn’t be toyed with.

What is your ultimate goal for Tyra?

I want to see Tyra the same way as I see James. I want you to get Tyra when you get James. I want my own TV show and, this sounds stupid, but it can be like Hannah Montana. A sitcom like that would be hot—where I’m James during the day, but at night I’m an undercover girl. I know it sounds crazy. Or I’d like to have my own drama where I’m James, but every now and then there’s a local girl named Tyra who performs.

I want James and Tyra to become America’s sweetheart and to be in Hollywood at a lot of awards shows.

Life could change drastically for you. Do you think it will impact your relationship with your boyfriend?

It may be a challenge now, but it’s up to me to handle it in the correct way. I’ll be traveling a lot and I can try as much as I can to get him to travel with me, but he’s still in college. As long as I pay attention to him and my son, I think I’ll be A-Okay. | l |

Will you stay in Orlando?

No. I want a house in Orlando eventually, years from now, so I can always come home.

But I want to live in Los Angeles, Atlanta or New York. My main goal is to live in L.A. because of Hollywood and the TV shows there. Atlanta would be nice too because so many new movies and shows are getting filmed there.

What are the possibilities out of drag for James?

My dream is to be an actor. Tyra is a bonus part of that. Now I can be in films and on television shows as James, as Tyra, or both.

You won Drag Race, and Coco Montrese is now Miss Gay America. Is drag hitting a new high point in Florida?

Drag has always been popular in Florida.

I think the Florida girls are stepping up their game. We’re shining now because we also have Armini, who is Ms. Gay Continental and Roxxy Andrews, who is Ms. Continental Plus. People are finally realizing that Orlando has talent that

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watermark | film

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

screened out BATTLES OF LIFE AND DEATH

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

Kick Ass

(Starring Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse)

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

T

his movie sure has the right title. Its premiseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that of a geeky, ill-equipped teenager trying to be a superheroâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is a blast. The sardonic tone is pitch-perfect. The elaborate comic-book violence is awesome.

Even the 11-year-old, potty-mouthed girl who plays the pint-sized powerhouse Hit Girl isâ&#x20AC;Śwellâ&#x20AC;Śkickass.

Johnson is a supergeek who decides to become a superhero. He orders a colorful wetsuit on the internet and somewhat trains himself to ďŹ ght crime. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing this moron quickly runs into Big Daddy (Cage) and his daughter Hit Girl (Moretz). Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been trained by her bitter papa; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part ninja, part Navy SEAL, and all-out badass. Soon, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

taking on the local drug kingpin (Strong of Sherlock Holmes) and his wimpy, wannabe son (Mintz-Plasse of Superbad).

If done well, this ďŹ&#x201A;ick would easily be four-star material. There are several things that raise the bar. Kick Ass alternately mocks and pays homage to its comic sources Batman and Spidey. The humor is well-peppered throughout, never forcing any unwanted seriousness. The elaborate ďŹ ght choreography and extensive violence (some against Hit Girl) are rendered with gory, Tarantino-esque glee. Finally, Hit Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a cute tweener who frequently drops the F-bombâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is a violent, joyful character you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t soon forget.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing for a comic-book ďŹ&#x201A;ick to match your expectations. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another thing when it blows them out of the water. Kick Ass doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any deep meaning or message (thankfully); this movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret weapon is excessive, adrenaline-fueled entertainment.

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The unforgettable little hellion Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) from Kick Ass.

timely and deeply emotional ďŹ lm about our oceans, their inhabitants, and the dangers we (Starring Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, all face.

Tracy Morgan, James Marsden, Zoe Pierce Brosnan narrates with a rich, Saldana, Danny Glover) Celtic lilt. Brilliant composer Bruno Coulais â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; ďŹ&#x201A;oods each nook and cranny with a pastiche There are plenty of off-kilter, tasteless of world music. Filmographers Perrin and yucks in this American remake of the dark Cluzaud quickly dive beneath the surface 2007 British comedy. The direction by Neil to surprise and hypnotize us with simply LaBute (In the Company of Men) is a little unbelievable images; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep asking tighter and funnier. However, this basic yourself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;But howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d they do that?!â&#x20AC;? farce still misses opportunities to create a Furthermore, the directors cull from so whiz-bang ending. many different sourcesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;wait till you see all Chris Rock is an LA accountant and the credits! It must have been a gargantuan struggling author who is planning his effort to secure unique, breathtaking shot dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral. His slick slacker brother after shot. Organizing all this martial into an (Lawrence) is already a famous author. affecting 90-minute ďŹ lm is a miracle Other family members, like unto itself. neurotic cousin Morgan and There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of structure cantankerous uncle Glover, to the ďŹ lm; it skips from come to give their respects. tropic waters to the arctic So does dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undercover climes at the mere whim of lover. The cofďŹ n goes showing us the next amazing missing. People take illegal thing. Oceans also chooses drugs and get naked. Others not to completely inundate kidnap and try to kill each with messages of ecology other. Finally, poor Morgan and sustainability. gets poo in his mouth.

Aquatic animals are the stars Instead the ďŹ lm ďŹ&#x201A;oats from Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty funny stuff. in Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oceans. scenes of elegiac beauty to LaBute uses his all-star ones of sheer heart-thumping lineup to excellent effectâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially the wonder. Wait till you see whales asleep, their outsider Marsden. noses mere feet from the ocean ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll What doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work here is the never believe how peaceful swimming with clunky plot. A great farce keeps adding sharks could look. Finally, there is a feeding complications until everything comes to a frenzy involving birds, sharks, whales and an hilarious and elaborate climax. Death ebbs unfortunate school of shad. It may actually be and ďŹ&#x201A;ows, sometimes seeming to reach a one of the best movie action sequences youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll peak, only to die off and start setting itself ever see. | l | up for the next round of corpse-oriented schtick. It makes the ending a littleâ&#x20AC;Śwell, dead. â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Overflowing uncontrollably

Death at a Funeral

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â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

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Pretty damn good, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no Sunset Boulevard

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trailer park confessions A FloridA Author expoSeS gAy cAmpineSS in hiS novel SawduSt ConfeSSionS

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awmill Campground meets the Parliament House in William Sievert’s new mystery novel, Sawdust Confessions. When he and his partner were first forced to live in a dilapidated trailer 10 years ago, Sievert knew there was excellent fodder for a story.

“I began envisioning a story about two urbane guys accustomed to gourmet restaurants, lavish travel and a gracious lifestyle, who act on their impulse to leave the city behind for the simplicity of rural trailer life,” Sievert says. “Sort of a gay Green Acres.”

After many trips to Dade City’s Sawmill Campground, he explains that living campground life was yet another source of inspiration for story-telling.

“Gay campgrounds are wonderful places to unwind—even though in my farcical tale everyone gets wound up pretty tight,” Sievert says.

Sawdust Confessions explores the lives of the residents of a bucolic campground-like trailer park in Florida. The zany occupants include Phillip and Franklin, the innocent newcomer couple; Rusty Rhodes, a drag queen cabaret singer who is in the midst of gender reassignment; Diana DeLight, the social director who lured Rusty to the campground in order to manipulate her many talents; and Father Jack Hoff, the unofficial campground chaplain who hears late-night confessions in his patio tool shed.

At a time when imaginative, humorous and credible stories about LGBT people are few and far between, this breezy, conversationdriven novel delivers—for all kinds of readers.

When resident drag queen Dusty disappears in the middle of a special performance, suspicion quickly falls upon the trailer-dwelling residents of Grape Court. Among the usual suspects are camp director Diana, whom Dusty has had grievances with; Mary Angelique, a former nun; and Philip and Franklin.

The secrecy and hilarity ensue when everyone at the camp does not want the cops to come investigate. The members of Grape Court (aka the Sour Grapes) hide information from the deputy sheriff, aided by a group of make-believe policemen who arrive and begin to worship each other. Learning to go beyond suspicion and to respect one another’s differences is the more serious message at the heart of the Sievert’s story.

While author William Sievert admits Sawmill Campground was an inspiration for his novel, Sawdust Confessions, the campy satire is entirely fictional.

Since publishing in February, Sawdust Confessions has received multiple rave reviews, Including one from the T-Cops Dispatch, a national online publication for the Transgender Community of Police and Sheriffs. The group appreciated his portrayal of police officers and major transgender characters.

Sievert’s characters and setting spark familiarity with quite a few of his readers.

However, to the disappointment of some of his friends who hoped they would be portrayed, the characters are purely imaginary.

“They’re larger-than-life archetypes of people we’ve all known,” Seivert says. “I wanted them to be representative of the diversity you’ll find in many of our LGBT campgrounds as well as in our community as a whole—from skinny boy clones to uniformworshipping bears, from strong-willed women to determined transgender folks.”

In regard to the uncanny similarity of the book title to a certain campground

watermark | books

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and gay rights, enhanced one another. The book is lavishly illustrated with historical buttons from the era. He also co-invented and co-wrote the popular game “Gay Trivia” for Whitehall Games in the 1980s.

In recent years, Sievert has written on LGBT subject matter for magazines including Orlando Arts and Orlando Weekly. He was also Editor-in-Chief of the national Sunshine Artist Magazine and co-founder/editor of PULSE, a local arts and cultural magazine in Lake County.

Now residing in Mt. Dora with his spouse of 37 years, John Theis, Sievert is working on his next novel, Someday People, which is a politically angry young man’s coming-out story. It was intended to be his first novel, but Sievert says, “it still needs some work.”

His in-depth interview with Harvey Milk, originally published by The Advocate during Milk's successful campaign for San Francisco Supervisor back in 1977, will be included in the forthcoming book and DVD package, The Harvey Milk Interviews: In His Own Words, to be released early this fall.

Fans will get a chance to meet the writer at the upcoming Gay Days Expo, June 3–5. Just look for the giant airstream mural. | l |

wa

here in Florida, Sievert replies, “there is an affectionate tip of the hat to Sawmill, but none of the experiences or events in the book took place anywhere outside of my head.”

The Florida-based writer/journalist has referenced his Louisville Ky. grassroots background throughout most of his writing career. For more than a decade, he has contributed a continuing column on gay issues and humorous topics, including his trailer experiences, called “CAMPtalk,” to the magazine Letters from CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware. He also worked with that LGBT community-service group as director of its state-funded AIDS education and awareness project, CAMPsafe, in the late 1990s.

Before that, Sievert was the publicity director of the hit play Trailer Trash Tabloid, which had a long run at Parliament House starring Michael Wanzie and Doug Ba’aser.

Sievert has reported extensively on LGBTrelated news and culture for four decades, including coverage of pivotal events of the post-Stonewall gay liberation era for Rolling Stone, The Chronicle of Higher Education and Mother Jones. His articles have appeared in numerous newspapers, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Louisville Courier-Journal.

Sievert’s first book, All for the Cause: Campaign Buttons for Social Change, made Lambda Rising’s bestseller list. The book is a historical account of how the progressive social movements of the 1960s-1980s, from the causes of civil rights and peace to women’s

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watermark | viewpoint

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

The Sound of Music

Vickie Shaw

The classic The Sound of Music goes interactive when The Rich Weirdos and the Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence create magic April 30 and May 1 at the AMC Universal Cineplex.

Funny gal Vickie Shaw will bring her stand up to Trinity MCC in Sarasota on May 8.

Tim McGraw Country heartthrob Tim McGraw will perform at Tampa’s Ford Amphitheatre on May 7.

comedy [SARASOTA] Vickie Shaw

Out comedian Vickie Shaw will bring her Texas-sized sense of humor to Church of the Trinity MCC on Saturday, May 8. The once-married mother of three came out as a lesbian and began as a stand up in the same year and has entertained groups across the country ever since. For tickets to the show or for more information, visit 941-355-0847 or visit TrinityMCC.com.

music [ST. PETERSBURG] An Evening in Seville

The St. Petersburg Opera will hold a fundraiser on Saturday, May 15, as a prelude to its June production of Bizet’s Carmen, which is set in Seville, Spain.

The fundraiser will be held at a waterfront, private residence in Seminole and will feature musical performances by the cast of Carmen and Spanish-influenced food and drinks, a silent auction and fortune telling. For more information contact the St. Petersburg Opera box office at 727-8232040 or e-mail Office@StPeteOpera.org.

[TAMPA] Tim McGraw

Country icon Tim McGraw will headline at the Tampa Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, May 7. Opening for the boot-wearing crush will be new Country Music Award winners Lady Antebellum. For information and tickets, visit FordAmphitheatreTickets. com or call 813-740-2446.

film [ORLANDO] The Sound of Music

A cinema classic goes interactive for one weekend only. Performance troupe

The Rick Weirdos is teaming up with the Orlando chapter of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to bring audience participation antics to The Sound of Music.

Showtime is 11 p.m. (doors open at 10:45) on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at the AMC Universal Cineplex. Tickets are $12 in advance at RichWeirdoes.com or OrlandoSisters.org or $15 at the door, and proceeds benefit The Orlando Sisters, Inc., which is also a charitable fundraising organization. All attendees will receive their own “audience participation prop kit.”

24 Hour Film Festival

Things are going to get quick and dirty at the 24 Hour Film Festival, a competition that gives aspiring filmmakers just 24 hours to write, shoot and edit a winning 3-5 minute film. The best one gets a $1,000 cash prize. Registration is $125 and $95 for students. A portion of the proceeds go to the Haiti Relief Fund.

The initial competition is May 1-2, with a screening at Premiere Cinemas in Fashion Square Mall on Sunday, May 9. Go to Orlando24HourFilm.com to register.

theater [ST. PETERSBURG] Hair

American Stage will celebrate its 25th year of producing outdoor theater with the timeless Hair, which opens Wednesday, April 21 and runs through May 16. The rock musical overflows with the spirit of progress and hope for a better world by following a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era. This musical brought LGBT issues to the forefront when it was still very taboo and songs like Let the Sunshine In and Aquarius are sure to bring the audience to their feet.

For more information or tickets, visit AmericanStage.org or call 727-823-7529.

[TAMPA] Norman, Is That You?

When a dry cleaner from Ohio arrives in New York to visit his adult son, Norman, after his wife runs off with his own brother, he finds out his son is living with a male partner. That is the plot of Norman, Is That You? presented by the Carrollwood Players through May 15. The comedy focuses on the stubborn father, played by Lenny Germinario, who tries everything he can to set his son “straight.” For more information or tickets, visit CarrollwoodPlayers. com or call 813-265-4000.

special events [CLEARWATER] ProShop Pub’s 34th Anniversary

Florida’s oldest LGBT club will celebrate 34 years of business with an anniversary party on Saturday, May 1 beginning at 9 p.m. The ProShop Pub, at 840 Cleveland Street, will feature the Twat Sisters, dancers on the popular “May Pole” and music by DJ GlenZ. The party is free and open to everyone who wants to celebrate the longevity of the landmark bar.

[SARASOTA] Madame DuBois Picnic

Saturday, May 1 will mark the 24th Annual Madame DuBois Picnic from noon to 6 p.m. at the Myakka River State Park at the Clay Gulley Pavilion. For more than two decades, lesbians and gay-friendly women have gathered for a potluck picnic, games and socializing. Entrance to the park is free, but there is a fee for parking. For more information, contact Karen Murray-Parker at 941-358-1917.

GAIN’s Annual Spring Service

The Gulfcoast Affirming Interfaith Network’s 5th Annual Spring Service “Diverse Voices Renewing a Common Hope” will be on Thursday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. This year’s

service is at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 South Euclid Ave. For more information, e-mail GainSarasota@Verizon.net or call 941-359-3236.

[WINTER PARK] Dancing for Dogs

Get down for man’s best friend at the Dancing for Dogs benefit May 12 at Enzian Theatre. The event benefits Paw in Hand Match, an organization dedicated to placing abandoned dogs in new homes.

They describe themselves as “match.com for dogs.” The party includes food, drink, dancing and a DJ, with free beer from 6:30 – 8 p.m. There will also be raffles and vendors offering free gifts and discounts on pet-centric wares. Individual tickets are $25 and tables $500. For tickets or information on corporate sponsorship, contact Donna Neals at 407-575-9101 or Paul Pipitone at 321-689-6725.

[ORLANDO] Orlando Restaurant Week

Who’s hungry? The Orlando Weekly Orlando Restaurant Week runs from April 29 – May 5. Dozens of restaurants around town will offer special three-course menus for $10, $15, $25 or $35. See which restaurants are participating, which are at each price point and menus for most at OrlandoRestaurantWeek.com.

[TAMPA] EQFL Tampa Gala

Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul Sena will join Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith at the organization’s Tampa Gala slated for Saturday, Jay 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The fundraiser will be at the Tampa Garden Club at 2629 Bayshore Blvd. Tickets are $100 and a special appearance by Florida Chief Financial Officer and gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is planned. For more information visit EQFL.Me/Tampagala.

Got an event you’d like to see listed in Watermark? At least two to four weeks in advance, send all pertinent info—date, time, place, cost, contact information for readers to get more details, and what the event is about—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com, and we will feature it in the paper on a space-available basis.

watermark | theater

Dick Baker and Laura Hodos star in the 25th anniversary American Stage in the Park production of the hit Broadway musical Hair.

| uu | Hair from p.27

this and see some things that are going on now with the gay rights battle,” Hays says. “There for true equality. are so many oppressions out there. Look at “It’s not just a musical,” he says. “It’s a Prop 8 in California. It’s an ongoing war.” movement about race and sexuality.”

For actor Dick Baker, who plays gay while For actor Jeremy Hays, who plays portraying “Woof,” the production is about “Berger,” getting a chance to appear in a free speech against hypocrisy. large production of Hair is a dream come “When I did a report on this in college, I true. The 28-year-old had read the play while kept thinking, ‘I don’t get it,’” Baker says. “It in school, so he was doesn’t have a linear familiar with it. But plot and I’d listen experiencing the to the original cast production first hand “It’s not just a musical. recording and think, has been much more ‘Okay, they’re great It’s a movement about rewarding, he says. singers, but I don’t “This piece of race and sexuality.” understand why this theater is like the big is such a big deal.’”

—ErIc DavIs, important one,” Hays After rehearsing DIrEctor of Hair says. “It’s the first time with the St. rock music was in a Petersburg cast, play on Broadway. It however, Baker says has improve, sexuality, religion, civil rights his opinions of the play have changed. and undertones that other productions just “There’s an essence of the characters and didn’t have. To me, it’s so neat that a play that an honesty that Eric stresses that really brings is 40 years old is still so current. In the 1960s, this to life,” Baker says. “There are so many the actors portrayed what was happening messages in Hair that I never realized were outside the theater inside on the stage.” there before. Sure it has fun music, but the Hays says he hears many people compare underlying messages are what it’s all about.”

Hair to Rent, but he thinks Hair is less “timecapsuled.”

A Shakespearean influence “Rent is a great production but it suits a Anyone remotely familiar with Hair can specific time and a specific issue—AIDS,” hum a few bars of “Let the Sun Shine In” he says. “I love that show. But Hair covers so or “Aquarius.” But some may not realize many aspects and can be set in any timeframe the timeless Shakespearian influences found and maintain its relevance.” throughout the production. That’s part of what Hays thinks LGBTs will especially see drew Davis to the American Stage production. links between the 1960s and today through the “There’s a part in the play where ‘Claude’ production. goes on a hallucinogenic trip and the music “There’s no way an audience can’t watch

in that scene just really appeals to me,” Davis says. “It’s the first time a song in a Broadway play didn’t rhyme. It drew the lyrics from Shakespeare.”

The scene invokes Hamlet and portions of an Allen Ginsberg poem to sell the drug trip.

“This sets poetry to music and there are tons of songs that don’t rhyme,” Davis says.

“It’s evident that two great Shakespearean actors wrote this.”

Those writers, James Rado and Gerome Ragni, were both on Broadway in Shakespeare plays and both appeared in Hair as “Claude” and “Berger,” respectively.

While the two writers won’t necessarily see the St. Petersburg production of Hair this month, some of the original cast members who now live in Tampa Bay are slated to come see the show, according to American Stage marketing director Andy Orrell.

Surprisingly, the thought of original cast members sitting in the audience doesn’t seem to faze the director or the actors.

“Every production of Hair is different,” says Davis. “I think the original cast realizes that. There is some pressure there, but each show can be so drastically different.”

Davis says the script remains the same in his production, but the year—and an outdoor location—give him certain liberties and challenges.

Back to the park Hair follows the story of a group of young hippies who begin a tribe in a park. So

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

35

holding the production outdoors makes perfect sense—but it also means there are plenty of adjustments.

The original production of Hair was considered groundbreaking for its nudity.

While that “nude” scene is still included in American Stage’s production, Davis said he had to take into account the location of his vision.

“We have some ordinances to comply with,” Davis says. “It’s not about being subversive and challenging the rules. There is a difference between performing indoors and in the open, wild environment of Demons Landing. It’s more public.”

Davis believes he has come up with some “elegant solutions” to stay with what the play requires and what society asks him to do as director.

Hays thinks the minor adjustments will work out fine.

“In the theater, the audience knows what its getting into,” Hays laughs. “But in the park, we have to respect those who don’t want to see certain images.” | l |

see+hear What: Hair Where: Demens Landing, St. Petersburg Where: Through May 16 Tickets: AmericanStage. org or 727-823-7529

36

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

watermark | tampa bay out+about

shot on site 1- The Ritz Ybor fused art and fashion during the Square One event on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Photography | Suzanne Noe and Carrie West

1

2

3

4 5 6

2- Talent Quest Sunshine State judging coordinator Trevor Keller (third from left) and judge Mark Magnus (right) visit with friends at the Ybor Social Club April 16.

3- Holy pecs Batman! The caped crusader mingled with locals during Square One at the Ritz Ybor in Tampa.

4- Dr. Mike Hopkins smiles with a patient while he volunteers his dentistry skills in Peru recently.

5- Women from throughout the Tampa Bay area participated in a bike ride through Dunedin on April 24.

6- Singer and guitarist Lisa Noe performs at the Cornerstone Café in Pinellas Park on April 16.

tampa bay overheard Dr. Mike returns from Peru Dr. Mike Hopkins is popular among LGBTs and our straight allies alike. The Dunedin dentist has a strong client base, has been featured on television and appears at almost every LGBT fundraiser. But the good doc of dentistry took it one huge step further again this year—he completed his third consecutive mission to Peru as part of a team of Rotarians. Previously, Dr. Mike has donated dentistry to citizens in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Bosnia.

During his Peru trip, Hopkins treated 125 patients and performed 254 extractions over a three-day clinic visit. He also assisted in 21 cleft palate corrections, a condition that plagues many in Peru. It wasn’t all work and health issues for the good Doc, however. His partner, Roger Medrano, tells us he did get to sample some of the local culture and food—and he’s decided he’s not a fan of roasted guinea pig.

McLachlan will headline Lilith in Tampa Details of this summer’s Aug. 11 Lilith Fair at the Ford Amphitheatre have finally been released—and Sarah McLachlan

will be front and center. A press release sent out the last week of April confirmed that McLachlan will headline the womanpowered music festival and will be accompanied with notables Norah Jones, Erykah Badu, Martina McBride and Caitlin Crosby, to name a few. The celebration of women in music will offer special “Ladies’ Night” packages and an online contest will search for local talent to participate in the show. For details, visit LilithFair.com.

Alex Sink set to visit Tampa The Florida Democratic Party will hold a reception and fundraiser for Florida gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink on Saturday, May 1. The chairs are undoubtedly hoping that the fundraiser will be more successful than its Orlando counterpart earlier this month, which raised only $2,500. The Tampa Bay contingent is hoping that recent Republican infighting and a concert by Florida Orchestra Concertmaster and internationally renowned violinist Jeffrey Multer will bring out a crowd—and their wallets. Tickets are $100 and the reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Petersburg home of Coda Roberson and Jack Hadad. For more details, visit FlaDems.com.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

watermark | orlando out+about

shot on site Photography | Erik Caban, Tom Dyer and Angie Folks

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April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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1- Fashion show guru Josh Evans joins emcee Darcel Stevens onstage during Runway for a Cure. The event raised $8,045 for Hope and Help.

2- Blue Starr brought down the house during a special performance at the 6th Annual Runway for a Cure Fashion show held at Parliament House on April 17.

3- Fitness trainer Laura Cascaddan checked out Tweek’s buns of steel while performing on stage at the 2010 AIDS Walk.

4- Hector Negroni won two tickets to Stratosphere at Hamburger Mary’s Tuesday night HamBingo. Negroni is flanked by Carol Lee and Miss Sammy.

5- Team Brio raised $1,200 for the Orlando AIDS Walk around Lake Eola on April 24.

6- Dr. David Baker-Hargrove mans the Come Out With Pride booth at the second annual Miami Beach Pride.

orlando overheard Buffet of Bear Events Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more complicated, there are rumblings of yet another Bear event this fall. The as-yet-unannounced Orlando Bear Bash is planned for September 16-19 at the Sonesta hotel on Lake Ivanhoe in downtown Orlando. An e-mail forwarded to Watermark states that Bear Bash will be produced by the for-profit Charitable Parties, Inc., a local event planner that funnels proceeds to charities. Co-owner Kyle Gilrain states his hope is that Bear Bash will become an annual gathering that involves “locals and local businesses.”

The 20th Bear Bust, sponsored by the Bears of Central Florida, will take place October 14-17 at the Royal Plaza hotel at Lake Buena Vista. Stay tuned.

Homo Not-So-Happy Hour The small-but-devoted following that tuned into The Homo Happy Hour at noon last Friday learned some breaking news: the show had been canceled.

Also known as OUTLOUD ORLANDO, the hour-long show was hosted by Justice, whose irreverent take on gay life

may have created problems at WPRK 91.5 FM located at Rollins College.

Facebook postings suggest that Justice may have crossed station language barriers with words like “buttplug” and “facial.” In his comments, Justice contends that a double standard is being applied. Meanwhile, he’s podcasting from various locations.

Blink of an Eye If you were watching the local news during the windy lightning and thunder storm last Sunday night, you likely saw video of a Thornton Park house demolished by a falling tree. As bad luck would have it, it was the residence of Watermark CFO Rick Claggett and our good friend Jenn Kunsch. As a sopping wet Kunsch shared on camera, she was watching television when the tree came through the roof, missing her head by no more than a foot or so. Just about everything Rick and Jenn own was ruined, and who has renter’s insurance? There will be a fundraiser for them at SIP on Friday, April 30 from 7 p.m. until closing.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

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| April 29 - May 12, 2010

O

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

Andres Medina holds the Tibetan Dung Chen while Marty Walsh looks on. | Photo by OxImages

A

fter one of the coldest winters on record in Florida, many of us are ready to get out of our homes and into the summer sun. Fortunately, Florida offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Even our state moniker, “The Sunshine State,” begs us to venture into the great outdoors of our peninsula.

True, we have hurricanes and high humidity in the summer and cooling bills can skyrocket—especially in August and September—but the outdoor offerings in our state range from theme parks to campgrounds and from beaches to state parks.

But exploring the great outdoors isn’t as easy as navigating, say, a block of bars displaying the rainbow flag. Knowing where LGBTs congregate outdoors can be a challenge, so we’re hoping our Outdoor Guide to LGBT Living will motivate you to get off of the couch and find your way to some fun in the sun.

steve blanchard

OUT

Campgrounds The best known LGBT campground is, of course, Sawmill (see page 42). But there are other places where our community communes with nature. Camp Mars in Venus, Florida, offers full RV hookups, tent sites and campers available for rent. For more info, check out CampMars.com. It caters to both men and women.

Camp David, located in Inverness, is a clothing optional camping resort targeting gay men. The private membership campground encompasses 16-acres of heavily wooded space and offers a natural environment for men to enjoy. For more information visit CampDavidFlorida.com.

Continued on page 48 | uu |

OUR GAY GUIDE TO OUTDOOR FUN

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watermark | outdoors

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

41

a minute with...

Kimberly DePasquale

stephen miller

OWNER, PADDLEBOARD ORLANDO

O

rlando | In the early morning light at Lake Ivanhoe, the scene is serene and surreal. A person magically glides across the water on a flat board, like a futuristic gondolier.

“It’s surprising, because even though it looks peaceful, people are working their core,” states Paddleboard Orlando owner Kimberly Pasquale.

Paddleboard Orlando is a business that brings a new outdoor sporting activity to Central Florida’s LGBT community. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) involves a special type of oversized surfboard and a long paddle for navigation and thrust. The experience works in waters at almost any depth: local lakes, rivers, springs, and even the ocean. SUP also gives people a noninvasive way to get back in touch with nature.

We caught up with DePasquale to get more information.

How did you find out about SUP? I stumbled upon paddleboarding last year.

It was one of those times where you have an “aha” moment. My friend introduced me to it over in New Smyrna Beach. When I was out on the board, I turned around, and I saw that the sun had hit my wake zone, and a prism had shot across the whole intercoastal. I was like, “Wow! I can really do this.” I came back to Orlando to look for a board to rent, and there were no places, and no one knew anything about it. This led me to say, “Wow, I think we have a business here.” With all the lakes Orlando has to offer, what a great way to get people out into nature.

You seem really fired up about it.

Yeah, I grew up on the coats in Titusville, and I was feeling a little landlocked here in Orlando. When I discovered paddleboarding, I immediately felt this was a way people can get back out into to the water, and really connect to that element.

Your husband and kids also do this with you?

My eight-year-old is probably my biggest fan. My six-year-old hasn’t yet figured out how to maneuver the paddle just yet. It’s a great way to connect, because we’re together, and we’re talking, and there are no distractions. That’s why I think it’s great for any family of any sort: your girlfriends or your boyfriends. We’ve done happy hours with LGBT groups, where we paddle for a couple hours, and then we stop for some fruit and wine. It’s really nice.

You’ve been a yoga instructor, right?

Yes, I’ve been a yoga instructor for about 10 years; I’ve been licensed since 2004. One day out on the board, I started incorporating yoga poses, and the next thing we knew, we’d invented a YOW class, which is Yoga on Water. There’s a lady down in Jupiter, Mary Denning, who also started doing it, but I think we both discovered it about the same time.

So, you brought your love of yoga together with this new love of paddleboarding.

When I got on the board, it was just meant to be. The board is really like a big

yoga mat. I thought, “What a great way to get out of the studio, to actually spend time with people that you like.” As a culture, we’re so into multitasking, so here’s where you can get a workout, you can enjoy nature, and you can hang with your friends all at the same time.

Now that you mention it, it is quite a workout, isn’t it?

Yes. If you paddle for an hour, it’s said to burn 800 to 1,000 calories in an hour. It’s like running a 5K if you paddle for an hour.

Everyone can do it too; it’s not that difficult.

I’ve taken people out from the age of 8 to the age of 65. They all really enjoy it. There’s no other feeling like waking up at 7 o’clock in the morning to watch nature at its best.

Your mind is peaceful on the board; all you’re doing is concentrating on your balance. You don’t have to be a surfer to sail across the lake—anyone can do it.

What services do you offer?

People can rent a couple boards from me; they can take them to the beach or to Wekiva Springs. They can take paddleboarding introduction class from me. I’m doing the Yoga on Water. I’ve teamed up with a few trainers in the area, and we’re doing a land and lake workout, called a Workout on Water, or WoW. I want to some day also get into using the paddleboards with local ecology cleanup groups. You can find all we do at PaddleboardOrlando.com Tell us about the equipment.

It’s basically a 12-foot surfboard.

It has big fins like a surfboard. You can use it to surf as well. I ride a 12-foot, and I ride a 10-foot-6 inch one. That’s one of the reasons people feel so comfortable; they’re big and easy to balance on. You can take it into any area, and all you need is a paddleboard and a paddle, and you’re off. |l|

Photo courtesy Kimberly DePasquale

42

watermark | outdoors

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

Cabins dot the more than 100-acre Sawmill Campground resort and range from basic amenities like beds to hotel-style set ups that include private bathrooms, showers, kitchenettes and televisions.

“out” in the outdoors Sawmill CamPgrounD CElEbratES 12 yEarS oF lgbt CamPing

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D

ade City, Fla. | Trying to put a blanket description on Sawmill Campground isn’t an easy task. Some see the LGBT Pasco County campground as rural getaway to enjoy nature; some see it as a destination to explore sexual fantasies; nudists see it as a chance to swim naked in a heated pool; and others see it as a chance to see A-list entertainment in a beautiful Florida setting.

In short, Sawmill Campground caters to almost every demographic in the LGBT community.

“The Sawmill is the kind of place that is what you make it,” says Derek Sutherland, general manager. “We are a completely selfinclusive destination offering all the amenities of a full scale resort with the added benefit of enjoying the outdoors in a beautiful scenic location.”

The 100-plus-acre resort is in its 12th year and is owned, surprisingly, by two straight men—Phillip Godown and Michael Bubis.

The two New York City natives are gay friendly, however, and saw the Sawmill as a business opportunity with a clearly defined niche market, according to Sutherland.

Since taking control several years ago, Godown and Bubis have incorporated

upgrades and additions that original owner Joseph Livingston admires.

“The new owners have done a lot of great things with the property,” says Livingston, who opened the campground in 1997 with the late John Moore. “They are doing some of the things now that I had really hoped we could have done while I was an owner.”

When Livingston and Moore purchased the property it was a fully operational campground—but it had never catered to LGBTs. Things, as they say, have obviously changed.

Permanent trailers are decorated in rainbow colors and have “his and his” or “hers and hers” parking spaces. Bear paraphernalia is evident on many of the structures and an occasional “sir and boy” can be spotted walking among the tents and cabins.

Livingston said one of the recent major improvements to the Sawmill is the presentation of some top name entertainers.

The resort has already hosted the likes of RuPaul, Amber and Tiffany. And later this year Kristine W will once again take the outdoor stage.

Livingston also noted that the new owners seem to be really committed to constantly

While open displays of sex do occur at Sawmill, Sutherland says the facility maintains a strict policy of no sex at the clothing optional pool, inside Woody’s (the Campground’s night club) or in any of the public areas.

“It’s not to say that sort of sexual activity still doesn’t go on in the darker corner Privacy, please locations,” Sutherland says, “but the Sawmill Sometimes distinguishing Sawmill from is about a lot more than just a place to come a “regular” LGBT club can be difficult. With and get your rocks off.” top name performers, themed parties and Sutherland said the institution of events and annual holiday celebrations, the rules regarding public sex has made the campground comes across as a night spot campground much more attractive to female rather than a destination. patrons.

But, it is a destination and membership “We want men and women to feel is required to partake in all of the facility’s comfortable together—sharing meals, a activities. campfire, enjoying As of 2010, there the outdoors, are more than 50,000 relaxing by the pool card-carrying members and partying in the and Sutherland says “The Sawmill is the nightclub,” he says. that an additional three kind of place that is “We work very to four members are hard to create an added to that roster what you make it,” atmosphere that is each day. Membership —Derek SuTherlanD, welcoming to all.” is $10 and the only Sawmill general manager And it’s not just requirement is that he LGBTs who enjoy or she be 21 years old the beautiful, wooded or older. area. Sutherland says Sawmill regularly Some members only use their membership welcomes straight people to the resort. for special occasions, while others make a “We’re always very upfront with them weekly pilgrimage to Dade City. when they check in so there are no surprises,” “I go the Sawmill regularly,” says Gulfport he says. “But about 90% of them already resident Karl Williams. “In fact, I’m going know what the campground is. Often they back in May for the Leather Daddy weekend. come to party with gay friends or they just like I find it a very welcoming and friendly the open, accepting and fun atmosphere that environment.” the gay community often creates.”

For awhile, Sawmill embraced the open Sexual Etiquette sexual activity of its members and created the Undoubtedly, a mention of Sawmill “Pig Pen,” an area in the woods that catered to Campground amongst friends will lead to at those interested in public, group sex. However, least one sordid story of a sexual encounter after only six months, the resort closed it in the showers, near a cabin or out on “the down.

Trails.” Mix in themed weekends focusing “We were not at all pleased with the on porn stars and dancers, and inhibitions can reputation it was creating for the Resort,” sometimes completely disappear. renovating, updating and keeping the facility and its offerings new, exciting and fresh for patrons. Management constantly updates the web site (FLSawmill.com) with the most current information about upcoming events.

watermark | outdoors

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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Livingston says. “Sleaze can be fun, but it’s not what we’re all about.”

From camping to ‘glamping’ The Sawmill offers a wide array of accommodations, ranging from sites that allow people to completely “rough it” in tents or just sleeping bags to those that contain all the amenities of a first class resort.

Cabins range from the simple—basic air and heat, one bed and no shower or bathrooms—to the premium units that are comparable to a nice hotel room, complete with a private bathroom, shower, television and microwave and fridge.

Tent sites can be had with or without electricity and water. There are RV sites which not only offer water and electricity but sewage as well. In addition, there are 115 permanent sites that people buy and can use as a second home.

Rates range from extremely affordable to more luxurious. For those who want to truly “rough it,” an unimproved (no water or electricity) permitted tent site is $18 per person per night Sundays-Wednesdays; add water and electricity to your tent site and the rate is $17 per person per night on weekdays and $25 per person per night on weekends.

All tent sites are two-night minimums on the weekends, but for every two nights stayed, a third night is offered free.

Standard cabins, which have A/C and heat, but no private bath, are $75 double occupancy (1 bed) with two beds and up to four people the rate is $88 per night. Some standard cabins allow pets which cost an additional $10 per night. Deluxe cabins have their own private bathroom and are $110 per night for 2 people sharing one bed. There are a limited number of deluxe cabins that allow pets for a $20-pernight fee.

Premium cabins offer all the amenities of the other cabins, plus a kitchenette, TV and DVD player. Rates for the premium cabins are $120 a night. A limited number of these also allow pets for $20 per night. RV sites which offer full hook up are available at $43.60 a night.

“I really encourage anyone—both men and

women—to come experience the Sawmill for themselves and then form your opinion about us,” says Sutherland. ”We work really hard to create and environment that gives our guests peace, love and happiness. For many, we are a welcome escape from the frantic pace of life in the city. Others come to party and play with friends in a self-contained resort where they can do everything from dance to hike to eat a great meal.”

A Charitable Side Sawmill is first and foremost a destination about fun and relaxation. But there’s more to the resort than meets the eye. Sawmill runs two different charitable organizations— Sawmill Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation, and Camp Divas, a not-for-profit group.

According to Sutherland, Sawmill Charities raises money through charity bingo events and a 50/50 raffle every Friday. Additional fundraising activities occur during special event and theme weekends and on holidays.

Sutherland says the charity raises between $15,000-$20,000 a year and award grants are given out every quarter. Former recipients of Sawmill’s generosity include the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, the Florida Gay Rodeo Association, Harbor House, the Boys and Girls Club, the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank, and even local elementary schools in the Dade City area.

The charity was founded in 2006.

Those seeking grants should contact Richard Shourrds at 352-583-0664.

Camp Divas is made up of a mix of camp members and staff who hold drag shows every two weeks and collect tips to be donated the charity. The Camp Divas also hold special event fundraising throughout the year.

Beneficiaries of the grants from Camp Divas are organizations which serve people’s basic needs, things like food, housing, medical needs and other social services.

Those seeking grants from Camp Divas should contact Kevin Daniels or Tommy Gagnon by calling the main switchboard number at 952-583-0664. | l |

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Pink beginnings Two years ago, Geller sat around a table with seven other gay men sipping cosmos before seeing the first Sex and the City film.

He took that chance to ask the guys what activities theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While sipping cosmos at Bennigan's before the 12:01 a.m. screening of the movie, I took down their e-mail addresses and did

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ampa | Eight years ago, Robert Geller was living the corporate lifestyle. He was high-up in the ranks of The Melting Pot Corporation and was constantly on the go, developing new ideas and strategies for the restaurant chain.

But something was missing for the South Tampa resident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a good job, but where was the fun?â&#x20AC;? he asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was nothing out there for gay men except for bars. I thought it would be great if there was an activities club that pooled gay people together in a variety of settings.â&#x20AC;?

So, the seeds of Outings & Adventures were spawnedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but it took nearly six years before the club held its first meeting.

Geller found himself unemployed after The Melting Pot laid him offâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so he decided the time was perfect to investigate what it took to create a social activities club for the LGBT community. His best resource: straight activities club. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I visited their website and it had this vague calendar,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I decided to go interview for membership. I learned it was really expensive, but I wanted to learn more.â&#x20AC;?

Geller avoided answering one of the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main questions about sexuality and eventually struck up a friendship with the woman who interviewed him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told her I was gay and she immediately told me how well the company worked and how much money was to be made,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and their plan was all about the cash. Outings & Adventures doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t operate that way.â&#x20AC;?

Gellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group has free membership. The only time members pay anything is when they attend an activity. Today, the group schedules more than 10 activities a month for both gay men and lesbians and has more than 7,000 names on its membership roster.

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Tampa resident Robert Geller started Outings & Adventures two years ago to provide LGBTs an alternative social outlet to bars. | Photo courtesy O&A

an informal survey,â&#x20AC;? Geller laughs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we have 7,200 e-mail addresses and anywhere from six to 175 people will show up at our events.â&#x20AC;?

Originally, Geller focused on gay men.

He says he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach out to lesbians at first because he thought the territory had already been conquered by Suzanne Noe, founder of ProSuzy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suzanne and I are great friends and when women would approach me and ask about events, I would tell them about ProSuzy,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I kept getting e-mails from women asking to join us at events. So now we have menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events and events for everyone.â&#x20AC;?

The best gay life The Outings & Adventures group has appeared throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida with their distinctive white T-shirts sporting the O&A logo. The organization has taken advantage of attractions throughout Tampa Bay, Orlando and everywhere in continued on page 46 | uu |

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Robert Geller and Barbara Voglewede personally scout each activity before planning it for members.

| uu | Outings+Adventures from p.46

between.

“My philosophy is that you only live once, so we should experience all that we can,” the single Geller says. “O&A addresses interests away from the computer and bars. We’re for singles and couples. We’re not a dating service; we’re all about socializing.”

The noticeably fit Geller has a natural love for the outdoors that is expressed in his event planning. The man has biked the Iron Man course in Hawaii, gone rock climbing out West and shows a physique that reflects his work in the gym and his jog along Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.

Sure, there are literary groups and foodie attractions on the O&A calendar, but a majority of the attractions seem to lead the men and women to Florida’s outdoors.

“My idea of fun is biking and rock climbing,” Geller says. “Originally O&A was going to be all active events. But we ended up with a well-rounded list of events that gave something for every different interest.”

One of Geller’s favorite activities was the trapeze class he and several others attended.

He also fondly remembers the canopy tree climbing expedition. That’s surprising, considering his fear of heights.

“I was terrified, but I enjoyed it,” Geller laughs. “It’s one of many experiences O&A has allowed me to have that I will never forget.”

The feedback to O&A seems to be mostly positive, and Geller welcomes suggestions for future outings.

“I used to say that we offer events and camaraderie for gay men and women,” Geller says. “Now I say, ‘What Oprah does for women, we do for the LGBT community. It’s about living your best gay life.’”

Making friends By nature, Geller is a social person. He ran the popular What2Wear clothing store at the now-closed Suncoast Resort and remembers meeting hundreds of people a week.

“It was a great job and I really enjoyed it,” Geller says. “But it was hard to remember everybody I’d come in contact with. We got a

lot of traffic there.”

Geller remembered that difficulty when he started O&A, so now at any social event, members are encouraged to wear a name badge so everyone is on even footing.

“When we gather, I make sure I greet everyone and our members are always made to feel welcome,” he says. “I’ve had several members come to an event and leave with new life-long friends. I’ve made many lifelong friends through this process and that makes me excited.”

Membership consists of men and women from all walks of life, all races and all ages.

All of them have one thing in common, Geller says.

“They have an open mind to tackle new experiences,” he says.

Most events are open to all skill levels because O&A hires experienced tour guides with complete instruction and rental gear included. All members do is sign up for an event and then show up at the scheduled time.

“Certain events are strenuous and the event descriptions let you know that ahead of time,” Geller says. “Our nature hike was sixand-a-half miles at a quick pace in the heat.

So it wasn’t a couch potato event.”

Geller, who calls himself the Chief Adventure Officer of O&A, personally tackles every event personally, along with Barbara Voglewede, O&A’s Director of Adventure.

“We ‘scout’ every event beforehand so we know what we’re getting ourselves into,” Geller contends. “That ensures that the actual event goes off without a hitch for our members and that everyone enjoys themselves.”

The future of O&A is a positive one, and Geller says events are only going to get bigger and better.

“We’re planning our first event that will cross a large body of water,” he says. “We’ll be vacationing in Costa Rica and plans will be unveiled as soon as we finish up the research. I know—it’s a rough job.”

For more information on Outings & Adventures or to see a calendar of upcoming outings, visit OutingsAndAdventures.com. | l |

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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| April 29 - May 12, 2010

watermark | outdoors

(L-R) Kim Buscemi, Marty Walsh and Andres Medina enjoy some Florida weather at Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg. | Photo by OxImages

| uu | Break Out from p.39

If you like your camping with a medieval twist, you may want to travel to north Florida’s Mystic Lake Manor in Madison, Fla. The gay-owned castle is a functioning bed and breakfast with 10 rooms sitting on 36 acres. There are also several electric and primitive tent sites. Sun decks and clothing optional pool areas are available to all guests. For more information visit MysticLakeManor.com.

If you truly want to get away from the West and Central Florida LGBT community, visit The Compound Campground along Florida’s Emerald Coast near Pensacola. The 16-acre campground is just off of Interstate 10 and caters to the entire LGBT community. Tent sites, RV hookups and its clothing optional, fenced in pool and hot tub area is open throughout the day. For more information visit TheCompoundCampground.com.

For a larger list of LGBT campgrounds in Florida, visit FloridaGayCampgrounds. com.

Beaches Sun, sand—and skin. What more do we need to know to draw us to the beaches along Florida’s coast? Of course, big name beaches like South Beach and Smathers Beach in Key West may not be close by our front doors, but we have plenty of offerings in West and Central Florida to get our SPF on.

Sunset Beach on Treasure Island, just outside of St. Petersburg, sees a weekly convergence of LGBTs to its white shores on Sundays. The southern most point of the beach—about half a mile south of the popular straight bar “Caddy’s,” has been an LGBT destination ever since the long-gone gay bar BedRox graced its shores in the 1990s.

For those who live a bit further south, there’s North Lido Beach, near the shops of St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. And for our East Coast brothers and sisters, there’s

LGBT campers enjoy the bon fire at Camp Mars in Venus, Fla. Photo courtesy Camp Mars

Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach—both with LGBT niches along the miles of white sand.

Enjoying the surroundings Most of our state is surrounded by water, and even if you don’t enjoy swimming, there are other opportunities to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

In the heavily LGBT-populated Gulfport, there are Art Walks along the water and an Art Cruise that provides sunset views of Boca Ciega Bay on the first Friday of every month. The cruise is operated by Dolphin Landings of St. Pete Beach, which offers dolphin sighting tours in the Gulf of Mexico daily.

Not everyone enjoys the water and seasickness medicine has only come so far. So if you prefer to enjoy the outdoors from a solid foundation, check out one of the Front Runners groups in Tampa Bay or Orlando.

The recreational joggers have scheduled runs throughout both areas and invite seasoned marathoners and beginners to join the ranks. Visit OrlandoFrontRunners.com or FrontRunnersTampaBay.org for more details. | l |

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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| April 29 - May 12, 2010

watermark | transitions

(L to R) Jennifer Armitage, Eileen Mora, Shana Simpkins, Tiffany Maitland, Amber Layton, Rhetta Peoples and Colleen Peacock Lane are among the newest members of the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls.

transitions

anniversaries

Orlando’s Framing of Central Florida celebrates its 17-year business anniversary this May. Congratulations Rudy and Mike.

Orlando partners Fern Fournier and Elliott Barber CPA celebrate 47 years together on May 6.

The Tampa Bay Bears celebrate the organization’s ninth anniversary in May.

passings Orlando resident Dean Poirier, 52, passed away on Saturday, April 24. The Brockton, Mass., native was an employee of the U.S. Post Office before moving to Orlando and becoming a third grade teacher at Palmetto Elementary School. He is survived by his husband, William “Bill” Throckmorton, his father and several siblings.

local birthdays St. Pete hotel manager Tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor Anthony Quaglieri and UCF’s GLBSU president and activist Jessica Osborn (April 30); Oar House Pub regular and St. Pete 7-11 Manager Robb Martzen (May 1); Watermark account manager and fashionista Josh Evans (May 2); Tampa Ron John

Surf Shop expert Danny Johnson (May 4); Sarasota urban planner and sports nut Mike Woodman (May 5); Talent Quest Florida founder and legal husband to Watermark editor Steve Blanchard, Phil Garris (May 6); Bradenton resident and Trinity Charities Program Coordinator Bruce Fournier (May 7); USF executive administrative assistant Eric Andersson and bearlicious Tampa Bay Business Guild officer John Burchett (May 10); Tampa Inferno softball player and massage therapist Alexis Acevedo, Pasco County Democratic Chairwoman, techy and straight ally Alison Berke Morano, Tampa political hob-nobber Scott J. Allen, and Tampa personal trainer Jeff Giles (May 11).

transitions The Law Offices of Barry L. Miller announce two new additions to their mitigation/short sale division, Rosannie Troche, Esq. and Roberta Scott.

congratulations The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls have elected the following new members into the league: Colleen Peacock Lane, Eileen Mora, Tiffany Maitland, Annie Smith, Rhetta Peoples, Gia Arroyo, Jennifer Armitage, Shana Simpkins, Amber Layton and Jamie Hyman.

Send news about birthdays, passings, anniversaries, promotions, commitment ceremonies—and whatever you commemorate—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com.

watermark | advice

dothis!

past that I think it might be time for them to reunite.

Do you think she should contact him?

—Hopeful in Clearwater

Change is relative ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

M

Dear HIC, I’m confused. You describe Eliza’s father as a pathological liar, violent, a drunk, abusive and a thief. Then, quite unexpectedly, you say you’re communicating with him and that you believe he’s changed. Yet you give me no reason why you think that. Either you’re not giving me complete information or you’re the most naive person on the planet. In the absence of further information, I’m forced to respond based on the information you have given.

By meeting with Eliza’s father without her knowledge, you’re interloping where you don’t belong. Eliza has chosen—for what seem to be exceptionally good reasons—to distance herself from a toxic influence in her life. As her partner, your sole allegiance is to her, not to her giant mess of a father. If you fess up to Eliza that you’ve been speaking to him, and even advocate a meeting, you risk really pissing her off, and I wouldn’t blame her.

Here comes the Truth, baby: Stand with solidarity by your girlfriend! What you’re doing is practically treasonous. If Eliza doesn’t want to speak with him, for good reason by the way, that’s her call. And it’s your job to support her notions regarding the healthiest way to live her life, in the case, without her father.

Dear Truth, y partner, Eliza, and I have been happily married for four Dear Truth, years. She gets along well with I am a 31-year-old single man who my family, but refuses to have contact was in a serious relationship for seven with her own father. years with a man who had been my best Eliza’s father is an alcoholic and friend since high school. We parted on generally abusive because of it—he even bad terms about two years ago. We said threatened to hit me once. He has stolen (and did) some awful things to each other money from her savings account and during the break up. When he left, I felt once we had to bail him out of jail. He is as though my heart had been ripped also a pathological liar and has caused from my chest. the whole family a My friends and lot of grief. family tell me what Eliza’s mother a wonderful, funny, left him and beautiful person I It’s time to lower your remarried, but am—that I have a expectations, increase Eliza’s relationship great personality with the rest of her and I should begin your self-confidence family is strained dating again. by believing your because of her They are always history with her trying to set me friends, and stick out father. up with someone. your chin.

Now and then, Sometimes Eliza’s father the thought is writes her and appealing, but when sends little gifts to show he’s thinking the time comes to call or approach a guy, about her. Recently, he has been writing I get scared. to Eliza a lot more, trying to reach out to I have been asked out, but I never her. He and I have even met a couple of go. A part of me likes being single, but times without Eliza’s knowledge. He says sometimes I get lonely and wish I could he has changed, and I believe him. find the courage to ask a guy out. My Eliza doesn’t want to give him the mom keeps asking me if I’ve met anyone. chance to hurt her again, but she is filled I know she wants me to be happy, but with so much insecurity because of her I’m scared of being hurt again, so I lie

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April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

to everyone and tell them I’m fine. But I can’t lie to myself: I’m not fine and I’m terrified that I may end up alone.

What can I do to boost my confidence?

—Damaged Goods Dear HGDG, I feel your pain, and we’ve all been there. But by allowing fear and anxiety to rule your thinking, you’re not only insulating yourself from heartache, but also from the potential for true happiness. It’s time to lower your expectations, increase your self-confidence by believing your friends, and stick out your chin. Yes you might take some punches, but frankly, what is your alternative? A life intentionally

marginalized? Know this: pain comes from living life, and you haven’t suffered your last blow. But being a fully actualized adult means taking the arrows life might throw and still standing tall, believing in yourself, and knowing that true happiness is something you’re destined for if you allow yourself to be open to it.

Here comes the Truth, baby: we all get hurt and we all have disappointments. But every single one of us is worthy of love.

Your far too young to give up. At the end of your life, the worst epitaph would be “Here lies DG, who got hurt once and never tried again.” | l |

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watermark | sports

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

NCLR sues NAGAAA for discrimination steve blanchard Seattle Wash. | The National Center for Lesbian Rights has filed a lawsuit against the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association accusing the softball league of discrimination.

According to a press release from NCLR, NAGAAA, which has teams in both Tampa Bay and Orlando, violated Washington State’s laws governing discrimination in public accommodations and state consumer protections by implementing and enforcing a “two heterosexuals per team” cap during the 2008 Gay Softball World Series. It also alleges the league violated several softball players’ rights by subjecting them to a series of invasive questions about their sexual orientation in front of more than 25 people.

NCLR clients Steven Apilado, LaRon Charles and Jon Russ, who had played with their San Francisco Team, D2, in the 2008 Series, were part of the roster during the championship game. During that game, however, D2 learned that another team challenged the players’ eligibility to play based on the rule that each team can not have any more than two straight

players.

According to an NCLR spokesperson, five D2 players were summoned to a conference room for a protest hearing where they were asked whether they were “predominantly attracted to men” or “predominantly attracted to women.” After each player was questioned, a panel voted on whether they were “gay” or “non-gay.”

A press release from NCLR says NAGAAA’s committee refused to entertain “bisexuality” as a possibility and when one player said he was attracted to both men and women, a NAGAAA member said “This is the Gay World Series, not the Bisexual World Series.”

NAGAAA’s panel found that Charles, Russ and Apilado were not gay. The two other players, the panel decided, were gay.

The decision forced D2 to retroactively forfeit its second-place World Series win. ”This case shows that bisexual people are an integral part of the LGBT community, said NCLR Sports Project Director Helen Carroll. “The San Francisco team was truly diverse and welcomed bisexual, gay, and straight players, and they saw each other as not just teammates, but family. We all deserve to be treated with respect no matter what

part of the ‘LGBT’ we are. It damages our community to conduct witch hunts and to exclude people from playing in a sports league for not being ‘gay enough’.

We wouldn’t accept this kind of treatment from a non-LGBT sports organization and we shouldn’t do it to ourselves.”

According to a letter from the NAGAAA board, however, the treatment of the three players was respectful and that “a very different story” will emerge as the trial approaches.

“At its core, NAGAAA is a grass roots organization dedicated to providing a safe environment for gays and lesbians,” the letter continues. “We have no paid staff; we do not have large sums of money, nor a pool of talented lawyers. It saddens all of us that the NCLR, whom we view as members of our community, have chosen this destructive path.”

The letter continues to say that if the lawsuit against NAGAAA is successful in reaping the $225,000 in damages it is seeking, the organization’s existence could be in jeopardy.

“Regardless of the outcome, everyone loses here,” the board said. “There are no winners.”

So far, the rule excluding players based on sexual orientation has not been retracted by NAGAAA and at press time, it appeared as though the organization was going to stand its ground..

According to an article in the Seattle

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Times, an attorney for NAGAAA said that the alliance did not illegally discriminate against the three players because it is a private organization that can determine its own membership.

But NCLR Staff Attorney Melanie Rowen disagrees with NAGAAA’s attorney.

“Washington law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations,” she said. “But conducting an inquisition into someone’s sexual orientation to exclude them from playing sports in their community is not just discriminatory—it is outrageous.”

NCLR’s clients have remained quiet, for the most part. But Charles did release one statement: “When you play softball, you never expect for anyone to corner you and ask you personal questions about who you are and what you do,” said Charles. “It was emotional for me as a coach to go in there and not only get grilled, but watch my team be put in this situation. This had me angry, had me in tears, contemplating whether I even want to be part of the league anymore after being in it since 1999. The rationale that straight players should be limited on a team because they are better athletes is wrong, and it’s insulting to the many strong LGBT athletes of today. A player is a player.” | l |

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watermark | gossip

| April 29 - May 12, 2010

billymasters

54

I’m not gay. A lot of people say that I’m gay and that doesn’t bother me because I could eat a pizza in a male shower and not feel anything because I’m secure with myself.”

—Jamie Foxx uses a curious analogy to defend his heterosexuality. I’m wondering why he’d be eating a pizza in a male shower. And I don’t know about you, but I’m suspect of anyone who’s not even a little aroused eating a pizza!

W Weddings and outings Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

hile in Boston for Easter, I zipped down to the D.C.-area for Tyne Daly and crabs. Well, I didn’t get them from Tyne—I defy you to find me one man who has! Plus, you can get crabs anywhere. But you’ve got to be in Baltimore for good crab cakes. As luck would have it, the Kennedy Center was celebrating the work of playwright Terrence McNally, so I had a perfect excuse for a quick jaunt. One day, two plays, six crab cakes, one penis, and Tyne Daly—it doesn’t get better than that.

Daly assumed the persona of Maria Callas in Master Class, and it was a triumph-inprogress. Since I saw the show in previews, Tyne only had five shows under her belt— certainly not enough for the role to fit as second skin. But to the actress’ credit, the framework and intentions were crystal clear and spot on. Almost completely gone were the tough, gruff, trucker-esque mannerisms that color many of Daly’s portrayals. She was almost—dare I say—feminine.

The Kennedy Center is also presenting The Lisbon Traviata. Once again, Callas is McNally’s muse, but this time as a disembodied voice. In the first act, obviously John Glover’s “Mendy,” is going to grab all of the attention—much as Nathan Lane

did in the original production. However, Malcolm Gets as “Steven” more than holds his own. Manu Narayan as “Michael” does his best with what is really a thankless role.

But let me single out Chris Hartl who plays “Paul”. When he’s not acting, he’s a trainer at Steel Gym in NYC. To equate his acting ability with his physical appearance would be high praise indeed. If for no other reason, you should see this production for his full-frontal entrance in the second act. I’d give him a 10—literally!

McNally himself was in D.C. overseeing the productions and giving feedback when necessary. But he had another reason to be there—he and partner Tom Kirdahy got married! Since D.C. legalized gay marriage, this was a perfect opportunity (the couple had a civil union in Vermont back in 2001).

Congrats!

If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times—I’m psychic. For the past few weeks, I’d been trying to find a way to fit in the story about Ricky Martin doing Evita on Broadway. But something told me last week was the perfect time. My story hit the internet and, within hours, the Latin lothario came out of the closet. Not that it was a surprise to anyone who frequents BillyMasters.com, but I like being timely.

While Ricky says his decision to come out at 38-years-old was because he wanted to set a good example for his children, Sean Hayes had another reason for his announcement. No, not to get publicity for his Broadway debut in Promises, Promises—how cynical of you! I’m told that it was when his boyfriend got sick.

According to the National Enquirer (a publication that has been right more than wrong lately), Sean’s boyfriend for the past four years has been designer David Phoenix. When David was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, Hayes realized that life is too short and decided to live a more open and honest life.

Our first “Ask Billy” question comes from John in Grosse Pointe, Michigan: “I heard that Liam Hemsworth (Miley’s beau and co-star in “The Last Song”) was on an Australian series called

Playwright Terrance McNally and long-time partner Tom Kirdahy legally wed in Washington D.C. recently.

Satisfaction where he seduces a woman while nude and holding a banana. I found some pics, but not the video. Can you help?”

The series, Satisfaction, was an original drama for Showtime Australia dealing with the lives of high-class female escorts.

Although he was 18 at the time, his character is the 16-year-old son of a rich absentee father who hires and falls in love with a hooker roughly 10 years his senior.

There is quite a bit of skin and Hemsworth looks as good as you’d expect. In one scene, he does indeed surprise his female friend from behind with said banana. When asked about filming the scene, Liam once said, “It was interesting, because I was butt-naked in front of a lot of people.” When I mention a banana, the traffic to BillyMasters.com skyrocket. When Ellen does it, someone gets kicked off American Idol. I guess it’s all in Idol the delivery—or the banana! Feel free to drop your queries to Billy@BillyMasters. com and I promise to get back to you before I go Down Under for a banana (again)!

Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l | Before he paired with Miley Cyrus for The Last Song, Liam Hemsworth was baring it all on Australian television.

April 29 - May 12, 2010 |

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