Watermark Issue 19.02: Alisa Summers // Winter Arts Guide

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 19.02 • JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRY

PLUS

OUR ANNUAL WINTER ARTS GUIDE

BEGINS

IN ORLANDO; Can the trend continue in Tampa Bay?

DOES SHE Tampa’s Alisa Summers can’t say, but shares she’s the cocky one on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race

?

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 9 // ORLANDO NEWS 13 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 16 // STATE 18 // NATION & WORLD 27 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 31 // ARTS LISTINGS 39 // EVENT PLANNER 41 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 43 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 44 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 45 // SPORTS 46 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 53 // ADVICE 54 // GALLERY W

PAGE

09

If you are true to yourself,

people will understand that and people will support you.

—GINA DUNCAN, ON HER BID FOR ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONER.

ON THE COVER

Tampa Bay performer Alisa Summers is a contestant in Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, premiering Jan. 20 on Logo. She is one of two Florida performers competing in this season of the popular reality competition.

Preview

PAGE

31

Winter Arts: As cooler temperatures settle in Florida we take a look

at the hot offers in theaters, concert halls and art houses throughout the area.

W A T E R M A R K I S S U E 1 9 . 0 2 // J A N U A R Y 1 9 - F E B R U A R Y 1 , 2 0 1 2

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

SPORTS

GALLERY W

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

In addition to a Web site with daily LGBT updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

PAGE Orange County mayor

09

Teresa Jacobs seems to be re-warming to the idea of a countywide domestic partner registry, making area activists happy; Gina Duncan enters county commission race; more.

PAGE Following the success

13

of Orlando’s domestic partnership registry, Tampa Bay activists hope to organize and bring similar programs to their cities; TIGLFF names new executive director; more.

PAGE Tampa Bay-based softball

45

teams took most of the trophies at the annual Orlando Meltdown tournament the weekend of Jan. 14; The 2012 Australian Open puts a spotlight on LGBT rights; more.

PAGE Many LGBT couples

up to register as 54 lined domestic partners Jan. 12

and we were there to capture the celebrations.

TAMPA BAY’S BIG GANCHO DANCE PARTY IS COMING GASPARILLA WEEKEND AND YOU CAN WIN TICKETS AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM. JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR An inspirational figure

• Board Certified Optometrist • Eye Exams and Contact Lenses • Most Vision Plans Accepted • Serving our community for over 16 years

I was thrilled to see Largo Commissioner Michael Smith on the cover of Watermark [Issue 19.01] and to have the opportunity to learn more about him.

I’ve never had the chance to meet Commissioner Smith but followed his race in Largo closely. Learning about his disability (dyslexia) and that he was so newly out of the closet, yet him accomplishing so much at a young age, is inspiring.

While he may be Largo’s �irst gay commissioner, it’s evident there is so much more to this man than just his sexuality. Largo has a messy history, but it now feels like we’ve turned the page and I’m happy to say I’m a resident here.

NICK SOMMERS LARGO

Kudos on the new look I just saw the redesigned Watermark. Nicely done! Great look. Well organized. Kudos to all involved.

As a longtime reader since Watermark �irst started publishing, and as a copy and design editor with the Orlando Sentinel, I have one quibble, however. The Watermark Staff listings are dif�icult to read, speci�ically

6

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

“Largo has a messy history, but it now feels like we’ve turned the page and I’m happy to say I’m a resident here.”

—NICK SOMMERS

the small-point lightface type in reverse.

RON BUSH ORLANDO Editor’s Note: We have re-examined the staff listings and hope our new design in this issue has rectified the problem.

People are responding Thanks for your article on the Orange County domestic partnership registry. It was right on target and people are responding!

MARY MEEKS ORLANDO

Thank you Thank you for the birthday acknowledgement.

I am honored to be so well regarded and will treasure this until my passing day!!!

BOBBY YORK ST. PETERSBURG

Not fit to lead Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, both of whom have pledged to amend the constitution to ban marriage

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for gay couples, keep the failed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy and oppose basic workplace protections for LGBT people, are not �it to lead. Their showings in Iowa this month only further draws a distinction between their plans to turn back the clock on equality and President Obama’s demonstrated commitment to making the lives of LGBT people better.

The anti-LGBT positions shared by these candidates will not serve them well in a general election. By a strong majority, Americans support LGBT equality. Governor Romney may have tried to seem like a moderate on LGBT issues when in Massachusetts, but it’s clear through the campaign he’s run for President that he is no friend to LGBT Americans.

Further, Senator Santorum is only exemplary in that no other candidate has made opposing basic rights for LGBT Americans such a guiding principle of his or her public life.

JOE SALMONESE PRESIDENT, HRC

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

“W

Desk

HY DO YOU FEEL HE IS A

CHRISTIAN TALIBAN? He has a genuine relationship with the Lord and is pro-family.”

That was part of the argument shared with me by a straight, married, Christian friend of mine when I mentioned my increasing fear of Rick Santorum. I referred to the former senator as promoting a “Christian Taliban” after his ongoing campaign speeches endorsed “Judeo-Christian values based on biblical truth.” Of course, the notoriously anti-gay Republican candidate was referring to his opposition to same-sex marriage and its “un-biblical” place in society.

His anti-gay fodder is no longer just fuel for Weekend Update segments and commentary on The Daily Show.

It has gained more momentum thanks to his virtual tie with Mitt

WATERMARK STAFF

Romney in the Iowa Caucus. The walking, talking version of the satirical Onion and ChristWire is now gaining serious attention.

While I respect and genuinely like the man who said the above statement about Santorum, I couldn’t disagree with him more. I would rather have a single, atheist president who understands budgets, job creation and the importance of civil rights than a self-righteous Christian who refers to ancient texts when it comes to governing my country. A candidate’s faith is as important to me as his or her favorite color.

My friend continued to say that the Constitution of the United States

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was based on biblical law and that taking God out of the equation isn’t the answer for our country. He added that it’s his God that should remain in the equation, not the god of that Mormon guy Romney, who should be feared for his crazy beliefs.

So if I understand right, the beliefs of a guy wanting to use a two thousand-year-old text to govern today’s modern society is less crazy than a guy who believes the same text, but incorporates an American character into the arcing story? “[Biblical truths] don’t change just because people’s attitudes may change,” Santorum says, on video, while referencing the growing support for same-sex marriage rights in this country. He goes on to make it clear that blending biblical law with civil law would be his answer, as president, to healing our ailing country.

For many social conservatives, that sounds like the perfect �ix—although Santorum’s dated views seem to be slowing his post-Iowa momentum.

It could be because Santorum is constantly ignoring those other passages in the Bible condemning everything from mixed-�iber shirts and “unclean, menstruating women” to the promotion of slavery.

If Santorum or other social

conservatives truly wanted to follow the Bible to the letter, they would lead very different lives. But by hand-picking which passages have merit, they undermine their own belief system.

Every anti-gay Bible basher quotes Leviticus when referencing the evils of a “man lying with a man,” yet they seem to forget the same Old Testament book outlaws the eating of shell�ish.

You can’t have it both ways.

Either you are a true believer in all that the Bible says or not. You can’t choose to reference it to outlaw same-sex marriage and then ignore it when you’re on your way to dine on all-you-can-eat crab legs at Red Lobster.

As of press time, it looks like Santorum’s chances of becoming the 2012 GOP presidential candidate are pretty slim. But whether he is supported by 50% or 5% of conservatives brings one terrifying truth to light: there are thousands out there who agree with his skewed views.

The Bible—or any other religious text—does not and should not be used to determine today’s laws. It doesn’t work; just look at the Middle East.

And using the Bible as a political prop to pit one segment of society against another is no different than using the Koran to justify the bombing of a Christian daycare.

It doesn’t make sense and religious doctrine in our laws is the last thing we need.

The translation of “Taliban” is “student,” and as a student of Christianity with extreme views, Santorum �its the de�inition. And that’s why my fears are justi�ied. |  |

You can’t choose to reference the Bible to outlaw same-sex marriage and then ignore it when you’re on your way to dine on all-you-caneat crab legs at Red Lobster.

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

CONTRIBUTORS REV. PHYLLIS HUNT

is the senior pastor of Tampa Metropolitan Community Church and is an LGBT rights activist. She lives in Tampa with her partner. PAGE 21

DAVID MORAN

is the LGBTQ Services Graduate Coordinator at the University of South Florida in Orlando, where he studied Emerging Media. PAGE 9

GREG STEMM

lives and works in Gulfport, Fla., just outside St. Petersburg. He is a former board member of St. Pete Pride and has done freelance work for numerous publications.

PAGE 36

Greg Burton, Erik Caban, Scottie Campbell, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Billy Masters, Mary Meeks, Scott Manning, Stephen Miller, Margaret Nolan, Anthony Paull, Greg Stemm, Louanne Walters

PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, Tom Eckert

DISTRIBUTION Debbie Oliver, Phil Garris, Ken Caraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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NEWS

domestic partner registry at a town hall meeting Jan. 9. | Photo by David Moran

Back on Track A domestic partner registry for Orange County appears to be in the works Jamie Hyman & David Moran

JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM DAVID@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

I

t appears that Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs is re-warming to the idea of a countywide domestic partner registry.

Jacobs sent LGBT activists into a �lurry of strategy and targeted communications when in an impromptu press conference Jan. 9, she proposed an alternate to the domestic partner registry—a downloadable form that would allow any individual to assign any resident—gay or straight—to make their important medical, end-of-life, and other decisions.

LGBT activists viewed this as Jacobs’ going back on her promise to truly weigh the registry option by proposing a much weaker system.

They organized during a town hall meeting Jan. 9, with plans for letters, emails and phone calls to Mayor Jacobs, telling her why the registry is important.

In an interview with Orlando

Duncan makes historic bid for County Commissioner Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Steve Triggs, spokesman for the mayor’s of�ice, said in an email to Watermark that the mayor will continue to research the issue, and she has meetings with Sentinel blogger David Damron, stakeholders, such as funeral homes, which Damron published Jan. and representatives from the gay 13, Jacobs said any county-based community scheduled. registry system would likely require “Contrary to what some have an ordinance. reported, she remains open to the “I want to make sure that if I idea of an ordinance and some form adopt something, it does something of registry and plans to bring the meaningful and worthwhile,” Jacobs matter to the County Commission told the Orlando Sentinel. “At this for discussion in the coming weeks,” point, based on the level of research Triggs wrote. that we’ve conducted, the ordinance “We give her a huge amount of would be helpful.” credit for looking past the media Mary Meeks, attorney, LGBT �irestorm in the past week and focusing on what’s important to the people of Orange County,” Meeks said. “We look forward to working with —MAYORAL SPOKESMAN STEVE TRIGGS her to craft the actual policy and activist and Orlando Antihopefully get it before the board Discrimination Ordinance within a couple of months.”

Committee (OADO) member, said There’s a key meeting between the mayor’s words put the county Jacobs and LGBT leaders set for Jan. registry “back on track.”

26.

“An ordinance is what makes “We’re willing to wait for Mayor it a registry, and without that, it’s Jacobs to tell us where to go from something else,” Meeks said. “Saying here,” Meeks said.

[Jacobs] is going to do an ordinance For more on Orlando’s DPR, see means she’s going to do a registry.”

Page 10. |  |

Contrary to what some have reported, she remains open to the idea of an ordinance.

Gina Duncan

orlando

ACTIVE ACTIVIST: Attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks addressed 100-plus people about the importance of a countywide

O

RLANDO | Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) president Gina Duncan is making history as the �irst transgender candidate to run for the Orange County Commission.

On Jan. 6, Duncan �iled with the Supervisor of Elections to run for the District 5 seat. She said she has considered a run for of�ice for the past year, while ful�illing her role as head of the MBA. “I have been interacting with so many business owners and major corporations, and it showed me there’s a need for new voice in Orange County government,” Duncan said. “Someone who knows how to create a welcoming environment to attract corporations.”

Her primary initiatives are job creation, responsible development and an improved quality of life through an economically inclusive environment. If elected, Duncan said she’d hold a monthly town hall meeting in different areas of District 5 to increase the visibility of the of�ice.

Additionally, she said her work through the MBA has also exposed her to a lack of support for the self-employed and one of her goals in of�ice would be to increase small business lending. Duncan brings to the table 30 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry.

Duncan said that as an out transgender woman, she’s “absolutely” prepared for the increased exposure a political campaign would bring.

“I bring to the table a unique life journey that has given me a broader perspective, a great number of things which have prepared me for this run for county commissioner,” she said. “If you are true to yourself, people will understand that and people will support you.”

She said her family is also supportive of her campaign.

Duncan has two grown children.

Duncan is running against incumbent Ted Edwards, who was elected to the seat in 2010. The primary election is Aug. 14, with the general election set for Nov. 6. District 5 covers the northeast corner of the county, including much of Mills Ave. north of Colonial. |  |

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

9

orlando NEWS

ORLANDO DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY BY THE NUMBERS On Jan. 12, Orlando became the �irst city in Central Florida to recognize same-sex couples via a domestic partner registry.

“We welcome all of our citizens equally,” said Orlando Mayor Tom Dyer. “Orlando has a signi�icant GLBT community that is a huge party of the success of our community and we want to embrace them.”

Since the registry of�icially began, couples—both gay and straight—have been �iling into city hall to have their partnerships of�icially recognized. Once registered, couples receive a certi�icate and two laminated cards from the city clerk. The documents identify them as domestic partners.

110 29 $ 30 62 7 total number of couples who have made appointments since the registry began 1/12 Cost for a basic domestic partner registration

Number of couples registered the first day the registry became available Total number of couples registered as domestic partners, as of press time

Number of city commissioners who voted in favor of the domestic partner registry Dec. 12— the ordinance was approved unanimously

IN OTHER NEWS MBA TO HIRE FULL-TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) will soon seek an executive director. MBA leadership will evaluate what is necessary to get an executive director in place starting the second quarter of this year. The position will be further defined as part of that process and the director’s salary will be funded through MBA memberships.

UCF CREATES TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP The University of Central Florida (UCF) has created a transgender support group. It meets Thursdays from 1:303 p.m. in the counseling building. In order to participate, individuals must sign up for a screening with facilitators at the UCF Counseling Center. UCF also offers a LGBTQ Grown and Empowerment group.

10

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Witnesses: FAMU student’s sexuality could have made him a target Wire report

ORLANDO | The parents of a Florida A&M band member who died after a hazing ritual last November said they will sue the company that owns the bus where the hazing took place.

Robert Champion’s parents and their attorney told said that the bus company’s negligence contributed to his death as band members were allowed to get back on the bus to conduct hazing rituals after they had returned to an Orlando hotel following a football game against the school’s archrival.

Ray Land, the owner of Fabulous Coach Lines, said his staff did everything to get help once they were noti�ied there was a problem.

Land said in December that the bus’ driver was helping students unload their instruments when Champion collapsed.

“The bus company has some liability,’’ the Champions’ attorney, Christopher Chestnut, said. “They knew or should have known that hazing was occurring on the bus.’’

An autopsy ruled Champion’s death a homicide. It concluded Champion suffered blunt trauma blows to his body and died from shock caused by severe bleeding.

Witnesses have told Champion’s parents that the 26-year-old drum major may have been targeted

for severe hazing because of his opposition to the marching band’s culture of hazing. Other witnesses have told them Champion being gay, and the fact that he was a candidate for chief drum major, also may have played roles. They believe it was the �irst time he was hazed.

“The main reason that we heard is because he was against hazing, and he was totally against it,’’ Champion’s father, Robert Champion Sr. said.

But the Champions and their attorney said they are uncertain how or why Champion was on the bus since it was well known that hazing rituals were organized on the bus by a group of band members known as “Bus C’’ after the Florida Classic football game against archrival Bethune-Cookman University. Band members, mainly percussionists, would return from the game, drop their gear off in their hotel rooms and return to the bus to haze others who wanted to be indoctrinated into the organization, Chestnut said.

Robert Champion Sr., and his wife, Pam, discount homophobia as a major motive in their son’s hazing since other band members had known about his sexual orientation for years and had never bothered him about it.

“His sexual orientation was not something he was de�ined by,’’ Chestnut said. “He was more de�ined

by music. This was not something that he quote, unquote `advertised.’

It was a part of who he was.’’

The Champions are unable to �ile a lawsuit against FAMU for another several months because of state law setting up procedures for suing public entities. Suing the bus company will allow the Champions’ attorneys to depose witnesses and gather documents, Chestnut said.

Orange County detectives and Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents are investigating Champion’s death.

Any death involving hazing is a third-degree felony in Florida, but no charges have been �iled so far in this case. In a separate case, three band members were arrested in the Oct. 31 beating of a woman band member whose thigh bone was broken.

Band director Julian White was initially �ired by FAMU President James Ammons, then re-instated and put on administrative leave.

Four students dismissed by the university were also reinstated while authorities work on the investigation.

Trustees have reprimanded Ammons, but the board rejected Gov. Rick Scott’s recommendation that he also be placed on administrative leave. |  |

in Christ and that we will spend eternity together,” Chambers said in his opening remarks according to ExGayWatch.com. “Because of that, the thing that brought me here �irst and foremost is: We’re Christians, all of us. We may have diverging viewpoints … but the thing that brings us together, the thing that causes us to even want to have this dialogue, or need to have this dialogue, is the fact that we all love Jesus. We all serve Him. We serve the very same God and believe very different things.”

While he reportedly received applause for his comments, many in attendance were unhappy that a believer in ex-gay therapy was allowed to participate in a

conference geared at strengthening the faith of LGBT Christians.

“He never discussed or apologized for the damage that Exodus International or other exgay therapy groups have caused,” said one attendee, who did not want to be identi�ied. “I agree with him that we are all Christians, but the whole point of being a Christian is to spread love, not disdain. I was disappointed he was invited to join a panel.”

Organizers of the GCN said that the event Chambers participated in was not required of attendees and that they were hopeful that a panel of “diverse opinions” helped make the conference more interesting. |  |

Exodus International president speaks at Gay Christian Conference Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

ORLANDO | Several hundred LGBT Christians participated in the Gay Christian Network Conference Jan. 6-8 and were surprised to see that Exodus International president Alan Chambers was among those scheduled to speak.

Exodus International is an “ex-gay” group that teaches gay men and women can reclaim their heterosexuality through therapy and prayer.

“I honestly trust [GCN leader Justin Lee], and I honestly like him, and I honestly believe that he loves Jesus and that we are brothers

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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“Gulfport is our home. We are active in our community and love the feeling of inclusiveness that Gulfport provides. It’s true that you can be yourself here, and be valued as the individual you are.”

Mike and Daniel

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3030 First Ave North St. Petersburg, FL 33713 M-F: 9:00-5:30 ph: 727.322.5200, fax: 727.322.5288

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• Upcoming Events • Bark For Life! and Doggie Parade

at the Gulfport Recreation Center Waterfront Saturday, January 21st, 2 pm to 6 pm

Third Saturday Art Walk

Saturday, January 21st, 6 pm to 10 pm

Fresh Market

Tuesdays, Jan. 24th and 31st, 9 am to 3 pm

Our Village is Your Village!

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

First Friday Art Walk

Friday, February 3rd, 6 pm to 10 pm

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NEWS

New home offers more exposure for St. Pete Pride Steve Blanchard

STAGE FOR CHANGE?: Grassroots organizers hope that one day St. Petersburg City Hall will be a place where domestic partners can register.

Will Tampa Bay get domestic partnership registration?

As the program begins in Orlando, many in Tampa Bay await their turn Steve Blanchard

EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA BAY |As Tampa Bay residents cheer for their LGBT brothers and sisters in Orlando celebrating that city’s newly implemented Domestic Partnership Registry, many here are wondering when similar protections will arrive in the western part of the state.

The registry in Orlando protects unmarried couples—gay and straight—concerning hospital visitation, funeral arrangements and more. (For full coverage in Orlando, see page 9.)

Currently, no cities in Tampa Bay offer such registries, and many residents in the area are watching Orlando with pride—and plenty of envy.

“I think that Tampa and St. Petersburg are de�initely places where activists and advocates can get domestic partnership registries started,” said Joe Saunders, state �ield director with Equality Florida.

“We’ve heard from people on the ground in Tampa Bay and what

St. Petersburg Police Department offers domestic partnership bene�its to same-sex and oppositesex unmarried partners on the force. In 2008, the Pinellas County they’ve seen in Orlando �ires them Commission extended its Human up.”

Rights Ordinance to protect gay and Saunders added that other lesbian residents. communities are inspired by But not even a mention of a the changes in Orlando and the domestic partnership registry has continuing battle in Orange County, been presented. but is quick to share that change “It is something I support and takes time.

I don’t need to be convinced it’s a “It doesn’t help to put a time good thing,” said St. Petersburg City stamp on it,” Saunders explained.

Councilman Steve Kornell. “It’s a “The theme of my experience in great idea, we just need to �igure out this �ield is sometimes we have how to make it happen.” the wrong expectations and Tampa has a long history of being LGBTfriendly, thanks to the work of former mayor Pam Iorio and the continuing support of —STEVE KORNELL, ST. PETERSBURG CITY COUNCILMAN Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The assumptions. For example, �ive years city offers domestic partnership ago I never would have thought bene�its to its employees. But the the City of St. Cloud would create more conservative Hillsborough domestic partnership bene�its for County seems much cooler to its employees. But they did it and the idea of inclusion. In fact, that Osceola County did it. We can’t time county’s commission voted in 1995 things, but we need to put teams in to eliminate protections for gays and place to change public policy.” lesbians in 1995, just a year after In St. Petersburg, there have been strives toward equality. The Continued on page 14 |  |

“It is something I support and I don’t need to be convinced it’s a good thing,”

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

tampa bay

S

T. PETERSBURG | St. Pete Pride is starting of its historic 10th year with a new home and a new mission that work hand in hand—to increase its exposure in the community.

According to executive director Chris Rudisill, the of�ices of St. Pete Pride relocated from the third �loor of the King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church to Suite 125 of the new Metro Wellness and Community Center on 3rd Avenue North this month.

“This space is great for the community and it really provides a much needed community center for various events and programming,” Rudisill said about the Metro Center, which opened in November. “We had a great stay at King of Peace and continue to have a great relationship with them.”

The new location, however, is more centrally located and more accessible to the public. Rudisill said he hopes to announce of�ice hours by Jan. 17 so the public can visit the of�ices to purchase Pride merchandise or to sign up for volunteer opportunities in 2012.

“There’s a much more direct connection with the community at this space,” Rudisill said. “Jan. 12 will be our �irst of�icial board meeting in our new home and we’re looking forward to celebrating that.”

Rudisill said that he and the St. Pete Pride board have worked closely with Metro Centers’ executive director Lorraine Langlois on the move and that her vision for the space helped convince the board to relocate the of�ice.

“Lorraine has a great vision for this community center and really sees the importance of Pride being a part of that vision,” Rudisill said. “We want people to know we’re a community-based organization made up of volunteers and we’re always looking for more volunteers and ideas from the community.”

Metro and St. Pete Pride plan to partner on several events this year and utilize the space of the new building, which features a large community room that will no doubt be home to several of�icial St. Pete Pride events, Rudisill pointed out.

St. Pete Pride 2012 is on Saturday, June 30, in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg. This year’s 10th anniversary theme is “Carnivale,” and Rudisill said the board has some exciting announcements to make over the next few months.

“It’s a celebratory year for us and the theme ‘Carnivale’ re�lects that,” he said.

The Metro Wellness and Community Center is located at 3251 3rd Ave. N. While St. Pete Pride’s physical location has changed, its phone number remains the same. To reach Pride, call 727-279-LGBT (5428) or e-mail Volunteer@StPetePride.com. |  |

13

tampa bay NEWS

|  | Tampa Bay Partner

Registry from pg.13

sexual orientation was approved for inclusion into the Human Rights Ordinance. Years later, commissioner Ronda Storms led a campaign to “ban” gay Pride events from the county.

Attempts to reach Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner for this story were unsuccessful.

Kornell, who is St. Petersburg’s �irst openly gay elected of�icial and who won re-election in November, said a domestic partnership registry speaks volumes to individuals and companies hoping to relocate.

“It says, ‘Come here, your employees will be welcome,’” Kornell said of a domestic partnership registry. “We need to get chamber people and a coalition behind this.”

Kornell added that organizations need to start a movement and present the idea of the registry to the city council or the county commission.

“Every time we do something like that, it makes the city and

county look good,” he said.

Saunders agrees.

“Cities and communities are looking around and seeing that these other areas are doing it,” he said. “That’s when they realize that if they don’t follow suit, they’ll be at a competitive disadvantage.”

Of course, in a tight economy like the current one, the �irst questions most elected leaders ask are �inancial. Saunders said communities have little to be worried about �inancially.

“There is almost no �iscal impact,” Saunders explained.

“Couples pay to register. It’s just like paying to get a marriage license. You go to city clerk, pay $30, pay for the administrative fee and the paper, and the amount a city or county has spent is extremely minimal.”

Saunders said a tight team of experienced, knowledgeable people at the core is the key to in�luencing policy makers and elected of�icials to step up and make registries happen.

“They’re seeing there’s support,” Saunders said. “And it’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.” |  |

Biddle named TIGLFF E.D. Staff Report

T

AMPA | For the �irst time in two years, the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival once again has an executive director. Board president Ken Hodges announced that longtime volunteer Larry Biddle was given the title earlier this month.

“Larry’s experience and talent has been evident during the past year as he exceeded his goals as development director,” Hodges said. “He will be a tremendous asset as he takes on this important leadership role as executive director.”

According to Hodges, Biddle has provided strategy, communication and development guidance to small businesses, nonpro�its, political and community advocacy organizations for more than 40 years. He has raised more than $350 million for nonpro�it

Michael Brill, CLU®, ChFC®

organizations and $31 million for political purposes—including the Howard Dean for President campaign.

Over the past year, Biddle has served as the director of development for TIGLFF. He lives in St. Petersburg with his partner of 20 years, Creative Loa�ing editor David Warner.

The board of TIGLFF has grown by two in 2012, Hodges added, sharing that Marisa Gonzalez and Omar Montes were recently named to the board.

“I am very excited to announce these additions to our team,” said Hodges. “These two exceptional new board members represent a broad segment of our community and will bring diversity, energy and new ideas to our organization.”

Gonzalez was born in Mount Clemens, Mich., and grew up in West Palm Beach. She studied law at Stetson University College of Law. Gonzalez has made LGBT

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Larry Biddle

issues a focus of her practice.

She lives in Clearwater with her girlfriend of seven years.

Montes works as a marketer and educator by day, and a �ilm enthusiast by night. He holds a BA degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida. He is also a local actor starring numerous stage productions throughout Tampa Bay. For more information on TIGLFF, visit TIGLFF.com. |  |

Staff Report

S

ARASOTA | One of the country’s top LGBT leaders will speak at the Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church on Feb. 5 as part of the church’s 2012 Women’s Conference.

Bishop Yvette Flunder is a popular speaker and preacher who provides over a multidenominational fellowship of more than 100 primarily AfricanAmerican Christian leaders representing 56 churches in the U.S., Arica and Mexico.

Flunder is the keynote speaker the �inal day of the conference, which runs Feb. 2-5 at the

church.

Women in church leadership from around North America will gather for training and networking on the topic of building trust within communities of faith.

Flunder founded the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in inner city San Francisco for the purpose of uniting gospel and social ministries in celebrating the inclusive love of Jesus Christ.

In addition to serving as a lecturer and adjunct professor at numerous seminaries, she authored Where the Edge Gathers: A Theology and Homiletic of Radical Inclusion. Also speaking at the conference will be Rev.

Wire Report

B Bishop Yvette Flunder

Dr. Elder Nancy Wilson, who will discuss developing trusting relationships and empowering women in leadership.

The conference is open to all women, transwomen and women who identify themselves as women who are interested in improving their leadership skills.

The community is invited to join Church of the Trinity for Sunday service Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at 7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota.

For more information, visit TrinityMCC.com. |  |

RADENTON | A home that for nearly three decade served as a destination for the local LGBT community of Manatee and Sarasota counties was lost to foreclosure this month, as owners Jon Odom and Michael Twiss turned the keys over to their mortgage company.

The couple, who moved into the iconic purple home overlooking the Manatee River, According to a story in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, Odom and Twiss had stopped paying their $260,000 mortgage in the summer of 2008, after Odom’s screen and pool cage business collapsed along with the region’s housing market.

Odom once worked under the stage name of “Miss Grace” at Harrah’s in Reno and told the paper that the “purple palace” had been a haven for friends with HIV and AIDS and single men who enjoyed group living.

The long-time couple moved into the home in 1984 and purchased it four years later for $79,000, according to county records. The couple re�inanced the home seven times as the home increased in value. Just after Thanksgiving 2011, the pair learned the bank had won judgment on the house. |  |

sarasota

Bishop Flunder is keynote speaker

Historic home lost to foreclosure

NEWS

Women’s conference arrives at Trinity

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state NEWS

‘Faces of HIV’ humanizes disease

Florida woman’s marriage ruled invalid

Wire report

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ALLAHASSEE | The Florida Department of Health has launched a statewide project to humanize the effects of HIV and AIDS. The Faces of HIV kicked off with a mobile art exhibit in Tallahassee. Next up are stops in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

The project tells the stories of Florida residents living with HIV and AIDS through captivating portraits, insightful interviews and poignant journals.

Health of�icials are hoping the stories of real people will help break long held stereotypes about the disease. The project also includes a candid on-camera interview with South Florida resident Dab Garner. Garner was diagnosed with HIV early in the epidemic when it was referred to as GRID. Watermark ran an interview with Garner in December of last year in commemoration of World AIDS Day. That interview is still available online at WatermarkOnline.com. |  | See a trailer for Faces of HIV at WatermarkOnline.com

Staff report

A

Florida woman’s samesex marriage has led to Canadian leaders closing a loophole in the country’s Civil Marriage Act. The issue came to light Jan. 12, when court documents emerged about the lesbian couple’s attempt to get a divorce. One of the women was from Florida, the other from

Britain; they were married in Canada and it was decided that they could not get a divorce because their marriage is not valid. Neither Florida nor Britain allows samegende marriages.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the clarifying legislation will not reverse the country’s stance on gay marriage. It would con�irm that same sex marriages in Canada are not valid if gay marriage is not legal in couples’ home countries.

In the case of the Florida woman’s dispute, the Justice Department also cited the Canada Divorce Act, which says any couple seeking to end a marriage in Canada must have lived there for a year.

An estimated 15,000 same-sex couples have traveled to Canada to get married since it was legalized there in 2005. Activists estimate that 5,000 of them were foreigners, many from areas that do not recognized gay marriage. |  |

$339 million in HIV prevention funding the CDC is giving to state health departments nationwide. It’s the �irst of �ive installments to be allocated over the next �ive years.

Florida received 9% of the total funding this year.

According to state health department spokeswoman Jessica

Hammonds, the money will go toward reducing new infections, educating those living with HIV and linking HIV patients to care. Some of the funds will go to county health departments where the most HIVpositive patients live.

Florida has the third-highest rate of HIV in the country. |  |

State gets $28.7 million for HIV prevention Staff report TALLAHASSEE | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given Florida’s Department of Health a $2.87 million grant to prevent the spread of HIV. The grant is Florida’s piece of

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nation+world NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS D.C. TO CONSIDER GAY DIVORCE BILL The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would let gay and lesbian couples who marry in the nation’s capital get divorced even if they no longer live in the district, provided they live somewhere that does not recognize their marriage. Under current law, one member of the divorcing couple has to live in Washington for six months before starting divorce proceedings.

ABC DITCHES ‘WORK IT’ SITCOM ABC television announced Jan. 14 that Work It, the TV comedy about two men who dress as women to look for work, is off the schedule after only two episodes aired. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation had protested the series, saying it mocked the transgender community. Work It attracted less than 5 million viewers for its second episode Jan. 10.

5 MEN ON TRIAL IN UK OVER ANTIGAY LEAFLETS Five men are on trial in Britain for allegedly distributing leaflets calling for gay people to be killed, charged under a new law that makes such actions a hate crime.

The men allegedly gave out flyers titled “The Death Penalty’’ that showed a noose and said gay people would be punished. The Crown Prosecution Service said Jan. 11 this was the first prosecution for stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation, under the law that took effect in March 2010. The maximum penalty for the crime is seven years in jail.

CARDINAL APOLOGIZES FOR LINKING PRIDE PARADE TO KKK Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George apologized for remarks comparing an annual gay rights parade to a Ku Klux Klan rally. In a Jan. 6 Chicago Tribune interview, George said he has gay and lesbian family members, and his remarks “evidently wounded a good number of people. I am sorry for the hurt.’’ George compared plans by to route a Pride parade at a time of services at a church to anti-Catholic marches once staged by the Klan.

UK SPY AGENCY NAMED AS GAYFRIENDLY EMPLOYER Britain’s domestic spy agency MI5 was ranked 62 out of 100 for being one of the country’s best employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, according to a list released Jan. 11 by the equality charity Stonewall.

Since the 2005 suicide attacks when bombers killed 52 people during London’s morning rush hour, both MI5 and MI6—Britain’s foreign spy agency—have led aggressive recruiting drives for candidates from diverse ethnic and sexual backgrounds.

CO. GOV. URGES CIVIL UNIONS Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on Jan. 12 urged lawmakers to move forward on social and financial goals this session, encouraging them to prove “cynics’’ wrong and show they can cooperate to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples and make Colorado more business-friendly. During his State of the State address, the Democratic govenor said “government should treat all people equally. It’s time to pass civil unions.”

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

NJ judge rules against church in civil union flap Wire Report

T

RENTON, N.J. | A New Jersey judge ruled Jan. 12 that a church group violated the state’s discrimination laws when it prevented a lesbian couple from holding a civil union ceremony on its property in 2007.

The dispute began when the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association stopped the couple from using its boardwalk pavilion, an area it rented out for weddings.

Judge Solomon Metzger ruled that the pavilion was a public space that advertised itself as a wedding venue without any mention of

religious preconditions. He rejected the church’s contention that the pavilion was an extension of its wedding ministry, noting that weddings had been performed at the pavilion for at least 10 years before the dispute arose and that there was no proof that couples, “particularly those that chose secular vows, or that were of other faiths, were ever told that they were participating in a ministry.’’

The church had argued that its freedom of religious expression would be violated if it was forced to allow same-sex ceremonies to be performed on its property.

Metzger did not impose any

monetary penalties on the church.

“It does not appear that respondent acted with ill motive,” he wrote. “Respondent opposes same-sex unions as a matter of religious belief, and in 2007 found itself on the wrong side of recent changes in the law.’’

Attorneys representing the church said they were reviewing the decision for possible next steps.

“The government should not be able to force a private Christian organization to use its property in a way that would violate its own religious beliefs,’’ Jim Campbell, an attorney representing the church, said in a statement. |  |

but was unwilling to commit to it.

“Now is the time to support marriage for all families,’’ McAuliffe said. She said an overwhelming number of her constituents have encouraged her to support the gay marriage legislation.

Her decision means the Senate now has 23 solid votes to pass the measure, according to a tally of votes over the past week by The Associated Press. A total of 25 votes are needed for passage.

Eight senators remain uncommitted, including three conservative Democrats who say they are considering the issue. The House is widely expected to have enough support, and Gov. Chris Gregoire is pushing the proposal.

The bill was of�icially introduced into the Legislature Jan. 13. Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, is sponsoring the measure, and 22 senators have cosigned it. The �irst public hearing is expected to be held on Jan. 23. |  |

marriage.

Sherre Toler says her romantic relationship with a man of a different race cemented her belief that the civil rights of couples in love should not be put to a popular vote.

Elections workers are discouraged from expressing personal opinions about issues on the ballot so that they don’t feed a

perception that those counting the votes are biased. The 51-year-old registered Democrat had the job 11 years.

Toler told The Associated Press her Jan. 3 resignation will enable her to speak out about an issue she is passionate about and work with groups seeking to defeat the May referendum. |  |

Family, is how Cameron and Mitchell, gay parents among the show’s lead characters, are accepted by the audience.

Levitan said that it’s not just America: The comedy is shown

around the world, including in Vatican City. He said it’s unusual for him to hear any objections to Mitchell and Cameron, portrayed by actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet. |  |

WA Senate 2 votes shy on gay marriage Wire Report OLYMPIA, WASH. | The Washington state Senate is just two votes shy of having enough support to pass same-sex marriage, as an undecided Democrat has committed her vote to approve it.

Democratic Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell said that the legislation is “long overdue.’’

McAuliffe had said previously that she was leaning in favor of support

NC official resigns over gay marriage ban Wire Report RALLEIGH, N.C. | The elections director in socially conservative Harnett County, N.C., has resigned, saying she could not in good conscience preside over the upcoming vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex

Levitan surprised at acceptance of gay characters Wire Report PASADENA, CALIF. | One of the biggest surprises for Steven Levitan, the creator of Modern

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blessings ABUNDANT

Rev. Phyllis Hunt PASTOR@MCCTAMPA.COM

The gift of you

C

HRISTMAS HAS COME AND

gone and we’re already looking at Valentine’s Day advertisements and displays in store windows. But according to the Christian church calendar, the season of Christmas ventures into the �irst week of the New Year with Epiphany.

The church calendar identi�ies the major holidays like Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, etc., and in between these major holidays is what is referred to as “ordinary time.” Beyond the festivities, we manage our daily routines.

The reading titled “Ordinary Times,” is a quote from Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas by Jan Richardson. It is much like a daily meditation book offering insights and re�lections during the Christmas season which runs thru the �irst week of January, ending with the celebration of the Magi’s visit which is called Epiphany. Richardson’s writings offer the reader an opportunity to notice life in the midst of this eventful and oftentimes demanding season.

Richardson writes, “I don’t care what the church

calendar says; there is ordinary time in this season too. There is walking, working, talking, eating. There is sweeping, shopping, washing dishes, laundry. There is checking all the doors and windows before bed.

There is turning down the covers.

There is sleeping. There is rest.”

Even if you do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, at times the season gets lost in the business of shopping, parties and gift giving. And for some, maybe even for you, that season is not all about joy to the world.

There may be memories of loss and pain that wraps your soul like too many stands of Christmas lights on a tree. Seasonal movies are one of the ways that mark the Christmas season. While these movies may not be everyone’s holiday tradition, the old classic, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those movies that help ground us in the gift giving meaning of this season.

We are all familiar with the story of the very compassionate George, who gets caught up in the dif�icult events of his life that he feels are too big to manage. His fears paralyze him and he thinks that his life never really mattered and the world would be better off without him.

It’s a Wonderful Life retells the story of a man’s life and the gifts of life he brought just by being himself.

What would the world be like without you? It’s a question that is dif�icult to answer, especially for oneself. Ask those near and dear to you to help you see what others know about you. Get still in the busy time and let it teach you something about yourself for there may be a personal epiphany ready to bless you.

Richardson writes, “Still me until I hear Your heartbeat. Quiet me until I feel Your breathing. Make me one with Your rhythms.

Move me to the cadence of Your love.”

What would it take for you to hear the heart beat of God or feel God’s breath on your brow or become one with the rhythm of God or be moved by the pulse of God’s love? Most of us do not think in such poetic language

or understand God to be a intimate and tangible part of our bodies. Even if that idea or belief does not resonate with you, what would it take for you to be so still that you feel your own breath moving in and expanding who you are and taking small pieces of what you offer the world out with each exhale.

The invitation is to just be still at some point in your hectic life. Just be. What would that feel like for you? How long would it take to go from your fast paced day to stillness?

Just �ind a moment or two, stop, take a couple of breathes and give thanks. If those

moments take you to a deeper place of stillness then so be it, but at least you will have taken a moment to replenish your soul.

Recognizing that you are the greatest gift you could give may free you in this busy life, and what a wonderful gift to give yourself that no one else can give you and no one else can take away.

As we move forward into a new year and the memories of Christmas and the holidays become more distant, I hope you will carry with you the gift of life you have discovered in this time of re�lection, the gift of you! |  | Start 2012 With

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A Broadway Biography in Song & Dance Featuring The Manhattan Rhythm Kings

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CLORIS LEACHMAN “A One Woman Show”

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 2:00pm

22

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Jim Brickman Presents

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE FRIDAY, APRIL 20 8:00pm

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Performed by

Gary Mullen & The Works

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 7:00pm

KEYWORD: MAHAFFEY

TheMahaffey.com

watermarkonline.com

perspective

PUBLISHER’S

Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Room to Grow

W

HICH HIGH PROFILE

Orlando area politico said the following?

As an elected of�icial—as a public �igure—I �igured out a long time ago that you only have so many chips to play.

And you play them in the areas that mean the most to you and where you can make the biggest difference.

And… I’ll be candid with you. I’m passionate on the subject of racial equality. I’m not passionate on the subject of [LGBT equality]. That is partly because I am not suf�iciently exposed, aware, educated. And it is partly because I truly have a hard time believing that the discrimination is as serious in your case.

If you guessed Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, you’d be wrong. These statements were instead made by then-Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin in a groundbreaking and disarmingly honest interview with Watermark back in 1995.

Chapin has since become an outspoken champion of LGBT civil rights. But the comments she made 17 years ago may provide insight into the journey of her most recent successor as the most powerful elected of�icial in Central Florida.

After winning of�ice in November 2010, Jacobs endorsed a countywide human rights ordinance and bene�its for domestic partners of county employees.

So activists were befuddled late last year when Jacobs distanced herself from the City of Orlando’s domestic

partner registry initiative; this despite—or in reaction to— prodding by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie that dual registries would be effective and ef�icient.

The rights conferred—health care and funeral decisions, hospital and jail visitation—are neither controversial nor likely to be abused.

A countywide registry would cost almost nothing to implement.

And it would mean that couples living in Orlando could expect their partnership to be honored at hospitals and funeral homes in, say, Winter Park, or elsewhere within the county.

With the city’s registry scheduled to take effect in just a few days, the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee (OADO) organized a Jan. 9 town hall meeting to pressure Jacobs to act. Hours before that meeting, and without consulting with representatives from the LGBT community, Jacobs made an ill-advised statement to reporters questioning the need for a registry and suggesting that visitation and other essential rights could be accomplished more effectively with a universal form.

Although Jacobs equivocated by saying that she was still evaluating options, OADO bristled with a press release accusing her of aligning with anti-gay activist John Stemberger to kill the county registry. Jacobs took offense, countering that OADO had attacked her integrity and simply misunderstood her deliberative process.

By the weekend, both sides had stepped back from what the Orlando Sentinel called a “combative policy �ight.” OADO noted that media posturing had been unproductive and issued an invitation to “reengage in a constructive dialog.”

Jacobs cautioned that her research was incomplete, but acknowledged that “at this point” she believes a DPR ordinance “would be helpful.”

She promised to bring it before the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

Neither side apologized for the strident back and forth, though both contributed.

OADO never claimed that Jacobs sought advice from John Stemberger, but their press release (“Mayor Teresa Jacobs Aligns with Anti-Gay Activist”) raised the implication.

For her part, Jacobs can hardly blame OADO for reacting when she

cut off dialogue and then told reporters that a registry may not be necessary. OADO is to be applauded for knowing when to step on the advocacy gas. Activists in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota will need that same energetic focus if they are to follow Orlando’s lead and obtain registries for their communities (see story p. 13).

After touting a human rights ordinance and partner bene�its, Jacobs’ inexplicable about-face on this logical and noncontroversial next-step toward LGBT equality had many of us scrambling to connect the dots. Cynics suggested the Republican up-and-comer was solidifying her conservative cred for a future run at

higher of�ice. Others—like me—pointed to her troubling insensitivity on samesex marriage and gay adoption. We remain concerned that this talented and inspiring public servant still doesn’t “get it” when it comes to the value of cultivating connectedness and human dignity, or her important role in that process.

But I am hopeful that, like Linda Chapin, Teresa Jacobs is on a journey. Back in 2010 she told me, “Sometimes in life our beliefs are challenged, and most of us will use that as an opportunity to assess our belief systems.”

Fair warning… she also said, “I’d rather get it done right than get it done fast.” |  |

OADO is to be applauded for knowing when to step on the advocacy gas.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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Music by Joshua Salzman

Book & Lyrics by Ryan Cunningham

Jan. 20 – Feb. 11, 2012

Extraordinary Cast! Fabulous Score! Romantic Musical Comedy!

“It’s terrific refreshing fun”… NY Times

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THIS SHOULD NOT BE MISSED… I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS NIGHT TO ANYONE. – ORLANDO SENTINEL

…SOME SORT OF COMBINATION OF A TEENAGE “BEWITCHED” AND A “POLICE ACADEMY”…

– PAUL ATTANASIO WASHINGTON POST

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AS FOXY AS IT IS FUNNY, ONE OF THE 80’S ROMANTIC COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS. –

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watermarkonline.com

SCAN FOR INFO AND TICKETS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANYTHING

It feels

—MADONNA’S THOUGHTS ON LADY GAGA’S SONG “BORN THIS WAY ” DURING A RECENT INTERVIEW WITH ABC NEWS' CYNTHIA MCFADDEN.

reductive.

ACCORDING TO A RECENT POLL BY

THE PUBLIC RELIGION RESEARCH INSTITUTE,

43

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OF CATHOLICS BELIEVE THAT GAYS AND LESBIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO MARRY.

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A

“This is wonderful for Orlando. Now if Ms. Jacobs and Orange County would follow Orlando’s lead!”

—MATTHEW AZAR

ON BRAVO B

RAVO, THE GAYEST STRAIGHT NETWORK ON CABLE, announced this month that it is expanding the presence of its breakout star Kathy Grif�in with a new talk show. Kathy is a one-hour weekly talk show hosted by the standup comedienne and former star of My Life on the D List. Her new show is slated to premiere later this spring. In the meantime, expect to see Grif�in’s 15th stand up special on the network later this spring.

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL

PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT WATERMARKONLINE.COM ON THE START OF DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRIES IN ORLANDO: “An exciting day! A great step in the right direction. Congratulations, Orlando! Looking forward to taking my other half to the City Clerk.”

—SCOTTIE CAMPBELL

KATHY BACK

ROASTER IN MASSACHUSETTS has launched a new campy brand of coffee: Gay Coffee.

Five �ledgling blends make up the new brand and include dark roasts like “Red Hanky Roast” and “Second Date.”

Its dark and medium blends include “Weekend Pass” and “Good Morning Mary,” and one medium roast titled, “Stone Butch Breakfast Blend.”

Each blend is tagged with artwork on the front to re�lect its catchy moniker; a young, blond sailor is on “Weekend Pass” while a woman carrying moving boxes is on the can for “Second Date.” ``The `aha’ moment came when we were talking about same-sex marriage and a friend commented on how gay culture is now seen everywhere,” recalls brewmaster Melissa Krueger.

“She said, `Why I bet this coffee is even gay.’ It was a joke of course, but it got me thinking.”

The blends are for sale at GayCoffee.com.

ON ERIK CABAN’S FIRE DOWN BELOW BLOG POST ABOUT REUNITING WITH AN EX: “Erik, what are you doing?! You can do better than that.

I know there aren’t a lot of sane guys out there but you just characterized what a mental health counselor would diagnose as a nut. You’re not in high school anymore so why play the adolescent games? This guy is self-destructive and you wasted time dodging �lying human debris. I only hope you dipped the truth in some colorful ink to coat it in drama to lend a little human interest to the story. And interesting it was—like a train wreck.”

—DAVID REINA

REQUIRED RUBBER

The Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance that requires porn producers to provide condoms on the set and require their use for �ilming within the city’s limits.

A survey found that 48% of gay men would give up a year of their life for the perfect body.

WOULD YOU GIVE UP A YEAR OF YOUR LIFE FOR PHYSICAL PERFECTION?

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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JANUARY 12-29

Box Office

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MAR. 29-APR. 15

BROADWAY CABARET SERIES OPENS! Ticket packages available

1/21 Marc Kudisch: What Makes Me Tick?

3/22 An Evening with Susan Egan Broadway’s “Belle” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and the longest running “Sally Bowles” from Cabaret, and so much more!

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www.mypalladium.org (727) 822-3590

Celebrate a romantic night out with sizzling torch songs, beautiful ballads, luscious love themes and more by Richard Rodgers, Barry White, Cole Porter, Dolly Parton, Henry Mancini, Barry Manilow, Ennio Morricone, Barry Gordy and others. Featuring vocalists Mike Eldred and Betsy Wolfe, Steven Reineke conducts.

FRI, JAN 20, 8 PM

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TFO-Watermark-Pops 4.indd 1

watermarkonline.com

1/5/2012 10:24:18 AM

HAIL THE

ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

Queen Local eyes focus on Drag Race Season 4 contestant Alisa Summers

T

Erik R. Caban

AMPA | SO FAR, IN EVERY SEASON OF

the popular Logo series RuPaul’s Drag Race, a Florida contestant has placed in the top three. In Season 4, which launches Monday, Jan. 30, local eyes are again turned to Florida and to local contestant Alisa Summers, a.k.a. Alex Hernandez, who is a regular at The Honey Pot in Ybor City every Friday night.

Summers follows the tradition of Fort Lauderdale’s Rebecca Glasscock, second runner up in Season 1; Orlando’s Tyra Sanchez, who won Season 2; and Tampa’s Alexis Mateo, who was second runner up in Season 3.

RuPaul, alongside returning judges Michelle Visage and Santino Rice, will again decide who will stay or “Sashay away” among 13 female impersonators looking for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

We caught up with Summers, who in the �irst episode reveals he’s destined to win because of his full package (not that one) containing “beauty, hair, body and titties,” dishes about his experience, opening his own Drag Depot, and the Tampa drag scene.

WATERMARK: WHAT CAN

WE EXPECT FROM THIS SEASON? IS THERE A BIT OF BEHIND-THESCENES SCOOP THAT MIGHT ENHANCE OUR VIEWING OF THIS SEASON?

ALISA SUMMERS: You know I can’t be talking about the details, but I can say that the talent and budget this season is just ridiculous. And of course, there’s going to be plenty of drama. Be ready for it. Thirteen strong drag queens in one room. There’ll be lots of shade and lots of seething going back and forth, but in the end, I ended up with 12 new sisters. It’s

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

catty and shady on TV but those are my sisters.

IT SEEMS THAT EVERY SEASON HAS A GROUP OF ELITIST DRAG QUEENS, FOR EXAMPLE LAST SEASON’S “HEATHERS” VS. “BOOGERS.” DID THAT HAPPEN THIS SEASON? IF SO, WHAT GROUP WERE YOU IN?

To be honest with you, yes. From episode one, there was a group of six or seven of us that just cliqued immediately [because of] our drag styles and how we view our own performing techniques. Even the ones that weren’t in that clique, we all got along, for the most part. We may have thrown a little shade in the confessional.

DO YOU THINK YOU WERE PORTRAYED ACCURATELY?

All I’ve gotten to see is what the public has seen. I’m eager to see how we’re all portrayed. I mean, especially how we look on camera.

Although, from what I’ve seen in the past, I know [the producers] are going to take things I said and paint me as the cocky one.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE GUEST JUDGE? WHY?

The most shocking was Elvira!

I grew up watching Elvira: Mistress of the Dark—I wore that tape out.

When they announced Elvira as the guest judge, we fell out. [Laughs] She is just as stunning in person as

Continued on page 38 |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

27

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watermarkonline.com

Joyful Noise Starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Jessie Jordan, Keke Palmer

Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS

Hollywood’s Holiday Gifts My Week with Marilyn

I

Starring Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh, Zoë Wanamaker, Judi Dench, Dougray Scott, Emma Watson, Julia Ormond

T HAS TO BE DAUNTING PORTRAYING A LEGEND. YET, IF

Stephen Miller

STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

done well—Williams shines as Marilyn Monroe; Branagh captivates as Sir Laurence Olivier—performances elevate a �ilm above its weaknesses.

In 1957, Monroe traveled with her new husband, playwright Arthur Miller (Scott), and acting coach (Wanamaker) to shoot a �ilm in England.

The picture had movie star director Olivier—it was the charming but �luffy comedy The Prince and the Showgirl. For his �irst job, Colin Clarke (Redmayne) was third assistant director. Mostly, he was Olivier’s gopher who was also handed the job of babysitting the self-destructive Monroe.

Being young, Clarke’s emotions got in the way. It didn’t help that Monroe knew how to manipulate.

Besides the abrupt editing, there is one �law with the �ilm, and it’s a biggie. As written and performed, the protagonist is bland.

Redmayne’s Clarke is a ducky chap and a dupe for all of the �ilm industry’s emotional evils.

Mostly, he waxes poetic and sits around looking dewy eyed and star-struck.

Yet it’s wondrous to see Williams embody the beautiful performer: her electricity, her campiness, her self-doubts and frequent meltdowns. As the titular stage pro, Branagh’s Olivier is a lovely foil for Monroe’s method acting obsession. These are two performances that deserve notice, for creating uncanny likenesses of the iconoclasts: their craft and their humanness. |  |

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Starring Gary Oldman, Toby Jones, Colin Firth, Ciaran Hinds, David Dencik

There is a square wheel on this The primary rule to a good otherwise raucous Christian choir bus. mystery is that the clues are all Good thing the singing is amazing, there. Nowadays, the gimmick of and the movie’s heart is in the right espionage thrillers seems to be car place. Without those grace notes, chases, elaborate �ights, and special this over-involved Christian musical effects. Slow and studied, Tinker Tailor comedy—produced by Soldier Spy—based on the Latifah—would’ve made a famous John le Carré novel— pretty sour tune.

Parton is the rich widow of RATINGS GUIDE confounds all expectations.

It’s 1973, and British the local church choirmaster. intelligence has a mole She expects she’ll get the feeding data to the Ruskies. position because of her Overflowing Oldman—who was forced into husband and her money, but with glittery fabulousness retirement months earlier—is the job is handed to Latifah. secretly rehired to ferret out Latifah is an impoverished the traitor. Is it the conniving mom raising two kids—sexy Pretty damn Jones, the debonair Firth, the teen Palmer and a child with good, but it’s no stalwart Hinds, or the rescued Asbergers Syndrome. Parton, Sunset Boulevard ex-communist Dencik? meanwhile, wants to love The �ilm sometimes plays and support her delinquent An entertaining like a mystery, showing little grandson, Jordan. The whole enough flick clues. Also, as in thrillers, a town they live in is depressed, with perhaps few spies die. Mostly, however, mired in a small-town soap a few holes Oldman has to dig up enough opera. The only thing that will data to set the perfect trap. save everyone is a national Ever so slightly Somehow, this feels closer to win at the Joyful Noise choir watchable, just how international intelligence contest. for that hot actor actually works: poring over Thank God the music paperwork, looking for and comedy are so uplifting, Two hours of inconsistencies. because the writing turns your life you’ll So, is this a good speechy and maudlin, and the never get back mystery? No, it’s entirely too whole show grinds to a halt. complicated, and vital clues Also, we really don’t need a are missing. Also, as a spy thriller, its top-heavy plot full of grieving widows, introspection and deliberate pace will estranged marriages, and Asbergers. anger some audiences. However, as a Despite the “Lifetime Television” character study of people who commit script, Joyful Noise is a Christian movie themselves to observation, mind that won’t judge you. The singing is games, and minutiae, this �ilm is subtly glorious, and Parton and Latifah make fascinating. |  | an unusual but fun pair to watch. |  | Watermark’s own Mark Cady will be attending the Sundance Film Festival in Utah later this month. Visit WatermarkOnline.com for updates from the festival beginning Jan. 19.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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watermarkonline.com

The touring production of Penn & Teller is supposed to rival their Las Vegas show, but we’re more interested in what they have to say rather than what they do. The pair are popular for their opinionated rants and have continuously voiced (at least one of them has) their support for marriage rights for same-sex couples and their desire to end religious persecution. Oh, and they still do some magic tricks, too.

Feb. 9, King Center, Orlando Feb. 10, Mahaffey Theatre, St. Petersburg

DAYTONA BEACH/ SPACE COAST

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

DAYTONA PLAYHOUSE

MELBOURNE KINGCENTER.COM 321-242-2219

DAYTONA DAYTONAPLAYHOUSE.ORG 386-255-2431 Feb. 24-Mar. 4 Moving Mountains Apr. 6-Apr. 15 Bedroom Farce May 11-20 Looking

DAYTONA BEACH SYMPHONY SOCIETY DAYTONA DBSS.ORG 386-253-2901 Jan. 27 Mozart’s Don Giovanni Jan. 29 Russia’s St. Petersburg State Orchestra Feb. 24 Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Mar. 2 Verdi’s La Traviata Mar. 19 Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic Apr. 1 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 9 Penn & Teller Feb. 18 Celtic Woman Mar. 2 Lewis Black Mar. 8 The Wizard of Oz Mar. 10 Cirque de la Symphonie Mar. 22 Wilson Phillips Apr. 12 Jon Secada May 12 Straight No Chaser

LITTLE THEATRE OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH NEW SMYRNA BEACH NSBPLAYERS.ORG 386-423-1246 Feb.24-Mar. 11 Pajama Game Apr. 13-22 On Golden Pond May 18-27 Crimes of the Heart

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

don’t miss...

don’t miss...

Penn & Teller

Artistic Sensibilities

La Cage Aux Folles

More than likely you’ve seen the �ilmed version of this classic—and the 1990s remake, The Birdcage. But seeing this Harvey Fierstein classic on stage is a real treat. The touring version stars Christopher Seiben as Albin, and George Hamilton as his husband, Albin. We’re certain the theater will be packed with LGBTs nightly.

WINTER ARTS GUIDE

Our 2012 Winter Arts Guide is packed with entertainment for all tastes

C

Feb. 21-26, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa June 5-10, Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando

OOLER WEATHER HAS SETTLED INTO

Feb. 3-April 15 Emerge! Molly Chism

Florida (at least this week) and it’s time to take to the indoors and enjoy the expansive offerings of the arts world in our area. Concerts, art shows, theatrical extravaganzas and more are on the horizon and a large contingent of those have mass LGBT appeal.

While concert halls, bars and other venues are constantly updating their offerings in the world of entertainment, we’ve managed to take a sneak peak at what’s headed our way in the coming months and showcasing the acts and events with mass appeal and of special interest to our readers. Our popular “Don’t Miss” excerpts return to pinpoint

DAYTONA BEACH MOAS.ORG 386-255-0285 Through Mar. 11 Watercolors of Florida 1835-2000 Through Mar. 18 Greek and Russian Icons

PEABODY AUDITORIUM DAYTONA BEACH PEABODYAUDITORIUM.ORG 386-671-3461 Jan. 26 Roberta Flack Jan. 27 Mozart’s Don Giovanni

Feb. 22 SPAMALOT Feb. 29 Boom Town Apr. 1 Jacksonville Symphony Apr. 23 STOMP

ORLANDO AREA

ABBEY THEATER ORLANDO ABBEYORLANDO.COM 407-704-6261 Mar. 11 Tribute to Cannonball Apr. 15 The Jazz Train

BAYSTREET PLAYERS EUSTIS BAYSTREETPLAYERS.ORG Feb. 3-26 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Feb. 12-26 Around the World in 80 Days Apr. 20-May 13 Social Security Apr. 29-May. 13 Dinner With Friends

those special events you’ll remember forever, and we take time to highlight a few movers and shakers who keep the LGBT community entrenched in the world of entertainment.

Of course, not everything can �it within these pages, so visit WatermarkOnline.com for a full list of events coming this year.

AMWAY ARENA ORLANDO CENTERORLANDO.COM 407-489-2020 Feb. 4 Jimmy Buffett Feb. 11 George Strait and Martina McBride Feb. 12 Andrea Bocelli Feb. 28-29 Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson The Immortal Mar. 10 Elton John

ORLANDO BOBCARR.ORLANDOTHEATRE. COM 407-849-2577

ROLLINS COLLEGE, WINTER PARK Feb. 10-11 ROLLINS.EDU/ANNIERUSSELL Orlando Ballet: Battle 407-646-2145 of the Sexes III Feb. 10-Feb. 19 Feb. 14-21 Picasso at the Lapin Agile Billy Elliot Apr. 20-28 Mar. 2-24 Love’s Labour’s Lost Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Mar. 6 John Leguizamo Mar. 16 Lord of the Dance MAITLAND Apr. 17-May 13 ARTANDHISTORY.ORG 407-539-2181

ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM

BREAKTHROUGH THEATRE OF WINTER PARK WINTER PARK BREAKTHROUGH THEATRE.COM 407-920-4034

BOB CARR PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

ANNIE RUSSELL THEATRE

The Lion King June 5-10 La Cage Aux Folles

Through Feb. 5 Children of a Lesser God Feb. 9-19 Best of Broadway: ‘90-’94 Mar. 2-19 Bus Stop Mar. 30-Apr. 23 The Last Five Years May 4-14 Agnes of God May 17-28 Redlight: The Bad Girls of Broadway

CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM ROLLINS COLLEGE, WINTER PARK ROLLINS.EDU/CFAM 407-646-2526 JAN. 28-MAY 13 Dust and Shade British & Modern Sam Gilliam A Room of One’s Own: Women Artists

Continued on page 32 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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Wet Nurse CUTTING EDGE BAND

|  | Winter Arts from pg.31

Feb. 10 A Painter’s Paradise: The Restoration of Charleston Farmhouse

FOOTLIGHT THEATER AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE ORLANDO PARLIAMENTHOUSE.COM WANZIE.COM 407-454-8478 Mar. 3-17 Edward Scissorhands Remixed and Retold

THE GARDEN THEATRE WINTER GARDEN GARDENTHEATRE.ORG 407-877-4736 Jan. 27-29 Best of Battle of the Sexes

32

gay,” guitarist/vocalist Nina Chaplin says, indicating herself and Vanessa, “We’re out; we don’t hide it. But I don’t think we have a core LBGT audience.”

don’t miss...

“I don’t think much about it,” drummer Vanessa Brewster con�ides. “It’s just one part of who we are.”

“Obviously, we’re two-thirds

HOUSE OF BLUES AT DOWNTOWN DISNEY KISSIMMEE HOB.COM 407-934-BLUE

Lewis Black

The curmudgeon of comedy will surely have plenty to rant about when he stops in our area thanks to the ongoing circus that is the presidential election. The point-�ingered, frowning comedian touches on pop culture, religion and his favorite subject, politics, in all of his stand-up specials. Surely his live performances will be even better, spiked with an onslaught of new material provided daily by candidates.

Mar. 2, King Center, Orlando Mar. 3, Van Wezel, Sarasota

Feb. 10-26 The Bikinis Mar. 16-Apr. 1 The Foreigner Apr. 20-May 27 The Music Man

HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO HARDROCKLIVE.COM 407-351-LIVE Feb. 8 They Might Be Giants Feb. 11 Adam Ant

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Feb. 23 Tesla: The Twisted Wires Feb. 29 Flogging Molly Mar. 8 Henry Rollins Mar. 11 BADFISH Mar. 30 Sister Hazel

THE ICEHOUSE THEATRE MOUNT DORA ICEHOUSETHEATRE.COM 352-383-4616 Jan. 20-Feb. 12 Lend Me a Tenor Mar. 16-Apr. 8 Marvelous Wonderettes May 4-27 Breaking Legs

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admits Susanna.

Wet Nurse quickly set to creating more—loud and fast, fun stuff loaded with the twin’s vocal harmonies, and that perked the ears of local press.

Within months, they were making several Favorite Local Band lists.

“It was amazing the �irst time we saw people singing along,” says Vanessa.

Each member has her role.

Nina is at the forefront of tweaking their sound.

“My songwriting style is poppy and melodic, but I also like fast chords and beats,” Nina says.

“I’m big on the vocal harmonics,” Susanna says.

“We all write songs, but of course, I focus on the beat,” Vanessa says.

MAD COW THEATRE COMPANY ORLANDO MADCOWTHEATRE.COM 407-297-8788 Jan. 27-Feb. 19 Sunday in the Park with George Feb. 3-Mar. 4 Dancing at Lughnasa Feb. 24-Mar. 25 Hedda Gabler Mar. 30-Apr. 29 Private Lives May 4-May. 13 Orlando Cabaret Festival

MAITLAND ART CENTER MAITLAND MAITLAND ARTCENTER.ORG 407-539-2181 Through Feb. 26 Borders of Paradise Feb. 3-April 15 EMERGE! Molly Chism

“Right now we’re tapping to a very happy 60s sound, but I want to go more punk: darker chords and stuff like that—get really mean,” Nina says.

The women are huge fans of other local bands, and other musicians are rooting for Wet Nurse. On top of that, Astro Girl Records, a local company, just signed them and promises a full-length album this year. A recent milestone: their EP just hit iTunes.

“We have no shortage of local shows,” Vanessa says.

“Our issue now—and it’s a great issue to have—is knowing when to say ‘no.’”

Wet Nurse always posts their shows and information on their Facebook page.

—STEPHEN MILLER

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RLANDO | If a band wants to attract an audience, they need something that sets them apart. Wet Nurse has an abundance of somethings. They’re an all-female band.

They play harmonic garage punk with a pop �lavor. Wet Nurse also has a set of twins in the three-person lineup, and two of the band members are lesbian. Is that enough uniqueness for you?

“I guess that makes me a minority,” laughs Susanna Chaplin, the straight twin who also sings along while playing bass.

“Or I am, because I’m the only one not related,” jokes Vanessa.

The members obviously have a great rapport, and they don’t really think about what makes them singular. They just love the sound and working together.

“We do it for the energy, playing stuff that gets people �ired up,” Susanna says.

Wet Nurse formed in 2010 and immediately got noticed.

They started getting about four local and state shows a month.

“I was in another band, and people knew me from there.

So when I was able to say, ‘Hey, we’ve got this new thing,’ people started showing up,” Nina says.

“We only had four songs,”

MOONLIGHT PLAYERS CLERMONT MOONLIGHT PLAYERS.COM 352-319-1116

Wilson Phillips

The girls of Wilson Phillips have surged back onto the pop radar thanks to their new reality show and Carnie Wilson’s appearance as a judge on Karaoke Battle USA last summer. Now, the singers of “Hold On” are on tour, and have three stops in Florida— two in our coverage area.

Mar. 22, King Center, Orlando Mar. 23, Capitol Theater, Clearwater

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN FOLK ART ORLANDO MENNELLOMUSEUM.ORG 407-246-4278

Through Mar. 18 William H. Johnson Jan. 20-Mar. 18 Style & Grace Feb. 10-12 Orlando Folk Festival

watermarkonline.com

Through Feb. 12 Nine Mar. 9-Apr. 1 Blithe Spirit Apr. 20-May 13 Godspell June 8-July 1 Damn Yankees

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART WINTER PARK MORSEMUSEUM.ORG 407-645-5311 Through October 7 At Home with Roseville Pottery

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER ORLANDO THEHISTORYCENTER.ORG 407-836-8500

Outside the Box ONTVERDE | Art isn’t easy; pushing a radical idea only works if your audience is willing to pay to participate.

It’s easier to �ind audiences for experimentation in highpopulation areas like Orlando and Tampa. However, how does one forward edgy theatre in a sleepy burg like Lake County’s Montverde, whose population hovers around 1,000?

Through Mar. 18 Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente

ORLANDO BALLET ORLANDO ORLANDOBALLET.ORG 407-426-1739 Feb. 10-12 Battle of the Sexes III Mar. 30-Apr. 1 Swans: Black & White Mar. 31 The Swan Princess

ORLANDO GAY CHORUS ORLANDO ORLANDOGAYCHORUS.ORG 407-841-SING May 2012 Changing Hearts

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART ORLANDO OMART.ORG 407-896-4231 Through June 30, 2012 Of Cloth and Culture II American Portraits Past and Present

company presenting their �irst season in 2012.

“He’s been a great supporter of Outside the Box,” Provencher says of the mayor. “He really wants to see the art scene grow and thrive out here.”

In fact, the future of dynamic theatre—including the LGBT theatre Provencher has been very involved in—may not need big metropolises. It may be more important, more vital, in the small towns like Montverde, where people still can live a life insulated, where many local LGBT, including students, suffer in loneliness and silence.

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“It’s a combination of getting the right space and the right people involved, and then you have to carefully make the right �irst steps,” says Outside the Box founder and artistic director Wm. Andre Provencher.

“I mean. I’m a gay director, and everyone knows that.

However, we still need to build our audience before we throw out edgier pieces like Extremities or Keely & Du.” Provencher feels he’s found an essential combination in this small town, whose mayor Troy Bennett has cooperated to open doors for the �ledgling theatre

John Leguizamo

It was almost as if John Leguizamo came from total obscurity when he captured our hearts as the “little Latin boy in a dress” in the 1990s To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything, Julie Numar, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best Supporting Actor.

He shares his story from regular kid to mainstream actor in his new show, Ghetto Klown, stopping in both Orlando and Tampa.

Mar. 6, Carr Center, Orlando Mar. 8, Straz Center, Tampa

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ORLANDO ORLANDOPHIL.ORG 407-896-6700 Feb. 4 Rite of Spring

Mar. 2-4 Verdi’s Rigoletto Mar. 9 Minnesota Orchestra Mar. 10 Bond & Beyond Apr. 7 Carousel

“I’m actually doing this under the umbrella of Hat Box Revue,” Provencher says.

That’s an important distinction. In the 1990s, Hat Box Revue was pushing the envelope of LGBT theatre, using storefronts, bars and public events to present incendiary works to Central Florida.

In Montverde, he takes a gentler approach with family-friendly fare.

Years of directing throughout Central Florida formulated his new approach: “I used to send my concept or vision to several different theaters. And they’d always say, ‘We love your ideas, but they’re a little outside the box. They’re a little scary; we’re a little concerned.’ So, if the opportunity is not coming to me, I’d just create my own.”

“Montverde has a wonderful space there that they’re offering to us for use,” Provencher says.

“Montverde is wholesome values

ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

THE POINTE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

ORLANDO ORLANDOSHAKES.ORG 407-447-1700

ORLANDO POINTEARTS.ORG 407-374-3587

Through Mar. 17 Romeo and Juliet Feb. 8-Mar. 18 Cymbeline Feb. 29 What You Will Mar. 21 Red

Feb. 17-Mar. 4 To Kill A Mockingbird Mar. 30-Apr. 15 9 to 5 May. 4-20 Regrets Only June 8-24 On Golden Pond July 13-29 The Boys Next Door

OSCEOLA CENTER FOR THE ARTS KISSIMMEE OCFTA.COM 407-846-4643 Through Jan. 29 Blithe Spirit Feb. 11-12 Osceola Art Festival Feb. 24-Mar. 11 My Fair Lady Apr. 13-22 Leading Ladies May 4-20 Hairspray

Americana, but they’re also very supportive of us. And I want to keep things in line with that— meet them halfway, but also with a few campier, more fun things. I mean, we’re doing Bad Seed next year.”

Knowing his core audience, 2012 is a season of crowdpleasers and newer pieces, all with unique approaches; Oliver!,

THEATRE DOWNTOWN ORLANDO THEATREDOWNTOWN.NET 407-841-0083 February The Underpants

UCF ARENA ORLANDO UCFARENA.COM Feb. 4 Miranda Lambert

A Civil War Christmas, and Crime of the Heart are their �irst three shows. Also, to attract an audience in this tough economic time, Provencher is trying to keep ticket costs between $5 and $10.

Information can be found on the Facebook page for Outside the Box.—STEPHEN MILLER

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A NEW THEATER WITH BIG ASPIRATIONS

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Henry Rollins

SANFORD HELENSTAIRS THEATRE.COM 407-321-8111

He’s talented, sexy and he has a brain!

No wonder we �lock to hear what Henry Rollins has to say. The frontman of the Rollins Band is an LGBT advocate and often speaks in favor of same-sex marriage and civil rights. His last tour through Florida brought out sold-out crowds that showcased the diversity of his appeal.

Mar. 8, House of Blues, Orlando

Mar. 10, Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Feb. 17 Celtic Woman

UCF CONSERVATORY THEATRE ORLANDO THEATRE.UCF.EDU 407-823-1500

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

.Feb. 16-26 Bury the Dead Mar. 22-Apr. 1 Ragtime Apr. 19-22 Shove! Push!

Feb. 1-5 Sacred Slave Stories Feb. 10-12 Love Your Shorts Film Festival Feb. 19-26 Phantom Apr. 20-29 Sound of Music

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE WINTER PARK WINTERPARK PLAYHOUSE.ORG 407-645-0145 Through Feb. 11 I Love You Because Apr. 20-May 12 Baby

Continued on page 34 |  |

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THEATRE WINTER HAVEN

Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson The Immortal

THEATREWINTER HAVEN.COM 863-294-7469 Feb. 23-Mar. 18 The Buddy Holly Story Apr. 12-29 Rumors Apr. 30-May 2 Six Canterbury Tales May 15-20 Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing July 20-Aug. 5 Hairspray

CLEARWATER/ LARGO

Eight O’Clock Theatre LARGO EIGHTOCLOCK THEATRE.US

The artist and acrobats of Cirque du Soleil has done it again—this time mixing astounding stunts and storytelling with the music of the late Michael Jackson. The touring production of Michael Jackson The Immortal features all of Jackson’s greatest hits and the show underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

Feb. 28-29, AMWAY Arena, Orlando

727-587-6751 Feb. 24-Mar. 11 Funny Girl

RUTH ECKERD HALL CLEARWATER

RUTHECKERDHALL.COM 727-791-7400 Jan. 25 ABBA: The Concert Feb. 1 Patti Labelle Feb. 2 Feb. 7-12

Mark Sforzini, Artistic Director

March 2, 4, 6 2012 stpeteopera.org | 727-823-2040 $21.50 - $64.50 The Palladium Theater 253 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg

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from pg.33

don’t miss...

|  | Winter Arts

Memphis Feb. 15 Mandy Patinkin Feb. 18 Michael Amante Feb. 19 Vicki Lawrence Feb. 29 Swan Lake Mar. 10 Henry Rollins Mar. 19 104 Years of Broadway Mar. 23 Wilson Phillips Mar. 23 Tony Bennett Mar. 27 Debbie Reynolds Mar. 30-31 Fiddler on the Roof Apr. 6-7 South Pacific

Jan. 24 Damn Yankees Feb. 9 CATS Mar. 22 Joan Rivers Apr. 2 South Pacific

LAKELAND

ST. PETERSBURG

THE LAKELAND CENTER LAKELAND THELAKELAND CENTER.COM 863-834-8100

LAKELAND POLKMUSEUM OFART.ORG 863-688-7743 Mar. 3-May 26 From the Flat Files Mar. 31-June 27 Albert Paley Apr. 28-Aug. 18 3-D

ST. PETERSBURG AMERICANSTAGE.ORG 727-823-7529 Through Feb. 26

Samson

Some of the most beautiful music ever performed based on one of the most powerful stories of

STPETE.ORG

Altar Boyz

POLK MUSEUM OF ART

AMERICAN STAGE

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

What do you get when you mix the 1990s boys band sensation with a Christian concert series? You get Altar Boyz, a comedy that lampoons the nostalgic days of those boy bands we all loved to hate and the ridiculous dance moves to go along with it. But Altar Boyz does have a message to share, including the story of one band member’s coming out and his fears of being chastised by his religious fans.

Feb. 3-Mar. 4 Venice Theatre

Seven Guitars Jan. 27-29 Forbidden Tampa Bay Jan. 29 Lazy Fairy Improv Mar. 16-May 6 2.5 Minute Ride Apr. 11-May 13

Rocky Horror Show June 1-July 1 Vanishing Point July 27-Aug. 19 The Foreigner

Feb. 17 Grand Central Chili Cookoff Apr. 12-15 7th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival Apr. 21-22 Mainsail Arts Festival

THE CLUB TREASURE ISLAND TREASURE ISLAND THECLUBTI.COM 727-367-4511 Feb. 10 Greg Proops Mar. 17 Chita Rivera

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ST. PETERSBURG/ TAMPA FLORIDAORCHESTRA.ORG 727-892-3337

L Delilah Camille

passion,

betrayal,

and death.

O’s Don’t miss SP Gala!

Annual Opera Fo r in th Ta e fi m rs pa t t Ba ime y!

Bacchanale by the Bay February 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm St. Petersburg Yacht Club $125 per person 34

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermarkonline.com

FREEFALL THEATRE ST. PETERSBURG FREEFALLTHEATRE.COM 727-498-5205 Sept. 15-Oct. 2 Feb. 2-19 Becky Shaw Mar. 15-Apr. 1 Rip. Tied.

May 3-20 The Vibrator Play

727-565-0550 Feb. 17 Southside Johnny Feb. 26 RED Mar. 3 BADFISH!

Avenue Q

The Tony-Award winning play starring the puppets that would never be allowed on Sesame Street, Avenue Q, gets two local productions this season when Venice Theatre in and MAD Theatre present it in August. The raunchy musical has catchy numbers like “The Internet is for Porn” and “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” to keep you laughing and saying, “No they didn’t!”

Plus, don’t forget the gay puppet’s touching coming out story—and there’s the puppet sex…

Mar. 15-Apr. 15, Venice Theatre, Venice Aug. 9-19, MAD Theatre, Tampa

GULFPORT PLAYERS GULFPORT HOMESTEAD.COM/ GULFPORTCOMMUNITY PLAYERS 727-322-0316

Mar. 1-11 An Inspector Calls Apr. 19-29 Breaking Legs

JANNUS LIVE ST. PETERSBURG JANNUSLIVE.COM

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF FINE ART ST. PETERSBURG FINE-ARTS.ORG 727-896-2667

MAHAFFEY THEATER

Through Apr. 10 19th Century Photographs of Egypt Through Apr. 29 ST. PETERSBURG MAHAFFEYTHEATER.COM Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic: Treasures 727-898-2100 from the Fondation Jan. 29 Gandur pour l’Art Roberta Flack Feb. 10 Penn & Teller Feb. 17 Gladys Knight ST. PETERSBURG Feb. 24 STPETEOPERA.ORG Diana Ross 727-822-3590 Mar. 4 Mar 2-6 Ballroom With a Twist Samson and Delilah Mar. 11 Mar. 15 Tommy Tune Psycho Thrillers: Menotti Apr. 10-13 and The Medium Cirque Dreams Apr. 19 Apr. 15 The Magic of Mozart: Cloris Leachman Preview to Figaro, Part I Apr. 22 May 17 One Night of Queen My Big Fat Mozart

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA

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Jan. 27 Swan Lake Suite Feb. 3-5 Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Feb. 9 Best-Loved Symphonies Mar. 8 Viennese Delights Mar. 9-11 Rock on Broadway Apr. 13-15 Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 Apr. 18-19 Celebrate Broadway May 3 Pops in the Park May 25-26 Beethoven’s Eroica

Joan Rivers

Watermark has been fortunate enough to pro�ile Joan Rivers several times and each time she leaves us with a laugh. The iconic comedienne keeps the laughs coming when she stops at The Lakeland Center in March. We can’t wait to hear what she has to say about the state of reality television, her daughter’s marriage and the upcoming Presidential election.

Mar. 22, Lakeland Center, Lakeland

Wedding: Preview to Figaro, Part 2 June 1-5 The Marriage of Figaro

STATE THEATRE ST. PETERSBURG STATETHEATRE

CONCERTS.COM 727-895-3045 Jan. 26 Me Talk Pretty Jan. 28 Machine Gun Kelly

Feb. 3 Wayne Static Feb. 9 Dominic Balli Feb. 24 Pressure Fest 3 Mar. 17 Metal Alliance 2012 Mar. 28 The Naked and Famous

STUDIO AT 620 ST. PETERSBURG STUDIO620.ORG 727-895-6620 Feb. 9-19 Slipping

TAMPA

CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS TAMPA CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS.ORG 813-265-4000 Feb. 10-Mar. 3 The Rainmaker

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Continued on page 36 |  |

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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Jackie Ballard

Ballard has been a pillar in Gulfport’s arts scene ever since she moved her studio off Beach Boulevard in 1996, shortly after taking part in her �irst Gulfport Art Walk.

|  | Winter Arts from pg.35

Mar. 16-Apr. 7 Dearly Beloved Apr. 20-May 12 The Nerd

1-800-ASK-GARY AMPHITHEATRE TAMPA ASKGARY.AMPHITHEATRE.COM 877-870-3674 Mar. 30 Jimmy Buffett

GORILLA THEATRE TAMPA GORILLATHEATRE.COM 813-879-2914 Mar. 15-Apr. 1 The Whipping Man

JOBSITE THEATER TAMPA JOBSITETHEATER.ORG 813-229-7827 Through Jan. 29 The 39 Steps

36

“I loved the town from the start and I already knew a few people living here so I ended up deciding to move my shop here,” she says.

Ballard says her career

NEW AMERICAN THEATER

The Rocky Horror Show

Traditionally, the story of two lost motorists encountering Frankenfurter is reserved for Halloween. But thanks to the “Time Warp,” The Rocky Horror Show can really be celebrated year round. American Stage in the Park continues its successful and popular tradition of outdoor theater when it brings the classic, campy musical to Demens Landing this year—and we’re sure it will be complete with costumed audience members singing along to every single tune.

Apr. 11-May 13, American Stage, St. Petersburg

Mar. 8-25 Hot Nights for the War Wives of Ithaka May 10-27 Race July 12-29 Closetland

began in carpentry, when she worked for an arts program in New York. It was through that position that she began a four-year apprenticeship with renowned glassblowers Bill Glasner and Peter Seacrest.

Eventually she received a glassblowing degree awarded by the State of New York. She moved to Florida in 1989..

“When I �irst moved to Florida the �irst thing I did was get into the Winter Park Arts Show,” says Ballard. “That show is so prestigious and so well known and I got great views there which opened the door for me to start going to all sorts of other shows around the state.”

Throughout her career, Ballard had studios in Indian Rock Beach, Land O’Lakes, Sebring and in the very rural city of Nobleton.

When Ballard isn’t creating her own glass masterpieces,

M.A.D. Theatre TAMPA MADTHEATRE.COM 813-386-6173

TAMPA NEWAMERICAN THEATER.ORG 813-575-9241 February A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline April I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM TAMPA TAMPABAYTIMES FORUM.COM 813-301-2500 Feb. 24-25 Nuclear Cowboys Feb. 29 Radiohead

Apr. 19-29 Bare Aug. 9-19 Avenue Q

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

she’s hosting glassblowing classes at the Industrial Arts Center, located in the heart of Gulfport Art Village Courtyard at 2902A, Beach Blvd. South.

The Center is close to Ballard’s heart, especially since she was a major player in its creation, when she teamed with Mike McKee and Amy Oatley in raising funds for their vision.

“I get a lot of reward in teaching someone this wonderful craft,” Ballard says.

“We just hosted members of the gay men’s group Out and About Adventures. We’ve had women’s groups before too, but I have to admit the guys were a lot more fun to work with.”

The Center now offers regular individual classes and is open as a rental facility

Apr. 21 Rammstein June 3 Neil Diamond June 28 Coldplay

STAGEWORKS THEATER TAMPA STAGEWORKS THEATER.COM 813-251-8984 Through Feb. 5 ‘night Mother March 9-25 To Kill A Mockingbird May 4-20 Biloxi Blues

STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TAMPA STRAZCENTER.ORG 813-229-7827 Jan. 31-Feb. 12 Les Miserables Feb. 21-26 La Cage Aux Folles

for groups or parties. Guests may chose to blow a single ornament with an experienced glassblower up to taking advanced classes lasting weeks to become a master glassblower like Ballard.

Ballard says her masterpiece is probably a lamp she has in her home.

“I blew the base, the shade, everything…I have to admit it’s pretty cool,” she says.

For more information on Ballard and the arts center, visit IndustrialArtsCenter. org.—GREG STEMM

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ULFPORT | Early in her career, Jackie Ballard says she made a decision.

“You can either become a �lashy, well-known artist like, say, Chihuly, or you can teach and give back to upcoming artists,” the Gulfport glassblower says. “I have chosen the latter.”

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Photo by Greg Stemm

GLASSBLOWING EXPERT

TAMPA MUSEUM OF FINE ART TAMPA TAMPAMUSEUM.COM 813-274-8130

Diana Ross

For more than four decades, Diana Ross has been in the spotlight both on stage and in the eyes of the LGBT community. Ross, who began as the lead singer of the Supremes, tied the Beatles when she reached 12 number one hit singles in the USA. Her activism and support for LGBT rights has earned her respect in the community and a countless number of drag impersonators.

Feb. 24, Mahaffey Theatre, St. Petersburg

Feb. 24-May 6 Boeing Boeing Mar. 8 John Leguizamo Mar. 21 President Bill Clinton Mar. 27-Apr. 1 Come fly Away

Apr. 5 Leslie Jordan Apr. 24-29 Burn the Floor

watermarkonline.com

Jan. 28-May 6 Romare Bearden Don Zanfagna: Cyborgs John Cage 33 1/3

THE RITZ YBOR YBOR CITY THERITZYBOR.COM 813-247-2555 Feb. 7 They Might Be Giants Mar. 5 Dropkick Murphys Mar. 13 We Came as Romans

SARASOTA

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE ASOLO.ORG 941-351-8000 THROUGH FEB. 29

Out@Asolo ARASOTA | As the LGBT world ponders levels of “outness” for various aspects of daily life, the OUT@Asolo theater series makes a statement while basking in the performances and unity of Sarasota’s creative community.

God of Carnage Through April 1 Once in a Lifetime Through April 26 Yentl Feb. 21-Mar. 11 The Robbers Mar. 9-May 13 Fallen Angels Mar. 23-May 6 Hamlet, Prince of Cuba Mar. 30-April 22 RED Apr. 3-22 Cloud Nine May 25-June 7 Fanny Brice, America’s Funny Girl

DABBERT GALLERY DABBERTGALLERY.COM 941-955-1315 Feb. 3-27 James Griffin: Luminous Color, A Journey Mar 2-31 Robert Baxter Apr. 6-30 Craig Rubadoux

with your partner,” said NYC choreographer Josh Rhodes, who’s �inishing up preparations for the currently running Yentl.

Although Asolo’s production is not explicitly a musical, Rhodes has readied the wedding dancers and more complex crowd choreography for its run through April 26.

Still, without a danceheavy production, Rhodes had to leave his partner home, who is usually his assistant choreographer.

“We love spending time together even if it does get a little exhausting when you’re together all day long,” Rhodes said. “Work starts to seep into

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For the Asolo Repertory Theater, LGBT cast and crew increasingly partner on and off the stage (similar to the past decade of the at-large heterosexual world.)

“We’re seeing many samesex couples working here,” says Steph Gray, marketing manager for Asolo.

For these partners in art— including the musical director and his husband during the recent Asolo production of My Fair Lady—the work arrangement brings relief from frequent theater-world longdistance relationships and some new baggage, too.

“It’s really great to go to work

Feb. 28-Mar. 25 Disenchanted Mar. 27-May 5 Oliver! The Musical

SARASOTA OPERA

Lily Tomlin

She captured our hearts with characters like “Ernestine” and “Edith Ann,” but it was her coming out in 2001 that really got the attention of the LGBT community. Tomlin and her long term partner and manager, Jane Wagner, have both been featured in mainstream and LGBT newsmagazines across the country. The funny lady will share her thoughts on Hollywood, television and will no doubt bring back some memorable characters while on stage at the Van Wezel.

Mar. 1, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE FLORIDASTUDIOTHEATRE.ORG 941-366-9000 Through Feb. 12 The Last Romance Through May 7 Old Whine, New Gripes Jan. 25-Mar. 25

our personal life. You get home and you start talking about it again.”

Rhodes and his partner have been together longer than they’ve had cell phones, which back in the day meant meticulous preparation of call schedules.

Now, through the wonders of technology, Rhodes and his partner in NYC can watch both watch the same movie while they’re Skyping, he said.

Whether coupled or single, LGBT or otherwise, the Out@ Asolo program is promoting visibility and convergence amongst its cast and crew and the diverse audience.

“OUT@Asolo was a fantastically successful event for us last year and the year before as well,” says Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. “It led to a whole new audience, and it’s become an emblem for us on how we want

Next Fall Mar. 7-18 Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas

SARASOTAOPERA.ORG 941-366-8450

Feb. 14 Chad Hoopes Feb. 15 Michael Baron Feb. 23-26 Ringling in Bloom Mar. 4 Gail Nelson

Feb. 11-24 Carmen Mar. 3-25 Otello Mar. 10-14 Vanessa

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

MANATEE PLAYERS

Jan. 24 ABBA: The Concert Jan. 25 Damn Yankees Feb. 7 Foreigner Feb. 9 Forever Tango with Anna Trebunskaya Feb. 10-11 CATS Feb. 12 Legends of Russian Ballet Feb. 14 Patti LuPone Feb. 21 Alvin Ailey

MANATEEPLAYERS.COM Through Jan. 29 Happy Days Feb. 23-Mar. 11 AIDA Mar. 29-Apr. 15 Ring of Fire May 3-20 7 Brides for 7 Brothers

THE GOLDEN APPLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART THEGOLDENAPPLE.COM 941-366-5454

to reach all different kinds of constituencies. There’s no one kind of audience here at Asolo Rep.” This time, the “Out@Asolo” performance and after-party will take place on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. with events also planned for upcoming productions of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba, Fallen Angels and Fanny Brice:

RINGLING.ORG 941-359-5700 Through Feb. 26 Breaking Up is Hard to Do

VANWEZEL.ORG 941-953-3368

America’s Funny Girl.

Now in its third season, Out@Asolo encourages connecting with the LGBT community in a comfortable, friendly environment.

“Asolo Rep fans represent a wide range of social, economic, ethnic and gender groups and everyone is welcome to attend,” he says.—JOSEPH KISSEL

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S

WELCOMING LGBT COUPLES TO THEATER

Apr. 3-4 South Pacific Apr. 19 Burn the Floor Apr. 24 Chicago

Patti LuPone

Broadway queens have worshipped Patti LuPone ever since her Tonyaward winning performance as Eva Peron in the 1979 stage musical Evita.

Since then she has gone on to star in countless productions, plays and television shows. Her new memoir was released shortly before the holidays and will no doubt be on hand in the lobby after the show.

Feb. 14, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Feb. 24 Linda Eder Feb. 25 Jerry Seinfeld Feb. 28 Swan Lake Mar. 1 Lily Tomlin Mar. 3 Lewis Black

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

Mar. 14 Tommy Tune Mar. 17 104 Years of Broadway Mar. 22-23 Young Frankenstein .Mar. 25 Tony Bennett Mar. 28 Fiddler on the Roof

VENICE THEATRE VENICESTAGE.COM 941-488-1115 Feb. 3-Mar. 4 Altar Boyz Feb. 14-Mar. 11 The Music Man Mar. 15 Avenue Q Apr. 3-22 Stand By Your Van Apr. 19-May 6 The Miser May 8-20 Driving Miss Daisy May 17-27 The Phantom Tollbooth |  |

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It’s a hot mess of talent around here. Every little gay boy wants to be a drag queen.

—ALISA SUMMERS, REFERRING TO TAMPA BAY’S DRAG SCENE

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES Season 3 finalist Alexis Mateo offers advice to this season’s contestants

Steve Blanchard

S

INCE HER THIRD-PLACE �inish on Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alexis Mateo has traveled the country representing the show and promoting herself. As Season 4 fast approaches, Mateo �inds she’s still recognized throughout the country—and she’s excited that the same national television exposure is about to be unleashed on her friend, Alisa Summers.

“She’s like a little sister to me,” Mateo says from her home in Tampa. “So to see her get onto Drag Race makes me very proud.”

Mateo attributes her success on television—and her successes since—to her ability to market herself. She says that this season’s cast of drag hopefuls should remember that the Logo television show is a marketing tool �irst and a competition second.

“Always have it in the back of your mind that the main goal isn’t to win, but to put out a great image,” Mateo offers Drag Race contestants. “Sometimes in a competition you forget about what you’re doing. But remember, it’s on TV and it will be broadcast everywhere.”

Thanks to the “boy interviews” on Drag Race, Mateo says that she’s recognized both in and out of drag, and that was something he wasn’t completely prepared for.

“I’m so surprised to have such a great response in the straight community— especially straight girls,” Mateo says.

While Season 4 is just starting, Mateo is already eyeing her next professional television appearance—she’s vying for a spot on next year’s Dancing With the Stars.

“I was a dancer at Disney for many years,” she says. “My fans have been voting every day to get me out there. I think the world is ready for a drag queen on that show.”

To vote for Mateo’s Dancing debut, visit the show’s page on ABC.com. |  |

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DRAG CAMP: RuPaul’s continued success with Drag Race is evident in Season 4, which has a bigger budget and more guest judges. | Photo by Mathu Andersen

|  | Alisa Summers from pg.27

she is on TV. Then, having people from Glee and Modern Family— shows you watch on a regular basis—to have them sitting there in front of you, judging you, is just amazing.

HOW DOES TAMPA FARE IN THE DRAG DEPARTMENT?

It’s a hot mess of talent around here. Every little gay boy wants to be a drag queen.

DO YOU PERFORM ANYWHERE IN THE AREA?

I’m on cast at The Honey Pot on Fridays and Saturdays. I’m the house girl there, so I’m the only one there every week, along with a rotating cast of three other girls. We get all kinds of talent from across the country. I have a drag mother, Jocelyn Summers, but I’ve really learned drag from everywhere. I’ve learned by watching different kinds of talent.

You’ve got your “body girls,” your “tranny girls,” and your “dancing girls,” that do the splits and the kicks. I’m really blessed to be working with so many different types of talent.

SO WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

ENTER AND HOW DID YOU NAIL THE AUDITION?

PERFORMER FROM DRAG RACES PAST?

Actually, I was supposed to be on Season 3. I was selected as an alternate, just in case one of those girls didn’t show up or something happened. So, when this year came around, I said “this is my year. I am doing this.” I went through the whole casting process again and thankfully, it worked out this time!

What I did was look at my video from last year and critique it. I asked myself, “what can I show the judges that I’ve improved upon or that I’ve done that will show that I’ve gone the extra mile and I can be ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar?’” I focused on my growth since last year.

I don’t want to be one of those drag performers that does the same routine over and over.

Who’s going to want to see that? I don’t want people to ever say, “Oh, that’s Alisa. She’s just going to put on a pony-tail and do Beyonce.”

That’s not ok with me. [Laughs]

I’m going to have to say Alexis Mateo. She’s been my sister since before she appeared on Season 3.

I love Yara So�ia and Mariah. I just recently met Carmen Carrera and she was amazing! I’m a big fan of a lot of the girls from Season 2. Since the announcement of Season 4, JuJu Bee and I have been chatting. Everybody’s so familylike. I now have like 50 sisters.

ARE YOUR TAMPA QUEENS CHEERING YOU ON?

The response from Tampa has been great! I’m getting a lot of support locally—Facebook messages, emails—it’s been crazy.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

THAT’S SURPRISING. IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF THE GIRLS HAVE SUCH STRONG, COMPETITIVE PERSONALITIES?

It’s the producers that paint us all crazy on TV, girl.

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE RECORDING THE SHOW?

Since �ilming a couple of months ago and knowing it’s about to air, I’ve just been making sure I continue to stay on top of my game. However, I always feel there’s room for improvement, so I make sure I don’t go out there, looking half-assed.

There’s been a lot of growth, not only look-wise but even as a person. After an experience like [Ru Paul’s Drag Race], you have to look at things differently; you have to realize you’re going to be getting lots of attention. So,

watermarkonline.com

you can’t go around being a hot, drunk-ass mess.

You need to sustain a level of professionalism. That’s something I’ve been prepping for since I got back. I’m professional, I make sure everything and everybody’s taken care of.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE VISION FOR YOUR CAREER AS A PERFORMER?

Ultimately, I’d like to break into some sort of television work.

Being on the set of Drag Race and recording and having �ilming schedules, I liked that. I like things hectic and fast-paced. I work best under pressure. Some girls released songs. I’d love to do that.

One of my dreams is opening my own Drag Depot. There are places that sell stuff that drag queens need but they want to rape you on the prices. I would like to be there for the girls that are just starting out and help them do it. Drag is fun to me and it’s my life right now. I want others to be able to have a positive experience with it as well. |  |

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT: RuPaul’s Drag Race WHEN: Mondays at 9 p.m. on LOGO

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The bottom line is that the supportive diva can sing, and she’ll bring her magical voice to Ruth Eckerd Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 1. At 65, the performer, author and chef seems to have no plans to call it quits, whether it‘s singing her iconic songs to legions of fans or speaking out for equality.

“I’m so tired of judgment,” Labelle told The Advocate in early 2011, referencing Proposition 8 in California. “I hope it gets right. I’m praying for it to get right.”

Patti Labelle has spent more than �ive decades in the music industry and released her last collection of greatest hits in 2011.

Show time is 8 p.m., with opening act saxophonist Boney James, one of today’s top jazz artists.

For tickets and information, visit RuthEckerdHall.com or call 727-791-7400. |  |

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SARASOTA | Sexual orientation and religion take center stage at Florida Studio Theatre this month when Geoffrey Nauffts’ Next Fall opens on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the Keating Theatre.

The production, which had a successful Broadway run in 2010, follows the story of two gay men in a committed relationship.

The twist, however, is that one is devoutly religious and the other is an atheist. The story revolves around how the couple makes their relationship work despite their differences and how they

deal with change following an accident.

Described as a “contemporary romance” with sharp humor and un�linching honesty, Next Fall is a drama that examines faith, family and acceptance on many levels.

This is the �irst time FST has presented the play and it stars Jason O’Connell as Adam and Kevin Cristaldi as Luke, the two main characters. The show runs through Mar. 31.

For tickets and more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9000. |  |

ORLANDO | According to Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill, anyone looking for an introduction to ballet should check out Battle of the Sexes. The preconception that ballet is oldfashioned or music box ballerinalike will be pleasantly surprised by this best-of showcase.

“Ballet is sexy, athletic, exciting and youthful with beautiful bodies on the stage. People seem to say if they’d known ballet was like this, they’d have come a long time ago,” Hill told Watermark last fall.

Orlando Ballet’s Best of the

Battle of the Sexes series comes to an end with its third installment in February, but this show at the Garden Theatre hits the high points of the �irst two wildly popular performances.

The show is choreographed

by Hill and will show only three times: Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m.

For tickets, visit GardenTheatre.org or OrlandoBallet.org or call 407-8774736. |  |

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

Sarasota ABBA: The Concert JAN. 24 Van Wezel VanWezel.org 941-953-3368

MORE INFORMATION For more events or to submit your upcoming show, concert or performance, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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Tampa Bay

1- THIS IS A PARTY!: Members of a bachelorette party celebrated with body shots at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City Jan. 14. Photo

by Carrie West 2- GOOD EATS, GOOD DRINKS: More than 50 women gathered at Urban Flats to celebrate January’s Sarasota Mingle on Jan. 10.

Photo by ProSuzy.com

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3- THIS IS HOW WE SAY HELLO: Joey Brooks gets friendly at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City Jan. 15. Photo by Carrie West 4- TAKING FIRST: (L-R) Jon Bauer and Jim Gilbert of the Tampa Aces hold the first place trophy after the final game of the Orlando Meltdown Tournament Jan. 15. Photo courtesy Jim Gilbert 5- SUMMER BELL: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 contestant and Tampa performer Alisa Summers celebrates her weekend with Andy Bell at G. Bar in Ybor City Jan. 14. Photo by Carrie West 6- DRESSED TO THE NINES: The 2012 cast of the Honey Pot’s “Evolution of Drag” dressed their best for the Jan. 14 show. Photo courtesy Toby Rox 7- HOG HAVEN: It was motorcycles almost as far as the eye could see during Thunder by the Bay in Sarasota the weekend of Jan. 14.

Photo by Stephen Warne 8- TOGETHER FOR WARMTH: Sarasota Pride organizer Cindy Barnes, center, was seen celebrating at the first 2012 Grrrls Mingle at the Flamingo Resort on Jan. 5. Photo by ProSuzy.com

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OVERHEARD We call it ‘front Tail’ You expect to see naked women at SKIN Tampa in Ybor City throughout the year, so imagine the buzz when the �irst totally nude men’s show invaded the club at 1621 2nd Avenue!

The jam-packed event, sponsored by the popular strip spot, was clean, friendly and a bare blast of fun, says our sources who attended the soiree.

The featured men were familiar to the LGBT set of Tampa since most of the performers have appeared at Liquid Lounge—

although this is the fullest performance they’ve ever given. Hundreds from throughout Tampa Bay came for the fun, which lasted until 4 a.m. The performers were mostly novices at the pole, but apparently had the art form mastered by the end of the night. Rumor has it that since the event was so successful, another nude men’s show may come back to the area later in the year. |  |

Sweet Mary!

Hamburger Mary’s in Tampa may have had a supernatural visitor, depending on your perspective. Our friends Mark Bias and Carrie West of MC Film Festival report that while enjoying brunch on Jan. 8, Bias saw the outline of the Virgin Mary on a wall. The image was so striking that the image and management were featured on local television stations and asked about the apparition.

To make the vision even more impressive, it was the following day that the FBI announced they had

capture suspected terrorist Sami Osmakac, who had plans to bomb nightclubs in Ybor City. “Whatever God you believe in, He/ She is a blessing to our community,” West reported in a recent issue of his blog, “Dishing with Mark and Carrie.” The image is still available at MCFilmFest. com. Osmakac told investigators that while he originally planed to target Ybor City, he changed his mind and wanted to focus on destroying bridges in the Bay area in an attempt to hurt the local economy. |  |

Ladies of Largo Those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s Day among LGBT couples have a new place to do so this year. This year’s “Lady in Red” Sweetheart Dance has moved to the Largo Community Center.

In years past, the dance has been held inside the Gulfport Casino and, while that venue worked well, the new community center offers a larger space and more outdoor attractions—like ponds, gardens and a gazebo.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

Organizers say this year’s dance, slated for Saturday, Feb. 18, is the biggest and most elegant one to date. Plus, it’s a fundraiser for the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund. Remember, the dance isn’t only for women—men are welcome to attend and pride jewelry will be on sale at the dance throughout the night. For details, �ind the “Lady in Red” Facebook page or visit SPHF.org to purchase tickets. |  |

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ORLANDO

1- THANKS AGAIN!: Dozens of The Center’s most dedicated volunteers gathered for a Volunteer Appreciation Party, Jan. 8 at The Center. Photo by Randy Stephens.

2- GIVE YOUR BEST SHOT: The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls went from skates to guns during a paintball party, Jan. 13 at the Paintball World Sports Complex. Photo by Jamie Hyman.

3- TIME FOR ACTION: OADA committee member and former PFLAG Orlando President Pat Padilla checks people into an emergency town hall meeting about a countywide domestic partner registry, Jan. 9 at The Center.

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4- ‘DREAM’ PARADE: Orange County Commission candidate and MBA president Gina Duncan shakes hands with a parade onlooker at the City of Orlando’s MLK Day parade 2012. Photo by David Moran.

5- A BIG THANK YOU: More than 100 gathered at the home of Ted Maines and Jeff Miller to raise money to re-elect Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (center) and to thank him for spearheading the city’s domestic partner registry. Photo by Tom Dyer.

4

6- WORK IT, GIRL: Drag performer Carol Lee walked the runway in her turn as a “Little Miss Parliament House” contender during the show’s opening night in the Footlight Theatre, Jan. 7. Photo by Jamie Hyman.

7- ALL ABOUT LOVE: LGBT friendly vendors and engaged couples packed a Crowne Plaza ballroom Jan. 15 for the “Same Love, Same Rights” wedding expo. Photo by Scott McCauley.

8- RED TOP: Darcel Stevens got a hefty dose of Vitamin A when she hung out with Carrot Top at Parliament House Jan. 12. Photo courtesy of Darcel Stevens.

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OVERHEARD Well, hello, Daddy Chaps, harnesses and cuffs, oh, my! The Central Florida Leatherman contest is returning to Orlando for the third year. On Jan. 29, Parliament House will play host to leather men from all over the country and those who worship them. This elite weekend is also an opportunity for the “brothers” to gather, compete, share skills and enjoy the community they belong to. Amongst this year’s judges are Pulse mixologist, Brian Humphries and Watermark’s own “Fire”-y writer, Erik Caban who are sure to bring

their unique talents to the judging panel. The weeklong event kicks off with a meet and greet at Wylde’s Bar, Saturday, Jan. 21. Then, join the boys Saturday, Jan. 28 in the Bear Den at Parliament House. The competition commences Sunday, Jan. 29 with a cocktail party in the Piano Bar at 6 p.m., followed by the contest in the Footlight Theater. Stick around afterwards for more mischief in the Bear Den at the after-party. To be a contestant or for more info. contact Randy Sullivan, randymco@hotmail.com. |  |

Leading the Gay Way More than 100 attended a spirited Jan. 11 fundraiser for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer at the beautiful downtown home of Ted Maines and Jeff Miller at The Sanctuary. The event raised more than $20,000 for Mayor Dyer’s reelection campaign.

On the eve of implementation of Orlando’s Domestic Partner Registry, it was also a ‘thank you’ for Dyer’s leadership in making the city a beacon for LGBT equality. Miller read a long and impressive list of Dyer’s accomplishments. Dyer acknowledged a beaming City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who registered with her partner, Jocelyn White, the

following day. “We pushed for a Domestic Partner Registry for one simple reason,” Dyer said.

“It was the right thing to do.” He also noted that The Advocate recently ranked Orlando second in its annual survey of the “15 Gayest Cities in America.” Dyer also touted Orlando’s �iscal good health, AAA credit rating and polling that indicates that 75% of residents think the city is headed in the right direction and 66% approve of the job he’s doing. “Orlando is the best city in America,” Dyer said.

“And one big reason is that we truly value the diversity of our citizens.” |  |

Orlando’s Pretty Gay Orlando has once again made The Advocate’s annual list of the 15 gayest cities in America.

For 2012, Orlando is the second gayest city in the country, up two spots from last year’s number 4 ranking. According to the 2012 list, only Salt Lake City is gayer than Orlando.

Orlando got an edge via the four area teams that competed in the Gay Softball World Series, one of several criteria used

by The Advocate to rank the cities. Orlando also ful�illed criteria regarding LGBT elected city of�icials,

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

LGBT bookstores and concerts by “Gossip, the Cliks and the Veronicas.”

Other criteria included WNBA teams, transgender protections and cities that sent a �inalist to the International Mr. Leather competition. The Advocate discussed Gay Days, Orlando’s recent passage of a domestic partner registry and the Fringe Festival. Orlando’s 2012 made it the gayest city in Florida, even besting Fort Lauderdale, which placed fourth. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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GOOD GAME: The Fort Lauderdale Flash congratulates the Orlando Parliament House Storm on their round robin victory during the Orlando Meltdown softball tournament. | Photo by Tom Dyer

Tampa teams take Meltdown trophies Hammerheads, Aces take top spots at annual Orlando tournament Staff Report

O

RLANDO | Keeping with tradition, the Florida weather brought in a cold front just in time for the annual Orlando Meltdown softball tournament Jan. 14 and 15. But colder temperatures didn’t stop the play and two Tampa teams emerged victorious in their respective divisions.

In the C-Division, the Tampa Bay Hammerheads edged out the second place Tampa Venom in the

�inal game. The third place trophy went to Orlando’s Royalty.

In the D-Division, the Tampa Aces took �irst place, while second went to the Tampa Impact.

Orlando’s Wild Stallions �inished third.

The Fort Lauderdale Noise took the �irst place trophy in the B-Division bracket, edging out second-place Hamburger Mary’s Live Wire, out of Tampa. Third place went to Team Orlando.

While the B-, C- and D-divisions are co-ed, the Meltdown Tournament also had two all-

women’s divisions—competitive and recreational.

In the competitive bracket, the Fort Lauderdale Georgie’s Alibi Blaze took �irst, followed by Blue Pride out of Fort Lauderdale, who �inished in second. The Fort Lauderdale New Moon Sol Rebels �inished third in the women’s competitive division.

In the recreational division, another Fort Lauderdale team took top honors with the Vandals claiming the big trophy. Second place went to Orlando’s Crazy Stix and third was claimed by Catch This of Orlando.

Full tournament results are available at OrlandoMeltdown.com.

For more photos of the tournament, visit WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

The bill, called AB 266, was designed to create safer and more inclusive schools for transgender children and was sponsored by Assembly member Tom Ammiano.

NCLR, however, urged him to halt the bill.

“We are �inding that the more people learn about this issue, the more supportive they are,” NCLR

said in a statement.

Stronger groundwork is needed to ensure the bill’s success, the statement continues. The bill could be reintroduced in the fall.

The bill is aimed at protecting youth by allowing them full access to sports and other sex-segregated activities inside of schools, according Ben Hudson, Executive Director of Gender Health Center in Sacramento. |  |

California transgender athlete bill put on hold Wire Report SACRAMENTO, CALIF. | A recently amended bill by the State Legislature that would have allowed boys and girls to not only play and compete on their opposite gender’s sports teams, but also allow access into locker rooms and bathrooms, was put on hold this month at the request of

lanned protests at Margaret Court Arena during the Australian Open appear to have been a bust at press time, but the media attention surrounding the controversy has brought same-sex marriage and civil rights to the forefront of tennis.

Tennis great Margaret Court, for whom the venue is named, made comments last month opposing gay marriage.

“Politically correct education has masterfully escorted homosexuality out from behind closed doors, into the community openly and now is aggressively demanding marriage rights that are not theirs to take,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said in a December interview.

“The fact that the homosexual cry is, ‘We can’t help it, as we were born this way,’ as the cause behind their own personal choice is cause for concern.”

Her opposition to LGBT rights isn’t anything new. In 1991 she said lesbianism was ruining women’s tennis.

Tennis Australia said it did not support Court’s views.

“Margaret has expressed a personal view,” tournament director Craig Tiley said. ‘’Tennis Australia does not share that view and believes everyone should be treated equally and fairly.”

While the thousands of rainbow �lags protestors had hoped to see raised in the stands didn’t materialize, support came in another form—through 19-year-old British star Laura Robson, who offered a simple gesture and comment on the controversy.

Robson wore a rainbow hair-band during her �irstround Australian Open loss to Jelena Jankovic.

Robson heard Court’s recent comments and chose to show her support for gay rights.

“I didn’t see anything about a protest,” Robson said after the match. “I wore it because I believe in equal rights for everyone, that’s it. It’s not a protest, it’s just a hair-band.”

Out tennis star Martina Navratilova commented in the controversy, telling the Tennis Channel that it “seems to me a lot of people have evolved, as has the Bible. Unfortunately, Margaret Court has not . . . Her myopic view is truly frightening as well as damaging to the thousands of children already living in same-gender families.

“I have tried to talk to Margaret, but to say she’s completely close-minded on the issue is an understatement,” Navratilova added.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who is also out, also shared her thoughts on Court’s statements.

“I respectfully disagree with Margaret’s position on gay marriage,” she said. “We have to commit to eliminating homophobia because everyone is entitled to the same rights, opportunities and protection.” |  |

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon any information included on this page, nor upon any advertisement that you might view.

Before you decide to retain any individual attorney or law firm, you are strongly encouraged to ask that you be sent free written information about qualifications and experience.

attorney

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cleaning service

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For and in-depth listing of LGBT businesses visit

the Purple Pages on

WatermarkOnline.com!

orlando marketplace

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

47

construction

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counselor

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

www.FineDentistryOrlando.com 429 N. Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

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non-profit RED is operated by MBAOrlando.org, Orlando’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce

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17

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

if this were your ad, thousands of readers

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407-481-2243 watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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physician

real estate

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For and in-depth listing of LGBT businesses visit

Call 407-481-2243

the Purple Pages on

WatermarkOnline.com!

FOR MORE INFORMATION 50

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

orlando marketplace

[CLASSIFIEDS]

407-481-2243 • Deadline for classifieds is January 27, at 5:00pm.

Visit WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New Listings Every Day!

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tampa bay

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Online WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE(6683)

professional services House Cleaning - Free estimates, Reasonable rates, No contracts. Call John at 407-592-8774.

real estate for rent Quiet country...Sorrento, Mt. Dora area 1/1 with w/d, very private with great kitchen and screened porch, gated estate. $700/ mo. + sec. Util. incld. (352)267-4068

Curry Ford/Crystal Lake Area ***New Year’s Special $499 Moves You In*** Includes deposit & first month’s rent.

Quiet 1 BR community. Pool & Laundry, water included. Close to bus line and Downtown. Call Cord at 407-580-3403

Danny Veal, Realtor GRI, CLHMS & CDPE - I made a

commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation in significant areas of real estate to better serve and protect my clients. My designations: GRI - Graduate REALTOR Institute, CLHMS - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, CDPE - Certified Distressed Property Expert. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate needs. www.DannyVeal.com

real estate for sale

Text “Watermark” to 90210 if you are planning to buy or sell a home.

David Dorman, CENTURY 21 (321)2932240. *Standard Text rates may apply, please check with your carrier.

personal services

Should there be a swimsuit competition for Realtors??

Sure that may seem silly but what is your criteria for selecting an agent to represent you with the most expensive asset you will probably ever own? Although my swimsuit days are over, my real estate career is still in full force. If you are thinking of buying selling or investing in real estate; think of me first. Stan Madray–Keller Williams Realty (407)928-7791 / www.

StanMadray.com My commitment to you!

•Communicate Effectively - Answer calls, respond to emails and keep you informed.\ •Be Knowledgeable - Know the market place, follow the trends and track the numbers. •Have Fun - It’s not just about the destination; It’s also about the journey.

•Keep Integrity - Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.

•Seek the Win-Win - Negotiate effectively to meet our needs and our objectives.

Making real estate dreams come true! *BTW… If you do require your prospective agent to compete in talent, I will be twirling a fire baton to “Half-Breed” by Cher.

ADVERTISING SALES - If you are retail & customer-focused, computer literate & proficient, web knowledgeable & a self-starter with inside or outside sales experience, then we might be a match!

Watermark Media, the gay & lesbian news source for Orlando & Tampa Bay, is seeking an experienced sales professional to help us grow our business by helping businesses in the Tampa Bay area grow.

You would call on potential clients, guide their advertising campaigns and make a very good living. Watermark Media is a great company offering a competitive compensation package that includes salary, commissions and health benefits.

Send your cover letter and resume to Chief Financial Officer Rick Claggett at Rick@watermarkonline.com or fax to (813)849-2986.

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Danny Veal, Realtor Coldwell Banker (407)496-2662 / www.DannyVeal.com

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

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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DYER&BLAISDELL, P.L. Attorneys at Law

Experienced, understanding counsel on matters related to family, estate, and beneficiary planning, including: • Wills • Trusts • Probate

HOST WITH THE MOST: Rainbow 411 co-owner and radio host Gregory Henchar, right, and pictured with partner Victor Lopez, celebrates his birthday Jan. 20.

• Healthcare • Partnership and Parenting Agreements • Real Estate

W. Thomas Dyer

TDyer@DyerBlaisdell.com

Edward P. Blaisdell

Transitions

EBlaisdell@DyerBlaisdell.com

414 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 407-648-1153 • DyerBlaisdell.com THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

•FREE ESTIMATES

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Local Birthdays

Passings

•FAUCETS

Paul Harris, a South Florida freelance journalist who has written for more than one hundred publications worldwide, has passed away at the age of 65.

Harris was at one time the publisher of The Independent, and was a Lambda Literary Award nominee.

•CEILING FANS •DOOR LOCKS •DRYWALL •WINDOW BLINDS

Tampa karaoke star Kyle Taplin passed away suddenly Wednesday, Jan. 11, after suffering a heart attack. Taplin ran karaoke at Hamburger Mary’s and Chelsea Night Club in Tampa, along with his business partner, Carlos Lopez.

Taplin’s partner, Bill Trotter, died in a car accident the summer of 2009 following a hit and run in Largo. A memorial service was held Jan. 18.

•PRESSURE WASHING •SCREEN REPAIR •FLOOR COVERING •ASSEMBLE SWEDISH FURNITURE •GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Congratulations

HANDY ANDY

Orlando-based women’s social group and Internet mailing list WHAT (Womyn Here and There) celebrates its 9th anniversary on Jan. 24. The list has reached more than 2,000 members.

HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

St. Petersburg’s beefy Flamingo bartender Doug Lyons (Jan. 20); Rainbow 411 host and Sarasota resident Greg Henchar and Lago restaurant server and partner to Watermark ad sales guru Don Williams, Jeremy Indomenico (Jan. 22); Orlando home inspector and art lover Paul Kusic and bangin’ derby babe Betty Ford, (Jan. 24); singer and Tampa Bay performer Ashley Smith and St. Petersburg realtor Jim Longstreth (Jan. 25); Sarasota photographer Kaje Housman, St. Pete resident and Double M Band’s Mario Jooste, mortgage broker, Phish Phest phenom Roxy Santiago and Ybor City special events promoter Chucky Ruckus (Jan. 26); Orlando performer, beauty expert and straight ally Ellen Jewell (Jan. 28); Tampa bowler Dave Bauer (Jan. 29); lightning fast jammer Haley Perry and FSU grad, adorable cub and Ocala muse Bill Bondank (Jan. 30); student and Serial Thriller Sarah “Crimson Chaos” Sheehan; drag performer and columnist Leigh Shannon and marketing pro and Watermark writing wit Ken Kundis (Jan. 31); St. Petersburg massage therapist Emily Stone, Tampa Softball player and Verizon rep Thomas Hale, Orlando hunk and softballer Jason Hamm and barber and former Tampa resident James Bowman Harris (Feb. 1); Pinellas Park graduate and new south Florida resident Miguel Rivera and Orlando AIDS advocate, HIV tester and The Center board member Lee Kirkpatrick (Feb. 2).

407.467.7100

LICENSED & INSURED • VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED ANDY PRIETO • GREENALERTINC@YAHOO.COM

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

Are you making a Transition? Having a birthday or anniversary? Did you get a new job or promotion? See your news in Watermark! Send your Transition to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com or go to WatermarkOnline.com/Submit-a-Transition - it’s that easy!

watermarkonline.com

Do This!

SAGE ADVICE FROM ‘THE TRUTH’

Find the right way to motivate jobless partner

I

’ve been dating a guy, Philip, for about a year and things are starting to get serious. Philip is a really sweet man in his 40s (I’m 38) and I adore him; however, he’s been unemployed since September and I’m starting to wonder about his priorities. Right after he was laid off from his paralegal position, Philip dove into the job hunt.

Now, however, he seems content to collect unemployment and only looks for job postings online. I’ve tried to give him ideas and encouragement about getting out and actively searching for work, but he just gets irritated and withdraws. I know �inding work is tough in this economy, but I’m frustrated that Philip is being so passive. Plus, I’m tired of having to pay for things. What can I do to get him going?

—Tampa Bystander Dear Tampa By, My answer would be completely different if he were 28 or even 32. But he’s in his 40s.

At this point in his life, it’s critical for the health of his career and resumé to get back on that horse as quickly as possible.

I know that it’s tough out there, but there are jobs available and only the most diligent will �ind them.

Phillip is clearly falling into the category of ‘less than diligent.’ That said, I’m not sure you can be the one to light that �ire, if it isn’t already crackling somewhere within his character.

Here comes the Truth, although my advice will seem a bit contradictory: It’s important to tread carefully, but it’s also important that he understand that the stakes are high. That you don’t live together gives you a little less room to lecture, but a friendly nudge might get Phillip back in the game.

she lived in Miami. We fell madly in love and she applied for a job transfer so we could be together.

Much to my surprise, Kate has been totally in�lexible about merging our two households, including our pets. She insists that we use all of her furnishings because she “had to get rid of so much” to make the move, which means I’ll have to store or sell my furniture, etc. She also complains about my cat (she’s allergic), even though she stayed at my place a hundred times before. The kicker is that she brought both of her dogs (instead of the one we agreed on) because she “just couldn’t decide” which one to leave.

I love Kate, but I’m really feeling put upon. What should I do?

—Cramped Quarters Dear CQ, You two have made a tactical error. To go from living in different cities to living under the same roof was, simply put, too big a leap, and I would submit it would be so for any relationship. I know that �inances sometimes dictate making decisions you wouldn’t otherwise make, so let me say this: if you have the means to do so, Kate should immediately get her own place.

That way, you can settle into dating regularly as a next step as opposed to going from long-distance lovers to roomies. When you’re dating but not living together, you have the space and time to work out all the issues you are currently experiencing. If you don’t, or she doesn’t, have the bank to make that happen, then I would strongly recommend a couples’ counselor or at least a good and impartial friend to whom you can air grievances and come to a greater understanding. As an animal lover, asking her to choose one of her two pets is a pretty big request. That she agreed to that and then didn’t follow through is a pretty big misunderstanding (if I’m being kind to Kate).

Here comes the Truth: Next moves are critical, CQ. I’d seek professional guidance through this rocky period.

To go from living in different cities to living under the same roof was too big a leap.

DEAR TRUTH,

M

y girlfriend, Kate, just moved in with me and I’m wondering if it was a good idea. Kate and I started dating about three years ago, but it was long distance—I live in Orlando and

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E. COLONIAL DR.

W E TA K E P R I D E I N B U S I N E S S MBA NETWORKING MIXER

Wed February 2nd

6:30–9:00pm Join us on the 1st Wednesday of every month to network with Orlando’s premier LGBT businesses & allies • Hors D’oeuvres • Cash Bar • MBA Members FREE • Guests $10 Hosted by & at:

100 S. Eola Drive (In The Sanctuary) Orlando Valet Parking - $5 Street Parking and parking garages nearby MBAorlando.org Facebook.com/MBAorlando

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

53

You always hope and dream of a great day like today.

Vicki Nantz & Mary Meeks

Tom Woodward & Travis Smith

Luisa Buchell & Kathleen Bayer

Bill Stevens & Robert Brings

Nicki Drumb & Rachel Gardiner

PHOTOPGRAPHY

Galleryw

Photography by Jake Stevens JAKE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

—COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN

A

T 10 A.M. ON JAN. 12, 2012, THE CITY OF ORLANDO OFFICIALLY BEGAN REGISTERING COUPLES—both gay and straight—under the domestic partner registry unanimously approved by the city commission on Dec. 12, 2011. Dozens of couples, LGBT of�icials, supporters and activists, plus a �lood of media representatives, poured into City Hall to see the �irst three couples make history as they were of�icially recognized by the City of Orlando.

watermarkonline.com

City commissioner Patty Sheehan hands over a her $30 check while her partner, Jocelynn White, signs the form that makes their domestic partnership official. Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, standing beside a city clerk, serves as the couple’s official notary.

Full coverage and more photos at

watermarkonline.com

JAN. 19 - FEB. 1, 2012 // ISSUE 19.01

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YOU REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, LIKE ME!

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