Watermark Issue 18.14: Learning and Technology

YOuR LGBT LIFE.

ISSuE 18.14 JuLY 7 - JuLY 20, 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

85,000

FOCUS ON

CELEBRATE ST. PETE PRIDE

Learning & Technology A GUIDE TO GAY WEBSITES

GAY GROUPONING’S ALLURE

SASSY GAY FRIEND’S YOUTUBE EXPERIMENT

GOP Candidates EYE BECKNER’S, KORNELL’S SEATS

As Gay As He Gets

MATTHEW MORRISON PREPS FOR HIS ORLANDO CONCERT AND EXPLAINS WHY GLEE’S MESSAGE OF ACCEPTANCE MIRRORS HIS OWN LIFE

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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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5/17/11 1:23 PM

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

ALL SHOWS ON SALE NOW! Charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

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watermark | preview

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

issue 18.14

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SASSY GAY FRIEND 43 PG.

Thanks to the power of the internet, the Sassy Gay Friend has gained legions of fans on his YouTube channel and corporate America. Brian Gallivan, the creator of the flamboyant friend to literature’s most famous damsels in distress, talks with us about his creation and how things are always better when a Sassy Gay Friend helps remove the clutter from your mind.

Glee star Matthew Morrison has wrapped his first solo album and is now touring with the New Kids On The Block and the Backstreet Boys.

12 | Orlando News For the second time, The Center hosted a Town Hall meeting to reach out to minorities within the LGBT community. Hope & Help receives a flag donated by the Out & Proud Veterans of America as part of a project to ensure every LGBT community center flies the stars and stripes.

ThE BIG STORY

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14 | Tampa News

18 / NATION + WORLD NEWS

19 / TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE

Three Republicans have officially entered the race for Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner’s seat in 2012—and one is a staunch conservative Republican preacher; St. Petersburg City

22 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

Councilman Steve Kornell learned before Pride that he had a challenger in this year’s election—but that challenger has since put his campaign on

26 / MAIL

hiatus pending his wife’s health concerns; more.

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29 | Scene+heard ORLANDO NEWS

36 / EVENT PLANNER

Most of us know him as Will Schuster on the very LGBT friendly FOX musical comedy hit Glee. But Matthew Morrison is a Broadway veteran

38 / TAMPA BAY OVERhEARD

with the pipes to launch a solo career—which is exactly what he has done. Morrison, who will perform at Orlando’s Amway Arena later this month along with New Kids On The Block, tells us why he’s an LGBT

39 / ORLANDO OVERhEARD

advocate and why he’s not afraid to get as gay as he needs to. Local Sarasota writer Logan Nicholson has published his first book, Songs of the Enotah, which tells the story of his youth in a conservative part of

TAMPA BAY NEWS

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48 / TRANSITIONS

1940s Georgia.

41 | Learning & Technology

49 / ADVICE

As the computing power of every electronic device increases, businesses and organizations are finding new and exciting ways to reach out to their

50 / CLASSIFIEDS

advertisers and clients—and the LGBT niche market is no exception.

We take a look at some of the better known LGBT websites and offer a glimpse into what they are, why you need them and what can be

51 / SPORTS

accomplished once you’re there. We also look at the popular craze of

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KNOW+TELL

“grouponing” and learn a little bit more about a local venture to bring LGBT grouponing to the forefront.

52 / GOSSIP

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July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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editor’sdesk F

phone and the phones of my co-workers hummed to life with texts from people or more than four weeks, America didn’t need reality television. who had seen the news updates on television. Several co-workers watched the Watching every minute of the Casey Anthony trial became a national obsession thanks to the ongoing newsfeeds on local new channels, CNN, verdict live on a streaming webcast while others logged onto print media sites for that “breaking news” scroll.

FOX, Headline News and countless other media outlets. We couldn’t get our When we learned the verdict, social networking sites became abuzz with Weather on the 9s in Tampa Bay or our Weather on the 1s in Orlando because disbelief and members of the courtroom audience had their surprised reactions Bright House Networks tuned into live coverage all day long. caught on cameras.

The trial had an O.J.-esque quality about it that many Americans couldn’t I couldn’t help but be fascinated by our strong reactions. turn off. It eerily mirrored the O.J. Simpson murder case of the 1990s—minus Immediately, a swarm of postings on Facebook condemned the unidentified the dramatic beginning of a slow-moving white Ford Bronco chased by police jurors for making a major blunder and letting a “murderer” go free. Others cars but resulting in the divisive and surprising verdict of “not guilty.” suggested grand gestures of leaving a porch light I wasn’t one of those Americans who stayed glued on in support of the poor, deceased Caylee—which to the trial. I was okay with updates, but I couldn’t confused me since organizers asked that lights be make myself stare at the goings on of that courtroom switched on at 9 p.m., a time when it gets dark and hour after hour.

It scares me there lights typically come on anyway.

That’s not to say I didn’t see any of it at all. I’d are people who think Others shared that our judicial system worked just Steve Blanchard catch a glimpse of testimony at the gym (yes, they had using a person’s as it was supposed to: an unbiased jury went on the sacrificed ESPN for Headline News) or when I was EDITOR SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com flipping channels. But I typically avoided it. I wanted evidence presented in the courtroom and made their sexuality as a weapon decision correctly based on what they knew. to know what was going on in the world—not just in is an acceptable The most fascinating of all, for me at least, that courtroom in Orlando. was hearing later that the prosecution considered The fascination dumbfounded me. Casey Anthony argument for guilt. portraying Casey as a lesbian as a way to sway jurors wasn’t a celebrity before she was charged with killing toward a guilty verdict—an assassination of character, her two-year-old daughter, Caylee; and her family of sorts. It scares me there are people who still think really wasn’t extraordinary when it came to the using a person’s sexuality—perceived or real—as an acceptable argument for Orlando elite social scene.

Yet, day in and day out, the trial was all over print, broadcast and web media guilt.

The tactic wasn’t permitted by the judge, but it shows just how far we still and photos of Casey’s reactions to testimony and Cindy Anthony’s wardrobe of have to go. sleeveless shirts bombarded every news website.

As the history book closes on the new “trial of the century,” maybe we, the This issue of Watermark was “put to bed,” as we say, on the very day that jurors and the Anthony family can get back to some form of normalcy. Because the jury found Casey Anthony not guilty. I should say, "on the day she was let’s face it: it’s only a matter of time before the next high-profile crime found 'not guilty' of the charges that really mattered." Jurors figured she wasn’t captures our attention and we forget all about those “roses for Caylee” and a murderer—just a liar. There was too much reasonable doubt, we learned, to the anger we may or may not have for those who may or may not have been convict the young mother for the death of her daughter. involved in a crime. | l | As word trickled out earlier in the day that a verdict was coming, my cell

staff

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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 • 813-470-0899 • 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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watermark | the big story

sT. peTe�pRide 2011 aVoids sToRMs, dRaws 85,000 steve blanchard

S

t. Petersburg | Despite a threatening weather forecast, the Ninth Annual St. Pete Pride promenade and Street Festival was a success, smashing previous attendance records and bringing a celebratory mood to the city’s Grand Central District June 25.

Organizers estimated about 85,000 revelers at this year’s event. Many in the crowd said they felt it seemed larger and more populated than last year’s celebration, which hosted 80,000-plus people.

“It’s just wall-to-wall-people and it’s a sea of color,” said Sam Holbrook, who attended with his partner. “This has to be the biggest one yet. I’ve never seen so many people here and I’ve been to almost every St. Pete Pride.”

St. Pete Pride Executive Director Chris Rudisill echoed that sentiment and said that almost everyone he spoke with said the festival seemed larger.

“The consensus seems to be that we hit 85,000 easily and many felt that the crowd seemed larger this year,” he said. “I also think people stayed longer this year, which is always great news to the many businesses and organizations that take part each year.”

That’s impressive—especially since dark clouds loomed just south of St. Petersburg on the morning of the festival after a night full of thunderstorms.

“I was scared to death on Friday night, I’m not going to lie,” Rudisill said about the forecast. “But either way the festival goes on. We don’t have a rain contingency: It’s rain or shine! My only concern was just that it held off until after setup. It actually helped make a good portion of the day rather pleasant with slightly cooler temps and natural misting in the early morning

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

hours.”

Early morning setup teams saw a few minor showers while vendor tents and booths were prepped—but once the promenade began, the rain clouds cleared and the festival enjoyed its usual warm, sunny temperatures.

“I was worried this morning,” said Allison Frank, who debated whether she should make the drive from Bradenton for the festival. “I watched the news and kept telling my friends, ‘We’re going to get nailed with downpours.’ I’m so glad the weather guys were wrong!”

The clouds and an earlier start time seemed to have kept medical emergencies to a minimum as well. Rudisill said that there were no major incidents and only a few minor medical-related issues were reported.

“As always, the city worked quickly to make sure everyone was taken care of,” he Continued on page 21 |  |

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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.

July 7 - July 20, 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.

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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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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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Orlando | Out & Proud Veterans of America are on a mission—to hang a U.S. flag at every gay organization in Orlando.

On June 21, they presented a flag to Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. Veteran Jaime Valentin presented the flag, which previously was flown in front of the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida for the Veteran’s Flag Pole Memorial. Julie Noda, Hope and Help events manager, posted on its website that they had been without a flag for two years and they are “truly grateful” for the donation.

Out & Proud Veterans of America founder Mark Cady said The Center next plans to fly a flag in memory of U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Charles Wilfahrt. Wilfahrt is believed to be the first gay U.S. soldier to die in battle since President Obama signed the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

“I spoke with Mr. Wilfahrt, the father

of Cpl. Wilfahrt, and asked his permission to fly the flag in his son’s memory and he agreed,” Cady said.

“He then invited the organization to Miami where he and his wife will be speaking at a September meeting U.S. Army Cpl Andrew Charles Wilfahrt, believed to of Florida Together be the first gay U.S. soldier at which time we to die in battle since Don’t will present the flag Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed. to them.”

Out and Proud will have its first meeting Monday, July 11, at The Center, starting at 7 p.m. The group will discuss their participation in the upcoming Come Out With Pride Parade and Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade. The meeting is free and open to the public. | l |

briefs OGC gets new outreach coordinator One of the Orlando Gay Chorus’ (OGC) current singing members is now the group’s outreach coordinator. Sheri Kettula replaces Matt La Victoire in the role. “It has been a privilege for me to have served as OGC’s Outreach Coordinator for the past six years and I know that Sheri will be rewarded with the same support and generosity from you as I have received,” La Victoire said in an email.

Staffing changes at Fringe Since Orlando Fringe’s former producing artistic director Beth Marshall resigned from her leadership position in June, there has been a number of staffing changes and additions to the festival. Nicole Ledbetter will serve as the new assistant and office manager. In addition, Alyson M. Innes and Heather Wilkie have been named to the Fringe Board of Directors. Finally, the festival has been awarded a State of Florida grant toward their 21st festival in 2012.

watermark | orlando news

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

Town hall talks on LGBT minorities continue erik caban Orlando | On June 21, The Center hosted the second in a series of LGBT Town Hall meetings to discuss how to reach out and educate minorities within the gay community. The focus of the panel was to emphasize the need for role models in the Latin American and AfricanAmerican LGBT communities to enlighten youth on tolerance and gay issues.

A crowd of more than 60 people participated in a forum regarding how to disparage the myth that being gay is a choice and how to decipher the influences on LGBT youth while promoting diversity in the minority community. The entire panel agreed that cultural and religious beliefs play a major role in how minorities look at the LGBT community.

Pastor Brei Taylor from Oasis Fellowship was said, “the Bible does not talk about homosexuality in any form as we know it today.”

The panel acknowledged that most of people’s role models and influences growing up are their parents, pastors and what is seen in the media. They emphasized a need for adults comfortable

in their own skin so they are open to talking to our youths about diversity and tolerance.

“The change is coming with our youth,” said Oasis Fellowship elder Sue Love.

“I’m lucky enough to be on the page as its turning, but it’s going to be up to the kids [currently] in grade school, middle school—anyone under 26 to make the change.”

An Oasis Fellowship youth who was in the audience with his two moms offered up a glimmer of hope.

“It doesn’t matter what people say about you,” he stated. “It’s what you care about in your heart.”

The Town Hall Series—“Black and Latino, Part II”—was moderated by Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) President Gina Duncan and also included Joyce Hamilton Henry from Mid-Florida Regional Hospital, Rudy Chacin, a medical case manager for the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) and Tatiana Quiroga, a course director in Behavioral Sciences from Full Sail University.

The Center will present Part III in October, where the focus will be on where to find the mediums to get information and education. | l |

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Kornell St. Pete council challenger suspends campaign joseph kissel St. Petersburg | A last-minute challenge to St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, who marched with his partner Bobby Poth in the recent St. Pete Pride parade, has been put “on hold due to family health problems.”

Bill Protz, active in the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and many charitable organizations, said he admitted his wife into the hospital June 30 for E. coli poisoning related to her ongoing battle with ovarian cancer.

Due to that, Protz said he’s suspended all activity related to his campaign, which started June 27 when he filed the necessary paperwork about five minutes before the deadline.

“I’m doing what I have to do,” Protz said.

“E. coli is a deadly disease.”

His wife has already received 18 weeks of chemotherapy, he said.

Kornell, reached on the road traveling for the July 4 holiday, had words of encouragement for the Protz family.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to my friend Bill and his family, and I hope his wife recovers,” Kornell said. “Some things are just more important.”

Protz said mounting a campaign against first-term incumbent Kornell, who succeeded District 5 councilman Jamie Bennett, was a “last-minute decision” but something he’s wanted to do.

While Protz entering the race was a surprise, Kornell said he was ready for a challenger.

“There’s a website, literature printed, at least 100 volunteers working on the campaign and we’ve raised a significant sum of money,” Kornell said. “It’s expensive to talk to voters.”

Although Kornell is an openly gay councilman, St. Petersburg’s first, he said the bulk of his energy focuses on the health, safety and prosperity of all St. Petersburg.

“A significant issue for me is preventing juvenile crime,” said Kornell, who is also a

(L-R) Steve Kornell marched in the St. Pete Pride parade with his partner, Bobby Poth. | Photo by Steve Blanchard

Pinellas County Schools social worker. Kids need guidance from preschool to high school, he said, and later, help finding their first job.

“Some people may say government shouldn’t be doing these things, and I respectfully disagree.”

He’s also worked hard, he said, to provide more opportunities to midtown St. Petersburg.

“There are not many jobs there to provide opportunities and all the things that go with that sense of pride.”

Speaking of pride, Kornell, said he’s deeply appreciative of the LGBT community’s support.

“They were there for me last time, and I hope they will be in the future,” he said.

Kornell also said he’s pleased fellow council members have supported St. Pete Pride and the LGBT community.

“I’m very proud that four out of eight council members marched in the parade this year, including Bill Dudley, Wengay Newton and Jeff Danner.” He added, though, “Just because others weren’t there doesn’t mean they aren’t supportive.”

“It was a lot of fun marching in the parade,” Kornell said. “There was so much enthusiasm there.”

While announcing his campaign has been suspended, Protz added, “There is some time left.”

Protz, who is president of Catalina Marketing, could re-start his campaign, “depending on the circumstances.” | l |

LGBT wedding expo returns to Tampa Bay staff report Tampa | Nearly three years after its first appearance in Tampa Bay, the Rainbow Wedding Network is returning with its Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expo this fall.

The lesbian-owned Rainbow Wedding Network has produced over 50 “Same Love, Same Rights” expos in 19 different states.

In 2004, the company helped couples plan ceremonies in Cambridge, Mass., just two weeks prior to marriage rights being enacted in Massachusetts. Rainbow Wedding Network also produced four back-to-back expos

throughout California during the summer of 2008, bringing couples face-to-face with hundreds of gay-friendly exhibitors.

New York, of course, is now a major focus for the company, thanks to the recent marriage equality ruling by the New York Senate—but that doesn’t mean other states are left out.

Several dozen LGBT friendly weddingaffiliated companies will descend upon the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore Hotel on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Reservations are suggested and donations for $5-$15 are requested to keep the expos going.

Further information and tickets are available online at RainbowWeddingNetwork.com. | l |

watermark | tampa bay news

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

15

Three GOP candidates eye Beckner’s seat steve blanchard Tampa | It looks like Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner will have some competition for his seat come next year’s election. Three Republicans contenders filed paperwork with the county’s election office to run for the District 6 seat in the November 2012 general election. However, the three will have to face off in the Republican primary on Aug. 14, 2012.

Beckner, a financial planner, earned his seat in 2008 when he defeated incumbent Brian Blair handily, becoming the first openly gay elected official to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Steve Cona, a fifth-generation county resident who lives in Westchase, is making his first run for office with a bid against Beckner. Cona is the chief operating officer of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. His campaign says he wants to focus on the way the county does business during his upcoming campaign. His campaign website touts “conservative values” and “new ideas.”

“I want to change the way we do business at County Center,” he said in a campaign statement. “As I talk with voters, I hear a growing discontent with local government and their inaction in regards to our stagnant local economy. I am running to change that.”

Cona says he believes there is a “disconnect” between the commission and residents.

“Businesses are suffering, families are suffering, and the County Commission has not taken meaningful action,” the 39-year-old said in the statement.

Another GOP candidate is Margaret Iuculano, a child advocate and businesswoman from Apollo Beach.

She is the former owner of a Microsoft training business and also markets her pro-business platform.

“I have an economic development plan for actively courting businesses that will help create jobs right here,” the 44-yearold said in a campaign statement.

Brad Faircloth, 40, a Republican and ordained minister at Palma Ceia Primitive Baptist Church in Tampa, has also filed to challenge Beckner in the 2012 elections.

While his website was still under construction at press time, he did post a press release in response to Beckner’s support of GaYbor Days—an annual celebration of the economic impact of the GaYbor District Coalition.

“Beckner has no problem pushing a proclamation that only recognizes the

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Palma Ceia Primitive Baptist Church minister Brad Faircloth, is one of three GOP candidates—and the only one so far address Beckner’s sexuality—to enter the District 6 race for the Hillsborough County Commission. | Photo courtesy BradFaircloth.com

GaYbor district, which is a district that heavily supported his last campaign,” he said in the release. “This is a direct slap in the face to the many small business owners in this county who have been struggling in this tough economy to stay afloat. It should also never be in the interest of the county commission to single out citizens based on their sexual orientation in order to play favoritism.”

In a separate statement, Faircloth said the economy was his top priority.

“With 11.2 percent unemployment, one of the things this county needs is someone who is focused on economic development,” he told the Tampa Tribune. “I have that experience.”

Beckner, 40, is a graduate of Indiana University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked as a police officer throughout his college days after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1990.

Since winning his seat on the board, Beckner created the Juvenile Justice Task Force and serves on the boards of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, Arts Council, Children’s Board, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Public Safety Coordinating Council, and Value Adjustment Board.

Beckner has reportedly already raised more than $22,000 for the election next year. |  |

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Film fest to highlight LGBT features staff report

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Sarasota | Film lovers will get a chance to celebrate LGBT cinema at the Fabulous Independent Film Festival coming to Sarasota in August.

The new one-day festival will showcase four feature-length films and four short films with LGBT story lines beginning at 2 p.m.

Aug. 27. The festival is in association with Sarasota Pride and is organized by Broken Rules Productions.

According to a press release, films on the schedule include eCupid, a romantic comedy

featuring Morgan Fairchild, and Leave It On The Floor, an independent feature musical set in Los Angeles. Short films include a music video by local music quartet MeteorEYES and the short Australian film Baby Cake. A more complete schedule will be released July 11.

All films will be shown inside the Gompertz Theatre in downtown Sarasota.

Tickets are $8 per film and festival passes are available. An after party at Selva Grill will close the Aug. 27 celebration and will feature a live performance by MeteorEYES. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details and a full schedule, visit FabulousIFF.com. | l |

Trinity MCC welcomes out Christian artist Shawn Thomas staff report Sarasota | The Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church will welcome openly gay contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Shawn Thomas on Saturday, July 23.

Thomas, originally from Indiana, released his first album in 2003. Since then he has

gained recognition for his music and faithbased concerts in affirming churches across the country, traveling in a mobile studio housed within an RV. After two years of traveling, Thomas accepted a full time position as a music minister at a church in West Palm Beach.

Thomas’ July 23 concert is free to the public. For details, visit TrinityMCC.com or ShawnThomasOnline.com. | l |

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Former Pride director gets year in jail ed donato+jason parsley Fort Lauderdale | The Broward Sherriff’s Office took Michael Cruz, former director of Pride South Florida, into custody June 24, after he was charged with grand theft in the second degree following a guilty plea for stealing $46,691 from the organization.

Cruz was sentenced by Judge Andrew L. Siegel to one year in the Broward County Jail, 10 years probation, mandatory Gambler’s Anonymous meetings upon release and full restitution of the missing funds. The judge ordered Cruz to pay $10,000 in restitution within one month of being released from custody and $400 a month until the $46,691 is paid back to Pride South Florida. A $46,691 lean was placed on Cruz’s home.

Cruz was also ordered not to go to any casinos, bingo halls or pari-mutuel facilities while serving his 10 years probation.

“We’ve been working hard to get past the blemish that Michael Cruz put on this organization,” said current Vice President of Pride South Florida Marc Hansen. “We’re working to return it to the respectable place it used to be. This is a speed bump we’d like to get past and start celebrating our 35th anniversary next year.”

Daniel Young, Cruz’s attorney; Joel Slotnick, secretary/treasurer of Pride South Florida; and Marc Hansen, vice president of organization, all asked the judge to sentence Cruz to probation and restitution with no jail time.

Assistant State Attorney Jared Gass called for some incarceration and probation, saying the damage to Pride South Florida is immeasurable. | l | Editor’s note: Ed Donato and Jason Parsley are reporters with the South Florida Gay News and this article is used with permission.

HIV fraud doc gets 20 years wire report Miami-Dade | A Miami-Dade County doctor has been sentenced to almost 20 years in prison for his role in a massive Medicare fraud conspiracy.

Dr. Rene de los Rios was convicted in April of pocketing more than $1 million for writing fake prescriptions for unnecessary HIV treatments.

At his sentencing hearing June 27, U.S.

District Judge Joan Lenard rejected his bid for seven years in prison. Lenard chastised de los Rios for falsifying hundreds of patient records in order to justify writing phony prescriptions for two clinics that billed Medicare $46.2 million for HIV therapy between 2003 and 2005. Many patients received kickbacks.

De los Rios’ attorney argued for a shorter sentence for his client, saying the 72-yearold doctor suffers from a heart condition and diabetes. | l |

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Stuart Milk to speak at GLBT Democrat conference

Gov. Scott: No Fla. gay marriage law

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This year’s conference is titled “Sea to Sea Victory,” and will be held at The Studios of Key West. It runs from July 8–10. For more information about the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, visit FloridaGLBTDemocrats.org.

Florida governor Rick Scott touched on the issue of gay marriage while signing some education bills in St. Petersburg on June 27.

When reporters asked whether Florida might follow in the footsteps of New York in legalizing gay marriage, Scott said “by the constitution, that can’t come here,” referring to Section 27, passed by voters in 2008, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

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Pompano | A transsexual woman claims that state officials refused to change the gender marker on her driver license, even though she met the necessary requirements.

The South Florida Gay News (SFGN) published a story by Victoria Michaels Lavelle that includes photos of her having fulfilled

the physician information legally required.

According to the SFGN, Lavelle was turned away three separate times by line clerks, despite previous assurance from a supervisor that the license change would happen.

Only after contacting several equal rights organizations was Lavelle able to have the gender marker on her Florida License changed to female. | l |

11-IA-1040 11-IA-104011-IA-1040 11-IA-1040

staff report

11-IA-1040

DMV refuses trans ID change

18

watermark | nation+world news

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

NY passes gay marriage law wire report Albany, N.Y. | Same-sex marriage is now legal in New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that was narrowly passed by state lawmakers June 24, handing activists a breakthrough victory in the state where the American gay rights movement was born.

New York becomes the sixth state where gay couples can wed and the biggest by far.

Gay rights advocates are hoping the vote will galvanize the movement around the country and help it regain momentum after an almost identical bill was defeated here in 2009 and similar measures failed elsewhere in recent years.

The effects of the legislation could be felt well beyond New York: Unlike Massachusetts, which pioneered gay marriage in 2004, New York has no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license, meaning the state could become a magnet for gay couples across the country who want to have a wedding in Central Park or that honeymoon hot spot of yore, Niagara Falls.

New York, the third most populous state, will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the Washington capital district in

allowing same-sex couples to wed.

“Once this [law goes into effect on July 24], the population of the United States living under marriage equality doubles,” said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda. “That’s certainly going to have a ripple effect across the nation. It’s truly a historic night for love, our families, and democracy won.”

The New York bill cleared the Republican-controlled Senate on a 33-29 vote, made possible by two Republican senators who had been undecided.

The climactic vote came after more than a week of stop-and-start negotiations, rumors, closed-door meetings and frustration on the part of advocates.

Online discussions took on a nasty turn with insults and vulgarities peppering the screens of opponents and supporters alike and security was beefed up in the Capitol to give senators easier passage to and from their conference room.

Though New York is a relative latecomer in allowing gay marriage, it is considered an important prize for advocates, given the state’s size and New York City’s international stature. The gay rights movement is considered to have started with the Stonewall riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1969. | l |

Administration supports lesbian employee’s case wire report San Francisco, Calif. | In a strongly worded legal brief, the Obama administration has said the federal act that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman was motivated by hostility toward gays and lesbians and is unconstitutional.

The brief was filed July 1 in federal court in San Francisco in support of a lesbian federal employee’s lawsuit claiming the government wrongly denied health insurance coverage to her same-sex spouse.

The Justice Department says Karen Golinski’s suit should not be dismissed because the law under which her spouse was denied benefits—the Defense of Marriage Act—violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.

“The official legislative record makes plain that DOMA Section 3 was motivated in large part by animus toward gay and lesbian individuals and their intimate

relationships, and Congress identified no other interest that is materially advanced

by Section 3,’’ the brief reads, referring to the section in the act that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Though the administration has previously said it will not defend the marriage act, the brief is the first court filing in which it urges the court to find the law unconstitutional.

The brief argues that gays and lesbians have been subject to a history of discrimination by federal, state and local governments and private parties. It also lays out the administration’s position that sexual orientation is an “immutable characteristic,’’ that gays and lesbians are minorities with limited political power and that sexual orientation has no bearing on someone’s ability to contribute to society and advances no legitimate policy interest.

“It’s quite powerful to have the administration saying in a court filing that this kind of discrimination should be viewed suspiciously,’’ said Tara Borelli, an attorney for Golinski. | l |

Deportation of US citizen’s samesex partner canceled wire report Newark, N.J. | Immigration officials have called off the deportation of a Venezuelan man who legally married his same-sex partner in the United States, a move advocates hope will push the Obama administration to halt similar deportations and help repeal a federal law that recognizes only marriages between a man and a woman.

Henry Velandia, a 27-year-old professional salsa dancer from Caracas, asked to remain in the United States as the spouse of U.S. citizen Josh Vandiver, a 30-year-old graduate student at Princeton University. They were legally wed in Connecticut but live in New Jersey, where same-sex marriage is not legal.

Because of the Defense of Marriage Act,

a 1996 federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, Vandiver was not able to sponsor Velandia for a green card, as a heterosexual person could sponsor a spouse.

Velandia’s visitor visa expired, and he was placed in deportation proceedings.

The couple’s attorney, Lavi Soloway, the founder of a group aimed at stopping the deportation of gay and lesbian spouses of Americans, filed to have the order canceled.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in New Jersey notified the couple June 29 that they were ending deportation proceedings against Velandia.

“It’s an amazing relief to go from one day having your spouse being deported, to the next day looking forward to a life together as a married couple; building it, and planning it, just like any other married couple,’’ Vandiver said. | l |

briefs RI Gov. signs bill allowing civil unions Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee on July 2 signed into law a bill that allows gay couples to enter civil unions, calling it a “step forward’’ toward full marriage rights, even as he expressed reservations about the legislation.

Chafee said the bill fails to give homosexual couples the full marriage rights given to heterosexual couples, but he added the legislation “brings tangible rights and benefits to thousands of Rhode Islanders’’ and said it “provides a foundation from which we will continue to fight for full marriage equality.’’

Feds: CA school district failed to help gay teen In a letter released July 1, federal education and justice department officials told the Tehachapi Unified School District in Central California that school officials failed in their legal duty to protect 13-year-old Seth Walsh from ``persistent, pervasive and often severe sex-based harassment’’ at Jacobsen Middle School. Walsh hung himself from a tree in his backyard two weeks after starting eighth-grade year last September after being harassed by classmates because he was gay. He died eight days later. Walsh’s case represented one of the first times that the U.S. Department of Education had applied federal laws to a situation involving a student’s sexual orientation.

7 Atlanta officers put on admin. duty after raid Atlanta police say they’ve placed seven officers on administrative duty pending the outcome of a review of their actions involving a raid on the Atlanta Eagle Bar in September 2009. Police spokesman Carlos Campos said

June 30 the officers have been required to turn in their guns and badges until a disciplinary review is complete. A report released this week says that several police officers lied and many deleted data from cell phones to hide their actions the night of the raid. Patrons and employees said they had to lie on the floor while officers checked for criminal histories and peppered them with slurs.

Brazil judge OKs country’s first gay marriage A Brazilian state judge on June 27 approved what the court said is the nation’s first gay marriage. Sao Paulo state Judge Fernando Henrique Pinto ruled two men could convert their civil union into a full marriage. The Sao Paulo state attorney general said in an opinion presented to Pinto that the marriage was legal.

Brazil’s Supreme Court cleared the way in May for the recognition of same-sex civil unions, but stopped short of approving gay marriages.

Pakistani Muslims condemn US gay rights meeting A group of conservative Islamic political and religious officials has condemned a meeting by the U.S. Embassy supporting gay rights in Pakistan as “cultural terrorism’’ against the country. The group, which included the head of Pakistan’s largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, claimed the meeting—the first of its kind held by the embassy—was the second most dangerous attack by the U.S. against Pakistan, following missiles fired from unmanned drones. The June 26 meeting was hosted by the U.S. deputy ambassador, Richard Hoagland, and was meant to support the rights of LGBT individuals in Pakistan.

Under Islamic, or Sharia, laws in Pakistan, homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by whipping, imprisonment or death.

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said.”

More than 100 float entries weaved through the Kenwood Neighborhood before marching down Central Avenue.

“I took some comfort in seeing so many accepting churches taking part in Pride,” Frank said. “Like so many of the people here, I grew up in a church that told me I was wrong for feeling same-sex attraction. This proves that churches really do accept us and it was so heartening to see that love right in the middle of the street!”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all love on June 25. A small band of protesters made their annual appearance along the side of the parade route, ruffling the feathers of some in attendance.

One unidentified festival-goer had a few choice words for the protestors, telling them that “God doesn’t make mistakes, so just deal with it.” A male couple took the opportunity to show their affection by kissing affectionately in front of the small group.

Others in attendance didn’t even know protestors were nearby.

“This is the first I’m hearing of them,” said Colby Schwartz, who spent most of his day listening to the bands on the Jagermeister Main Stage.

“I figured they finally gave it up and realized they couldn’t stop us from being who we are. I haven’t seen them or noticed them. But I guess it’s easy to get swallowed up in such a large crowd.”

According to Rudisill, there were no arrests this year and no major incidents involving the “very few protestors.”

Destination Pride It wasn’t just locals who enjoyed the festivities. Many people visiting the booths along the eight-block festival shared that they were from across the state—and some from Georgia.

Scott Koonce and his partner Bret Peterson drove from Fort Lauderdale to set up their booth of Nu Amsterdam Clothing—and they were happy to make the trek.

“This is an opportunity to get our product out and we’ve been busy all day,” Koonce said shortly after the promenade ended. “We haven’t sold as much as we’d like yet, but it’s still early. We expect to stay busy until we break down at three.”

For Josef Godwin, St. Pete Pride was an excuse to take a vacation away from the more conservative Panhandle.

“We have a few events throughout the year up in the Panhandle, but nothing quite like this,” said Godwin, who lives near Destin. “I decided to drive down and spend the weekend and soak up the culture. I am very glad I did; this is beyond what I expected.”

More than a weekend For 2011 Grand Marshal Rev. Troy Perry, St. Pete Pride was a weekend of events—not just an appearance in Saturday’s large promenade. Perry made an appearance at the annual Stonewall Commemorative Reception at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts on Thursday, June 23, and was the guest of honor at a special dinner

watermark | the big story

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

21

St. Pete Pride Executive Director Chris Rudisill thanks sponsors and supporters during the annual Stonewall Commemorative Reception at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts June 23. | Photo by Steve Blanchard

Johnny Weir and Alexis Mateo pose for a photo with a fan following the Macy’s Pride & Fashion show at Tyrone Mall on June 24. | Photo by Steve Blanchard

St. Pete Pride grand marshal Rev. Troy Perry waves to the crowd from aboard the Wells Fargo stagecoach on June 25. | Photo by Jake Stevens

on Friday, June 24, at the Poynter Institute.

At both events, Perry took time to visit with locals and share his experience of starting the Metropolitan Community Church.

“I really do enjoy these events and I’m honored to be invited here by the St. Pete Pride board,” Perry said during the Stonewall reception. “This is an amazing opportunity and everyone has been incredibly kind. It makes you proud to see so many out and proud people in one city.

We’ve come a long way.”

This is the first time Perry has been a grand marshal on Florida’s mainland. The only other Florida Pride festival he’s grand marshaled was in Key West.

While Perry was meeting supporters at the special dinner at the Poynter Institute on Friday, throngs of other revelers ventured out to the Tyrone Square Mall, where two-time Olympic figure skater and silver medalist Johnny Weir and local RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 finalist Alexis Mateo hosted the Macy’s “Pride in Fashion” show.

The two, who had never met before, had amazing chemistry and kept the crowds entertained while beautiful male and female models showed off the latest fashions. After

Headliner Sir Ari Gold performs at the Jagermeister Main Stage at St. Pete Pride June 25. | Photo by Steve Blanchard

“ T h i s i s b e yo n d w h at I e x p e c t e d. ” —Josef Godwin, who lives near Destin, Fla., and experienced his first St. Pete Pride June 25 the event, both stayed around for photos with fans and even signed autographs.

The previous week, St. Pete Pride Board members took part in the annual Turnabout fundraiser at Georgie's Alibi, which once again brought a packed house to the popular Kenwood Neighborhood night spot. There, board members did their best drag numbers and all tips were donated directly back to the St. Pete Pride organization.

Two members—Rudisill and vice president Stanley Solomons—even showed up in drag at the Tampa Bay Business Guild meeting in Clearater prior to the show to speak to members about the weekend of festivities.

After-Pride festivities When the annual Street Festival ended, the large crowd had numerous options available if they wanted to keep the celebratory mood going. Some opted for private parties, while others ventured to Georgie’s Alibi, The Flamingo Resort or the Postcard Inn for the Ice Party, presented by Watermark Media and AlAndChuck.Travel.

Every venue reported record numbers and standing-room only, and one attendee at The Flamingo said it was the most crowded he’d ever seen the two-year-old resort. The Postcard Inn was sold out on Saturday night and special entertainment near the pool amazed spectators all evening long.

Pride events even went well past

Saturday, with a special appearance by Perry at the King of Peace MCC Church Sunday morning and a luncheon following that to give parishoners a chance to meet the founder.

Later in the afternoon, the official closing T-Dance at the Flamingo Resort was packed with several people walking several blocks from their parked cars to attend.

Several Pride board members attended evests after the festival and were excited to see so many people enjoying St. Petersburg.

It’s community involvement like this that makes St. Pete Pride what it is, according to Rudisill.

“I want ot thank all of our sponsors, vendors and promenade participants,” he said. “Without their support of this community, St. Pete Pride wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Rudisill also thanked the overall LGBT community of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, which continues to rally around the event.

“Each year we come together, despite our differences, to show the country the great, diverse celebrated community that we have here,” he said. “We must not forget the true meaning and history of Pride. After all the celebration, we’ve got to get back to work to make a change in Florida. Next year is our 10th Anniversary and let’s all work together to make it the biggest and proudest Pride event Florida has ever seen. | l |

Turn to Gallery W on pg.54 for more photos and head to WatermarkOnline.com for complete photo galleries of St. Pete Pride.

22

watermark | orlando marketplace

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

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Don’t be left out of the community conversation!

Head over to WatermarkOnline.com, register and start telling us what YOU think!

Yes! It’s harmless, attention-getting and even a little bit fun.

No. It’s dumb and probably hurts gay causes.

Maybe. I like the idea of drawing attention to anti-gay actions but wish there were a less frivolous way to do so.

40% 40%

At WatermarkOnline.com, we asked you: Glittering is when LGBT activists toss glitter onto anti-gay politicians.

813-655-9890

Pride is a community effort I often get comments thanking me for “starting St Pete Pride” and I just want to remind everyone, it wasn’t me. It was us. It was so many people in the community who stepped forward at a time when we needed it most. I had only talked to a few people when I realized there was an opportunity to do Pride events different from others.

The entire Tampa Bay area seemed to want a Pride celebration in which all could participate. We wanted a free parade/march which became the Promenade (name inspired from a poster at a Key West bar), an affordable street festival, free to attend, and low-priced booths so even the smallest business or nonprofit could participate.

It was the urging of business owners that we could pull it off. It was that first “town meeting” where the community stepped forward with over 100 volunteers.

For me it is still hearing the stories of young and old, who because of St Pete Pride felt empowered enough to come out to their families or at work. As I look through all the pictures posted on Facebook, the one constant in every picture is the widest, brightest smiles I’ve ever seen. I was reminiscing while winding down at the Flamingo, that we, as a community, have changed St Petersburg, and the future looks even better (Thank you, New York!).

Brian Longstreth St. Petersburg

20%

Call for Rates

mail

Is glittering an effective form of protest?

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

“Perry has always been an eloquent speaker who allows his sense of humor and humanity shine through.”

—James Foreman

Troy Perry Thank you, Watermark, for putting Rev. Troy Perry on your recent cover [Issue 18.12]. I know he was given the cover because he was this year’s Grand Marshal at St. Pete Pride, but it's important to all of us to remember that religion and God are not just things for our straight neighbors.

Perry made Christianity more accessible for all of us and for that I am eternally grateful.

The article was well-written and offered a unique insight into a man so many of hold to such high esteem. I especially liked the section highlighting his thoughts on current issues and pop culture.

Perry has always been an eloquent speaker who allows his sense of humor and humanity shine through. Thank you for sharing him with us.

James Foreman Via e-mail

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

watermark | viewpoint

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

27

publisher’s

perspective

to end gerrymandering last year when we Yet we are represented in Congress and the risk looking like a wimp. supported the Fair Districts amendments to the state legislature by 45 Republicans and 13 In the case of the breakup, it’s usually a Florida Constitution. The future depends on Democrats. That’s not a typo. new partner, possibly the person who created their implementation.

But the problem is much greater than the rift in the first place. In the case of the This is a pivotal time. Redistricting takes lopsided representation. When a district is advertiser, it can be a business partner, or a drawn to favor one party, the election is usually place only once every ten years. It’s going on group of employees or high-profile patrons. In now, and the plan will be announced in early decided by the primary. “That’s good for party either case, the outrage is expressed—and the 2012. Speaker of the House Dean Cannon has extremists,” observed the Orlando Sentinel’s pressure is applied—from a safe distance. carved out $30 million from our cash-strapped Scott Maxwell. “Not for the moderate When someone’s “pissed off by proxy,” state budget to challenge results he doesn’t there’s no room for reason or negotiation. They majority.” like, meaning those that do not safeguard the We are electing people who are “pissed want to prove how tough they are, so they Republican super-majority. off by proxy,” pressured to advocate their become inflexible. Conflict resolution takes a If the plan is late, or if it includes squiggly party’s most extreme positions rather than back seat to posturing and ego.

Anger lines and districts with large Democratic find solutions that would benefit all their “Pissed off by proxy” is always unpleasant majorities, we must be prepared to fight as constituents. As a result, things are going to and counterproductive. But when it happens Management well. Our right to fair representation and hell in a handbasket. in national government, the results can be effective government is at stake. | l | By a whopping majority, you and I voted catastrophic.

Consider the current debate on raising the Tom Dyer national debt ceiling. Clearly it’s necessary: Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Congress has spent money, and now it must either cover that debt or default. Most experts believe default will send the fragile global economy into freefall; not because the United States can’t pay its debts, but because it lacks the political will to govern itself responsibility.

Nonetheless, a few dozen U.S. Representatives—members of the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party—are holding this process hostage. They’re “pissed off by proxy,” determined to prove they’re tough to a small number of influential constituents and pundits.

They’d rather risk a deeper recession than compromise on their radical plan for gamechanging tax and spending cuts.

Conservative influence peddler Grover Norquist knows the “pissed off by proxy” dynamic well and exploits it to maximum here’s a toxic dynamic that stands in advantage. He has secured pledges from 41 the way of conflict resolution. It’s as The INROADS Trial for HIV Patients with Limited Treatment Experience senators and 236 House members that they common as it is difficult to overcome. will not increase taxes. If any reconsider that And it’s currently driving national political pledge, even to close the most offensive tax debate.

The INROADS Trial is looking for research volunteers To qualify loophole, Norquist will brand them cowardly I call it “pissed off by proxy,” and as an with HIV to test the safety and effectiveness of a new Be HIV posit turncoats and work for their electoral defeat. attorney and publisher I’ve encountered it This flies in the face of responsible many times.

Be taking HI combination of once daily medications. representative A woman or man viral load of government, a comes in my office or have neve process that by its because they’re The INROADS Trial for HIV Patients with Limited Treatment Experience HIV drug res very nature requires breaking up with Along the I-4 corridor compromise. someone and the Participation there are 200,000 How did a division of assets is Trial is looking To qualify you must: small groupvolunteers of going badly. “This is The INROADS more Democrats thanfor research Study participan arch-conservatives not the person I know with HIV to test the safety and effectiveness of a new Be HIV positive Be at least 18 years of age Republicans.

Yet study medicatio become the tail that at all,” they tell me.

Be taking HIV medications with a current travel may be av once daily medications. we areofrepresented wags the dog of “Why won’t she/he be combination political discourse? viral load of 500 copies and a T-cell count of 50 or higher, reasonable?” by 45 Republicans The biggest culprit is Or a business owner or have never taken HIV medications but have some and 13 Democrats. not Grover Norquist, cancels advertising, HIV drug resistance it's gerrymandering. stops distribution That’s not a typo.

Participation / Withdrawal is completely voluntary Gerrymandering and vows “never is the process to do business with whereby the Watermark again” Study participants will receive study-related labs, exams and majority party draws voting districts to ensure because of a reporting inaccuracy or a study medication at no charge. Compensation for time and that they remain in power. They do this by perceived slight in coverage. When word gets travel may be available. back to me and I contact the owner (they rarely lumping the opposing party’s voters in a few oddly shaped districts to secure a majority for bring their often legitimate complaint to me themselves in the surrounding districts. personally), the door is closed.

Consider the I-4 corridor, where most In both cases, the pigheaded party is not If interested or wish more information call: Watermark readers reside. In Pinellas, responding to the situation; they are instead Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, Orange, reacting to the intense anger of someone close Seminole and Volusia counties there are to them. They’re “pissed off by proxy.” If they 200,000 more Democrats than Republicans. don’t stand up, and in dramatic fashion, they

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watermark | music

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

MATTHEW MORRISON:

As Gay As He Gets M

atthew Morrison doesn’t mind being the gayest straight man you know.

The 32-year-old actor recently called being a member of a gay boy band in the 2003 film Marci X the “gayest thing” he’s done in his career.

And that’s saying a lot—he’s currently starring on Glee, playing hot choir club head Mr. Schuester.

His part on the musical-comedy hybrid follows years of Broadway work on shows like Hairspray and The Light in the Piazza, which earned him a Tony nomination.

Now Morrison ventures out on his own with a solo debut album and a summer tour with New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys.

The tour stops at Orlando’s Amway Arena on Friday, July 22.

We spoke recently with the man behind Mr. Schuester, chatting about the Glee girl he’d date, and the importance of the show’s fatherson relationship.

WATERMARK: Because of your musical-theater work and Glee role, do people often think you’re gay?

MATThEW MORRISON: I’ve

GLEE ACTOR TALKS QUEER CAREER,

been singing and dancing since I’ve been in fifth grade so I’ve gotten that quite a bit in my life.

Being one of few straight guys in theater, how did you use that to your advantage when it came to the ladies?

The odds for me were definitely in my favor, being surrounded by beautiful female dancers and being the person that they could actually, you know, be with. (Laughs.) So it was a great time in my life. I really took advantage of it for a while in my younger days on Broadway, but aside from all that bullshit, I love being on the gayest show on TV. It doesn’t bother me; I wear it as a badge of honor to be accepted and loved in that community.

There are several steamy pics of you on the internet, including ones of you in polka-dot underwear with a plushy little poof on the private.

Yeah, that’s my chicken.

(Laughs.) It was for a thing called “Broadway Bares,” a big fundraiser.

And if I knew at the time how much flack I would get for those photos I probably would’ve never

done it, but it raised a lot of money that night for AIDS. Which Glee girl would you have dated in high school?

I would’ve been the Quinn guy.

I actually pretty much did date Quinn in high school. I dated the homecoming queen and she was very religious, and I went to church with her all the time.

Was your girlfriend in the celibacy club, too?

Uh, well, we weren’t having sex, so yes. (Laughs.)

Continued on page 34 |  |

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watermark | film

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

31

screened out CRuEL SuMMER

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

Bad Teacher (Starring Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, Jason Segal)

W

Ryan Reynolds is a hotdog fighter pilot who finds a dying alien on a beach. (Don’t ask why the rest of our planet doesn’t spot a spaceship crash.) The alien gives Reynolds a chunky green ring, and the hunky pilot gains a skin-tight suit (yay!) and the ability to bring to life anything he imagines. He’s now a Green Lantern, an intergalactic space cop using Will to fight Fear. Just in time, too, because Fear is a giant space cloud that gobbles planets and infects geeky, hideous Peter Skarsgaard to do his earthly bidding.

The special effects are ginormous and cool. The story skates from earth to space to foreign planets with graphic glee. Everything else is dull. The love triangle and Reynolds’ back-story are distressingly common. Evil is hideously ugly, and good is either handsome or fascinating. Right and wrong—a.k.a. Will and Fear—are rendered with childish simplicity.

The most frustrating thing is Green Lantern spent millions on the effects and $1.98 on the pedestrian story. This only impresses 12-year-olds and audiences who don’t know better. The rest of us know that difficult and mortal stories can be told, even using superheroes.

e know some teachers have sex with their students. Others put forth Herculean effort, teaching in underprivileged districts. In between is a whole cadre of educators, good and bad. They all suffer under governments trying to force them to deliver the goods within ridiculous budget constraints and without the proper equipment.

America’s education crisis means that there were tons of angles Bad Teacher could’ve taken. Given the talent, it still would have been entertaining, but more importantly, meaningful. Instead this dark comedy merely shoots for crude and hollow.

Diaz is both funny and frustrating as a gold digger disinterested in her job. She wants a rich husband, or at least enough money for a killer boob job. Diaz only shows up to work because she has the hots for nerdy substitute teacher Timberlake (Diaz’s actual ex).

She doesn’t even teach. She shows students films like Stand and Deliver. She also smokes pot, lies, cheats, and slings slurs left and right.

This teacher starts out so Transformers: Dark vapid and despicable that of the Moon Hunky Ryan Reynolds in terrible things should happen. the dull Green Lantern.

(Starring Shia LaBeouf, Instead, she’s merely allowed Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, to be nasty and selfish. It’s John Turturro, Frances very amusing at first, but it gets old. The McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, John film never gives depth to Diaz. Why is she Malkovich, Chris Siebert, Josh Duhamel, Bill this way? The other actors are underutilized.

O’Reilly, Buzz Aldrin) Though often comical, Bad Teacher is also pointlessly cruel and wan, set in a school Notice this list of stars? Absolutely where kids obviously get a lousy education. everyone is cashing in on this silly, obnoxious How hilarious is that? three-quel. Too bad the film sounds like a half dozen shot glasses pureed in a blender for nearly three hours. It only might be funny if Green Lantern you drank whatever was in the shot glasses (Starring Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter first.

Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins) Even Bill O’Reilly and Buzz Aldrin got a check?!

This summer, green may be the color of Those transforming robots are still doing a courage, as well as the color of money— crappy job hiding on Earth. Maybe it’s because buckets and scads of blockbuster cash. Green they crashed a ship on the dark side of the certainly isn’t the color of complex, interesting moon. They know the ship has some nifty conflicts or genuine tension. Thematically, this technology that can bring their doomed planet movie is a flat, lifeless shade, without much to earth. The evil robots’ plan is to enslave variance.

Justin Timberlake and Cameron diaz deserve a C-minus for Bad Teacher.

humanity to rebuild planet Unicron.

Never mind the physics. It’s all about noise and visual assault. Whole cities get pillaged; the filmmakers even call to mind 9/11 and the Challenger disasters in the most tasteless ways possible.

The story is related in ADHD-friendly snippets loaded with clichés and short on common sense. If these robots can do so much, why didn’t they enslave us a long time ago?

Why do the good robots fight to protect us— just because they’re noble? Finally, though the visual effects are better this go-round, the

battles are overlong—you’ll start out enjoying it and end up all headachy. | l | Overflowing uncontrollably with glittery fabulousness Pretty damn good, but it’s no Sunset Boulevard An entertaining enough flick with perhaps a few gaping holes Ever so slightly watchable, even if it is just because of that hot actor Two hours of your life you’ll never get back

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watermark | books

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

path of self discovery ‘SONG OF ThE ENOTAh’ EXPLORES GROWING uP GAY IN RuRAL 1940S GEORGIA

greg stemm

G

rowing up anywhere can be difficult and confusing. But growing up gay in 1940s rural Georgia presented its own set of unique challenges—challenges readers can explore in a new book by Sarasota resident J. Logan Nicholson.

Nicholson takes his readers through a coming of age saga using a collection of short stories, poems and photographs in his new book, Song of the Enotah. The book is about finding yourself as a gay child/man and about the valley and the mountain where he grew up. Enotah is not about being gay—it is about a gay man living his life as best he can.

Enotah is the Cherokee name of the highest point in the state of Georgia—the mountain now known as Brasstown Bald.

“I started out writing the book for my son and grandchildren. Midway through I realized that I needed to write the book for myself,” says Nicholson. “What I had to say was still something that needed to be said—for people who feel isolated and especially for those in rural areas who actually are.”

Nicholson has some favorites among the selections.

“The poem ‘Maker of Music’ is my favorite. It is a shortened version of what the whole book is about,” he says.“I put my favorite photograph on the front cover. It is a shot of the tallest point in the state of Georgia—and it looks down into the little valley where I was born and struggled to grow.”

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Sarasota author Logan Nicholson has written poetry since he was a child, and incorporated some of his prose into the story of his youth in his new book.

“I have written poems since my teen years Enotah describes the author’s experiences to help get out my feelings and frustrations, from the growing of the family’s food to and I have written articles for Watermark for his deciphering the religious beliefs of his 5 or 6 years. I was once the editor of a weekly isolated mountain community. The book has newspaper in Towns County, Ga.,” says been described as a rare blend of quirky and humble, as Nicholson recounts events starting Nicholson.

Are things better for gay youth growing in the 1940s through the 1950s, 1960s and up in rural areas like those described in his continues on to the present. book?

Enotah explores the concept of being “Thank goodness there is more education different, wrestling with strong emotions and and more acceptance today than what I had to rebelling against the church and the religion he was born into. It is the tale of what life was face in my day with absolutely no help from church, school or friends,” like in the 1940s—in the says Nicholson. “Growing time before electricity came up is incredibly hard—even to the valley. if you are straight. Being gay With life-skills and ethics just adds to that confusion. better suited for the 1800s, Putting it out there in print he had to adapt to the 1950s can help with that feeling and 1960s with warp speed. that you are totally alone.”

One thing that did not Nicholson had a book change was the Enotah— signing at Bookstore1, Logan heard the song from in Sarasota in June. The the mountain as a young Brasstown Valley Resort has child and drew strength the book in its gift shop in from that sound even as an the Georgia Mountains, the adult.

Byron Herbert Reece Society Nicholson says his has asked to have copies in new publication is a tale The book Song of the Enotah their interpretive center now about overcoming poverty, shares the poignant experience under construction, and the childhood sexual abuse, and of growing up as a gay child in book is in local libraries in community and personal rural 1940s Georgia. north Georgia expectations. The book “I love it when someone flows effortlessly between reads Song of the Enotah and really gets it,” short story, poetry and photos to highlight the says Nicholson. “They come back to tell me world as seen by Nicholson. what it meant to them and there is instant In Enotah, Nicholson describes the bonding. Many of the poems were created to hardships of sustinence farming and battling entice a response. You need not feel the same the Independent Baptist Doctorine to which he was exposed. Despite the two room way I do—you have your own song. Sing it!” school house, poverty and all the things he Nicholson is retired and lives with his struggled against, Logan finished high school, partner in Sarasota. They maintain a home in served three years in the U.S. Army and Ellijay Georgia and they often visit friends then graduated from Tri-County College in and family in the Enotah Valley where the Peachtree, N.C. book is set.

Nicholson describes himself as a gay Song of the Enotah is available for $20 family man. He has three children and eight plus $4.95 shipping. For more information, grandchildren. While this is the author’s first contact Nicholson at 941-922-0883 or email book, he is an experienced writer. foxhound548@yahoo.com. | l |

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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watermark | music

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

|  | Matthew Morrison from p.29

Speaking of sex, let’s talk about the first single from your new album, “Summer Rain.”

Yes! Sex on a roof.

Tell me how the song came about.

It’s a true story—me and my exgirlfriend, who was actually a Broadway dancer (Laughs.), on the roof of my apartment. It was a beautiful summer day, and then it just started raining, and the moment just kind of took us and we just, you know.

This was in New York City, where there could be 1,000 people watching you on top of the roof, but we didn’t care. A lot of people think that song is just about having sex on a roof, but for me it was being young and in New York and in love. If the 16-yearold version of myself would’ve known I would’ve had a moment like that in my life, I would’ve been very happy. (Laughs.)

You know, public sex might be trickier for you now.

Yeah—I still do it. Who cares! (Laughs.)

No, I can’t do anything in public anymore.

Honestly, I’m really happy that I—I feel bad for some of the kids on my show. I mean, they’re not kids, they’re all in their 20s, but I really got to live out my 20s in New York and do whatever I wanted and

“I love being on the gayest show on TV… I wear it as a badge of honor to be accepted and loved in that community.”

— MATTHEW MORRISON

With a Tony nomination and a hit show with Glee, Matthew Morrison is ready for his solo career.

not be in the public eye, and now I’m such a homebody that I don’t really have any problem with that anymore. I feel lucky that I really got to experience my life like that.

Glee has tackled important issues like gay bullying, drinking, teen sex, and so on.

Which theme are you most proud of?

I absolutely love the relationship between Kurt and his father. It’s so beautiful

Bears...& Their Toys!

and it’s something that really needs to be seen. I mean, I don’t know how that works being a gay teen—do you have the birds and the bees talk like other people? I thought that was so well handled. Straight guys who watch the show now and do have kids who might be gay, I think they’ll be more equipped to handle that.

Did you know any Kurts in school?

Oh yeah, for sure. There were a lot of Kurts. I mean, I went to a performing arts high school. I had a college roommate, and I was the first person he came out to. I went to NYU and we lived in this dorm; there were five of us living together and one of them came out to me and just kind of felt comfortable. And I’ve always been very open and accepting of that because I know how hard that is, and I’m a good listener. To this day, there are a lot of Kurts in my life.

Is Lea Michele as much a diva as people say?

No, no. She’s very committed to her job and she’s a very talented girl, and I think sometimes that gets misconstrued.

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Will you bring your Glee raps to the album?

No, no, no. I try to get far away from Glee on this album. Coming from Glee, I thought it was important that I write a lot of my own material. I didn’t want to do just covers, because that would’ve been very Glee-esque, and to be taken seriously as an artist I had to write my own songs.

Tell me about the tour.

I’m going on a world tour with my album, and I’m really looking forward to it.

There’s no better way to see the world then to go out and perform and sing.

242

The first single off Morrison’s new album, “Summer Rain,” is based on a real life intimate experience with a girlfriend on a New York rooftop.

Back in the day, you used to be in a boy

band called LMNT. Now that you’re solo, how does it compare?

Well, that was just a bad year of my life—and it was in the late ’90s, when you couldn’t throw a stick and not hit someone in a boy band. It was so manufactured and so cheesy and, as a performer, when you’re on stage and you’re embarrassed to be up there, you know you’re doing the wrong thing. But honestly, that year I was in the boy band, I learned a lot about the recording process, and it really helped me in where I am today.

Now, Jane Lynch— Who’s she? (Laughs.)

What’s she like off-camera?

She’s actually my best friend on the show. I’m the closest to her out of everyone.

We just have an amazing relationship. I love her to death. I love her wife. And she’s the kindest woman you’ll ever meet.

You wouldn’t know based on her Glee character, Sue Sylvester.

Exactly!

Have her hair jibes caused you personal pain?

(Laughs.) No, not at all. Everyone gets hammered on the show; no one gets away unscathed. I actually made fun of her hair at some point. Lea’s nose gets made fun of; Cory (Monteith) gets made fun of because he can’t dance. Everyone gets ragged on— it’s just part of being on Glee. | l |

see+hear WhO: Matthew Morrison WhEN: Friday, July 22 WhERE: Amway Center, Orlando TICKETS: AmwayCenter.com

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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watermark | event planner

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

our son's wedding britney spears

cellmate confessions

Britney Spears brings her Femme Fatale tour to Orlando’s Amway Center July 20.

Find out the stories behind those candid mug shots during Cellmate Confessions at Tampa’s Shimberg Playhouse through July 10.

Florida Studio Theatre presents the comedy Our Son’s Wedding, opening July 8.

comedy [SARASOTA] FST Improv Festival Beat the summer heat with some hysterical comedy presented by improve actors from around the country July 15 and 16. The Sarasota Improv Festival incorporates 10 of the hottest improv groups on the scene with a combined act guaranteed to crack you up. The national acts will be joined by local Florida Studio Theatre entertainers—several of whom are LGBT. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9000 for tickets.

music [ORLANDO] Britney Spears Powerhouse diva Britney Spears does it again when she brings her Femme Fatale tour to Orlando’s Amway Arena on Wednesday, July 20. The one-time Disney kid is back in the limelight after several odd years out of showbiz and no doubt her LGBT following will pack the stands. For details and tickets, visit AmwayCenter.com.

[SARASOTA] Opera Summer Salon Luncheon The Sarasota Opera Guild invites the public to its Summer Salon Luncheon on Tuesday, July 12, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. An 11:30 a.m. social hour proceeds the $35 luncheon with entertainment by Tasha Robinson Scot, harp, and Benjamin Josef Scot, on the French Horn. Together the couple are known as “Heavenly Metal.” For tickets and reservations, call 941-925-1220.

[ORLANDO] Southern Fried Sunday More than 15 bands and musical acts plus a car show, a pin-up girl contest, a dunk tank, vendors, food trucks, a car wash by The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls will join forces to raise funds for The Mustard Seed July 17 at Southern Fried Sunday. The event is hosted by Will’s Pub, the Peacock Room and Wally’s and runs from 2 p.m.–2 a.m. Admission to all three venues is $10.

art [ORLANDO] Picture Peace Photographer Barry Kirsch is launching a worldwide global peace movement that leverages photography as a vehicle for creative activism. Kirsch (of Murder City Photography) will host the first international “Shoot In” event in support of his latest project, “Picture Peace.” The project encourages people to use their cameras to advance the cause of world peace. The event runs 7–10 p.m. on Friday, July 8, at Urban ReThink.

theater [CLEARWATER] The Music Man The City Players take over Ruth Eckerd Hall to present The Music Man, July 15-17.

The classic tale of a con man taking on the townspeople of River City has familiar tunes, comic sidekicks and a number of local LGBT actors. For details and tickets, visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

[SARASOTA] Our Son’s Wedding

[ORLANDO] Rashomon

Florida Studio Theatre is the home of the regional premier of Our Son’s Wedding, which follows an young Italian-American man’s marriage to another man while his family juggles years of tradition with being as accepting as possible. The show opens Friday, July 8, and runs through Aug. 7. For information and details, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-3669000.

Based on the Japanese tale of the samurai, Tony Award-nominated Rashomon is now playing at Mad Cow Theatre. Show times are Thursdays-Sundays, through July 10.

Tickets are $24 and $22 for seniors and students with ID at MadCowTheatre.com or by calling 407-297-8788, ext. 1.

[TAMPA] Cellmate Confessions

Fast-paced comedy Mr. Charles Currently of Palm Beach is now playing at Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre. The show is directed by Wanzie, and Mr. Charles is played by Frank McLaine. According to Wanzie, the show has a shorter running time, so each showing will be accompanied by a guest solo performance. Those guests include Chris Leavy at the Saturday, July 9 performance and Janine Klein at the Saturday, July 16 and 23 performances.

There will be an industry night performance July 19. Tickets are $12 in advance at Wanzie.com, $15 at the door. Show time is 8 p.m.

Local gay playwright Joseph Alan Johnson was inspired by the mug shot tabloids and internet sites to pen Cellmate Confessions, a kaleidoscope of stories behind those photos. The play appears at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts through July 10. Ten Tampa Bay actors—several of which are LGBT—portray an array of characters at the time of their arrest. Some are funny, some are disturbing and some will have you talking well after the house lights come back on. For details, tickets and a video about the play, visit StrazCenter.org.

Mamma Mia! You know the songs and probably know the story, but Mamma Mia! will no doubt draw gay and straight alike back into the theater when it returns to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts July 12-17. The ABBA-inspired musical follows the tale of a young bride-to-be and the quest for her biological father to give her away at the wedding—but there are three candidates for the role. The light-hearted comedy incorporates ABBA camp with fun storytelling. For tickets and show times, visit StrazCenter.org.

Mr. Charles Currently of Palm Beach

Crack Rock Opera Camp, trash cinema and avant garbage are the focus of Danny Feedback’s Crack Rock Opera, running for two nights at Theatre Downtown. The show is July 15 and 16. Call 800-691-5131 for further information.

film [ORLANDO] Movies Out Loud: Glitter After a June break, Movies Out Loud is back!

All that glitters will be mocked on Thursday, July 14 when Miss Sammy and Jeff Jones

bring their signature, hilarious commentary to Glitter, Mariah Carey’s regrettable starring film role. Tickets are only $10 at WatermarkOnline.com. Showtime is at 8 p.m. at the Plaza Cinema Café, but the Café’s bar opens at 7 p.m., allowing attendees a chance to have a happy hour before the start of the film.

special events [ST. PETERSBURG] Dinner for ASAP Enjoy a fancy seven-course meal while raising money for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas on Friday, July 15.

The Flamingo Resort will play host to the benefit dinner and tickets are $100—half of the proceeds go directly to ASAP. There is also a raffle planned to reach a goal of at least $2,500 for the organization. For reservations call The Flamingo Resort at 727-321-5000 and ask for Chef CJ.

[ORLANDO] Out and Proud Veterans meeting The Out and Proud Veterans of America are hosting a planning meeting to determine the group’s participation in October’s Come Out with Pride and the Orlando Veteran’s Day Parade in November. The meeting is Monday, July 11 at 8 p.m.–8:30 p.m. at The Center.

[TAMPA] Bob Buckhorn at TBBG Newly elected Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, July 12, Tampa Bay Business Guild Meeting at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore Hotel.

Reservations are required and may be made at TBBG.org.

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.

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

shot on site

Photography | Steve Blanchard, Tom Maiolo, Carrie West and Dave Weatherbie

1

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1- Matt Moss stands with a co-worker during a dinner reception honoring Rev. Troy Perry at the Poynter Institute June 24.

2- Dancers perform and hand out beads from the Fire & Ice float during the St. Pete Pride Promenade June 25.

3- Two men share a tender moment in front of protestors at St. Pete Pride June 25.

4- This group of friends were on hand to enjoy the Heatwave party at the Postcard Inn following St. Pete Pride on June 25.

5- The girls were out in full force for the Cat House party at the Honey Pot in Ybor City Pride weekend.

6- During her performance at Hamburger Mary’s, esme Russell was literally floored when two women explained they were carting around their mothers’ ashes through Ybor City for “one last party.”

tampa bay overheard Presidential Pride

“Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.”

Bette Davis in All About Eve

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It’s not every day you get to have a pow wow with the President of the United States, but at least two locals—and their partners—had that chance on June 29 during a special LGBT Pride luncheon at the White House. Equality Florida communications director Brian Winfield and Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus president Sally Phillips both attended the luncheon, and offered their take on the occasion. Winfield documented the visit with posts on Facebook from the White House. Photos posted featured Obama and White House staff, along with a direct quote from the president himself to “certify, within weeks, not months, the end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Phillips was also enthusiastic about her trip, and in a letter to caucus members shared that openly LGBT administration appointees were on hand to detail workshops on aging LGBT Americans and other issues directly related to our community. “The overall take away from our visit is that President Obama has made LGBT issues and equality a priority,” Phillips wrote.

Flash mob without the “flash” Okay, so by definition a flash mob is when a mob of people flash into a dance routine, taking the unsuspecting public by surprise, right? So what do you call a flash mob that holds open rehearsals and announces its start time in the St. Petersburg Times Weekender section? A Not-So-Flash Mob? Just a dance mob? Whatever you want to call it, that’s what happened in preparation for the July 4 “Flash Mob” performance to Katy Perry’s “Firework” at the St. Pete Pier. A hundred or so people danced to the popular tune after several weeks of rehearsal with out dance instructor William Bryant of St. Petersburg.

The pier has become a popular place for such events thanks to the success of a “Thriller” flash mob a couple of years back that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Michael Jackson hit. Come to think of it… that one was advertised as well, but that didn’t make it any less fabulous.

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

watermark | orlando out+about

shot on site

Photography | Jamie Hyman, Kevin Kolczynski (Universal Orlando Resort), Travis Moore, Shiala Morales, Randy Stephens and courtesy of Linda Stewart

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1- Orlando officials line up with shovels at the ready for the June 23 groundbreaking for downtown’s new Performing Arts Center.

2- Representative from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church join dozens of other LGBT-friendly organizations for the MBA/ Darden Pride Alliance event June 30 at Red Lobster.

3- Prince Poppycock brings his signature style to Parliament House for the 4th of July weekend.

4- (L to R) Watermark blogger Scottie Campbell and activists Bob Kodzis and Deborah Simpson network, brainstorm and share resources at the first-ever Do-Gooder’s Coffee Klatch, an event that is an offshoot of Campbell’s blog, “Scottie Saves the World.” The meeting was June 29 at Bananas Diner.

5- Florence + the Machine enjoy Butterbeer as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 30. They performed that night at Hard Rock.

6- (L to R) Block Ness Monster, Tiger Beatdown and PumelGranite greet aspiring derby girls at the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls recruitment event June 30 at Universal Skate Center.

orlando overheard Wanzie Goes Full Frontal

Leading Lidy

Wanzie Presents’ latest one-act play, Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach, focuses on the exuberant Mr. Charles, who has been exiled from New York City for being “too gay.” He now hosts his own late-night cable TV show in South Florida, taking questions from the audience regarding all things homosexual. The role of Mr. Charles’ dim but amiable boy toy Shane is played by hunky Parliament House bartender Vinnie in all his full frontal glory. Together they confront every hot-button topic from gay marriage to the history of gay theater, finally delving into the highest matters of identity and flamboyance. Thespian Frank McLaine will reprise his role as the deliciously queer Mr. Charles in this newly envisioned interpretation of the Paul Rudnik play. Michael Wanzie is directing the production. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Saturdays, July 9, 16 and 23, with an additional performance at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 at the Parliament House Footlight Theatre.

My Fair Lidy, a new film project, will begin shooting here in Orlando July 7.

Lidy plays homage to the great femme fatale Marlene Dietrich. The film tells the story of tolerance and illusion through light-hearted comedy. Ritzy Rags, Wigs & More owner and celebrity female impersonator Leigh Shannon will co-produce as well as co-star alongside Christopher Backus. The SAG Indie Film is being filmed entirely in Orange County, Fla., at locations such as Parliament House, Shakers Cafe, Church Street, Hot Dog Heaven, Winter Haven, Ritzy Rags Wigs & More and Lake Ivanhoe. With over 30 speaking roles, 95% of the actors are local talent and 90% of the crew are local filmmakers. In addition, many of the actors are members of the gay or transgender community, including Tia Devine as Fallex, Melissa Mason as Cherry Nougatt, Crystle Chambers as Cher, Page King as Donna Summer, Mercedes Deverore as Liza, Darcel Stevens as Sugar and Sassy Devine.

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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steve blanchard+jamie hyman

the learning +technology issue

a guide to the gay web We navigate websites c a t e r i n g t o L G B Ts i n F l o r i d a

T

he Internet is a vast, intimidating space.

Companies of all kinds promise quick information, fast deals and uninterrupted news feeds that are of particular interest to you, the consumer.

But the internet has become almost too vast— so much so that finding the information you want can be more challenging than convenient. The LGBT community is no exception.

As technology continues to advance, websites are constantly upgrading software and graphics to cope with larger bandwiths and more traffic. Factor in social networking like Twitter and Facebook and you have traffic jams in cyberspace that can leave you searching for the best alternatives to finding exactly what you’re looking for.

Watermark decided to take a look at the LGBT websites in our coverage area and in the State of Florida that are most likely to catch the eyes of our readers. We found that while all of them are useful, some have features others don’t and

still others have functions we didn’t even expect.

Here’s our quick alphabetical breakdown of the websites you may be visiting already and an update on what, exactly, they do for us on the quest for quick information: EQFL.org Why should I go there? To get updates on what is happening politically in Florida that directly affects LGBT Floridians.

What does it offer? Updates on policies and legislation throughout the state and in Tallahassee as well as comprehensive voter information come election time. It also publishes press releases from LGBT organizations and fundraising event information.

What does it not offer? Social networking or chat functions or an easy to navigate interface.

FunMaps.com Why should I go there? To find LGBT destinations in cities around the globe.

What does it offer?

Descriptions of the LGBT life of numerous cities around the planet.

It also includes maps—hence the name—to those destinations

along with calendars of events for upcoming festivals, weather reports and feature stories on travel destinations and attractions.

Sponsor ad Kayak is displayed prominently to offer the best airline deals on its home page.

What does it not offer? Social networking functions or direct communication with writers/trip advisors.

GayBarsOrlando.com Why should I go there? To find a simple listing of area LGBT bars within the Orlando area.

What does it offer? Phone numbers, addresses, maps and very short descriptions of nightclubs.

What does it not offer? Specific event information pertaining to each club.

GaYbor.com Why should I go there? To get up-to-date information on LGBT event happenings in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district. It also lists upcoming GaYbor District Coalition meetings.

What does it offer? A full list of members, a calendar and guides to area attractions. It is also home to a number of graphics that are useful for publications, advertisements and those interested in printing out a hand-held guide.

What does it not offer?

Breaking news items or a way to submit events to the calendar.

GayDays.com Why should I go there?

To see what’s being offered during Gay Days in Orlando each year during the first weekend of June.

What does it offer? Official event listings, updates on entertainment and sponsor information, hotel reservations and links to theme parks.

What does it not offer? Guide to any events not directly affiliated with GayDays.com.

Gay-Guide.com Why should I go there? To find bars, clubs and organizations throughout the state of Florida catering to the LGBT community What does it offer? A search function and a list of addresses, phone numbers and basic information about the groups and businesses listed. It also has a submission box to have a specific club or group added to the site.

What does it not offer?

Regular updates. Most of the submissions seem to be dated or have broken links.

GayFlorida.com Why should I go there? For a business directory, hotel listings and events stretching from the panhandle all the way down to the Keys.

Continued on page 47 |  |

41

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the learning +technology issue

brian gallivan Th e S a s s y G a y Fr i e n d

W

hat—what—what are you doing if you have yet to see the viral antics of Brian Gallivan, also known as the “Sassy Gay Friend?” The Second City Network’s hit web series combines clever embedded advertising with hilarious rants as “Sassy” rescues befuddled maidens from famous literature.

The series Gallivan created and produced along with The Second City transports the scarf-flipping interventionist through time to change the outcome of literary classics by asking the question, “What would happen if tragic female characters in literature had a ‘Sassy Gay Friend’ to bolster their confidence, admonish their boy-craziness, and prevent them from making life-ending errors?”

Eve, Juliet, Ophelia and even Great Expectations’ Ms. Havisham are among the weary women Sassy has come across.

“Take off the dress, take a bath, take advantage of online dating and P.S. it’s not vintage if you’ve been wearing it since it wasn’t,” Sassy tells Ms. Havisham in one episode.

The Second City’s latest breakout star honed his performance

skills at various improvs and even in classrooms as a teacher. MiO, a “water enhancer” by Kraft foods, recently hitched their wagon to the “Sassy Gay Friend” series.

Watermark spoke with the 42-year-old Massachusetts native and his fabulous alter ego to discuss his former life as a Catholic middle school teacher, advice and Shelley Long.

WATERMARK: Where did the character “The Sassy Gay Friend” come from?

BRIAN GALLIVAN: I created the character back in 2004 for a show I was doing as part of the main stage cast at The Second City in Chicago.

I wanted to do something with Shakespearean characters and ended up yelling at some of them about their poor life choices.

Does “The Sassy Gay Friend” have a real name?

No. By default, it has become “Sassy.”

In a previous interview, you mentioned you wanted to have Shelley Long be a victim in one of your videos for “Sassy Gay Friend.” Have you had any luck with that?

First of all, she would be a

“friend” of Sassy, not a “victim.”

I resent your choice of words, you stupid bitch. No luck yet, though. I want it to happen organically.

How much of you is in the character of “The Sassy Gay Friend?” What makes you two similar or different?

I am not nearly as sassy as he is. I did an “It Gets Better” video as myself that lets people know how different/similar we are.

Are you a sassy gay friend?

I am. I definitely tell my friends when I think they are making poor love life choices. But I think I do that because I rarely have a love life of my own.

What advice would you offer women and gay men?

I would tell all people to try to make their lives as enjoyable as possible and forgive themselves when they can’t.

What advice would Sassy offer?

Write a sad poem in your journal and move on.

What advice would Sassy offer say, Lindsey Lohan?

He would tell her to agree to be in a Sassy Gay Friend video.

Sassy has taken it to the streets and conducted improv interviews.

Is he planning on visiting anymore distraught damsels?

I did “take it to the streets” talking to people about their lives. I really enjoyed that. I love improvising. I just released a video where I helped my friend Henry

VIII make smarter choices, like not beheading my other friend Anne Boleyn. We have a couple more coming out this summer. I might save damsels. I might save dudes. Yeah, I said, “dudes.”

What’s next for “The Sassy Gay Friend?”

I don’t have a master plan for Sassy. He probably wouldn’t follow it, even if I did.

Have there been any memorable/ interesting encounters with fans?

The strangest was probably when I was vacationing in Italy with my family and a man came up to me at the Vatican and asked if I was there making a Sassy Gay Friend video. I was not. Not a bad idea though.

Can you tell me more about your role in the upcoming film A Thousand Words?

I have a very, very, very tiny role where I react to Eddie Murphy acting crazy at a business lunch. Getting to do a scene with Eddie Murphy was very exciting.

Allison Janney was in the scene too, and she couldn’t have been nicer. I am a huge fan of her work on The West Wing and in Juno and I was really worried she would not live up to my ridiculous expectations. But she was so nice and fun.

If you weren’t an actor/comedian, what you want to do?

I used to be a middle school teacher. I am positive I would not go back to that. It’s a very challenging job. I think I would try to be a singer/songwriter. I want to be the next Katy Perry. |  |

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the learning +technology issue

steve blanchard

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

that

'groupon' Entrepreneurs eye niche markets like LGBT consumers to bring about the bargains

W

hile most of us grew up watching our parents clip coupons out of the Sunday newspaper—and there are even some of us that still do that—we never would have imagined the impact of the new craze hitting discount shoppers on the web: Groupons.

Groupon founder Andrew Mason is seen as a genius by some and as an annoyance by others, running a business doomed to fail. But in its first year of business, the multimillion dollar company seems poised to be the most exciting thing online since eBay burst onto the scene in 1995.

As with most popular web crazes, Groupon has inspired legions of followers like

LivingSocial.com or LifeSta. com. But there are plenty of niche markets cashing in on the idea of group discounts for area businesses, and the LGBT community is no exception.

How it works To truly understand its influence on a local or niche market, it's important to understand exactly how Groupon works.

A “Groupon” (or Group Coupon) is a deal-of-the-day savings voucher for any number of entertainment venues or services. A merchant partners with Groupon, offers a special deal that is only honored if a specific number of people participate. If that magic number is not reached, the deal is killed and no one is charged.

As of October 2010, Groupon serves more than 150 markets in North America and 100 markets in Europe, Asia and South America and has amassed 35 million registered users.

niche While consumers save a bundle of money using a merchant’s services, retailers treat the mass coupons as quantity discounts and use them as sales promotions.

Groupon’s deal-of-the-day business is set to generate $3 billion to $4 billion in revenue this year, up from $750 million in 2010, according to a March 2011 article in Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine.

Groupon was valued at $1.4 billion last April, sought funding at a $3 billion valuation in November, and snubbed a $6 billion offer from Google two months after that. The company has been meeting with bankers to discuss a potential initial public offering that would value it at up to $25 billion, Bloomberg learned from two sources close to the negotiations.

Each day the site pitches a specific deal to registered users in their specific areas. It also lets consumers know if the deal is still ongoing or if it has been cancelled.

The LGBT attraction LGBT Floridians have a special chance to participate in group couponing that benefits LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses thanks to the minds of the women behind MyQmunity. com. Mariruth Kennedy, the site’s

founder, recently introduced My Q-pons, which works very similarly to the Groupon.com site.

“We are a social savings site— but with a difference,” Kennedy says on her site. “You like to save, but if you can buy from LGBT-supportive businesses and save, that’s even better.”

The site boasts that users will get savings of 30-90% on merchandise and events produced by friendly businesses. Kennedy adds that the site is also putting together exclusive offerings for users of the site through specific, special partnerships with businesses across Florida.

In fact, the site is actively seeking partnerships with area businesses and groups for its bonus deals.

One main difference between the My Q-Pon site and its larger, corporate counterpart, is that the local site doesn’t offer deals daily.

“Something special— that’s worth waiting for,” Kennedy says. | l |

45

46

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

watermark |  | Gay Web Guide from p.41

What does it offer? A decent overview of the LGBT scene in nearly all of the state.

What does it not offer?

Extensive coverage of any particular area. The site’s content covers a lot of ground, so it’s more like highlights from each place than a complete directory of any part of Florida.

GayOrlando.com Why should I go there? To find information on upcoming events, new businesses and weather information.

What does it offer? A login feature that allows you to submit your e-mail address for updates, advertising opportunities and information based on specific interests—sports, bars and clubs, organizations, etc.

What does it not offer? A working discussion board—as of press time, the link led nowhere.

GayTampa.com Why should I go there? For one-stop information about clubs, bars, businesses and organizations.

What does it offer? A big list of stuff and a way to search it.

What does it not offer?

Separated listings—all links but one on the home page lead to a single, giant list. Copyright on home page only extends through 2009, which could mean information is dated.

GayTampaFlorida.com Why should I go there? To familiarize yourself with LGBTfriendly attractions and businesses in and around Tampa Bay.

What does it offer? Event listings as well as lists of things to do, including “Top 10 Lists” of places to take a date, antique stores and LGBT-friendly restaurants.

What does it not offer? A dedicated calendar. Events are listed as articles but not organized by date anywhere.

HotSpotsMagazine.com Why should I go there? To see the current edition of the popular magazine as well as read other editions in other regions.

What does it offer? Event listings, editorial on LGBT happenings and photos from throughout its coverage area.

What does it not offer? Much content for women. Most of the site is focused on men.

JoeMyGod.BlogSpot.com (FORMER ORLANDO RESIDENT, NOW BLOGGING OUT OF NYC)

Why should I go there? For a frequently-updated blog of LGBT and liberal information from a cute bear.

What does it offer? Some of the best comment on the internet— thoughtful, funny, active.

What does it not offer? Rhyme or reason. Joe updates based on his whims and interests. Whether that is good or bad depends on the reader.

JumpOnMarksList.com Why should I go there? To see what’s happening in clubs and at parties around the state.

What does it offer? Photos and information about various clubs in Florida’s largest cities.

What does it not offer?

Exclusive news coverage or social networking functions.

MCFilmFest.com Why should I go there? To

Be Yourself

“In Gulfport, diverse walks of life just co-exist quite well. People really get involved in the community.

I guess that’s why we love it.

We can’t think of anywhere else we would want to be.”

Gail and Pauline

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

keep up on information and gossip surrounding the GaYbor District of Tampa as well as a large collection of photos from local events. The site is also home to the popular novelty and clothing store of the same name.

What does it offer? Photos, breaking news and information pertaining to the historic district of Tampa.

What does it not offer? A link to Twitter. A feed exists, but you have to Google to find it.

MyQmunity.com Why should I go there? Great event coverage, travel information and gay-friendly business listings that are frequently updated.

What does it offer? Deals!

There is a newly launched Groupon-like feature that offers up LGBT-friendly deals.

What does it not offer? Hard news. Content is entertainmentbased features.

OutInOrlando.com OutInTampa.com OutInSarasota.com Why should I go there? To get basic geographical information about your city of choice as well as regional headlines and concert information.

What does it offer? Personals for both men and women as well as a list of online bloggers catering to the LGBT community.

What does it not offer? Local breaking news headlines.

QueerTampa.com Why should I go there? To view business listings, organizations listings and a community calendar.

What does it offer? Extensive listings, plus travel and real estate information.

What does it not offer? Ease

Gulfport Florida

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47

of navigation—site is frames-based with several errors and no uniform look.

Rainbow411.com Why should I go there? For “Yellow Pages”-style listings and some news items and a link to a weekly Tuesday afternoon webcast.

What does it offer? Advice column, events calendar and full suite of social networking presence.

What does it not offer?

Commenting. Users can only rate articles.

TheCenterOrlando.org Why should I go there? To learn more about the activities of Central Florida’s LGBT Center.

What does it offer? Information about everything from HIV testing, meeting space, mental health counseling and the GBLT Library.

What does it not offer? It appears some sections are still being fleshed out, but the site is updated all the time—if something is missing, check back later.

WatermarkOnline.com Why should I go there? For daily updates of news, information, video, photos and calendar listings.

What does it offer? Facebook and Twitter presence, plus eNewsletter, real estate information, restaurant guide, classifieds, blogs and both hard and feature news.

What does it not offer? Ease of search. Regular search function does not allow user to “narrow” results and advanced search is spotty. |  |

• Upcoming Events • Fresh Market Tuesdays, July 12th & July 19th , 9 am – 2 pm

Free Clothing Swap Tuesday, July 12th, 9 am - 1 pm

Third Saturday Art Walk Saturday, July 16th, 6 pm - 10 pm

48

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

watermark | transitions

Orlando Metropolitan Business Association membership director Brian Gilvin celebrates his birthday on July 20.

transitions

Anniversaries

Sarasota real-estate agent Denise Leschinski and Sarasota notary Catherine Wieczorek celebrate their anniversary July 21.

Chris Alexander-Manley and Tommy Manley of GayDays.com celebrated an anniversary on June 23.

GayDays.com office manager Penny Reed and her partner Beverly Edgar marked an anniversary June 26.

Orlando theater buff John Sullivan and partner Greg McGuigan toasted 23 years together June 27.

The Closing Agent’s Barry Miller and longtime partner Kenny Howard of Orlando have been together for 18 years, but they celebrated their third wedding anniversary in June. They were the first Florida gay couple to be married when same sex marriage was legal in California for several months in 2008.

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Local Birthdays Former Watermark editor, stand-up comedian and singing fool Ronni Radner, former Watermark Orlando Staff Writer and Montessori teacher Natasha Kay, Orlando resident and USF IT guru Angel Arcelay, former Tampa Bay Business Guild

officer Chris Hennessey, New Port Richey model and singer Chris Stein and former Tampa Bay Gazette music columnist John Chambrone (July 7); Tampa Bay Business Guild’s current president and Tampa chiropractor Scott Barry, Shelbie Press co-owner Michelle Murray (July 9); Former St. Petersburg Westcare professional Ricki Liff and arthritis advocate and meditation master Tony Ward (July 10); Ritz Ybor operations director Carla Vaughan, Tampa airline pilot Brian Russell and sexy Tampa tri-athlete Jon Pello (July 11); Hope and Help’s Patrick Brown, Wylde’s bartender Bruce Duckworth, former Full Moon bartender Jeff Patrick, Tampa attorney Kim Byrd and Canaan Band and Karmic Tattoo’s Amy Black (July 14); Three Boys Café owner, Matthew Downs (July 15); Production Manager for Walt Disney World Entertainment Robert Hargrove and Tampa Humane Humana representative Mike Snyder (July 16); Tampa author and performer Staci Backauskas, Guantanamo Slay-er Katie MacDonald and St. Petersburg candle maker Frank Meekins (July 17); Logo reality star, Orlando Come Out With Pride grand marshal and former St. Petersburg actor Jonathan Lovitz (July 19); St. Petersburg’s Karmic Tattoo guitarist and vocalist Pam Green, St. Pete DCF rep Jim Rood, MBA membership director Brian Gilvin, entertainment pro Tom Zaizar and Orlando entertainer, event producer and creator of drag legend Miss Sammy, Sam Singhaus (July 20).

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

watermark | advice

dothis!

We draw our own battle lines ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

At the end of the day, the company, perhaps unwittingly, will be providing a quality of life to your happy home and that can’t be understated. We don’t always love for whom we work, but we all have bills to pay. Gay or straight, at some point, we have to put food on the table. I’m guessing that your girlfriend is a super star (just because, why wouldn’t she be?). If she makes an impression on her new company and ascends in the organization, that’s how we make our case—through excellence.

A great many old, conservative companies have come to understand the value gays and lesbians bring to their organizations. Smart companies have affinity programs and a belief in diversity, for no other reason than that it is good business.

Your lover’s ability will not only govern the trajectory of her career, it could also provide gays and lesbians a strong voice to make a real change in that particular organization. That’s aspirational, obviously.

But remember, she owes them nothing but a hard day’s work. Even if she can’t change the culture, she can cash the checks and simultaneously seek other employment for a company with a more progressive corporate vibe.

Dear Truth, I am trying really hard to decide whether to break up with my boyfriend Larry. When Larry and I met at UCF two years ago, he was totally sweet and loving.

We started dating and he took me dinner, Dear Truth, brought me flowers and treated me like y girlfriend Alicia and I have a princess. I was equally affectionate—I been struggling financially and cooked meals for him, always went out we need your help. I was laid off with him (even on school nights), and three years ago and have only been able to constantly called and texted him to tell find occasional temp and part-time work; him how much I loved him.

Alicia has been working at a low-paying Lately we have been arguing because job that she hates so we could have some Larry says that he’s the only one who has reliable income. Alicia just got offered “invested” in our relationship because a great job in Jacksonville that would he pays for things. I am so pissed that more than double her salary. However, he doesn’t see the value of my time and her new employer effort, especially is virulently antisince he knew from gay and doesn’t day one that all I have a feeling that offer any domestic my money has to partner benefits. In go to paying for ‘Princess’ might fact, she would have school. He says not have been a to be in the closet at that I need to work, and we would contribute equally Freudian slip. have to conceal to our relationship; our relationship I say he’s being when I visited her. an inconsiderate We are both torn about what to do. Is asshole. What do you say? there a point at which we LGBTs should —PO’d in O-town be willing to sacrifice our principals for economic security?

Dear Poo – —So Broke in Sanford I say that I have a feeling that ‘Princess’ might not have been a Freudian slip.

Dear So Broke, Look, it’s pretty simple. If you and another Is there a point at which LGBTs should be adult male are making a house together, willing to sacrifice our principals? Yes. But you should both be expected to pull your only you can say where that line is drawn. respective weight. If you made an agreement In this economy, particularly the state of it in from the beginning that he would support our lovely state, I would never tell you not to you while you were in school, that’s a pursue a lucrative opportunity. different story. But it doesn’t sound like

M

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

49

that’s the case.

If he’s paying for everything without some agreement in place, I can understand why he’s a little miffed. I agree that there is a value in cooking meals and such, but without a serious conversation about what is expected from both parties, I can see his point more clearly than I can see yours. I would recommend a serious conversation, involving a spreadsheet and a calculator, that is a frank, open conversation about your respective income, your bills, and together build a plan for how to set the right expectations, both make a commensurate contribution, and still meet all your obligations. | l |

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watermark | sports

Red Bull crew member fired over anti-gay tweets wire report San Francisco, Calif. | A Red Bull Racing crewman was fired for an anti-gay tweet he posted June 26 after the Sprint Cup race at Infineon Raceway.

Before his flight left San Francisco that night, Jeremy Fuller, a contract employee and tire changer, posted on Twitter a photo of a gay pride banner on a car with the comment, “This is way (sic) I don’t live here!”

One of his Twitter followers responded: “if we could get rid of them, it’d be a lot better.”

It appeared that Fuller later replied to that tweet but did not retweet the original message. The response read: “lol . . . Don’t we all wish!”

Fuller said Tuesday night his initial tweet was meant as a joke to another crew member. He said he never posted that response and was on a plane when it appeared on his Twitter account.

Fuller took down the posts the following morning. On June 28, Fuller was fired by Red Bull Racing and Turner Motorsports, where he also worked a few races as a tire changer in the Nationwide Series.

“It was a joke between two friends, and it cost me both of my jobs,” Fuller said. “I’m not racist and I do not hate gay people. It wasn’t intended to be what (it appeared)…

I didn’t write anything about getting rid of them or ‘ha ha,’ or ‘laughing out loud.’ “ In response to questions about the tweets attributed to Fuller, Red Bull issued a statement saying that a member of its team had been fired.

“Red Bull Racing Team was made aware of comments posted to a contractor’s Twitter account following this weekend’s race,” the statement said.

“After investigating the matter, Red Bull Racing Team terminated the contractor’s employment effective immediately.”

NASCAR’s rulebook includes a short Code of Conduct paragraph, including Rule 7-5: “A NASCAR Member shall not make or cause to be made a public statement and/or communication that criticizes, ridicules or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.”

“I don’t have any negative thoughts about gay people,” Fuller said. “I got rid of everything because I did not want it to go

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

this far . . . I’ve got gay friends. It was like, ‘Hey, look, this (banner) is something you don’t (typically) see. It’s like, ‘Wow, let’s post this.’”

Michael Myers, who runs Queers4Gears. com and has covered motorsports the past couple of years, broke the story.

He said he was not advocating Fuller be fired but had no choice but to write about the situation.

“If it had just been the sign, I probably would have let that go,” he said. “But it

was the agreement and retweeting . . . of the statement that we should get rid of them all.”

Fuller reiterated several times that he did not write the tweet and that the person who originally wrote to him about getting rid of gay people no longer shows up on Twitter.

“The only thing I posted was the picture and this was the reason I don’t live here,” Fuller said. “That is the only thing I’ve done, and I don’t know how it got to be where it’s at now.” | l |

Mets players split on gay marriage decision wire report New York, N.Y. | In the wake of New York State legalizing same-sex marriage, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News decided to see what players on the Mets thought.

Mets players were reluctant to speak publicly about the issue. Still, the news from Albany led to considerable clubhouse discussion, and one player who supports same-sex marriage estimated that the team was “split 50-50.” Several players cited religious objections to homosexuality, while others disagreed, and argued that all Americans should see their love officially recognized.

According to Martino, most players felt

the professional sports locker room might not be ready to fully accept an openly gay athlete. Asked why this was, one Met said, “Most of us are still Neanderthals.”

Actually, 50-50 nearly mirrors where the country is on the issue, if all the latest polling data is to be believed.

The day before, Martino quoted former Met player and now announcer Ron Darling as saying it was “joyous” what happened in New York: “I immediately called my wife as soon as I heard,” said Darling, who works as a broadcaster for the team. “I can’t wait to hear if my friends are going to take the plunge, and I’m anticipating going to many marriages.” | l |

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watermark | gossip

| July 7 - July 20, 2011

billymasters

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“I mean, every male secretly wants to have sex with Brad Pitt, but that’s a given.”

—Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and The Voice reveals what men he finds attractive.

“B Get to the Tonys, stat!

Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

reaking News—Billy Masters is hovering between life and death after a head-on collision. Not expected to survive.” This is the headline I envisioned as I began my fourth hour in a prominent Boston emergency room lying on a gurney wearing a neck brace. Admittedly, it wouldn’t be a headline in a major paper like the Boston Globe. But I’d like to think I’d make the cover of Bay Windows...finally!

I had to get out of that damn ER so I could go home and watch the Tony Awards.

The show brought out Broadway’s best and brightest—and Brooke Shields. Poor Brooke.

She has three lines to sing and she needs three takes. I’m guessing her turn as “Morticia” in The Addams Family will be a hoot and a half! But, Brooke was nothing compared to that thespian, Christie Brinkley. After her Broadway turn in Chicago (which has very high standards—Melanie Griffith played the role, for Christ’s sake), she’s repeating the feat in London’s West End, or an emergency room. Yes, when Brinkley was backstage at the Tonys, a woman fainted. Christie sprung into action. The actress got the woman a glass of orange juice to raise her blood sugar.

She even sat with her until the paramedics arrived. Moments after they arrived, it was announced that Brinkley won a $25K watch in the auction. And with that, like all do-

gooders, she disappeared.

Neil Patrick Harris was his usual effervescent self and did a boffo job hosting the show. He also helped bring up the ratings 9% from last year.

Everyone’s talking about Anthony Weiner’s wiener. But stray penii were not limited to the political sphere. Nope, we also got a gander at some genitalia courtesy of Tito Ortiz. The fighting champ apparently finished tanning (already I’m confused) and decided to take a photo of the results with his cell phone. Yet another dubious decision, which was compounded when this photo got sent out via Twitter, proving once again that nothing good happens on Twitter (but you should follow @BillyMasters). Tito says that his account was hacked and he didn’t post the photo. And Monica was just looking for a place to put out that cigar! But back to Tito— he most definitely puts that poor Weiner wiener to shame. Remember Chris Brown’s penis? It’s a little like that. Well, not “little”, as you’ll see on BillyMasters.com.

I was thrilled to attend my first Boston Pride in about a decade. Actually, Pride weekend was kicked-off by a special concert with The Go-Go’s and The B-52s. A perfect pairing and one which brought out thousands of people. This was as intense a show as you were gonna get from either band—stripped raw and ready to party. The GoGo’s could have been marred by Belinda’s defective ear monitor, but she’s a game gal and didn’t let it slow her down. She even brought out her openly gay son James Duke Mason to sing “Whole World Lost Its Head.”

As to Pride itself, well, it’s Boston so the weather didn’t cooperate. That didn’t stop revelers from rocking out to powerhouse Deborah Cox— who surprised the audience and organizers alike by going on significantly earlier than scheduled.

That meant one of the most gorgeous and talented men in the UK, Shayne Ward, became the de facto headliner in this, his first U.S. appearance.

Shayne’s got it all—looks, voice, charisma, and likeability. Think of him as a goodlooking Justin Timberlake. The

Neil Patrick Harris’ 2011 turn at the Tony Awards boosted ratings nine percent.

former X Factor UK winner will be making his stage debut in Rock of Ages at the end of the summer. With the release of his third CD, Obsession, and a starring role in London’s West End, he’s certainly living the life. And we were lucky to get him in Boston!

Our “Ask Billy” question concerns another sexy Brit. Tony in Baltimore asks, “Do you watch Game of Thrones? It’s so good and the guy who plays Theon is gorgeous and was naked last week—full frontal and everything.

Do you have any info about him? He’s got bad teeth, but I’d still do him.”

My fans are such givers—why you’re a regular Christie Brinkley! In this case, Allen—who you’d be giving it to Alfie Allen happens to be the brother of singer Lily Allen. My UK fans might know him from 2009 when he took over the lead role in Equus from Daniel Radcliffe and toured in the play. At the time, much was made of Alfie’s penis, which is known to swing with reckless abandon.

In the episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones that Tony is referring to, he even gets somewhat aroused—and it’s quite a sight to behold.

If you’ve got a question, drop a note to Billy@ BillyMasters. com. Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l | Shayne Ward of X-Factor UK was the surprise headliner at Boston Pride.

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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| July 7 - July 20, 2011

watermark | photography

galleryw Photography | Jake Stevens+Steve Blanchard

St. Pete Pride 2011 Promenade

Saturday, June 25 | Grand Central District, St. Petersburg

July 7 - July 20, 2011 |

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