Watermark Issue 18.19: Fall Arts

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 19.18 • AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

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A bunch of our supporters flipped on us 16 at the last minute.

DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 16 // STATE 17 // NATION & WORLD 25 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 39 // EVENT PLANNER 41 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 43 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 44 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 45 // TRANSITIONS 46 // ADVICE 47 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 52 // CLASSIFIEDS 53 // SPORTS

PAGE

—MICHAEL FARMER OF EQUALITY FLORIDA, AFTER AN HRO PROTECTING LGBTS WAS DEFEATED IN JACKSONVILLE.

ON THE COVER

PAGE Maroon 5 frontman Adam

maintains his strong 25 Levine support for marriage equality

while he tries his hand at acting this Fall in American Horror Story and his return as coach on The Voice.

Preview

PAGE

30

THE NEW NORMAL: There are plenty of LGBT characters coming to Primetime this Fall, but the cast and story behind The New Normal on NBC has already caught the attention of One Million Moms, which has vowed to boycott the show.

W A T E R M A R K I S S U E 1 9 . 1 8 // A U G . 3 0 - S E P T . 1 2 , 2 0 1 2

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE Floridians may think Gay

PAGE The Republican National

WHERE THE BEARS ARE

GALLERY W

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

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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

08

Days is over for the year, but the brand has launched a new celebration in Las Vegas, which begins Sept. 4; Planned Parenthood is reaching out to educate LGBT youth in Orlando; more.

12

Convention has transformed Tampa Bay, bringing delegates to the Tampa Bay Times Forum and injecting fuel into the local economy; Former County staffer Mark Nash hopes to become Hillsborough County’s second out commissioner; more.

PAGE A new web series described

30

as part Golden Girls, part Murder, She Wrote, has captured the Bear community, and beyond. Where The Bears Are is filmed in California’s Silver Lake and has become a nationwide LGBT phenomenon.

PAGE The Republican National

has brought 54 Convention protestors, politicians,

talking heads and the national guard to Tampa Bay. Friends of Watermark have seen many aspects of the convention and have share some of their photos.

THE ANNUAL WAVE AWARDS ARE FAST APPROACHING. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

ONCERNING YOUR ARTICLE ON THE MAN AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ARRESTED FOR RAPE: Everyone who has ever been there knows if you lay naked on the bed with your buttocks exposed and the door open, you want someone to come in.

And no talking takes place about HIV status, you have to protect yourself. This is not rape and the so-called victim should be ashamed to call in the police.

ROBERT D’AVANZO VIA EMAIL

PRAISE FOR WATERMARK’S ONLINE VERSION

I

REALLY ENJOY THE NEW ONLINE FORMAT FOR WATERMARK. Being able to �lip through the pages, reading the articles and checking out the advertisers like the printed version is great. I like spending my money with companies that that support LGBT publications and events. I receive all my other news media via the internet and I’m pleased that you are now up there with The New York Times, Tampa Bay Times, Out and Advocate.

“Romney/Ryan make the McCain/Palin ticket of four years ago seem like a moderate choice.”

—LEWIS INGOLD

Staying environmentally correct is important to me and reading on line saves many trees and recycle costs and energy.

BILL KANOUFF TAMPA

UNSETTLING POLITICS

T

HANK YOU FOR THE INTERESTING, IF NOT DISTURBING, ISSUE OF WATERMARK DISCUSSING GAY REPUBLICANS coming to the RNC in Tampa [Issue 19.17].

While I know that gay Republicans exist, I found it extremely unsettling to read about the Log Cabin Republicans and GOProud group’s excitement over this election’s Republican ticket.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan make the McCain/

watermarkonline.com

Palin ticket of four years ago seem like a moderate choice in comparison to the right-wing views of these two men.

While I agree that every issue is a “gay issue” in America, like Mr. LaSalvia states in the article, I can’t fathom supporting a ticket that takes extra strides to ensure that I am excluded from the freedoms its heterosexual members enjoy. Republicans have good ideas concerning economic recovery, but until they agree that all Americans should enjoy the freedoms and rights our nation endows, then I cannot support the candidates they present as the leaders to run our nation.

LEWIS INGOLD ORLANDO

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

Y

Desk

EARS AGO, WHEN I FIRST BEGAN MY

obsession with physical �itness, a close friend of mine told me about his tried and true way to avoid unhealthy eating.

“If there are a large number of overweight people at a restaurant, I choose to avoid it and seek a healthier alternative.” I initially balked at his advice but, while I admit I enjoy an occasional Big Mac and fries, his words ring in the back of my mind each time I step out to grab a quick lunch or an impulsive dinner. Follow the habits of healthy people to remain healthy!

His logic is sound and very similar to the advice my parents bestowed upon me in my early teens, when I �irst discovered more adult-themed parties. “Look at the people around you,” my parents said.

“If you’re not comfortable with who

WATERMARK STAFF

is there or what’s happening around you, remember that you don’t have to stay.”

Fortunately I’ve never had to heed that advice from my parents, but their message—and the message of my friend—are similar. Surround yourself with the kind of people whose actions you want to emulate and those you respect.

That’s pretty sound advice.

I am an open-minded person.

If someone has a different view, I want to understand why they hold that view and, if I still disagree with them, share my own perspective on the issue. That’s always easier said than done, of course, but necessary

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to begin a dialogue. That’s why I was happy—and even eager—to speak with representatives of gay Republican groups in our previous issue of Watermark.

While watching the ongoing, never-ending coverage of the Republican National Convention this week in Tampa, I heard the familiar voices of my parents in my head again. I watched what was unfolding at events around the convention and at RNC-af�iliated celebrations leading up to the nomination of Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for president.

According to the company this party keeps, its obvious LGBTs are not welcome.

The day the event opened— despite Tropical Storm Isaac— Pastor Jim Garlow spoke at a $50-per-plate VIP luncheon to encourage votes for Romney/ Ryan. Garlow, in case you’re wondering, is an activist who helped halt marriage equality in California in 2008 with Proposition 8. During his benediction at the luncheon, Garlow insisted that religious liberty cannot co-exist with the radical homosexual agenda and, according to Alternet. org, he hopes pastors across the country will violate IRS regulations and tape their politically charged sermons this Fall and send them to the IRS with a note saying, “sue us.” In short, he asked churches to break the law in the name of discrimination.

That same day, former GOP

presidential candidate Michele Bachmann headlined a “unity rally” at a non-denominational megachurch sponsored by two af�iliates of Focus on the Family. While she barely touched on marriage equality and LGBT rights, she has made her stances on ex-gay conversion therapy well known throughout the primary cycle. Also speaking was Bishop Harry Jackson, who prayed for the defeat of marriage equality in Maryland, which goes before voters in November. Praying for inequality?

Yes, that was his message.

The list goes on and on, all the way up to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who spoke at the Forum and was the one who spearheaded the recent Chick�il-A Appreciation day to honor the chain for its anti-gay contributions.

All of these events unfolded before Mitt Romney even took the stage or before delegates voted to of�icially nominate him as the Republican Party’s presidential candidate. A theme was set.

None of these individuals talked about plans to improve the country, rather than singling out the ill effects of marriage equality.

None of them directly addressed why their presumptive candidate was better than our current President, other than to say that his last name is not Obama.

I don’t always agree with my parents and they don’t always agree with me. I also don’t always agree with my friend.

But I know good advice when I hear it.

By simply listening to the people af�iliated with the Republican ticket this year, I know I’m extremely uncomfortable. Heeding the advice I have grown to respect, I know I can’t enjoy the party or the meal before me, and I have to look at the alternative. |  |

I know I can’t enjoy the party or the meal before me, and I have to look at the alternative.

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AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

CONTRIBUTORS ABBY DEES

is a civil rights attorney-turnedauthor who has been in the LGBT rights trenches for 25-plus years. She lives in Los Angeles and Nashville. Page 19

JIM WALKER

is a former anchor/ reporter with more than 20 years of experience in television news and two Emmy nominations.

He recently began his own news/commentary at Blog.

JWLooseCannon.com. Page 21

KIRK HARTLAGE

is an Orlandobased journalist an DJ and a former full time employee of Watermark. He specializes in celebrity interviews. Page 30

Greg Burton, Erik Caban, Scottie Campbell, Amy Dees, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Anthony Paull, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Louanne Walters, Stephen Warne

PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, Tom Eckert, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift

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.

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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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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

7

orlando NEWS 8

Planned Parenthood targets LGBT teens Jamie Hyman

JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | According to the CDC, about 50% of high school students report that they are sexually active, and it may be time to put teenagers in charge of their sexual health.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando (PPGO) has launched Teens in Charge (TIC), a youth-focused education program that concentrates on HIV/AIDS prevention, Dylan Michael STD prevention and safer sex behaviors. TIC received funding in December of 2011 through the Elton John AIDS Foundation and hired a youth HIV prevention coordinator, Dylan Michael, in April 2012. The grant pays for Michael’s salary plus education and marketing materials.

“Half of all new infections are young people ages 13-25, with LGBT youth making up a disproportionate number of the infected population,” Michael said. “The aim of Teens in Charge is to ensure the education of LGBT youth on sexual health issues.”

He said it’s PPGO’s �irst program speci�ically targeting LGBT youth and Central Florida’s only program geared toward gay youth that incorporates both HIV and STD prevention.

Andrea Willis, director of education at Planned Parenthood, said the �irst step was to strengthen partnerships and TIC now works closely with The GLBT Center, The Zebra Coalition and The Trevor Project. TIC hosted an event in conjunction with The Trevor Project in July, in collaboration with Zebra.

She said their next step is to work with local schools.

“Especially here in Orange County, you have to walk a �ine line,” Willis said. “There is certain info [district of�icials] don’t want us to cover in the schools.”

She’d like to see TIC form alliances with GSAs and there is a plan to reach out to local colleges.

“It’s �ine to provide education, but you really have to talk to the students,” Willis said. “We would like to reach at minimum 120 young people a year.”

Part of making that goal will be increasing staff, and Willis said they have applied for additional funding which would allow them to grow.

Willis said building a volunteer base is essential if TIC is going to thrive. The organization is working on ways for volunteers to be involved in outreach, rather than just doing desk tasks, and “the volunteer piece of it is something that is in development.”

More information is available at Facebook.com/TIC.Orlando. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

NEW HOME, NEW TRADITION: The Tropicana in Las Vegas is the host hotel for the first-ever Gay Days Las Vegas, which runs Sept. 4-10.

Gay Days goes Vegas After 21 years in Orlando, Gay Days expands from Disney to desert Jamie Hyman

JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

L

AS VEGAS, NEV. | Gay Days is doubling down on a second annual event in Las Vegas.

Gay Days Las Vegas will debut Sept. 4 -10 and the host hotel is the Tropicana Hotel and Casino.

Orlando attendees will recognize some familiar elements: the Gay Days Expo, pool parties and a kick-off party at Macy’s. However, the Vegas version of Gay Days will change some things up. According to GayDays.com co-owner Chris Manley, it won’t host nighttime pool parties because Vegas is known for its nightlife.

PRIZE FIGHT: ORLANDO VS. VEGAS

Manley said the Gay Days Vegas

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

said. “Over the years, the [Orlando] government has been more supportive of Gay Days Orlando, but our �irst year being here [in Vegas], there’s more acceptance and its idea sprouted two years ago, when more welcoming than our 22nd year he attended an event in Las Vegas in Orlando.” which gave Gay Days the idea to Manley called it a “nice new gamble on gay. change” and added that he hopes “We realized Orlando and Vegas “Orlando learns from Vegas on are the top two tourist destinations marking to the LGBT community in the country,” he said. and making them feel welcome.”

Manley said Vegas city of�icials He said Vegas tops Orlando when have welcomed Gay Days with open it comes to dining, as well.

“Vegas blows Orlando out of water on the number of fantastic dining opportunities,” Manley said. “Shopping as well, Orlando doesn’t come near what Vegas offers.”

He said organizers are seeing some duplicate —CHRIS MANLEY OF GAYDAYS.COM bookings from people who attend Gay Days Orlando, arms which he calls a “night and plus a new crowd who don’t attend day” difference from Orlando.

Orlando’s event because “the parks “The city as an overall entity has are not for them. Hopefully Vegas been so welcoming and that is a big difference from Orlando,” Manley

“We realized Orlando and Vegas are the top two tourist destinations in the country.”

Continued on page 10 |  |

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orlando NEWS

Orange Co. schools eyes domestic partner benefits

|  | Gay Days Goes Vegas from pg.8 attendees will �ind out more about Orlando than just the parks and go there next year as well.”

2-FOR-1 PRIDE

Manly said Las Vegas Pride contacted Gay Days Vegas organizers when they got wind of the new event and decided to move their event— which has taken place in May for the past 11 years—to align with Gay Days Orlando.

“Whenever I’m in a city where there’s a pride parade and festivals going on, I’ll see it,” he said.

“We’re cross-promoting.”

Vegas’ Pride Parade is at night, because of the heat, and will kick off 8 p.m. Sept. 7. Josh Strickland, reality star and lead male role in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort, is the Las Vegas PRIDE Parade Celebrity Grand Marshall. Kathy Grif�in, Margaret Cho and Joan Rivers are the 2012 Honorary Parade Grand Marshalls and will kick off this year’s 2012 Las Vegas Pride Night Parade on the main stage in Downtown Las Vegas.

CROWDS AND COST

Manley expects about 40,000 to attend the debut of Gay Days Vegas, and 200 of the Tropicana rooms have been booked as of press time, leaving 200 rooms available.

He said there’s a two-night minimum at the host hotel which costs $270 for both nights and includes “pool parties and two nighttime outdoor under the stars parties.”

As always, the Expo is free.

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

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Staff report ORLANDO | Orange County Public Schools’ (OCPS) unions are meeting with School Board representatives and on the agenda is bargaining for

school district employees to receive domestic partner bene�its.

The measure would grant health insurance to the domestic partners of OCPS employees. The meeting is open to the public and runs from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7,

at the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association headquarters, 1020 Webster Ave. in Orlando.

OCPS is the 10th largest school district in the United States, the 4th largest in Florida and employs nearly 22,000 people. |  |

property was by far the best value in our price range,” said Brown, in a media release. “Because our members are scattered throughout Volusia and Flagler counties, we especially liked its proximity to the interstates.”

The church paid cash for the property, using the proceeds from a 2007 sale of a building at 500 S. Ridgewood Ave. The sale was �inal Aug. 13. On July 26, it received County approval of a zoning amendment that allows the property to be used as a house of worship.

“Our new facility will be the haven and the center for all people

who are searching for a place to worship and to feel safe from a judgmental society,” said associate pastor Rev. Susan McDaniels.

The church’s former home was a leased storefront at 815 Beville Road. It has been active for 25 years, is af�iliated with International Christian Community Churches in Asheville, N.C., and conducts a special outreach to the LGBT community. The new facility will provide meeting space for a number of local groups and organizations, including OneDaytona, an LGBT equality group. |  |

Daytona church has new home Staff report DAYTONA, FLA. | New Church Family, formerly known as Hope MCC, has a new home.

According to church treasurer Tom Brown, the church has purchased a building on W. International Speedway Blvd and the �irst services in the new location will be Sept. 2. The 4,100 square foot building will serve as a sanctuary, meeting hall and of�ices.

“We had been looking around the greater Daytona area for more than two years, and researched more than 70 buildings. This

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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tampa bay NEWS

Mark Nash looks to Hillsborough seat Joe Kissel

KISSEL@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA | It’s one Hillsborough’s most conservative areas, but county commissioner candidate Mark Nash says his integrity, business background and deep local roots make him the LGBT-friendly alternative to District 4 Republican incumbent Al Higginbotham, who took his seat in 2006.

Nash, a Democrat who MARK NASH was raised in Brandon and now resides in Lithia, worked with the Gillette company for years before leaving corporate America to care for his ailing father in his losing �ight against pancreatic cancer.

Nash became very familiar with the local political scene in 2007 when he worked on the successful campaign of Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who made history and became the county’s �irst openly gay commissioner in 2008. After Beckner’s election, Nash stayed onboard as a member of the newly elected commissioner’s staff.

“I served the commissioner for 17 months as a key staff member, which was incredibly historic of Hillsborough County and the entire state of Florida as Kevin ran as an openly gay man,” Nash said.

Nash, who is also openly gay, was no doubt inspired by Beckner’s success. But Nash is cutting a more complicated pattern in the eastern part of the conservative county.

“Kevin’s ‘common sense’ approach to problem solving began almost immediately, and I played a key advisory role in his policy-making and his helping to address community issues that local government should be dealing with,” Nash said.

It was after the 2010 elections that Nash decided to make his own move into politics. As a Hillsborough County natives with deep roots—his family settled in the county 150 years ago—Nash said he has two priorities for the county. “[To create] solutions to the outrageous traf�ic conditions eastern Hillsborough residents have to deal with on a daily basis and to plan better for how we grow,” he said.

That’s the kind of talk that could win over pragmatic independents and burnt-out Republicans.

“It’s important to understand how we got here, what we have to �ix, and to come up with a plan to �ix it,” Nash said. “Besides, what’s ‘conservative’ anyway?”

Continued on page 14 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

GOP INFLUENCE: The Republican National Convention—and Tropical Storm Isaac—transformed Tampa Bay in late August.

Tampa Bay transformed Locals adjust to RNC, Isaac and protests Staff Report

T

AMPA | The City of Tampa and its surrounding communities were transformed the last week of August thanks to Tropical Storm Isaac, the Republican National Convention and its accompanying protests.

But that doesn’t mean the local community isn’t enjoying it.

“August is a traditionally dead month in almost all industries in Tampa except for the 9th largest school system in America,” said Carrie West, president of the GaYbor District Coalition.

With more than a year of preparations in place, business owners appeared to be handling the organized chaos, despite high stress levels.

“The event planners with groups from 100 to 50,000 are pulling their hair out,” West said. “Party locations had to be realigned for the unexpected storm.”

The impact of the RNC, however, is immeasurable and regardless of

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

political af�iliation, West says the community as a whole should be thankful for the in�lux of business.

Heads of three chapters of the National Log Cabin Republicans— those from Tampa Bay, Miami and Broward County—held a welcome event at the Rusty Pelican. There, Log Cabin executive director R. Clarke Cooper and others

“If we go over the cliff economically, gay rights is going to be the least of our problems,” he told the Washington Blade. “In my opinion, we’re headed toward a cliff with the accelerator on the �loor.”

A FEW DELAYS

The Republican National Convention to nominate Mitt Romney as the party’s challenger to President Barack Obama was gaveled into session for just a few minutes Aug. 27 in a largely empty Tampa Bay Times Forum, a symbolic opening as delegates waited out a tropical storm on course to bring back memories of Hurricane Katrina.

Republicans effectively cancelled the �irst day of an event aimed at repairing party unity after a bruising primary season and recharging the campaign before the Nov. 6 election. Polls show Obama holding a small lead in a race dominated by concerns about the still-struggling economy.

“The event planners with groups from 100 to 50,000 are pulling their hair out.”

—CARRIE WEST expressed support for Romney in the presidential election despite the candidate’s lack of support for LGBT rights and positions supporting for a federal marriage amendment banning same-sex marriage throughout the country.

According to local Republican Jim Pease, fellow LGBT people should be more worried about the economy than marriage equality.

watermarkonline.com

Continued on page 14 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

13

tampa bay NEWS

|  | RNC from pg.12 |  | Mark Nash from pg.12 Nash’s campaign got a later start than some other local campaigns but when he realized Higgenbotham was set to run unopposed, he saw an opportunity.

“The incumbent has been in of�ice for six years and he cannot tell the public what he has accomplished for his constituents over this time,” Nash said.

In 2006 Higginbotham took 55% of the vote. Now the incumbent not only faces two new challengers (No-Party candidate Joy Green has also quali�ied for the race) but a redesigned district. Last year District 4’s boundaries were redrawn to include Plant City, Sun City and the southernmost neighborhoods on Tampa Bay. The race will be decided in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Nash knows how to campaign, and in 2010 he worked on Linda Saul-Sena’s unsuccessful bid for the Florida Senate.

Janet Marks, a Saul-Sena volunteer, remembers Nash’s efforts.

“I realized Mark not only knew the general physical layout of Tampa, he knew every single street and side road,” she said. ““As I watched Mark interface with the people and places of Tampa, I see they are as much a part of his identity as his own skin,” she said.

“Following behind Mark in parades or events as he greets and is greeted with broad grins and handshakes from old and new friends everywhere he goes, I realize this is a mutual bond.”|  |

As Romney’s campaign prepared to look forward and introduce the candidate to national television viewers with high-pro�ile speeches by him, running mate Paul Ryan and party leaders, the convention’s script was hurriedly reshaped as Tropical Storm Isaac threatened to come ashore near New Orleans.

At the symbolic 10-minute opening session of the Republican gathering Aug. 27, party of�icials launched a debt clock to show how much the government will borrow during the convention week alone.

Plans are to showcase the debt clock as Romney and the GOP share plans to reduce the de�icit by capping federal spending, according to the Associated Press.

Outside the convention, the storm had an effect on protesters as well. Just around 200 of the 5,000 people expected marched Aug. 27 to criticize Republicans’ economic and social policies, and others gathered at an encampment called “Romneyville.’’ One protester was arrested.

Aug. 28 marked the arrival of the Westboro Baptist Church, the group

that notoriously protests soldiers funerals with anti-LGBT signs and speech. The group had a permit to speak for 30 minutes and were surrounded by of�icers. Another group of of�icers—more than 50, according to the Tampa Bay Times— separated the Westboro group from a counter protest group of nearly 100 people. When Westboro �inished, riot of�icers led them away from the area while keeping counter protesters at bay.

Eventually, protests and crowds invaded Ybor City, where protesting groups boasted numbers above 300.

One of the most visible protests included a large puppet of Mitt Romney near a stage. Throughout the chaos, the Church of Scientology was on hand circulating pamphlets throughout the crowd.

NOT ALL DRAMATIC

Despite the threat of tropical weather, protestors and police in riot gear, there were a few lighter moments in the opening days of the RNC. Popular YouTube sensation “Randall,” known for his Honey Badger videos, was spotted wandering through Ybor City and on Tuesday night, he of�icially announced his candidacy for President (HoneyBadger2012.com).

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He did so at Roosevelt 2.0 at 1812 N 15th St. and is expected to show up on The Daily Show with John Stewart, which is �ilming at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa all week.

Also on Aug. 28, members of GOProud, who at press times remains the only nationally gay conservative group to endorse Romney for president, were gearing up for the annual Homocon to be held at the Honey Pot after convention activities. There, a slew of conservative guest speakers were scheduled to speak at the dance and cocktail party in the heart of Ybor City’s gay district.

It was too early to see if any LGBT Republican notables had ventured into local clubs, but that could change by the end of the week.

Flyers and posters advertising drink specials and RNC-themed parties peppered social networking sites and bars throughout Tampa Bay. Nearby, the Ybor Resort and Spa, very publicly invited RNC delegates to enjoy the facility for free. No word at press time if anyone had taken the popular resort up on its offer.

For continuing coverage of the RNC in Tampa—and for a look at a more risque side of the convention thanks to Craigslist personal ads, visit WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

Staff Report

problems in this state when it comes to bene�its and inheritance. It’s an issue for all of us.”

The idea for a community dinner was born out of the recent controversy surrounding the fast-food chain Chick-�il-A, whose chief operating of�icer, Dan Cathy, admitted he was “guilty as charged” when it came to supporting anti-gay groups like the National Organization for Marriage and Exodus International. |  |

the Sheriff’s Of�ice, the men approached detectives as they walked through the park and showed their genitals “in an attempt to engage in sexual activity.”

The four men, ranging in age from 46-80, were charged with indecent exposure and exposure of sexual organs, all of which

are misdemeanors.

The arrests are among a larger number over the past two years in the park, where police have responded to complaints about indecent activity in the secluded areas of the park.

Watermark’s policy is to not list names of those arrested for “victimless crimes.” |  |

Four more arrested in Caspersen Beach sting Staff Report

V

ENICE | Sarasota County detectives arrested four men at Caspersen Beach Park when they allegedly showed their genitals to undercover detectives Aug. 24.

According to a report from

Stand Up Sarasota features wrestler Taylor Staff Report SARASOTA | The outspoken and passionate former NCAA wrestler Hudson Taylor will speak at two area schools the �irst week of September during Stand Up Sarasota Week. Taylor, a straight advocate for LGBT rights who ranked third nationally in the 197-pound weight class two years ago, will appear at Booker and Riverview on Sept. 4 and Sept. 7, respectively. He is also scheduled to speak at Laurel Nokomis.

The week, which is endorsed by Sarasota Mayor Suzanne Atwell, gives students, parents and teachers a chance to address bullying in schools and LGBT issues.

Also scheduled is a symposium featuring Taylor and The Bully Vaccine author Jen Hancock, with breakout discussions on teen addiction, prescription drug abuse, sex and STDs, and cyber-bullying.

The symposium on Sept. 6 is at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 3975 Fruitville Rd. at 5 p.m.

There is no fee to participate and dinner and a copy of The Bully Vaccine are included. For more information or to RSVP, call 941-951-2576. |  |

sarasota

S

ARASOTA | The Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church has a message it wants to deliver amid the controversy surrounding Chick�il-A’s anti-gay contributions. And it’s that marriage equality will one day be a reality and MCCs around the world presently conduct same-sex weddings.

The Sarasota church held its

“Chick-�il-Gay” event on Wednesday, Aug. 29, by hosting a community dinner and screening the �ilm Pursuit of Equality.

Rev. Charles Tigard, who has pastored the church for two years, invited the entire Sarasotaarea community in order to start a dialogue about the need for marriage equality in the United States.

“This is about families and about couples,” Tigard told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “There are real

NEWS

Church holds ‘Chick-fil-Gay’ event

Vice President, Investments

Financial Advisor

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15

state NEWS

Jacksonville rejects LGBT protections

Fla.’s 1st gay lawmaker says he’ll represent all

Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Wire Report

T

ALLAHASSEE | The �irst openly gay candidate elected to the Florida Legislature said that he didn’t run as a one-issue candidate and intends to represent all of his constituents regardless of sexual orientation.

David Richardson, a certi�ied public accountant from Miami Beach, defeated three other Democrats in Tuesday’s primary and is unopposed in the Nov. 6 general election.

“I did not run as a gay candidate and I’m not going to serve as the gay legislator,” Richardson said in a telephone interview.

His election is signi�icant for the LGBT community because LGBT issues seldom advance in state legislatures until they have openly gay members, Richardson said.

He said he knocked on thousands of doors during the campaign and never had a negative reaction to his sexual orientation although it had been well publicized in the community.

“Not one person closed their door to me because I’m gay,” Richardson said. “Not one person brought it up.” |  |

J

ACKSONVILLE, FLA. | A city council proposal that would have added sexuality and gender identity to Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance failed Aug. 15.

The �inal vote, on the proposal that covered both sexuality and gender identity, failed in a 17-2 vote. Bill sponsor Warren Jones and Denise Lee were the only council members who voted in favor. Previous to that, the council considered a suggestion to remove gender identity from the proposal, which was voted down 10-9. The votes came after three months of meetings, public comment and deliberations, before a standing room-only crowd of about 500 people.

“Even with the full bill [that included gender identity], we thought it wouldn’t be that bad,” said Equality Florida Statewide

Director Michael Farmer of the �inal vote. “A bunch of our supporters �lipped on us at the last minute.”

Notable �lip-�loppers were Jim Love, Lori Boyer and the biggest surprise vote: Dr. Johnny Gaffney, who had been in line with EQFL’s goals up until the night of the vote.

They represent Riverside and San Marco, Jacksonville’s two gay neighborhoods.

When asked why, Farmer said they’re “still trying to �igure that out.”

He added that the rejection of the proposal to remove gender identity was an anti-gay political maneuver, because the bill may have passed easily with just the sexuality provisions attached.

“The sponsor of the bill attempted to amend it to remove gender identity and expression,” Farmer said. “He was blocked by the anti-gay folks. They wanted to make the bill easier to defeat so they wanted to have both gender ID and sexual expression included.”

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He said the takeaway is that they have to build support for a fully inclusive bill.

“We can’t support a bill that doesn’t include all of community,” he said. “Work has to be done in next election to defeat or change minds of some of those folks on city council who voted against us.”

Farmer said it’s clear that no one on the council is “thinking about our families,” and emphsized the need to elect an openly gay person—or someone who considers these protections a priority—to the council. The �irst step is to show “how powerful the voice of our community is” in the upcoming November elections, then the focus is Jacksonville’s municipal elections in March.

He said the Aug. 15 vote should be a rallying cry.

“It shouldn’t be moment of defeat ,” Farmer said. “We just got really close to passing this on the buckle of the Bible Belt. We didn’t make it this time but we’re going to make it next time.” |  |

C

HARLOTTE, N.C. | The constitutional ban on samesex marriage in the host state of the Democratic National Convention has stirred anger and resentment among advocates for marriage equality, many of whom converged on Charlotte Aug. 24-26 for the city’s gay pride festival.

Organizers hoped the festival would draw attention to the issue and create momentum to last through the political convention that starts Sept. 4. Some of the thousands of protesters expected at the convention will be demonstrating for marriage equality.

“We’re excited that the convention

is in Charlotte,’’ said David Webb, one of the pride festival’s organizers.

“But we also want to show that we’re united and will continue to push for change.’’

When North Carolina voters passed the constitutional amendment in May, supporters of gay marriage �irst demanded that Democrats rethink Charlotte as the location of their convention. But advocates have since seized on the party gathering as a high-pro�ile chance to make their message heard—with support from the party itself The national Democratic Party’s platform committee recently endorsed marriage equality for the �irst time and called for the repeal of DOMA, the federal law that recognizes marriage as between a man and a

woman.

In contrast, the Republican Party platform reiterates GOP support for a federal constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and attacks the Obama administration for “refusing to defend DOMA in the courts.” The GOP platform also supports campaigns to amend state constitutions to outlaw marriages between same-sex couples.

Webb said public events like the festival and convention are important opportunities to rally same-sex couples who were discouraged by the North Carolina vote.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to say, `Yes. The state may have passed an amendment limiting our liberties, but we’re going to keep �ighting,’’’ he said. |  |

to kill while armed and possession of a handgun during a crime of violence.

Charging documents show Corkins was carrying a handgun, a box of ammunition and 15 Chick-�il-A sandwiches when he opened �ire on the security guard at the Family Research Council’s headquarters on Aug. 15. The guard helped to subdue Corkins after being wounded in the arm, authorities said.

The FRC has defended Chick-�il-A since the fast-food chain’s president, Dan Cathy, spoke publicly about his opposition to gay marriage.

Corkins had volunteered at an LGBT community center but was

not well-known in Washington’s gay community. It was not clear what he planned to do with the sandwiches.

While the shooting was denounced by both liberal and conservative groups, it did little to calm heated rhetoric on both sides of the gay marriage debate.

FRC president Tony Perkins said the Southern Poverty Law Center had given Corkins a ``license to kill’’ by classifying his organization as a hate group. The SPLC stood by that designation, saying the FRC also had spread false propaganda about gays. |  |

attack on Facebook four days before the incident.

“So maybe I am too idealistic, but I believe way deep inside me that we can make things better for everyone.

I will be a catalyst. I will do what it takes. I will. Watch me,’’ read the post.

According to police, Rogers said three masked men broke into her home, pinned her down and carved derogatory words and symbols into her skin all over her body.

Investigators found no apparent

sign of a struggle and no blood on the sheets where the cutting allegedly took place. They also discovered that Rogers had sent a photo of a crossshaped cut on her chest to a friend a few days before the reported attack.

An FBI forensic pathologist concluded that Rogers either cut herself, or allowed someone else to do it.

Rogers pleaded not guilty to making a false police report. She plans to vigorously defend herself. |  |

Va. man indicted for shooting at conservative group Wire Report WASHINGTON, D.C. | A Virginia man opposed to the politics of a conservative lobbying group was indicted Aug. 22 on charges stemming from the shooting of a security guard at the group’s Washington headquarters.

A grand jury indicted Floyd Lee Corkins II, 28, of Herndon, on a federal charge of interstate transportation of a �irearm and ammunition and two District of Columbia offenses: assault with intent

Police: Ex-Neb. hoops star faked anti-gay attack Wire Report LINCOLN, NEB. | A former University of Nebraska women’s basketball star faked an attack in which she allegedly carved anti-gay slurs into her skin because she felt it would spark change, police said Aug. 21.

Charlie Rogers, a lesbian who ranks second all-time in blocked shots for the Cornhuskers, posted her apparent motive for faking the July 22

Georgia Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald said Aug. 24 that the state has eliminated a waiting list for poor and uninsured people who need medication to treat HIV and AIDS. Created in July 2010, the waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program grew to more than 1,600 people, at one point becoming the largest such list in the country.

GAY NEW YORK CITY JUDGE CHALLENGES FATHER’S WILL Robert M. Mandelbaum, a gay New York City judge who is married to another man, is challenging a provision in his father’s will that would cut his biological son out of the family fortune unless the judge marries the boy’s mother.

Mandelbaum’s son was conceived using a surrogate mother. Mandelbaum contends that excluding his son from sharing in the family fortune would run counter to public policies protecting same-sex marriages and their offspring.

VERMONT INN, 2 WOMEN SETTLE MARRIAGE LAWSUIT Two New York women, Kate and Ming Linsley, and a Vermont country inn have settled a lawsuit that accused the business of refusing to host the couple’s wedding reception due to the innkeepers’ “personal feelings.’’ The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the Vermont Human Rights Commission and place $20,000 in a charitable trust, and will no longer host wedding receptions.

nation+world

Wire Report

GEORGIA ELIMINATES WAITING LIST FOR HIV/AIDS DRUGS

NEWS

N.C. groups to push marriage equality during DNC

IN OTHER NEWS

MINNESOTA LAWMAKER IN SEX SCANDAL GETTING OUT OF RACE A Minnesota Democrat who had a rest-stop sexual encounter with a 17-year-old boy dropped his re-election bid Aug. 22, hours after declaring he would stay in the race. State Rep. Kerry Gauthier, 56, said his unwillingness to accept his homosexuality led him to the act. “I cannot change the fact that I am a gay man, and have known this since my college days. I simply must act like a mature gay man would act,’’ he said.

WYOMING INCUMBENT: GAY MARRIAGE SUPPORT COST RACE An incumbent Wyoming state representative blames his loss in the Aug. 22 primary election on his stand on marriage equality. Cody Republican Rep. Pat Childers, who has a lesbian daughter, spoke out last year against a proposed bill that would have prohibited Wyoming from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Childers came in last in the four-way GOP primary race for the seat he’s held since 1997.

CONNECTICUT MAN GUILTY IN THREATS OVER GAY MARRIAGE An Enfield man has admitted in court that he sent threatening letters to the director of a Connecticut group that opposes marriage equality. Daniel Sarno pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Haven on Aug. 22 to two counts of mailing threatening communications to Peter Wolfgang, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, Sarno faces 10 to 16 months in prison.

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outloud

THINKING

Are we out enough?

Abby Dees ABBY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

D

URING A LAZY DAY OVER

a weekend, my partner, Traci, and I were Google sur�ing in bed, one laptop between us. Every once in a while, Traci would switch windows, check Facebook, and then return to our search. Who knows what we were searching for, but I won’t forget what we uncovered:

During one of those Facebook breaks, I saw that Traci had yet to con�irm the fact that she and I were married. If you’re unfamiliar with Facebook, this is how they try to assure that a member can’t randomly make public assertions about another member. In this case, many months ago I happily told Facebook that I was married to Traci. Traci was supposed to assure Facebook that I was not insane in thinking this and then both our Facebook friends would immediately see the updated info.

But as of last weekend, she hadn’t done this. So I,

�iguring she had merely forgotten, impulsively reached over and clicked “Con�irm,” at which point the now very old update hit Traci’s newsfeed and congratulations poured in almost instantly. Never mind that we married in 2008.

I have big rules about respecting other people’s personal space and I knew I’d broken one of them. It’s the Internet version of reaching over from the passenger seat and honking someone’s horn because the car in front of you is stopped at a green light. While understandable, it’s still rude. It’s not your car.

Traci was ticked off, but I soon realized that it wasn’t so much about my commandeering her Facebook account as it was about broadcasting our marriage status.

The �irst thing she said was that it could upset her parents. Her folks have embraced me completely as Traci’s partner. They have come a long, long way in their understanding and acceptance of their lesbian daughter. While deserving a thumbs-up, they haven’t exactly joined PFLAG. I am still Traci’s “friend” when they talk to their neighbors and extended family. My response was, “You can’t keep protecting them from themselves. It’s time for their next step.”

She said, yes, maybe. But I could see that wasn’t totally it.

Traci herself was uncomfortable advertising the fact that she was married to me, her spouse and a very out “professional gay,” as I often call myself. She has always listed her status as “married,” and posts endless pictures of the two of us here and there, sampling weird food, on vacation, or asleep and drooling. She said it wasn’t that she wasn’t “out” or that she was ashamed of me, but that my level of outness was more “in your face.”

She doesn’t like to be de�ined by her gayness, and it could turn off the conservative folks back home who hadn’t had much exposure to the idea yet. She felt she’d accomplish more in the long run by simply being herself and changing minds by example.

I understood all of this, but got stuck—and am still stuck—on the fact that she wanted to distance herself from me, even just a little bit. I do know she is proud of me, happy that I’m writing and talking about important LGBT issues. I would

be disingenuous to accuse her of being ashamed of me, yet I can’t �ind peace with her discomfort.

I know that if we were straight, she wouldn’t have hesitated to click “con�irm” those many months ago. She disagrees. It’s about being more private in general, she insists.

The �irst big irony here is that my whole public platform is about being patient with everyone’s process and applauding our loved ones’ baby steps toward understanding. I’m both irritated and hurt by her disassociation from me considering that my whole public persona is as a

cuddly, user-friendly, not-scary lesbian. I’m hardly a porn star or a Fox commentator. And then there’s the other irony (you were probably here before me): I preach about patience, yet I’m having a hell of a time �inding that patience in myself.

After the deed, and a brief argument, we stopped talking about it. We heard each other, and we both felt icky. But she didn’t delete her update either. I wish I could be happier about it. |  |

It’s the Internet version of reaching over from the passenger seat and honking someone’s horn.

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loosecanon

Truly hear the music play

Jim Walker WALKER@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

I

T WAS ONE OF THE MOST

memorable editions of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, at least for me. During the last season, one episode had all of the dances set to classical music—compositions you don’t hear much unless you’re someone who frequents your local symphony or opera.

“They’re doing all the music from Bugs Bunny,” my partner remarked. After I stopped laughing, I started thinking about how many of us grew up with that in�luence in Saturday morning cartoons. I considered, with sadness, how many kids today don’t even get that much of a taste of classical music.

Musical tastes are shaped at a very early age, and what kids like is usually what’s mass-marketed to them on TV, radio, and more so now, through internet services like iTunes. What all of that means is that the next generation isn’t likely to have much appreciation for the diversity of music in the world.

I was raised in a very musical family. In this case, “musical” actually means music—not a euphemism for “gay.”

I played the trombone (jokes aside please), and had the support, encouragement and enrichment of being in school music programs. From day one, playing in school teaches you an appreciation for all music as art, as culture, as part of what makes a rich society. You learn music’s connection to math, and the role music has played in our world’s history.

Sadly, with budgets being cut, school music programs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Our lawmakers seem to see music as an “extra.” It’s something the perceive as unnecessary to advance learning, something that won’t help the test scores.

On the contrary, the Music Education Advocacy Group “School Music Matters,” found that children from “arts-rich” public schools score higher on expression, risk-taking, creativity-imagination, cooperative learning, and academic self-concept than children in “arts-poor” systems.

Music is still more than all of thatit’s about values.

I am proud to say I was part of the Lincoln High School Trojan Marching Band in Stockton, Calif. Playing in a high school band, you learn the values of patience, hard work, repetition, practice, and manners.

Patience because you are often doing nothing while the kinks are worked out of other sections of the band. Hard work because you sometimes practice the music and the marching for up to �ive hours per day, three days per week. Repetition because you are often practicing the same march for a parade/street competition over and over and over for months. Practice because you know that your individual performance matters—even among a group of 100.

You must practice on your own to be your best. Manners because even when someone isn’t as talented as you may be, you learn to respect their effort and interest in becoming a better musician.

Being gay and overweight made most of high school more than horrible for me. With that said, there was one oasis during my days of being bullied and tortured, and that was band period. My band instructor was hardcore and did not tolerate any ill behavior from anyone.

He was all about getting the job done.

Band was also one place where it didn’t matter how heavy you were or how gay you were perceived to

It didn’t matter how heavy you were or how gay you were perceived to be, if you played well, even teenagers paid you some measure of respect.

be, if you played well, even immature teenagers paid you some measure of respect, if only for that hour.

All these years later, I still love a great march and a great marching band, but my music education taught me to appreciate virtually all types of music. I found myself going to the symphony when I was 15, the opera when I was 17, and to this day, I love virtually every musical (go �igure).

The idea that people can tell a story through song and dance amazes me every time. Away from the stage, I also appreciate pop, country, jazz, and even some rap from time to time. I love Lady Gaga as much as the next

homo, but there is a whole wide world of songs and notes and spirituality in other types of music. Much like food, how sad it is that anyone would not experience all that is out there to sample.

We have to keep music education alive to keep that going. Otherwise, as older generations pass away, so will the music. If you look around at the audience at any symphony, any opera, and even many musicals, the average age is mid-40s. Musical diversity is too valuable to let it just fade away into being something an adult remembers hearing only in the background of an old cartoon on Saturday morning. |  |

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TALKING POINTS Conservatives assault the right of gays… by denying them the right to marry;

no one should have to subjugate their religious freedom,

and no one should have their personal freedoms infringed.

38% of gay men and lesbians have gym memberships, higher than the national average of

24%

—According to Community Marketing study published Aug. 3

IT’S IN THE EYES A RECENT STUDY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY CLAIMS IT’S POSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH A PERSON’S SEXUALITY

BY MEASURING PUPIL DILATION. The study showed volunteers

—HUGH HEFNER, PLAYBOY PUBLISHER

BARBIE DOES DRAG

W

HILE SHE MAY NOT COME WITH DETACHABLE BODY PARTS OR A ‘KEN’ BODY, Mattel plans to release the �irst-ever Drag Queen Barbie just in time for Christmas shopping!

According to the company, which has produced Barbie dolls for more than �ive decades, it is in collaboration with New York City design studio The Blonds. The new doll, of�icially called ‘The Blonds Blond Diamond Barbie Doll,’ is a regular Barbie doll inspired by the cross dressing Phillipe Blond of the design �irm.

The doll will be dressed in a diamond-encrusted mini dress with a �loor sweeping faux fur coat, glitter pumps and over-the-top makeup. |  |

videos of men and women masturbating and researchers claim that eye-reactions differed for those of different sexual persuasions.

The eyes of gay men dilated when watching videos of men while straight men’s eyes reacted the same way while watching videos featuring women. Interestingly,

while the eyes of lesbians reacted only to the videos of women pleasuring themselves, many of the women who identi�ied as straight also had dilated eyes while watching the videos of women.

Researchers say that’s because the women imagined themselves doing the same thing to their own bodies. |  |

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM ON THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION IN TAMPA: “As a former straight Christian Republican, and NOW a present day gay Buddhist Democrat, I found this article very insightful. I agree with everyone that them being here for the RNC can boost up the economy here in the Tampa Bay area, but if it so happens

ON THE BUTTON LADY’S STORY OF MISPLACED PRIDE:

Romney becomes President “What a nice story. I hope she “Please keep us updated with as a Gay Buddhist Democrat any progress! Hopefully, finds her man and he thanks and taxpaying American her missing man is a loyal her for the button!” citizen I promise to make reader.”

—STEVE WARNE Romney so sick of me as I —DEB SIMPSON join many others for the neverNOTE: The Button Lady still hasn’t found her man! ending fight for Equality!”

— MARK FERGUSON

ROSIE SURVIVES ‘WIDOW MAKER’

Visit WatermarkOnline.com to read the story, and if you are the person she is searching for, email editor@watermarkonline.com!

R

ADIO HOSTESS AND OUT AND PROUD MIAMIBASED LESBIAN ROSIE O’DONNELL survived a heart attack earlier this month after helping a woman out of her car. According to O’Donnell, she was nauseous and clammy after assisting the stranger and later vomited. After a visit to a cardiologist the next day, she learned her Left Anterior Descending Artery was 99% blocked and she received a stent.

The type of heart-attack is called a ‘widow maker.’

Fortunately, O’Donnell is expected to be okay and still plans to wed �iancée Tracy Kachtick-Anders. |  |

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL IF CIVIL UNIONS SUDDENLY BECAME AVAILABLE IN YOUR STATE, WOULD YOU GO FOR IT?

No,

because I’d hold out for full marriage equality.

23% Yes,

because any progress is good progress.

22% No, because I

don’t think I would benefit in any way from a civil union.

11% Yes, because I don’t care about marriage— just want the legal recognition of my same-sex union.

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

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24

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watermarkonline.com

, m a Ad

D E S O P X E Pop star talks passion for gay rights, acting debut nudity and biggest ‘Voice’ diva

S

Chris Azzopardi CHRISAZZOPARDI@PRIDESOURCE.COM

UPERMODEL GIRLFRIENDS, RUMORED SPATS

with Christina Aguilera and the engine that has kept Maroon 5 running for 10 years—there’s still so much more to Adam Levine. The adored frontman of one of the biggest pop bands, who recently told MTV that if he were president his �irst mission would be to legalize gay marriage, is also a straight ambassador for the gay community.

With lots going on—judging this fall’s third season of The Voice, making

his acting debut on Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and touring with

Maroon 5—it’s no wonder the band’s latest album is called Overexposed.

In this exclusive chat with the pop star, Levine talks how �ighting for gay rights has little to do with him having a gay brother, what he really thinks of people who don’t believe in marriage equality and if we’ll see him, ahem, overexposed on Season 2 of American Horror Story.

wouldn’t be able to marry whomever you want to marry. It’s not our business.

I don’t know why we’re obsessed with making everything in this country our business, all the time. It seems we’re a little behind on that, and we just need to make it legal and stop caring so much. It doesn’t matter. And it shouldn’t matter.

COULD’VE SAID, WHY DID YOU TELL MTV THAT YOU’D LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE FIRST IF YOU WERE PRESIDENT?

Listen, I’m always willing to hear all sides of all arguments. Anyone who doesn’t agree with it is essentially

WATERMARK: OF ALL THE THINGS YOU

ADAM LEVINE: It’s just so silly and it doesn’t make any sense to me that you AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER STRAIGHT PEOPLE WHO DON’T AGREE WITH YOU ON THE MARRIAGE ISSUE?

Continued on page 51 |  |

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Cosmopolis has Robert Pattinson.

Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS

Friends and Foes Robot & Frank Starring Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Peter Sarsgaard

W

Stephen Miller

HAT DO YOU GET WHEN A

74-year-old dementia patient and a robot team up to rob the rich? It seems that Robot & Frank was custom-tailored for Frank Langella, a master actor who only late in life has gotten his due.

The movie is actually an extension of a 10-yearold short by �irst-time director Jake Schreier and writer Christopher D. Ford.

However, with Langella at the center—despite some small missteps—this small sci-�i �ilm is a de�inite charmer.

Frank (Langella) is a retired cat burglar whose memory is failing him.

His worried, harried son Marsden buys Frank a robot caretaker (voiced by Sarsgarrd).

Frank at �irst hates the demanding automated nursemaid. Frank feels his �lirtations with local librarian Sarandon and his lazy lifestyle will STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Cosmopolis

The Campaign

Starring Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti, Samantha Morton, Jay Baruchel

Starring Will Farrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott

O

Frank Langella and his friend in Robot & Frank.

be hampered. However, the old man—whose health seems to be getting worse—decides that the amoral robot would make a perfect accomplice for a few last burglaries.

There are a couple glitches in the program of this buddy �lick. A couple characters disappear and reappear as needed. (Maybe this is symbolic of Frank’s memory loss.) Also, some of the later editing is edgier and more confusing than it needs to be.

Still, the dialogue is snappy, and the �ilm clips along at 88 minutes. Finally, kudos to the team for making something that could have been cloying and overly sweet instead pack a few surprises in performance, theme, and plot. |  |

Weirdo Zach Galifinakis in the Campaign.

F

KAY, SO EVERY TWEENER’S OR A BAWDY, GOOFY COMEDY, FAVORITE VAMPIRE TEAMS THERE’S A SURPRISING CENTER UP with violent director OF TRUTH. American people don’t auteur David Cronenberg to �ilm an in�luence their politicians anymore. un-�ilmable Don De Lillo novel. It Lobbyists, big budget billionaires and sounds like the punch line to a joke. corporations run the show now. Pick If only it were. a party and check the donations, and Pattinson is a 28-year-old, rich you’ll �ind that less than 6% comes wunderkind whose fortune is being from average Americans. We lackeys wiped out in one day by a risky stock merely sit back, watch the mudslinging, gamble. He seems unaffected. Instead, and then vote for the candidate he rides around a metropolis in his whose commercials most support our tricked-out stretch limousine. preconceived biases. (Yes, I People protest Wall Street fat have an opinion. I am a critic, cats, and the president is also RATINGS GUIDE you know.) in town somewhere. Pattinson, Farrell is Cam Brady, a though, wants a haircut. On four-time Democrat Senator the way, he conducts long, up for re-election. When he Overflowing windy conversations with gets caught philandering, with glittery business partners and his corporations decide he’s out fabulousness new wife. Most of these are of style. They put their cash cold, theoretical dialogues. behind North Carolina oddball Pretty damn In between, Pattinson has Republican Gali�ianakis. good, but it’s no meaningless sex. Oh, and Based on shifting donations Sunset Boulevard apparently someone wants and allegiances—and a few him dead. stunningly funny mishaps— An entertaining We all want this character The Campaign quickly turns enough flick dead. He’s an automaton, ugly just like…well, every other with perhaps lifeless, uninteresting, and American election. a few holes unworthy of a �ilm.

Director Jay Roach is better DeLillo writes famous known for Adam Sandler stuff, Ever so slightly novels about probability and so his light approach colors watchable, just happenstance. His meandering the whole red, white, and for that hot actor books are chock full of ideas blue affair. Gratuitous sex and instead of plot. That’s his inappropriate humor reign. gimmick. However, movies However, just like Two hours of your life you’ll are plot, so this experiment politicians, Farrell and never get back is aimless. Even Cronenberg Gali�ianakis seem to have cannot breathe life into it. no bead on their characters.

One can see why Cronenberg was Neither is consistent, and each lacks drawn to the theme and the later fortitude and drive, merely doing what violence. One can guess that Pattinson seems humorous until they need to was hoping to gain some cred working deliver the �ilm’s simple message. It’s with the director—though his fans are not a bad approach—and the honesty going to be disappointed. In fact, no is nice—but The Campaign isn’t a one—not even fat cats—will feel they got game changer. And what America their money’s worth. |  | needs is a game changer. |  |

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

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MEET JOHAN & BRANDON

Johan and Brandon met at work and a whirlwind romance later, they made a lifetime commitment. Each wanted to start their new life in a new home. After an exhaustive search, they chose Savannah at Park Central. They can join friends for drinks at Blue Martini, find the most recent fashions at the Mall at Millenia or relax at home in one of several pools, one of two fitness centers, 4 tennis courts, 2 sand volleyball courts or in the comfort of their spectacularly large 2 bedroom apartment. They are also looking to add a four-legged friend to the family. This is Johan and Brandon’s life at Savannah at Park Central.

What will yours be like?

2691 Charleston Town Place 888.711.4353

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AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

Orlando, FL 32839 LiveSavannahPC.com

watermarkonline.com

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Ian Parks is mentally undressed in the comedic bearfest, Where The Bears Are, by stars and creative team Rick Kopp, Joe Dietl and Ben Zook.

Golden Bears WEB SERIES

These are the bears you’re looking for

D

Joseph Kissel JOE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

IG BEARS AND CONCERNED ABOUT

the comedy world’s inevitable and imminent loss of The Golden Girls legacy and vibe?

Fear not! Where The Bears Are is a lol-capable web comedy series penned by a former Girls scribe and chock-a-block with bulky bears and well-lit carpets of chest hair.

Throw in a little Murder, She Wrote for the story arc connecting each four-minute gem “and that’s the soup!” says writer-producer Rick Kopp.

The Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles serves as the series’ hyper-sexed locale populated by a pneumatic supporting cast of muscle-daddy bears who

make it their religion to get shirtless (at least).

The “humor between friends” aspect is primarily left to leads Kopp, Ben Zook and Joe Dietl, who play the Blanche, Dorothy and Rose functions, respectively.

That results in plenty of jokes (not meant for the workplace) as well as topical side-splitters such as when Dietl’s character admonishes Zook for overindulging in sweets: “One more Snickers bar and he’s going to be popping Januvias with Paula Deen.” (That reference

to prescription medication for diabetics and the stick-of-butter-perdish cooking queen was prompted

by Kopp’s advice to “stick to chasers looking for sugar daddies!”)

The Bears story begins with Zook and the adorable Ian Parks, as the always-too-busy-to-talk-to-thepolice Eagle bartender Hot Toddy, engaging in some playful “morning after” smooch and grope.

After Toddy takes leave of the apartment—scene of a crazy, hazy party the night before—Zook’s roommates arrive to deliver an “as-only-friends-can” machinegun barrage of comic variations on the inherent comedy in the smoking hot bear/average bear pairing phenomenon.

But soon after, a dead partygoer—another naked bear no

aren’t just a non-stop bulk parade and festival of sausages. Where would a gay comedy series be without a couple of great hags?

In Bears, a sexually aggressive female coroner working on the murder case—played by Loretta Fox—proves to be an early highlight in a scene when she fellates gay bear Dietl, who at �irst balks at her advances. Only the forced less—is discovered in the bathtub. striptease of her uber-hot muscleLuckily for the “Girls,” er, bear assistant gets him to relent guys, more hirsute, Colt-ready and climax. actors weave their way into the It’s somewhat unsettling and plot, leaving plenty of golden largely hilarious. opportunities for the guys to drool Later on in the series, comedian and do the gay O-face. and drag performer Jackie Beat will Despite the dominance of more adds her comedic talents to this mature bear culture alongside some bear soup. blazing ripostes about gay life, New webisodes are posted online don’t expect much twink-bashing in twice a week. And with the series Where The Bears Are. now at episode six, Bears seems “The one thing I hate to do is to be drawing attention from all segregate the gay community,” said corners of the gay world as well as outlets like The Kopp. “I love West Huf�ington Post.

Hollywood and I “And we’re love when we mingle getting some nice together.” numbers for our But just what is a hits,” Kopp said, bear anyway? who’s the member “It’s very tricky.

—RICK KOPP, of the Bears I think there’s WRITER AND STAR OF creative team something to do with WHERE THE BEARS ARE with the Golden size and body hair, Girls pedigree. physical attributes,” One of the things that struck said Kopp. “The movement grew out Kopp while working on that classic of portrayals in movies of gay men show was the chemistry between that were a very speci�ic type. Bears the leads. are guys who didn’t �it into that You can also �ind it in Where the pattern so much.”

Bears Are with his real-life friends Now the bear community is a Zook and Dietl, who’ve been in a part of mainstream gay culture, relationship for 17 years. he says, and a part of Silverlake’s “We’ve been dumbfounded by creative and alternative scene the response,” he said. |  | serving as a visual and conceptual counterpoint to LA’s more usual moves like the Walk of Fame or See Episodes of Rodeo Drive.

Where the Bears Are at Still, despite clearly appealing to watermarkonline.com the bear world, the Bear webisodes

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

“We’ve been dumbfounded by the response.”

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EXPECTING RATINGS: The gay premise of NBC’s The New Normal already has some right-ring groups upse

Gay in Primetime TELEVISION

New series and returning characters put LGBTs in primetime this season

T

Kirk Hartlage KIRK@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

HE LATEST CROP OF NEW TV SHOWS

is putting gay characters in the spotlight, and could help the LGBT community achieve equality.

With GOPers invading the state this week—bringing the wrath of Mother Nature along with them—and Democrats convening in Charlotte next week, talk of public policy concerning equal rights for gays and lesbians has certainly become de rigueur.

And though we appreciate the importance of legislative activity

30

that affects our community, well, frankly, we’ll be more excited when we can �inally get our regularly scheduled television shows back! More so, it’s the new fall season that’s really got us abuzz.

But don’t think that the two aren’t connected, that new laws eradicating discrimination and

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

achieving equality can’t have anything to do with a popular 30-minute TV sitcom.

In �ive separate studies, professor Edward Schiappa and his colleagues at the University of Minnesota found that the presence of gay characters on television programs decreases prejudices among viewers.

Changing attitudes certainly help change public policy, and that’s an attribute not lost on even White House of�icials.

During an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press in May, in which he came out in support of marriage equality, Vice President Joe Biden said “Will & Grace

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

probably did more to educate the American public than almost anything anybody’s ever done so far.” It’s not much of a stretch to hope that conservatives who have issues with gay couples adopting could possibly adjust their opinions after several viewings of Modern Family. And with the in�lux of gay characters joining Mitch and Cam on the airwaves this fall, perhaps those viewpoints will change even faster… despite everything conservative group One Million Moms is doing to derail that.

The New Normal

(NBC, Tuesday, Sept.

11, 9:30 p.m)

cantankerous grandmother Jane.

It’s an unconventional family circle to be sure, and a dynamic that’s not been explored on television before, at least not for laughs.

The show is written and produced by Ryan Murphy—the man who’s pushed boundaries before with Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story, and Glee—and Ali Adler, the lesbian ex-wife of The Talk’s Sara Gilbert and the co-executive producer of Glee. Their latest creation hits closer to home: The New Normal is based partly on Murphy’s life with his �iancé David Miller.

Murphy has also said that the character of Jane is loosely based on his own grandmother and will represent the kind of woman who is already protesting the show.

No doubt he’s referring to conservative group One Million Moms, whose boycott is based solely on the show’s premise.

“NBC is using public airwaves to continue to subject families to the decay of morals and values,

With the influx of gay characters on the airwaves perhaps those viewpoints will change.

Yet to air a single episode, NBC’s The New Normal has received the distinction of the �irst new fall series to be boycotted. The show centers on Bryan and David, a Los Angeles gay couple of means, who hire— and befriend—Goldie, a Midwestern single mother and waitress, as the surrogate who will carry their child. Along for the ride are Goldie’s precocious (because what child on TV isn’t?) daughter Sophie, and Goldie’s

watermarkonline.com

Continued on page 32 |  |

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LIGHTNING TWICE?: The creators of Will & Grace hope for another hit with CBS’s Partners, starring David Krumholtz as the straight best friend to his roommate and business partner Michael Urie. |  | Fall Television from pg.30

and the sanctity of marriage in attempting to rede�ine marriage,” the group said in a statement on its website. “These things are harmful to our society, and this program is damaging to our culture. NBC’s The New Normal is attempting to desensitize America and our children. It is the opposite of how families are designed and created. You cannot recreate the biological wheel.”

Though failing in their efforts to have J.C. Penney’s drop Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson, One Million Moms can claim at least one victory in their latest campaign of vitriol. KSLTV—NBC’s Salt Lake City, Utah, af�iliate—recently announced it will not broadcast The New Normal. The station is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has commended Murphy’s latest show for its portrayal of gay families while taking One Million Moms to task for their boycott.

“Yet again, One Million

32

Moms, a project of the American Family Association—whose membership we already know is far less substantial than their name—is doing its best to stir controversy where there clearly is none,” GLAAD president Herndon Graddick said in a statement. “From hit shows like Glee to Modern Family, it’s clear that Americans today don’t care whether their favorite TV characters are straight or gay. We now live in a culture where gay people are not only a common part of our society but where gay characters are also applauded by both TV critics and audiences alike.”

With Andrew Rannels (Broadway’s The Book of Mormon) and Justin Bartha (The Hangover) starring as Bryan and David, Emmy and Tony Award-winner Ellen Barkin as Jane, and Real Housewife and Glee alum Nene Leaks as Bryan’s assistant, Rocky, The New Normal could make NBC “Must See TV” again. The show debuts on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 9:30 p.m.

GOIN’ COUNTRY: Reba McEntire returns to television with ABC’s Malibu Country, which features two prominent gay characters (a young neighbor boy and Reba’s agent, played by Jai Rodriguez) and co-stars Lily Tomlin.

new comedy Partners, created by the straight/gay pair of lifelongfriends-turned-successfulbusiness-partners David Kohan and Max Mutchnick (the duo behind Will & Grace). Their new show centers on a straight/ gay pair of lifelong-friends Joe (Numbers’ David Krumholtz) and Louis (Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie).

This odd couple has partners of their own: Joe just proposed to his girlfriend Ali (One Tree Hill’s Sophia Bush), and Louis has found love in former Superman Brandon Routh, who plays vegan nurse Wyatt.

Kohan and Mutchnick certainly write from experience. The two have been friends since they were 14 years old, and the impact of Will & Grace has been…well, just ask Vice President Biden.

Part of CBS’ popular Monday night comedy block, Partners is destined to do well in the ratings.

The modern day twist on The Odd Couple premieres Monday, Sept.

24, at 8:30 p.m.

Partners

Malibu Country

(CBS, Monday, Sept. 24, 8:30 p.m.)

(ABC, Friday, Nov. 2, 8:30 p.m.)

Also likely to be a hit is CBS’

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Also from the Department of

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

Everything Old Is New Again is ABC’s Malibu Country, starring Reba McEntire. In her last series, the country singer played Reba Hart, a Texas mom who attempts to rebuild her life after her husband leaves her for his dental hygienist. With her latest venture into television, McEntire plays former country music sensation Reba Gallagher, who relocates her family from Nashville, Tenn., to Malibu, Calif., when she learns that her husband has been cheating on her.

But in this latest Reba-as-Reba series, Reba’s got the gays to help her! Once settled in Malibu, Reba �inds a new best friend in Sage, an openly gay neighborhood boy who embraces his sexuality—at least that’s how ABC is describing him. Additionally, Reba’s mother is played by Lily Tomlin, while former Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and St. Pete Pride emcee Jai Rodriguez portrays a record label assistant who helps get Reba’s career back on track. One interesting side note: the show is created and produced by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame.

Reba: Remixed….err…Malibu Country premieres Friday, Nov. 2,

watermarkonline.com

at 8:30 p.m.

And how about the TV Gays we already know? On Glee, Britney and Santana are slated to share some on-screen PDA, transgender Vocal Adrenaline singer Wade/Unique looks poised to join New Directions, and Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester delivers her baby…and the name of her mystery celebrity baby daddy.

One of the at-least 50 shades of Grey’s Anatomy speculation sees Arizona and Callie adjusting to married life, assuming Arizona makes it out of the plane crash alive. Mitch and Cam try to add to their Modern Family with another adoption. Smash reboots itself creatively in an attempt to live up to the show’s title and stages a Will & Grace-themed reunion between Debra Messing and guest star Sean Hayes (WAG’s Jack.) And on Happy Endings, Max continues to be quite possibly the most non-stereotypical gay character in prime time. |  | What new or returning Fall shows have you most excited?

Tell us at watermarkonline.com!

Here TV rolls out its Fall schedule W

HILE WE HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE WHILE FOR THE PREMIERES OF OUR FAVORITE GAY CHARACTERS AND NEW SHOWS ON BROADCAST TELEVISION NETWORKS, there are already plenty of them to see on Here TV, the premium cable channel that calls itself “America’s only gay TV network.”

“Our 2012 fall programming schedule showcases a mix of genres appealing directly to Here TV’s diverse audience base,” says Josh Rosenzweig, Here TV’s Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Development. “We have created numerous hours of new, original programming that speaks to the various tastes and sensibilities found within the LGBT market.”

Here TV is available in both the Orlando and Tampa Bay markets. To �ind out how to get Here TV, visit HereTV.com/AGetHerePage.

Here’s a quick look at some of this Here TV’s Fall lineup:

For & Against (now airing)

Progressive commentator Jim Morrison returns as host of this 30-minute political analysis series. Leading into the November 2012 election, Morrison speaks directly to the LGBT population about politics, politicians, and policies.

Topics to be discussed and debated include an inside look at the most pressing issues for LGBT voters, planks to be included on the national party platforms, and the importance of thirdparty candidates, capped with live-streaming, upto-the-minute election night coverage.

Just Josh: Season 2 (now airing)

Just Josh returns with a brand new season full of special guests, visits to New York’s hottest and trendiest hangouts, and host Josh Rosenzweig’s own unique and entertaining spin on pop culture. Season 2 features special appearances by Kimberly Locke, Bob Mould, the Swimming Pools, and many more.

Legends From Here (Premieres Sept. 7)

Here TV shares classic interviews with screen legends including Rock

Hudson, Oscar winner Shelley Winters, Kylie Minogue, Charles Nelson Reilly, and many more.

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Sherry Vine brings back her fun-�illed variety show for a whole new season. This season Sherry and company welcome the most celebrated queer comedy acts, musical performers, and other entertainers on the scene. Plus, even more original sketches will have Sherry’s loyal fans coming back for more. Season 2’s special guests include Jackie Beat, the Lady Bunny, Pandora Boxx, and, of course, Season 1’s breakout star, Busted. |  | AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

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|  | Adam Levine from pg.25

putting themselves above other people. That’s what they’re doing.

And that’s not okay with me.

People have their personal preferences as to what they want to do with their own lives, and they have every right to do that—just like a gay couple has every right to do that. It’s just not anyone’s business except the people involved. That’s all I would say: “What makes you better than these people?”

People have a million different justi�ications and reasons why they don’t want (marriage equality), but it doesn’t check out. Whenever I hear people’s reasoning behind it, I think to myself, ‘marriage isn’t always successful anyway.’ Look at the divorce rate and all the things that go wrong with marriage. Whether it’s gay or straight, there are issues with it. Clearly people have a hard time staying together, and that’s just a sad truth about marriage in our society. People should be allowed to succeed and fail at marriage as they so desire.

WHAT ROLE HAS THE GAY COMMUNITY HAD IN MAROON 5’S CAREER?

The music that we make is for people to enjoy, and as far as all communities are concerned, the band’s mission statement is that we make music for everybody and that we love everyone who appreciates it and we appreciate everyone who appreciates it.

WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST PART OF SHOOTING AMERICAN HORROR STORY SO FAR?

It’s so much fun. I’m having a blast and obviously Ryan (Murphy) is amazing and so passionate and so cool, and I thank him for giving me this opportunity. It’s a really special show to be a part of, and it’s been really fun and I’m very excited to see the results.

I’ve never really seen myself do any of this before, so I’m a little wigged out about that—actually watching myself. It’s all new and it’s all fun and it’s a fresh experience. I’ve gotten super into it and hope there are more cool things like that to come. And I’ve got a lot of blood on me!

WHAT DOES THAT TASTE LIKE?

It tastes like gross corn syrup crap.

DYLAN MCDERMOTT IS KNOWN FOR GETTING NAKED A LOT ON THE SHOW. SHOULD WE EXPECT YOU TO GET NAKED AS WELL?

(Laughs) I don’t think I’ll be getting naked on the show. There’s no nudity for me. But you’ll see: It’s de�initely interesting.

WHO’S THE BIGGER DIVA ON THE VOICE: YOU OR CHRISTINA AGUILERA?

—ADAM LEVINE Probably me. (Laughs) You know, it’s cool because at this point, we �inally hit our stride as friends— all four of us. Anytime you get four people together who don’t know each other very well, at �irst certain people gravitate toward others and alliances are formed and friendships are formed. But what’s great now is that all four of us are very close and having the best time because we’re the most connected we’ve ever been.

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(Laughs) [The album title] is more just a humorous take on the fact that the band is everywhere, which is a wonderful thing. It’s kind of nice to put a spin on it and make fun of it and be silly about it rather than turn it into a bad thing. Because it’s amazing.

We’ve been lucky enough to withstand over a decade of, I guess, what you call relevance, and we’re really excited about that: continuing to have songs on the radio, playing big concerts and having this wonderful career.

But we’re everywhere, so I do believe there is some truth to that statement—and it’s funny to poke a little bit of fun at it.

“When I’m talking about dating a girl and they’re talking about dating a guy—big fucking deal.”

A Naughty and Exotic Mixed Lifestyle Club

36

WHEN DID MAROON 5 BECOME OVEREXPOSED?

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

HOW CAN THE MUSIC BUSINESS AS A WHOLE BE INFLUENTIAL IN CHANGING PEOPLE’S MIND REGARDING GAY POLITICS?

It’s a great platform for that.

We’ve made a lot of strides in a lot of ways as far as acceptance is concerned. What’s funny is everyone is always talking about the world being so fucked and such a disaster, but when you really look at it, there’s an argument in there that the world’s become a better place.

Look at the strides. It’s really easy to look at all the things that are wrong with the world and say, “Oh my God, we’re all going to hell in a hand basket.” But I think what’s cool to say is, “Look at the wonderful things that we have been able to achieve and look at how much more equally people are treated now as opposed to the past.”

I think we have a lot of really big strides to make. For some reason, someone being homophobic is still somewhat acceptable in our society, which I don’t like. That’s what I hate so much, but I think that we’ve made strides there, too. It’s going to be a long battle. People make fun of people for being gay too much. It’s too culturally accepted still, but it’s better.

You used to watch a movie and people used to say—I won’t say it—but ‘F-A-G’ all the time. And that doesn’t happen anymore.

You have to look at that and say, “That’s a good thing, man.” It’s not this derogatory thing that’s widely

acceptable. You look back to the ’70s and ’80s and you’re like, “Whoa, I can’t believe that’s in this movie or on this television show, or that it was casually thrown around a lot.” It’s become a bad word, and that’s a good thing.

There’s always going to be a lot wrong with the world, but I do think it’s becoming a better place in that regard.

DO YOU SEE THE MUSIC BUSINESS EVOLVING FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD?

That would be a nice idea. You do tend to �ind that a lot of people who are involved in music don’t care about whether someone is gay or not, or gay themselves.

Who knows why that’s the case.

Maybe that particular part of entertainment is evolving or has always been that way.

Most of the people that I know, it’s just not an issue. Most people in the music industry don’t necessarily judge people for that kind of thing and it doesn’t really come into play; it doesn’t matter.

People, especially musicians and artists, were more guarded a while ago. Now it seems like it doesn’t seem to bother anybody very much, which is great.

Listen, the forward movement with this whole thing is good, and getting it all out there and having discussions and debates only helps us advance, so I’m all about discussing it with someone.

I’m still very interested in getting to the bottom of why people don’t understand that in saying certain people aren’t allowed to marry—what leg do you have to stand on there?

Unless you can admit that you’re putting yourself above them, then there’s no argument.

Otherwise you would say, “Everyone has the right to marry.”

That’s a hard pill to swallow because, like I said, I’m always ready to play the other side and to try to appreciate the other side for what it’s worth, and you can’t really argue unless you can start to understand where that side comes from. But I still don’t quite get it. It still baf�les me. |  |

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St. Petersburg Cabaret

THROUGH SEPT. 30 FreeFall Theatre 727-498-5205 FreeFallTheatre.com

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Spanish singer Iglesias has been known to bring female and male fans on stage to sing sultry love songs to them and fans expect Lopez to bring high energy to her performances while muscular male dancers distract the audience from her multiple costume changes.

The two artists’ very different styles is what makes the tour work, according to Iglesias, who said. “it’s what makes the tour so interesting.

When you mix things in an unexpected way is when you create this magic.”

Expect to hear “Jenny From the Block,” “Let’s Get Loud” and “On the Floor” from Lopez and Iglesias’ popular “Hero,” “Tonight” and “Bialamos.”

For tickets, visit CenterOrlando.com or call 407-489-2020. |  |

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N THE PAST YEAR, SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER HAS ENDED UP ON THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR of a movie in postproduction, gotten a divorce and re-entered the insanity of the dating world, all of which have created more laughter-inducing opportunities than she ever thought possible.

The �irst openly gay comedian to ever appear on television will bring those new experiences to the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Sept.

8, in her brand new show, Jilted

Gypsy..... For Sale or Rent!

Westenhoefer’s new material is based on her ever-changing view of life after…well, everything.

She’s a brand-new woman around town with striking insights based on a jilted year that has �inally— thankfully—ended. Stick with her and she’ll take you for a ride on the wild side with plenty of Pinot to keep it interesting.

Tickets are $26-$36 and are available at YouGoGirlProductions.com or by calling 813-915-8301. |  |

W

ERE YOU A FAN OF THE OLD HOLLYWOOD SQUARES OF TINSELTOWN’S heyday? How about Celebrity Squares during the 2012 Fringe Festival?

Then you’ll de�initely want to check out Wanzie’s Celebrity Match Game at the Footlight Theatre with the Parliament House on each Saturday throughout the month of September.

Each week’s show features a different selection of celebrities

and characters to represent a certain theme.

On Sept. 1, the theme is “TV Land,” featuring Carol Lee as Joan Rivers and Addison Taylor as Cartman. On Sept. 8 the show targets Broadway and features performers like Gidget Galore as Nora Desmond and Doug Ba’sar as Annie.

There’s even one performance that features “Shamu the Killer Whale!”

For tickets, a full schedule and a look at each week’s theme, visit WanziePresents.com. |  |

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

SEPT. 1 Parliament House 407-454-8478 ParliamentHouse.com

The Color Purple

THROUGH SEPT. 2 The Pointe Performing Arts Center 407-374-3587 PointeArts.org

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

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1- BEEFCAKE WELCOME: The dancers are ready to great RNC delegates at G Bar the weekend before the convention started in Tampa. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 2- EQUESTRIAN COPS: Tampa Police mounted units pose for pictures with visitors prior to the RNC in Ybor City. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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3- WORKING IT: Joey Brooks shows how to be fabulous during a recent performance at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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4- FORMING FRIENDSHIPS: Cindy Barnes, right, gets a hug from a Sarasota Pride supporter during a dance at the Bobby Jones Country Club Aug. 25. PHOTO COURTESY PROSUZY.COM 5- FESTIVE FEAST: Women joined at Gecko’s in Sarasota for a late lunch Aug. 25 before enjoying a dance benefitting Sarasota Pride. PHOTO COURTESY PROSUZY.COM 6- PRE-HURRICANE PARTY: Friends line up at the Ybor Social as Tropical Storm Isaac churns south of Florida on Aug. 25. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 7- TWO-STEPPIN’: Suzanne Noe, right, teaches a new friend some steps during a women’s dance benefitting Sarasota Pride Aug. 25. PHOTO COURTESY PROSUZY.COM 8- EERIE CALM: Protestors prepare at Centennial Park in Ybor City prior to the Republican National Convention. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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OVERHEARD RNC MAYHEM

W

HILE THERE SEEMS TO BE AN AWFUL LOT OF DRAMA SURROUNDING THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION in Tampa this week, there are also plenty of colorful, humorous side notes.

Amid the protests and fears of tropical storms, our friends Carrie West and Mark Bias shared a few notes from their perches at their MC Film storefront windows in the heart of GaYbor.

The pair noted that a large, black SUV stopped in front of their store for a few minutes and inside were four policemen in brown, sandstorm trooper uniforms.

Before the SUV could attract

too much attention, the men jumped out of the vehicle and posed behind life-size cutouts of Dorothy and a leather man. After a few photos were snapped, they police resumed their duties of patrolling and keeping the peace in Ybor City.

Another RNC tidbit shared by West and Bias is of the Democratic Party kind. Apparently, the Old Ice House behind the Hampton Inn on the streetcar line wasn’t ready to concede the historic district to the Republican Party. So displayed proudly on a �lag pole just under the American �lag is a blue �lag bearing Obama’s campaign logo.

No word on if the �lag’s owner is af�iliated with the large billboard on I-275 reminding

convention goers that Tampa’s Mayor and City Council members are all Democrats.

THAT’S AWKWARD!

W

E REALIZE THAT THIS TIDBIT ISN’T NECESSARILY LGBTRELATED, but we couldn’t resist reporting on the swarm of Ron Paul supporters who chanted the want-to-be Republican nominee for president’s name as he walked across the �loor of the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Aug. 28. Paul, is the only GOP candidate left over from the primaries who has not of�icially conceded to Mitt Romney. Paul’s supporters chanted his name in the Forum, which created

a stir and motivated other delegates to chant for Romney.

Paul’s supporters continued the chant until he was �inally seated near the stage.

FAB FILM FEST BREAKS RECORD

T

RUE, THE FABULOUS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL IS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate its record-breaking sophomore year! The festival devoted to LGBT �ilm arrived at the Burns Court Cinema in downtown Sarasota on Aug. 18 with a near sold-out crowd on hand to see Sassy Pants. The comedy

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

appeared to be a crowd pleaser and the appearance of Haley Joel Osment (of The Sixth Sense) as a �lamboyant, 20-something gay bartender elicited applause from the crowd.

The audience appeared to be in a good mood, and were welcomed by the short, Closer, created by and starring local �ilmmaker and Watermark contributor Anthony Paull, who was also in the audience.

According to Magida Diouri, who organized the festival, attendance was higher than expected throughout the weekend and plans are already underway for the third installment next summer. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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ORLANDO

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1- COMEDIC OUTING: (L-R) Sue-Bee Laginess, Jeff Jones, Dexter Foxworth and Mikael Audebert are caught at the Suzanne Westenhoefer concert. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 2- FIND THE BEAT: Progressive house DJ and Grammy-winner Morgan Page performed at The Beacham Aug. 23. PHOTO BY ERIK CABAN 3- SPREAD THE WORLD: The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls spread the word about their upcoming Sept. 9 bout—and sample some pasta—at the Sand Lake Farmers Market. PHOTO BY JIM PEREIRA

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4- CELEBRATE: Watermark contributor and photographer Lee Vandergrift (right and pictured with Aaron Round) celebrates his 48th birthday Aug. 25 with a party at his home. PHOTO COURTESY LEE VANDERGRIFT

4

5- ALLEY CATS: Team Watermark rolled for a good cause at the HRC Disco Bowl Aug. 19 at Colonial Lanes. PHOTO BY RICK CLAGGETT 6- ROYALLY FUNNY: Ginger Minj (Center), pictured with runners up Eureka Fish (left) and Kathryn Nevets (right), is crowned Miss Comedy Queen Aug. 20 at Parliament House. PHOTO BY MARK MELNICK 7- PACKED HOUSE: Retro City Cycles hosts a big crowd during the Aug. 23 Ivanhoe After Hours networking event. PHOTO BY SCOTTIE CAMPBELL 8- GREAT FOOD, GREAT MINDS: The Leone Company president Mara Shorr, TV Food Network’s Emily Ellyn and Edible Orlando publisher Kendra Lott nosh at Taste of the Nation Orlando Aug. 25 at World Center Marriott. PHOTO COURTESY EDIBLE ORLANDO

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OVERHEARD WICKEDLY FUNNY WESTENHOEFER

L

EGENDARY COMEDIAN SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER MADE A RARE APPEARANCE IN ORLANDO on Thursday, Aug. 16. The concert, presented by Phish Phest as a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign, was held at The Abbey in downtown Orlando.

Westenhoefer was the �irst openly gay comedian to appear on television, including gigs on Letterman, HBO, Bravo and Logo. Local favorite Jeff Jones introduced her as «the reason I›m an out gay comedian.» And the 200-or-so in attendance roared at hilarious stories about a recent break-up, menopause, her cats

and her love of gay male porn.

«Lesbian porn is two women walking on the beach in matching blazers,» Westenhoefer lamented.

Organizer Sue-Bee Laginess said Westenhoefer was a stitch from the moment she arrived in town. «Everything she said was hilarious,» Laginess said. «I›m so proud that Phish Phest can put her on our resume of events.»

Westenhoefer returns to Florida on Sept. 8 when she performs at St. Petersburg›s Palladium Theater.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

A

STRAIGHT BOY FALLS INTO AN ALLGAY UNIVERSE AND DISCOVERS HE’S THEIR MESSIAH. Nope—it’s not a Syfy

movie of the week but the debut novel from local playwright, Apollo, who also authors After Dark, a Sims-like video series on his website TheVirginsGuideTo AQueerProphecy.com. Pure science-�iction fantasy, the plot is based on his series; a virgin male crosses over to a parallel universe that is exclusively gay, his heterosexual life is never the same.

The naive accountant quickly learns he is an integral part of a 10,000-year-old prophecy. Armed only with his messenger bag �illed with emergency items, the virgin experiences a hilarious series of madcap adventures. Apollo announced on his website that the book will be available on Amazon beginning next week. “Currently I

am just �inishing up with the editor and am in talks with the cover artist,” he posted. “I met with the model who will be featured on the cover.” A teaser video of the novel is available on his site along with a few promotional pieces.

HONEY BADGER 2012

R

ANDALL, THE PARTBITCHY, PART-DISGUSTED AND ALL-FABULOUS HOST OF A SERIES of narrated wildlife and pop culture videos, more notably about a certain honey badger who doesn’t give a you-know-what was in town.

Not for the RNC but to announce and promote the Honey Badger party’s of�icial entry into the 2012 presidential campaign. (See

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

HoneyBadger2012.com.) While not many media outlets were in attendance for his Aug. 27 press conference at the Roosevelt 2.0, the “media” that was there included The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Randall, said his message about preserving the environment is no joke. Randall told the Tampa Bay Times that he’s �inding a receptive audience among the conservatives he has met here for this week’s Republican National Convention.”The more we keep destroying this planet, we’re destroying ourselves,” he said. “I take it very seriously but I’m going to do it with humor because people will laugh and then they’ll realize, ‘He’s making sense! We have to do better for this world.’” |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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tampa bay marketplace

LEGALLY WED: Local activism powerhouses Vicki Nantz and Mary Meeks marked one year of legal Massachusetts marriage in August. PHOTO BY TONY WARD

Transitions

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations John Thomas and Jan Lund of Tampa celebrated one year of legal New York wedded bliss on Aug. 21. The couple has been together for 29 years.

Jym Steele and Randy Mabe of Orlando will celebrate 17 years together on Sept. 6, 2012.

903 Mills Market marks its 9th anniversary on Sept. 7. The market & deli offers gourmet beer and wines, coffee and fresh grocery staples.

Local Birthdays Lakeland bear Bob Lloyd and MBA Directorat-Large Jeffrey Buak, (Sept. 2); Sarasota entertainer and comic Beneva Fruitville (Sept. 3); Orlando server and arts lover Richard Hicks (Sept. 4); Sarasota’s Asolo Rep social media coordinator David Valdez, St. Petersburg-based TIGLFF husband Erik

Carroll, Butch bear and Tampa pharmacist Brian Wehling, St. Pete software genius David Palio and Gulfport party host Ed Dunn (Sept. 5); Rollins College honcho A. Eddie Mehnert, Tampa Bay everywoman and KJ Monica LeFavre and Sarasota Starbucks junkie and teacher Steve Eller (Sept. 6); St. Pete convenience store specialist Scott Petersen and Tampa leather man Todd Crutchfield (Sept. 7); Orlando drag icon Darcel Stevens, St. Pete pet portrait artist Eunice Fisher, Tampa’s Colombia transplant Ricardo Mendez, Sarasota cowboy and “orange” spokesperson Wolf Keller, HSN bigwig Darryl Blaker, Tampa bear Mike Scott, Disney entertainment tech Charles Cantrell, Sarasota hottie Angel Perez and sexy Tampa athlete and Watermark coverboy Marty Walsh (Sept. 8); St. Pete-based big bear David Reynolds and St. Pete chiropractor Karen Reese (Sept. 9); Tampa account manager Jim Steinle, Tampa animal lover and Watermark contributor Greg Burton and Tampa Gallery curator Albert Burruezo (Sept. 11); As I Am’s Rev. Robin Hankins (Sept. 12).

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!

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 12, 2012 // ISSUE 19.18

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Do This!

SAGE ADVICE FROM ‘THE TRUTH’

Build support before coming out DEAR TRUTH,

I

AM 16 YEARS OLD AND HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A WAY TO TELL MY PARENTS THAT I’M A LESBIAN. Every day I wish I could �ind the courage to say, “Mom, Dad, I’m gay!” but it’s a lot more complicated than that. They are very religious, and I have seen �irsthand how they react to homosexuality.

That’s why it’s going to be so hard to break the news. I don’t want to tell them, but I know that I have to in order to get on with my life. What should I do?

—Stuck in St. Johns Dear Stuck, Telling your parents that you’re gay is one of the scariest things ever...at any age! It’s scary because they’re your parents, and you don’t know how this will ultimately impact your relationship. At 16, you’ll likely live under the same roof for years to come.

And for that reason I want you to do a few things before you take this step. First, bring an older sibling or family friend into your con�idence, so that you’ll have a support system in place. Second, speak with a counselor at the Zebra Coalition (ZebraYouth.com) in nearby Orlando. They can offer important tips and resources. Third, see if you can get your hands on The Rest of the Way (RestOfTheWay.com), a book by Enid Jackowitz that describes her dif�icult journey toward acceptance of her gay son.

Then approach your parents at a time when the atmosphere at home is relaxed. This will be dif�icult for them and they may disappoint you at �irst. Tell them that you’re sharing this with them because you love them and want to be close to them. Avoid discussing relationships and sexual feelings or experiences for the time being. Reassure them that you remain committed to life goals you may have identi�ied at this early age. In time, introduce them to your friends—especially the ones they’ll like!—gay and straight.

As your parents, their biggest fear is that being gay means that everything will be different, and that you will have a dif�icult, problematic, lonely and unful�illing life. Here comes The Truth: Only time will allow you to

paint a different, more accurate picture. And time you must give them.

Good luck, and know that you have millions who’ve trod the same courageous path rooting for you.

DEAR TRUTH,

M

Y BOYFRIEND DEVON IS SIGNIFICANTLY OLDER THAN ME— I’m 38 and he’s 59—and we’ve been together for nine years. Devon was quite successful before I met him, and we have a nice house together.

The problem is that Devon won’t go with me to get our wills redone. Devon was previously married and has kids so I’m worried that I could lose everything if something happens to him. He says that he has already taken care of everything and that I’m “all set.” I’m also a little suspicious that maybe Devon is hiding some assets, or has some debts that he doesn’t want me to know about. I think that I have a right to know the full story. What do you think?

—Belle Isle Beau Dear Belle Biv de Beau, I do think that nine years is long enough for there to have developed some �inancial transparency in your relationship.

That said, Devon’s possessions were largely acquired before your relationship. That he has kids is a complicating matter, as one could surely understand why he would want to afford for them in his will. Maybe I’m watching too much Investigation Discovery programming, but that you’re pushing for a will change— and you don’t reveal any component of your �inancial state—is a cause for skepticism on my part. Unless you have a legal partnership, are married, or have discussed this previously, I can’t help but be a little concerned with your heightened sense of alarm regarding his and your relative �inancial relationship.

It is perfectly understandable for you as his partner to say “I really would like to understand where we are �inancially in case something happens to you.” But be okay with what you �ind out, no matter what that is. Here comes the Truth: he’s not required to include you in his will or provide for you after he’s gone. |  |

Maybe I’m watching too much Investigation Discovery, but pushing for a will change is a cause for skepticism.

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watermarkonline.com

attorney

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Law Office of Michael E. Morris, P.A.

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FREE initial consultations Weekday & Evening appointments Abogado habla Español

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The hiring of a lawyer is an importan decision that should not be based soley upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you information about our qualifications and experience.

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attorney

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BANKRUPTCY PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1997

• Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 • Free 60 minute consultation • Evening Appointments • 18 years Bankruptcy Experience • Payment Plans “Do not go gentle into that good night, rather, ride fast and hard, we can rest when we die.” par aphr ase of dyl an thomas

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about my qualifi cations and experience.

attorney

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924 West Colonial Drive | Orlando, Florida 32804 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.

Read It Online!

Head to WatermarkOnline.com and click on the Digital Publications link to a read a digital version of the printed newspaper!

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orlando marketplace

coaching

counselor

electrician

Jase Interactions Services CENTRAL FLORIDA Performer/Entertainer Culture Event

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CARDINAL MEMORIALS Designers of Distinctive and Innovate Memorials

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BETH SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL Dedicated to Serving Our Community For Over 25 Years. Locally Owned and Operated.

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James R. Cardinal Sammy Goldstein ( 407 ) 599-1180 640 Lee Road, Orlando

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Best orchids in town

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health food store

insurance

personal chef

TREAT YOUR BODY RIGHT! Find It Locally For Less & We’ll Match Or Beat The Price Save up to 70% off MSRP Vitamins, Herbs, Sports & Dietary Free Consultations

Nature’s Market Discount Nutrition

I’ll come to your home or office and prepare delicious meals for you and your guests.

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(Between Crystal Lake Dr. & Primrose Ave. in the Winn Dixie Plaza)

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home improvement

physician

labs Because CONFIDENTIALITY Matters

Instant H I V Testing S T D Testing Wellness Testing 270 S. Northlake Blvd, Suite 1004 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

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lawn care

Arie Groen’s

property maintenance Commercial and Residential Licensed specializing in:

home improvement

installation of sod Ornamentals Trimming Elevating Palms Trees Mulch Irrigation pressure washing s e r v i c i n g

o r l a n d o

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Arie Groen’s Property Maintenance

(727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com

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orlando marketplace

Call for rates

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plastic surgery

407.857.6261 Trust your face and body to a board certified plastic surgeon

George H. Pope, MD, FACS

• Gynecomastia reduction • Liposuction • Laser hair removal • Sculptra®, Botox®, Radiesse®, Juvederm® • Laser skin rejuvenation • Rhinoplasty • Facelift & eyelift • Cosmetic breast surgery • Professional skin care • Accredited in-house surgical suite

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon by Orlando Magazine readers

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youth group info@OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

407-244-1222 Peer-to-peer support group and social activities for LGBTQ youth ages 13 – 24.

web site

orlando marketplace

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[CLASSIFIEDS] central florida announcements OnTimeRX -FREE!! - The BEST FREE Pill Reminder App for iPhone & Android.

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employment offered Small Bi/Gay Company Needs B2B Sales Pro Support Plus (SW Orlando) - We are in search of an Intelligent, Organized, and Dynamic B2B Sales Professional with a proven sales record to setup qualified* sales appointments. We require not less than 5 appointments from the first week. Thereafter, not less than 10 appointments per week. Our historic closing rate on sales appointments is above 60%. We are not looking to train or achieve sales goals months down the road.

Our candidate must have excellent phone etiquette, a great English speaking voice, excellent people skills and must enjoy talking on the phone. We want a sales pro who can very quickly get people to like them over the phone and ultimately set up qualified sales appointments. This position’s priority is qualified* appointment setting by developing list of qualified contacts and making outgoing cold business to business qualified* sales appointments for our sales staff. Use our CRM System (Create complete record of every prospective, new and existing client.

Solicit new business, schedule appointments for sales team, track leads, and document all activities in data base). Other light duties include; scanning, filing, billing, answering phones, other general office duties and errands. We are a small (3 guy) professional company in south Orlando working out of our home office. We are masculine bisexual men and prefer working with masculine bi or gay males. This is a full time job 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday paid hourly with 1 hour for lunch. You will be reimbursed 20 cents per mile gas allowance for company related errands. Compensation: $10.00 per hour plus a $100.00 bonus for every qualified appointment you book that becomes a paying client. You must have dependable transportation, auto insurance, email address and cell phone. We perform an initial and ongoing background and drug testing on all employees. If you feel qualified for this position please email your current resume today ( tcb2k9@yahoo.com ) Thanks for checking out our posting...Looking forward to hearing from our new Sales Pro! 350.00 +35 hours @ $10.00. 600.00 + bonus (based on minimum requirement of 10 appointments weekly with estimated 60% closing rate) 6 @ $100.00. 950.00 + total weekly potential earnings. Qualified* will be discussed directly with qualified candidates...

Looking For IN-HOUSE Professional Dynamic Website Engineer (SW Orlando) - NOTE

POSITION IS IN-HOUSE. PLEASE DON’T SEND INFORMATION UNLESS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN IN-HOUSE POSITION. We are currently looking for an Intelligent, Organized Professional Website Engineer who can take a project from concept to completion in a professional and timely manner. You must also possess the following skill sets: -Very Familiar with Joomla CMS, WordPress and others.

-Prefer knowledge of Gantry framework.

-Graphic Design Skills -Social Media skills including SEO, SMM -All projects are conducted using our project management system where; you, management, sales and clients will have access from beginning to end. Must develop exactly what our clients want in a very professional and timely manner.

-Excellent people skills and professional appearance. You will be working in our home office located in SW Orlando. We are masculine bisexual men and prefer working with masculine bi or gay males.

This is a full time IN-HOUSE position 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday with 1 hour for lunch. We perform an initial and ongoing background and drug testing on all employees. You must have dependable transportation, email address and cell phone. If you are qualified for this position please email your current resume today along with sample websites you have done to tcb2k9@ yahoo.com. Thanks for checking out our posting... Location: Attractions Area Compensation: $15.00 per hour Plus $200.00 Bonus on completed* / client approved* websites done ahead of deadline.

Completed* = Totally completely to contract, including updates and Client’s Approval Client Approved* = Totally Complete To Client’s Final Approval & Payment

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Visit WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New Listings Every Day!

real estate for sale

personal services MAN-TO-MAN - very friendly, masculine, good looking man with solid athletic body.

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Should there be a swimsuit competition for Realtors??

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VIZCAYA LUXURY CONDO Lakefront 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Over 1800sf located in exclusive gated community, walking distance to Sandlake Road Restaurant Row. Relaxing lake views from all windows. Incredible opportunity!

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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.

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Nyad falls short on Cuba-to-Florida swim Staff Report

Staff Report

K

M

INNEAPOLIS, MINN. | Tampa Bay softballers have a lot to be proud of this season as they celebrate the �irst place win by the Tampa Venom at the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance World Series Aug. 19.

The Venom defeated the Orlando Royalty in the championship game to secure the �irst-place trophy in the C-Division bracket. The Atlanta Menace and Houston Toros took third and fourth place, respectively.

The trophy didn’t come easy to the Venom, who started the tournament strong but had to �ight their way back from the losers’ bracket to secure the championship. The Venom

SERIES CHAMPS: The Tampa Venom took home the first place trophy in the

C-Division at the 2012 Gay Softball World Series. It was the only Florida team to take the top spot in any division. PHOTO COURTESY BILLY SEABLOM

suffered a setback when it faced the Royalty the �irst time and found itself in the losers’ bracket. The Venom had to beat the Atlanta Menace to make it back into contention for the championship where the Royalty was waiting.

The Venom defeated the

Royalty in back-to-back games to secure their win.

Tampa and Orlando teams didn’t fare quite as well in the other divisions of the World Series. For a full list of teams that placed in the A-, B-, Dand Masters divisions, visit WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

EY WEST, FLA. | Her goal of swimming from Cuba to Florida appearing elusive, Diana Nyad was out of the water the morning of Aug. 21, being checked by doctors on a boat and discussing whether she could return to a fourth day of swimming.

Nyad, who is gay, emerged from the water at 7:42 a.m.

A team member, Vanessa Linsley, said the swimmer was battered by a rough night and was unsure if she would be able to �inish the 103-mile crossing.

Nyad, who turned 63 on Aug. 22, was making her third attempt since last summer to become the �irst person to cross the Florida Straits without a shark cage. She also made a failed try with a cage in 1978.

The swimmer faced two nights of storms. On the evening of Aug. 20, Nyad’s crew improvised ways to prevent hypothermia.

Australian Susie Maroney successfully swam the Straits in 1997, but she used a shark cage. In June, another Australian, Penny Palfrey, made it 79 miles toward Florida without a cage before strong currents forced her to abandon the attempt. |  |

sports

Tampa Venom fights back to take C-Division title at Gay World Series

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Photo by Carrie West

Photo by Nick Janovsky

Photo by Carrie West

Photo by Carrie West

Photo by Thompson Kellett

PHOTOGRAPHY

Galleryw 54

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T

AMPA WAS TRANSFORMED AUG. 27-30 AS THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION TOOK OVER THE CITY AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS. HERE IS A QUICK GLIMPSE AT THE CHAOS.

watermarkonline.com

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BEFORE