Watermark Issue 18.12: St. Pete Pride 2011

yOUR lGBT lIFE.

ISSUE 18.12 | JUNE 9 - JUNE 22, 2011 WATERMARKONlINE.COM

Gay SIGNS OF Days VITALITY SHOWS

focus on

St. Pete Pride HEADLINER SIR ARI GOLD TAKES THE MAIN STAGE UPDATED EVENT LISTINGS PRIDE WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Proud

Perry

D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

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ST. PETE PRIDE 2011 GRAND MARSHAL REV. TROY PERRY DISCUSSES HIS LATEST ROLE AND WHY EQUALITY IS INEVITABLE

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

MACY’S IS PROUD TO JOIN THE PARADE ACROSS AMERICA IN HONOR OF NATIONAL PRIDE MONTH. WE THINK IT’S REALLY SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. FOR MORE INFO, GO TO MACYS.COM/PRIDE

Proudly recognized by The Trevor Project for our commitment to the LGBT community and by the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index with a 100% rating

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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watermark | preview

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

issue 18.12

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SIR ARI GOlD 38

Sir Ari Gold is the first-ever headliner for the St. Pete Pride Street Festival. The New York native talks with us about what it was like growing up as a gay Jew, what we can expect from his show and how he plans to tackle the Florida heat.

PG.

Metropolitan Community Church founder Rev. Troy Perry is this year’s 2011 St. Pete Pride grand marshal—the first time he’s held such a title in his native Sunshine State.

12 | Orlando News Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer pushes for a domestic partner registries for both the city and Orange County; Out N About radio expands its programming in Orlando’s market; Beth Marshall steps down from her post at Fringe; more.

THE BIG STORy

7

16 | Tampa News Streetcar Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar in Ybor City has been under fire for months—now we know the reasons behind its sudden closure and why those protests were held on its sidewalk; Beckner holds major fundraising event to prep for 2012 election; more.

33 | Scene+Heard

12

ORlANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAy NEWS

16

KNOW+TEll

21 / TAMPA BAy MARKETPlACE

24 / ORlANDO MARKETPlACE

Sir Ari Gold has performed throughout Florida—but never in St. Petersburg.

Now the New York native and out and proud performer is the first-ever headliner for the state’s largest LGBT Pride celebration. The handsome vocalist talks about his career and what it’s like to be so out while in the midst of a very public career. Ewan McGregor has played gay before—but now he plays the son of an elderly gay man in the new film Beginners, based on a real story. McGregor tells us why he was attracted to the role and why he feels apologetic for his portrayal of a gay man in the recent I Love You, Phillip Morris.

28 / MAIl

47 | St. Pete Pride

44 / ORlANDO OVERHEARD

Ever since it debuted in 2003, St. Pete Pride has grown substantially each year. In 2011, the state’s largest LGBT Pride festival welcomes the Rev. Troy Perry as its grand marshal. Perry, who founded the MCC Church, talks to us about his drive for activism, his lifetime of seeking equality and why the younger generation of LGBTs give him so much hope. We also chat with St. Pete Pride Executive Director Chris Rudisill, who points out a few new features to the 2011 festival and why St. Pete Pride has morphed in to a weekend-long event. We also include an updated performance schedule for the Street Festival and list events to keep you proud throughout the entire month of June.

Correction

47

20 / NATION + WORlD NEWS

Congratulations to Orlando’s Homo Happy Hour Radio Show on two years of broadcasting. A transitions item in our previous issue had an incorrect timeframe associated with the program.

40 / EVENT PlANNER

43 / TAMPA BAy OVERHEARD

56 / TRANSITIONS

58 / ClASSIFIEDS

59 / SPORTS

60 / GOSSIP

62 / GAllERy W

watermark | preview

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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editor’sdesk I

Many transgender people understandably don’t see themselves as part sat in on a transgender town hall forum in St. Petersburg to hear what of the “gay” community because they are not attracted to the same gender. the T-community had to say about LGBT organizations and services It’s a tricky and complicated relationship. The LGBT alphabet soup doesn’t available to them. The experience was enlightening and I reported on it always embrace everyone—and I’m learning that the hard way. in a recent issue of Watermark.

We recently ran a cover story on Gina Duncan, the first transgender I have been an advocate for trans-men and trans-women for several years president of Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association. We received now and I admit there is still plenty about Gender Identity Disorder I just one—and only one—letter commenting in a positive way on the depth and don’t understand. I can also admit I’ve made mistakes when covering that scope of the article. After my recent error, I received an ongoing chain of component of our community. letters denouncing me and Watermark’s coverage of the T-community. The While I have educated myself through discussions with transgender disappointment was obvious and my journalistic integrity was questioned. and transsexual friends, research through online sources and personal As most journalists know, if you hear nothing, your coverage is fine. If interactions with specialists in the field, it’s safe to say that I will never fully you get a flood of contact from readers, you royally screwed up. understand how a person believes he or she is born into the wrong gender.

I screwed up. By describing GID as an illness rather than a disorder, I It’s the same for a straight man who cannot understand my attraction to offended the very group of people I try so hard to other men. But I can offer my compassion. equally represent in these pages. Many trans-people We will never truly understand a person’s point read coverage closely—and I know why. I can only Steve Blanchard of view completely because it is impossible for us imagine the frustration transgender people feel when to see things from his or her perspective—and that EDITOR Gender Identity SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com reaches beyond the LGBT community. they hear repetitive mistakes regarding pronouns, Disorder is just that: a classifications and diagnoses.

After the story ran I received a few e-mails Of course there is frustration when covering the expressing concern over a quote from a trans-man in disorder, not an illness.

T-community as a non-transgender person. Many the audience. According to those e-mails, my notes trans-people have been mistreated by the press differed from what the person said. I cautiously before. Others are “stealth” and therefore don’t share tried to explain what my hand-written notes said to their stories with anyone while lamenting there isn’t enough coverage of no avail and shortly after learned some were appalled and insulted by me transgender issues in the press. defending my notes. I was then told that a retraction/clarification wouldn’t As we continue through June—Pride Month—and commemorate the get the job to correct the injustice.

New York Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the beginning of the gay rights So all I can offer is my apologies for misunderstanding. movement, we should also invite our transgender friends and neighbors to In short, Gender Identity Disorder is just that: a disorder, not an illness. recognize our advances with us as our advocates. If the transgender people It's a medical condition. Much can be said for one misplaced or misheard among us do not always feel a part of the “gay” community, then it is up to word. us to invite them in.

The relationship between gays, lesbians, bisexuals and our transgender My hope is that misunderstandings in the future can be resolved and neighbors is strained, to say the least. Too many gays and lesbians see used as building blocks to improve relationships and continue the fight for transgender people only as performers who do numbers on the stages of equality for everyone as allies, no matter which letter of the alphabet is most popular nightspots. But transgender people are in all aspects of society— relatable. | l | they are doctors, lawyers, bus drivers, police personnel, teachers and more.

staff

watermark Orlando Office

Publisher Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Administrative Assistant Erik Caban • Ext. 100 • Erik@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief Steve Blanchard • Ext. 303 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Online Editor Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Art Director Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

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ISSUE 18.10 | MAY 12 - MAY 25, 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

yOuR LGBT LIFE. ISSuE 18.11 | MAy 26 - JuNE 8, 2011 WATERMARkONLINE.COM

FOCUS ON

BRINGS BACK ITS GAY VIBE

ARRIVES IN JUNE

Summer Sizzle SWIMWEAR FASHIONS TO SHOWCASE YOUR ASSETS ON FLORIDA’S BEACHES

D AY T O N A B E A C H

ISSUE 18.09

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ORLANDO

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

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ISSUE 18.10

S A R A S O TA

orlanDo’S

BiG Gay weekenD

Pride & Passion Smashes records

Gay Days’ technological evolution What’s new and different in 2011 Universal’s LGBT outreach

in Tampa

Still SHininG D AY T O N A B E A C H

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Deborah Cox steps back into the limelight with a new album and an appearance just for her Orlando LGBT fans

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

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ISSUE 18.11

S A R A S O TA

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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watermark | the big story

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

Older and Better?

FOR GAY DAYS WEEKEND, THERE WERE ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF VITALITY IN

2011

tom dyer

WITH ONSITE

REPORTING FROM ERIK C A B A N , M A R K C A D Y, R I C K C L A G G E T T, K I R K HARTLAGE, JAMIE HYMAN AND DON WILLIAMS

O

rlando | When it comes to Gay Days Weekend post-mortems, the question for the past decade or so has been the same: Is the massive event— the largest annual LGBT gathering in the nation—expanding or contracting? Now 21 and counting, it appears that Orlando’s Big Gay Event is healthy… and evolving.

The 1,000-room GayDayS.com hotel and business expo were once again sold out, with reservations spilling over into neighboring properties. The Girls In Wonderland hotel and parties were also huge hits. For the first time in years, the big Friday night water park party at Typhoon Lagoon—this year dubbed “Riptide”—attracted more than 6,000 happy partiers. And with a Salt-N-Pepa concert on Saturday night, the Parliament House set an

A group from Orlando’s Joy MCC poses in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. | Photo by Tom Dyer

all-time attendance record.

There was promise in other key indicators as well. Mark Baker tweaked his Wonderland Weekend in ways designed to attract a younger circuit crowd. LGBT attendance at the Magic Kingdom was substantial, if not close to the park-closing numbers experienced more than a decade ago.

And new parties created fresh potential for coming years. GayDayS.com’s Taste of Gay Days attracted more than 250 to a classy Thursday night opening event. That same night, GIW and Phish Phest brought the party back to town for the Traffic Jam women’s dance party at the Beacham Theater. Come Out With Pride’s Evolve Weekend introduced Mr. Sisters to Gay Days with big crowds.

“Overall I think the weekend was a

huge success,” said Phish Phest’s Sue-Bee Laginess, who made it to most every venue.

“I’ve said it before and this weekend proves it: there’s plenty of gays to go around in Orlando!”

Girls On Friday at the Girls in Wonderland hotel there were hugs and shrieks of recognition as hundreds of women from around the country checked in quickly. They were anxious to get out to a pool party that grew by the hour. The crowd was colorfully diverse, with lots of tattooed gangsta girls to contrast with bikinied beauties. A random survey revealed large numbers from New York and South Florida.

Continued on page 22 | uu |

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9.875"

More than 5.3 million KALETRA prescriptions have been filled in the US* If you have HIV, ask your doctor if KALETRA could be right for you • KALETRA may help lower viral load and raise T-cell (CD4) count – Some patients may develop signs and symptoms of serious infections they already have after starting anti-HIV medicines • KALETRA is used with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to increase the chance of treatment response in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection

11.4" 10.375"

• 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

Please see KALETRA Use and Important Safety Information on the next page.

Models are for illustrative purposes only. ©2011 Abbott Laboratories 039-565605 March 2011

Abbott Park, IL 60064 Printed in U.S.A.

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

9.875"

KALETRA Use and Important Safety Information1 Use KALETRA (lopinavir/ritonavir) is a prescription anti-HIV-1 medicine called a protease inhibitor that contains lopinavir and ritonavir. KALETRA is used with other antiHIV-1 medicines to increase the chance of treatment response in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. It is not known if KALETRA is safe and effective in children under 14 days old. ®

KALETRA should not be taken once daily if you take carbamazepine (Tegretol® and Epitol®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), or phenytoin (Dilantin®).

There is an 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, because the interaction with these medicines may result in an increase KALETRA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and does in their side effects, such as low blood pressure (dizziness not stop you from passing HIV-1 to others. You may still or fainting), vision changes, and/or erections lasting more than 4 hours. Tell your doctor right away if you experience get opportunistic infections or other conditions that any of these side effects. happen with HIV-1.

11.4" 10.375"

Important Safety Information

KALETRA oral solution contains propylene glycol and a large amount of alcohol.

Do not take KALETRA if you are allergic to KALETRA or • KALETRA oral solution should not be given to babies any of its ingredients, including lopinavir or ritonavir. Skin younger than 14 days of age unless your doctor thinks rashes, some of them severe, can occur in people who it is right for your baby. Babies taking KALETRA oral take KALETRA. Tell your doctor if you had a rash when solution may have side effects. Call your doctor right you took another medicine for HIV or if you notice any away if your baby appears too sleepy or their breathing skin rash when you take KALETRA. has changed.

Drug Interactions: • Talk with your doctor if you take or plan to take metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®).

The list of drug interactions below is not complete. You You can have severe nausea and vomiting if you take must tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking or these medicines with KALETRA. planning to take, including those without a prescription, vitamins, and herbal products.

KALETRA can cause serious side effects: Serious problems or death can happen if you take KALETRA may not be right for you. Tell your doctor these medicines with KALETRA: ergot-containing about all your medical conditions. medicines, including ergotamine (Cafergot® and others), Changes in your heart rhythm and the electrical ® dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 and others), ergonovine activity of your heart can occur when taking KALETRA. (Ergotrate®), and methylergonovine (Methergine®); These changes can lead to serious heart problems. Your ® triazolam (Halcion ); midazolam oral syrup; pimozide risk for these problems may be higher if you already have ® ® ® (Orap ); lovastatin (Mevacor ); simvastatin (Zocor ); a history of abnormal heart rhythm or other types of heart rifampin (Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater ®, or Rifamate®); disease, or if you take other medicines that can affect your sildenafil (Revatio®) only when used to treat pulmonary heart rhythm while you take KALETRA. Tell your doctor ® arterial hypertension; alfuzosin (Uroxatral ); or products right away if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). fainting, and/or a sensation of abnormal heartbeats.

The following medicines may need changes if you Liver problems, including death, can happen in people take KALETRA: birth control pills that contain estrogen who take KALETRA. Blood tests in people who take (“the pill”), birth control (contraceptive) patches, KALETRA may show possible liver problems. People with ® ® nilotinib (Tasigna ) and dasatinib (Sprycel ), atorvastatin liver disease such as hepatitis B or C who take KALETRA (Lipitor®), rosuvastatin (Crestor®), efavirenz (Atripla® may have worsening liver disease. People should tell their and Sustiva®), nevirapine (Viramune®), amprenavir doctor right away if they have any of the following signs ® ® (Agenerase ), fosamprenavir (Lexiva ), nelfinavir and symptoms: loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes (Viracept®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools, itchy (Tegretol®), phenobarbital, sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil skin, and/or stomach area (abdominal) pain. ® ® ® (Cialis , Adcirca ), vardenafil (Levitra ), rifabutin ® ® (Mycobutin ), inhaled fluticasone (Flonase ), salmeterol Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which may be serious and cause death, has occurred in some (Serevent ®) and salmeterol in combination with people who take KALETRA. You have a higher chance of fluticasone propionate (Advair ®), colchicine (Colcrys®), bosentan (Tracleer ®), fentanyl (Duragesic®, IonsysTM, Fentora®) and methadone.

having pancreatitis if you have had it before. Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain, as these may be signs of pancreatitis.

Immune reconstitution syndrome may occur after starting anti-HIV medicines, including KALETRA. This happens when you develop signs and symptoms of serious infections you already have, which may require additional treatment.

Large increases in certain fat (triglycerides and cholesterol) levels in the blood have occurred in some people receiving KALETRA. The long-term chance of getting complications such as heart attacks or strokes due to these increases in triglycerides and cholesterol caused by protease inhibitors is not known at this time.

New or more serious diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) have occurred in some people who take protease inhibitors, including KALETRA. Tell your doctor if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking KALETRA. Changes in body fat have been seen in some people who take anti-HIV therapy. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.

Increased bleeding has occurred in some people with hemophilia who take protease inhibitors, including KALETRA. If you are taking birth control pills or using patches to prevent pregnancy, you should use an extra form or a different type of birth control, since birth control pills or patches may not work as well while you take KALETRA. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy while taking KALETRA. It is not known if KALETRA will harm your unborn baby.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should tell your doctor.

If you take KALETRA during pregnancy, you should talk with your doctor about how you can take part in an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of the pregnancy registry is to follow the health of you and your baby.

Do not breast-feed while taking KALETRA. There is a chance HIV can be passed to your baby through breast milk and your baby may have serious side effects from KALETRA. Common side effects of KALETRA include diarrhea, nausea, stomach area (abdominal) pain, feeling weak, vomiting, headache, or upset stomach. These are not all of the possible side effects of KALETRA. The long-term effects of KALETRA are not known at this time.

This is the most important information to know about KALETRA. For more information, talk with your doctor.

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 of Prescribing Information on the following pages.

Reference: 1. KALETRA [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories. *Since September 2000. IMS Health, NPA™, September 2000–September 2010.

IMS expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

9

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

DO NOT RE-SIZE Ad unit Project # must match this project # 039-565605

KALETRA® (kuh-LEE-tra) (lopinavir/ritonavir) Tablets KALETRA® (kuh-LEE-tra) (lopinavir/ritonavir) Oral Solution Patient Information

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.

What is the most important information I should know about KALETRA?

• 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 KALETRA may cause serious side effects, including: pregnancy while taking KALETRA, women who take birth control • Interactions with other medicines. It is important to know pills or use estrogen patch for birth control should either use a the medicines that should not be taken with KALETRA. different type of birth control or an extra form of birth control.

Read the section “What should I tell my doctor before taking Talk to your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy while taking KALETRA?” KALETRA. • Changes in your heart rhythm and the electrical activity • take KALETRA during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about how of your heart. These changes may be seen on an EKG you can take part in an antiretroviral pregnancy registry. The (electrocardiogram) and can lead to serious heart problems. Your purpose of the pregnancy registry is to follow the health of you and risk for these problems may be higher if you: your baby. ° already have a history of abnormal heart rhythm or other types • are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed if you are taking KALETRA. of heart disease.

You should not breast-feed if you have HIV-1. If you are a woman who has or will have a baby while taking KALETRA, talk with your ° take other medicines that can affect your heart rhythm while you take KALETRA. doctor about the best way to feed your baby. If your baby does not Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms while already have HIV-1, there is a chance that HIV-1 can be passed to taking KALETRA: your baby through your breast milk.

• dizziness Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including • lightheadedness prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal • fainting supplements. Many medicines interact with KALETRA. Do not start • sensation of abnormal heartbeats taking a new medicine without telling your doctor or pharmacist. Your See the section below “What are the possible side effects of doctor can tell you if it is safe to take KALETRA with other medicines.

KALETRA?” for more information about serious side effects.

Your doctor may need to change the dose of other medicines while you take KALETRA. What is KALETRA? Medicines you should not take with KALETRA. KALETRA is a prescription anti-HIV medicine that contains two Serious problems or death can happen if you take these medicines: lopinavir and ritonavir. KALETRA is called a protease medicines with KALETRA: inhibitor that is used with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people • ergot containing medicines, including: with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. HIV-1 is the ® ° ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot , Migergot, Ergomar, Ergostat, virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Medihaler Ergotamine, Wigraine, Wigrettes) ® ® It is not known if KALETRA is safe and effective in children under ° dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45 , Embolex, Migranal ) 14 days old. ergonovine, ergonovine and methylergonovine (Ergotrate, ° Methergine), ergotamine and methylergonovine Who should not take KALETRA? methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) ° Ergotrate Maleate, • Do not take KALETRA if you are taking certain medicines. For • triazolam (Halcion®), midazolam hydrochloride oral syrup more information about medicines you should not take with • pimozide (Orap®) KALETRA, please see “Can I take other medicines with • the cholesterol lowering medicines lovastatin (Mevacor®) or KALETRA?” and consult with your doctor about all other simvastatin (Zocor®) medicines you take.

• sildenafil (Revatio®) only when used for the treatment of pulmonary • Do not take KALETRA if you have an allergy to KALETRA or any of arterial hypertension. (See “Medicines that may need changes” its ingredients, including ritonavir and lopinavir. and “What are the possible side effects of Kaletra?” for information about the use of sildenafil for erectile problems.)

What should I tell my doctor before taking KALETRA? • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) KALETRA may not be right for you. Tell your doctor about all Medicines that you should not take with KALETRA since they your medical conditions, including if you: may make KALETRA not work as well: • have any heart problems, including if you have a condition called • the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

• rifampin (Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater®, or Rifamate®) • have liver problems, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Medicines that may need changes: • have diabetes.

• birth control pills that contain estrogen (“the pill”) or the birth • have hemophilia. People who take KALETRA may have increased control (contraceptive) patches bleeding.

• certain anticancer medicines, such as nilotinib (Tasigna®) and • have low potassium in your blood. dasatinib (Sprycel®)

03-A465 Kaletra CB-10.625x10.6(2).indd 1

CONSUMER BRIEF SUMMARY CONSULT PACKAGE INSERT FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

• 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.

How should I take KALETRA? • Take KALETRA every day exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• It is very important to set up a dosing schedule and follow it every day.

• Do not change your treatment or stop treatment without first talking with your doctor.

• Swallow KALETRA tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush KALETRA tablets.

• 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 propylene glycol and a large amount of alcohol. KALETRA oral solution should not be given to

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 | 11 DO NOT RE-SIZE Ad unit Project # must match this project # 039-565605

babies younger than 14 days of age unless your doctor thinks it is right for your baby. ° If a young child drinks more than the recommended dose, it could make them sick. 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.

• KALETRA can be taken with acid reducing agents used for heartburn or reflux such as omeprazole (Prilosec®) and ranitidine (Zantac®) with no dose adjustment.

• KALETRA should not be administered once daily in combination with carbamazepine (Tegretol® and Epitol®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), or phenytoin (Dilantin®).

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.

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. • Babies taking KALETRA oral solution may have side effects.

KALETRA oral solution contains alcohol and propylene glycol. Call your doctor right away if your baby appears too sleepy or their breathing has changed.

Common side effects of KALETRA include: • diarrhea • nausea • stomach area (abdominal) pain • feeling weak • vomiting • headache • upset stomach These are not all of the possible side effects of KALETRA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use KALETRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give KALETRA to other people, even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about KALETRA. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about KALETRA that is written for health professionals. For more information about KALETRA call 1-800-633-9110 or go to www.KALETRA.com.

What are the ingredients in KALETRA?

Active ingredient: lopinavir and ritonavir Inactive ingredients: KALETRA 200 mg lopinavir and 50 mg ritonavir tablets: copovidone, sorbitan monolaurate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The film coating contains: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, polyethylene glycol 3350, yellow ferric oxide 172, and polysorbate 80.

KALETRA 100 mg lopinavir and 25 mg ritonavir tablets: copovidone, sorbitan monolaurate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The film coating contains: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, talc, polytheylene glycol 3350, and yellow ferric oxide E172.

KALETRA oral solution: acesulfame potassium, alcohol, artificial What are the possible side effects of KALETRA? cotton candy flavor, citric acid, glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, Magnasweet-110 flavor, menthol, natural and artificial vanilla flavor, KALETRA can cause serious side effects. peppermint oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, povidone, • See “What is the most important information I should know propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, sodium about KALETRA?” citrate, and water.

• Liver problems. Liver problems, including death, can happen in people who take KALETRA. Blood tests in people who take KALETRA oral solution contains 42.4% alcohol (v/v). “See KALETRA may show possible liver problems. People with liver How should I take KALETRA?”. disease such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C who take KALETRA 2011, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED may have worsening liver disease. Tell your healthcare provider * The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver and are not trademarks of Abbott Laboratories. The makers of problems: these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Abbott ° loss of appetite Laboratories or its products.

How should I store KALETRA? ° yellow skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) KALETRA Tablets, 200 mg lopinavir/50 mg ritonavir ° dark-colored urine KALETRA tablets: Manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd., pale colored stools, itchy skin ° • Store KALETRA tablets at room temperature, between 59°F to 86°F Barceloneta, PR 00617 stomach area (abdominal) pain. ° (15°C to 30°C).

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Some people for Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A. • Do not keep KALETRA tablets out of the container it comes in for who take KALETRA get inflammation of the pancreas which may KALETRA Tablets, 100 mg lopinavir/25 mg ritonavir and KALETRA longer than 2 weeks, especially in areas where there is a lot of be serious and cause death. You have a higher chance of getting Oral Solution humidity. Keep the container closed tightly. pancreatitis if you have had it before. Tell your doctor if you have Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A. nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while taking KALETRA. These KALETRA oral solution: • Store KALETRA oral solution in a refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F Ref: 03-A465-R10 may be signs of pancreatitis.

(2°C to 8°C). KALETRA oral solution that is kept refrigerated may Revised: February, 2011 • Increases in certain fat (triglycerides and cholesterol) levels be used until the expiration date printed on the label. in your blood. Large increases of triglycerides and cholesterol • KALETRA oral solution that is stored at room temperature (less can be seen in blood test results of some people who take than 77°F or 25°C) should be used within 2 months.

KALETRA. The long-term chance of getting complications such 036-553815 MASTER • Keep KALETRA away from high heat. as heart attacks or stroke due to increases in triglycerides and Throw away any medicine that is out of date or that you no longer cholesterol caused by protease inhibitors is not known at this need. time.

• Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people Keep KALETRA and all medicines out of the reach of children. who take protease inhibitors including KALETRA get new or more General information about KALETRA serious diabetes, or high blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you notice KALETRA does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. The long-term effects of 039-565605 an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking KALETRA. KALETRA are not known at this time. People taking KALETRA may • Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat in some people who still get opportunistic infections or other conditions that happen take antiretroviral therapy. These changes may include increased with HIV-1 infection. Some of these conditions are pneumonia, amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), herpes virus infections, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) breast, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms and infections.

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watermark | orlando news

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Mayor pushes for domestic partner registry Staff report Orlando | Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is leaning on Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs, encouraging a partnership to move forward on domestic partner registries for both the city and the county.

In a May 27 memo to Mayor Jacobs, Dyer said he supports implementation of a domestic partner registry.

“I am interested to learn where you and the County are in terms of evaluating this issue,” he said. “If Orange County plans

on implementing a registration system similar to what has been done in other jurisdictions, it makes sense to coordinate our efforts in order to avoid duplication.”

Mayor Dyer added that if Jacobs chooses not to pursue a domestic partner registry, the city of Orlando will move ahead anyway. He said it is scheduled to proceed with the plan this summer.

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said she thinks it’s great that Mayor Dyer is moving forward with a domestic partner registry, and hopes Orange County will do the same. | l |

Marshall says farewell to Fringe jamie hyman Orlando | Orlando’s International Fringe Festival may be searching for a new leader.

Beth Marshall, producing artistic director since 2004, has announced she's resigned from the role. She’s been involved with Fringe since 1997, when she started as a beer tent volunteer.

“I am moving forward with my own theatre company, Beth Marshall presents, which has been around since 2007, and we are doing full season work,” she said.

Marshall said the Fringe board will create a search committee, and in the meantime, general manager George Wallace will handle the day-to-day business operations of the Festival.

“He is fully able to handle the business side,” she said. “I have a feeling [my

former role] will become a contracted job, but that’s something the board will announce later.”

She said the timing for her career change is good because Fringe is “in a good financial scenario” right now and she’s “really proud” of her work with Fringe.

“Believe me, it’s not an easy transition at all,” Marshall said. “But I love the Festival and I will always love the Festival and I will always be there to help the Festival in any way that I can.”

Orlando’s Fringe just wrapped for the year on May 30. It was the festival’s 20th anniversary. Wallace reported that the festival sold 2,253 tickets more than last year, with 2011’s tickets attendance total at 23,470. He said Fringe sold 30 pieces of art from Visual Fringe and $194,000 was returned to the artists. | l |

VA Heritage Month Celebration a success jamie hyman

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Orlando | More than 60 people attended the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Heritage Month Celebration June 1, an historic event because it’s the first LGBT-focused VA event of its kind in the nation.

“To actually have an event at the VA to acknowledge the LGBT community was a huge deal,” said Keri Griffin-Edenfield, a therapist at the clinic and the first ever LGBT special emphasis program manager.

Openly gay veteran Mark Cady, Carlos Carbonell with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), The Center executive director Randy Stephens and city commissioner Patty Sheehan were the event’s speakers.

“All the presenters did awesome, and Mark made me cry,” said GriffinEdenfield.

They presented a flag to the VA from

the Veterans of Central Florida on behalf of the HRC, The Center and the city of Orlando.

“I had my LGBT group here [June 7] and I shared [the flag] with the ones who couldn’t come,” Griffin-Edenfield said.

“They were over the moon about it.”

There was some negativity leading up to the event, including some anti-gay emails and phone calls directed toward the VA. Griffin-Edenfield said they upped security by asking the VA police to be present, “but thankfully we didn’t need them and it went off without a hitch.”

She added that the event’s success has energized other VA staff members to volunteer, so future LGBT-targeted events are in the works. | l |

watermark | orlando news

(L-R) Listeners can tune in to hear Out N About Radio co-hosts Whitney Hogan, Randy Stephens and Paul Karle from 3–5 p.m. Saturdays on BIG 810 AM. | Photo courtesy Scott Bryant

LGBT radio show makes (air)waves jamie hyman Altamonte Springs | A gay-hosted and produced radio show is gaining airtime and listeners.

Out N About Radio has been broadcasting on BIG 810 AM on Saturdays since midMarch. The show started out as an hour long but now airs from 3–5 p.m. It’s hosted by Whitney Hogan, Randy Stephens and Paul Karle.

“I think our show is based on getting information to the LGBT community in a

different way that hasn’t been done before,” Karle said. “It’s also geared toward our straight allies as well, which is really important, to make their voice known that they support us.”

His conception of the show was his 2011 New Year’s resolution.

“This last year, I decided to do some research in Orlando to see what’s available and if it was a [radio] market that needed something like [Out N About],” Karle said. “I drafted a letter to 810 AM, proposed a concept, and they emailed me back in 10 minutes and said yes.”

Karle said each co-host brings their own element to enhance the content, and Hogan

came on board after they met at The Dessert Lady, when she was his server.

“Randy comes from the south, he’s a different generation and he’s seen a lot of things in his life. Whitney brings the girl perspective and the music perspective. I’m a pop culture guy who came from a conservative home to the north—I think we all bring something different to the table,” he said.

Hogan said they also want to “give the audience something to laugh about; with the three of us in the room it can be quite entertaining.”

Through internet radio, the hosts report they have listeners located all over the world, but a ratings book for the show has not yet been released.

Karle said the station tracks hits via their website and 810 AM managers said Out N About is the station’s top weekend show.

Hogan said they are continuing to grow, and even with the extra hour, they’re “cramming in stuff” so she has hope for additional expansion.

“We would to see this grow into an actual venture just like any other radio show, be able to be syndicated and heard on stations across the nation,” she said.

Out N About recently partnered with Watermark Media. Radio advertising is now available through Watermark’s sales representatives and Watermark’s editorial staff will assist with news content for the show.

“We always want to be growing,” Karle said. | l |

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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Sheriff’s Office to offer domestic partner benefits jamie hyman Orlando | The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) will provide domestic partner benefits for its employees.

The OCSO is a separate entity from Orange County, so when the county commissioners voted in April to provide domestic partner benefits for county employees, it did not cover employees of the OCSO. The Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee (OADO) reached out to the Sheriff’s Office to encourage and aid policy discussions.

OADO member Mary Meeks said she got a call from an OCSO Human Resources representative June 7 confirming that the OCSO domestic partner benefits will be provided, and they’ll match the policy currently in place for Orange County employees.

“We think it’s a great thing,” said Meeks.

“We’re very grateful to Sheriff [Jerry] Demming for making it happen so quickly.”

Enrollment will kick off in October, with the new benefits to go into effect in January of 2012. | l |

527108

875x5.125 4c

Celebrating pride When you look back at the efforts and achievements of LGBT men and women over the years, there’s every reason to be proud. Not just once a year, but every day. Wells Fargo takes great pride in the diversity of the communities we serve. That’s why we continue to make financial contributions to LGBT nonprofits, provide services specific to the needs of our LGBT customers and foster a work environment that doesn’t just accept differences, but celebrates them. Happy Pride. All year round.

wellsfargo.com/lgbt © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

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watermark | tampa bay news

Beckner fundraiser set for June 23

keep it in the community.

GLBT businesses contribute to GLBT charities and give our community strength.

St. Pete Pride.

Beckner, who is gay, earned his countywide seat in 2008 when he defeated incumbent Republican Brian Blair.

The fundraiser will be held at the home of Steve Wessels of Tampa and contribution levels range from $25 to $500. RSVPs are required for the event and can be made by calling 813-236-2096 or e-mailing Carrie@ KevinBeckner.com. | l |

staff report Tampa | It may not be an election year, but that doesn’t mean candidate’s aren’t gearing up for the big 2012 election season.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner will seek re-election to District 6 next year and a large fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23—just days before

HIV fundraiser to happen during Pride promenade profit-TheUtilityProject.com-organization, a group will carry a 25-foot-long rainbow flag in the St. Pete Pride Promenade the last Saturday of this month. Any money tossed onto the flag will be collected at the end of the parade route and donated through several AIDS Service Organizations in Pinellas County and The Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation in St. Petersburg. | l |

staff report St. Petersburg | Attendees at St. Pete Pride can donate money to assist people living with HIV/AIDS and battling cancer by simply tossing money onto a rainbow flag during the promenade June 25.

According to Ed Carter with a new non

Florida LEGAL retreat to land at Flamingo at the Flamingo Resort the weekend of June 17. And they’ll have plenty to celebrate, with the help of Tupperware Queen Dixie Longate.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party will open the weekend at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. | l |

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

17

Enjoy LifE, LibErty and thE Pursuit of haPPinEss

in PhiLadELPhia Before its closure, employees of Streetcar Charlie’s protested outside the Ybor City restaurant after they say the business failed to pay them for their services.

State shutters Streetcar Charlie’s steve blanchard Tampa | An era of LGBT history in Ybor City came to a close when employees and owners of Streetcar Charlie’s found padlocked chains on the doors of the once-popular restaurant on 15th Street.

On May 23, the state closed the restaurant and bar after more than a year of financial issues that plagued the Ybor City staple.

According to records from the Hillsborough Clerk of Courts, the restaurant originally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in June 2010 after it revealed it owed more than $120,000 in sales taxes. Early this year, management claimed the business had climbed out of bankruptcy, but it doesn’t appear those back taxes were ever fully paid.

For the past six months the business had also battled allegations of not paying its employees and several of those employees took to the streets to protest outside the business at 1811 N. 15th St. Those allegations were founded, according to an investigation with the Employment Standards Administration Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The restaurant began to struggle in late 2009 and into 2010—shortly after Manny Alvarez, a founding partner, left the business.

“I left in May 2009 because I just fundamentally didn’t agree with how things were run.,” said Manny Alvarez, an Ybor City native and the commercial real estate agent representing the building’s owners. “The state of the economy didn’t help either.”

When contacted via e-mail for a comment, Streetcar Charlie’s owner James Clark said it would be inappropriate for him to do so at this time because of possible—and likely—coming legal actions.

In late 2010, problems seemed to worsen for the once-popular restaurant when former chef Darlene Herrick claimed she was not paid for her services. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found in favor of Herrick and Streetcar Charlie’s was ordered to pay employees at least applicable federal minimum wage for all hours worked. The investigation also found poor record keeping and one case of

the restaurant violating the Child Labor Law. “The recent investigation disclosed one minor was found employed contrary to the child labor provisions of the FLSA,” U.S. Department of Labor Assistant District Director Jim Rogers wrote in a December letter to Clark. As a penalty, Streetcar Charlie’s was fined $1,900. The employee, who was not identified, worked at the business in July 2010.

Records show the unidentified minor was born in late September 1992 and therefore was under the age of 18 during his or her time of employment.

“The employer failed to maintain dates of birth for minors under the age of 18,” Wage and Hour investigator Nicolas Ratmiroff found. “Mr. Clark alleged ignorance of the law and reliance on a payroll company.”

When the eatery first opened in 2007 the GaYbor District Coalition was just in its development phase and Streetcar Charlie’s was one of the only LGBT businesses in the area, except for MC Film Fest, which is located across the street. Many in the area suspected how the opening of Hamburger Mary’s down the street in 2010 would affect the business at Streetcar Charlie’s, but Alvarez believes the two restaurants were not in direct competition.

“The demographic that was going to Streetcar Charlie’s was a serious South Tampa and church crowd,” Alvarez said. “When I started Steetcar Charlie’s our marketing was toward that crowd. The Mary’s crowd is totally different. They target a lot of the young people who like drag. They focus on a large demographic of people who are straight and gay who want to see the shows. There is no comparison between the two.”

Nearly two weeks after the sudden closure, the 1925-constructed building has “For Rent” signs in the windows—but Alvarez doesn’t think those signs will stay up long. He said there are three businesses looking seriously at the space and a new restaurant could open within the next month.

“It’s a great location and I know the owners of the building want to fill that vacancy as soon as they can with a viable business,” Alvarez said. “Two mainstream restaurant chains are interested and there’s one gay-owned business looking at it. That corner will remain active in Ybor City.” | l |

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watermark | sarasota news

‘Glee’ star raises funds for Palmetto High staff report Manatee County | Out lesbian and Glee star Jane Lynch was in Manatee County last month to raise money for the Palmetto High Rowing Club.

There were no signs of the snarky and mean “Sue Sylvester” character the Emmywinner portrays on the Fox hit, as Lynch hosted a boisterous pep rally with hundreds of Palmetto High School students.

Lynch and her wife, Lara Embry—a former Sarasota resident—are friends with rowing coach Trish Jackson.

Besides raising spirit for the new rowing team, the couple donated $15,000 to Palmetto High back in February to cover the cost of boats, oars and rowing machines. Lynch also offered to match up to $5,000 in donations collected by the rowers.

The weekend following the pep rally, Lynch appeared on the Rive Isle Golf Course in Parrish, where the first annual “Chopper Dropper” event raised even more money for the team. There, a helicopter dropped 2,000 golf balls purchased at $50 a piece by donors.

The person with the corresponding ball closest to the hole was to win $25,000.

However, a family and another individual

Glee star Jane Lynch talks to the crowd from a golf cart via megaphone at the “Chopper Dropper” charity event for Palmetto High School last month. | Photo by Suzanne Noe

split the $25,000 grand prize because both of their golf balls landed in the hole.

Two $5,000 prizes were donated back to the rowing club by an anonymous donor and Katie Jones of Northwest Natural Products who bought $2,000 worth of tickets. Lynch also contributed signed Glee memorabilia for an auction. Development company Neal Communities also contributed $2,000 to the team.

Coach Jackson said the funds will go toward the purchase of another eight-person boat and a set of oars. | l |

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Transgender teen crowned prom queen staff report Davie | A transgender teenager has been crowned prom queen of McFatter Technical High School. Andrew Viveros, 17, was given the honor May 27 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale.

Viveros told the Sun Sentinel that he was “in complete shock” when they called his name, earning the crown despite some students campaigning against him. He

watermark | state news

told a reporter that openly gay senior Juan Macias was elected prom king, but Macias’ designation did not create the controversy that Viveros’ did.

Viveros is a member of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. He told the press that he wrote a speech explaining why he should be allowed to run for prom queen and describing the daily difficulties of being transgender, which earned him the support of the school administrators. | l |

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Tallahassee | Singer Elton John is urging Florida Gov. Rick Scott to protect a program that helps low-income HIV/AIDS patients get medication needed to control the virus.

John, founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, wrote to Scott on May 31 after hearing the Department of Health was considering changes in income eligibility.

A department spokeswoman says there

are no immediate plans to change the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, though it held hearings to discuss the possibility of lowering income requirements to participate.

In their letter, John and foundation chairman David Furnish say lowering income eligibility could mean 1,600 people will no longer get help obtaining antiretroviral medication.

Furnish said in a phone interview, “We were horrified when we heard this and we wanted to reach out and make our unhappiness known to the governor.’’ | l |

Show dropped for anti-gay slurs staff report Miami | WSVN-Channel 7 has axed a Spanish-language talk show after complaints from gay and Hispanic activists. AT&T and Time Warner Cable dropped their advertising from Jose Luis Sin Censura after the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the National Hispanic Media Coalition

filed a complaint with the FCC in early 2011.

According to GLAAD, the show broadcast sexual situations and antigay slurs, including episodes where the audience would stand and shout anti-gay epithets at guests.

Executives at Liberman Broadcasting of Burbank, Calif., which distributes the show, plan to meet with GLAAD and NHMC on June 17.| l |

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Tallahassee | When asked point blank, Florida’s new department of Children and Families (DCF) chief said he has no plans to relaunch the fight against gay adoption.

Gov. Rick Scott appointed David Wilkins to head the DCF in January.

Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell had a conversation with Wilkins following an announcement that the DCF would cut 500 jobs, and the topic turned to the state’s overturned ban on gay adoption.

Wilkins told Maxwell that the issue isn’t

on his or the governor’s radar and added, “We need good parents. And there are a lot of gay parents doing a good job.”

Gov. Scott had announced during his campaign that he supported Florida’s gay adoption ban, which was later ruled unconstitutional.

Wilkins also discussed his plans and goals after the budget cuts, saying his focus is on protecting kids and streamlining the DCF, while creating an agency where frontline workers are motivated to work.

The DCF budget is $3 billion, 4% of Florida’s total spending. | l |

11-IA-1040

staff report

20

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | nation+world news

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Chicago, Ill. | Two Chicago men who have been partners for nearly half a century were among the 35 gay couples joined in civil union ceremonies June 2 in a downtown Chicago park after a new Illinois law recognized their relationships for the first time.

“Never thought it was going to happen,’’ said James Darby, who at nearly 80 was legally joined to his partner of 47 years in a ceremony presided over by Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans.

June 2 was the first day that couples across Illinois could have a partnership service officiated after getting their civil union licenses a day earlier. The law went

into effect June 1 but, like traditional marriage licenses, couples are required to wait until the next day to execute them.

The public ceremonies in Chicago were hosted by the city’s Commission on Human Relations and other groups.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed the law in January that gives gay and lesbian couples many of the rights and legal protections of marriage, including the power to decide medical treatment for their partners and to inherit their partner’s property. Heterosexual couples also can enter into civil unions in Illinois.

While couples at the celebration were grateful for the official recognition of their relationships, many said they want the right to marry. Gay marriage isn’t legal in Illinois. | l |.

Atlanta lawmaker comes out as gay wire report Atlanta, Ga.| State Rep. Rashad Taylor (D-Atlanta) has just become the first selfacknowledged gay man in the Georgia Legislature. He made the announcement during a May 27 news conference at the offices of Georgia Equality.

Taylor said that he felt compelled to make the announcement after an email was circulated to state lawmakers this week accusing Taylor of being gay and of using his position in the Legislature to solicit sexual relationships. Taylor denied the

allegations of improper conduct.

The author of the email, who signed his name “J. Callahan,” hung up on a reporter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and would not provide proof of his claims.

Taylor said that the man who sent the email is the former partner of the person Taylor is now dating.

Taylor said he has “denied for so long an essential part of who I am,” but said making the announcement is a relief. He acknowledged that had it not been for the e-mail, he would not have come out publicly. | l |

briefs Conn. Senate passes gender identity bill The Connecticut Senate on June 4 passed legislation that would provide protections from gender identity discrimination under the state’s anti-discrimination laws. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives, and Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he will sign the bill into law. Proponents say the bill codifies a commission ruling making it illegal to discriminate against transgendered people.

Republican lawmakers had raised concerns about whether a man could misuse the transgender law to enter a women’s restroom.

150 people hold gay pride march in Romania About 150 people held a gay pride march on June 4 in Bucharest, Romania, just hours after several dozen anti-gay activists held a rally condemning homosexuality.

There were no clashes or incidents during

the gay pride march, which was attended

by U.S. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein, British Ambassador Martin Harris and Swedish Ambassador Anders Bengtcen.

Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 2000 under pressure from the European Union and the U.S., but gays say they still experience rampant discrimination.

More than 30 arrested at Moscow gay rights demos Moscow police arrested more than 30 people on May 28 during two unauthorized gay-rights demonstrations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin and later outside the mayor’s office. A police spokesman told Russian news agencies that 18 gay activists and 14 opponents were arrested. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in postSoviet Russia, anti-gay sentiment is high and authorities routinely ban gay rights demonstrations on the grounds of trying to prevent fights.

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Once again, the sold out Girls in Wonderland hotel had some of the best pool parties of the weekend. Photo by Tom Dyer.

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Mark Baker’s Wonderland Weekend brought the circuit back to the huge Buena Vista Palace complex. Photo by Tom Dyer.

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GayDayS.com sold out the 1,000-room Doubletree by Hilton Orlando hotel. Many guests stayed the whole week. Photo by Tom Dyer.

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That night, the Climax party at Bongo’s at Downtown Disney got off to an awkward start when the doors opened while diners were still finishing their meals. By midnight the club was wall-to-wall, with more women lined up outside waiting to gain entrance. Upstairs, women of all shapes, sizes and colors waved from the balcony and looked down at the packed dance floor.

Saturday’s I Love Rock & Roll party drew an even bigger crowd to the House of Blues. Rachel from Real World: Road Rules Challenge was back to emcee, and Whitney, Traci and Rose from the cast of The Real L Word added more star power. The numbers grew late into the evening, energized by dancers and a sexy stage show by local favorite Blue. By the time hundreds of balloons dropped at midnight, the dance floor was a sweaty, happy mob.

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Boys Riptide at Typhoon Lagoon was the resurgent star of Orlando’s Big Gay Weekend in 2011. The event drew more than 6,000, and by midnight Disney was reportedly scrambling for additional wristbands.

Organizers attributed at least part of

the increased attendance to a 2011 innovation: direct bus service from the huge GayDayS.com hotel.

“We’ve worked diligently to use this beautiful venue as a backdrop for an evening of playful fun, where everyone can feel like a kid again,” said organizer Terry DeCarlo.

This year, Disney’s LGBT employee group created a flash mob tribute to military personnel set to “Born This Way” and “I’m Coming Out.” On an unusually warm summer night, happy Riptide guests had to be herded out of the park at 2:30 a.m.

In 2011, Mark Baker reclaimed the massive Buena Vista Palace complex for the Gay Days Weekend circuit. Although his scaled back Wonderland Weekend events did not attract the peak numbers of years past, they may be just right going forward. Sounding like an ecologist, Baker said the emphasis this year was on freshness and sustainability, not spectacle.

“We were able to attract a lot of young, new faces this year,” said Baker. “I think that’s important for the future.”

At Universal Studios Orlando on Saturday night, just two rides

opened for Matinee: Ibiza Rising, concentrating the estimated 2,000 in attendance in front of DJ Hector Fonseca. The following night, Fasscination drew a similar number to Hard Rock Live. Baker’s decision to relocate the Tunnel after hours parties to the host hotel was wellreceived.

Bears 2011 saw three separate bear groups migrate to Orlando for Gay Days Weekend: Bears at GayDayS, Bear Daze, and Tidal Wave Weekend. Each had their own parties and hotel or hotel block. In a first for Gay Days Weekend, the organizers of Tidal Wave booked the Royal Plaza Hotel at Lake Buena Vista and filled most of the rooms.

The big bear event is Friday night’s Tidal Wave party at Wet n Wild. Now in its fourth year, the water park party drew it biggest crowd ever—an estimated 1,500. VIP

watermark | the big story

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

23

Local News Outlet Misleads tom dyer

O

tickets, with all the BBQ you could eat, sold out. The wave pool stayed full. And some of the friskier bears even tried to create an impromptu dance floor in front of the DJ booth.

Townies In addition to setting attendance records on Saturday night, the Parliament House reported a 20 percent jump in attendance for the 10 days between Memorial Day and Gay Days this year. Beefed up sound and laser lights, as well as an elevated dance tent for DJ Brianna Lee, were applauded by regulars. Two shows by the Comedy Warehouse improv troupe raised $1,200 for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. And Bitches of the Kingdom, the “Patron’s Pick” at the recent Orlando Fringe Festival, played to sold out houses on Friday and Saturday nights.

Evolve Weekend at Mr. Sisters rebounded from last-minute news that Kelly Rowland had canceled.

Kimberley Locke and birthday girl Kristine W. filled in on Friday, and the following night Deborah Cox drew more than 2,000, helping raise funds for Come Out With Pride.

“The shows were amazing, and the quality of the stage and the technical teams we brought in was flawless,” said COWP’s Mikael Audebert. “We re-affirmed the power of Orlando’s gay community to raise money. We’ll certainly want to do this again.”

GayDayS.com At the sold-out GayDayS.com hotel, the huge Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, organizers said that guests arrived earlier and stayed later. The sold out Gay Days Expo was extended until Sunday.

Interviewed on Out & About Radio, GayDayS.com president Chris Alexander-Manley shared that his organization is scouting around for a bigger hotel with bigger pools and a bigger conference facility. GayDayS. com will host the first-ever Gay Days Las Vegas in September 2012.

Magic Kingdom How many gays and lesbians were

in the Magic Kingdom on Saturday?

Here’s the hard data: at noon, the wait at the Haunted Mansion was 25 minutes, and about 40 percent were wearing red.

None were distracted by the homophobic banner flying above (see sidebar.) Most were laughing, holding hands and enjoying the rides and atmosphere.

Joel Strack, who attends every year with friends from the Orlando Gay Chorus, observed that there’s a rhythm to the day—from Bears in Frontierland to the gathering in front of Cinderella’s Castle before the 3 p.m. character parade—and that Disney cast members now join in the fun. They hoisted a big rainbow parachute cloth at Cinderella’s Castle.

For Center director Randy Stephens, the highlight of Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom was meeting a 16-year-old high school junior from Ohio and his mother.

“This kid came out to his mom and his classmates this year at 14,” Stephens said. “He has dealt with bullies but he told me he can handle them. I told him he was my hero.” | l |

For many more photos from GD 2011 events, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

rlando | For most, the 21st Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom was a day when gays and lesbians openly mingled with regular park attendees. Among tens of thousands, an estimated 30-50 percent wore red signifying their LGBT identification on Saturday, June 4. Otherwise, it was a routine day at the self-proclaimed “happiest place on Earth.” As in years past, there were no reported incidents and few if any requests for admission refunds.

But according to a breathless report by WESH-TV, Gay Days is a war zone.

“The battle lines are drawn,” said reporter Kendra Oestriech. “Gay Days participants say they are celebrating who they are and bringing millions of dollars to central Florida. But a conservative Christian group is spending money in the skies to protest what they call an ‘immoral lifestyle.’”

WESH went on to describe the Florida Family Association’s attempt to divert people from the Magic Kingdom by flying a banner over I-4 near Disney property on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 proclaiming, “Warning: Gay Day at Disney 6/4.”

“The Florida Family Association is spending $7,000 to warn unsuspecting families that they’re about to be thrust into a crowd of thousands reveling in gay pride.”

Buried in the WESH report: Gay Days brings an estimated $150 million to the local economy, and Disney refutes FFA’s claim that “thousands of people enter the park, then turn around and leave when they see same-sex couples.”

“Come on out and see what it is really about,” GayDayS.com’s Chris Alexander-Manley told Oestreich. “Our crowd behaves better than most convention crowds.”

Florida Family Policy Council president John Stemberger applauded FFA. “I think it was a brilliant thing,” Stemberger told the Christian Post Reporter. “You have to understand the kissing, the inappropriate dress, the immodest and purposely provocative cross-dressing that goes on at the park.”

But most comments at wesh.com and the Christian Post web site decried the protest… and the reporting.

“I’m an annual passholder and I was there on Saturday with some friends and their family,” Donald Warren wrote at christianpost.com. “I didn’t notice a difference, and we had a great time. Couldn’t the $7,000 have been spent on something more beneficial, like feeding the hungry or helping families with kids who’ve lost their homes?”

24

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watermark | orlando marketplace | viewpoint

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

Yes, it’s the appropriate level of recognition.

Somewhat. He acknowledges the event, but an endorsement would be better.

top web comments

mail Swimwear spread not realistic

On the push for Domestic Partner Registry in Orlando and Orange County:

No, the lack of endorsement reveals a lack of support for our community.

Why on earth do a spread on bathing suits [Issue 18.10] and not include every body type or pictures? I am tired of seeing 20-something guys. We are all not like that. I would not be caught dead in shorts that just cover the boys either.

I have found this article only for the pretty ones and age-specific. Please think out of the box and dare to be different than all the other magazines and websites when writing about or publishing pictures of swimsuit models.

“This is a step in the right direction, I guess, but what does this really mean for me? I want to get married ‘legally.’ I am getting married in August 2011, to my partner of 5 years. We are flying to New Hampshire and holding a small ceremony at a relative’s house. We are spending a lot of money and that money could be going into our own economy if Florida would just get on board. Why does Florida have to be last for everything, why can’t we be trail blazers and trend setters for once?”

47% 40%

Michael Kelly Orlando

—Shawna Romkey

13%

AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM, WE ASKED YOU: St. Pete’s mayor has never officially endorsed St. Pete Pride.

Is Mayor Foster’s welcome letter (printed in the St. Pete Pride guide) adequate?

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

In Steve Blanchard’s recent article regarding St. Petersburg College updating its non-discrimination policy [Issue 18.10], Mr. Blanchard erroneously implies that this change may have something to do with Carl Kuttler III’s suicide. If you had done five minutes worth of research on the college’s

That cancellation clause is atypical in the performance contracts I negotiate.

Kudos to the amazing COWP team for finding coverage on short notice.

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I think it is because they are attempting to escape from the stress and harassment.

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web site you would have known that Dr. Law’s memo to the board proposing the change in language was days before Carl’s tragic death.

X-Men film gets facts wrong It’s quite fascinating that the new X-Men movie makes it look like the United States would only put missiles close to the USSR if it were forced to do so by a raving madman.

Nope. The USA was the only raving madman at the time, first surrounding the USSR with nuclear missiles (we put them in Turkey, the UK, and Italy), then acting shocked when the USSR threatened to do the same to us.

Luckily, the USSR backed off, or “blinked,” as it was called at the time. Otherwise, none of us would be here.

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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.

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watermark | viewpoint

Upgrade + Grab Bag Jamie Hyman

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Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com

by a home page button) that pointed to a constantly-updated article which linked to all of the new updates, photo galleries and gossip as it rolled in, all week long.

There is a similar plan in place for St. Pete Pride weekend, with a special focus on the brand new Fire and Ice Weekend parties at The Postcard Inn. Look for it, and if you are planning to be out and about, taking photos and partying during St. Pete Pride, let us know!

We’d love to see your photos and hear your updates.

And, our Gay Days coverage is still online and will remain there for the foreseeable future.

We’re giving it away Speaking of Fire and Ice Weekend, Watermark is giving away two full weekend party passes via our Fire and Ice Facebook page at Facebook.com/FireAndIceWeekend.

You have to “like” the page to learn how and when we’re giving them away.

In the meantime, we’ve been hosting some fun, smaller giveaways through Watermark’s main Facebook page at Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL. CDs, DVDs and some show passes are all easy to win by being the first to tag yourself in a photo or comment on a video or answer an easy trivia question. Check it out.

The God of Video I want to give a special shout-out to a reader who for the past several years has made significant contributions to Watermark Online’s content for no reason other than his atermarkOnline.com is being moved love for the paper and the LGBT community. to its own, dedicated server as I type Don Gworek films Pride events and Gay Days this. parties and then turns his footage highlights We should be all set up on that shiny into a fun, accessible video—usually about a new server by the time this paper hits the minute long—that he then emails me to post newsstands. at WatermarkOnline.com. Not only does he do This is a big deal because of Gay Days this for free, but he turns around these videos weekend. It was easily the best, most with lightning speed. extensive coverage we have ever done of I’ve received Don’s party videos a mere two the seven days packed full of events, parties hours after the party has ended. His archives and fun. Unfortunately, that appeared to can be found by going to WatermarkOnline. have created some problems on our shared com and hovering over the “BLOGS” link server, as dedicated at the top of the readers flocked to homepage. This will WatermarkOnline. give you a drop down com to check out all There is something menu where you of our live coverage. can click “Featured a little gayer than We have been Videos” and view assured by our web usual about the a full list of past host that our server videos. This year, White House’s web switch will completely Don covered Riptide remedy the issue, site this month. at Typhoon Lagoon so if you happened and Ibiza Rising at to be a web visitor Universal Studios. My who headed over fingers are crossed that to Watermark Online only to find yourself he’ll make St. Pete Pride this year. staring at a timed out error, please accept our apologies—we’re doing whatever it takes to A fight’s a-brewing make sure there are minimal future outages.

Get ready for a battle over the proposed The real test will be St. Pete Pride weekend. top-level .gay domain names. Scott Seitz, In our Gay Days-focused issue, I used this founder of SPI Marketing, is pushing for space to outline the plan for Gay Days .gay to become an option for urls, currently coverage. Essentially, it boiled down to a overseeing the application process and fighting dedicated story found in the large headline box people who say .gay would be superfluous at the top of the home page (also reachable

W

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

by describing his idea for an online “island of gay.” The application has been in the works since February so look for updates on .gay any day now.

The Obama administration hasn’t taken a stance on the proposed domain, but there is something a little gayer than usual about the White House’s web site this month. In honor of LGBT Pride Month, there’s a new section on the site: WhiteHouse.gov/LGBT, which focuses on LGBT issues, policies and the President’s relationship with the community.

Is the internet killing clubs?

The New York Times came out with an interesting technology story that claims flourishing LGBT web communities are

leading to the demise of in-person gay social groups.

Obviously, we have a nice community brewing over at WatermarkOnline.com and we’re not the only local site that has created a virtual gayborhood, but I am strongly under the impression that these online gatherings enhance the activities of gay groups, rather than replace them.

I’d be interested in some sort of formal study on this supposed phenomenon.

Any observations to share about whether online communities are killing gay social groups, what Obama’s next move should be or whether .gay is a good idea? Email me at Jamie@watermarkonline.com—I’d love to hear what you think. | l |

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29

economy starts experiencing inflation. Now your $6000 a month is buying $5000 or $4000, and you just hit 72. You may be around another 30 years. This is not looking good.

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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watermark | viewpoint

livingloud

being prodded to play catch up. And inevitably when Orange County catches up, the result has been separate and often conflicting regulations that apply different rules and standards in the city and county, thus wasting duplicative government resources and overburdening businesses. This time, with two mayors in place who have shown vocal support for advancing LGBT equality, this could really be something special—a Democratic city mayor and a Republican county mayor working together cooperatively to solve some critical life and death issues that confront LGBT citizens daily, in a consistent and united effort.

We should all take notice of this moment and thank Buddy Dyer for his bold leadership, and step up and do everything within our Let’s get power to help make sure that it comes to registered fruition. We cannot leave this to the handful of committed activists who have worked long and hard to reach this point—we need the entire community to take ownership of this Mary Meeks opportunity and fight for it like we have never fought before. This is important as it will bring unprecedented new rights to all of us, allowing us to better protect ourselves and our families.

I am proud to be a member of OADO. Most recently, OADO worked closely with Mayor Jacobs and her predecessor Rich Crotty to pass an LGBT-inclusive Human Rights Ordinance for Orange County citizens and domestic partner benefits for Orange County employees.

Yes, it is now illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you are LGBT. Now we have our eye on a much bigger prize—a countywide domestic partner ay 27, 2011 was a historic, registry. Mayor Dyer fully supports the momentous day for the Central registry and is ready to get it done. Mayor Florida LGBT community. Orlando Jacobs has expressed support for the concept Mayor Buddy Dyer sent a letter to Orange but has not yet committed to advancing County Mayor Teresa Jacobs suggesting that it as a legislative priority. Orange County they work together to implement a domestic Commissioner Jennifer Thompson and partner registry, which would confer a Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan have number of very important rights and benefits to local LGBT citizens, including the right publicly expressed support and others have not yet stated a position. OADO is communicating to make healthcare decisions and funeral with all of the city and county leaders to urge arrangements for same-sex partners. Dyer’s their support of the registry, but we need your letter congratulated Jacobs for recently implementing help to persuade them to do so and get it done domestic partner ASAP. Real people benefits for Orange Real people are are suffering every County employees, and then noted he day without the rights suffering every day and benefits a registry and she both had without the rights and would provide. been approached Currently the by members of benefits a registry the Orlando Antifollowing cities and would provide. counties in Florida Discrimination have DP registries: Ordinance Committee Broward County, (OADO) about implementing a registry. Dyer stated to Jacobs Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Gainesville, Key West, Miami Beach, and that he supports the registry concept and West Palm Beach. These registries allow gay that Orlando will proceed independently if couples to register their relationships with necessary, but “would greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you in creating their local governmental authority, and thereby receive various rights and benefits, including a domestic partner registration system” for the the following: entire county. Yay, Buddy!

-The authority as a spouse to make health Orlando has always taken the lead care decisions for a DP (or child of a DP) in advancing gay rights initiatives (antithat is incapacitated and unable to make such discrimination provisions, domestic partner decisions for themselves. benefits), with Orange County subsequently

M

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

-The ability to participate in the education of a dependent of a DP as a parent to participate in the education of their child.

-The right to make decisions with regard to funeral/burial decisions as a surviving spouse.

-In any situation providing for mandatory or permissible notification of family members, including in emergency situations, such notification would include registered DPs. -Becoming designated as a preneed guardian for their DP and to serve in such capacity.

-Health care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, etc) and correctional facilities would be required to allow registered DPs (and their children) the same visitation rights as a spouse.

These are critical rights, desperately needed

31

by our community. We all know a friend or colleague or family member whose life has been devastated by the denied access to their life partner in the hospital, denied the right to make funeral arrangements when their partner dies, denied the basic courtesy of even being notified that their partner has been injured or has died.

This is an historic opportunity. Please get involved. Spread the word, and call and write your mayors and county and city commissioners and tell them that you need and deserve these basic rights. It’s time to get out there and get registered. | l | Mary Meeks is a local civil rights attorney and commercial litigator at Mary Meeks, P.A.

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

Proud

Ari Sir Ari Gold is St. Pete Pride’s first-ever headlining act steve blanchard

F

or the first time, St. Pete Pride will have a national headlining act on the main stage during its June 25 street festival on Central Avenue. Sir Ari Gold is an out, award-winning recording artist featured on Logo and praised by People Magazine. His St. Pete Pride performance will be his first appearance on Florida’s west coast, but it is far from his first experience with an LGBT Pride celebration.

“I experienced my first Pride when I was maybe 19 or 20 years old,” Gold says from his New York home. “It was great to be a part of it and to see so many people celebrating who they were. I grew up thinking I couldn’t tell anyone I was gay, but here were people having fun and being proud. I thought it was great.”

Gold also appeared as a headliner for New York City Pride kick-off earlier this month. The exposure has been great for the NYC native, whose fourth studio album, Between the Sprit & the Flesh was Continued on page 39 | uu |

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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watermark | film

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

35

screened out BOyS WIll BE BOyS

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

X-Men: First Class (Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon)

T

getting married in his bride’s homeland, Thailand. His friends—Bacchanalian pretty boy Cooper and arrogant man-child Galifianakis—are his best men. Two days before the nuptials, these three stooges get drunk and drugged, passing out in a seedy, third world hotel room. When they come to, they find a smoking monkey, a finger, and a weird international conman. What they don’t find is the bride’s 16-year-old Stanfordeducated brother.

Director Todd Phillips and his cast have been through this before, in Vegas. Back then, they worked with a tight script and a wonderfully random collection of clues, all of which existed in the casino hotel room.

This trip, it’s all sloppy and reductive. Half the laughs are because the cast is either reenacting scenes or quoting lines from the first film.

The original also said something sly about your young, reckless friends and how losing them to “grow up” may be the most boring mistake you could make. This film says nothing. Though The Hangover II is opulent and intermittently funny, most audiences expect more than a half-dashed, more expensive Cliff’s notes version of the first film.

hank the mutant gods! Someone has decided to put a modicum of thoughtfulness back into the bloated, summer superhero flick. You’d think Spiderman II and The Dark Knight would’ve taught Hollywood how to do it. Then we suffer through the Fantastic Four films and the last two junkie clods of the X-Men franchise. This prequel is a small, welcome step back into better form.

Fassbender is a German Jew who will become the very powerful metal-bender Magneto. McAvoy is the psychic and brilliant Professor X. This prequel tells how they meet and start gathering other mutants to join their respective teams for and against the human race. Along the way, the super mutants have to save all of us from the Cuban missile crisis and an evil mastermind (Bacon).

After the combined debris of X-Men 3 and Wolverine, the franchise needed a serious reboot. The studios found their answer in gay writer/producer Bryan Singer (writer/director of the first two, better films) and director Mathew Vaughn On DVD (Stardust, Kickass). This You Should team culls some very sound Meet My Son! performances in what often Joanne McGee finds out her son is (Starring Joanne McGee, can be a schlocky genre. gay in You Should Meet My Son! Carol Goans, Stewart First Class may not be Carrico) perfect. It takes too long to get started, the effects vary, and God bless the good intention! Getting a the plot has minor holes. Also, some early emotional scenes seem hollow, as if they were small, indie film made and noticed is rough.

Without a lot of guidance, these works can softened to appease the kiddies. However, as showcase both magic and missteps. The other recent superhero films have shown, you sweet, admirable You Should Meet My Son could do worse than this. is a perfect example.

McGee is a darlin’ little Southern woman The Hangover II of immense heart and etiquette if not a lot (Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack awareness. She lives with equally kind and Galifianakis) clueless sister Goans. McGee’s son, the closeted Carrico, is their pride and joy. Of Have you ever had a crazy, reckless, course, he’s unwilling to come out to his even life-threatening night of hedonism, but matchmaking elders, even if it breaks up his when you try to recreate it, the second time LTR. After the ladies are bludgeoned with seems to lack magic? This drunken, drugged the truth, they make a swift switch and start debauchery is a loose and messy retread looking at leathermen, drag queens, and of the original, now set in extravagant, strippers for their progeny’s perfect mate. expensive Bangkok.

It’s a cute setup that would’ve worked Ed Helms is the milquetoast dentist

James McAvoy’s brainy psychic Professor X re-energizes X-Men: First Class.

better 20 years ago. The film’s tone swings wildly between heartfelt moments and stereotypical camp. The drag is nasty, and the depictions—of Southern women and of the gay community—are simplistic. Several points (like the lack of costume changes) tell you this flick was done on a dime. The final moments steal from La Cage aux Folles and Mame. It’s as if filmmakers had an aversion to attempting something new.

That being said, McGee and Goins are warm and funny, even in the sillier, more unbelievable parts. When they and Carrico

get to act the more honest moments, the film actually is touching and affecting. | 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

36

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | film

was made up as an Iggy Pop-ish glam rocker in Todd Haynes’ Velvet Goldmine, making out with Jonathan Rhys Meyers in what’s become a beloved moment in queer cinema. And just last year there was I Love You Phillip Morris, about two cellmates— one played by McGregor, the other Jim Carrey—who fall madly in love.

When Beginners reached the actor, it didn’t take him long to sign on for the role as the son of a late-blooming homosexual.

McGregor met Mills at a Santa Monica cafe, where they didn’t even discuss the film. Only his life.

“I just wanted to know more about his story,” McGregor says. “That really shows that it’s landed in you if you’re hungry for all those details. Then, that was it. I was on board.”

McGregor noticed something almost immediately—how Mills refers to his father as if there were two of them.

“When he talks about his father, he talks about his straight father and gay father and how wonderful his gay father was and how much more accessible he was,” McGregor says. “It’s very interesting to hear him talk about that.”

During filming, McGregor didn’t try to mimic Mills, and he never felt any pressure to do so. But to get a feel for him, he had Mills record all the dialogue so he could (L-R) Christopher Plummer plays “Hal,” the newly out-of-the-closet father to Ewan McGregor’s “Oliver” in Beginners. | Photo courtesy Focus Features play it back and really get into character.

“It was funny,” he says, “because he was “What’s interesting about it for gay quite nervous about doing it. It was rather people is that it’s an older gay man coming lovely to hear. He’s a very, very open man out and really embracing his sexuality and and a very sensitive man. He’s a fucking indulging in the gay world,” McGregor brilliant director, and I was just able to says. “He really goes for it with this great watch him and soak him up a bit.” gusto that he uses to approach his new gay He began to understand Mills’ life, which is really inspiring and lovely.” complicated situation, and how a onceIn the film, Mills links Hal’s life to married parent coming out could cause so pivotal moments in American gay history, much second-guessing. like Harvey Milk’s assassination, to better “It isn’t a straight-forward scenario,” explain why coming out then was so taboo.

Beginners actor on new film, McGregor says, “I think it must the gay history lesson he got “and it was nice be very difficult for and getting naked again that we showed young gay men to that, and his “I don’t think I was as imagine what life chris azzopardi coming to terms was like for a young aware of how difficult not with his gay man in the ’50s,” wan McGregor didn’t mean to offend Now 75 and widowed after losing his wife, it was to be gay in father’s sexuality, McGregor says. “I Hal is free as can be, and his son, Oliver you. As the debonair actor sits down but with what your learned a lot about it.

(McGregor) has to make sense of it all: in Los Angeles to talk up his latest that time, and how childhood meant I don’t think I was as Who is his dad now? Who was he then? film Beginners, he’s genuinely upset if his dangerous it was.” when you find out aware of how difficult last “gay” movie, I Love You Phillip Morris, And he only has so much time. Hal is that your parents it was to be gay in —Ewan McGregor dying. was insultingly stereotypical to the queer have been hiding that time, and how referring to being “I thought the two opposing things were kind. this from you.” dangerous it was. gay in the 1950s really interesting where somebody is really “Yeah,” he says, pondering with a And if “That image of living for the first time, and dying,” says curious puppy-dog look (similar to the one McGregor’s been the older man being McGregor, whose grief-stricken character that his adorable pet terrier, Arthur, offers hiding anything, thrown in the back also falls for an equally-as-love-challenged in Beginners), “that’s disappointing. I never it’s his notorious frontal bits, which haven’t, of that van because he’s in a gay bar—it felt they were making cheap stabs. That was woman, played by Mélanie Laurent. uh, come out either in quite some time. Will may be difficult for a young gay man to “There’s of course a lot about love and his life.” we ever get another Pillow Book? comprehend that, so it gives you a deeper acceptance,” he says. “It’s a very moving And when you say that with as much “I certainly haven’t made any conscious understanding of what it might have been film. It was a blessing for me to do as an innocent charm as McGregor, his dreamy decision not to [do nude scenes], but it’s like to be gay in those days.” actor, and I could only imagine that it has a blue eyes leave you no choice but to let that only ever if it’s relevant to the film,” he That even McGregor got a gay history very deep affect on you; it seems so real.” one slide (the Scottish accent helps, too). says. “I made a film called Perfect Sense lesson might surprise some—he’s been Because it actually did happen.

The 40-year-old’s latest feature, the offbeat with David Mackenzie, who directed Young playing gay (or some variation of it) for Director/writer Mike Mills based comedy-drama Beginners, is a sophisticated Adam, and it’s possible it might be in much of his life, since 1996’s The Pillow Beginners, the follow-up to his 2005 debut look at gay life, as the film’s father figure, Book, in which his character was bisexual— there.”

Thumbsucker, on his real-life father, who Hal (Christopher Plummer), lives openly What a relief. | l | and very naked. Two years later, McGregor died shortly after coming out. after almost a half-century in the closet.

ewan mcgregor:

‘i learned a lot’ E

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

Pride Live Auction & Screening!

Wed., June 22 • 7:00 PM • Muvico Baywalk, St. Pete Before the screening of Spork, bid to win an American Idol Live/Cirque du Soleil three-night weekend in Orlando or a two-week cruise from Mallorca, Spain to the Caribbean!

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For more information, please visit www.tiglff.com or call 727-828-0735

37

38

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | music

| uu | Ari Gold from p.33

released in late May. Gold’s rise to music fame began at age 5 when he was discovered singing at his brother’s bar mitzva. He went on to sing over 400 jingles as a child vocalist and even recorded Jewish children’s songs like 613 Torah Avenue and Uncle Moishe.

He released his first album in 2000 and is largely considered the first openly gay pop singer to be out in his music from the start of his career.

“I think there are unique challenges to starting out in this industry so young,” the hopelessly single 34-year-old says. “I feel I had a good training ground as a child being in the studio all the time, but there’s a price to pay. It’s odd being a child and responsible for the income of the adults. That’s a big responsibility for a child to have—and showbiz can be a harsh world for a kid.”

Added to that was the pressure of growing up gay in a religious Jewish family.

But Gold is happy with his decision to come out so early in his career. He says his family has been supportive of him and that anyone who grew up in a religious home— regardless of the religion followed—has similar stories.

“I think there are so many LGBT people who grow up in religious families that most people can relate to what I’m talking about,” Gold says. “Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon or whatever, it can be challenging when you feel an attachment and love for the religion or tradition and culture you come from and that culture doesn’t accept that part of you that is so intrinsic to who you are.”

Gold believes that by being out, he can inspire others to be who they are—whether they ever take the stage or not.

“It’s amazing to have the fans be able to see me and see themselves reflected back,” he says.

Besides performing at a young age, Gold wrote his first songs at a young age.

When he was 14 he penned a song about his girlfriend, Dahlia.

“One of the first songs I wrote was called Experienced Girl and it was about my girlfriend Dahlia who was one year older so I guess she had a bit more ‘experience’ than me,” he says. “I ended up singing my song Bashert (Meant to Be) at her traditional Orthodox lesbian wedding.”

Gold stays close to his family and friends in New York who al knew him before he adopted the “Sir” at the beginning of his name.

Sir Ari Gold showcases many styles in his music and appearance—including a sexy country look.

The 34-year-old singer didn’t include the moniker until he was “knighted” by the Imperial Court of New York, a not-for-profit organization that has donated more than $1 million to LGBT organizations since 1986. Gold takes the honor seriously and immediately incorporated his new title into his stage name.

“I knelt in front of a drag queen at A Night of a Thousand Gowns,” he remembers. “I was more honored to kneel before a drag queen to become a Sir than if the Queen of England had done it. That organization does such good work and to have them give me such an honor was very special. It also helps distinguish me from that character in Entourage.”

Besides writing and recording his own music, Gold is an author and photographer.

His coffee table book of photographs and remix CD was released internationally and includes contributions by Boy George and RuPaul. The Remixes features his Billboard dance hit, Love Will Take Over, dropped at No. 1 on Logo. His videos, I Can Forgive You, directed by Christopher Ciccone and

the Top 10 Billboard dance hit, Where The Music Takes You, mark his 4th and 5th consecutive No. 1 Video on Logo and makes him the artist with the most No. 1s on the network.

According to Gold, RuPaul is a close, personal friend and he’s a fan of the popular RuPaul’s Drag Race series on Logo. He says he’s looking forward to meeting Season 3 contestant Alexis Mateo, who lives in Tampa Bay and will be part of the St. Pete Pride Promenade.

“I absolutely love Alexis Mateo and I watched her all season long,” he says. “I can’t wait to see her there.”

The travel involved with his career can be tough, Gold admits, but time on the road gives him a chance to experience different communities and to explore the local scene.

He hopes to check out St. Petersburg’s nightlife while he’s in town for the ninth annual St. Pete Pride celebration.

“Most of the travel I’ve done in my life has been work related,” Gold says. “I love what I do and for me that’s the best way to travel because I get to meet people and fans

and it’s a great entrance into a particular town. You come in and you feel special. I try to also get a feel for the local flavor and get to know some of the people there and try to do some sightseeing.”

Hopefully the entertainer will have plenty of energy to do just that after his outdoor performance in what is sure to be 90-degreeplus heat. It’s a challenge he’s prepared for—and he hopes the audience doesn’t mind a little bit of sweat.

“Each outdoor performance presents its own challenges,” he says. “When it’s humid like it will be in Florida, I end up being a complete and sweaty mess on the stage within the first five seconds of the show. If you want some of that sweat, stand close to the stage. If you don’t, stand back.” | l |

see+hear WHO: Sir Ari Gold WHERE: St. Pete Pride Main Stage WHEN: Saturday, June 25 DETAIlS: StPetePride.com

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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watermark | event planner

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

Flirtini Foxes Burlesque

Little shop of Horrors

The Flirtini Foxes Burlesque will entertain during halftime of the Orlando Psycho Derby Girls’ June 11 match.

Little Shop of Horrors runs through mid-July at The Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson

comedy

music

theater

[SARASOTA] Jennie McNulty

[CLEARWATER+TAMPA] Una Voce presents ‘Oh What A Night’

[HUDSON] Little shop of Horrors

Funny gal Jennie McNulty is funny for a purpose—to raise awareness about LGBT teen suicides and bullying. The comedienne, who has appeared on NBC and LOGO, will perform at McCurdy’s Comedy Club at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14. Proceeds from the show benefit ALSO Out Youth. For more information and tickets, call McCurdy’s Comedy Club at 941-925-3869.

[ST. PETERSBURG] St. Pete Pride Turnabout The annual tradition of hilarity once again benefits St. Pete Pride when board members and friends of the organization cross dress for cash during the annual turnabout show at Georgie’s Alibi Tuesday, June 14. Every dollar bill the dancing divas and dudes earn are donated to ensure St. Pete Pride continues to grow each year. Show time is scheduled for 8 p.m.—but we are talking drag time. For more information, visit StPetePride.com.

film [ST. PETERSBURG] 8 Minute Movies On Friday, June 17, amateur filmmakers will showcase their comedies, dramas and special features at the L Train Lounge for a chance to get showcased at this fall’s Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. 8-MinuteMovies invites aspiring filmmakers from throughout the Bay Area to present their pieces of art in front of a panel of judges. The silver screen is your artistic blank slate—but please, keep it clean. For details and guidelines, visit TheLTrain.com.

The men of Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale, will celebrate the hits of Broadway on both sides of the bay this month. The group presents Oh What A Night: Welcome To Broadway! at the St. Petersburg College Clearwater Arts Auditorium on Saturday, June 17, and at the HCC Ybor Campus Performing Arts Theater on Sunday, June 18. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Una-Voce.org.

[SARASOTA] MAesTrO: The Art of leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein broke through every artistic ceiling possible and is considered one of the giants of 20th Century music. Now the composer of West Side Story comes to life when Hershey Felder portrays him in The Art of Leonard Bernstein at the Asolo Reparatory Theatre through June 12. The show is from the creators of George Gerswhin Alone and Beethoven, As I Knew Him and has a story spanning the entire 20th century. For tickets and details, visit AsoloRep.org.

[ORLANDO] Cabaret Benefit for The Center Upstage Productions kicks off a year of philanthropic shows with a two-day cabaret benefit hosted by—and benefiting—The Center. “An Evening with Broadway” is directed

by Joseph Clark and takes the stage Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10, $8 for seniors, students and current members of The Center.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Upstage Productions at 407-7486400. 100% of net profits go to The Center.

Everyone’s favorite plant-centric musical plays at the Show Palace Dinner Theater through July 17 and features several LGBT and allied actors from throughout Tampa Bay. Little Shop of Horrors features Matthew McGee as “The Dentist” and Nathalie Hostin as “Crystal.” Doors open two hours before show time and dinner and cocktails are available. For tickets, visit ShowPalace.net.

[ORLANDO] A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Broadway’s famous, funny farce, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, is now playing at the Mad Cow Theatre. Shows are Thursdays–Sundays through June 10.

Tickets are $29, $27 for students and seniors.

For more information, call 407-297-8788 or visit MadCowTheatre.com.

special events [TARPON SPRINGS] Transgender FORGE Pride Picnic Join LGBT and allies for the second annual Transgender FORGE Pride Picnic at A.A. Anderson Park Shelter on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 3 p.m. The celebration is free but it is asked that attendees bring a side dish and drinks to enjoy the day of games, face painting for the kids, fishing and more. The event gives community members from Pinellas and Pasco counties a chance to meet and make new connections.

[ORLANDO] Rocky Horror Roller Derby The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls present a special midnight game on June 11—Rocky

Jennie McNulty Comedienne Jennie McNulty will perform a special show benefitting ALSO Out Youth on June 14 in Sarasota.

Horror Roller Derby. This game is for ages 18 and-over only, with halftime entertainment by Flirtini Foxes Burlesque. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at the door.

Bring an article of business-appropriate article of women’s clothing for Y.E.S!—Young Executives for Success—and receive $3 off the ticket price.

Studs & Suds There’s a charity car wash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Mr. Sisters, benefiting Hope and Help of Central Florida. The suggested donation is $10. In addition to the car wash, Mr. Sisters is creating a signature drink for the weekend and will donate $1 to Hope and Help from every drink purchased. On Sunday, June 19, there will be a signature brunch item with the same donation being made for each one sold. Hope and Help representatives will be there all weekend with information, and will hold a raffle the evening of June 18.

OGC First Annual Benefit Golf Tournament The Orlando Gay Chorus presents its First Annual Benefit Golf Tournament at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, June 11, at Wekiva Golf Club. The morning begins with a shotgun start and the tournament includes awards, contests, prizes, a buffet and a chance to win $10,000.

The greens fee is $125 per golfer. Register at OrlandoGayChorus.org.

The Stork Club Presented by David Dorman Realty, Jack & Margo Dixon and Wanzie Presents, The Stork Club event offers a return to the celebrated New York supper clubs on Sunday, June 12. The Stork Club features a number of vocalists plus the Paul Vesco Orchestra and chef stations

by Funky Monkey Wine Company. There will be ballroom dance exhibitions, live and silent auctions. Cocktail attire is suggested and jackets for men. The Stork Club starts 5:30 p.m. at The Mezz. Tickets are $50 per person, all proceeds benefiting Hope and Help of Central Florida.

Reservations at Wanzie.com/BoxOffice.

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.

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

shot on site

1- Comedienne Judy Tenuda poses with her accordion after performing in Tampa in early June.

Photography | Steve Blanchard, Todd Fixler, Suzanne Noe and Carrie West

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2- Glee star Jane Lynch, in black, poses with organizers of the first annual Chopper Dropper fundraiser in Palmetto in mid-May. 3- (L-R) Pandora Boxx performs at Hamburger Mary’s in Tampa Memorial Day weekend.

4- Guitarist Josh Gibson set the atmosphere for the St. Pete Pride Pool Party fundraiser on May 25.

5- (L-R) Jacob Hamm, Chris Rudisill, and Brian Longstreth were all on hand two welcome guests to the St. Pete Pride Pool Party at the Gay St. Pete House May 25.

6- (L-R) Kevin Hollowell, Todd Crutchfield and Lincoln Calcavecchi were just three of many who participated in the annual Memorial Day White Party at The Honey Pot in Ybor City to benefit the GaYbor District Coalition.

“Uncovering Secrets Under the Habits” Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project presents

“Prelude to Pride”

Charles Busch’s new hilarious comedy:

“THE DIVINE SISTER” Starring Matt McGee, Joey Panek, Becca McCoy, Hersha Parady, Alison Burns, and Betty Jane Parks BENEFITTING Metro Charities and SATP Monday June 20, 2011 • American Stage Theatre 163 3rd St. N Downtown, St. Petersburg Pay-What-You-Can call to reserve: (727) 823-PLAY (7529) The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness, provide assistance, and perpetuate a life of dignity for those affected and infected by HIV and HIV and AIDS.

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

tampa bay overheard Don Vincente could go Republican—Log Cabin style There really are LGBT Republicans, and the nation’s largest LGBT Republican group could set up shop in the heart of the GaYbor District during next summer’s much anticipated Republican National Convention in Tampa. According to celebrity dishers Mark Bias and Carrie West of MC Film Festival, the Log Cabin Republicans are considering taking over the Historic Don Vicente Ybor Inn during the convention slated for the weekend of Aug. 27, 2012.

As of press time, it wasn’t clear if the LCR had signed any contracts with the elegant hotel, which has hosted LGBT events like the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Watermark’s 2010 WAVE Award cover shoot. The massive structure has several boutique-size and large conference rooms that would be available to the LCR and the group would undoubtedly host events for all Republicans and for the LGBT community.

Phillips is White House-bound Two Tampa Bay area women will celebrate Pride Month in style. Florida LGBT Democratic Caucus president Sally Phillips

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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and her partner, Ercilia Albistu, will enjoy some quality time with President Barack Obama at the White House June 29 to celebrate the close of LGBT Pride Month.

Phillips, who was elected to her post last year, said that the reception will include LGBT representatives from around the country. Phillips was on hand at Sarasota’s recent Harvey Milk Festival, where she shared her desires to “electrify” and “motivate” LGBTs to bring a strong voter turnout to the polls in 2012—a presidential election year.

New home for Dr. Reese Congratulations to Dr. Karen Reese!

The former Tampa Bay Business Guild president has relocated her chiropractic office to 449 Central Ave., several blocks east of her former location. The change in address will allow the spunky doc to expand her services, expand her office and welcome more patients. The new location is just doors away from the King and I Restaurant and a heavily trafficked shopping district. More is to come, she says of her expansion, and the remainder of 2011 should be exciting for the business woman.

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

Saturday, June 11th Shake your groove thing in your favorite 70’s attire!

Join us from 8:00 pm till 12:00 am at NOVA 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. in St. Petersburg, Florida as New York’s DJ Executive Realness of 21st Century Life spins the old school sounds of the 70’s, with first class catering by Olympia Catering, Pinellas County’s premier caterer.

General Admission Tickets • $50 Includes valet parking, appetizers, and two complimentary cocktails.

VIP Tickets • $100 Includes valet parking, special VIP appetizer menu, and unlimited beverages.

PRIDE (& Prejudice) A Photo Essay by

PRIDE (and Prejudice)

Lamar Marchese

documents the 2009 and 2010

Studio@620 Gallery June 16 – July 16 Artists Opening Reception June 25, 6 to 9pm

Gay Pride Parade through large format digital photographs.

Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Avenue S., St. Petersburg.

Check studio620.org for hours and details.

Come and see if you are included!

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

This event benefits the clients of AIDS Services Association of Pinellas, Inc. (ASAP), an affiliate of the Suncoast Hospice.

Tickets available at the door or on-line at www.asapservices.org

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watermark | orlando out+about

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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Parliament House: South Beach?

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The Orlando institution is reported to be in works to open a South Beach property.

Owner, Susan Unger’s daughter Marla confirmed that they are scouting locales but “no location has been confirmed.” Owner Don Granatstein says they are hoping to aggrandize the brand on Miami’s uber chic and gay-adored Ocean Drive, “close to where The Birdcage was filmed.” The Birdcage, the

Living Livingwith with

club centered on in the film, is actually the Carlyle Hotel at 1250 Ocean Drive. Currently, there is only one gay bar on Ocean Drive; Palace Food Bar. This venture could prove extremely timely as South Beach has been picking up its gay momentum again. For the past three years, Ocean Drive has played host to Miami Beach Gay Pride.

Humpries in the House Less than a month after his alleged “wrongful dismissal” from Mr. Sisters, former partowner, Brian Humphries was out and about this Gay Days weekend and at his alma mater, Parliament House. Onlookers say he was in good spirits, shirtless as always and enthusiastically posing for pictures with friends and acquaintances. He even posted a comment on Facebook the next day, “p house was off the chain last night.”

Many others posted on his Wall, including Darcel Stevens, thrilled that they saw him.

Don and Susan, the club’s owners, who were also in attendance Saturday night also seemed happy to welcome the return of their Parliament prodigal son. Humphries had been a bartender at Parliament House for more than 10 years before they parted ways in December of 2009.

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 | Erik Caban, Mark Cady, Drew Sizemore and courtesy COWP.

1 6

2

5

3 4

1- (L-R) Nikki Ames, a friend, Lady Guy and Randy Ross were part of the huge crowd at the Parliament House on Saturday night.

2- (L-R) The Real L Word’s Rose Garcia with Out and About Radio’s Whitney Hogan at Girls in Wonderland’s I Love Rock & Roll party at the House of Blues.

3- Parliament House owners Susan Unger and Don Granatstein take a break from their record-breaking Gay Days Weekend.

4- Deborah Cox was the headliner on Saturday night at Mr. Sisters, part of Evolve Weekend for COWP. She’s flanked by executive producers Scott Garstka (left) and Mikael Audebert.

5- (L-R) At a GLBT Heritage Month celebration June 1, the event speakers presented the VA with a US flag. Randy Stephens, Mark Cady, Keeri Griffin-Edenfield, Carlos Carbonell and Patti Sheehan all contributed to the event.

6- (L-R) Brian Humphries was all smiles on Saturday night at the Parliament House. He’s pictured with Watermark’s Erik Caban.

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

Grand Vision

St. p e t e p r i d e g ra n d m a r S h a l r e v. t r oy perry ShareS optimiSm for the future Steve Blanchard

T

oday is a new day, according to Rev. Troy Perry, the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church and this year’s St. Pete Pride grand marshal. The steps the LGBT community has taken toward equality are substantial, and that’s thanks to grassroots organizations and our allies, he says.

Perry will appear in the St. Pete Pride Promenade at 9 a.m. on June 25 in the city’s Grand Central District.

“People taking up for us absolutely understand the injustice of one group not having rights,” Perry says from his California home. “In 40 years I expect we’ll see full marriage. I’m in my 70s, so I’m not sure if I’ll live to see the country embrace it, but full marriage equality is coming.”

Perry—who is a Florida native—has never served as a grand marshal in the Sunshine State until now. He’s attended LGBT Pride events here, but is excited to take on the role of grand marshal, which he takes seriously.

During his weekend in St. Petersburg, Perry plans to speak at the King of Peace MCC Church and also make himself available to the

press to explain why Pride is important. He sees his role as a symbol for the LGBT community.

“I should let reporters and the community know what we believe and what we’re fighting for,” Perry says. “Even in the state of Florida— it will change. I want to use my role as grand marshal to say that equality will happen in Florida. It may go to the Supreme Court, but all of that discrimination will hit the dust.”

And Perry has seen a lot of discrimination “hit the dust” since he entered the LGBT equality boxing ring in the 1960s.

Humble beginnings

When Perry started the Metropolitan Community Church in his living room back in 1968, he hoped to provide temporary sanctuary to LGBT Christians who were uncomfortable in their home churches of worship.

More than 40 years later, 300-plus MCCs have sprung to life in 46 states and on six continents. The need for the denomination is still prevalent, even though some other Christian denominations have become more

accepting of LGBTs. “When I first started MCC, people just couldn’t get it through their heads,” Perry laughs. “People would say that this just had to be a gay person playing church, and they thought it couldn’t really be a church. I think they expected orgies on the altar. I thought, ‘Oh my God, these people are going to be sadly disappointed.’”

The early days of MCC were very modest.

Twelve people attended the first church service in Perry’s Huntington Park, Calif., home. The congregation bounced between five locations its first year. It wasn’t until 1971 that Perry and his congregation found the church’s first permanent location.

“We moved for several different reasons, and the congregation was afraid we’d get raided by police,” Perry recalls. “I welcomed the police to MCC. But when they went into our restrooms and staked them out, I told one of our ushers to get them out of there.”

One argument Perry always encountered from fundamentalists about MCC was that it was only Continued on page 55 | uu |

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | st. pete pride 2011

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

49

What changes have you made based on feedback from last year’s attendees?

We’re adding misting fans, moving the main stage area to the corner of 21st Street, bringing in two food courts with added shaded seating and more. One of the big changes this year though is that we’re moving the promenade back one hour to 9 a.m. and the Street Festival will run through 3 p.m. This will hopefully help with heat and rain issues late in the afternoon.

What were some of the popular/most positive points of feedback you heard?

One of the things that amaze me every year is the amount of simple “Thank You’s” we receive during Pride season and especially on the day of Pride. It reminds all of us why we work so hard to pull this event off. This year’s theme of “One Day” recognizes that in a way. One of the calls I received last year was from a high school group in a rural area north of Tampa. They said that this was their one day to be completely proud of who they were and to be open and free. So this year we’re asking everyone, “What’s your one day?” And, how can we make every day that one day in our communities?

steve blanchard

Speaking of the theme of “One Day,” what item on your wish list would you like to see come true in the future?

A Minute With...

CHRIS RUDISILL S T. P e T e P R I D e e X e C U T I v e D I R e C T o R

S

t. Petersburg | On June 25, more than 80,000 people are expected to invade the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg for the Ninth Annual St. Pete Pride celebration. While we are all enjoying the Promenade in the morning and the street festival until 3 p.m., we may forget about the small army of people it takes to create such a successful event.

This year marks the second time Chris Rudisill has served as executive director of St. Pete Pride. Florida’s largest LGBT Pride event evolves each year to accommodate festival-goers and to ensure a seamless and incident-free celebration for both Pride and the City of St. Petersburg.

Many of us may also forget that St. Pete Pride is a year-round organization that organizes events and offers grants to LGBT groups throughout the Tampa Bay area. Rudisill took time out of his very busy month to chat with us about what attendees can expect at St. Pete Pride this year, what the theme “One Day” means to him, and the progress Mayor Bill Foster has made when it comes to recognizing St. Pete Pride.

WATERMARK: What’s the most challenging thing about pulling off a successful St. Pete Pride?

What do you think sets St. Pete Pride apart from other LGBT Pride festivals around the country.

CHRIS RUDISILL: The challenging thing is not having enough sleep until July. Seriously, St. Pete Pride is truly a testament to the hard work of more than one or even a few individuals. It takes months of planning, tons of volunteers, a talented group of city employees who are familiar with the festival and a true committed community to stand behind the organization. It’s important to remember that St. Pete Pride is really about the entire community. We all have the opportunity to make it or break it and together we continue to make it better and bigger each and every year.

One of the important things to remember about St. Pete Pride is that we are a part of the community all year round. However, we’ve always thought it was important to keep our main festival in June to recognize the history of the Gay Pride Movement and the Stonewall Riots. Many Prides across the country have chosen other dates throughout the year.

Aesthetically, St. Pete Pride offers a unique “street fair” atmosphere that separates it from traditional festivals and events.

For me personally, marriage equality is extremely important in our fight for full equality in this country—and not just in Florida, but everywhere.

Many people don’t agree with marriage or even care about it in our community; I am fine with civil unions, if and only if, our straight counterparts get the same thing. For me, this is more about a thirdclass citizenship issue.

As long as our government views our relationships differently, individuals will as well. Bullying, prejudice, discrimination in the workplace—all stem from this view that we aren’t the same and that our relationships aren’t the same.

Until that changes, not much else will.

The entertainment is a little different this year—there’s a headliner and now a stage for DJ music. What prompted that change?

We really wanted to amp up the music at this year’s festival. Plus, many of the musicians on the second stage last year got overlooked. We’ve always focused primarily on local music and we will still offer a strong contingent of local acts, as they are an important part of our festival. But we wanted to take St. Pete Pride to the next level with a national touring act: Sir Ari Gold. In addition, we realized that the addition of a DJ stage could not only showcase local DJ talent but also help add to the festive environment.

The 2010 event was your first as Executive Director—what memory stands out most to you?

I will never forget that moment I went to the top of the scissor lift above the throngs of attendees during the Street Festival. It’s almost euphoric to view the sea of people celebrating their Pride! | l |

50

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | st. pete pride 2011 Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project presents 7th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre

“Divas Do Garland: In Concert” Musical Director: Michael Raabe Starring Juliana Black, Angela Bond, Samantha Brown, Alison Burns, Laura Hodos, Becca McCoy, Lulu Picart and Jayne Trinette BENEFITTING Metro Charities and SATP Monday June 27 @ 7:30 pm freeFall Theatre • 6099 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg Tickets $10.00 to order call (727) 498-5205 The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness, provide assistance, and perpetuate a life of dignity for those affected and infected by HIV and HIV and AIDS.

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Make a Pride Plan Plenty of activities surround St. Pete Pride 2011

steve blanchard

S

t. Petersburg | The increasing success of the St. Pete Pride Street Festival is positive, but at the same time, its numbers sometimes overshadow the other events going on throughout the month of June.

No doubt 80,000 people will take to Central Avenue on Saturday, June 25, for the festival—but other special events are constantly planned to coincide with Pride Month and other events have changed since the publication of the official St. Pete Pride Guide, which holds the full calendar.

Here is an updated rundown of St. Pete Pride events with the most accurate information available at press time: Thursday, June 16

“In Anita’s Wake”

6:30 p.m., King of Peace MCC 3150 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg

Florida was, until very recently, the only state that categorically prohibited gay people from adopting.

Join St. Pete Pride, King of Peace and the ACLU of Florida as we present a free screening of In Anita’s Wake: The Irrational War on Florida’s Gay Families. The documentary is about Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade and the ongoing impact of Florida’s adoption ban, including Q&A with the film’s director Vicki Nantz. For more information, please contact Joyce Hamilton Henry at JHamilton@aclufl.org or Nikki Fisher at NFisher@aclufl.org.

Friday, June 17

Pride Night at The Rays

7:10 p.m., Tropicana Field One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg

The Tampa Bay Rays take on the Florida Marlins, but not before Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale

sings the National Anthem. Enjoy a special rate of $45 for Lower Box seats and a complimentary Rays Baseball Cap. A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Pete Pride. Tickets are available online at StPetePride.com.

Tropical Wave

6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Plush Ultra Lounge 128 3rd St. South

The Tropical Wave silent auction, known as the anti-black tie event of the year, will benefit St. Pete Pride and the Trevor Project. The dress is Florida Formal, meaning flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts are encouraged!

Tickets are available online for $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Auction items will range from fabulous vacations, artwork, collectibles and theatre tickets, just to name a few.

The Trevor Project is a national 24hour suicide hotline for LGBT youth.

Historic Kenwood Movie Night

8:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m., Seminole Park 2900 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg

an outdoor movie in Seminole Park with Historic Kenwood neighbors.

This year’s featured film, Billy Elliot, is the gritty coming-of-age drama about a young son of a poor English coal miner who dreams of being a ballet dancer.. Get there early to grab your favorite spot on the grass and get ready for a relaxing night out with friends. For more information visit HistoricKenwoodStPete.com.

Sunday, June 26

Pride Service & Brunch

10 a.m., King of Peace MCC 3150 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg

King of Peace will hold a special Pride service on the Sunday at following St. Pete Pride at 10 a.m. with Rev. Elder Troy Perry. Directly following the service at 11:30 a.m., join Perry for brunch in the community room. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at King of Peace. For more information visit KingOfPeaceMCC.com.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy

2011 brings Festival entertainment changes

PRIDEFEST KEYWEST 2011:

SHOW US YOUR

KEYWEST PRIDE!

Join us for Key West Pride and enjoy dance parties, drag shows, bike tours, water excursions, a street fair and even a parade through town.

JUNE 8 – 12

There are a few changes this year with regards to entertainment at the annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival on Saturday, June 25. True, there will be two stages pumping out music like in years past, but this year live entertainment will only appear on one stage—the Jagermeister Main Stage at 21st Street on Central Avenue. The other stage at 27th Street will feature local DJs pumping out dance music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The entertainment on the Main Stage will be peppered with special guest speakers and entertainment and, as usual, times are subject to change depending on schedules, the weather and more. For more on St. Pete Pride’s entertainers, see page 49 of the official St. Pete Pride Guide available everywhere Watermark is distributed.

St. Pete Pride Entertainment lineup, Saturday, June 25

Jagermeister Main Stage on Central Avenue at 21st Street

10:30 a.m. St. Petersburg City Councilman Jeff Danner will read the official Proclamation, declaring the Month of June St. Pete Pride Month.

10:15 a.m. Transgender FORGE executive director Michael Keeffe will speak to the crowd

11 a.m. Elysian Sex Drive, the Sarasota/St. Petersburg based rock band, will showcase its strong, self-penned material throughout its live show.

Noon: Headliner Sir Ari Gold of New York will perform. For more on him, see page 33.

12:45 p.m. The winner of the 2011 Mister St. Pete Pride pageant will welcome attendees and perform his winning number.

1 p.m. Lesbian trio Karmic Tattoo

have a huge following throughout Tampa Bay and will play originals and covers of songs from the 1970s-2000s.

1:45 p.m. The winner of the 2011 Miss St. Pete Pride pageant will showcase her winning number and speak briefly to the crowd.

2 p.m. Stephanie Callahan and Deb Hunseder or Halcyon will no-doubt bring legions of fans to the main stage when they close out the 9th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival.

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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watermark | st. pete pride 2011

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featuring two-time Olympic Figure Skater t. Petersburg | When it started Johnny Weir and RuPaul’s Drag Race nine years ago, organizers had Season 3 star Alexis Mateo. visions of growth for St. Pete Pride.

“The official Jagermeister kick-off party An estimated 10,000 or so attendees to St. Pete Pride is at Georgie’s Alibi, which swarmed Central Avenue in 2003 and will feature performances by Shangela, organizers knew they were onto something.

Yar Sofia, Mateo and the Legendary Lady St. Pete Pride could be huge.

Bunny,” Rudisill says. “And of course, This year, St. Pete Pride is the largest Saturday is the big day of the street LGBT Pride event in the state—rivaled festival.” only by Orlando’s Come Out With Pride in Following the street festival, attendees October. A lot of the phenomenal growth are invited to the Postcard Inn on St. Pete can be attributed to creating a month-long Beach for the Ice Party from calendar of events and 3 p.m. to midnight. The large sandwiching the Saturday pool party is a collaboration festival with a weekend between Watermark Media chocked full of celebrations. and AlAndChuck.Travel and “St. Pete Pride really has will feature attractions for developed into a weekendboth men and women. long celebration,” explains On Sunday, the Flamingo executive director Chris Resort will hold its Tropical Rudisill. “We’ve received T-Dance and officially close so much support from the weekend celebration. community organizations While a majority of and businesses and that’s participants of Pride come what makes these activities from Tampa Bay and the possible.”

Flamingo Resort surrounding areas, many With the 2011 Pride come from out of Weekend lineup, organizers Gay St. Pete House others state or out of the region. expect to meet or surpass why hotels in the area last year’s estimated Renaissance Vinoy That’s are offering specific Prideattendance of 80,000 at related packages, according to the festival. The official Courtyard by Rudisill. weekend begins on Marriott “The Flamingo, Gay St. Thursday, June 23, with the Pete House, Renaissance Stonewall Commemorative Postcard Inn Vinoy, Courtyard by Reception at the Museum Marriott, Postcard Inn and of Fine Arts from 6-9 p.m.

Hampton Inn Hampton Inn have all stepped This annual celebration is up this year to provide a chance for sponsors and accommodations,” Rudisill said. “This has friends to mingle and enjoy the art at the truly turned into a destination Pride which waterfront location. is perfect for St. Petersburg.”

On Friday, June 24, Pride again takes For more details on events surrounding over the Macy’s Department Store in the St. Pete Pride, visit StPetePride.com. | l | Tyrone Square Mall for Pride & Fashion,

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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54

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

R e v. T r oy P e rr y o n …

President Barack Obama: We forget there are three wars going on and the economy is a mess. He killed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and now he won’t support DOMA. I think he’s our friend and I don’t see Obama as anti-gay.

Pride protestors: Don’t acknowledge them. They have been reduced to the village idiots in our communities and who wants to fight with an idiot?

Fred Phelps: Thank God he’s as nutty as he is because he embarrasses the far-Right.

But he’s there because my religious brethren created that monster and now they wish he’d go away.

I encountered one of his daughters getting off a bus following an event at the White House. An older gentleman on the bus asked if he could take my arm because he was blind. When we exited, Phelps’ daughter screams “Here comes an old fag!” I replied, “That’s Grand Old Fag to you!” When we got through the doors, the poor man I assisted asked, “What did she say about the flag?” I just told him to pay her no mind, it wasn’t worth it.

AIDS: I wish I had understood that AIDS was going to be as horrible as it was at its onset. I wish I could have educated my community more about what it was or how it was contracted.

Women’s issues: I wish I had been better on feminist issues. I was never anti-woman in my head but I didn’t understand any more than other men the struggles that women face.

On jumping aboard the gay rights movement early: I was one of the first gay leaders that used my real name. I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to do that.

On coming out: For me the best thing that ever happened was coming out of the closet—you will never regret it. You may regret how you come out, but you won’t regret that you did it.

watermark | st. pete pride 2011

“I told my partner that I had just met someone who seemed sweet but I didn’t know if the person was male or female.

All I knew is that she went by 'Lady Gaga.'”

—Rev. Troy Perry, who met the singer at the 2009 National Equality March in D.C.

| uu | Rev. Troy Perry from p.47

a tool for gay men to cruise other gay men.

“I was so confused by that statement, because I had been taught all my life that it should be my goal to meet someone to spend the rest of my life with in church,” Perry said. “I met my partner in church, and here we are 26 years later.”

A passion for Pride

Besides founding the MCC denomination, Perry is also a founder of Christopher Street West, Los Angeles’ LGBT Pride celebration. Throughout his career, Perry has appeared in, spoken at, and simply attended different LGBT events around the globe in an effort to continue promoting equality. Each one has special memories for him—and he fondly recalls the National Equality March on Washington in 2009.

“It sounds funny now, but at that march I met someone who had an entourage,” Perry says. “When I met the person I didn’t know if this was a woman or a drag queen. I told my partner that I had just met someone who seemed sweet but I didn’t know if the person was male or female. All I knew is that she went by 'Lady Gaga.'

“Phillip is younger than me and just said, ‘Oh my God!’ but it was too late. I had made my speech and we were leaving the event. So he didn’t get to meet her.”

Perry says its experiences like his chance encounter with Lady Gaga that give him hope for the future. Younger generations—

Lady Gaga is only in her 20s—are quick to come out of the closet or offer support for equality measures.

“Who would have thought we’d have Gay-Straight Alliances in schools?” Perry asks. “The last Pride parade I was in I rode on top of a bus and I saw all of these young kids—it was a GSA—led by the Fairfax Marching Band. It was the first time I had seen a high school band in one of our Pride Parades. It was amazing.”

The ‘Bs’ and the ‘Ts’

The new millennium has been a boon for not only gay men and lesbians, but for bisexuals and members of the transgender community as well, Perry believes. While gays and lesbians are seeking marriage equality and immigration rights, bisexuals and transgender individuals are seeing closet doors knocked down throughout the country.

“It is an incredible day for bisexuals,” Perry says. “There seems to be more and more young people coming out as bisexual and I’m meeting young couples in my own church telling me they are a bisexual couple. That’s just amazing to me today to see how comfortable people are becoming with themselves.”

Admittedly, more work is needed to bring equality to the transgender community, Perry says, but the foundation is there to begin serious work to turn things around.

“The transgender community is coming to the full front as never before and I thank

God for that and what we all continue to do to recognize them,” Perry says. “We have to make sure we have politicians available in all cities so transgender people can talk with lawmakers as we all do.”

Perry says he is disappointed that too many gays and lesbians feel comfortable with “leaving behind” the transgender community when it comes to getting human rights ordinances passed.

“I was disappointed when the transgender community was not added in discrimination laws,” Perry says. “Even our own politicians like Barney Frank said that by leaving behind our transgender people we’d get a ‘win’ for the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. But I’m not going to support ENDA without the transgender community.”

The battle for marriage

In 2003, Perry married his long-time partner Phillip Ray De Blieck in Canada.

Today their marriage is recognized by their home state of California, even though Proposition 8 is still enforced as it winds through the court system.

“Prop 8 is old-fashioned bigotry,” Perry said of the 2008 voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage. “I’m embarrassed that as Californians—as Americans—that we even thought of it. I believe the Supreme Court will take this on and I believe we will win. It will be a narrow win and they could make it effective for just California, but I don’t see how they could do that without it affecting all the other states.”

watermark | st. pete pride 2011

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

55

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Rev. Troy Perry, right, and Phillip Ray De Blieck were legally married in Canada in 2003.

Arguments that Judge Vaughn Walker, who ruled Prop 8 unconstitutional last year, should not have ruled on the case because he is gay doesn’t make any sense to Perry.

“The judge argument is the stupidest thing,” he laughs. “That’s like saying women shouldn’t handle women’s issues and that’s just stupid. We’ve won this battle and we’ve won the larger battle and I want to make sure it’s on paper.”

Despite the legal limbo of samesex relationships in the country, Perry knows the formula to create a successful relationship. He and De Blieck celebrate 26 years together this summer. Perry credits God’s guidance and patience.

“I tell people that in our community we pray to God to meet Mr. or Ms. Right but we settle for Mr. or Ms. Right Away,” he laughs. “We know that doesn’t work.”

When Perry first met De Blieck, there was an instant connection, but Perry wouldn’t let his new love interest move in right away. He wanted to wait six months before he made such a big commitment to his boyfriend—but after three months of dating, Perry knew it was real and the two moved in together.

“We’ve always communicated with each other and we can talk about anything,” he says. “We never go to bed mad and if we are upset we do our best to talk it out.”

Another key to the success of their relationship boils down to friendships, Perry explains. They have friends they share—but they also have exclusive friends, which he admits can be tricky water to navigate.

“You have to trust one another,” Perry explains. “He has friends, I have friends and we have friends, so there are three different groups at work and that’s the way it should be. It’s important that you don’t try to change your partner. You fell in love with

him or her for a reason—why would you want to change that?”

A new day, a better future

By just spending a few minutes with Perry, it’s obvious he’s an optimist. Every word seems to be delivered with a smile and his views are always upbeat. That’s what motivates him to continue working closely with the LGBT community, even though he retired as moderator of the MCC denomination four years ago.

“Yes, I’m a total optimist,” he says.

“Things are changing in our community.

Look at the bar scene for instance.”

Perry recalls a speech by Democratic Senator Alan Cranston—one of the first elected officials to openly hire gay people—highlighting what LGBTs could and couldn’t do in bars or out in public. To shine a light on the lunacy of anti-LGBT laws, Cranston spoke about a Kansas law prohibiting gay people from driving cabs.

“I say to kids today, we’ve got straight allies and that is fantastic,” he says. “We didn’t have a lot of those in the early days.”

With technology, the fight is even amped up more and will help secure equality in the near future, Perry believes.

“Bullying is getting the spotlight and there is no reason to hear the word ‘fag’ or other derogatory words in schools anymore,” he says. “That’s changing as people are becoming more accepting.”

Does that mean we’ll soon live in a perfect world?

“There will always be those who disagree with us and who will say awful things,” Perry admits. “But I think fairness is in the minds of our community and the American community as whole.” | l |

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

watermark | transitions

Harry “Austin” Rogers, 91, of Orlando passed away on June 2. He was a former board member at the Center and is survived by his partner, Bill Dunn, pictured to his right.

transitions

Congratulations

St. Petersburg couple and Pride board members Scott Turner and Ralph Trent celebrate their 24th anniversary on June 18.

Orlando’s LGBT chamber of commerce and networking organization the Metropolitan Business Association filed its articles of incorporation on June 22, 1992. Happy 29th birthday!

Former MBA president Dr. David BakerHargrove and his partner, Robert Hargrove, will celebrate their 17th anniversary together on June 23.

Tom Hlinko, 49, and Kevin Clifford, 48, of Seminole, celebrated the 31th anniversary of their Holy Union on June 7.

Orlando realtor David Dorman has received his seventh Centurion Producer Award, fourth Presidents Award and fourth Pinnacle Producer Award from Century 21.

Kristofer Reynolds and Robbie “Rachael” Sommers of Orlando celebrate 12 years together on June 13.

Passings Gulfport artist Abby Frank passed away on April 17, 2011 after a long battle with lyme disease and other illnesses. She was 72.

Frank grew up in Long Island, NY., where she was married and raised two children.

After coming out Frank relocated to Gulfport where she opened an art gallery and ran a tax business. A memorial service was held for her on June 4 at Christ the Cornerstone in Pinellas Park.

Local Birthdays KangaGirl Productions diva Margaret Nolan and Tampa Francis House Executive Director Joy Winheim (June 9); Tampa Geico guru David Usrey, Lucky Star Lounge bartender Roger Bell, Orlando Psycho City Derby girls league owner Tiffany “Vegas” Maitland (June 10); TIGLFF prez Ken Hodges, Watermark cover girl La’Trice “Lady LaLa” Sharpe and St. Pete SoyBright Candle coowner Tim Huff (June 11); St. Petersburg League of Women Voters president Darden Rice, and Orlando activist Wendy Elkes (June 12); DOT employee and big sweet bear John Stimis (June 13); Former TIGLFF prez Chris Constantinou and Tampa volunteer everyman Bill Kanouff (June 14); Bodywork Massage and Day Spa owner Roger Medrano and Sarasota filmmaker Anthony Paull (June 16); Metropolitan Business Association history chair Ken Kazmerski, former bar owner and GaYbor Coalition board member John Gorman (June 17); adorable Revolution Nightclub promotional god Danny Garcia (June 19); out O-Town politician Todd Christian (June 20); Tampa’s Sweatshop proprietor Christine Myers, St. Petersburg Yoga instructor Andre Sur and Tampa Bay Elder Sister Agatha Frisky (AKA Daniel Lancaster) (June 22).

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

watermark | advice

dothis!

Be sure you want the answers ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

more of a desire to make a permanent move into a different sort of relationship. He’s not there.

Talking about it with him would be informative I’m sure, but you probably aren’t going to change his mind. And how meaningful would a deeper relationship be if you always knew he went along at least having to be talked into it? Steve doesn’t seem to want to change things; you do.

He’s been forthright about that, and that’s certainly laudable and mature. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to determine whether or not that is a circumstance you can bear. I don’t think it’s such a bad thing to ask where he does see your relationship going and in what timeframe, but don’t be surprised when you get unfulfilling responses. Here comes the Truth: it takes two to tango. If he doesn’t want to get serious, he doesn’t. Now it’s on you to deal with that.

Dear Truth, I’m a 22-year-old college student at USF. I recently came out to my family when I went back to visit them in Naples (I’m from there). My dad and my brothers were both pretty cool about it, which surprised me because I never really got along with the men in my family. The only one who has a problem with my being a lesbian is my mom, which is really disappointing because we’ve been so close up to now.

Growing up, my mom was always there for me and I never thought she would turn her back on me like this. I’ve tried to reach out to her, but she won’t return my phone calls or emails. My dad even told me she doesn’t want me to come home for awhile.

I’m devastated! What can I do to get my mom back?

—Terry in Temple Terrace

Dear Truth, am a 40-year-old gay man living in Clearwater. I have been dating a 26-year-old guy named Steve for about seven months. Steve and I get along really well and we have tons of common interests, especially fitness and the arts. We work out together nearly every day, and since I introduced Steve to theater and local artists, he can’t get enough. I would like Dear Triple T, to take our relationship to the next level— Unfortunately, not much. She’s in her some kind of long-term commitment or own shame spiral right now and is being declaration of monogamy—but every time tremendously selfish. This is really about her I try to have the conversation with Steve losing her fantasy of what she wanted from says he doesn’t want to get “serious” and you: husband, children, house in the suburbs that he’s happy the way things are. and all that. You were I understand never required to provide he doesn’t want that to her. Since your to “ruin” what brothers and father are Ask where he does we have, but supportive, they’ll be see your relationship I’m beginning your best advocates. to think this going…but don’t They should begin to relationship is at work on your mother, be surprised when a dead end. What and let her know how should I do? you get unfulfilling much she’s hurting you —Ready For by her coldness and responses.

More bigotry. Meanwhile, enjoy this renaissance in Dear RFM, your relationships with The differences in maturity and the males of your family. Your family sounds expectations between a 40-year-old gay man like a relatively cohesive one, filled with and a 26-year-old one are not just numeric, mostly reasonable people. Here comes the they’re generational. Of course a 14-year gap Truth: My sense is that she’ll come around, isn’t necessary a game breaker, but while but those she is letting in should be giving her Steve thinks, correctly, that he has all the time lectures in tones round and firm about how in the world to settle down, you are feeling terribly she’s treating you. | l |

I

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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watermark | sports

Lawsuit against NAGAAA continues to court wire report Seattle, Wash. | A gay softball association in the U.S. can limit the number of heterosexual players on its teams, a federal judge ruled June 2. However, that same judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by three men who claim they were disqualified from the 2008 Gay Softball World Series in Seattle for not being “gay enough.”

The decision allows the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA) to enforce a rule of two “straight” players per team.

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour wrote in his ruling, “Plaintiffs have failed to argue that there is a compelling state interest in allowing heterosexuals to play gay softball.”

“NAGAAA might very well believe that given the history of gay exclusion for sports, the only way to promote competition for all persons, and ensure that gay athletes have the same opportunities as straight athletes, is to create an exclusively gay community with exceptions for a small number of straight players,” the ruling states. “It is not the role of the courts to scrutinize the content of an

organization’s chosen expression.”

However, Coughenour said the lawsuit could proceed to trial because questions remained about the way the softball association applied its rule.

The suit was sparked when three men playing in the finals of the Gay Softball World Series in Washington State in 2008 were challenged about their sexuality by a rival team.

According to their complaint, the men, members of a San Francisco softball team, were questioned in front of a room full of strangers about their sexual preferences after a protest was lodged alleging their team had violated a rule that limited to two the number of heterosexuals on any team.

The panel members then voted on whether they men were gay or “non-gay.”

Several ballots were held, and the men said the process was humiliating. The men said organizers told them, “This is the Gay World Series, not the Bisexual World Series.”

The suit was backed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, which had framed it as a push for bisexual rights. It contended the rule discriminated against bisexuals by not including them in the definition of “gay.”

Coughenour rejected that contention

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

in the broader sense by not issuing an injunction against the rule, but said “treatment of bisexuals remains of central importance to this case” and that the association “could still be liable for its actions” under the Washington Laws Against Discrimination for actions at the 2008 games.

To that end, the judge ruled that the association operated as a “public accommodation” by inviting public attendance, charging a fee and providing a service, and therefore must comply with the state’s anti-discrimination laws.

The judge also said the First Amendment protections go only so far, pointing to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in the case of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, whose members spread virulent antigay messages at the funerals of U.S. soldiers.

“The court concluded that the First Amendment does not protect all speech,” the judge wrote. “Whether or not Defendant’s treatment of Plaintiffs at the protest hearing is deserving of First Amendment Protection remains to be seen.”

Seattle attorney Michael Reiss, who represented NAGAAA, said he was pleased that the court allowed the softball association to keep its rule and recognized its right to chose its members. He said the organization would “vigorously dispute” the men’s version of what occurred in the protest meeting.

A trial is set for Aug. 1. | l |

briefs Suncoast Softball League elects new officers The Suncoast Softball League in Tampa has elected its new officials for the 20112012 season. They are: Commissioner Ron Frank, B-Division Commissioner Kyle Streng, C-Division Commissioner Lee Holderbaum, J.W. White Inspiration Award and Secretary Jason Bagwell, Treasurer Scott Lenker, Parliamentarian Brenda Siebold, NAGAAA Rep. Jim Michener, Team Tampa Bay Scott Young. A run-off election for D-Division Commissioner will be held June 12 between Barry Parks and Michael Richardson.

Movement to remove Croation soccer president begins Croatian Soccer President Vlatko Markovic is under fire by LGBTs and supporters after making numerous homophobic remarks about gay soccer players. A petition has begun to force Markovic out of his position with the organization. Markovic has been fined numerous times for his anti-gay rants but is appealing those disciplinary actions.

Once 2,500 signatures are collected, petitioners plan to present it to European Soccer’s governing body.

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watermark | gossip

| June 9 - June 22, 2011

billymasters

60

“Don’t worry about the words. I never worry about the words.”

—Christina Aguilera gives advice to singers on The Voice. I didn’t know singing the Star-Spangled Banner was part of the competition.

W Everything is a process

Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

ith the success of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart on Broadway, there is once again talk of a film version. As we all know, Barbra Streisand bought the rights back in 1985 and worked for 10 years in vain to get the film made. Larry has taken the current hit as another opportunity to bash Babs—and Streisand ain’t having it.

She claims that Larry insisted on writing the screenplay himself and never agreed to any revision in order to make it more cinematic.

She disputes his allegation that she beefed-up the role of Dr. Bookner because she wanted to play the part. In fact, she states she never wanted to be in the film. She only wanted to direct, but agreed to appear if it would lead to studio funding. When all big-screen avenues were exhausted, she approached HBO, who offered Kramer $250,000—“he would not let it go forward for anything less than $1,000,000.”

For his part, Kramer says he knew nothing of an HBO deal. He believes that Streisand focused on too many other projects and that his masterpiece languished under her guidance.

“Shit or get off the can,” he memorably said before the rights reverted to him. “She’s a mighty force, and I certainly agree she has done a good deal for the gay world. She just wasn’t going to make this movie right.”

It should be noted that in the 15 years that Kramer has had control of the property, he too

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has been unable to get the film made. Streisand ends her missive by revealing that recently Kramer again asked her to direct the film using his script. “Sadly, I turned his offer down and wished him well.” We hear that a movie deal has been brokered by CAA agent (and former Mr. Carrie Fisher) Bryan Lourd, which will star Mark Ruffalo and be directed by Ryan Murphy. Babs may not be completely out of the picture—allegedly Murphy has approached Streisand to star in the film as the doctor.

Last month it was rumored that a famous news anchor would be coming out. And then, the inevitable letdown—Don Lemon. There are two types of people reading this column— people who don’t know who Don Lemon is, and people who thought Don Lemon was already out. For those who fall in between the cracks, Lemon is a dashing African-American anchor on CNN. I suppose I should say “congratulations”—in between yawns.

We were all hoping the newsman coming out would be Anderson Cooper. There are two types of people reading this column— people who already know Anderson Cooper is gay, and people who think Liberace just never met the right woman. One of my favorite Cooper pics is him posing backstage with the Scissor Sisters,, arching his eyebrow whilst ogling Jake Shears. Well, Andy, have I got a photo for you. Shears recently received some jockstraps from the company Nasty Pig and decided to take photos of himself posing as...well, a nasty pig. He was so happy with the results, he told the company “I want my own jockstrap line”—which certainly wouldn’t be an unlikely career move for the former go-go boy.

Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock turns up on the June cover of Men’s Health showing off those amazing abs we’ve come to know and love. He’s often been referred to as a “29-year-old confirmed bachelor” but now he’s being called the “ripped Republican.” This got me to thinking—perhaps having a hot body is a right-wing thing. Last year we had Scott Brown and now Aaron. No one’s putting Barney Frank on a cover shirtless! Schock claims he’s not doing this for personal attention or narcissistic reasons. His goal is to promote healthy living through diet and exercise and he’s teamed up with the magazine for their “Fit For Life

CNN anchor Don Lemon came out of the closet in May, which didn’t surprise too many viewers.

Summer Challenge.”

Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Gerry in Baltimore: “Who is the hot guy in the new J-Lo video? He looks awfully familiar, but I can’t place him.”

That would be fitness model and actor William Levy, known as the “Latin Brad Pitt.” Sure, you might recognize him from numerous workout publications. Or perhaps you caught him last month on The Real Housewives of Miami, when he was the cover model for Venue magazine. So, we did a little more research about him and learned that he was born in Havana in 1980, moved to Miami in 1994 and later relocated to LA where he studied acting. He got his big break doing novellas for Telemundo and Univision, and also acted in stage plays across Mexico and the United States.

He and his wife of eight years, actress Elizabeth Gutierrez, have two kids and were named two of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by ““People en Español.”

Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l |

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Brazilian fitness model and actor William Levy has turned heads in J-Lo’s newest video.

June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

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| June 9 - June 22, 2011

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photography | mark cady, erik caban, tom dyer, drew sizemore

Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom

Girls in Wonderland Pool Party

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June 9 - June 22, 2011 |

63

Pride Live Auction & Screening!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 • 7:00 PM • Muvico Baywalk, St. Petersburg FILM SCREENING: You’ve never seen a film like SPORK! But it might remind you of Napoleon Dynamite, Bring It On, Pink Flamingos and a dozen other movies-native Floridian director JB Ghuman admits to many influences. This colorful and foul-mouthed musical comedy is rooted in quirky jokes, catchy tunes, mind-blowing dance moves and shocking social commentary, coupled with a sweetness that will reel you in. For tickets go to www. tiglff.com.

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS: Win a three-night weekend (July 22-25) from ALandCHUCK.Travel staying at four-star Doubletree Downtown in Orlando. On Saturday, attend Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney, hosted by What’s Happening Magazine. On Sunday, enjoy two third-row stage-front-center seats at the sold-out American Idol Live show featuring 11 performers from the most recent edition of the Fox TV hit, plus a backstage meet-and-greet (subject to change), VIP lanyards and souvenir program.

Two-week Mallorca-to-Caribbean cruise. Begin with three nights’ stay on the island of Mallorca, Spain a first-class hotel, including breakfast & dinner.

Then enjoy 14 nights on Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas cruise from Palma De Mallorca to Tenerife, Canary Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Colon, Panama. (Dates provided at the auction)

Guest Auctioneer: Kevin Beckner

Presenting Sponsor Auction items provided by ALandCHUCK.Travel.

Both auction prizes are valued at over $4000! Seating is limited and you (or your proxy) must be present to bid and win.

Purchase tickets at www.tiglff.com today!