Watermark Issue 18.06 Inside the Home

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

WATERMARKONLINE.COM MARCH 17-30, 2011 ISSUE 18.06

SPLIT DECISION

Just Dessert’s

YIGIT PURA at HRC’s Orlando fundraiser

FOCUS:

ON EQUALITY, TAMPA’S TWO MAYORAL CANDIDATES ARE BOTH LGBT ALLIES D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

INSIDE THE HOME

• Stéted: design for life • Inside Signature St. Pete • 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

| March 17 - 30, 2011

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issue 18.06

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YIGIT PURA 33

PG.

Out Top Chef: Just Desserts champion and sex symbol Yigit Pura will be on hand as a guest judge for HRC’s COOK2011 in Orlando March 26-27.

6 | Big Story Tampa’s LGBT community has an interesting problem in this year’s mayoral election—both candidates are very supportive of LGBT issues. Rose Ferlita and Bob Buckhorn have identical stances on equality, so LGBT voters will have to dig deeper into each candidate’s plans to make their decision at the ballot box.

ORLANDO NEWS

12

12 | Orlando News The idea for a “flash mob” at this year’s AIDS Walk is shot down; Gay charity fraudster faces federal charges; more.

16 | Tampa News

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A member of Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Board steps down after Kemple appointment; Four years after his death, Ryan Skipper’s parents are still raising money to launch a scholarship program; more.

TAMPA BAY NEWS

Tampa mayoral candidates Rose Ferlita and Bob Buckhorn are both very supportive of LGBT issues. So who should the community back? Photos by Nick Cardello Illustration by Jake Stevens

19 / STATE NEWS

21 / NATION + WORLD NEWS

22 / TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE

24 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

28 / MAIL

21 | Nation+World News John Boehner and fellow Republicans have launched a legal campaign to defend the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act; Maryland’s marriage equality bill takes a back seat; more.

40 / EVENT PLANNER

43 / TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD

33 | Scene+Heard

SCENE+HEARD

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Chef and reality star Yigit Pura talks to us about his upcoming appearance at HRC’s COOK2011 in Orlando, accepting his sex-symbol status and how life really was on the set of Top Chef: Just Desserts. Lesbian comedienne Suzanne Westenhoeffer brings her funny perspective on life to St. Petersburg this month and tells us why Ellen and Rosie should be singing her praises; more.

47 | Inside the Home

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GALLERY W

A St. Petersburg couple finds the perfect home in a two-story duplex inside the Signature High Rise downtown. We take a look at their amazing view, their design ideas and why downtown living is suited for gay couples. As partners in stéted Interiors, Steve Kodsi and Ted Maines will design your home, office or commercial space. But in difficult times, they also offer inspiration for how to design your life.

44 / ORLANDO OVERHEARD

56 / TRANSITIONS

58 / CLASSIFIEDS

59 / SPORTS

60 / GOSSIP

watermark | preview

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

editor’sdesk G

roots in 2001. There is no other way to explain the terrorist attacks on the od speaks to us in different ways. No longer does the All Knowing relay messages in the form of a burning bush or via an angel dressed in World Trade Center.

It’s time to contact our legislators and the presidents of the networks and white. Those tactics are too subtle. demand these shows cease production immediately. How many more natural Today, God uses massive force, natural disasters and the power of the 24/7 disasters can we take before we see the light? news media machine.

Of course, everything I’ve talked about to this point is ridiculous. But if you As I sat watching the unfolding drama surrounding the horrific earthquake replace “reality television” with “gays,” “lesbians” or “transgender people,” and tsunami that devastated Japan earlier this month, I could only think one you have people echoing “Amen” and contacting legislators about restricting thing: “God is one pissed off entity.” the rights of fellow citizens.

It’s obvious that the Creator is upset about something. But why would God So far, the typical insane accusations that LGBTs are to blame for Japan’s do such a thing? What has mankind done to deserve such an awful rebuke? It’s natural disaster haven’t hit the mainstream media. Glenn Beck came close really not that hard to figure out. The cause of the tragedy is staring us in the by alluding to Jesus’ second coming in a recent face every time we turn on our hi-def televisions. broadcast—but even the weepy Fox News talk show The reason behind the Almighty unleashing the host seemed to understand the ridiculousness of combined forces that has turned Japan’s coast into a I could only think one pinning natural disasters on the lapels of a group of wasteland is obvious—reality television. You simply people.

Steve Blanchard can’t argue with the facts. thing: “God is one Honestly, I’m surprised more people haven’t Face it, there’s only so much even the Being Upstairs EDITOR pissed off entity.”

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com can handle. It’s hard to pin down exactly what broke blamed us for the Japanese calamity. Remember, it was Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell who the camel’s back, so to say. But it has to be either Paula tried to convince their followers that our community Abdul’s new reality dance show or the addition of yet (along with feminists and abortionists) caused the Al Qaeda attacks on Sept. another Real Housewives spin-off that caused the supernatural temper tantrum.

Apparently, the number seven—as in seven versions of the show about spoiled, 11. It was also those same two who said Hurricane Katrina was God’s way of punishing the city for hosting Southern Decadence, the overwhelmingly rich housewives struggling to keep up appearances—isn’t such a lucky number popular gay celebration held in the late summer. after all.

Those arguments are just as ridiculous as my arguments here about reality If we would just listen to God and discontinue these shows, we wouldn’t television. It’s easy to make sense of chaos when you have people willing to have such disasters. And it’s not like we weren’t warned. hate someone—or something—so readily.

Remember, we were punished for the evils of reality television way back God, I would hope, has plenty to keep him (or her) busy. I’d like to think when the first “unscripted” series debuted in 1992. the Creator of the Universe is busiest now leading us to help those who are It was The Real World that first invaded our homes in May of that year. suffering after the earthquake rather than pointing fingers at mere mortals who It isn't a coincidence that only three short months later, Hurricane Andrew have no control over the Earth’s natural fault lines. slammed into the southern part of our own state, causing damage in the millions and killing unsuspecting Floridians. The facts speak or themselves— I’m not a reality television fan, but I’m pretty confident God isn’t punishing us God is unhappy with unscripted television. for last season’s The Bachelor. If only claims that gays were to blame for disasters God struck again when that original MTV series returned to its New York were just as universally laughable, the world would be a much better place. | l |

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watermark | the big story

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While she was a City Council member, Rose Ferlita verbally backed Mayor Pam Iorio’s domestic partnership benefits for gay couples. | Photo by Nick Cardello

Bob Buckhorn was part of former mayor Sandy Freeman’s staff, which created the city’s first inclusive Human Rights Ordinance. | Photo by Nick Cardello

steve blanchard

AN ELECTION CONUNDRUM

Tampa mayoral candidates’ strong support makes for tough decisions this election

T

ampa | Carl Slifer faces a conundrum.

The Tampa resident wants to vote in the upcoming mayoral election March 22—but he’s still undecided as to who will receive his vote. Rose Ferlita, he says, has a strong track record of fiscal responsibility and leadership, but Bob Buckhorn appears to have a more clear-cut vision for the future of the city.

“Honestly, I don’t usually have to look at the finer points in an election because I can vote for the person who will most respect the gay community,” Slifer said. “But this is a tough call.”

In interviews with Watermark, both Ferlita and Buckhorn said they support LGBT causes and that they admire outgoing Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio’s work in bringing equality to the city. Iorio incorporated domestic partnership benefits, for example, when she first took office in 2003.

“I was [former mayor] Sandy Freeman’s assistant for eight years when we passed the original Human Rights Ordinance,” Buckhorn recalls. “I have also stayed in the fight and plan to continue doing everything I can to move equality forward—including all of Pam’s initiatives.”

For Ferlita, watching Iorio enact the

Domestic Partnership policy in 2003 wasn’t enough. She wanted to voice her support for it as a city council member.

“I could have kept quiet, but at the next meeting I said, ‘This is not something legislative. Pam put in an executive order and I wanted to say I endorse what she did.’ There is no place in my record for anything I believe in that shows just because someone is gay he or she should not get the same rights. I just don’t believe that.”

For those who are afraid that the candidates will use LGBTs as a wedge issues in the final days of the campaign, both say that’s not in their nature.

“There is no room for wedges in fairness,” says Ferlita during an interview in her campaign headquarters. “I’m so strong about that … and I believe in this. I practice what I preach and with me as mayor, there will be zero inequality.”

Buckhorn, who was a city councilman from 1995 to 2003, says he would keep Iorio’s policies intact if he were elected mayor.

The county issue City and county government are two different entities. But for many LGBTs, Tampa gained the wrong kind of attention

in 2005 when former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms led a crusade to ban LGBT Pride displays and events in the county.

“I don’t trust the county,” says Greg Aerostan, who lives in north Tampa. “Ever since Ronda Storms went crazy, I avoid the county parks and any county events. I can’t forgive them.”

Aerostan says that he and his partner both plan to vote for Ferlita in the upcoming election because of her vocal support for LGBT rights in the past. Buckhorn, they say, doesn’t have the track record.

“I don’t know that much about his social stances,” Aerostan says. “I’ve never seen him at any LGBT events, but Rose is always around showing her support. I was excited when she won the March 1 election.”

Ferlita finished just two percentage points ahead of Buckhorn in that election. The two beat Ed Turanchik, Thomas Scott and former mayor Dick Greco to advance to the runoff.

The county’s Gay Pride ban, which is still in effect, prevents shows of LGBT pride—ranging from parades to library book displays—from happening on county property.

Fortunately, events have been able to move Continued on page 11 | uu |

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Day 365 I have saved $1800 on my KALETRA regimen

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You can save on KALETRA PLUS your other HIV medications now!* Get a KALETRA PLUS Card. • Ask

your doctor • Call 1- 877- 220 -3829 or • Visit PositivePartnershipProgram.com *Eligibility restrictions apply. See card for details. Medication coverage must be part of your KALETRA-based regimen.

Use KALETRA is a prescription anti-HIV-1 medicine called a protease inhibitor that contains lopinavir and ritonavir. KALETRA is used with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to increase the chance of treatment response in people with human immunodeďŹ ciency virus (HIV-1) infection.

It is not known if KALETRA is safe and effective in children under 14 days old.

KALETRA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and does not stop you from passing HIV-1 to others. You may still get opportunistic infections or other conditions that happen with HIV-1.

KALETRA Safety Considerations Do not take KALETRA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including lopinavir or ritonavir. Do not take KALETRA with certain medicines, as they can cause serious problems, death, or make KALETRA less effective against HIV. Some patients taking KALETRA can develop inammation of the pancreas and liver problems, which can cause death. Patients may develop changes in heart rhythm, large increases in triglycerides and cholesterol, diabetes, high blood sugar, changes in body fat, and/or increased bleeding in people with hemophilia. Some patients may develop signs and symptoms of serious infections they already have after starting anti-HIV medicines. Please see Brief Summary for more details.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) or (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.

For additional information about KALETRA, call 1-866-KALETRA (1-866-525-3872) or visit KALETRA.com.

Please see Brief Summary on adjacent pages.

Model is for illustrative purposes only. Š2010 Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park, IL 60064 039-418109 August 2010 Printed in U.S.A.

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KALETRA® (kuh-LEE-tra) (lopinavir/ritonavir) Tablets KALETRA® (kuh-LEE-tra) (lopinavir/ritonavir) Oral Solution Patient Information What is the most important information I should know about KALETRA? KALETRA may cause serious side effects, including: • Interactions with other medicines.

It is important to know the medicines that should not be taken with KALETRA. Read the section “What should I tell my doctor before taking KALETRA?” • Changes in your heart rhythm and the electrical activity of your heart. These changes may be seen on an EKG (electrocardiogram) and can lead to serious heart problems. Your risk for these problems may be higher if you: ° already have a history of abnormal heart rhythm or other types of heart disease. ° take other medicines that can affect your heart rhythm while you take KALETRA. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms while taking KALETRA: • dizziness • lightheadedness • fainting • sensation of abnormal heartbeats See the section below “What are the possible side effects of KALETRA?” for more information about serious side effects.

Read the Medication Guide that comes with KALETRA before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

You and your doctor should talk about your treatment with KALETRA before you start taking it and at regular check-ups. You should stay under your doctor’s care when taking KALETRA.

Who should not take KALETRA? • Do not take KALETRA if you are taking certain medicines. For more information about medicines you should not take with KALETRA, please see “Can I take other medicines with KALETRA?” and consult with your doctor about all other medicines you take.

• Do not take KALETRA if you have an allergy to KALETRA or any of its ingredients, including ritonavir and lopinavir.

What should I tell my doctor before taking KALETRA?

KALETRA may not be right for you.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have any heart problems, including if you have a condition called Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

• have liver problems, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. • have diabetes.

• have hemophilia. People who take KALETRA may have increased bleeding.

• have low potassium in your blood.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KALETRA will harm your unborn baby. Birth control pills or patches may not work as well while you take KALETRA. To prevent pregnancy while taking KALETRA, women who take birth control pills or use estrogen patch for birth control should either use a different type of birth What is KALETRA? control or an extra form of birth control.

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent KALETRA is a prescription anti-HIV pregnancy while taking KALETRA. medicine that contains two medicines: lopinavir and ritonavir. KALETRA is called • take KALETRA during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about how you can a protease inhibitor that is used with other take part in an antiretroviral pregnancy anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people with registry. The purpose of the pregnancy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) registry is to follow the health of you infection. HIV-1 is the virus that causes and your baby.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency • are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed if Syndrome). you are taking KALETRA. You should not It is not known if KALETRA is safe and breast-feed if you have HIV-1. If you are effective in children under 14 days old.

03-A387-Kaletra-CB-7.25x10.5(3).indd 1

CONSUMER BRIEF SUMMARY CONSULT PACKAGE INSERT FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

a woman who has or will have a baby while taking KALETRA, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby. If your baby does not already have HIV-1, there is a chance that HIV-1 can be passed to your baby through your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines interact with KALETRA. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor can tell you if it is safe to take KALETRA with other medicines. Your doctor may need to change the dose of other medicines while you take KALETRA.

Medicines you should not take with KALETRA. Serious problems or death can happen if you take these medicines with KALETRA: • ergot containing medicines, including: ° ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot, Ergomar, Ergostat, Medihaler Ergotamine, Wigraine, Wigrettes) mesylate ° dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex, Migranal®) ° ergonovine, ergonovine and methylergonovine (Ergotrate, Methergine), ergotamine and methylergonovine ° Ergotrate Maleate, methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) • triazolam (Halcion®), midazolam hydrochloride oral syrup • pimozide (Orap®) • the cholesterol lowering medicines lovastatin (Mevacor®) or simvastatin (Zocor®) • sildenafil (Revatio®) only when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. (See “Medicines that may need changes” and “What are the

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possible side effects of Kaletra?” for information about the use of sildenafil for erectile problems.)

• alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) Medicines that you should not take with KALETRA since they may make KALETRA not work as well: • the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) • rifampin (Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater®, or Rifamate®) Medicines that may need changes: • birth control pills that contain estrogen (“the pill”) or the birth control (contraceptive) patches • certain anticancer medicines, such as nilotinib (Tasigna®) and dasatinib (Sprycel®) • certain cholesterol lowering medicines, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) or rosuvastatin (Crestor®) • certain other antiretroviral medicines, such as efavirenz (Atripla® and Sustiva®), nevirapine (Viramune®), amprenavir (Agenerase®) and nelfinavir (Viracept®) • anti-seizure medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin®) carbamazepine, (Tegretol®), phenobarbital • medicines for erectile problems, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) • medicines for tuberculosis (TB), such as rifabutin (Mycobutin®) • inhaled steroid medicines, such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase®) • inhaled medicines such as salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol in combination with fluticasone propionate (Advair®). Your doctor may need to change to a different medicine • medicines for gout, such as colchicine (Colcrys®) • medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as bosentan (Tracleer®) or tadalafil (Adcirca®) • pain medicines, such as fentanyl (Duragesic®, IonsysTM, Fentora®) and methadone If you are not sure if you are taking a medicine above, ask your doctor.

• KALETRA tablets can be taken with or without food.

• If you are taking both Videx® (didanosine) and KALETRA: ° didanosine can be taken at the same time as KALETRA tablets, without food. ° take didanosine either one hour before or two hours after taking KALETRA oral solution.

• Do not miss a dose of KALETRA. This could make the virus harder to treat. If you forget to take KALETRA, take the missed dose right away. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, follow your regular dosing schedule by taking your next dose at its regular time. Do not take more than one dose of KALETRA at one time.

• If you take more than the prescribed dose of KALETRA, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away.

• Take KALETRA oral solution with food to help it work better.

• If KALETRA is being used for your child, tell your doctor if your child’s weight changes.

• KALETRA should not be given one time each day in children. When giving KALETRA to your child, give KALETRA exactly as prescribed.

• KALETRA oral solution contains a large amount of alcohol. ° If a young child drinks more than the recommended dose, it could make them sick from too much alcohol.

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away.

Talk with your doctor if you take ° or plan to take metronidazole or disulfiram. You can have severe nausea and vomiting if you take these medicines with KALETRA. • When your KALETRA supply starts to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy. It is important not to run out of KALETRA. The amount of HIV-1 virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may become resistant to KALETRA and become harder to treat.

How should I take KALETRA? • KALETRA can be taken with acid • Take KALETRA every day exactly as reducing agents used for heartburn or prescribed by your doctor. reflux such as omeprazole (Prilosec®) • It is very important to set up a dosing and ranitidine (Zantac® ) with no dose schedule and follow it every day. adjustment.

• Do not change your treatment or stop • KALETRA should not be administered treatment without first talking with your once daily in combination with doctor. carbamazepine (Tegretol® and Epitol®), • Swallow KALETRA tablets whole. Do phenobarbital (Luminal®), or phenytoin not chew, break, or crush KALETRA (Dilantin®). tablets.

03-A387-Kaletra-CB-7.25x10.5(3).indd 2

Avoid doing things that can spread HIV infection. KALETRA does not stop you from passing HIV infection to others. Do not share needles, other injection equipment or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

What are the possible side effects of KALETRA? KALETRA can cause serious side effects.

• See “What is the most important information I should know about KALETRA?” • Liver problems. Liver problems, including death, can happen in people who take KALETRA. Blood tests in people who take KALETRA may show possible liver problems. People with liver disease such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C who take KALETRA may have worsening liver disease. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: ° loss of appetite ° yellow skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) ° dark-colored urine ° pale colored stools, itchy skin ° stomach area (abdominal) pain.

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Some people who take KALETRA get inflammation of the pancreas which may be serious and cause death. You have a higher chance of getting pancreatitis if you have had it before. Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while taking KALETRA. These may be signs of pancreatitis.

• Increases in certain fat (triglycerides and cholesterol) levels in your blood. Large increases of triglycerides and cholesterol can be seen in blood test results of some people who take KALETRA. The longterm chance of getting complications such as heart attacks or stroke due to increases in triglycerides and cholesterol caused by protease inhibitors is not known at this time.

• Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people who take protease inhibitors including KALETRA get new or more serious diabetes, or high blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking KALETRA.

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• Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat in some people who take antiretroviral therapy. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the trunk.

Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.

• Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including KALETRA. • Increased risk of certain problems when you take medicines used for the treatment of erectile problems such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) with KALETRA: ° low blood pressure. If you get dizzy or faint, you need to lie down.

Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, or have fainting spells. ° vision changes. Tell your doctor right away if you have vision changes. ° penis erection lasting more than 4 hours. If you are a male and have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical help right away to avoid permanent damage to your penis. Your doctor can explain these symptoms to you.

• Allergic reactions. Skin rashes, some of them severe, can occur in people who take KALETRA. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a rash when you took another medicine for your HIV infection or if you notice any skin rash when you take KALETRA. Common side effects of KALETRA include:

How should I store KALETRA?

polyethylene glycol 400, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, KALETRA tablets: polyethylene glycol 3350, yellow ferric • Store KALETRA tablets at room oxide 172, and polysorbate 80. temperature, between 59°F to 86°F KALETRA 100 mg lopinavir and (15°C to 30°C).

• Do not keep KALETRA tablets out of the 25 mg ritonavir tablets: copovidone, sorbitan monolaurate, colloidal silicon container it comes in for longer than dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The 2 weeks, especially in areas where film coating contains: polyvinyl alcohol, there is a lot of humidity. Keep the titanium dioxide, talc, polytheylene glycol container closed tightly.

3350, and yellow ferric oxide E172.

KALETRA oral solution: KALETRA oral solution: acesulfame • Store KALETRA oral solution in a refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F (2°C potassium, alcohol, artificial cotton candy flavor, citric acid, glycerin, high to 8°C). KALETRA oral solution that is kept refrigerated may be used until the fructose corn syrup, Magnasweet-110 flavor, menthol, natural and artificial expiration date printed on the label. vanilla flavor, peppermint oil, polyoxyl • KALETRA oral solution that is stored at 40 hydrogenated castor oil, povidone, room temperature (less than 77°F or 25°C) should be used within 2 months. propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and • Keep KALETRA away from high heat. water.

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watermark | the big story

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

11

“If Rose Ferlita loses this race, “the lGBt community the gay community also loses. is an integral part of who we are If I win, the gay community wins.” as a city.”

— R o s e F e R l I ta

—BoB BuckhoRn

| uu | Tampa County Mayor from p.6

forward within Tampa’s city limits.

But in the age of cost-cutting economics, some politicos have suggested Tampa merge its Parks and Recreation Department with that of Hillsborough County—meaning all park areas would be under the ban.

Neither candidate foresees that merge in their respective futures as mayor.

“Let me be clear: I am no Ronda Storms,” Rose Ferlita says. “I never thought that was a good policy. I can see the benefits of the merge as far as equipment sharing, etc. But I’d never allow that to go forward.

“The City of Tampa under my watch would never abide by what is in Hillsborough. I think that is a blatant discrimination of rights for the gay community.”

Buckhorn says that the move by Hillsborough County to ban gay pride was political and was the “lowest common denominator” of politics.

“We as a city want to celebrate our diversity,” Buckhorn says. “It’s a strength for us and it gives us a competitive advantage.”

The GaYbor connection Walking through Ybor City, it’s clear that the community has a divided opinion as to who should be Tampa’s next Mayor. Signs dotting the popular historic area showcase Ferlita’s green and black signs and Buckhorn’s signs with black lettering on an orange background.

“It‘s pretty evenly split,” says Carla Vaughan, who works at the Ritz Ybor. “I think people here are drawn to both candidates.”

The renaissance of Ybor City, thanks to the formation in 2008 of the GaYbor Coalition, has brought praise from Tampa’s leadership.

Iorio was consistently present at openings of new businesses and the coalition honored her at a special luncheon last year.

According to one-time city council candidate Carrie West, who opened MC Film Festival along with his partner of 33 years.

Mark Bias in the now-popular area, more than 20 new businesses have opened in the district since the organization formed.

Only a few empty storefronts remain.

Buckhorn is thrilled with the progress made in the area and praises West and Bias for their leadership and entrepreneurship.

“I’ve been impressed with how organized they are and what they have brought in as capital,” Buckhorn says. “They’ve asked so little from the government and this was a move entirely self-initiated by a group of entrepreneurs.”

The improvements to the area are also impressive to Ferlita, who was raised in Ybor City.

“It’s fantastic and I’m a supporter,” Ferlita says. “I have a building there where someone is going to open a business. When she decided to open it, she and I went to the GaYbor meeting and she became a member. GaYbor has revitalized Ybor City.”

As of press time, the coalition had not officially endorsed a candidate, and members riding on the GaYbor St. Patrick’s Day float on March 12 donned buttons and stickers for both candidates.

A sign hanging in the storefront of West and Bias’ popular store, however, belongs to Buckhorn.

“I think that speaks volumes,” Buckhorn says about his sign. “I’m so proud of these guys and that organization for what they’ve accomplished. Ultimately, it’s about economic development.”

Ferlita believes she has support from many GaYbor members as well, but her Republican affiliation in previous campaigns (Tampa

City Council and Hillsborough County Commission) makes some LGBT business owners uneasy. Any party affiliation does not define her social stances, she says.

“I understand through hearsay that some of the GaYbor members are going to support my opposition,” Ferlita says. “I hear the reasoning is they felt that since Rose Ferlita is a Republican that the gay community will not be respected or not be taken care of. That’s hurtful, given what I’ve shown and what I do and what I believe in.”

Ferlita added that right-wing Republicans are not “crazy about Rose Ferlita” because of her stance on social issues, but she is proud of her liberal social stances.

“If Rose Ferlita loses this race, the gay community also loses,” says Ferlita, who describes herself as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. “If I win, the gay community wins.”

The mayoral race is non-partisan.

Doing homework So the problem remains—which candidate should the LGBT community support? Both candidates say they’d be visible at LGBT events and that equality is at the forefront of their campaigns.

“It’s frustrating, but in a good way,” Slifer laughs. “I actually feel like a mainstream voter this election. For once I have to look at the issues rather than simply voting for the person who isn’t an asshole.”

Ferlita encourages LGBTs to research her policies and to “do their homework.”

“I’ve done my homework and I think the gay community needs to do its homework

about me. You will find that Ferlita is the real deal and if they vote for me, they won’t be sorry.”

Buckhorn says he would invite the LGBT community to voice their concerns to his mayor’s office.

“I want [the LGBT community’s] passion and energy,” he says. “I want them to feel they have a seat at the table and that they are invested in not just me, but the vision, hopes and aspirations of the entire community. The LGBT community is an integral part of who we are as a city.”

While Slifer may be conflicted, the candidates say they are very different when it comes to what they have planned for the city of Tampa.

“It’s in what others are saying,” Buckhorn says. “Everyone who looks at those plans we rolled out four or five months ago—and the plans she rolled out after people voted—seem to favor my plan. I think the test is this: is my plan credible? Yes, it’s head and shoulders above [Ferlita’s]. It’s detailed enough that people can hold me accountable.”

Ferlita says her business experience and familiarity with the city makes her the better choice.

“Pam has left us in great shape financially, but you have to build on that,” Ferlita says.

“In these times, the mayor should be focused on the needs, not the wants, of the citizens.

But I want it to be a fun time and not all doom and gloom. You take care of business first and engage the arts. Amenities downtown are important and the diversity is our fiber.”

Slifer admits he has a lot of reading to do.

“I’m on both candidates’ websites all the time to read what they’re all about,” he says.

“Fortunately, I think whoever is elected will be an asset to the LGBT community and for the first time in my life, I’m not afraid to watch the election results.” | l |

12

watermark | orlando news

| March 17 - 30, 2011

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Altamonte Springs | A Central Florida man who pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to gay charities but never followed through is now facing federal charges in an alleged housing scam.

Curtis Sutton, also known as Curtis Kilgallen, has been indicted on federal charges of misrepresenting Social Security information. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the 23-year old raised some red flags with his elaborate back story involving the Etch-A-Sketch fortune and a recently deceased US Senator father when he was trying to purchase a $3 million home in Altamonte Springs.

The information provided to the real-estate broker allegedly included a false Social Security number, a Georgia driver’s license, and a fake statement of assets and liabilities giving Sutton a net worth of more than $160 million, the Sentinel reported. Sutton also allegedly tried to buy a home in early January by telling the previous owner that he made more than $7,000 dollars a week running his own company. He was allowed to live in the home until the real-estate agent discovered the ruse and threatened to call the police unless he left the home immediately.

On March 9, a grand jury indicted Sutton on two counts.

Orlando’s gay community is no stranger to Sutton’s schemes. He’s reportedly pledged more than $1 million to local non-profits, including The Center and the Zebra Coalition.

According to Randy Stephens,

The Center’s executive director, Sutton posed as a doctor and offered to help cover some financial costs of hosting the Miss Gay Days pageant, then offered to pay for more than The gay community is $100,000 in familiar with Chris Sutton’s schemes, and now he faces improvements federal charges. on The Center’s headquarters building.

Stephens said last autumn, Sutton frequently visited The Center wearing stethoscopes and lab scrubs but Stephens felt “uneasy.”

“We wanted to believe in him, but when he showed up with his doctor’s kit and offered to give free checkups in the library I had to put my foot down,” he said.

When Sutton’s back story failed to check out, Stephens said he told Sutton he would no longer entertain any more involvement with The Center.

In addition, while attending the Diva Invasion event in November 2010, Sutton reportedly wrote a fake $50,000 check for the Zebra Coalition and pledged more than $1 million dollars to their charity over the next few years. Finally, Stephens said Sutton promised to donate special t-shirts for a local gay youth group and ordered them, but charged the shirts to The Center.

Sutton is now facing up to five years in prison in the housing scam charges. | l |

briefs Seminole Stroll raises $66K A record-breaking Seminole Stroll raised $66,000 for the Hope and Health Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Last year’s total was $27,000. Event manager Julie Noda said about 350 walkers and volunteers participated and chairpersons Rob Domenico and Jenny Brouillard led the event to its highest total yet. It was the Seminole Stroll’s 6th year. Previously, the event was called the Sanford Stroll.

Yard Sale benefits The Center One man’s trash became The Center’s treasure at a recent yard sale that raised more than $1,400. Randy Stephens,

executive director of The Center, said dozens of people donated thousands of items which filled The Center’s parking lot. He said board member Ryan Salyer was the chief organizer of the event.

Kushner pulls out of Rollins event Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner has canceled an appearance at Rollins College via The Winter Park Institute.

The man behind Angels in America was scheduled to speak April 12 and 13. Kushner’s spokesperson sent his apologies and cited personal matters as the reasons behind his cancellation.

watermark | orlando news

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

13

No “flash mob” for AIDS Walk

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the dance performance.

“If [Hope and Help feels] uncomfortable, then that’s what the issue is and I don’t want to interfere with what they’re trying to do,” Stewart said.

Both Ross and Stewart confirmed there was a corporate sponsor involved, but they both declined to discuss who it is. They also declined to say how much money was on the table because they said a deal is still in the works with another non-profit organization, and leaking details might jeopardize the new agreement. Ross said he’s “disappointed” that Hope and Help turned down the corporate donation.

“I guarantee you Hope and Help is not saying to Disney [and] Universal that they can’t bring 500 people,” Ross said. “They’re saying it to the team leader who helped bring the largest amount of money ever to the AIDS Walk. I have to think it’s personal.

I hope that no other team leader is being told ‘Don’t bring too many people, don’t try to have a lot of spirit and entertain the people around you.’”

King denies that the number of walkers was discussed.

“By the way, his team of 1,000 walkers wasn’t even a mention,” she said. “Anybody can come and walk. The more the merrier.”

She added that there are both space and liability concerns.

“We have people there, we have pets there, it’s just not the place,” King said. “The AIDS Walk is all about awareness, not about a flash mob. It’s about raising money and awareness about AIDS and that’s the agency’s standpoint.”

Ross has decided not to participate in the AIDS Walk at all this year.

“It’s clear Hope and Help has a lot of volunteers helping them,” he said. “At this point, I think it would be a distraction to create a team.”

King called rumors that Ross was asked not to participate at all “ridiculous.”

To see video from the Mall of Millenia flash mob at WatermarkOnline.com. | l |

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Orlando | A disagreement over a flash mob has led to the leader of last year’s topfundraising AIDS Walk team to step down from the event.

In 2010, Randy Ross’ team “The Real Biatches of Orange County,” raised more than $50,000 for the AIDS Walk, which is Hope and Help Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Hope and Help provides HIV/ AIDS services to those infected and affected in the Central Florida area.

On Jan. 29, Ross teamed up with former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart and other community leaders to organize an organized dance routine promoting tourism at the Mall of Millenia. Ross approached Hope and Help Development Director Maggie King with the idea to do a second “flash mob” at the AIDS Walk event, boasting a corporate sponsor who would make a donation to the organization.

“I begged him not to take the attention off of AIDS and the reason everyone is there,” King said. “If [he] really wanted to help Hope and Help, [he’d] do the flash mob a week before and use it as a PSA for the AIDS Walk.”

King said the meeting was very positive but “where it went from there I don’t know.”

Ross said he “didn’t expect that they weren’t going to embrace [the flash mob idea].”

He admitted that he could see how the organized dance could potentially upstage the walk, but thought the trade-off in bringing 1,000 people—the number Ross said he expected to participate in the flash mob—would offset that. He said he also planned to ask each participant to make a $5 minimum donation to Hope and Help.

“We decided to step away,” he said.

“Obviously, fundraising in our community is easier than what I think it is. I’m not upset but I’m disappointed. We’re still doing a flash mob, just not as an [AIDS Walk] team.”

Stewart said they readily agreed to move

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watermark | tampa bay news

| March 17 - 30, 2011

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Lakeland | It was four years ago, March 14, that Patricia and Lynn Mulder’s son was murdered simply because he was gay.

Ryan Keith Skipper was 25 when he was stabbed to death inside his car outside of Winter Haven. Today, his parents are still collecting money to start a scholarship in their son’s name. They are $2,000 shy of reaching their goal.

According to filmmaker Vicki Nantz, who created the documentary Accessory to Murder, the Mulders need to raise the $2,000 to reach a base amount allowing them to dispense the scholarship money.

Donations may be sent to: The Ryan Keith Skipper Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, 4720 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33813.

In 2009, nearly two years after Skipper’s death, Joseph Bearden and William Brown Jr. were both sentenced to life in prison for the murder.

“Ryan’s horrific death was a seminal event in the lives of many who loved him,” Nantz said. “It was also a seminal event in my life because prior to that day I didn’t really bang

the drum very loudly about antigay hate.”

Since then, Nantz, who lives in Orlando with her wife, has become an outspoken advocate to battle anti-gay hatred.

“When I Ryan Keith Skipper learned of Ryan’s death I knew that my silence was unacceptable and wrong, and now I make noise,” she said. “I bang the drum for Ryan, and for his wonderful parents and brother, and for his friends, all of whom were robbed of a generous and kind presence in this world.”

Unfortunately, the murder of Skipper and the trials of his killers were just part of the ensuing story. Comments Polk County Sheriff Judd made about the murder were seen as homophobic by many and Skipper’s death stayed below the radar of many news outlets.

For more information on the foundation or on the documentary, visit RyanSkipperDocumentary.com. | l |

Anti-gay appointment prompts resignation from Hillsborough Human Relations Board steve blanchard Tampa | As word spreads about the appointment of anti-gay activist Terry Kemple to Hillsborough County’s Human Relations Board, more residents are getting angry—and one board member has resigned.

Patrick DeMarco announced his resignation March 1 in a letter sent to the entire Human Relations Board—a board created to protect the rights of all area citizens.

“The reason for my resignation is that I cannot, in good conscience, participate on the same Board which now includes another member who has dedicated himself to public campaigns of bigotry and discrimination against gay and lesbian citizens of this community,” DeMarco wrote in his letter addressed to Board Director, Camille Blake.

Kemple has opposed equal protection laws for LGBT citizens several times in his career.

For years he tried to block anti-bullying and non-discrimination protections in local schools and the creation of Gay-Straight Alliances in Hillsborough Schools.

Most recently, while running for the Hillsborough County School Board, Kemple required donors to check a box declaring that they do not support LGBT initiatives.

“I can accept the fact that our Board is composed of a wide variety of people who come from different backgrounds and who

hold varying points of view,” DeMarco wrote.

“However, it is my belief that it is unacceptable and unconscionable to allow someone who has openly advocated and worked for laws and policies that promote prejudice against a significant portion of our population.”

According to Equality Florida, more than 800 Hillsborough residents have contacted the County Commission to complain about Kemple’s appointment. Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s executive director, said that having someone like Kemple in a role that is supposed to protect rights doesn’t make sense.

“People are speaking up because they are outraged by the appointment of someone who opposes equality, the very thing this board is supposed to represent,” Smith said.

So far, there’s no indication that the county will undo its appointment of Kemple.

Kemple had the approval of commissioners Victor Crist, Ken Hagan, Al Higginbotham, Sandy Murman and Mark Sharpe.

Commissioners Les Miller and Kevin Beckner voted against the appointment.

In the closing remarks of his resignation letter, DeMarco asked, “How can we retain the respect and support of our community if we accept as a member someone whose philosophy is directly opposed to these values of basic human equality?” | l |

watermark | tampa bay news

Metro to celebrate new location staff report Tampa | Shortly before the New Year, Metro Wellness and Community Centers quietly opened its new location at 1315 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City. The agency, which serves four counties, is now ready to celebrate its new location on Saturday, April 2.

“It offers the same services as our prior Tampa office,” said Tracy Rader, executive assistant with the organization.

“It’s a duplication of what we do in St. Petersburg.”

The Metro Wellness offices on both sides of the bay and is a comprehensive social service agency serving HIVaffected and infected people and families in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. More than 3,000 people utilize the non-profit’s substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, counseling and case management offerings throughout the area.

The grand opening reception is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 9:30 p.m.

Tours of the new facility and

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

entertainment are expected. A press release also said refreshments—including champagne—will be available along with a silent auction. Featured speakers are expected to address those attending at 8 p.m.

The grand opening is open to the public.

Metro Wellness and Community Centers is the largest HIV/AIDS service organization in West Central Florida and among the third largest in the state. In addition to medical case management for those infected with or affected by Florida’s HIV and AIDS epidemic, the agency provides prevention services for at risk populations, including teens and

17

young adults, minority women, inmates and ex-offenders. Services include free HIV testing throughout the community, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and extensive education and counseling programs.

For a calendar of events and more information, visit MetroCharities.org or call 813-232-3808. | l |

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watermark | sarasota news

New post to bring more diversity to Venice Theatre staff report Sarasota | Venice Theatre has a reputation for bringing cutting edge and diverse shows to its stage. Now, the popular downtown attraction has someone to bring even more diversity into its auditorium.

Kristofer Geddie is the new Director of Diversity at Venice Theatre and plans to expand the organization’s audience by diversifying programming.

“I am reaching out to as many organizations

and individuals as possible,” Geddie said in an e-mail.

Adding more multi-cultural productions and broadening the theater’s educational and outreach programming is part of Geddie’s strategy.

“These are the first steps and ideas we have,” he said. “But by no means are we limited to this. I would love to have a roundtable discussion here at some point soon.”

For more information on outreach programs and show schedules, visit VeniceStage.com. | l |

Sarasota Film Festival to offer ‘queer screenings’ staff report

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Sarasota | The 2011 Sarasota Film Festival will have a few new features this year, including a collection of “queer screenings” dotting the schedule’s landscape.

According to the festival’s director of programming, Holly Herrick, the half-dozen LGBT-themed films are an attempt to not only broaden the festival’s audience, but to promote an upcoming summer event.

“We are actually hoping that our screenings will serve as a promotional kick off for

the brand new Fabulous Independent Film Festival, a GLBTQ fest that will take place this coming summer,” Herrick said. “We will announce news and promotions about the Fabulous Fest at our back to back screenings of two queer-themed films.”

The SFF will screen Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same on Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m. The film 3 begins at 8 p.m. The festival’s closing night film, Beginners, is also heavy on LGBT themes, according to Herrick.

For more information on the festival or for a full schedule, visit SarasotaFilmFestival.com. | l |

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Wilton Manors doctor found dead norm kent Wilton Manors | Jeffrey S. Caron, M.D., the Director of Urgent Care of Wilton Manors suddenly passed away. He would have been 45-years-old March 21.

His offices served the predominantly gay clientele of Wilton Manors.

He was a Board Certified Family Practitioner who had a special interest in Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine, as well as Cosmetic and Aesthetic Procedures. Dr. Caron was born and raised on the coast of Maine, but lived in Hollywood, Fla., where his body was discovered March 13. No foul play is suspected, authorities said.

Prior to relocating to Florida, Dr. Caron worked for 10 years as a firefighter and EMT, as well as serving three years as a police officer in Thomaston, Me. Dr. Caron graduated in 1988 from Bates College with a B.S. in Biology and bragged about his experiences as a former Eagle scout. While there he worked for four years as a student sports medicine trainer.

In 1993 he graduated from the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine, Burlington, Vt. with his M.D. He then moved to Orlando to perform his internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Emergency Medicine.

From there Dr. Caron went to Tennessee for his three year residency at the University of Tennessee Memphis in Family Medicine.

Dr. Caron returned to Florida in 2001 with his partner to work at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines as one of their Emergency Medicine Physicians.

They lived together until 2006, when they separated.

Dr. Caron is survived by his brother, Chris, and two sisters, Heather and Shelly, who all live in Maine. He had two pets, a 10-year-old cocker spaniel, Sara, and a Yorkie, 6, named Tony. His former partner and friend of many years, Brian Humphreys, is caring for their safety. | l | Editor’s note: Norm Kent is the editor and publisher of South Florida Gay News and this article is used with permission

Bullied student will not sue jamie hyman Palm Coast | A Flagler County gay teenager is not suing his school district after a teacher singled him out for being gay.

Luke Herbert, 15, said his mother had planned to pursue a lawsuit against the Flagler County School District. In late February, the Herberts took their story to the media, claiming the freshman was cruelly bullied by another student and by a shop teacher.

The teacher would joke about “you can’t put Mountain Dew and Pepsi in the same fridge, or they’ll turn gay,” Herbert said. He said that joke was repeated several times, and the shop teacher would also mock Herbert’s mannerisms.

Additionally, Herbert said he was failing the class because he was unable to pass a safety course required in order to create woodshop projects.

“I believe I did pass,” he said.

When he brought the teacher’s behavior to the attention of school officials, Herbert said he was told the teacher is “an older gentleman and would be retiring in a year.”

Herbert said a guidance counselor claimed she wasn’t able to switch him out of that class, and every day he was sent to the school’s media center.

“That was their solution,” he said.

Herbert said ACLU attorney Shelbi Day advised them to back down from the lawsuit. Day did not return calls for comment. The school district also would not release details to the media.

“I felt I had to speak up because this wasn’t the first issue I had being discriminated against for my sexuality,” Herbert said. “I was attacked by a kid who used to call me a faggot and a flamer every day and the teachers didn’t do much about it.”

He said the other student also created a Facebook page about Herbert being gay, which two dozen other kids “liked.” He ate his lunch alone every day.

In the meantime, Herbert said that two weeks ago, the shop teacher and assistant principal apologized to him and his mother in a private meeting.

“They asked if I wanted a public apology and I said ‘Yes,’” Herbert said. “I don’t know why and I’m kind of upset that the school hasn’t gotten back to me about that.”

Herbert no longer attends Flagler Palm Coast High School. The plan is for him to take online classes via Florida Virtual Schools, but his enrollment process hasn’t been completed yet.

Herbert said he’s disappointed a lawsuit isn’t moving forward, but “I’m just happy to not be there any more. I hated going there; I really dreaded going.” | l |

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Speaker launches effort to defend gay marriage ban wire report Washington, D.C. | House Speaker John Boehner said March 4 that he is launching a legal defense by the House of the federal law against gay marriage, which President Barack Obama’s administration has concluded is unconstitutional.

“The constitutionality of this law should be determined by the courts—not by the president unilaterally,’’ the Ohio Republican said in a statement.

The Obama administration last month announced it would no longer defend the constitutionality of the federal law that bans recognition of gay marriage. Attorney General Eric Holder said the section of the 1996 law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. Nonetheless, he said the Justice Department would continue to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and it remains in effect.

Boehner said he would convene a group of bipartisan congressional leaders that has the authority to instruct the House counsel to represent the chamber in court.

Boehner said he was convening the panel

“for the purpose of initiating action by the House to defend this law.’’ But there was no immediate indication of specifically what action it would direct or when the group would meet.

Democrats on the panel were unlikely to support any defense of the law. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has lauded Obama’s decision to stop defending it as a “victory for civil rights, fairness and equality.’’

On Friday, she criticized the move as a costly burden on House staff.

“This is nothing more than a distraction from our most pressing challenges’’ such as creating jobs and reducing the federal deficit, she said.

DOMA defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, prevents the federal government from recognizing gay marriages and allows states to deny recognition of same-sex unions performed elsewhere.

The Government Accountability Office estimates that there are more than 1,000 provisions of federal law “in which benefits, rights and privileges are contingent on marital status or in which marital status is a factor.’’ | l |

Maryland gay marriage bill dies with no final vote wire report Annapolis, Md. | Maryland lawmakers had planned to vote on a bill legalizing gay marriage, but it was withdrawn Mar. 11 and effectively killed for the year.

House Speaker Michael Busch vowed that Democrats would try again next year to pass the legislation, but the intense lobbying by faith groups against the measure in recent weeks shows that it won’t be easy,

even in a state known for its liberal politics.

“The vote would have been very close, make no mistake about it,’’ said Busch, after the bill was referred back to committee..

A loose coalition of Democratic legislators failed to cobble together enough votes to overcome opposition from Republicans and religious groups, including the Catholic Church and many black congregations, to make Maryland the sixth U.S. state to legalize gay marriage. | l |

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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briefs Ark. transgender woman shot to death Authorities say a transgender woman found dead March 8 in Forrest City, Ark. was shot to death and then likely dragged under a vehicle as the killer drove away. Preliminary autopsy results show 25-year-old Marcal Camero Tye was shot in the head. An FBI spokesman says federal investigators are now looking into the death and whether it constitutes a civil rights violation—which could include a hate crime.

Standing-room only at RI gay marriage hearing Dozens of supporters and opponents testified March 10 on a bill to legalize samesex marriage in Rhode Island before a standing-room only crowd at the Statehouse

in Providence. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several hours of testimony on the measure while opponents of the bill lined the hallways outside the committee room. The Senate is seen as the main obstacle to passage of the legislation.

Lady Gaga ends deal with Target over gay issues Singer Lady Gaga has terminated an exclusive partnership agreement with Target to sell a deluxe edition of her new Born This Way album after the retail giant failed to adequately reform its policies towards the LGBT community. Gaga had conditioned the exclusive deal to Target’s “supporting the gay community and making up for past mistakes,” after it became public that Target made donations to an anti-gay gubernatorial candidate in 2010.

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“I applaud your decisiveness. Too many people these days are willing to let themselves be bullied into so many things by their partner. These days, at least where I live, it’s practically taboo to be single. That gets to peoples’ heads and they panic when they think that a relationship is ending. They don’t realize that it may be for the best and end up becoming a doormat. I honestly hope that things go better for you this time around, but if they don’t, I hope you can be just as assertive then as you were before.”

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I think I should be mad and upset, wondering out loud, ‘why?’ How could this have happened with all of us working together and so hard for a common goal that we all would have benefitted from, and felt good about?

Carrie West never faltered and is a gentleman. He never used bad mouthing to make him look better then the opponent. I never heard you say once “vote for me because I am queer” or in anyway use sex as a platform. You are the winner.

Now we must all let [newly elected District 5 councilman Frank] Reddick know we will support him and when he calls on us we will answer his call together.

Sammy Campisi Tampa

No DOMA optimism I read Steve Blanchard’s story [issue 18.05] about the purported Republican shift of that party’s leaders standing behind marriage equality with interest. While I do understand the optimistic approach conveyed in the article, I’m afraid we’re a long way from the GOP embracing us.

Maybe someday the Republicans will understand that equality is meant for everyone and not just the heterosexual citizens of the country. But the support of only a few Republicans shows that the Grand Old Party has a long way to go.

Gina Carrol Via email

Never gonna happen.

“Maybe someday the Republicans will understand that equality is meant for everyone and not just the heterosexual citizens of the country.”

—Gina CaRRol

Renewed anti-bullying efforts applauded Equality Florida applauds renewed efforts in Washington to address the epidemic of bullying in schools nationwide. Sen. Al Franken (DMN) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) announced the introduction of the Student Non-Discrimination Act in the Senate and the House, respectively, this month.

Florida is ranked 4th in the nation in the number of students protected from anti-gay bullying, but we’re not finished yet. While we continue to work with school districts across to state to strengthen their anti-bullying programs, we welcome the support of our federal lawmakers to ensure the 100% of Florida’s students are protected from bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Brian Winfield Equality Florida Communications Director

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.

37% 20%

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watermark | viewpoint

guestcolumn

the passage of his Marriage Protection Amendment, John Stemberger admitted “There’s no question in my mind, as the organizer, that without Florida Baptist churches this would not have happened, period.” With 2,300 Florida congregations and 1 million foot soldiers, the Southern Baptist army is formidable, and anti-gay voter referendums are easily passed.

Whether it’s organizing a boycott of Disney World to punish Ellen for coming out on a Disney-owned sitcom or busing in out-of-state parishioners to protest a local anti-discrimination ordinance (like Orlando’s Chapter 57), it is inevitably The Southern the Southern Baptist Church leading the anti-gay fray. National campaigns against Baptist hate crime legislation—Employment conspiracy Non-Discrimination Act or Don’t Ask Don’t Tell—are always Baptist-led. It was even a Southern Baptist preacher, George Rekers, who was hired in 2008 to Vicky Nantz defend (unsuccessfully) the state’s anti-gay adoption statute when Martin Gill sued for the right to adopt his foster kids.

In 1996, Baptists issued their “Resolution on Homosexual Marriage,” still on their website. It condemns gay relationships (“a homosexual sexual relationship is always sinful, impure, degrading, shameful, unnatural, indecent and perverted”), and it lays out a political road map for opposing marriage equality nationwide. The SBC promises to fight efforts to legitimize “thoroughly wicked” same-sex marriage, and vows “we will never conform to or hen investor-candidate Rick obey anything required by any governing Scott merged his interests with body to implement, impose or act upon any the Southern Baptist Church such law. So help us God.” last summer through a bit of strategic Baptists championed Florida’s 2008 gay-baiting, his campaign immediately Marriage Protection Amendment. The acquired more assets than his enormous referendum leaders, Stemberger and wealth could buy, and the Baptists bought Mathew Staver, relied on the network of themselves another governor. So it came as Southern Baptists to obtain the required no surprise that after a January closed-door signatures in each district, finance their meeting with Baptist leaders, Governor myriad organizations, and even preach Scott appointed the former CFO of the specific sermons on the necessity of Florida Baptist Children’s Home to head discriminating against gay people. The the Department of Children & Families. amendment passed easily.

And within weeks Candidate Rick of that appointment, Scott needed that the Florida Baptist Baptist network to Witness newspaper win in 2010, so he It’s time for decent officially called on predictably turned people to condemn Scott and his DCF to gay-baiting, chief to reinstate telling the Florida the malicious tactics anti-gay adoption Baptist Witness that of the Southern discrimination. So he was opposed to Baptist Church and goes the Southern LGBT civil rights tradition of allowing protections and its political allies. a 19th century church adoption and foster to make public policy parent privileges for in the 21st century. gays. This news fired up the Baptists who had been lukewarm to There is nothing new about the Southern Scott. And now the governor will not have Baptist anti-gay conspiracy in Florida to personally initiate any anti-gay measures. politics. It began back in 1977 in singer Liberty Counsel’s Staver (former preacher Anita Bryant’s Miami church when her and current Tea Party activist), plans to stop hysteria influenced the Legislature to write gays from adopting presumably through bigotry into law. Since 1994, Baptists the well-oiled Southern Baptist referendum have employed a lobbyist to further express in 2012. their interests. And in 2008, following

W

Who can stop the Southern Baptist war on Florida’s gay community?

Gay rights organizations completely underestimated the power of the Southern Baptists in 2008 and were surprised when the Marriage Protection Amendment passed with 62% of the vote. Even now, those organizations tiptoe around the rabid elephant in the room, unwilling to publicly condemn the church for stirring and profiting from gay hatred. Cultural leaders look the other way, and progressive candidates recoil at being labeled gayfriendly. If only someone would reach out to national business leaders who could counter the religious extremism by expressing a simple truth in these times

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

31

of economic challenge: Fortune 500 companies will not bring their jobs and riches to a state that endorses anti-gay discrimination, nor should they.

It’s time for decent people to condemn the malicious tactics of the Southern Baptist Church and its political allies. It’s past time for Baptist parishioners to rise up from their pews and leave or reform their church on behalf of their own gay children, parents and friends who continue to be persecuted in the name of their God. | l | Vicki Nantz is a Florida filmmaker whose latest documentary is In Anita’s Wake: The Irrational War on Florida’s Gay Families. She is also a former Southern Baptist.

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| March 17 - 30, 2011

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

A Pure & Sweet Heart Wins Out JUST DESSERTS WINNER YIGIT PURA WHIPS UP PLANS TO HELP AT HRC’S COOK 2011 stephen miller

A

ttention, foodies! Top Chef; Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura is coming to Orlando. He will be the guest of honor at COOK 2011, a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign. He’s cooking some delicious desserts for the VIP dinner on Saturday, March 26. On Sunday, March 27, he’ll judge a contest with local chefs.

“I’m really looking forward to it, especially for such a great cause,” Pura says.

It’s been a hectic, wonderful four months since Pura’s milestone win on the show.

Though the LGBT community has been strongly represented on seven seasons of the popular television reality contest, we couldn’t claim a winner until Just Desserts, which concentrated on the course most chefs dread making. In November of 2010, the handsome, levelheaded pastry pro bested eleven other “chef-testants.” He took the $100,000 prize and captured the hearts of foodie fans everywhere.

We called the busy Pura at his San Francisco home to talk about his past, Top Chef, COOK 2011, and his plans beyond.

WATERMARK: Your family is originally from Ankara, Turkey, correct?

YIGIT PURA: Yes. I moved here when I was twelve years old.

Who encouraged you to cook?

My mom really tried to discourage me to go into cooking—she thought it was not appropriate for a boy to be in the kitchen. I went to business school and then abandoned that. My father really encouraged me to follow my dreams.

How do you make desserts for a living and stay in such good shape?

I exercise, and I bicycle over a hundred miles a week. San Francisco is hilly.

Put to the Test Top Chef: Just Desserts was a challenge, even by the show’s already quick-fire standards. Contestant sniping and gossip defined the season. Four episodes in, chef-testant Seth Cara— who had been having meltdowns

and confrontations since Day One —was deemed medically unfit and removed from the show. Pura and two competitors—the flamboyant Zac Young and straight pal Heather Hurlbert—created a friendly alliance called Team Diva, which alienated others. Throughout the season, big, strapping runner up Morgan Wilson grew increasingly tired of colorful Zac and Team Diva. The straight man from Texas seems to have accidents around other people’s food prep, ruining their creations. His language also got more and more threatening, homophobic and sexist.

Your season of Top Chef was shockingly dramatic!

I didn’t quite have that sense when it was coming together, even though it was challenging. After the shoot, I found out from the producers that this was the roughest thing they’d ever done.

Did you purposely choose to go into the competition as professional and Continued on page 38 | uu |

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| March 17 - 30, 2011

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watermark | film

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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screened out THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOMAGE

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

The Adjustment Bureau (Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, NAM, John Slatterly, Terrence Stamp)

I

shallower.

It’s 1987. Nice-guy Grace is a recently graduated MIT student, still living with his parents, working at a video store, trying to find his purpose. One magical night with his twin sister (the always funny Faris) and booger-ish friend (the annoying Fogler) changes all that. At a party, he finds Palmer, an unrequited high school crush.

It’s all so dull: these characters and their situations lack even a wisp of creativity.

They are 1980s stereotypes in clichéd situations, dressing in day-glo, skinny ties, Madonna trash and Ray Ban shades. Despite an admirable level of commitment to cheese, absolutely nothing feels new, from the bathroom sex to the stolen car to the sophomoric party. There’s the added bonus of a good soundtrack, but don’t waste your time at the movie for this, go to iTunes.

Hughes (RIP) did this stuff so well, with Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s also vitally important to note that Hughes was inventing these characters and plots, not rehashing them. Instead of complimenting Hughes, this film just retreads him.

t’s so much easier to praise a movie— and suggest people go see it—if it does a few things new and daring.

The Adjustment Bureau is an Inceptioninspired thriller mashed with a City of Angels romance, but it still possesses small surprises. Yes, its innocent philosophies nag a little afterward. But given the film’s abundant style, fun and pace, you forget all that while watching it.

Damon is a faltering young NYC politician; Blunt is the dancer who accidentally meets him on election night.

She gives him an inspiring message that changes his life, and then they part. And they should’ve stayed apart, according to the mysterious men—all men—who run around like 1950s FBI agents, checking elaborate schematics in their ledgers, tweaking all humans’ existence. But Damon is fixated on Blunt, he hunts her down, defying the fate that the invisible “Chairman” and his henchmen have for the whole world.

Yes, it’s a metaphysical action flick with a highly Paul romantic bent. And if you (Starring Simon Pegg, Nick can accept that the alien, Frost, Kristen Wiig, Jason angelic henchmen can Bateman, voice of Seth Rogen) fall asleep on the job, and that one kiss can change With their absurdist, everyone’s destiny, you have Seth Rogen voices the alien Paul.

English humor, Pegg and a pretty good film. The style Frost have hilariously is jaunty, albeit silly, and spoofed zombie films in Shaun of the Dead. everyone commits with panache. (Also, Then, they brilliantly lampooned cop flicks hidden in the movie is the LGBT-friendly in Hot Fuzz. With Paul, they step out of message that just because something was their English comfort zone, adding more written years ago—like in the Bible— special effects and including Americans in doesn’t mean we humans don’t have the an American setting. The expansion doesn’t power to re-interpret it.) completely serve this satire of alien movies.

Pegg and Frost are buddies in a Take Me Home Tonight Winnebago, traveling to their geek-heart’s (Starring Topher Grace, Dan Fogler, Teresa content across America, through legendary Palmer, Anna Faris) Area 51 to a comic book convention.

On their way, they hope to see signs of This homage to John Hughes and 80s extraterrestrial life. What they get is Paul self-discovery flicks missed a time machine (Rogen), a crude, belching, farting, flasher somewhere. Anytime you borrow from the from another planet. He needs the Brits’ past, you should have a purpose: to show help to get back to his own planet, a’la things in a new light, to satirize, to celebrate.

E.T. However, Paul is more like Belushi in Without a clever reason, your tribute Animal House, inspiring the nerds to add a makes even the originals—which were third, nonhuman to their eternal bromance. well beloved but fated to be dated—seem

Run, lovers, run! Matt Damon and Emily Blunt in the metaphysical romance The Adjustment Bureau.

Material like this succeeds or fails on laughs, and there’s plenty attempts at providing them. Only about half land, some crash. Christian fundie Wiig gets a fantastically crude awakening when confronted with Paul. Computer-animated Paul also has oversized genitalia he likes to show off…over and over and over. The race to the mothership is pursued in fits and starts, though the action sequences are commendable. Other giggles, like Pegg and Frost constantly paying homage to many other alien flicks, is more charming and

endearing than funny. That, in fact, sums up the whole film. | l | Overflowing uncontrollably with glittery fabulousness Pretty damn good, but it’s no Sunset Boulevard An entertaining enough flick with perhaps a few gaping holes Ever so slightly watchable, even if it is just because of that hot actor Two hours of your life you’ll never get back

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watermark | comedy

| March 17 - 30, 2011

‘semi-sweet’ punch line SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER BRINgS HER HIlARIOUSly INAppROpRIATE COmEdy TO ST. pETE

erik caban

B

old, bawdy and just plain hilarious, Suzanne Westenhoefer is not afraid to ask tough questions to uncover the laughs underneath. The iconic lesbian comedian has made a career out of telling the truth since 1992—and the truth is—life is funny.

A master of satire and pure wit, Westenhoefer breaks all barriers again performing her timeless stand-up in a new stage show, aptly named “Semi-Sweet.”

“There’s a lot of sweet stuff to talk about—and a lot of stuff that, well, isn’t.” says Westenhoefer. “Expect 90 minutes of non-stop, inappropriate comedy!”

Currently, Westenhoefer can be seen on the second season of the web series, We Have to Stop Now, co-starring out lesbians Cathy DeBuono, Jill Bennett and Meredith Baxter. She will also be seen in the upcoming Nicole Conn film A Perfect Ending. Filming is scheduled to begin this spring. She’s appeared on LOGO, Comedy Central, Politically Incorrect and Sally Jesse Raphael. She was nominated for a Cable Ace Award for being the first openlygay comic to host her own HBO special and was a GLAMA winner in 2000 for her comedy CD, I’m Not Cindy Brady, the title stemming from an incident in which she was mistaken for the former child star by an acting classmate.

Before embarking on tour for her latest stand-up show, that brings her to St. Petersburg’s Palladium Theater on Saturday, March 26, the 49-year-old Pennsylvania native dishes on gay adoption, heartbreak and being hit on by Sally Jessy Raphael.

WATERMARK: Is it true you began your comedy career on a dare?

SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER: I was a mild-mannered bartender just calling

my male clients “homos” and suddenly everyone thought I could be a comic. So, I entered a contest. I guess they were right.

Tell me more about the concept for your web series, We Have to Stop Now. I was hired to do WHTSN as an actor. I would say the concept is that there can be fun lesbian/gay produced television programs that people can watch from their computer. Not all of us can [afford] cable.

Can you tell me a little about your upcoming movie role of Sylvie in A Perfect Ending?

She is an over-40 hooker with a heart of gold. It was total type casting.

Comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer takes us on a hilarious romp through life, love, and un-coupling in her latest tour this month in St. Pete. | Photo courtesy Beachfront Bookings

influences?

All the women and men who thought to stand up and be gay in front of an audience before I did. I bow to them...As I expect Ellen and Rosie bow to me now. [Laughs]

Why do you think your coming out publicly and performing “out” material was better “I am scared of received than say, children and none of Ellen DeGeneres’?

I came out and my friends will leave worked in straight me alone with theirs. I clubs in 1990. Ellen say keep up the good did it in 1997 and in front of way more fight but I don’t know people, there is no why you are doing it.” comparison. She had the world listening; —Suzanne WeStenhoefer I just had drunks on of gay adoptIon. dates and waitstaff.

How did you feel when you were asked to be on Sally Jessy Raphael’s show for the episode entitled, “Breaking the Lesbian Stereotype…

Lesbians Who Don’t Look Like Lesbians” back in 1991?

Did you think of the experience as positive or negative?

Being on SJR was astonishingly positive.

The lesbian community woke up after that and suddenly we were saying good things about ourselves and not waiting for straights to do it for us! Plus, I think Sally Jessy was hitting on me a little.

Who are some of your comedic

You’ve done numerous charitable causes. Are you more passionate about some more than others?

I don’t pick specific causes. I work and have worked for anything that puts more value on the life of us all. [I like] any group that realizes gays are way too cool to be mean to.

With the ban on gay adoption on hiatus here in Florida, can you offer any advice for those wanting to be parents?

I am scared of children and none of my friends will leave me alone with theirs. I say keep up the good fight but I don’t know why you are doing it. Those kids are only going to get bigger and meaner. I’ve seen it happen.

Do you still live in California?

Yes, in Hollywood, and I couldn’t love it more—unless we could get Susan Sarandon to live here.

Your latest tour is said to cover the topic of un-coupling in the modern world, among other things. Does that mean you’ve recently ended a relationship?

I refuse to answer this question. If you want to know the state of my life, you must come to the show and hear it just like everyone else. I even make my mom do that. | l |

see+hear WHO: Suzanne Westenhoefer WHAT: Semi-Sweet Tour WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, March 26 at 8:00pm Palladium Theater, St Petersburg TICKETS: SuzanneW.com/Events or YouGoGirlProductions.com

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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watermark | television

| March 17 - 30, 2011

appreciative, and it was an honor. I’m a big fan.

| uu | Yigit Pura from p.33

as calm as you were?

Definitely. I know people were catty; I mean, its reality television. But I told myself that when I got back home, I’d still have to be a professional chef. That’s important to me, and I wanted my cooking to shine through.

Do you have any ingredients you’re fixated on?

I think that as a chef, you’re always looking. I love living in San Francisco, because we have this overabundance of amazing produce and ingredients from all over the world. I discover something new every day, but for the last couple months I’ve been on a yuzu kick. [It’s a tangerine-sized citrus from East Asia.]

What was the hardest part?

The cooking I can usually do, but dealing with the different personalities was difficult.

When I let that get to me, it’d throw me off my game.

Are you still in touch with Team Diva?

Yes, Zac, Heather and I still remain close.

The brilliant thing is that the three of us are each different, and we got to meld together through the experience.

Did you think Morgan was homophobic?

At the time, I was hoping that because we’re sharing a house for five and half weeks, we could build friendships. It got harder to ignore as it went on. At first, when someone says “fairy” or “little girl,’” or when they make sexist comments, you want to just laugh it off. But as a minority, and as these comments compound over time, they can really hurt. Especially teenagers are susceptible. It was like my teenage years, being bullied by types like Morgan. I know where he’s coming from. I tried to focus on

The lean and fit Yigit Pura says he never expected to become a sex symbol. | Photo courtesy Bravo

my cooking, because if I let his comments and all the other stuff get to me, I’d have been completely thrown off.

Were you surprised you became a sex symbol?

Yes! I had no idea how these things would play out, but it’s good PR. I’ll take a

If you are... then,

You’re

hired! for Tampa Bay

compliment!

You also won fan favorite—another $10,000.

That was almost just as rewarding, because it shows that a positive attitude can also be attractive. This means reality television isn’t all about being catty.

How have you been combining your love of food with activism?

That’s only been very recently. I had to go through a lot of social conditioning and stereotypes. Coming out at 18 and being a foreigner was tough. I had to fight my own internal homophobia—after that, I felt reborn.

It was very important for me to defend our rights and bring us further in life. The show gave me some notoriety, and I wanted to use that as a platform to bring attention to the things I really believe in.

Did what happened with Morgan on the show influence your activism?

I was still going to do it, but he just added a new dimension. I’m certain he was aware of what he was saying; he’s a very intelligent man, but he’s also opinionated. He just doesn’t care how it affects someone else.

What will you be doing at the COOK 2011 Back to Life event?

Since winning Top Chef: Just Desserts, I’ll be cooking for the VIP reception, Pura has gone back to Taste Catering in San making a really fantastic dessert as well as Francisco. He’s still working on plans for giving a few keynotes. The next day they’ll his new shop, Tout Sweet, which he hopes to be having this huge festivity, and I’ll be open later this year. He also spends a lot of participating in that as well. HRC is such free time helping nonprofits, a special passion a really amazing organization, a group I’ve of his. always looked up to, He admits that his the way it represents busy schedule leaves a lot of minorities. I little room for dating. hope that the whole “A positive attitude “My plate is definitely event strengthens full” with family, can also be attractive.”

HRC’s foundation and friends work and spread the word about —Yigit PurA volunteering, he said the great work it does. in a recent interview with the website You’ll also be AfterElton.com. judging, which is What’s been keeping him so busy? Well, sort of like your experience on Top Chef. cooking dessert for the president, for one.

Yes, except this way it’s the other way You’ve cooked for Obama twice. What was around. I think it will be really fun. | l | that like?

The first time around I didn’t quite get to see him, but the second time, he was very gracious. He doesn’t get to eat a lot of WHO: Top Chef: Just Desserts desserts when Michelle is around, because champ Yigit PUra WHAT: HRC’s COOK 2011 fundraiser she is very strict about his diet. Since she WHEN: 7 p.m. March 26; 1 p.m., March 27 wasn’t there, he was keen on having some WHERE: VIP Dinner at The Mezz on the dessert. We made him a banana cream pie, but second floor of the Sanctuary, 100 S. Eola we took it to a whole new level. We actually Dr.; COOK, outdoors along S. Eola Drive made a tart shell with brown butter and salted between Pine and Church macadamia nuts, and then we made a coconut TICKETS: $35-$200 at COOKOrlando.com. infusion and flambeau with rum. He was very

see+hear

Watermark, P.O. Box 533655, Orlando, FL 32853-3655, Attn: Sales Manager. FAX resumes to: 813-849-2966 or E-mail to Jim@watermarkonline.com

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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watermark | event planner

| March 17 - 30, 2011

Carol Burnett Television legend and icon Carol Burnett will perform in Melbourne and Clearwater this month.

Lauryn Hill

Joystick

R&B songstress Lauryn Hill takes the stage of the Ritz Ybor March 23.

The art of Parker Sketch makes up the exhibit “Joystick,” and celebrates video games March 25-April 20 at Little Fish Huge Pond in Sanford.

art

music

[Sanford] Joystick

[TaMPa] Lauryn Hill

Orlando artist Parker Sketch presents “Joystick,” a fun-loving romp through the world of classic video games from Pac-Man to Donkey Kong. The collection will be on display at Little Fish Huge Pond March 25–April 20. There’s an opening reception from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, March 25, featuring drink specials and video game-themed snack foods. For more information, log onto LittleFish-HugePond.com or search “Parker Sketch” on Facebook.

Fugees alumn and actress Lauryn Hill is back and on tour. The hip hop performer and multiple Grammy Award winner will bring her distinct voice to the stage of The Ritz Ybor in Tampa on Wednesday, March 23. For tickets and info, visit RitzYbor.com.

comedy [CLEarWaTEr+MELBoUrnE] Carol Burnett The queen of variety television, Carol Burnett, will perform at the King Center in Melbourne on Tuesday, March 29 and at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Thursday, March 31. The redheaded funny woman is celebrating over 50 years in the business with a guest spot on Glee as evil Sue Sylvester’s persnickety mom. She’s also got a best seller in her memoir, This Time Together. For tickets and information, visit KingCenter.com or RuthEckerdHall.com.

[TaMPa] Steve Harvey If you haven’t done so already, do yourself a favor and find YouTube videos of Steve Harvey performing his new hosting duties on Family Feud. The hilarious comedian’s reactions to answers blurted out by every day Americans will have your office laughing and his stand up will surely do the same. Check out Harvey at the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, March 26. For information and tickets, visit SPTimesForum.com or call 813-301-2500.

theater [orLando] Wicked The story behind the relationship of the witches of Oz returns when Wicked lands at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre through March.

27. The ongoing touring production is a favorite among LGBTs for its story of acceptance, coping with differences and hard-hitting diva-powered vocals. For tickets and more information visit OrlandoVenues.net or call 407-849-2577.

Bringing Down the Barriers For four days, Knight Allies at UCF presents Bringing Down the Barriers at the Black Box of UCF Conservatory Theatre. The play addresses the silence of LGBT indignations, civil-rights violations and hate-motivated stigmas that exist within a community. Bringing Down the Barriers runs through March 20 with show times at 8 p.m. Admission is free for UCF students with student ID, $5 general admission, $15 reserved seating, and there is a $30 VIP reception to following the March 19 showing. Prior to each show, there will be a charity art auction in the theatre at 6 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales and the art auction will benefit The Zebra Coalition (ZebraYouth.org).

[ST. PETErSBUrG] Miss Julie We love a good drama—especially when it involves a love-triangle. The new Freefall Theatre continues its inaugural season with August Strindberg’s masterful dissection of class and

gender politics—Miss Julie. The century-plus-old play runs through April 10 and shares the story of the daughter of a powerful gentleman who seduces one of the serving men—right under the nose of his fiancé. For tickets and more information, visit FreeFallTheatre.com or call 727-498-5205.

[SaraSoTa] Avenue Q The “Dirty Sesame Street” that is Avenue Q took Broadway by storm and then had an amazingly successful national tour. Now the locals at The Golden Apple take on the smart-talking puppets that discuss sex, internet porn and coming out of the closet with their production of the musical comedy, which runs through April 10. For tickets and more information, visit TheGoldenApple.com or call 941-366-5454.

Spring Awakening Broadway musicals were taken into brand new territory when Spring Awakening debuted a few years back. The eight-time Tony Award winning production tells the story of late 19th century German students as they navigate teenage self discovery—including their sexuality—right on stage. The production, with music penned by Duncan Sheik, has only one performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall March 20. For tickets and more information, visit VanWezel.org or call 941-953-3368.

[TaMPa] Jersey Boys There isn’t anything particularly gay about Jersey Boys. In fact, there isn’t anything at all gay about it. But if you like the music of the 1950s and 1960s and an incredible amount of leather, then this is a must-see show. The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons will have you downloading a new album to your iPod the minute you get home. The show plays at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts March 23April 17. For tickets, visit StrazCenter.com or call 813-229-7827.

special events [ST. PETErSBUrG] Taste of Pride It’s been two years since St. Pete Pride’s Taste of Pride event featured the cuisine of restaurants from throughout the bay area. But now, the event returns with a larger presence and a new location—the brand new Dali Museum on Saturday, March 19. This will be the first LGBT event at the new museum. For tickets, visit StPetePride.com.

[orLando] Leu Gardens Plant Sale The annual green event, the Leu Gardens Plant Sale, is on from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. March 19 and 20. Admission to the gardens is free both days and a vendor list is available at LeuGardens.org.

It’s recommended that shoppers bring a wagon or plant cart to carry out purchases.

MasCAREade Ball The second annual MasCAREade Ball is set for 7 p.m., March 19 at the Sheraton Safari. The event benefits CARE for Women, a grassroots support network for women with reproduction cancers who are going to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Tickets are $100 VIP and $75 general admission. The MasCAREade Ball is semi-formal—with masks, of course—and features a silent auction, reverse raffle, dinner and a reception. Discounted hotel room rates are also available Call 407-517-9815 for more information..Tickets available at Care-ForWomen.org.

Celebration for Joe’s Life On Feb. 25, former Parliament House and Full Moon employee Joe Bettes passed away. From 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, his partner Dennis McCormack and friends are gathering to celebrate Joe’s Life at the Parliament House disco from 7–9 p.m. Parliament House is seeking volunteer performers and raffle donations for the event, and money raised will go to McCormack to assist in paying for funeral costs. Anyone with questions or who wants to participate should email Fred@parliamenthouse.com.

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.

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

shot on site

Photography | Nick Cardello, Leyden Photography and Suzanne Noe 1- Kori Stevens (Left) and Alexis De La Mer hug on some man candy during the Million Hugs book signing at the Flamingo Resort March 3.

2- Carrie West and supporters were at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City during the March 1 Tampa primary elections.

3- Cindy Barnes of Sarasota Pride makes announcements during the All-Women’s Dance fundraiser on March 12 in Sarasota.

4- Members of the GaYbor Coalition participated in the Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Ybor City’s 7th Avenue March 12.

5- Television star Carson Kressley and Esme Russell get cozy at Hamburger Mary’s earlier this month.

6- Revelers reach for beads flung from the GaYbor Coalition float during the Ybor City St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 12.

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

tampa bay overheard Poppens heads west For years, Lex Poppens was a regular in the Tampa Bay theater scene—not as an actor, but as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Ruth Eckerd Hall. He left the theater in 2007 to work as the Vice President of Marketing with the Omaha Symphony. But now, Poppens is seeking warmer climates once again and has accepted the position of Director of Marketing and Communications at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa Calif. In his new position, Poppens is responsible for the overall stewardship and management of the center.

Lesbian couple eye Crate & Barrel prize Lauren Campisi and her fiancÊ, Megan, are looking for your vote. The Tampa-based couple have entered Crate & Barrel’s 2011 Ultimate Wedding Contest and are hoping to win the grand prize. The pair are one of several gay couples in this year’s competition and winners are chosen by online votes.

Lauren and Megan met on Match.com in 2008 and dated for two years before Megan proposed to Lauren in Key West. (Who says romance is dead?) Lauren contacted

Watermark and asked if we’d help spread the word to help them become the first gay couple to have their wedding be nationally recognized in a contest. To vote, visit UltimateWeddingCOntest.com/entry 149938.

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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“The Platinum Group�

Tampa man’s wine is ‘best buy’ Who knew we had such amazing wine makers right here in Tampa Bay? But apparently Tampa’s Paul Clear is one to watch! Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s April issue honored Clear’s Terroir Wine Cellars’ sparkling wine as the “Best Buy� at $12.

The magazine gave the Spanish-made wine 87 points. Clear, 34, started in the wine business in 1994 and worked his way up the ladder to become a senior wine consultant at age 21. “One day I was sitting in a famous coffee chain and decided I want to produce and import quality wines from around the world,� the openly gay entrepreneur said.

The wine is sold only lin Florida, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Texas. To find the closest place to buy it, visit TerroirWineCellars.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

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watermark | orlando out+about

orlando overheard Cactus Reunion Many moons ago, the Cactus Club on Mills Ave. was a favorite stop for professionals on their way home from work, partiers on their way out for the night, and erstwhile jocks after bowling or softball. Now Paradise Bar, it’s still pretty much that… but those who remember Cactus fondly are invited to a reunion on Friday, April 1 from 6-10 p.m. “It’s not an April Fools joke,” says organizer Vince Koehle. “Come visit with all your old friends.”

MBA Office Pool The Metropolitan Business Association continues to grow with ambitious projects including Come Out With Pride, among the largest Pride celebrations in Florida, and Converge, formulated to bring LGBT sporting and other recreational activities to Central Florida. Now, for the first time since its inception 20 years ago, MBA will open an office in downtown Orlando.

The prime space, just a block south of Lake Eola at 23 S. Osceola Ave., is the former rental office for Historic Creations Realty, developers of the Sanctuary and Star Tower.

Kushner Cancels For LGBT theater aficionados, a scheduled local appearance by Pulitzer Prize-winning

playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America) was to be the highlight of the spring season. But Kushner’s April 12-13 lectures at Rollins College were canceled abruptly this week for personal reasons. Kushner sent apologies.

Drag is Anything But A reunion production of Murder’s a Drag, by local playwright John Graham and featuring the original cast from ten years ago, got a glowing review in the Orlando Sentinel. “The actors are in on the joke—and so is the audience, creating a delightful of camaraderie between what’s happening on stage and those watching,” wrote theater critic Matthew Palm. Drag runs on Friday and Saturday night at the Master Class Academy in Winter Park through March 26. Call 407-6454000.

Short Takes Yep, that was the B-52s Fred Schneider at Rock & Roll Heaven on Orange Ave. across from the White Wolf Café on Monday, March 7. He was there to promote his side band, the Superions.

• A celebration of the life of Joe Bettes will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 7-9 p.m. at the Parliament House. A former bartender at PH and the Full Moon Saloon, Bettes died on Feb. 25. Money raised will help partner Dennis McCormack pay for Bettes funeral.

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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shot on site

Photography | Hazel Jandik, Nathan Kennedy, Randy Ross, Randy Stephens and Jake Stevens

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1- (L to R) Executive director of The Center Randy Stephens, former county commissioner Linda Stewart, and former president of the Florida Senate Toni Jennings enjoyed lunch with Randy Ross March 7 at Bananas Modern American Diner.

2– (L-R) Shirley Scholtz and Llex Landreth brought the hotness at the March Phish Phest event at Club Heat.

3- Miss Sammy (right) strapped on her quad skates for Movies Out Loud: Xanadu, presented March 10 at the Plaza Cinema Café. Sammy is joined by Watermark Publisher Tom Dyer.

4– Tony Ward relaxed with (on?) some friends at a yard sale fundraiser benefiting The Seminole Stroll.

The Seminole Stroll event was March 12.

5– Bargain hunters shopped for a good cause at a yard sale benefiting The Center on March 5.

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March 17 - 30, 2011 | Sunrise from Signature Place, with a view of the South Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Airport. | Photo by Barry Dingman

inside the home

Rooms with a view S I G N AT U R E P L A C E H A S R E D E F I N E D S T. P E T E ’ S SKYLINE. IT’S EVEN BETTER F R O M T H E B A L C O N Y.

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t. Petersburg | When the Signature Place high-rise condominium project was first announced, Joel Cohen and Barry Dingman envisioned a new home and lifestyle.

Together for 27 years, and after successful careers in computer and information services, the partners had retired to beautiful Sunset Beach.

But their life was anything but piña coladas and long walks in the sand. Cohen takes history classes at the downtown St. Pete campus of the University of South Florida, and he’s on the board of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Dingman also takes classes in jazz piano and photography, and sits on the board of American Stage Theatre Company. Both sing in the choir at First Presbyterian Church.

“We loved living at the beach, but we were always in the car,” says Dingman. “And most of the trips were to downtown St. Pete.”

Striking Signature Place at sunset. | Photo by Barry Dingman

So they signed paperwork for a choice two-story duplex on the 8th and 9th floors at Signature in 2005. For the next four years the couple watched the dramatic wedgeshaped 34-story tower rise into the sky on St. Pete’s cosmopolitan downtown waterfront.

They closed in 2009, but pre-construction design options were limited so the couple spent several months remodeling their empty space before moving in. The result is a “comfortable contemporary” space that blends perfectly with jaw-dropping floor-toceiling views of The Pier, Demens Landing Park, the South Yacht Basin, Al Lang Stadium, Albert Whitted Airport and the sailboat-dotted expanse of Tampa Bay. “We’ve been here nearly two years, and this has been a great move for us,” says Dingman.

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inside the home

A downward swipe of the brush T o r o n T o n aT i v e a n d D i v i n e D e s i g n pa i n T e x p e r T a n d r e w d o w n wa r d b r i n g s h i s pa i n T i n g e x p e r T i s e T o C e n T r a l F l o r i d a .

stephen miller

for about a half an hour. I’m not a cartoon character or a sports figure. The mothers were more interested. [Laughs]

C

olor claims every corner of Andrew Downward’s life. Not only was he, for seven of its eight seasons, the paint expert on Home & Garden Television’s Divine Design—he was a fourth-grade teacher. The show was just a side job to his career in education.

He’s been painting since he was 16 and is also an artist. He has four kids and two stepchildren at his lively home in Toronto.

So this laid-back Canadian is always willing to talk about introducing color—exciting or calming—to your life.

“I’m starting to collect homeowners’ work, what they’re doing with color and accent walls, so I can create recipe books,” Downward says. “I’d love to see when people are doing interesting stuff.”

Downward will be the celebrity guest at the Central Florida Home and Garden Show on April 15-17 at the Orange County Convention Center.

We caught up with him to talk about LGBT gentrification, decoration, and his plans for the Orlando show.

WATERMARK: So, for a long time, you taught fourth grade and did Divine Design on the weekends?

ANDREW DOWNWARD: Yes, my dad

was a school principal, but he did painting and design around the house. So I picked up both trades from him. I started teaching in 2001, and in my second year, I did what a lot of teachers do—I started looking for a second job. [Laughs] I came across this ad in the paper for a television show. I had had seven years of painting in my own business after university—teaching being a later career for me. I went and interviewed with host Candice Olson, and she hired me. I thought I was hanging up my painting overalls forever, and suddenly I was back in it, but this time in front of a camera.

And it’s now ended.

Yes, it was an incredibly popular show for HGTV, but it wasn’t anyone’s full-time job. So we were balancing multiple careers and family and the show. It kind of wore us all down. I would shoot my beginning bit on Thursday night, prep on Friday, and then work through the whole weekend. Monday was all the installation, and Wednesday was the reveal. It was demanding, but it was so different from teaching; I really enjoyed having both of them.

Were your students impressed?

Kids don’t care. They get a kick out of it

Are people always asking for advice?

Yes, and I always give what I can without it becoming a job. I tell people to look at their wardrobes and find the colors they are comfortable with. I also do paintings, and I like my walls into the neutrals or brown, because my paintings look good against them. [Laughs] I also have a lot of tips I’m sharing at the Orlando show.

Right now, gray is such a popular color, isn’t it?

Yeah, and it sometimes works. [Laughs] People haven’t broken out of the neutrals yet, and it’s another version, like beige or taupe. Some people break out, but most of them go over the top. There are people being safe, and then there are people who are all out there. Candice used a lot of neutrals, but I got it. She was filling a room with other stuff, and if the walls had been red or blue, they would’ve competed.

What are some other trends you see?

I’ve been seeing a lot of black as an accent, throughout a whole room, and even as a trim. It’s making a comeback in the Toronto area. At first it seemed off, but the more I do it the more I like it. Faux finishes are back—not so much in your face but subtle finishes, and variations in sheen. The contemporary stuff is so subtle, it can look

like wallpaper. People are doing a stripe in complimentary tones and stencil. And people are just doing this on one wall, to break up the neutrals.

You know the LGBT community generally loves this stuff, right?

What, design and color and color and stuff? Yeah. The gay and lesbian community in Toronto has been totally gentrifying some areas that 20 years ago, people were willing to give up on. And now those areas are beautiful. Those areas become a place to be. Definitely the Toronto community is progressive and interesting. Now there are art studios and cafés. It’s very impressive.

What are you doing at the Orlando show?

I’m going to do some exterior painting knowledge people can take home with them. I have three steps for the perfect paint job. I go into choosing color and complimentary color, and then I’ll talk about adding some drama. | l |

see+hear WHO: HGTV painter Andrew Downward WHAT: Central Florida Home and Garden Show WHEN: April 15-17 WHERE: Orange County Convention Center TICKETS: CentralFLHomeAndGardenShow.com

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Ted Maines (left) and Steve Kodsi of stéted Interiors: “We’re like brothers who think and talk about work 24/7.”

inside the home

Design for a new day Developers steve KoDsi anD teD Maines h av e a p a s s i o n f o r D e s i g n .

tom dyer // photos by brian adams photographics

O

rlando | As partners in stéted Interiors, Steve Kodsi and Ted Maines will design your home, office or commercial space. But in difficult times, they also offer inspiration for how to design your life.

The visionaries behind the Sanctuary, Star Tower and several other commercial and residential projects, Kodsi and Maines were forced to rethink their careers after the real estate “hiccup” in 2008.

“We were real estate developers with no more development to pursue,” says Kodsi.

But they sensed that there was still a market for cutting edge design in Orlando. So instead of building their own projects, they decided they would provide that service for others.

“A lot of developers became victims when the bubble burst,” says Maines. “We decided we would stay right here and continue doing what we love doing and what we know we’re good at doing; and that’s to build spaces for people to live, work and play in—all in a way that will add to the overall beauty of our community.”

After designing dozens of units for residents

in their high rise buildings, breathtaking condos and lofts are a specialty for stéted.

But they have also created singular homes throughout Florida, as well as high profile local commercial projects like a dazzling renovation of the Kobe Japanese Steakhouse on E. Colonial near Alafaya.

Later this month, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will launch his re-election campaign at The Abbey, Florida Theatrical Association’s stunning new 175-seat Cabaret-style theater on the ground floor at the Sanctuary.

“Orlando is an international community, and a lot of our inspiration comes from traveling to places like Paris, Madrid, Beirut, Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” says Maines.

Kodsi built a house for Maines and attorney Jeff Miller in 1997, when the couple moved from the suburbs to be part of downtown Orlando’s resurgence. The future business partners and best friends had an immediate chemistry. After Maines walked away from a successful career with a Fortune 100 company, Kodsi—now dubbed “Ste’”—offered him a job as C.O.O. with Historic Creations Design & Development Group.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse near UCF was remodeled by stéted and has set a new standard for the restaurantc hain.

This Winter Park home reflects stéted’s timeless, sophisticated look that emphasizes texture and clean lines.

The timing and synergy were perfect. Kodsi was in the midst of two unprecedented projects in the Sanctuary and Star Tower. Maines, who had once worked for his mother’s interior design firm, had a background in organization and finance and a passion for modern urban design.

Kodsi’s focus was on space planning, construction and business development.

Maines handled finishes, furniture and client relations. The scale of their projects has changed, but the dynamic remains the same.

So have their high standards.

“We built a reputation for being on time and on budget, and also being responsive to our clients,” says Kodsi.

Maines says new clients are often surprised when they see that stéted has actually saved them money on their remodel. Relationships with suppliers mean access to the latest products and costs substantially below retail.

“We want clients to see what they’re saving so we show them every invoice,” says Maines. “Our philosophy is to work with total transparency. That’s when a client really understands the value of our service.”

That and when they see the finished product. Kodsi and Maines both love Modern design, but they enjoy working with most any architectural style to provide their clients with a timeless, sophisticated look. Full customization, including furniture design, ensures a functional space consistent with the client’s vision.

Jim McGuire advised stéted that he wanted

his high rise condo to “look like an Audi A8.”

He was thrilled with the result.

“They took care of every detail from furniture, art, bedding, and even stocked the kitchen,” said McGuire. “They took an empty space and completely transformed it into an amazing home.”

Stéted is renovating new office space on Orange Ave., at the heart of Winter Park’s Designer Row. Soon they’ll begin work on the Hope & Help Designer Showhouse—a 3,100 sq. ft. penthouse at The Vue on Lake Eola.

The benefit project is consistent with stéted’s commitment to the community. Kodsi is on the advisory committee for the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, and supports Hope & Help and the Regional Commission on Homelessness. Maines is vice president of the Orange County Library System board of trustees, sits on the Nemours Council, and has served with Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board, Hope & Help and the Orlando Museum of Art. Maines says people shouldn’t be afraid to use the services of an interior designer.

“Not every gay man has the gene,” he says with a wink.

Stéted takes on projects ranging from window treatments to single rooms to entire homes and buildings.

“You have to do more than satisfy your clients,” Maines says. “You have to delight them.” | l |

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

53

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watermark

| March 17 - 30, 2011

inside the home

Joel Cohen (left) and Barry Dingman in their custom kitchen. | Photo by Tom Dyer.

Living room sofa and chairs are from Mitchell/Gold. Painted copper art is by Douglas. | Photo by Sterling Powell

| uu | Signature from p.47

Comfortable Contemporary The entrance to the condo is defined by a wall of walnut panels separated by metal strips designed by Joe Milic of Mesh, LLC, a local architecture and planning firm. A closet was removed to accommodate built-ins and a recessed display of colorful blown glass from Beverly’s Tropical Glass in Naples. The dark walnut wall plays off of a striking semi-floating wood and steel staircase, left open to announce “the view” from the outset. To the side is a cozy media room dominated by a leather “wedge” unit with two big, bulky reclining leather chairs.

Past the staircase, the entire right wall of the open kitchen, living and dining areas is glass, with sweeping eastern and southern vistas. The glass walls open to a connecting outdoor dining area and living room; some of the more than 500 sq. ft. of balcony space included with the unit.

“We have so much outdoor space that we forget we’re living in a high rise,” says Cohen. “It’s wonderful.”

The custom two-level kitchen island was also designed by Milic to mimic the angle of the exterior glass walls. Counters are a light quartz that contrasts with gray

Colorful blown glass hangs in a lighted alcove at the entrance to the condo. | Photo by Sterling Powell

The common pool area of the Signature is complete with lounge chairs and private cabanas.

European cabinetry by Eggersman. The backsplash and pendant lights are both clear glass with air bubbles.

The living room was furnished almost entirely by Mitchell/Gold. The couple stumbled into an outlet in Washington.

D.C. and decided the comfortably contemporary designs were perfect for their new home.

“We pulled up the floor plan online and furnished the entire space in a matter of hours,” Dingman recalls.

A shiny black Yamaha baby grand piano sits in front of the glass window wall. Rugs, lamps, bar stools and other accessories came from Urban Essentials and Herman Home in downtown St. Pete, and Lightbulbs Unlimited in Tampa.

“When you have talented people

helping you and a great selection to choose from, you can’t go wrong,” Cohen says.

Serendipity was the source for the more traditional, perfectly proportioned round mahogany dining table. It didn’t fit in a neighbor’s condo, so he asked if he could store it with Dingman and Cohen until they moved in. It’s been there since.

Throughout the open living space, colorful artwork punctuates monochromatic walls, including works of painted copper, steel, plexiglass, and acrylic on wood. The most recent addition, a painting with 15 layers of acrylic and resin by Tampa artist Alberto Murillo, hangs above two leather club chairs under the staircase.

The upstairs includes a spacious master

A perfectly proportioned, round mahogany dining table now in the condo used to belong to a neighbor.

bedroom, also furnished with comfortable contemporary pieces. A frosted glass wall allows natural light from the bedroom into a master bath that features a floating double sink, large walk-in shower and adjoining walk-in closet. Next door is an office with work views of the waterfront and a Murphy bed for guests. Both rooms have private balconies. Laundry facilities are also upstairs.

Throughout the condo, antiques add warmth, character and a sense of family.

Many of the pieces, like a banjo clock at the top of the stairs, are from Cohen’s Uncle Charles. Photographs of Charles and his partner taken in the 1940’s and 50’s reflect a different experience of being gay.

“There’s a piece of Uncle Charles in

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The couple’s Golden Retriever, Levi, rests on stone flooring in the custom master shower. Signature Place allows even big dogs. | Photo by Barry Dingman.

A semi-floating stairwell opens the view. The painting is by Tampa artist Alberto Murillo. | Photo by Sterling Powell

every single room of the condo,” says Cohen.

a bike club, tennis club, three book clubs, a weekly social, and special events like a recent Oscar party in one of the two community rooms furnished with more than a dozen flat screen monitors.

But at Signature Place, it all comes back to the view. Sitting on one of Cohen and Dingman’s four balconies, watching planes land, sailboats drift and yachts pull up to their docks, it’s very, very hard to leave. It is certainly “magical.”

We live in a spectacular building in an incredible city with awesome neighbors.

What more could we ask for?” says Dingman.

And we walk or bike to everything,” Cohen adds. “This is downtown St. Petersburg quality-of-life at its best.” | l |

Instant Community Cohen and Dingman describe their new home as “magical,” but they are equally thrilled with their new surroundings.

Signature’s spacious and well-equipped gym and huge South Beach-inspired pool and lawn area are just two floors away.

The Saturday Morning Market is across the street. And they’ll have remarkable views of the upcoming Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

They also describe the building as an “instant community” that is at least ten percent gay but also incredibly diverse in terms of age and nationality. Cohen heads a social committee that coordinates

COOK is a Quick Fire type challenge for local restaurant chefs with samplings from surrounding Orlando area restaurants. The challenge will consist of 3 Quick Fire Challenges with the remaining Chef winning the COOK 2011 competition.

What: COOK VIP EVENT When: Saturday, March 26th (7 - 11PM) Cost: $150* Where: The Mezz - 100 S. Eola Dr. Presented by The VUE at Lake Eola

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Proceeds from this event will benefit:

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Where: Downtown Orlando South Eola Drive, between Pine St. & Church St.

55

56

watermark | transitions

| March 17 - 30, 2011

MINERALS, GEMS & JEWELS

Central Florida Mineral & Gem Show March 25, 26, 27, 2011 CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR GROUNDS DOWNLOAD A DISCOUNT COUPON FOR THE SHOW AT WWW.CFMGS.ORG

Hope & Help Center treasurer and vice president Joe Royals, left, and Kent Ouellette will head to the City of Lights—Paris—to celebrate their second anniversary on March 19.

In Touch With Your Inner Butch.

transitions Passings Steve Voorhees Davis, a respected and loved member of the community, passed away on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011. A Celebration of Life event will be held at The Center on Mills Avenue at 12;30 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. Memorial contributions may be made to Autism Research Institute and Autism Society of America.

Congratulations YES, domestic partners can buy together!

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The University of Central Florida’s LGBT social organization—Equal—celebrated its 35th anniversary March 10. The organization is the first social organization of its kind in Central Florida.

Local Birthdays St. Petersburg’s gay Councilman Steve Kornell (March 17); St. Petersburg massage therapist Terrell Ray, Tampa boot-scootin’ Florida Mavericks dancer and St. Pete Pride volunteer Dale Crocker (March 19);

Tampa icon and “Hey Everybody!”-coining performer Stephanie Shippae’, Hyde Park Antiques owner Randy Strebing (March 20); Homosassa hotelier Robert Bruno and St. Petersburg-based trucker Bucky Fergus (March 21); Watermark’s Sarasota freelancer and personal trainer Renee LePere and Rightously Outrageous Twirling Corps board member Eric Peak (March 24); Tampa photographer and USF student John Kantor, former Gazette publisher and current Watermark columnist Brian Feist, video game wizard, husband of Watermark Online editor Jamie Hyman and straight ally Matt Huertas (March 26); Orlando’s former LAVA Lounge bartender and current realtor at the Condo Store Jay Wood, St. Petersburg’s 3 Birds Tavern chef Domenica Macchia and Tampa Karaoke Jockey extraordinaire and straight ally Normie Dunn (March 27); Tampa Eagle softballer Randall Spiller and New Church Family Inc. of Daytona Beach administrative assistant Jerry Corlis (March 28); St. Pete gym rat and Watermark editor Steve Blanchard (March 29); Orlando actor, trivia host and WAVE-winning center spread model Doug Ba’aser (March 31).

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

watermark | advice

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

57

a little immature on your part. The solution requires some adult decision making and discipline. Explain to Laurie how much this vacation means to you and set up a plan where every pay day you both contribute a certain amount into a third account. If the amount is nominal enough, she won’t even notice it’s gone but in a short time—say 3-5 months—you’ll certainly have enough for your romantic getaway. It’s a chance to learn for you both. Take it.

dothis!

Tell them to grow up, already ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

Dear Truth, I am a gay man in my 40s and my boyfriend, Matt, just turned 27. Most of the time, Matt and I get along really well, but since he moved in I’ve become aware of just how competitive he is. It’s kind of sexy how he gets really agitated when he plays sports, but he turns into an insufferable grouch when he loses.

I’m concerned because Matt’s competitiveness carries over into our personal life as well. If someone challenges him at anything, even if it’s just correcting something he said or suggesting a different plan of action, Matt becomes very curt—rude, even—and tries to “win” the perceived argument. He says I don’t understand because I’ve never played sports or been “one of the guys.” He thinks I’m hypersensitive because I hate conflict.

Am I overreacting?

—Too Soft in Sarasota

Dear Mister Softy – Dear Truth, You’ve lost me—or officially, Matt has have been in a committed lost me—when he equates his insolence and relationship with my girlfriend, prickly demeanor interpersonally with being Laurie, for almost two years, and competitive, playing sports or being a man. things are going really well. We have a Sports are a wonderful thing and can imbue ton of common interests and even though young people with lessons on hard-work, we’re both young—I’m 23 and she’s sportsmanship, and the meritocracy that is 25—I can imagine spending the rest of our society. But anyone being an insufferable my life with her. grouch on anything close to a consistent basis About three months ago we talked for any reason is unacceptable. about taking a vacation together and I’ve Matt sounds like the ladies from the been working really hard to save money. previous letter: He needs to grow up a bit.

The problem is that now Laurie says Life, relationships, friendships and work she can’t afford a are more important vacation with me, than his weekend yet she goes out all warrioring on the “Even if it’s just the time with her court or the diamond. friends. I’m really Here comes the correcting something upset and feel like Truth: Evolved he said or suggesting I’ve been deceived. adults can accept a different plan of What do you think? adversity, defeat —Ready to Launch and differing points action, he becomes of view. They can very rude.”

Dear Captain Stubing debate respectfully – and keep the dialogue At 25 years old, civil. Matt has some it sounds to me like Laurie is simply a little evolving to do, and as his partner, you can immature when it comes to money. For many help by gently and respectfully pointing people, particularly those in their early 20s, out when he’s got steam coming out of his saving is a mysterious animal. You seem to ears. By the way, it is ironic to the extreme understand that saving for something like that he accuses you of being hypersensitive, travel requires sacrifice. Laurie doesn’t seem when he’s the one who pouts after losing a to be there yet. But, I must say that to feel meaningless game, designed to be a form of “deceived” (strong word) in this situation recreation and relaxation. | l | when I don’t see that as a logical outcome is

I

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watermark | classifieds

| March 17 - 30, 2011

[classifieds] central florida

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that may seem silly but what is your criteria for selecting an agent to represent you with the most expensive asset you will probably ever own? Although my swimsuit days are over, my real estate career is still in full force. If you are thinking of buying selling or investing in real estate, think of me first. Stan Madray– Keller Williams Realty (407)928-7791 / www.StanMadray.com My commitment to you! •Communicate Effectively - Answer calls, respond to emails and keep you informed. •Be Knowledgeable - Know the market place, follow the trends and track the numbers. •Have Fun - It’s not just about the destination, It’s also about the journey. •Keep Integrity - Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. •Seek the Win-Win - Negotiate effectively to meet our needs and our objectives. Making real estate dreams come true? *BTW… If you do require your prospective agent to compete in talent, I will be twirling a fire baton to “Half-Breed” by Cher.

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& customer-focused, computer literate & proficient, web knowledgeable & a self-starter with outside sales experience, then we might be a match! Watermark, the gay & lesbian newspaper for Orlando & Tampa Bay, is seeking an experienced sales professional to help us grow our business by helping businesses in the Tampa Bay area grow. You would call on potential clients, guide their advertising campaigns and make a very good living. Watermark Media is a great company offering a competitive compensation package that includes salary, commissions and full benefits. Send your cover letter and resume to Chief Financial Officer Rick Claggett at rick@watermarkonline.com or fax to 407-481-2246.

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Watermark does not knowingly print advertisements for sexual services. Beyond printed content, Watermark does not inquire into the nature of personal or professional services advertising. Payment for sexual services is illegal in the State of Florida, and respondents to classified advertising should govern themselves accordingly. As required by law (Florida Statute 480.0465), Licensed Massage Therapists include their license number in all advertising.

watermark | sports

18 Fore Life tourney returns to Tampa steve blanchard Tampa | For the third year in a row, golfers of all skill sets will get a chance to enjoy Florida’s weather and beautiful greens all while raising money for charity.

The Annual 18 Fore Life Golf Tournament, benefitting Francis House and Metropolitan Charities, is Saturday, March 26, at the Rocky Point Golf Club.

Team registrations are welcome until the morning of the tournament and fees include 18 holes of golf, lunch, a goodie bag and

admission to an awards dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the tournament and proceeds benefit both charitable organizations, which assist those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The Rocky Point Golf Club is at 4151 Dana Shores Drive and the tournament starts at 1 p.m. and should be wrapped by 6 p.m.

For more information, visit Tampa Metropolitan Community Church’s Web site at TampaMCC.com. | l |

Professional Rugby teams take stand against homophobia wire report More and more teams with the Rugby Football League in England are showing support for the fight against homophobia.

The Sheffield Eagles are the latest team to dedicate a game to raise awareness about the dangers of homophobia. Rugby has been at the forefront of the battle for years with straight ally Ben Cohen leading the fight and with rugby star Gareth Thomas coming out in 2010.

Teams throughout the league will wear official RFL shirts that read “Homophobia: Tackle It!” on the front.

Sheffield Eagles are the first professional club in mainstream UK sport to display such a high level of support for the anti-homophobia campaign.

The Eagles efforts are part of the Rugby Football League’s celebrations of LGBT History Month, which began on February 1.

England cricketer Steven Davies, who recently announced his homosexuality to the world, was among the first to show his support for the event.

“Gareth Thomas was a real inspiration and made me believe it would be possible for me to do the same,” said Davies, “So anything that helps even one person should be applauded.

There may be added pressures in sports as the number of people that have come out is so small, so it’s great that Rugby League is taking this step.”

One of the nation’s favorite broadcasters, Clare Balding, was also quick to show her support for the event.

“I am delighted that Rugby League has taken the positive, progressive step of publicly embracing diversity and condemning prejudice,” said Balding. “Rugby League has always been a sport that seeks to involve rather than exclude and I applaud its stance against homophobia. I hope other sports will follow the outstanding example set by The RFL.” Popular English actors have embraced the campaign and several politicians have stepped up support as well. Home Office Minister

March 17 - 30, 2011 |

59

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Members of the Sheffield Eagles Rugby team will wear jerseys combating homophobia this month.

Lynn Featherstone pledged her support to the campaign through a press release.

“Homophobia and transphobia have caused too much harm and ruined too many lives,” Featherstone said. “That is why we all need to join together to tackle this problem. I am delighted to support this fantastic occasion with the RFL and Sheffield Eagles, who are sending an amazing message not only to sports fans but also to children, and society in general, that there is no room for homophobia or transphobia in this country.

The Sheffield Eagles decision to back Britain’s LGBT History Month and Pride Sports’ anti-homophobia campaign follows a number of groundbreaking achievements by the sport of Rugby League.

The RFL was recently included in the Stonewall Top 100 Workplace Index, becoming the first sports organization ever to be named as a leading LGBT friendly employer, an accolade that followed Super League player Gareth Thomas’s recognition as the 2010 Stonewall LGBT Hero of The Year. | l |

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watermark | gossip

| March 17 - 30, 2011

billymasters

60

“Jamie and I have a bromance. We’ve been having sex for years now. Going fantastic.”

—Channing Tatum tells “GQ” about his special relationship with his Eagle co-star, Jamie Bell. I usually say you don’t need to paint me a picture, but in this case—I’d like the painting, please.

C

Looking good naked

Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

an I give you a piece of advice? Get at least one good photo of yourself naked at your physical peak. You know, something you can trot out whenever the conversation with friends turns to who has the hottest nude photos (like you all don’t have these chats). A bon ami of mine had everything fall into place perfectly. He was in terrific shape, just the right amount of manscaping, good haircut, and happened to be in Greece with an amateur photographer.

Throw in some good lighting and ancient ruins—how could you not look good? Online he looks like a Greek god. A sometime paramour who occasionally acts did a whole series of such photos which never saw the light of day. Pity, because aside from a questionable hairstyle, he never looked better.

As for me, I’ve taken some good photos on a low-carb/non-bloat day. But I never got the whole package (as it were) in the same shot.

If I ever have some spare time, maybe I’ll arrange them all like some jigsaw puzzle.

I bring this all up apropos of Representative Chris Lee who e-mailed shirtless pics to a woman while claiming to be a 39-year-old divorced lobbyist instead of a 46-year-old married Congressman. Okay, so he’s a Republican. That doesn’t mean he can’t be at least a little hot. They don’t all

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look like Larry Craig, you know. Some look like Scott Brown. Back to Chris Lee, he’s in good enough shape to be posing shirtless.

And, sure, he shaved seven years off his age—who among us hasn’t done that? Even in public, under the right conditions, I will say the words, “What was it like being alive for the Bicentennial?” Alright, I don’t know if I would buy him as 39—I’ve been around long enough to know better.

Didya know Calvin Klein’s latest boytoy Nick Gruber/Aaron Skyline almost appeared in Playgirl? Editor Daniel Nardicio says, “I had contacted him a long time ago about posing in Playgirl, before he was outed as a porn star. I kept trying to meet up with him and he kept blowing me off, with monosyllabic texts, yet he said he’d do Playgirl as long as he got the cover. Finally, in frustration I texted him to forget it, and he came back with ‘You only want me because of my fame, so you can go fuck yourself.’

To that I told him that in three years when Klein tired of blowing him, he’d be just another bottle blond looking for work, so he should be more respectful of people trying to give him work. He then texted, ‘Calvin is my partner—you don’t understand because you don’t have that. I am famous now, and people want me for my fame, and you should be careful ‘cause of the people I know and what they could do to you.’” People want him for his fame? Really? Who is he? A gay porn star/hustler who’s trading sex for cash and reconstructive plastic surgery. I’m sorry, but I think it’s about time someone called a whore a whore.

You know I’m returning to host the white carpet at Jeffrey Sanker’s April 8-11 White Party, right?

There are just a handful of suites remaining at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel as of this writing, so Sanker has added two additional host hotels to accommodate the demand.

The Zoso and the Hilton—both within walking distance. But that’s not all. I’ve found out exclusively that performers from the Las Vegas production of Zumanity, “the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil” (they make you say that), will appear on Saturday night. And who will get them

Nick Gruber, left and partnered to Calvin Klein, was rumored to pose for Playgirl, but apparently the young porn star and model was less than gracious to the magazine’s editor and chances of him getting a centerfold—or cover—are dead.

first? Honey, it’s gonna take more than a little body oil and spandex for them to slither past me! This is sizing up to be a big weekend—with more performers yet to be announced. After all, I ain’t gonna give it all away—we still want to surprise you! Go to JeffreySanker.com to get tickets, book your rooms, and ogle the hot guys from last year!

What is it about these Republicans and shirtless pics? You never see Barney Frank shirtless.

But do you remember 30-year-old Illinois congressman Aaron Schock?

Schock Now, I forget—did he go out of his way to state he’s not gay after he was photographed shirtless with the abs of a gay porn star or when he was wearing that teal belt with white slacks? No matter—at least he’s hot. If you’ve got a question, just drop a note to Billy@ BillyMasters. com, com and I promise to get back to you before someone publishes a “Hot Men of the GOP” Calendar! So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l | Actor Jamie Bell of Billy Elliot fame plays Channing Tatum’s slave in Eagle.

S4H_2011 Watermark ad.pdf

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March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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March 17 - 30, 2011 |

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Join Sawmill Resort As It Becomes The Largest Gay Owned Resident & Member Business in America!

The residents and members have offered the owner $4.2 million and it has been accepted. We only have 25 shares remaining at $23,000!

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