Watermark Issue 1816: Gay Business

YOUR LGBT LIFE. ISSUE 18.16 | AUG. 4-17, 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

FOCUS ON

“LGBt Live”

BUSiNeSS

The do’s and don’ts of business websites

tackles topics on the web

Local businesses to watch

Missing Volusia County

Woman Found

triumph in tough times D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

• TA M PA

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Local entrepreneurs find success in business despite a difficult economy

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

•

S A R A S O TA

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| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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watermark | preview

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

issue 18.16

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LGBT LIVE 29 PG.

Tampa Bay-based entertainers Esme Russell and Arica Love are enjoying success with their webcast, LGBT Live. The duo’s weekly webcast discusses local, national and world topics while incorporating humor and down-to-earth attitudes. The pair tell us the story behind their newest venture.

6 | Orlando News

(L-R) Life and business partners Nick Olivieri and Eddie Nickell turned their dream of running a restaurant into a successful franchise of eateries around Orlando.

Photo by Jake Stevens

A woman missing for several days after leaving a suicide note for her partner is found injured but safe in Port Orange; Area LGBT veterans honor the first out soldier killed in the line of duty more.

ORLANDO NEWS

6

8 | Tampa News The Gaybor District Coalition makes history when it is invited to join a

12 / NATION + WORLD NEWS

13 / TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE

community development group for the City of Tampa; The much loved and LGBT friendly Banyan Tree Café in St. Petersburg closes its doors; more.

23 | Scene+Heard Beyonce went from the lead singer of a trio to superstardom in a matter of

15 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

20 / MAIL

years, thanks to her popular hits and acting gigs. now, upon the release

8

of her fourth album appropriately titled 4, the performer talks to us about

34 / EVENT PLANNER

her fondness for her gay fans and the importance of staying true to who

TAMPA BAY NEWS

you really are. Arica Love and Esme Russell fill us in on why their webcast LGBT Live is gaining momentum and what they hope to accomplish as

37 / TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD

budding show hosts. And Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis share why making Friends with Benefits was so much fun and why it is important for Hollywood to portray gay characters as everyday people.

41 | Gay Business SCENE+HEARD

23

38 / ORLANDO OVERHEARD

50 / TRANSITIONS

The economy is down, businesses are closing and the idea of starting a new business venture is terrifying to most. yet the men behind the successful Funky Monkey franchise in Orlando and the Florida

51 / ADVICE

Entertainment Group that owns several bars in ybor City say business is booming. We ask them how they remain successful in tough economic

52 / SPORTS

times and how the LGBT community makes that possible. We also look at several businesses throughout the area that are making their own marks in the world and why we think they’ll be around for years to come. And, it’s

53 / CLASSIFIEDS

2011 and a business’ online presence is more important than ever. We talk

41

KNOW+TELL

with web evangelist Robert Gregor about the do’s and don’ts of webpage design.

54 / GOSSIP

watermark | preview

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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editor’sdesk A

one woman. I’d also be offended if someone wore a shirt saying something lmost daily you can find a story in the newspaper, on a television derogatory about Jesus. An atheist may be offended by a t-shirt that quotes newscast or online about an LGBT person or family facing scripture of any kind. discrimination of some kind. Sometimes the “incident” involves antiIt’s a muddy and confusing area to navigate. gay slurs, major threats or, even worse, physical violence.

Those of us in the LGBT community know that the phrase on the woman’s Those situations deserve the media attention and outrage that follows.

But sometimes we look too hard to find discrimination when there isn’t any. shirt is a show of support of same-sex marriages. But the same phrase could be read differently to mean that marriage is a shameful thing. Add to that the Case in point: Last month a lesbian was visiting Dollywood in Pigeon ongoing campaign featuring celebrities like Wanda Sykes arguing against Forge, Tenn., when an employee of the park asked her to turn her shirt inside making the word “gay” to be synonymous with "stupid," and the blurry picture out. The “offensive” phrase embroidered on the shirt said “Marriage is so becomes even more pixelated. gay” and prompted the request. The woman complied, entered the park and Politically, we live in a historic time. New York recently became the sixth apparently had a great day with her partner and friends. She later filed a state in the country to legalize same-sex marriages, complaint with the park, saying she was offended to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell has finally been repealed, the be asked to hide the slogan and that the park should Defense of Marriage Act is under fire, and a court review its policies relating to LGBT issues. decision on whether or not to overturn Proposition 8 in Now the park—which is co-owned by Dolly Sometimes we look California is rapidly approaching.

Steve Blanchard Parton—is being labeled as an anti-gay establishment too hard to find We are making strides toward equality and this with some LGBTs calling for a boycott, despite Parton EDITOR SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com apologizing personally and reiterating her ongoing fuss over a t-shirt is a waste of time and energy that discrimination when should be focused on the bigger picture. After reading support for the LGBT community. The park has there isn’t any. an online report of the Dollywood incident, I read the refunded the couple their money. readers’ comments below. The number of people using In reality, this is just a massive overreaction to a it as an example of LGBTs seeking “special” rights decision made by an employee who thought he (or was numerous, yet not surprising. I was tempted to she) was just doing the job assigned to them. If I’m post that as a gay man, I’d never wear a shirt with a phrase like that to a theme going to a public amusement park, I wouldn’t wear a shirt that claims that park. There’s a time and a place to make political statements—Dollywood is “Marriage is so gay,” no sooner than I’d wear a shirt that asks, “When do I get not one of those places. to vote on your marriage?”

I, like many of our readers, watched New York become the sixth state to People go to these parks to enjoy themselves, not debate politics or religion. legalize same-sex marriage and on July 25—the first day gays and lesbians According to its website, employees of Dollywood are trained to enforce could wed in the populous state—I had my television tuned to various news a dress code to prevent patrons from being offended. Those guests with channels to watch the joyous moment. inappropriate tattoos, apparel or shirts with phrasing deemed questionable are These are the things we should focus on, not nit-picking items like a theme asked to cover up before entering the park. The problem with that, of course, is park questioning the wardrobe of a woman simply wanting to enjoy a popular what is offensive to one person is not necessarily offensive to another. vacation destination. | l | I would be offended if a shirt read that marriage is between one man and

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watermark | orlando news

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

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Gay soldier killed in line of duty honored staff report Orlando | The first gay soldier killed in the line of duty since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was honored by The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida (The Center), Out and Proud Veterans of America (Out and Proud) and the city of Orlando.

The Center and Out and Proud hosted a flag-raising ceremony Aug. 1 in honor of Cpl. Andrew Charles Wilfahrt, 31, a Minnesota native who was killed in combat Feb. 27. Next month the flag will be presented to Wilfahrt’s, parents Jeff and Lori, at an event honoring their son in South Florida.

“All this attention is all very lovely and sort of surprising,” said Lori Wilfahrt, adding that they never expected Andrew’s story to travel so far.

“He was a gay man, and then he was a gay man in the military who was serving under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ and then he was a military death,” she said. “Maybe it changes some stereotypes people have about the military, the fact that he was accepted there, the fact that gay people do serve in the military, because I think some groups of people don’t think about that, and that gay people also die in wars.”

In addition, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan has requested a proclamation declaring Aug. 1 “Cpl. Andrew Charles Wilfahrt Day” in the City of Orlando.

“I think it’s important for people realize, with all the stereotypes about gay people, we are veterans, we are fighting for our country and giving our lives and we’re patriotic,”

Out and Proud board member and retired Army Lieutenant Jaime Valentin and The Center board president Eric Paci raised a flag in honor of Cpl. Andrew Charles Wilfahrt on Aug. 1.

Sheehan said. “We really want to celebrate [Cpl. Wilfahrt’s] life.”

The proclamation will be presented to his parents during an event in South Florida, and Sheehan said she’s also working on getting a key to the city for the Wilfahrts.

Cpl. Wilfahrt’s mother said their son’s heroism has fueled her family for another fight.

“Jeff and I and our family are going to try to honor him by fighting our Minnesota marriage amendment so that gets voted down in November of 2012,” she said.

It was decided in May to put an amendment on the state ballot that if approved, would define Minnesotan marriages as solely between a man and a woman. | l |

LGBT marching band forms erik r. caban Orlando | Parliament House’s Wednesday nights patrons may notice the sounds of instruments being played in the distance or see a collective of men and women twirling flags and marching in unison through the parking lot. For the past month, the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom band and color guard has been practicing beachside.

“We are trying to get this band off the ground so we can march in Orlando’s Come Out with Pride parade this October alongside the South Florida Wind Ensemble, [members of] LGBA (Lesbian and Gay Band Assocation) from all over the country and Out & Proud Veterans of America,” said Sounds of Freedom co-founder Juan Canasi.

Canasi says the group’s goal is to become an organization that is a source of price for Orlando and the local LGBT community.

Canasi, along with co-founder Ray Clement, wanted to start an LGBT marching band in Central Florida 12 years ago but the

group wasn’t able to gain momentum. Now, with fellow founders Clement and Scott Stowell, he says they’ve been able to reach a lot more people thanks to social networking tools like Facebook.

Currently, there are 30 members, including James Jackson, who was instrumental in the inception of the Central Florida Softball League (CFSL) and Jessica Brown, who helped organize UCF’s first-ever gay prom.

Central Florida Sounds of Freedom is still recruiting.

“You don’t have to be good,” said Canasi.

“Most of us haven’t performed since high school. As long as you’re a beginner or have been involved with band or color-guard, you don’t need experience; just be willing to learn.”

There are no fees to join this season but Canasi predicts there will eventually have to be, for incidentals like uniforms.

For more information, visit cflsfband.org | l |

watermark | orlando news

Port Orange | A Volusia County animal control officer missing for several days was found July 29, lying on the side of Airport Road near Pioneer Trail, after she’d been missing for several days.

Port Orange Police had classified Toni Contarino, 43, as “endangered” after she disappeared, because she wrote a goodbye letter to her girlfriend and deleted all of her friends from her Facebook account before she went missing. Police said her mother, who reported her missing, said Contarino had been “depressed” because of domestic issues with her partner and had attempted to harm herself in the past.

A person driving by spotted her on the side of the road. Police said she was dehydrated and covered with bug bites.

Contarino disappeared on July 26 after she went to work, came home, then went to a friend’s house where police said she

may have found 30 Ambien tablets. She had been last seen leaving her house on her bicycle and left her wallet, cell phone and purse at home.

Contarino was taken to Halifax Medical Center and police said she is expected to recover fully. It’s the second time in just over a month that Contarino went missing—in June she was found unresponsive in the woods near her house.

A K-9 patrol dog also went missing during the search for Contarino, but the dog has been found, too. | l |

Biz Journal to certify LGBT businesses

Town Hall series continues

The Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) is now certifying eligible companies as a “LGBT Certified Businesses.” The initiative is in partnership with the MBA, with the goal of certifying businesses ahead of a list to be published in the OBJ late August. OBJ has run lists of women-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses for the last several years through local branches of national organizations that are responsible for certifying businesses as women-owned businesses or minority-owned businesses.

There will be another installment in the Town Hall meetings meant to bridge LGBT minorities and the overall LGBT community, but this time in a new location. The Aug. 16 meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the James R Smith Community Neighborhood Center on Burton Blvd. The meeting is sponsored by The Center, American Civil Liberties Union, Metropolitan Business Association and the Human Rights Campaign.

HRC equality bus tour to end in Orlando staff report Orlando | While gay couples celebrate their newly minted marriages in New York, leaders on both sides of the issue are making moves in states where same sex marriage is explicitly prohibited, including Florida.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is launching a bus tour of some of those states, to promote equality and empower LGBTs to become advocates for their civil rights. “On the Road to Equality” will kick off in Salt Lake City Aug. 12 then head east before wrapping up in Orlando Oct. 28–30.

“We are in the midst of a cultural tipping point on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and our job is to push the scale as far and as fast as we can toward fairness,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “The tour will serve as a powerful visibility tool and support the work of creating real and lasting change in these communities.”

The 12 week tour will travel to 17 cities in 11 states. Every state where the tour stops has passed discriminatory constitutional amendments to ban marriage for same-sex couples.

In addition to exhibits held on the bus, the HRC will also offer a variety of workshops and educational seminars with particular emphasis on workplace and healthcare equality, schools, bullying issues and religion. | l |

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watermark | tampa bay news

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

Banyan Tree closes shop staff report

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St. Petersburg | After three years as a popular neighborhood cafe and an LGBT hangout, the Banyan Tree Coffee and Tea shop closed its doors quietly in July. The oncepopular restaurant, owned by Erica Allums, attracted numerous members of the city’s arts community, including LGBT luminaries. Its location along the 600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. was attractive to many urban dwellers in the active St. Petersburg

neighborhood.

Allums, who is straight, opened her coffeehouse in 2008 and soon a local following gushed over her homemade soups and fancy fiestaware. On many mornings, locals would crowd the comfy nooks of the small restaurant to read local and national publications or share poetry with friends.

Allums could not be reached for comment about the closure but the tough economy is suspected as the reason the Banyan Tree shuttered its doors. | l |

Ybor to get Segway tours staff report Tampa | Ybor City is known for its rich, cultural history, but the expansive area can be intimidating for those wanting a walking tour.

Now, there’s an alternative.

A Segway Experience tour center recently opened inYbor City on July 28. The Segway Corp. of Bedford, N.H., operates the local center and the others in Sanford, Jensen Beach and South Beach/Miami.

The local branch specializes in tours of Tampa’s Latin Quarter (which has blossomed into a large LGBT district), beginning at the Muvico theater in Centro Ybor. Riders are

given helmets and then taken on a tour by history buffs who ride alongside tourists.

“Touring on a Segway enables you to encompass the entire area, from Don Vicente to the Columbia restaurant,” Irwin said.

Walking tours don’t usually cover the entire eight blocks of Ybor City, and Segway riders must be at least 14 years old to participate.

“When everybody is comfortable [with their Segway] we head out for a 90-minute factual tour,” she said.

Segway Experience at Ybor City, 1600 E Eighth Ave., is open Tuesday through Sunday. Tours start every two hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit yborsegwaytours.com. | l |

watermark | tampa bay news

GaYbor gets “Historic” spot on Tampa council board joseph kissel Tampa | “It’s a slap in the face to the Hillsborough county commissioners.”

That’s how Mark Bias characterized GaYbor’s recent inclusion onto the Tampa City Council’s Community Redevelopment Board through the Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC).

It’s the first time an LGBT organization had been added as an entity in city affairs.

“This is really historic,” said Carrie West, president of the GaYbor District Coalition, which he said is actually twothirds straight.

“People are moving into the area,” he said. “This area is growing, which is an accomplishment during a recession, and the city of Tampa acknowledges that,” West said.

Gaining the ex-officio seat ensures GaYbor will have a voice when it comes to distributing tax-derived Community Redevelopment Area funds.

“They got unanimous support from the board,” said Vince Pardo, president of the YCDC, which also includes the Barrio Latino Commission, the two neighborhood associations in the district, and the Ybor City Museum Society, in addition to others.

The YCDC is one of seven areabased groups that receive funds from the Tampa City Council that can be used for infrastructure improvements including landscaping and facade improvement.

“This is way cool—almost unheard of,” Bias said.

But it’s been years in the making.

Helping make this moment possible was four years of GaYbor members serving on the YCDC’s subcommittees like the retail division, special events and hotels.

Noteworthy GaYbor projects include the painted pianos, donating a bicycle to the Tampa police, annual decoration of 7th Avenue for the holidays as well as GaYbor Days.

When the GaYbor coalition recently asked the county commissioners to sign a proclamation for their week-long event, only three of the seven considered signing it, Bias said.

“The county commissioners need to wake up and get with reality here,” he said.

But that’s nothing compared to what County Commissioner Ronda Storms did in 2005 when she led the fight to prevent county government from recognizing the LGBT community as well as requiring five of seven commissioners to even acknowledge a vote, West said.

“We now have a voice on the Tampa government,” Bias said. “It’s official and recognized.”

So what’s next for GaYbor District Coalition?

“I want to see the county recognize the achievements of all LGBT people and do away with this ban on human rights,” West said. “The way it is right now, it makes everything you do an inequality,” he said.

“County workers can be fired just for being gay,” he said.

The tolerance policies of many Fortune 500 companies, he said, also make it difficult for them to do business in Hillsborough County.

“And if you and your partner want to stay in the same room at a hotel, you can be turned away because we do not have that human rights ordinance,” West said.

Not to mention groups can’t have a pride event at a county park, he said.

Getting more progressive politicians elected is key to moving the community’s human rights agenda forward, West said.

“I see a lot of great candidates coming forward that could make a change in this county.”

And GaYbor will be helping lead that charge.

“We are always moving forward,” West said. | l |

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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briefs Mateo to be TBBG’s guest of honor RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 finalist Alexis Mateo will be the guest of honor at the Aug. 9 Tampa Bay Business Guild meeting at the Holiday Inn on Ulmerton Road in Clearwater.

The local resident and well-known performer will share behind the scenes gossip from the popular competition reality series and speak one-on-one with TBBG members. To make a reservation, visit TBBG.org.

South Florida artist to perform at New American Theater Cabaret performer David Meulemans brings his show to the new American Theater’s Summer Cabaret Series Aug. 5-7. The 75-minute show features music from Jerry Herman, Gershwin and Sinatra. Meulemans has performed across the country and was selected as a feature performer at the 2011 International Cabaret Conference at yale University. For more information visit newAmericanTheater.org.

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watermark | sarasota news

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

ALSO looking for mentors

S M E T I U N E 100 M P

staff report

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Sarasota | ALSO Out Youth is looking for area adults to serve as mentors to the youth population that it serves in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Youth Development Committee of ALSO has proposed a mentoring program where adults with special interests offer guidance to LGBT youth in specific areas.

According to a press release, theater, sports, crafts and films are just a few of the areas where mentors could serve the community and take local youth to experience specific

activities related to their specialties. To avoid costs, the committee is setting up a special fund to use for the mentorship activities. Those interested in donating may send a check to ALSO Out Youth, 1470 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, Fl., 34236. Organiers ask that donors write “Mentor program” on the memo line of the check.

“We believe this will be a wonderful experience for both the youth and adults involved,” said executive director Sue Westcott. “This gives them a chance to bond and have fun.”

For more information, visit AlsoYouth.org. | l |

Trinity MCC announces 2012 Women’s Conference staff report Sarasota | The Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church will be home to a notable women’s conference in February 2012. "Holy Trust: Women Together in the Struggle for Justice" will be held at the church Feb. 2-6, 2012.

According to a press release, featured speakers will include Bishop Yvette Flunder, the founder of the City of Refuge United

Church of Christ, and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, moderator of the MCC denomination.

The conference is open to all women and those who identify as women in MCC, the Fellowship and other denominations. Early registration is $95 and includes plenary sessions, workshops, materials and four meals.

Early registrants receive a $10 discount.

For details and more information, visit TrinityMCC.com, e-mail WomensConference@ TrinityMCC.com or call the church office at 941-355-0847. | l |

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$75K settlement reached over Miami Beach police beating staff report Miami Beach | In a step forward for South Florida’s gay population, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has reached a settlement in a lawsuit against the City of Miami Beach and two Miami Beach police officers, centered around the accusation that two cops unlawfully arrested a man who reported that they were beating a gay man near Flamingo Park.

Harold Strickland, a gay former Miami Beach resident, was walking on South Beach in 2009 when he spotted undercover officers Frankly Forte and Eliut Hazzi beating and kicking Oscar Mendoza as he lay handcuffed on the ground. Strickland called 911 and spoke with a dispatcher until he was recorded saying the two men were “coming after me!”

The men, later identified as Forte and Hazzi, can be heard asking for Strickland identification, where he lives and why he was there before the call went dead. According to state attorney’s office documents, the officers called Strickland “fag” and “faggot” as they arrested him on charges of loitering and prowling. The cops claimed Strickland was trying to get into cars before they arrested him but those charges were later dropped.

Mendoza was charged with resisting arrest without violence, but those charges were also later dropped.

“Harold Strickland should be commended for his tenacity and courage in the face of

injustice,” said ACLU cooperating attorney Ray Taseff in a media release.

The settlement agrees that the city of Miami Beach will pay Strickland $75,000.

In addition, the settlement agrees that police are reminded “it is not a violation of law to solicit unpaid consensual sexual acts between adults regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression so long as the consensual sexual act does not occur in public,” and, “officers will receive refresher training on current applicable Florida Statutes regarding exposure of sexual organs and sex acts in public,” according to the ACLU. “For years, the ACLU has received reports about two systemic problems with the Miami Beach police: the harassment of gay men in and around Flamingo Park, and the retaliation against persons reporting police misconduct,” said ACLU of Florida LGBT Staff Attorney Shelbi Day in a media release.

“We are hopeful that this settlement marks a turning point for the City of Miami Beach in seriously addressing these chronic problems.”

In addition, new Miami Beach police officers will receive specific training that, “Improperly prohibiting or punishing a citizen from observing, documenting, or reporting a police officer’s conduct violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”

Forte and Hazzi were fired from their jobs last week. | l |

Miami Dade | The 4th largest school district in the nation has added gender identity to its harassment and anti-bullying policies. According to Equality Florida, the additions to the Miami Dade School District’s policy have been in the works for more than a decade.

staff report Miami Dade | Openly gay Judge Victoria Brennan is now the Circuit Court Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit. Gov. Rick Scott elevated Brennan to the position July 17, according to the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. Brennan’s partner, Monica Cepero, and their two children were present for the ceremony.

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the movement when we can see a shift in attitudes toward the LGBT community,” said CJ Ortuno, executive director of SAVE Dade.

“When that moment has to do with one of our own we are especially happy to share it.”

Cepero is a SAVE Dade board member.

Judge Brennan was first appointed to the County Court Bench by Governor Jeb Bush.

The Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, serving Miami-Dade County, is the largest in the state and the fourth largest trial court in the nation. | l |

briefs LGBT supporter running for Congress A Miami Beach state representative who has been a consistent backer of LGBT-supportive policies has announced he is running for Congress. Luis Garcia passed several pro-LGBT policies while serving on the Miami Beach city commission and has been a continued supporter in Tallahassee. Garcia will run against incumbent David Rivera.

Firefighter accused of sexting teen charged A Miami Dade firefighter accused of sending sex texts to a 17-year-old boy has been charged with 17 counts of transmitting harmful material

to a minor. Ulises Rodriguez, 35, was exposed when the teenager was found dead, causes undetermined. The investigation revealed the texts. The last message was June 22, two days before the teen was found dead. Police say it appeared the two had a prior sexual relationship.

Fort Lauderdale wants gay newlyweds Tourism officials in Fort Lauderdale are stepping up efforts to attract gay couples just married in new york. Several hotels are offering honeymoon packages, and the tourism bureau placed an ad in the New York Times that read, “After your I Do’s Consider Our Proposal” which offered a chance to win a free honeymoon in Ft. Lauderdale.

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“This is a tipping point for the state but our work continues until every school district large and small provides these vital protections,” said Stratton Pollitzer, Equality Florida’s Deputy Director.

The Miami Dade School District serves more than 1.55 million students, representing nearly 60% of Florida’s school population. | l |

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Lesbian judge promoted to 11th Judicial Circuit

District adds gender identity protections staff report

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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Lesbian couple saves campers from Norway massacre wire report Oslo, Norway | A Norwegian lesbian couple braved gunfire to save dozens of youths from a gunman’s deadly July 22 attack at an island youth camp northwest of Oslo.

The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that Hege Dalen and her partner Toril Hansen were eating dinner in the camping area opposite Utoya Island when they heard gunshots and screaming.

Dalen and Hansen drove their boat to the island, where they and other boaters found hundreds of panicked youths swimming away from the island retreat where gunman Anders Behring Breivik was systematically slaughtering campers.

The couple fished exhausted swimmers, many of who were injured or in shock, out of the frigid water and transported them ashore.

Breivik fired at them repeatedly, once narrowly missing their boat.

Dalen and Hansen returned to the island four times, rescuing an estimated 40 people from the clutches of the killer.

Breivik killed 68 youth campers. He had previously set off a bomb in Oslo which killed eight people. | l |

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Niagra Falls celebrates the first day of same-sex marriage in New York.

NY couples wed, opponents sue wire report New York, N.Y.| Hundreds of gay couples dressed in formal suits and striped trousers, gowns and T-shirts recited vows in emotion-choked voices and triumphantly hoisted their long-awaited marriage certificates on Sunday, July 24 as New York

became the sixth and largest U.S. state to recognize same-sex weddings.

Couples began saying “I do’’ at midnight from Niagara Falls to Long Island, though New York City became the sometimes raucous center of action by daybreak as couples waited on a sweltering day for the chance to exchange vows at the city clerk’s office.

Clerks in New York City and about a dozen other cities statewide uncharacteristically opened their doors on a Sunday to cater to same-sex couples. In New York City and other locations, judges waived a mandatory 24-hour waiting period that allowed couples to exchange vows moments after receiving their licenses.

Meanwhile, thousands of opponents of gay marriage protested in cities around

the state, a signal that the long fight for recognition may not be over just yet.

The National Organization for Marriage held rallies on July 24 in New York City, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo, saying Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers redefined marriage without giving voters a chance to weigh-in, as they have in other states.

Protesters chanted “Let the People Vote!’’ at rallies across the state.

State Sen. Ruben Diaz, a minister who was the sole Democrat to vote against gay marriage when the Legislature approved it, told a crowd near the United Nations that he and other opponents would try to get that Sunday’s marriages annulled, saying judges broke the law by waiving the 24-hour waiting period without a good reason.

“We’re going to show them next week that everything they did today was illegal,’’ he said, speaking in Spanish. “Today we start the battle! Today we start the war!’’

The following Monday, same-sex marriage opponents filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the law and alleging that the New York Senate violated its own procedures and the state’s open meetings law when it approved the gay marriage bill on June 24.

Among other things, the lawsuit claims the Senate prevented lawmakers who opposed the bill from speaking. The suit also says the Senate didn’t follow procedures that require a bill to go through appropriate committees before a full Senate vote.

New York’s adoption of legal same-sex marriage is viewed as a pivotal moment in the national gay rights movement and is expected to galvanize supporters and opponents alike. The state joined Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, along with Washington, D.C., when it voted last month to legalize gay marriage. | l |

briefs Obama ends ban on gays in military President Barack Obama on July 22 formally signed off on ending the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military, doing away with a policy that has been controversial from the day it was enacted. The president joined Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, the top U.S. military officer, in signing a notice and sending it to Congress certifying that military readiness would not be hurt by repealing the 17-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ policy. The ban will be lifted after a 60-day waiting period.

CA gay marriage ban case to be heard Sept. 6

WatermarkOnline.com

The California Supreme Court says it will hear arguments Sept. 6 on whether sponsors of Prop 8, the state’s voterenacted ban on same-sex marriages, have

legal standing to fight court rulings on the measure if the state refuses to appeal.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gov. Jerry Brown, in his previous role as attorney general, refused last year to challenge a federal court ruling that struck down the law as a violation of gay Californians’ civil rights. The question is likely to prove decisive for the fate of the 2008 ban.

MD gov will sponsor gay marriage legislation Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley announced July 22 that he will make legalizing gay marriage a top priority of his administration by sponsoring a bill in 2012. Gay marriage legislation passed the Maryland Senate this year but stalled in the House of Delegates when it became clear it was a few votes short. Supporters are confident O’Malley’s stronger backing will make the difference next year.

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Are you a web production company or a movie producer or someone who has both a practical and compelling need to show off all the fancy bells and whistles that can be achieved through web design? No? Then cut the froufrou and just point web visitors to the information necessary to do business with your company.

You have an intro page

This could almost fall under the “weird and flashy” category but is such a terrible offense that I had to single it out. Web is all about speed—fast information that is quickly obtained and absorbed. If you have an intro page, every single web visitor is looking for the “skip” button as soon as that sucker starts loading up. This means that not only have you wasted your time or your web designer’s time building the intro page, but you’ve wasted potential customers’ time by forcing them to look at the thing. Please don’t do that.

Auto start music/audio

Like it or not, most people do the bulk of their web surfing while at work. When companies set up web sites so that a video clip with sound or a musical selection starts automatically when the site loads, what usually happens is that the site’s visitor suddenly has music blaring out of their speakers while they’re trying to quietly visit your site while in the office. You just got your potential client busted, and that person is not going to return to your company’s site after that.

You are a restaurant

Not only are restaurants the biggest offenders of the crime of auto-starting audio, Do you own a business that doesn’t really but for some reason, they always have the have any necessity for online community worst business web sites of all. Listen, building, such as a fine dining restaurant, or a restaurant owners. I love you. You fill my landscaping company or a graphic design firm? belly with delicious food, have a better wine Then for the love of God, please do not make selection than me and I don’t even have to do your visitors fill out complicated profiles with dishes afterward. I am your no. 1, so please social networking elements while trying to know that these criticisms are coming from a force them to participate in group discussions. place of deep caring.

Don’t have It’s out of date automatic audio.

There is nothing Don’t have a web site?

Do post hours worse than a rusty ol’ and location clearly You don’t exist. You out of date website. If on the home page. your hours, product probably should do That’s why most descriptions or locations people are visiting something about that. are incorrect, you the site. Your absolutely will lose location should sales when people show include a link to up at the wrong place, while you’re closed, to Google maps. purchase something you don’t carry anymore.

Don’t make your menu a PDF. Tons of people’s computers totally freeze up when they There’s no way to ask for help click a PDF link from their web browsers.

Maybe you think you’ve got all the info covered, but it’s a safe bet that you’ve You don’t have a business web site forgotten something and/or your clients have Easily the worst sin of all. It’s 2011 and the very specific questions that are unanswered on internet is not only a daily part of consumers’ the site. Please give those folks a way to ask lives, but it has evolved into a certification of for help. Web forms are acceptable but also legitimacy, a necessary tool for every business, the worst way to go about this. Best is a phone everywhere, no matter what goods or services number and an email address for a contact are being sold. Don’t have a web site? You person who actually answers the phone and don’t exist. You probably should do something checks that inbox. about that. | l |

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To create change we must work together Rev. Phyllis Hunt Pastor@MCCTampa.com

I

t is true; together we can achieve greater results, break down barriers, and discover solutions. Together we can bring excitement to everyday and make an impact in the community. Together we can educate

one another and help those in need. Together we can make a difference.

This quote by Aretta Loving is both an observation and a challenge. It certainly captures the successes of our work for justice and equality as it invites us to notice the challenges that sit on the horizon of what is yet to change.

As a community, we are stronger than our individual parts—especially when we commit all of who we are to a shared project. Take a moment and look back at the changes in your lifetime.

From the moment that first stiletto was thrown to start the Stonewall riots, we said, “Enough is enough—we’re not going to take it anymore.” These early gains in our fight for equality prepared us for the work of Act-Up and the creative approaches our community had to imagine and create to fight HIV/AIDS. These served as both momentum and encouragement to battle today’s work on adoption, marriage equality and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policies.

We have not always agreed on strategies and timing, but we have always been dedicated in some way to the work of justice and liberty for all, and our efforts and dedication are changing the landscape of equality and privilege. We have been held captive by the unjust systems of inequality that impact our children and/or our relationships locally and nationally. But little by little, state by state, we are witnessing changes that are the result of decades of work, time, courage, money, imagination and perseverance to realize those changes. We live in a very exciting time as we witness the benefits of the hard work effecting change

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requires. future.

On television recently, you may have seen So let’s get busy and make a difference. the popular advertisement a national chain Take some inventory of the places you spend uses to catch your attention and business for time and ask yourself, “Could this be the back-to-school supplies. This company uses place where a little change could change the the Christmas song, “It's the most wonderful world?” If you own a business, invite your time of the year,” to capture the attention of patrons to help your business change the the viewer. With this song framing the scene, world by joining you in a back-to-school sad and embarrassed children watch their drive. Maybe you are a member of a music parents gleefully fill shopping carts with back group, drama club, sports team, book club to school supplies. This commercial helps all or a regular at a bar or restaurant. Maybe of us locate the time of the year, not by the you could adopt a classroom of a friend who music, but by the out of place song that in happens to be a teacher. Years ago, I heard some strong way is most fitting, even if we do a slogan—there can be no “we” without not have children about to go back to school. “you and me.” It takes all of us to achieve As I thought about the many directions I great results, break down barriers, discover could take this column, solutions, bring I continued to be drawn excitement to back to the quote everyday, make We live in a very from Aretta Loving: an impact in the “Together we can make community, educate exciting time as we a difference.” one another and witness the benefits of Imagine the help those in the hard work effecting difference we could need. All we have make in the lives to realize is that change requires of children if we all together we can used a fraction of our make a difference time, care, and a small and in the long run, investment and bought school supplies for a our efforts may come back to bless us and local school drive and neighborhood school. make a difference in our own lives.

There are many places in our communities Thank you for the difference that you that have back to school drives. Our schools, make. | l | and more specifically our teachers, are impacted by budget cuts and the trickle-down Phyllis Hunt is the senior pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa. affect of this reality, which most certainly will impact the lives of children in our school system.

This is an opportunity to help children today and their readiness to be leaders for our

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watermark | viewpoint

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

top web comments

No, I work for the man.

Yes, but it doesn’t support me and I have a day job, too.

50%

Yes, and it’s how I make my living.

On the Fire Down Below post about whether it’s possible to be friends with an ex:

“While I have remained friends with every guy I have dated accept one, the occasional pain of what could have been still hits me. Watching them work harder on the new relationship than ours still hurts.”

No, but I plan to.

—Michael Perry

“My ex is probably my closest friend!

There was a time when we broke up that one wanted a friendship and the other didn’t & then vice versa...All in all we have remained quite close for many years now!”

13%

18% 19%

—Marc Grossman

“I’ve never had an ex that I am not still friends with—something about never wanting to burn any bridges. ”

—Taylor Anderson

At WatermarkOnline.com, we asked you:

Do you own a business?

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

On HRC’s bus tour for marriage equality:

“It’s ironic that the HRC is conducting its latest marketing tour by bus. It is the HRC, after all, that continues to throw transgender people under the bus when it comes to ENDA.”

—Tom B

Don’t be left out of the community conversation!

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

mail I feel your pain Steve Blanchard has my deepest sympathies. I know what back pain can do to your life. I truly hope his situation is temporary [Editor’s Desk Issue 18.15].

Be very careful of what you do or have done to your back while trying to fix it. I opted for surgery, really no choice in my case. Even though it repaired shattered bones, it did nothing for the damaged nerves, nothing will. On the upside, I can set off the inventory control gates in stores with the hardware implanted in my spine. On the other hand it is not quite so fun when having the obligatory pat down at the airport.

Thanks for the mention Thank you for mentioning St. Dorothy CC in your article about welcoming churches.

[Issue 18.15]. We are a welcoming and affirming church. Perhaps someday we may rejoin the larger Roman Church, but their official documents appear to be less and less welcoming to gays and women in any ministerial position.

We are happy to be an alternative.

Father Anthony Borka Orlando

Bob Mumby Via e-mail

“I appreciate his article more than you know.”

Fill your bucket

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the recent issue of Watermark discussing bucket lists. I’m glad to know that I’m not —Danny Veal I read about the only one who Steve Blanchard has a log of things I hurting his back want to experience in Watermark or accomplish before [Editor’s Desk, Issue 18.15]. I sincerely hope I head into the great beyond—and your he is feeling better. I recently separated by contributors gave me a few new ideas to add t-1 and t-2 and it totally stopped me in my to that list. tracks. I cannot tell you all the emotions that Keep up the great work. I always look I felt in the eight weeks I had to wait out for forward to the newspaper every other my spine to heal and muscles to strengthen.

Thursday.

I appreciate his article more than you know.

Jeff Sheri It is terrible to have to lie in bed while life Tampa continues around you. But the body must have time to mend and it certainly gives you appreciation for what you have.

Healing takes time

Danny Veal Orlando

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Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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Beyoncé: ‘4’ T h e G a y s In this gay press exclusive, Queen Bey talks gay fans, loving Lady Gaga and remaking ‘A Star Is Born’ chris azzopardi

I

f there’s any girl who runs the world, it’s Beyoncé. The reigning diva— she’s called Queen Bey for a reason, people—is one of the biggest and best voices behind a long run of hits dating back to the late 1990s, when she was part of supreme girl group Destiny’s Child.

Years later, Beyoncé still demonstrates just how irreplaceable she is as a solo artist, having released four albums—she dedicated her latest one, 4, to that milestone—with some of the most memorable and gay-celebrated singles in pop music history. Not every artist can say they’ve had a gay boy lead a football team to glory by performing “Single Ladies,” as seen on Glee. And not every artist can say they have 16 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history. But that’s Queen Bey, who’s also assembled a gaggle of gay fans who are—you guessed it—crazy in love with her.

In this exclusive chat with Beyoncé, her first gay press interview since 2006, the singer/actress/glamour-girl spoke about how the fierceness of her gay fans inspires her, the intimidation she’s feeling following in the footsteps of Judy and Barbra for her upcoming role in A Star Is Born, and what she really meant by the “girls” who run the world.

WTERMARK: I know, according to you, the girls run the world— but what do you think about the girls and the gays teaming up and running the world together?

BEYONCE: Well, that’s what I meant when I said girls. (Laughs) Sure—we could all be one.

Yes, exactly! We are all one.

Photo courtesy Greg Gex

Do you know enough gay people so that we could successfully pull this off and take over the world?

Absolutely. I think it’s happening already. I remember my friends were telling me when the song “Run the World (Girls)” first came out in the Continued on page 32 | uu |

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watermark | film

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

25

screened out THREE WAYS TO DO CLICHÉ

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

Crazy, Stupid, Love

fighting against the Axis powers in World War II. Dr. Tucci picks Evans for a “super (Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma soldier” experiment, transforming the wimpy Stone, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon) boy into our hunky hero. Too bad Tucci also did the same for Hitler, creating the here should be a special award for egomaniacal Red Skull (Weaving). And this love stories that don’t make us wince German villain has located a magical power and squirm. Sure, it’s really difficult from Thor’s planet. (Remember Thor from to make a romantic comedy—“romcom” for earlier this summer?) The Captain sets out to those of us in the “biz”—without hitting a few stop the nefarious Nazi before he can destroy clichés. CSL does occasionally sink to hokum. the world.

It also has charming characters and great plot There’s no way around the bland, twists, making it a worthy date-night flick. uncomplicated patriotism. The approach Carell and Moore are a married couple in a also often eschews comedy for earnestness. rut. She wants a divorce; she’s cheated on him And for the sake of the upcoming movie, the with Kevin Bacon. Carell moves out and starts film had to tie this 1940s hero to his modern hanging in a trendy bar where he bemoans counterparts—Iron Man, The Hulk, and his fate to the uncaring room. Lothario hottie Thor—making this flick feel unfinished and Gosling overhears Carell’s kvetching and rather anticlimactic. (for reasons I cannot fathom) takes the The actors, though, are having a older man under his wing. Gosling blast, especially Evans, Tucci and begins by teaching Carell how to Lee Jones. The visual effects become a man-whore. Carell’s are also amazing. Captain first conquest is the very funny America borrows some film teacher Tomei. tricks from Benjamin Button There are some slightly to transform a scrawny, tiny awkward subplots. Gigolo Evans into the super stud Gosling has met the girl of his we all know (and lust after). dreams (Stone) who has very Everything is enjoyable little interest in him. Moore but shallow fun. In other Super-hottie Chris Evans and Carell have kids with their words, Captain America is in Captain America. own romantic struggles. Even particularly American. the babysitter is lovelorn,

T

lusting for Carell. In essence, it is all complications and love triangles.

Everything adds up to sweet but contrived comedy and some hilarious, high-energy farce.

Could we have done without the big speeches and stereotypical moments? Yes, but just like love, sometimes you have to slog through the average stuff to get to the goods.

Captain America: The First Avenger (Starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Hugo Weaving)

American summer films are legendary for solid but brainless entertainment. Captain America upholds this grand tradition with a rah-rah attitude and old-school fight sequences. Altogether, it’s equal parts frivolous action flick and placeholder for the upcoming Avengers movie next summer.

Evans is the proverbial 98-pound weakling. Still he hopes to do his part

Sexy Ryan Gosling and funny Steve Carell in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

The older story seems like it could’ve been beautiful, delving into the history of how women supported each other in a degrading situation. Unfortunately, the movie abandons any complexity for melodrama. There is no delicacy or logic. Foot binding is compared to women’s high heel shoes, and spousal abuse is—I swear—compared to being hit by a taxi.

Subtlety-wise, the flick is like being hit by a taxi. This yarn runs under two hours, but it feels like slow death. There’s only the wispiest hint of why See’s original novel is so beloved.

The 1800s portion is maudlin and weepy. The

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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Wow, a major misstep happened with this film!

The best-selling book by Lisa See, set entirely in the 19th century, was about Chinese girls who became lifelong BFFs. (They performed a “binding” ritual, which seems to our modern senses somewhat like a lesbian wedding.) Through their friendship and support of each other, these young women endured a more oppressive society than the one China has today—foot binding, marriage to misogynist pigs, trapped in a culture founded on sexism.

In this movie version, the filmmakers have decided to tack on modern bookends. It’s shallow and cliché. How can we care about these modern-day characters, when even their dialogue is hackneyed and stilted?

new bits are like the worst kind of Lifetime TV film shot in Shanghai. | l |

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watermark | film

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

J ustin + M ila :

our friends… with benefits Timberlake and Kunis talk being allies, getting naked and breaking gay stereotypes

chris azzopardi

W

hen Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis stroll into a hotel suite in Santa Monica, it’s clear why they’re in a movie about having emotionless, just-forfun sex—they’re both ridiculously hot. He’s all dapper in a blue button-up; she’s model-esque in hugging blue jeans.

As the stars of Friends With Benefits, director Will Gluck’s funny follow up to the gay-famous Easy A, the dreamboat duo plays an emotionally impaired twosome living in New York who realize they have something in common: They both love getting frisky, but neither want the strings. The rom-com’s not just an excuse to see both of their butts; it’s a modern take on the notorious hook-up scene— with lots of gayness going for it, including Woody Harrelson as Timberlake’s gay manlyman sidekick.

Just before lunch one recent morning, Timberlake and Kunis sat down to talk about the gay people in their own lives, breaking stereotypes and the awkwardness of shooting sex scenes.

WATERMARK: Are you as comfortable with your bodies as you seem to be in the movie?

MILA KUNIS: I like to run around naked on the streets all the time! (Laughs) No, I’m pretty self-conscious in general. It doesn’t help that I’m a female.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: (Deadpans) I’m extremely comfortable with Mila’s body.

Mila, how does fake sex with Justin Timberlake compare to fake sex with Natalie Portman, your co-star in Black Swan?

MK: Well, the only thing I can say is that one was funny and one was scary.

Justin was the scary one?

JT: I was more intrusive. You do the math.

Justin, are those intimate scenes almost like choreographing a dance number?

JT: It’s physical humor, so it has a level of

theatrics to it.

MK: Thank you, thank you. No, no—I agree. That’s the honest answer. It’s very choreographed and very specific.

JT: It’s definitely less awkward when you’re required to make them awkward.

Did you feel like you had a kindred quality between you two?

MK: We have the same sense of humor, is what we realized early on. The chemistry had a lot to do with the writing and the quick banter, and when we got comfortable with the characters it was easy to put that across onscreen. We became friends because we had two, three months of rehearsal and writing and rewriting, and you don’t always get that—so you hope that somehow that translates onscreen.

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis play friends with benefits in their new romantic comedy.

then things that are in your DNA that you have no control over, you have to kind of accept.

But I think that you go through life—not just in relationships, but all facets of life—feeling like you want to gain your independence, so sometimes there’s a misunderstanding of feeling like you have to break away from your parents to do that. The more I realized how much I was like my parents, the more I was able to gain my own independence.

You have a very funny dynamic with Woody Harrelson’s character in the movie. Do either of you have gay friends like him in your own lives?

JT: I’m glad that you brought that up. That was very important JT: We actually do to Will (Gluck) and have a lot in common. myself when we We bonded over a “I do have a lot were diagramming lowbrow sense of that relationship, humor that we share, of male friends— because I do have a but also, we kind of straight and gay— lot of male friends— grew up in the business, straight and gay— and nobody gets so we kind of share that. and nobody gets And we’re both pretty treated differently.” treated differently. normal people when Your friends are —Justin Timberlake we’re not working. I your friends. We had just think, like she said, a lot of discussions we had an unusual about that and said, amount of time to “What a great opportunity to break ridiculous rehearse, so we were able to discuss the scenes stereotypes about a gay male and show a great, when we work-shopped them and find what honest relationship between a straight man and we thought was like-minded from a male a gay man that’s just a friendship between two perspective and a female perspective. men.” I really hope that it feels empowering to the males in the gay community, because it’s Do you both think that a lot of young people are reluctant to get into relationships real life for me.

And to have somebody like Woody, who’s because they don’t want to repeat their such an affable, goofily charming person parents’ mistakes? in real life, play that type of character is a JT: I think that happens with every person, real huge benefit for the movie. I was very and not just with relationships. You go through excited to know that he was going to play that a certain point in your life where you feel like character because we really wanted to, like I you’ve taken all the cards you’ve been dealt said before, break stereotypes and comment on and made a great situation out of them, and

modern life.

You have lots of gay friends, too?

MK: Yes, yes. I do! (Laughs) I’ve had an assortment of young gay gentlemen in my life since I was, like, 10 years old.

JT: I think it’s an important time to say that people are people, and this was a good opportunity to do that.

When you first meet Woody in his first scene his dialogue is jaw-dropping, but as you get to know his character in the movie you realize that that’s his actual character’s sense of humor in general. It doesn’t have anything to do with his sexual preference; it has to do with his sense of humor. So I hope that really comes across.

You hear a lot about how younger generations are more interested in the hookup culture than dating and relationships.

What kinds of stories were you told from people before you shot the movie?

MK: I was interviewed by a reporter when I was doing press for Black Swan and she told me that her current husband started as friends with benefits, so it wasn’t up until then that I actually started paying attention to the idea of it. But I feel like this concept’s been around forever. It’s just that people are more willing to talk about it now. It’s not as taboo as it was. I think that our generation is a little more forthcoming, a little more honest, and I think females are embracing their sexuality more so now than they were 30, 40, 50 years ago.

What about men?

MK: Men have always embraced their sexuality! (Laughs) I don’t think men have ever had a problem embracing their sexuality.

JT: I disagree with that. Seriously. I think that men have always been uncomfortably external about their sexuality. | l |

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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watermark | entertainment

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

29

going live LGBT Live webcast gains popularity in Tampa Bay

steve blanchard

T

has upwards of 1,000 viewers. The girls ampa Bay | It’s obvious Esme have covered topics as diverse as goings Russell and Arica Love adore each on in the local drag community and the other. During a recent interview starving children in Darfur. They just turned to discuss the success of their weekly “Pro” on UStream, which means LGBT webcast, “LGBT Live,” the two hostesses Live is now syndicated and can be picked couldn’t help commenting on their growing up by other UStream channels and offer friendship and their expanding respect for advertising rates and packages. each other.

The seeds of the enterprise were planted “Arica is the brains behind the madness,”

by Love, whose webcast experience began laughs Russell, who joined Love on the on OMG!Live and migrated to the Gay Safe webcast nearly six months ago. “She’s the Haven Radio show and V 109. It was on business side. I’m about the topics.”

OMG! Live that Love first asked Russell to “Esme is so well educated and enjoys appear for a segment. the entertainment side of things,” Love “She knew I was very opinionated and counters. “I’m more on the news side of she wanted that, I think,” says Russell, 50. things. We have a great chemistry and we have people tuning in to see the news, catch “We became friends and the rest is history.”

In fact, this year the duo made history up on gossip and to just see what the two at St. Pete Pride by broadcasting the entire trannies are talking about today.”

Promenade live from the street. Russell Regardless of the reasons people watch, spent the entire parade keeping the camera both Russell and Love know one thing— view clear and telling Love which floats their message is getting out. were coming down Both women are the street. Love transgender—one then shared the post-op, one preinformation with op—and active in “We are about listeners—who Tampa Bay’s night more than earrings packed the broadcast life. Both are booked throughout the day. and wigs.” throughout Tampa “[St. Pete Pride and St. Petersburg —Esme Russell executive director] and have been in Chris Rudisill said the entertainment that it was the first business for most time anyone had of their lives. For covered the parade from beginning to end,” Russell, the chance to showcase her “real” says Love, 37. “It was amazing afterward side in front of fans who are used to seeing to hear from a disabled woman who said her on stage was a major draw. that she couldn’t go to Pride because of “The Esme you see on LGBT Live is the her situation but that she felt like she was real Esme,” she says. “It gives me a chance right there in the middle of it thanks to our to talk about things that are important to webcast. That was really humbling.” me. Our community needs to be up to date on the news and on topics that directly Humble beginnings affect them. By throwing in some fun we get to make an even larger impact.”

Love and Russell continue to perform And neither woman wears a mask, Love at area clubs and both have an impressive says, guaranteeing that viewers will walk number of titles attached to their names. But away with knowledge they didn’t have most of their focus is on improving LGBT before the show.

Live and consistently growing its audience.

The weekly webcast is streamed live “I’d like better equipment and a better on UStream.tv/Channel/LGBTLive, and

(L-R) Esme Russell and Arica Love are gaining a large following with their weekly webcast of LGBT Live.

back drop,” Russell says. “But that will come. It’s about getting the message out there.”

Love agrees that updated equipment would be helpful, but says the duo have had very little to complain about over the six month history of their online venture.

“We want to focus on getting advertisers and our media packet is almost ready,” Love says. “But as far as surprises or stumbling blocks, we haven’t really had any.”

LGBT Live typically broadcasts out of the MC Film Festival store in Ybor City, where the hostesses share a moment each week with Mark Bias, also known as Tea Cup. Bias shares local gossip akin to what is posted on the popular “Dishing With Mark and Carrie” blog at MCFilmFest.com.

“We’ve enjoyed having him on the show and he’s always entertaining,” Love says. “His input helps round out the show.

We offer a little bit of everything and we continue to grow each time we turn on that webcam.”

Nothing off limits While both Love and Russell admit that their “real” personas are a little different than the personas they show on stage in front of a spotlight, they also share that there is no territory they will not explore in either of their worlds.

“People need to hear the truth and I’m not afraid to share that with them,” says Russell, who spends several days a week researching topics and sources for the weekly show. “Just because you disagree with something doesn’t mean you don’t need to know about it.”

And the two friends don’t always agree.

“We respect each other, which is

important,” Love says. “But there are times we don’t agree on something. That’s usually when I say, “And moving on…’”

Now that LGBT Live has its feet underneath it and appears to be gaining momentum, both Love and Russell say they are recognized more often when they are out on the town and that those that knew them prior to the webcast seem to have a different opinion of them.

“We are about more than earrings and wigs,” Russell says. “I like to say that I’m so deep you need boots to get through it all. We’re unveiling ourselves weekly, and people seem to admire that.”

For Love, the security provided by the show and its growing numbers is especially important, given that any performance gig can dry up before you know it.

“The thing about drag is that you have a gig one day and the next day you don’t,” she says. “But this is ours. First we’re in Florida, next we’re going out to the world.”

And they are on their way to achieve both. The pair were asked to participate at an LGBT Tourism event in Orlando as well as appear at Orlando’s Come Out With Pride in October.

“The best piece of advice I ever got came from [G. Bar owner] Steve Donahue, who told me, ‘If you can sell fun and make people believe it, the world is yours,’” Love says. “That’s what I see happening with this show.” | l |

see+hear WHAT: LGBT Live webcast WHEN: Every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: UStream.tv/channel/LGBTLive WHO: Arica Love and Esme Russell

30

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watermark | music

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

“If anyone

Beyonce realizes she’s inspired plenty of drag queens with her many looks, and to them she says, “find what works best for your silhouette and your face.” | Photo courtesy Tony Duran

is brave and true

working together and supporting each other and learning from each other, and I feel like sometimes women get a bad rap. It’s like we’re competitive and we can’t respect each other, especially if we’re both out around the same time; they think we’re going to kill each other.

And it’s all about women learning from each other, and I respect talent and I respect people that work hard—and good people.

I love Gaga. I mean, if she didn’t perform and she wasn’t a singer, just as a human being I love her to death. But on top of it, she is the most talented pop star right now, and I’m so happy for her. It’s just really inspiring to see someone who just creates their own destiny and comes up with their own looks and writes their own songs and choreographs and is in control and is not contrived. If you took away every bit of costume and she just sat in front of a piano, she would still tear it down. She’s just that talented, and she deserves it all. And I’m just happy to work with her. I love her.

to themselves, it’s my gay fans.”

—BeyONCÉ

| uu | Beyoncé from p.23

clubs the kids were going crazy, and I thought it was so wonderful and I was so excited to know that the reception was so positive.

You don’t do a lot of gay press, but you have to know that you have a huge gay following.

Yes, I do.

When did you feel a real connection with your gay fans?

I’ve always had a connection. Most of my audience is actually women and my gay fans, and I’ve seen a lot of the younger boys kind of grow up to my music. It’s great when I’m able to do the meet-and-greets, because I’m able to really connect and have conversations. People look at some of the artists that I admire—like Diana Ross and Cher—and they identity that glamour with Sasha Fierce, and I’ve been really inspired by the language. I have my [gay] stylists and my makeup artist, and all of their stories and the slang words I always put it in my music. We inspire each other. Like I said, we’re one.

What do gay people tell you when you meet them?

I have so many stories; I don’t even know where to begin. I know that I just recently

had a contest where I had everyone reenact my artwork. Just seeing some of the guys who dressed up—like my hairstylist dressed up as Sasha Fierce from “Single Ladies” for Halloween, and I saw so many people dressed up in that glove and bodysuit—really makes me feel like I’m doing my job and some of the fashion is making its mark. To know that people can be free and confident and do what they want themselves, and I can be the person they want to look like (laughs), is really such a blessing for me, and it’s very inspiring. I’m very happy and proud of that.

Yes, you’ve inspired lots of drag queens out there. What tips can you give them to be a better Beyoncé?

I have many different looks, so find what works best for your silhouette and your face. I’ve had every kind of hair style and I know, for me, there are certain things that I love to wear and there’s certain makeup and colors—bright colors on my eyes—that just don’t complement my features. So I think just figuring out which Beyoncé works best for your figure and features.

For your upcoming role in the remake of A Star Is Born, you’ll be part of a lineage of gay icons including Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. How does it feel knowing

that? Is it intimidating?

I’m slightly a bit intimated, I have to say. I feel a bit overwhelmed, and I’m still in shock.

(Laughs) But the studio and [director] Clint [Eastwood] believe in me, and I feel like I’ve been really selective and I’ve waited and worked really hard and I’ve done different types of movies—from comedies to thrillers to drama when I played Etta James—and I really wanted to make sure I was ready. I do believe that at this point I am ready, and I’ve been disciplined and I’ve surrounded myself with really good actors. I hope this is going to be as wonderful of an experience as I feel it’s going to be.

I just remember growing up seeing Barbra Streisand and knowing that she represented that generation’s star, and being an AfricanAmerican woman and being the person that’s represented is such an honor. I respect it and I cherish it and I’m going to work so hard— harder than I’ve ever worked—to make sure that I live up to filling the shoes of those other women.

Last year, Lady Gaga made this remark in an interview with E! News: “I was very excited to be working with Beyoncé again. It just sort of works out because we both like women.” What did she mean by that?

(Laughs) Well… I’m all about women

“I Was Here,” a song on 4 written by Diane Warren, is all about you changing lives.

What do you hope is the effect you’ve had on your gay fans over the years?

I hope that I’ve given them confidence, and I hope that I’ve given them inspiration. I just want everyone to become a better person, and I hope that when they see me perform they can live out their fantasies and see my work ethic and apply it to their lives and be confident and proud. If they’re bootylicious, be proud; whoever they are, be proud. On this album, I really focused on making people feel good and feel love and know that there is love out there and goodness exists. I wanted to make a body of work that took risks—to be brave and be myself, and not focus on being cool.

That’s what I love about this album—you did what you wanted to do. Through that, you’ve taught gay fans how to stay true to themselves. What have you learned from them, though?

If anyone is brave and true to themselves, it’s my gay fans. The amount of confidence and fearlessness it takes to do what maybe is not what your parents expect you to do or what society may think is different—to be brave and be different and to be yourself—is just so beautiful. It’s the most beautiful thing you can be, and it’s what we all want to be at the end of the day. And not worrying about satisfying or becoming what other people think you’re supposed to be, that’s like the ultimate dream—to just be that brave. | l |

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

33

Where STARS are born and music LIVES.

2011-2012 Season | Mark Sforzini, Artistic Director Die Fledermaus

Samson et Dalila

Sept. 30, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

March 2, 2012, 7:30 p.m March

Oct. 2, 2011, 2:00 p.m.

4, 2012, 2:00 p.m.

Oct. 4, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

March 6, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Evenings with the Maestro Sept. 15, 2011

Preview to Die Fledermaus Oct. 20, 2011

Exploring Opera Auditions Nov. 17, 2011

Famous Opera Moms

Seasonal Sparkle

The Marriage of Figaro

Dec. 19, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

June 1, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

June 3, 2012, 2:00 p.m.

June5, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

ALL performances at the Palladium Theater 253 Fifth Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Benjamin Bunsold (Die Fledermaus)

Julianna TauschingerDempsey (Die Fledermaus)

Eric McKeever (Seasonal Sparkle)

“Evenings� sessions at 6 p.m. at

Music Gallery 5990 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL 33760

Susan Hellman (Seasonal Sparkle)

Samus Haddad (Seasonal Sparkle)

Dec. 15, 2011

Bohemian Rhapsody Jan. 19, 2012

Bad Girls

Feb. 16, 2012

Preview to Samson et Dalila March 15, 2012

Psycho Thrillers April 19, 2012 (Part 1)

Preview to Marriage of Figaro May 17, 2012 (Part 2)

Preview to Marriage of Figaro

Daniel Klein (Marriage of Figaro)

34

watermark | event planner

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

Trash Art Show

The Taming of the Shrew Jobsite Theater presents a very modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew this month in Tampa.

The 5th Annual Strike Out for AIDS fundraiser benefitting Francis House is Aug. 13 at Pinchasers in Tampa.

The Trash Art Show and reception is on display through the month of August at The Center’s Gallery Q in Orlando.

art [ORLANDO] GLBT History Museum exhibit The GLBT History Museum of Central Florida is exhibiting several panels reflecting Central Florida’s GLBT community from the 1970s to the present day. The display includes photographs and documents covering a wide range of organizations, bars and personalities, including the creation of the Metropolitan Business Association and the election of Patty Sheehan, the Orlando City Commission’s first openly gay commissioner. The exhibit can be viewed from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays, noon–9 p.m. on Saturdays and noon–6 p.m. on Sundays through the first week of October.

Admission is free and open to the public. Additionally, the GLBT Museum welcomes donations of paraphernalia documenting local gay history.

Trash Art Show and Reception Orlando artists Parker Sketch and M. Scott Morgan are taking the concepts “reduce, reuse, recycle” to the next level through artistic expression. Their Trash exhibit will be on display at The Center’s Gallery Q through Aug 30, with 20% of sales benefiting The Center. There will also be a reception Aug. 6 from 6–9 p.m. with appetizers, drinks and the artists on hand to discuss their pieces.

film [ORLANDO] Movies Out Loud: Faster, Pussycat!

Kill! Kill!

Come check out Orlando Weekly’s Writers Pick event, Movies Out Loud, an evening of laughs where campy cult classics meet hilarious commentary. On Thursday, Aug 11, hosts and commentators Jeff Jones and Miss Sammy lampoon the film, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! Tickets are available online at WatermarkOnline.com

Dinner and a Movie with the Sisters The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are hosting a dinner and a movie night Wednesday, Aug. 17 at The Center. They’ll be serving spaghetti and showing Priscilla, Queen of the Desert starting at 6 p.m. $5 donation.

theater [TAMPA] Hairspray The musical that takes on the civil rights movement of the 1960s by following the dancing dreams of a chubby teen will be presented by MAD Theatre of Tampa Aug. 5-21. Hairspray will run at the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Performing Arts Center’s Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. and matinees at 3 p.m. The theater is at 1304 E. 11th Ave. For tickets and more information, visit MADTheatre.com.

The Taming of the Shrew Jobsite Theatre takes some modern influences to put a fresh spin on Shakespeare’s classic, The Taming of the Shrew, playing at the Shimberg Playhouse within the Straz Center of the Performing Arts through Aug. 14. The comedy focuses on an ill-tempered woman who meets her match, creating an ultimate battle of the sexes. Artistic Director David M. Jenkins has chosen to offer a feminist staging of the production that stresses mutuality and equality. For information and tickets, visit JobsiteTheater.org.

[VENICE] Jesus Christ Superstar The Venice Theater Summer stock program will bring the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice hit, Jesus Christ Superstar, to its main stage through Aug. 6. The rock opera based on Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life stars up and coming senior high and college actors, who work alongside area professional actors. For tickets and show time information, visit VeniceStage.com or call 941-488-1115.

[ORLANDO] The Understudy A Hollywood action star trying to buff his reputation via a serious Broadway play finds himself facing off against an understudy with a chip on his shoulder in this new comedy, now playing at Mad Cow Theatre. The Understudy runs through Aug. 28.

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

Gay Bar Star: A Return from the Big House Jeanine Klein’s cabaret show, Gay Bar Star: A Return from the Big House, returns to Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre Saturday, Aug. 6. John Ryan directs. The show runs Saturdays through Aug. 27, each one starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance by phone reservation at 407-540-0317 and $10 at the door if available.

music [ST. PETERSBURG] Phil Garris: We Are One Tour St. Petersburg-based gospel singer (and husband to Watermark editor Steve Blanchard) Phil Garris will begin his “We Are One” concert tour with a special show at the King of Peace MCC Church in St. Petersburg on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m.

Garris, a native of conservative North Louisiana, will share tales of growing up gay in a Southern Baptist farming community and stories of keeping his faith despite hearing preaching condemning his sexuality. The concert is free and a love offering will be taken after the show.

special events [CLEARWATER] Alexis Mateo at the August TBBG Meeting Hear all the dish—personally—from the local star of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 3 when Alexis Mateo speaks at

the monthly Tampa Bay Business Guild meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12. This month’s meeting is at the Holiday Inn at 3535 Ulmerton Rd., in Clearwater.

Advance reservations are suggested and can be made online at TBBG.org.

[TAMPA] Strike Out for AIDS Fun Bowl Bowlers of all skill sets are invited to raise money for the Francis House AIDS charity in the 5th Annual Strike Out for AIDS Fun Bowl on Saturday, Aug. 13.

The tournament begins at 6 p.m. at Pinchasers at 4847 N. Armenia Ave., in Tampa. The fun bowl sells out every year so teams and individual bowlers should register early to ensure a spot in the tournament. All registrations must be done online at StrikeOutForAIDS.org.

[ORLANDO] Cause for Paws Orlando Brewing presents Cause for Paws, a benefit for Paws Care which helps care for the pets of those affected

by HIV/AIDS and other terminal illnesses.

The fundraiser features entertainment

by Generation XYZ, a silent auction and a best trick contest. Suggested donation is $5 and there will be happy hour prices from 3–7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7.

Out and Proud Veterans meeting The next meeting of the Orlando Chapter of the Out and Proud Veterans of America will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at The Center. The group’s members will be forming committees for the Come Out With Pride and Veterans Day parades, plus planning a Veteran’s picnic for September.

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.

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

35

36

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

1- Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins performs at the Miss Gulf States America Pageant at the Catherine Hickman Auditorium in Gulfport on July 23.

2- Friends enjoy some eye-candy while enjoying a night out at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City July 23.

3- (L-R) Amy DeMilo and Arica Love get ready backstage before performing at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City on July 30.

4- Cathy, of ProSuzy, enjoys a Bingo win at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in July.

5- (L-R) Stephen Moss and Ernie Webb take a break from the excitement of Steam Fridays in Ybor City on July 22.

6- Miss Gulf States America Pageant organizer Ron Hernandez stands with contestants following the pageant on July 23 in Gulfport.

watermark | tampa bay out+about

shot on site

Photography | Ricky Box, Suzanne Noe and Carrie West

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

37

tampa bay overheard A pastor shorn It looks like Rev. Phyllis Hunt of Tampa’s Metropolitan Community Church is going to get a new hairdo. To raise money for the church, the popular pastor and Watermark columnist has agreed to let the congregation decide the fate of her hair. She and congregant Vilia Corvison, have both agreed to cut 10 inches off of their hair or have it shaved based on which style receives the most donated funds. The fate of the hair is determined by which team raises $7,500 first. As of press time, giving the two women a new style is leading the shaven look by more than $1,000, but there is still a long way to go for the battle. No matter the winner, the hair that is cut (or shaved) will be donated to Locks of Love, which uses real human hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatments. To donate to the cause, visit MCCTampa.com.

Orrell leaves American Stage For eight years, Andy Orrell has served as the media liaison for the American Stage

Theater company, scheduling interviews and introducing reporters to directors and cast members of the company’s many shows.

However, in an e-mail sent to reporters on Aug. 1, the director of marketing announced that he was leaving his post to pursue new opportunities. Orrell didn’t share details on his departure but there is little doubt that he will be missed.

Weekday Wipeout

Locals shine at Talent Quest Florida

The weekend isn’t the only time the sun shines at Postcard Inn. At the Postcard Inn we suggest you say goodbye to your desk, and say hello to the beach!

More than 200 singers took to the stage of the Doubletree Westshore Hotel the weekend of July 29 to compete for the Talent Quest Florida title and a chance to represent the state on a national level.

Local performer Jeremiah Pagan, who also performs as Miah, won the men’s pop division. Pagan qualified for the contest at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City and will now travel to Laughlin, Nev., to compete for a national title and a $3,500 cash prize. In all, six people won trips to the nationals, which will be held the week of Sept. 19. For details, visit TalentQuestFlorida.com.

Come see what the sun looks like mid-week. The beverages are flowing, the waves are crashing, and the Postcard Inn Weekday Wipeout is here!

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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| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

watermark | orlando out+about

orlando overheard

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Lakeland Leading Ladies

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Two lesbians were voted Cutest Couple in Polk County in The Ledger’s Cutest Couples contest. Susan Michel and Kim Hall of Lakeland submitted their photo “Love Will Find a Way” and came in first, surpassing their 181 competitors to garner 1,360 votes—more than twice what the second-place photo received. The two women, who have been together for 15 years, were legally married in 2008 in San Francisco and have lived in Lakeland for the entirety of their relationship. “That was one of the reasons we entered the contest,” Michel told The Ledger. “We wanted to send a message that there’s a hope for the future.” Michel says her formidable social media skills were one reason they were able to get so many votes in the final round. “We rallied friends and family and pledged to donate 100 percent of our winnings,” she said. “I know for some people, it was about validity of the gay and lesbian community and for some it was about principle: They wanted to send a message that we have strength in numbers.”

A new weight loss/nutrition group has formed at The Center. After Weight Watchers® unexpectedly pulled their franchise from the location, members who had signed up started their own group. “It disturbed us,” Center Director Randy Stephens said after receiving notice that Weight Watchers® did not want to have their meetings there.

Stephens said he’s sent numerous communications to the franchise but has yet to receive a response as to why they discontinued the group. However, more than 30 members are already signed up for the new weight loss support group.

The group presented by Nutrition Bear, a local physical fitness and nutritional product company with certified personal trainers and nutrition consultants, meets Mondays at 6:30pm. The focus of the group is to help develop a healthy lifestyle which includes stress reduction, exercise, proper hydration, proper nutrition and an improved outlook on life.

Somebody might want to give Jennifer Hudson a heads up.

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

watermark | orlando out+about

shot on site

Photography |: Erik Caban, Scott McCauley, Randy Stephens and courtesy of Out and About Radio.

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1– (L to R) Amber Layton, Christina Sockol, Amber Luu and Jessa Hartzell were slaves to Britney at the Britney Spears Femme Fatale concert July 20 at Amway Arena.

2– Sushi was on the… menu at the Nude Party July 28 at Fairvilla Adult Megastore. The benefit raised $3,800 for The Center.

3– UCF anthropology student Mary Davis took her nephew, Seth, deep sea fishing for his birthday on July 24.

4– Watermark writer Kirk Hartlage (left) caught up with Olivia Newton John and her husband John Easterling at the Gaylord Palms.

5– (L to R) Paul Karle, Randy Ross, Linda Stewart, Christian Castelan, Hayden Jones, Tom Dyer and (seated, in front) Randy Stephens celebrate Watermark publisher Dyer’s birthday July 30th in the studio of the Out and About radio show 6– Crystal Waters rocked the Parliament House crowd July 23 for the resort’s 37th anniversary celebration.

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40

watermark | business

Expanding their L o c a l a

Brands

e n t r e p r e n e u r s

d i f f i c u lt

e co n o m y

t h r i v e

d e s p i t e

\\ kirk hartlage

I

n a world where economic news is anything but positive, it’s rare to find success stories. But fortunately for Florida’s LGBT community, some entrepreneurs are thriving and finding success with multiple businesses catering to a niche market.

In Orlando, partners Eddie Nickell and Nick Olivieri have found success with their rapidly growing Funky Monkey Restaurant Group. Their extensive careers in food and beverage and fine dining has spawned five restaurants within central Florida.

And in Tampa, Steve Donahue and his business partners have created an entertainment dynasty with his Florida Entertainment Group, which runs the wildly popular Ybor City night clubs G. Bar, Honey Pot, The Social and The Eagle. Donahue’s eye for entertainment continues to bring capacity crowds to the clubs, which have helped revitalize the historic Ybor City district of Tampa.

Business, they say, begets business. And these businessmen seem to know exactly what they’re talking about.

Monkey Business

Nickell and Olivieri are partners in both life and in business. They met 21 years ago in Dayton, Ohio, and now they own and manage the successful and rapidly growing Funky Monkey Restaurant Group.

Both men have extensive careers in food and beverage and fine dining.

Nickell started at the age of 14, and has since worked in some of the best restaurants in the country, including a five-star restaurant in Boca Raton.

He and Olivieri first came to Orlando in 2003 to open the Grande Lakes Marriott/Ritz Carlton resort. Their plan was to stay no more than a year and a half.

“We thought Orlando was going to be 18 months out of our life and that’s it,” says Olivieri.

But the couple moved downtown and fell in love with the city. And in time Nickell, saw the opportunity in Orlando to realize a lifelong goal—owning a restaurant. He’s been playing with the eclectic Funky Monkey concept for years, and he started scouting locations.

Naysayers tried to steer him away from

the Mills 50 area, but Nickell kept circling back to Irma’s Café Europa—a smallish space with an unimpressive exterior.

“Before he showed me the property he said, ‘Keep an open mind, I see potential’,” says Olivieri.

Nickell’s instincts proved flawless.

Funky Monkey opened in 2007 and quickly established a reputation as a relaxed-but-sophisticated dining destination. Business has grown, and the restaurant celebrated its busiest month ever this past June. The couple is so invested in the area that they recently bought a home in nearby Lake Highland Heights.

Some executives from Pointe Orlando were among the regulars at Funky Monkey, and they asked the couple to consider expanding the concept at an upscale location on the International Drive tourist strip. Like its predecessor, the much larger restaurant took off like a shot. With two successful restaurants in operation, Olivieri finally felt comfortable leaving his full time corporate position at Grande Lakes.

“I told him, ‘It’s ok… we did $3 million in sales this year. You can let

go now,” Nickell remembers. “I said, ‘We have 100 employees, we have 10 managers… there’s life outside Marriott.”

With two Funky Monkey’s in operation, Nickell and Olivieri returned to Mills 50, but this time with a new concept. Opened just over a year ago, Bananas is a diner that serves comfort food to a colorful crowd, well into the early morning. Reservations are recommended for the popular Sunday Drag Brunch. The restaurant surpassed the couple’s expectations by serving over 120,000 customers in its first year.

And just last month the couple opened the Prickly Pear, a fine dining establishment in the upscale condo corridor south of Lake Eola. All told, their FMI Restaurant Group now employs more than 200 people.

The couple agrees that there’s a huge difference between working for a huge corporation like Marriott and owning their own restaurants.

“We don’t consider it work,” says Nickell.

“When it’s something you’re passionate about—something you love doing so much— it’s not work,” Olivieri agrees.

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

The owners pride themselves on being invested in their community. Nickell and Olivieri serve on the boards for the burgeoning Mills 50 Business District and the local Tasters Guild wine and food enthusiast association.

Nickell is also the first openly gay president of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Central Florida Chapter. One of the most influential trade associations in the state, FRLA oversees Florida’s $57 billion hospitality industry.

Member lodging establishments, restaurants and suppliers make up 20% of the Sunshine State’s overall economy.

And with nearly 1,000 allied members, Central Florida is home to FRLA’s largest chapter.

Nickell and Olivieri are involved in the local LGBT community as well.

FMI corporate offices are located in a building owned by The Center, providing the respected organization with a steady and meaningful monthly rent check. FMI also hosts fundraising events during Gay Days and Come Out With Pride.

“We are a bit controversial, but I think that contributes to our success,” says Nickell. “We’re gay owned, we have something like ten transsexuals on staff... we cover their health insurance.”

The couple is grateful for their gay patrons, but they point out that a restaurant must have broad appeal to succeed. Their newest offerings—Nick’s Italian Kitchen and Prickly Pear—are both in the upscale condo corridor south of Lake Eola and have been open less than a month.

Do FMI’s five restaurants cannibalize customers from each other?

“They’re each a different concept,” Nickell answers confidently.

“Business begets business,” adds Olivieri, noting that the proximity of FMI’s two restaurants in Mills 50 creates traffic for both.

And for the many businesses that have recently opened nearby. An art gallery just opened, and a new restaurant from Pom Pom’s Sandwhicheria has been announced.

The couple says they’re not done yet, either. Nickell foresees expanding the Bananas Diner concept to other locations and cities.

Continued on page 48 | uu |

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| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

ATTORNEY KEITH SANDERS, Handles Foreclosure Defense and Bankruptcies with Experience and Sensitivity

“

Y

ou could say my motto is ‘been there, done that’,” says Keith Sanders, from Sanders Law, P.A. He says that for two reasons. First, he says his more than 20 years of experience as an attorney specializing in handling “literally thousands” of bankruptcies means that he has dealt with virtually any kind of problem or issue that might arise with them. And, secondly, he had to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy himself a few years ago. He says that experience makes him very sensitive to the kinds of things people face when making the difficult decision to file.

“Most attorneys have never been in a situation where they have been worried about how to keep the lights on, but I have been there myself so I can really relate to what people are going through,” said Sanders. “Plus, many people are very embarrassed when they come to me, but when I tell them how embarrassing it was for me to have to stand in front of judges and colleagues who knew me and go through the process myself, that usually helps to put people more at ease and understand that I have been there and done that MYSELF.” “You know, in 99 percent of bankruptcy cases the situation is that bad things happen to good people. They have gone through an expensive health crisis or a divorce or just got in over their head with debt.”

He began his career as a staff attorney for the U.S. Trustee in Atlanta. He is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia.

“I like what I do because I feel like I can help people get a fresh start,” said Sanders.

“Since the initial consultation is free, you really don’t have anything to lose to meet with me and we can assess your situation and see how it might be best for you to proceed.”

Bankruptcy can be one solution to getting back on your feet financially, but it may not be the best or only solution for you.

Sanders has held a number of seminars and written professional papers concerning bankruptcy law in general, ECF requirements and new issues. He is a former director of the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

The firm also handles Short Sale negotiations, defense against foreclosures, wills & trusts, civil litigation, loan modifications, and creditor harassment.

Outside of the courtroom, Sanders lives in an unusual home in Gulfport that was one of the featured properties in a recent Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes. It has a tree growing right up through the floor and up through the ceiling of his kitchen.

He has five dogs and a cat.

Please Call for a Free Consultation 727-209-0744

K E I T H S A N DE R S , E S Q.

Sanders Law, P.A. Gay Owned and Operated 5922 9th Avenue North, Suite C Second Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 727-209 - 0744 keithsanderslaw @ gmail.com Sanders Law offers evening, weekend and early morning appointments to fit the needs of our clients.

We are expanding our services to also include Personal Injury cases. The firm is proud to announce the addition of Attorney Joe Kopp.

watermark | business

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

A minute with...

Robert Gregor W e B

e va n G e L i s t

\\ steve blanchard

O

rlando | Robert Gregor changes lives—seriously.

The web evangelist for Circle Tree LLC makes the internet easy to use for those of us who may not be as technically savvy by creating intuitively designed, cutting edge websites and interactive web applications that work the same way we think. That, of course, makes technology easier to use, he says.

These days, business owners rely on the internet like never before. Every company has (or should have) a website to market itself, but knowing exactly what separates a good website from a bad one can be hard to decipher—at least to novices.

We asked Gregor, who can be contacted through MyCircleTree.com, to sort through the technical jargon and offer advice on how to create, maintain and impress potential clients with an online presence that’s perfect for business owners.

WATERMARK: How long have you been involved with internet and website technology?

ROBERT GREGOR: I grew up riding the internet wave, starting out with BobsComputers.com in 2001.

With social networking so popular these days, are specific web sites still as important for businesses as they were before the days of Facebook or Linkedin?

Websites are the only tech trend from 10 years ago that is still with us. The reason for that is that a website provides a digital domain for all of your work, where you have complete control over the layout, presentation and the entire message. A social network is not open, and is subject to the whim of the network administrators to change the looks, terms of service, and even the content of your channel.

What sets a good business website apart from a bad one?

Speed: Do you like to wait?

I hate waiting. Websites are no

exception. A website should load in under two seconds.

Even my tech savvy aunt (who qualifies as a member of the AARP) hits the refresh button obsessively if a website takes too long to load!

Clean Design: Good design emphasizes a clear visual hierarchy and simple to understand navigation.

A Well Thought Out Site Map: It should be intuitive and comprehensible, with enough breadth to ensure that the user knows which is the best choice for what they are looking for, but not so much breadth that they spend time second guessing if that menu item is the right one.

Page Structure: The page should be laid out so that the navigation anchors the user between different pages, encouraging multiple page views and longer visit durations.

What are some of the more common mistakes business owners make when it comes to their websites—specifically on their home page?

Stock WordPress, Joomla! and Drupal themes. Nothing says novice like a stock template. Just because you can make your own website on WordPress.com doesn’t mean

that you should. A website is your credibility. If a customer goes to your website and sees a theme that they use on their personal blog, do you think you’re being taken seriously?

No. Get a custom design that stands out from the crowd. At Circle Tree, when we design a site, we only add features as we need them; we don’t do the reverse and use some theme and then remove stuff. Why do we do it this way? Speed! This way we are only adding things to the page that we’re actually using.

This greatly increases the speed.

If a business owner is technologically challenged, what routes and considerations should they take when it comes to deciding whom to hire to build their site?

Hire the best that you think you can afford. Ask around, use

your real world social networks to see who other people have used, the results they got, and who they trust. Trust is key with any business venture and this is especially true with the web, as you’re essentially looking for a public representative for your company.

You want it to be maintained by a company that you trust. As the saying goes and it especially holds true here: “You get what you pay for.” Hire only the best.

Should business owners even consider maintaining and building their own web sites?

In a word, No. The longer answer is that it depends on how much technology you want to learn. My personal philosophy: my highest and best use is what I should spend my time doing, and for a small business owner, that is running their business, not a website.

Focus on your strengths, and

find subcontractors and other companies to partner with to help with your weaknesses.

What should all business websites have?

The basics of a good story: Who you are. What you do.

Why I need you. How I can contact you.

What is the number one nono when it comes to business websites?

Poor usability. Usability is a core focus when developing websites and applications, so we test early and often, sometimes with complete strangers. The benefit of doing this is that you get a fresh set of eyes to see what’s confusing, and where people have trouble understanding a website. | l |

43

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| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

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watermark | business

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

To learn more about SoyBrite or to browse the company’s online catalogue, visit MySoyBrite.com.

Art in Voyage— Beyond Travel

Battling the odds S m a ll L G B T b u s i n e s s e s t h r i v e i n a t o u g h e c o n o m y \\ steve blanchard

I

t’s no secret that the economy has seen better days. Employment rates are at their lowest since the Great Depression. Small businesses around the country are struggling to survive—and a large portion of them have already shuttered their doors.

Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom for small business owners. There are a fair amount of LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses out there that are holding their own and even expanding right here in Florida.

Here are a few businesses to keep an eye on in the upcoming months. At the rate they’re going, they could become household names:

AlandChuck .travel

One of the more popular local businesses to gain momentum over the past year is ALandCHUCK.Travel. The travel site, a product of Al Ferguson and Chuck Scott— who have been life partners for more than 22 years—has been promoted nationally on LOGO, thanks to a tie-in with RuPaul’s Drag Race. The couple is also behind Legendary Journeys, a travel company that books group trips around the world.

Today ALandCHUCK. Travel has 11 offices, a fleet of its own motor coaches and has booked tours and cruises around the world to Pride festivals, circuit parties and historic destination. According to the site, ALandCHUCK.travel is a top 1% travel company and is continuing to grow.

6S Boutique

In February of this year, performers in the Tampa Bay area were welcomed into a boutique that catered specifically to their every need. Andy and Sasha Citino opened their 6S Boutique to provide performance gear for female impersonators, male impersonators and those who just want to look good in the spotlight. The inspiration behind the store, according to Sasha Citino, came when the couple realized that performers had to travel throughout the state just to find the necessities of a perfect performance.

Since the couple opened their store at 7213 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, performers have flocked to the store and have used a special delivery option that is a new concept behind customer service.

If the amount of rhinestones, wigs and makeup lining the cases is any indication—things

are continuing to go well for the small shop. For details and information on 6S Boutique, visit 6SBoutique.com or call 727-498-6590.

SoyBrite Candle Company

Everyone loves the smell a fragrant candle can bring to your home. But not everyone is aware of the health risks traditional candles carry with them. That’s part of the reason why Frank Meekins and Tim Huff of St. Petersburg started their SoyBrite Candle Company.

The couple molds their own candles, focusing on protecting the environment and consumers by using the most natural ingredients available to their customers.

According to the company website, soy candles produce little or no soot, burn at least 30% longer than paraffin candles and hold colors and scents for longer periods of time.

Gina Duncan and Mikael Audebert of Orlando definitely have full plates—Duncan is the president of the Metropolitan Business Association and a representative with W. Audebert is the executive producer of Orlando's Come Out With Pride—but both are owners of Art in Voyage - Beyond Travel.

The new travel company creates a-la-carte vacations tailored specifically for the client. The company also has eight select departures scheduled in 2011 that simply require clients to sign up for a vacation of a lifetime.

Art in Voyage consists of professional travel consultants who personally test accommodations, tours and excursions to ensure a positive experience for clients. For more information visit the office at 23 Osceola Ave., in Orlando, visit ArtInVoyage.com or call 1-888610-8687.

MyQmunity

What started as a way to inform visitors of what businesses are LGBT-owned or LGBT-friendly has morphed over the past year to become a resource for events, news and discounted fun. MyQmunity publisher Mariruth Kennedy envisioned a resource to learn about community organizations, clubs and groups, houses of worship, events and businesses that are gay owned, gay friendly or that appeal to gay sensibilities.

While the website is currently focused on Tampa Bay, Kennedy says she expects to become a nationally branded site with information on local communities across the country. One of the site’s newest endeavors is its MyQpon program, which works similarly to mainstream sites like LivingSocial.com and Groupon. com—only with a focus on LGBT-themed businesses and

events.

With a growing presence at Pride festivals, business organizations and other outlets, look for MyQmunity to continue to grow. For details and more information, visit MyQmunity. com.

Rainbow411

Victor Lopez and Greg Henchar are the minds behind Rainbow411.com, which is a website dedicated to highlighting LGBT businesses throughout the state of Florida.

Since its launch, Rainbow411 (also known as Gay Safe Haven) has become a staple at events throughout Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa Bay. Henchar and Lopez also host an online radio show weekly, and cover a large range of topics and news. With continued marketing and sponsorship of several festivals and LGBT events, look for Rainbow411 to continue its phenomenal growth. For details and more information, visit Rainbow411.com.

The L-Train

When it started, The L-Train was a movie theater—and it had a different name. But today, the L-Train in downtown St. Petersburg has turned into a popular hangout for the artsy community and a home for special events. Just in the past few months the L-Train has held its 8-Minute Movie night, hosted a local Talent Quest Florida singing competition, town hall forums and special adult entertainment. Laura Cipriani, a native of New York, continues to find new and inventive ways to use the space at 25b Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

For more information or a calendar of events, visit TheLTrain.com. | l |

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Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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48

watermark | business

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

2- Mike Fried (left) and Rick Merrifield with friends at Ranger’s huge indoor dog park: “We’d rather invest in ourselves.” | Photo

1- (L-R) Life and business partners Nick Olivieri and Eddie Nickell turned their dream of running a restaurant into a successful franchise of eateries around Orlando. | Photo by

by Tom Dyer

3- Steam Fridays at the Honey Pot in Ybor City bring capacity crowds every week and patrons line up around the block for hours to experience the entertainment.

4- Steve Donahue is the brains behind Florida Entertainment Group, which runs the popular clubs G. Bar, The Honey Pot, The Ybor Social Club and The Eagle.

Jake Stevens

1 4

3

2

| uu | Expansion from p.41

That’s Entertainment

Steve Donahue, president and general manager of Tampa’s Florida Entertainment Group, agrees that business begets business. With three successful bars in the GaYbor District, FEG has mastered the fine art of foot traffic.

“All three of our bars have a different vibe to them, they each have a different feel,” says Donahue.

The club impresario describes Honey Pot as a world class nightclub with big name entertainment. G Bar is a neighborhood bar with an intimate feel, and Social Club is the anti-establishment, anti-big nightclub bar alternative.

“You won’t walk in and have the same experience at any of those clubs,” Donahue says.

With more than 100 people on its payroll and special events that draw thousands, FEG ads millions to the local economy. Donahue was a presence in Tampa Bay nightlife long before Ybor became a center of LGBT nightlife. He says there’s a method to keeping businesses afloat in this economy.

“We’re constantly looking at ways to keep the cost low,” he says.

“We’ve never raised the prices at G. Bar—not once—in the five years

we’ve been open.”

He notes that even in lean times clubs can offer drink specials and no cover charge. The large crowds include enough high-end consumers to fund the night for everyone—the gay nightclub version of United Way. The gay-straight pendulum has swung both ways in Ybor City.

More than a decade ago it was home to some of Tampa Bay’s biggest LGBT nightclubs. Their success drew straight clubs to the area, which changed the atmosphere on 7th Avenue and surrounding blocks.

Donahue is proud that, with FEG’s success, gay and straight businesses alike are drawing record numbers to the historic neighborhood.

Local government has taken notice. Mayor Bob Buckhorn recently recognized the contribution of LGBT-owned businesses in improving Ybor City by signing a proclamation for GaYbor Days.

Donahue’s business partner, Stephen Moss, was appointed to the city’s Economic Development Board.

is most likely to take place in other cities such as Atlanta. But he notes that Ybor could use a gay sports bar.

Is there room for yet another LGBT vibe—and nightlife destination—in GaYbor? It’s all about the foot traffic.

and boarding business nestled next to a Cumberland Farms convenience store. Now ten years later, they just expanded their business to a groundbreaking 17,000-square-foot facility unlike anything in the state.

Ranger’s offers pet grooming, doggie day care, overnight lodging, dog training and a mobile pet-sitting service. For the first time this year, Just off Highway 17-92 in Winter Fried and Merrifield expect gross Park, a huge industrial park spreads revenues to exceed $1 million. More than 30 employees are encouraged to anticipate the needs of 4,000 active clients and at least 6,000 dogs.

It shows. The expansive lobby —Eddie Nickell doubles as a retail area for pet gifts and out over several blocks. But the supplies. It’s also where Ranger’s entrance to the first nondescript employees watch as people pull into building—a huge façade built to look the parking lot so they can get their like a rustic log cabin—announces dog ready for pick up. that what’s inside will be unexpected.

“Sophie is on the way out,” a staff Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal an member tells a smiling customer as unexpected tableau more suited to a she walks in the door. Seconds later zoo: hundreds of dogs of all shapes a blonde Labrador retriever appears, and sizes frolicking about in a huge panting and smiling and wagging indoor dog park. her tail.

Ranger’s Pet Outpost and “I couldn’t live without them,” Retreat is the brainchild of life and says realtor Denise Leheup. “I can business partners Mike Fried and travel and go on vacations and I don’t Rick Merrifield. Back in 2001, they worry about my dogs at all. They bought a doggie day care, grooming make it so easy.”

Ranger’s Sniffs Opportunity

“We are a bit controversial, but I think that contributes to our success.”

With three destination bars within blocks of each other in Ybor City, Donahue says expansion for FEG

“I give our clients the credit for our success,” says Merrifeild.

After receiving a BA in environmental biology from Loch Haven University in Pennsylvania, Merrifield went to work as a dolphin and sea lion trainer at Marineland in St. Augustine. He went on to a job as animal behavior supervisor at the Jacksonville Zoo before signing on as head curator at the St. Maarten Zoo. He’s also worked with a veritable menagerie of animals—porcupines, skunks, snakes, orangutans, chimps, horses—at Universal Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

He was helping out at the small dog-sitting business when the owner decided he wanted out after 9/11.

“He gave Mike and I a great opportunity to buy the shop,” Merrifield says.

Fried also had a background with animals, helping out with his grandfather’s veterinary business throughout his childhood in Oklahoma.

“The work never ends,” Fried laughs. “I swore I’d never do it.”

On their first date, Fried had an allergic reaction to Merrifield’s cats and had to run home to get his inhaler. But their skills meshed, and the opportunity to build a business together appealed to him.

“I knew what it took,” Fried says.

“I knew it would be a farmer’s life.”

In fact while they build out their new space, both Fried and Merrifield have been working 60 to 90-hour weeks. They also pour most revenues back into the business.

“We’d both rather invest in ourselves than the stock market or anything else,” says Merrifield. “You know what you’re getting.”

They spent a year-and-a half scouting for their new location, and capitalized on the downturn in the economy by holding out for reduced rent. But in return they signed a tenyear lease, and they have ambitious plans for the site.

The 3,200 sq. ft. indoor dog park features synthetic “canine grass” that has been raised to accommodate an innovative indoor flushing system.

Future projects include solar panels and a methane generator fueled by, what else, dog poop.

Fried and Merrifield agree that the key ingredients to success in this economy are a clear vision, a ruthlessly honest business plan, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the business succeed.

“We knew before we opened this facility that we’d both be here every day for the first year,” says Merrifield. “But it’s good. It’s a labor of love… and its ours.” | l |

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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watermark | transitions

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

Parliament House Graphic Designer / Public Relations / Club Promoter / Super Nice Guy Drew Sizemore turns 35 on Aug. 7.

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Orlando marketing professional Kevin Thornton and actor and Disney cast member Kevin Kelly celebrate their fifth anniversary on Aug. 16.

Local Birthdays Sky 60-Niners slugger Donnie McCammon (Aug. 4); Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Mike Eghbal, St. Petersburg java flinger and Starbucks supervisor Mark Mercado, Tampa scuba diver and beach fan Nick Walters and Metro City Realtor Eric Rollings (Aug.5); Hillsborough County ally and State Representative candidate Russell Patterson, Orlando designer and Project Runway alum Jesse LeNoir and GaYbor District Coalition board member Rich Kerin (Aug.6); Tampa showgirl and laser professional Jamie Cole and Parliament House jack-of-all-trades Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital manager Victor Daza, St. Petersburg doc Kush Patel and Orlando softball champion and bowling superstar Scott Dunkle (Aug. 8); Numbers-cruncher Rose Gamba (Aug. 9); Hospice of Florida chaplain Randall Forshee, St. Petersburg activist Karen Murray and Largo beautician Jay Berwanger (Aug. 10);St. Petersburg’s Equality Florida spokesman Brian Winfield and St. Petersburg spiritual leader Fred Baldwin (Aug. 11); Rotten S’more Shiala Morales (Aug. 12); Tampa Bay leather bear

daddy Eric Siglin and Stand Up Florida’s Bryan Arnette (Aug. 13); Regalia owner and beauty pageant emcee David Lang and Tampa performer Robyn Demornay (Aug. 14); Largo home care surgery tech Peter Leo and self-proclaimed Tampa supermodel Rodney Garris (Aug. 15); MBA technology director Craig Nordengren, St. Pete bear Jay Hartfield, and Parliament House bartender Thomas Cail (Aug. 16); Ruth Eckerd Hall Group Sales specialist Jim Nixon, jet-setting theatre buff Kenny Howard, St. Petersburg Chamber staple Steven Rodriquez, Miss Nature Coast 2010 and Flamingo star Alexis De La Mer, Plant City’s CF Produce co-owner Scott Kjeer and Orlando design consultant Will Green (Aug. 17).

Celebrity Birthdays of Past and Present Equality-loving President Barack Obama (Aug. 4); Legendary comedian Lucille Ball, pop art daddy Andy Warhol, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and half-pint beauty queen Jon Benet Ramsey (Aug. 6); sweaty anti-crack diva Whitney Houston (Aug. 9); Channel 1 Releasing porn god Adam Killian (Aug. 12) Linebacker-sized TV chef Julia Child and Melissa Etheridge’s baby daddy David Crosby (Aug. 14); small-screen Grace Debra Messing (Aug. 15); fit Material Mama and hubby collector Madonna and muscle-bound Tina Turner portrayer Angela Bassett (Aug. 16); bawdy blond Brooklynite Mae West (Aug. 17); outspoken big-screen icon Shelley Winters (Aug. 18); former prez Bill Clinton (Aug. 19).

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

watermark | truth

dothis!

Know, but respect, boundaries ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

Dear Friendship On Fire, First of all, Martina gets a double fault on the loose lips. And it’s a shade infuriating that she would try to convince you of why it’s a relief. That’s garden variety excuse-making for her error in judgment. Whatever the outcome of her chatterboxing, it wasn’t her decision to make. So boo on her. Your letter is filled with questions I’d rather answer, such as why your family isn’t speaking with you after this disclosure, and the wisdom of keeping an important piece of information from nearly everyone in your life (and then choosing a blabbermouth as one of the people you do entrust with the 411). But alas, you’re asking about what to do about Martina. Here comes the Truth: Look, she didn’t tell a lie about you, or disparage you in any way, and there was clearly no malice involved. I’d take this opportunity to explain to her the boundaries of respectful friendship, and then I’d forgive her.

Dear Truth, My girlfriend Joanna and I have been together for over two-and-a-half years, and she recently admitted that she fooled around with a mutual friend about six months after we started dating. At the time, we were in the middle of a huge fight, but I’m certain there was never a question that we were still together. I have always feared that Joanna would cheat on me since she flirts with everyone; plus, my last girlfriend cheated on me, too. Since we met, I have repeatedly asked Joanna whether she fooled around with anyone else and she always said “no,” but I always had my doubts.

Now that my fears have been confirmed, I don’t think I can forgive her (even though I still love her). I know she regrets it, but her repeated denials and deception make it hard for me to believe anything she says. What should I do?

—Wish I Wasn’t Right

Dear Truth, am a 29-year-old gay man living near Orlando, and I have been single for about five years. About three years ago, I found out that I was HIV-positive.

I chose not to reveal my status to my family because they are very conservative Catholics (we’ve never discussed my being gay) and I’m sure it would have affected my relationship with them. I also didn’t tell most of my friends since my parents live nearby and we all hang out together, and I didn’t want it to slip out by mistake.

Take this opportunity Sure enough, Dear Wasn’t Right, to explain to her my best friend Her denials the boundaries Martina said were only repeated something about because you kept of respectful my status to asking. And as the friendship, and then my sister at my way you’ve signed parents’ 4th of your letter implies I’d forgive her.

July picnic. Now you know, you get the whole family no reward for being knows and half of right in this situation. them aren’t talking to me. I am furious On one hand, it would be easy to say that with Martina, but she says it was an because of your romantic history, you’re honest mistake and I should be relieved a little paranoid about people cheating that they finally know. She wants to try on you. But as you’ve discovered, being and “fix” our friendship, and our other paranoid isn’t the same thing as being friends tell me I should forgive her. I wrong. just can’t believe she would do this! How While I think that not ‘believing should I handle this? anything she says’ is an extreme reaction —En Fuego in Fern Park to a deception that happened 18 months

I

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

51

ago, I also get the sense that this is something that you’re going to have a great deal of trouble dealing with. If you do decide to stay, you’re going to have to find a way to put this behind you (this is a situation screaming out for couples’ therapy, by the way). If you can’t genuinely forgive her and trust her again, your relationship is built on quicksand and will inevitably cave in. You say you love her and I believe you. But to be with her you have to forgive her and trust her again. A therapist could help, but the emotional heavy lifting will still be yours to do. Best of luck. | l |

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watermark | sports

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

Out wrestler seeks spot on 2012 Olympic team wire report College Park, Md. | Akil Patterson has a vision in mind. It’s not exactly confined to sports.

“Can we talk while I do this?’’ the Frederick High graduate asks as he climbs on exercise bike on a recent morning in the University of Maryland’s red-trimmed wrestling room.

Patterson, 28, is hoping to land a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team as a GrecoRoman heavyweight. That’s why he trains seven days a week and travels the country looking for training partners, some more high profile than others. They’re not exactly easy to find for someone who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 280 pounds.

This is about as happy as Patterson has been in his life. He says his binge drinking days are over. He no longer has scrapes with the law. And, in the last year, he has publicly come out as gay, a brave thing to do, especially in a sport such as wrestling.

“It’s just what he believes in. It’s just how he feels. It doesn’t make him different from anybody else. He is still the same person,’’ says Spencer Myers, a regular training partner for Patterson who placed sixth in the nation

as a heavyweight and true freshman for Maryland last season.

But Myers has witnessed first-hand that not everyone feels that way. He said some wrestlers have been standoffish toward Patterson California University of since his revelation Pennsylvania wrestler Akil Patterson hopes to become and a few have the first openly gay wrestler refused to wrestle on the 2012 American him.

Olympic team.

“They don’t know what to think or what to expect,” Myers says. “They are not sure what’s going on.’’

That’s why a spot on the Olympic team would mean far more to Patterson than the chance to represent his country.

He is interested in breaking down doors and shattering stereotypes, as well as creating opportunities, for those like him.

Patterson knows he’s not the only athlete to compete in sports like football and wrestling who was scared to admit who they are.

He works as a youth advocate and answers letters from other gay athletes seeking advice.

“I know I change lives because when a mother calls you and says, ‘Thank you for saving my son or my daughter,’ that’s pretty special,’’ he says.

Patterson never had such support to lean on when he made his decision to come out.

He said he learned who his true friends were when he disclosed his tightly held secret. He no longer felt burdened by the life he was leading.

After leaving Maryland in the fall of 2003 following an indefinite suspension from the football team for violating a team rule, he went to California University of Pennsylvania, where he played two years of football and earned a degree in sports marketing.

He returned to College Park to take an unpaid position with the Terrapin Wrestling Club.

CFSL to host Sunday Funday for fall ratings staff report The central Florida Softball League in Orlando is preparing for the upcoming fall season. The NAGAAA-affiliated league will hold its annual Sunday Funday where new players can practice and receive ratings to be placed on the appropriate teams.

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The former state champion for Frederick High does everything from sparring with other wrestlers to clerical work in the club’s office.

He knows his odds of making the Olympic team are long. There is one spot for a heavyweight and Patterson currently sits on the fringe of the top 10 in the latest rankings for USA Wrestling.

But he is still highly motivated by the opportunity and the breakthrough it would represent.

Patterson would need to win a qualifying tournament in December and then earn the spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials on April 21-22 in Iowa City.

“Ultimately, the most important thing for me is the change and the drive that it’s given me in my life. I now have a goal,’’ he says. ``I want to reach a higher level than I ever thought was possible.’’ | l |

The CFSL will hold its ratings day on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Fairview Park, 2200 Lee Rd., in Orlando. The day is open to softball players of all skill levels and all participants are welcome to join the teams for a free barbecue.

For details and more information, visit CFSLeague.org. | l |

classifieds | watermark

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Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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watermark | gossip

| Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011

billymasters

54

“I put it on him. Someone had to show him, you know.”

—Alexander Skarsgård talks about helping co-star Joseph Manganiello put on his first “cock sock”—a piece of clothing to protect a male actor’s modesty. And it’s always fun when you get others involved.

U Plenty to sweat over this summer Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

sually I save the more salacious items for the end of the column. But I’m going to hit you with some nudity right off the bat. I’ve had a long-running Facebook flirtation with Stefan Pinto, who you may recognize from TV and print items that documented his amazing transformation from a big fat pig to someone with one of the most enviable physiques around. He has a website, StefanPinto.com, where he gives workout and nutrition advice in addition to selling his book, From Fat To Fit. Stefan told me that he’s currently in the play Lavender Love at West Hollywood’s Macha Theatre in the role of Rudolph Valentino. Stefan’s smoldering good looks actually surpass those of the legendary Latin lover. I told him to send me some details and I’d be happy to plug him...as it were.

Moments later, I click on my e-mail and boom, I’m knocked out by a semi-hard penis jutting out from his spectacular nude body. Now I wish I were flying back to LA! Alas, his penis does not appear onstage.

Recently the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys tour caused some tongues to wag in Los Angeles. The first bit of excitement occurred when former “Boy” Kevin Richardson joined his band mates for “I Want It That Way.” Next thing you know, they’ll bring out Phoenix Stone (someone

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only Lou Pearlman and I continue to think about). When they got to “I’ll Never Break Your Heart,” each boy brought someone on stage to serenade. AJ McLean brought out a guy! As it turns out, the gent in question is one of AJ’s best friends, Mark. Nonetheless, a touching little moment.

You’d think we’d be done with hot guys, but we’re not. They’re just getting more obscure. For instance, how many of you know Ryan Vieth? No one? What if I told you he’s the son of Tamra Barney. Ringing any bells?

Me neither. But apparently Tamra is on The Real Housewives of Orange County—and of course we all remember my guest-starring role on the “Atlanta” edition. That said, I’ve never seen Ryan before. But once again, I have a hot Duncan James, the former Blue band member, is stranger showing me his penis. In this case, making a name for himself on the Broadway stage. he didn’t send it to me directly. He’s one of a growing number of men who like to take nude photos of themselves with their iPhone—and Wade is talking about, I think I can identify it I say, “God Bless Apple”! First he took a as yet another one of those semi-nude photos shirtless photo in a mirror. Then he grabbed that men take in mirrors with their iPhones onto his penis for dear life and snagged a (again, God Bless Apple). James says he snap of it...for reasons we don’t completely sent the snap to a friend “who is quite fat... understand. After all, it’s been pretty much so he could pretend he’d got really fit. It must proven that women don’t care for these types have got into the wrong hands via Twitter.” of photos. But I know you do, which is why That’s one excuse. To me, it looks more like you can find it on BillyMasters.com. a photo someone would post on Manhunt or Our “Ask Billy” question comes from any number of sites used to cruise for sex.

Wade in Houston who asks: “Who is Duncan Regardless, I’m just glad I saw it.

James? I saw a really hot pic of him online Lastly, let’s file this one under “Strange and he’s called a ‘singer,’ but I’ve never heard Bedfellows.” Recently, openly gay Hollywood of him. He’s gorgeous.” power players Dustin Lance Black Duncan James was a member of the and Gus Van Sant were spotted British boyband Blue—and they were dining at Bottega Louie in huge for about three years. After their LA. Nothing strange about breakup, several of the lads (including that—the two have been James) released solo albums. But friends and colleagues long Duncan transitioned to musical theatre, before collaborating on Milk. appearing in the West End production But, wait, there was a third of Chicago. This impressed people seat at the table. Enter Taylor enough to cast him as the male lead Lautner—so apparently chicken Lautner in Legally Blonde— Blonde—which I was on the menu. Certainly did see, and found him this dinner could have been to be charismatic and, completely professional obviously, gorgeous. and innocent. It’s As to his personal also possible that life, he is the father at some point the to a little girl who question of posing he had with a nude came up and girlfriend back someone whipped in 2005. But out a camera. The since then, possibilities are he’s come out endless. as bisexual: When I’m “I want to picturing Taylor be out and sprawled out on say I’ve had a dessert cart relationships ambé), (possibly flambé with men it’s definitely time as well as to end yet another The not-so-shy author of From Fat To women.”

Fit, Stefan Pinto, is currently playing column. Until next Latin lover Rudolph Valentino on Because that’s time, remember, one stage in Lavender Love. what the British man’s filth is another do. As to the photo man’s bible. | l |

Aug. 4 - Aug. 17, 2011 |

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