Watermark Issue 20.04: The Road to the Gay Games

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YOUR LGBT LIFE.

GAME ON!

THE PUSH TO BRING THE GAY GAMES TO ORLANDO IN 2018 IS GAINING MOMENTUM TOWN HALL DISCUSSES

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in wake of Hillsborough’s DPR vote

LAKE COUNTY faces GSA decision

ARICA LOVE shares her story in Life of The T-Girl

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FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

• WORKSHOPS • CONFLICT COACHING • CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 17 // STATE 18 // NATION & WORLD 27 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 39 // EVENT PLANNER 41 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 43 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 45 // TRANSITIONS 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 53 // SPORTS 54 // GALLERY W

PAGE

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It is a matter of fundamental equality that we provide similar benefits to all those men and women in uniform who serve their country.

—OUTGOING DEFENSE SECRETARY LEON E. PANETTA

ON THE COVER

PAGE (L-R) Robert Carnes,

Lepore, Matthew 08 Kristin Patterson, Gabrielle

Shulruff, Ashley Jones, Mikael Audebert, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Brian Martin and Brent Nelson are photographed at the Amway Center in a show of support for bringing the Gay Games to Orlando in 2018.

Photo by Gary Bassing

SCAN QR CODE FOR

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Preview

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T-GIRL LIFE: For years, Arica Love has entertained at clubs from Sarasota and Tampa Bay to Orlando. But now, with an upcoming documentary titled Life of the T-Girl, she’s ready to share her entire story with film festivals.

WATERMARK ISSUE 20.04 // FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE The City of Orlando will

PAGE After the Hillsborough County

RON LEGLER

GALLERY W

Read it online!

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

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submit its proposal to bring the Gay Games to Central Florida in 2018, but it has some stiff competition; Lake County School Board considers eradicating clubs to avoid creating a Gay Straight Alliance; more.

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Commission rejected a proposed domestic partner registry, area residents strategized their next move at a town hall meeting; a new study led by a dean at USF researches how HIV-positive people relay their status; more.

PAGE After months of negotiations

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and media coverage, it looks like the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and the Florida Theatrical Association have reached a compromise. We talk with Ron Legler, the man behind the FTA.

PAGE For the second year in a

the St. Petersburg 54 row, Museum of Fine Arts hosted

Ancient Greek Erotica: An Evening with Aphrodite. The night was complete with vendors selling erotic products and painted actors recreating a sexy, Greek atmosphere.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ELDERLY UNDERSTANDING

O

UR 55-PLUS APPRECIATION DAY AT METRO WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS in St. Pete on Jan. 26 was a success with more than 50 people in attendance.

That was the day I was able to pick up the copy of Watermark featuring “Golden Gays” on the cover.

The article inside demonstrated a real understanding of issues facing 55-plus LGBT persons as well as being a wonderful af�irmation and exposure of our “infancy” stage LGBT community center.

I want you at Watermark to know we appreciate it.

JOE SMITH METRO WELLNESS & COMMUNITY CENTER “GOLDEN GAY” VOLUNTEER

WTF IS RIGHT!

I

DON’T THINK ANY PUBLICATION BETTER CONVEYED WHAT WE WERE ALL WERE THINKING than Watermark on its recent cover [Issue 20.03]. The Hillsborough County Commission is once again behind the times and have made our county

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FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

“Four commissioners are so homophobic and frightened of losing the next election that they pander to a loud minority rather than use common sense.”

—JASON ADAMS

the laughing stock of the state and the country. It is 2013, a year in which it should be a no-brainer to pass an ordinance that protects unmarried partners, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, four of the commissioners are so homophobic and frightened of losing the next election that they pander to a loud minority rather than use any ounce of common sense. I was disappointed and angry with their 4-3 vote rejecting a domestic partner registry and was thrilled to see that Watermark felt the same way.

Thank you for speaking for the community and I can’t wait for the day when the cover can read, “Finally, Hillsborough!”

JASON ADAMS LUTZ, FLA.

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ONE STEP, MANY TO GO

T

HE PENTAGON TOOK A HISTORIC STEP FORWARD TOWARD RIGHTING THE WRONG OF INEQUALITY IN OUR ARMED FORCES (by allowing same-sex bene�its to service members), but there is still more work to be done.

When the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), they should re�lect on the sacri�ice made by Americans like Staff Sergeant Tracy Johnson, whose wife was killed in action late last year, or the family of Chief Warrant Of�icer Charlie Morgan, who succumbed to cancer earlier this month.

The Court should strike down this hateful law so that this country can �inally guarantee full equality for all who serve.

CHAD GRIFFIN HRC PRESIDENT

CONTRIBUTORS

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

D

Desk

EAR CATHOLIC CHURCH:

As a non-Catholic, I can only imagine the tremendous feelings of fear and unrest you are experiencing in the wake of Pope Benedict XVI’s sudden retirement. Change, as you know, is not a practice the Church takes lightly—and when it’s forced upon you, it’s only natural to resist.

But popes have resigned before, and while the last occurrence was well before anyone presently on this planet existed, your institution adapted and survived those changes.

Change, as they say, can be good. The world is continuously evolving—pardon the phrasing— and so too must institutions that were created with the mission of offering spiritual guidance to the population of our planet.

For nearly 2,000 years, the Catholic Church has managed to

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remain relevant to so many in an ever-changing world. Small adaptations have helped maintain that relationship for many who follow the customs and practices of Catholicism. I won’t pretend to understand those changes nor will I pretend to understand a majority of the practices and nuances of your institution.

But today in 2013, you face an opportunity unlike any in the history of the Church. It has been more than six centuries since a living pope left

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his position as the most powerful and most recognized religious �igure on the planet. Millions look to the �igurehead of your denomination as a source of strength. Maybe now is the time, during this historic transitional period, to look at the world with fresh eyes and a new perspective, one which makes more sense in this 21st century reality.

Women, for example, are no longer con�ined to the back pews of society. They are teachers, presidents, leaders, CEOs and airline pilots. They are mothers, wives, chefs and elected of�icials.

There is no denying that they are no longer secondary to the men of this planet. They are a vital part of our survival on this shared planet and are also capable of making their own medical decisions. Doctors recognize there are institutions to address spiritual concerns. Maybe you can follow their example and understand there are specialists to address medical concerns.

Your �lock is expansive, and includes people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. And, whether you want to admit to it or not, many of those followers are part of the LGBT community. Gay men, lesbians and bisexual Christians exist and were at one time children in Catholic Churches around the globe.

Many transgender individuals are also Christians and are too often excluded from the spiritual practices of the Church, simply because of your organization’s lack of

understanding and reliance on dated works of long-dead writers.

Like our heterosexual counterparts, many within our ranks have spiritual needs and beliefs that need to be satis�ied. Consider how dif�icult it is to �ind that satisfaction when the spokesman of your denomination constantly spews rhetoric that directly attacks those seeking guidance, rather than spreading a message of love and acceptance from his pulpit overlooking Vatican City.

I am far from a Biblical scholar.

My education on the matter is limited to Sunday school classes in a protestant environment as a child, and as a leader of my high school’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. But I am certain that singling out a large sect of those whose spiritual beliefs are the same as yours runs directly counter to your mission. And constantly calling them outsiders is a sure way to lessen the strength of your institution.

A common phrase among religious leaders is, “God has a plan” or that “God works in mysterious ways.” So rather than criticizing those you don’t understand, embrace them as you move forward and offer strength in a way no other institution can.

The Church has made mistakes in the past and has accepted responsibility for those errors.

Now is the time to do it again, at a moment in history that could literally change everything!

This could be the year the Catholic Church gets the reboot it has needed for far too long. By selecting an apolitical leader with an open mind and an attitude of acceptance and love, the Catholic Church will �ind a way to remain relevant in the 21st century and beyond. |  |

Today in 2013, you face an opportunity unlike any in the history of the Church.

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ZACH CARUSO

is a musician and journalist from New Jersey who now lives in St. Petersburg. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and an MA in writing. Page 12

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 23

STEPHEN MILLER

is a long-time Watermark contributor and author of Screened Out, our movie reviews column. He is also an Orlando playwright and business consultant. Pages 29

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

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orlando NEWS

Staff report

T

AVERES | The Lake County School Board could eliminate all extra-curricular clubs, rather than allow students to form a Gay-Straight Alliance.

The Board held a second discussion on the issue Feb. 11, where nearly a dozen people spoke in favor of keeping clubs and allowing the GSA. At a previous workshop Feb. 4, the Board �irst talked about the rules for student clubs and most members stated that they would prefer to limit student groups in secondary schools.

The discussion follows an American Civil Liberties Union request to allow a Lake County Middle School student to create a GSA at her middle school.

On Jan. 23, the ACLU sent a letter to Lake County School Board attorney Stephen Johnson, demanding the district follow through on a request by Carver Middle School student Bayli Silberstein to “confront bullying, educate the school community, and promote acceptance and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students” via the formation of a GSA. According to the letter. Silberstein asked school of�icials whether her request has been denied and if so, would they provide reasons in writing. The request was submitted in early November, and Silberstein had a conversation with Principal Mollie Cunningham, “who acknowledged the potential utility of the club but indicated that she needed to consult with the school board.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, school Board members Bill Mathias, Debbie Stivender and Chairwoman Kyleen Fischer spoke in favor of a rule that would ban extra-curricular clubs in secondary schools while fellow board members Tod Howard and Rosanne Brandeburg favored banning extra-curricular clubs only in middle schools. |  |

Tavares approves DPR Staff report

TAVERES | In a 4-1 vote, the Tavares City Council approved a domestic partner registry on Feb. 6, making it Lake County’s �irst city to offer same-sex couples some legal rights. Councilman Bob Grenier was the only “no” vote.

About 100 people showed up wearing red shirt to show their support of the registry, which would cover hospital and jail visitation, medical decisions and funeral decisions. The vote is a victory for equality, according to Equality Florida, and comes just two weeks after the much larger Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners voted to reject a registry in that county. |  |

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COVER STORY

Fate of Lake County School GSA still uncertain

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DESTINATION GAY GAMES: If successful, a bid to bring the Gay Games to Orlando in 2018 could bring millions in revenue to the City Beautiful and Orange County. Illustration by Andres Dupatel

The Road to the Gay Games Orlando’s of�icial proposal to bring the event here in 2018 lands Feb. 28 Steve Blanchard

EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | The mayor wants them. The local tourism board wants them. The community wants them. In fact, even the President of the United States wants them.

More and more people are stepping up to bring the Gay Games to Orlando in 2018, and on Feb. 28, the Orlando 2018 committee will submit its proposal to the Federation of Gay Games to make its case for the City Beautiful as the host of the largest LGBT and allied sporting event in the world.

According to Mikael Audebert of Converge, a visitor’s bureau focused on LGBT travel, the chances are good that the federation could award Orlando with the task of producing the games in 2018.

He’s convinced that the city’s infrastructure and its location as a top tourist destination will help land the games.

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“Orlando has all the appeal of bringing in and taking the games to the next level,” Audebert explained.

“It’s important that the games grow.

Looking at the numbers in the past, you’ll see that they’ve remained the same. For 20 years attendance stays between 9,000 and 12,000. We want

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer agrees.

“We have more hotel rooms than any city in America,” Dyer said. “We bring in 55 million visitors a year and we are fully capable of handling an event of this scale.”

Dyer cited the Amway Center and the renovations of the Citrus Bowl as two examples of alreadyin-place structures that could easily handle Gay Games events.

“The Gay Games don’t have as wide an array of events as the Olympics, but we have the sporting facilities to host those competitions,” Dyer said.

Brian Martin, corporate communications director with VisitOrlando, also feels like the Gay Games is a perfect �it for Orlando.

“When Converge (the LGBT visitors bureau) contacted us about the Gay Games, we thought it was a no-brainer,” Martin said. “We do large events on a regular basis and bringing 100,000 people here for a

“I’m all about our community being known as aggressive and tolerant; what better way to show that than to host an event of this sort?”

—ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER to reach out to more populations and boost those numbers.”

Audebert said that by reaching out to the Latin American community, for example, the numbers could jump signi�icantly.

He is also convinced that the infrastructure already in place in Orlando could support the larger numbers.

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Continued on page 10 |  |

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orlando NEWS

Hope and Help boosts events for 25th anniversary Shannon Scheidell

O

RLANDO | The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style, with a new event every few months.

“We’re not just going to do one single event on the day of the anniversary,” said Christopher Hessler, Events Manager for Hope and Help. “It’s going to be all year round.”

First up is Wicked After Dark, where performers from the Broadway show will sing in a Cabaret style setting at The Abbey on March 6. There will be oneof-a-kind auction items, including a walk-on part when the touring version of Wicked stops in Orlando later this month.

Hessler said the plan is for the May 18 AIDS Walk to have the largest turnout in the state with 4,000 walkers, doubling last year’s total. The organization’s staff is reaching out to sponsors, donors, and previous captains and walkers to begin organizing efforts early.

The Headdress Ball will also be an amped-up version of Hope and Help’s signature event. Staff is already in the �inal stages of the production side, of the Oct. 26 event, with artwork for the event set to be released in the next few weeks.

“It’s a huge milestone,” Hessler said. “We didn’t plan on being around this long, but we managed to survive.”

Throughout the year, Hope and Help will post constant updates and CDC statistics on HIV/AIDS in Florida, including information on treatment and testing locations. Visit HopeAndHelp.org for additional information. |  |

IN OTHER NEWS ZEBRA DONOR MATCH EXTENDED The Zebra Coalition’s donor match program has been extended. An anonymous donor has promised to match the first $25,000 in donations received by Feb. 28.

According to Zebra Coalition executive director Dexter Foxworth, more than $15,000 had been raised as of press time. To find out how to make a donation, visit ZebraYouth. org. The Zebra Coalition supports LGBT youth who need shelter, support, medical care, education or other services.

MBA MAKES A MOVE The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), Orlando’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is relocating from its Thornton Park location to the Plaza South Towers downtown. The move adds 1,100 square feet which allows the MBA to launch EXECU-SUITE, a program offering chamber members a virtual office with a business address, phone number and conference room access.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

SHOW OF SUPPORT: A team of elected officials, volunteers and community leaders have banded together to help bring the Gay Games to Orlando in 2018. The Orlando Magic are one of several corporations helping with the effort. PHOTO BY GARY BASSING

|  | Gay Games 2018 from pg.8

convention isn’t unheard of for us.

We’re experts at that.”

Even President Barack Obama has weighed in on the importance of securing the Gay Games for Orlando in 2018. In a letter sent to the organizing committee, Obama touted Orlando’s attractions and the city itself as an ideal location for the Gay Games.

“Orlando’s vibrant tourism industry makes it ideally suited to host a record-breaking number of more than 200,000 attendees— including over 14,000 athletes— and the city would be honored to provide the guest and athletes a wonderful, unique experience. I strongly support Orlando’s bid, and I urge the Federation of Gay Games to approve it.”

ONE OF FIVE

Of course, even with Obama’s strong support, 2018 isn’t a lock for Orlando just yet. The city faces tough competition from some impressive international destinations. London, Paris, Amsterdam and Limerick all have proposals into the Federation of Gay Games. Orlando is the only North American city still in the running.

“We are the number one tourist destination in the world,” explained Gabrielle Shulruff, with Orlando2018, the group piecing together the bid. “We have a lot of different elements that other cities don’t have.”

And surprisingly, Orlando’s status as an underdog in this �ight could actually increase its

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ECONOMIC IMPACT: $30 Million

JOBS CREATED: 3,000-5,000

GROUPS SUPPORTING THE ORLANDO GAMES:

Orlando Magic, Visit Orlando, City of Orlando, The White House, Solar Bears, Disney

HOW TO HELP:

Orlando2018.com chances for the 2018 games, Audebert added.

“Interestingly, the favored places aren’t always all the way there with LGBT rights,” Audebert said. “The games have helped cities move forward in that regard. We saw just a few weeks ago that Florida still has a long way to go with the vote in Hillsborough County rejecting a domestic partner registry.”

Bringing an event the size of the Gay Games to Orlando would put a lot of focus on human rights throughout the state, Audebert said, and could change some minds throughout the community and in some elected of�ices.

Orlando and Orange County, of course, are further along when it comes to equality than Hillsborough County. Mayor Dyer enacted a domestic partnership registry in late 2011 that allowed Orlando residents to gain a handful

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of protections beginning in January 2012. Orange County followed suit later in the year.

“I’m all about our community being known as aggressive and tolerant,” Dyer said. “What better way to show that than to host an event of this sort?”

Audebert also said his con�idence in Orlando landing the games is boosted by the location of the city. Never before have the Gay Games been held as far south as Orlando in the Western Hemisphere, and the attractions that bring millions of tourists here every year are just an added bonus.

“Sure, people will come for the games, but their friends, family and loved ones will also want to come to experience the parks and other attractions we have here waiting for them,” Audebert said.

The Federation will cut the cities in the running to three in March, and will announce the winning bid sometime in July or August.

THE ECONOMICS OF THE GAMES

From a numbers standpoint, bringing the Gay Games to Orlando makes sense. By just planning for the games, several dozen jobs would be created in the city and countless more part-time jobs would develop as the date of the games approached.

“Obviously the biggest bene�it is the economic bene�it the games would have,” Dyer said. “It’s estimated there’s potential for 50,000 hotel room nights, 36,000 visitors and an economic impact of $23 million.”

And since the Gay Games targets LGBT travelers, the potential

economic impact could actually be larger, according to VisitOrlando.

Martin said that studies consistently show that the LGBT community stays in destinations longer and spends more in those locations.

“We see a bene�it across the destinations when it comes to LGBT travel,” Martin said. “Family and friends would spend money and time at attractions outside of the Gay Games. That’s why this is such a good �it for us.”

NOT JUST GAY ATHLETES

The Gay Games may have “gay” in the title, but the Federation has made it very clear the games aren’t limited to LGBT athletes. Straight athletes are welcome.

While the Olympics technically support diversity of all kinds, the cities and countries in which it holds its games aren’t always tolerant of that diversity.

For example, the 2014 Winter Olympics slated for Sochi, Russia, have already sparked controversy in that country because of its intolerance of LGBT people. While LGBT athletes may compete, the chances of them feeling comfortable sharing celebratory moments with their

loved one are diminished in such an environment.

“The biggest criticism the Gay Games gets is, ‘Why not just have the gays participate in the Olympics?” Audebert said. “Why do we have to segregate ourselves?”

In London, 18 openly gay athletes participated out of an estimated 15,000. Just because a few disclosed their personal relationships doesn’t make the Olympics an open and af�irming event, Audebert said.

“The Gay Games allows athletes to participate at an international level without worrying about that,” Audebert explained. “It’s a chance to compete among others who enjoy sports without fear of being judged or criticized based on your sexuality—gay or straight.”

Shulruff said she can relate to those who have been discriminated against in sports, simply because she’s a woman.

“I was on a co-ed soccer team and I was the only girl,” she remembered. “It took talking to my coaches and making a ruckus to to stop the bulling on my middle school team. There is discrimination in sport, and that’s a major element as to why the Gay Games are so important.” |  |

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Pride Coalition funding falls short Staff report

O

RLANDO | The University of Central Florida’s newly formed LGBTQ Student Government Association agency Pride Coalition is anticipated to begin operating in July, but the SGA currently does not have enough money to fund the agency.

SGA’s Activity and Service Fee budget committee allocated all of its funds at budget committee hearings held in December 2012. Pride Coalition student representatives were not scheduled to submit a request for ASF funding to the committee until February.

Although Pride Coalition was approved by the SGA Senate as an SGA agency on Nov. 29, the bill was not signed until Jan. 17, delaying Pride Coalition’s eligibility to request Activity and Service Fee funds.

On Feb. 11, SGA’s Activity &

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Service Fee budget committee approved allocating $61,000 to Pride Coalition for the upcoming year to fund programming, dayto-day operations and two paid, part-time student positions.

However, the Activity and Service Fee is currently in the negative.

To address the budget shortfalls, the committee voted to cut $27,000 from the Multicultural Student Center, but the committee still needs to come up with at least $24,000.

The Pride Coalition is the �irst LGBTQ+ organization in UCF’s 50 year history to function as an entity of the Student Government Association. The Multicultural Student Center is currently one of the least funded SGA agencies, at approximately $200,000, compared to the Campus Activities Board and Homecoming which receive between $400,000 and half a million dollars for social programming.

OUTreach Advocacy Board

Student Director Nicholas Simons helped lead the process for creating the Pride Coalition.

“I think the ASF presentation went as well as it could given the budgetary constraints SGA was under; Pride Coalition will have a strong foundation next year,” said Simons. “We weren’t able to get everything that we wanted, notably a full-time staff position, but ASF did show a commitment to meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students through a substantial increase over our current salaries, operations, and programming.”

Pride Coalition is not the �irst LGBT organization at UCF. The Gay Student Association was the �irst of�icial organization founded at the University in 1976. Its current name is “Equal” and it continues to operate as a registered student organization focused on LGBT social programming.

More than 400 organizations request funds each year. |  |

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tampa bay NEWS

USF study focuses on HIV disclosure Zach Caruso CARUSO@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

S

T. PETERSBURG | The University of South Florida is involved in a groundbreaking study, one that promises to pioneer a program that has never before been developed—an intervention to help with the disclosure of an HIV-positive diagnosis.

“This is the very �irst FULL DISCLOSURE: and only intervention ever developed to help with Dr. Julienne Serovich’s disclosure to casual sexual intervention program is partners,” said Dr. Julienne aimed at ways to disclose an HIV-positive diagnosis. Serovich, USF’s new Dean of the PHOTO COURTESY USF College of Behavioral Sciences.

“I have been doing a series of studies over the years, �irst trying to understand who people disclose to and what are the reasons they disclose, do they regret disclosing, things of that nature.”

Serovich has developed and diligently worked on her research for many years, and through an earlier study was successful in creating an intervention program aimed at helping HIV-positive men through the process of disclosing their diagnosis, speci�ically to sexual partners.

“We took that data and we developed an intervention that looked at disclosing to sexual partners,” she said.

“It’s a �ive-session intervention that we pilot-tested in Columbus [Ohio] and we found that it was a success.

We took those results and wrote for another grant and received it to do a larger trial.”

The study began in Columbus, but will conclude here in Tampa Bay. “I was very appreciative to the Columbus community for being a part of the study there, and I’m hoping the Tampa Bay community can now be a part of it too,” she said. “We’re looking for another 140 men, as we want to run approximately 300 men through the study.”

After 17 years as a department chair at Ohio State University, Serovich came to Florida to be a part of USF in July 2012. With her, she brought two decades of experience in the area of HIV disclosure research.

“I’ve been studying HIV disclosure now for more than 20 years, that’s what my entire career has been,” Serovich said. “I’ve been very interested in how people make the decision to disclose that they are HIV-positive to everyone from sex partners to their mother. Family, friends, co-workers—the whole gambit of people.”

The intervention program Serovich is developing is unprecedented, and has the potential to help those affected by HIV and aid them through the process of disclosure.

“People will disclose after they’ve weighed the pros and cons, the rewards and consequences,” said Serovich.

Continued on page 14 |  |

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MAKING A PLAN: About 50 people attended a town hall meeting on Feb. 5 to discuss ways to move a domestic partner registry forward in Hillsborough County following the commission’s vote rejecting it on Jan. 24. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

Taking the next step After Hillsborough’s rejection of a domestic partner registry, residents discuss action Steve Blanchard

EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA | Nearly 50 people attended a town hall meeting Feb. 5 at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County in Ybor City to strategize in the wake of the County Commission’s recent vote rejecting a domestic partnership registry.

The 4-3 vote rejecting the ordinance that was similar to those passed in Tampa, Pinellas County and numerous other cities and counties throughout the Sunshine State shocked residents on Jan. 24.

Many thought the measure would pass with an easy majority, if not a unanimous vote of support. But the four dissenting commissioners— Ken Hagan, Al Higginbotham, Victor Crist and Sandra Murman—cited concerns ranging from religious beliefs to government intrusion as to why Hillsborough shouldn’t consider a DPR. “Our job isn’t just to be angry at the vote,” Equality Florida Executive

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

Director Nadine Smith told the audience. “Our job is to change that vote.”

Smith said that the mission of Hillsborough County residents should be not only to convince the commission to create a registry for domestic partners, but to create a level of protection for all residents of the county. She referred to a vote in 1995 by the commission to repeal sexual orientation from its human rights ordinance, a measure that is still in effect today.

“We have to make a commitment to this,” Smith said. “Times are changing and the majority of the commissioners need to wake up.”

According to Equality Florida, about 100 people emailed the commissioners prior to their vote asking them to support the ordinance. After the vote, nearly 300 emailed the commission sharing their frustration with the outcome.

To mobilize the community, Equality Florida and the ALCU of Hillsborough County organized the town hall meeting to come up with ideas for how to proceed. Ideas

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ranged from partnering with large corporations within the county with diversity policies in place to speak at upcoming commission meetings to utilizing the in�luence of the University of South Florida, which has its main campus in Hillsborough County.

The decision by the commission is an embarrassment, according to Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern, who was present at the meeting.

“Hillsborough is hurting our brand,” Mulhern explained. “They hurt our brand in the City of Tampa.”

Mulhern said she plans to attend an upcoming Hillsborough County Commission meeting and may express her displeasure with the county’s vote. Mulhern and her cocouncil members in Tampa adopted a domestic registry in February 2012 with a unanimous vote.

“We should thank (Hillsborough Commissioner) Mark Sharpe for introducing this measure and I truly believe he thought the votes were there,” Mulhern said. “I think it’s helpful for (Tampa Council members) to make an appearance to support them reconsidering the registry and to also make commissioners think, ‘Hey, you may be running against me in

Continued on page 14 |  |

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St. Pete Pride announces new grant program Staff Report

S

T PETERSBURG | St. Pete Pride has established a new program that will support the community’s LGBT population. By distributing annual funds to individuals and organizations through St. Pete Pride Community Grants, the 10-year-old organization aims to build upon existing LGBT resources in Tampa Bay. “It’s our vision to build a stronger society marked by permanent, positive changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the LGBT community, as well as giving all LGBT individuals and organizations the ability to realize their fullest potential,” said Aaron Horcha, St. Pete Pride Board President.

The new grant program supports arts and recreation, education advocacy and outreach, health and community services and youth and family services.

Organizations applying for funding will choose from two categories: General Operating Support, providing �inancial support to aid organizations who want to produce nationally recognized LGBT events or services; and Event Support, assisting nonpro�it organizations in producing and presenting a project in the annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival and Promenade.

“It was a real exciting few months working with everyone creating this initiative,” said Eric Skains, St. Pete Pride Executive Director. “I’m extremely proud of this project as it’s the �irst of its kind offered by Pride organizations in the United States.”

Awards will be given annually to organizations within the seven counties of Tampa Bay whose purpose is to empower the LGBT community. General Operating Support grants will be awarded up to $5,000 per organization for a one-year period. Event Support grants will be awarded up to $1,000 per project. When available, applications must be received by August 1, 2013, for funding to begin in October 2013.

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

IN OTHER NEWS KRISEMAN TO RUN FOR MAYOR Former St. Petersburg City Councilman and Representative Rick Kriseman officially announced he would run for Mayor of St. Petersburg in this year’s election. The longtime supporter of St. Pete Pride and LGBT rights will run against incumbent mayor Bill Foster. Kriseman will face Paul Congemi in the Aug. 27 primary and if successful, will face Foster on Nov. 5.

DR. RODWICK REOPENS OFFICE Popular Safety Harbor doctor Barry Rodwick has opened a new office, following his sudden departure from medicine in November. Rodwick specializes in HIV/AIDS cases as well as gender identity disorder. While his office was closed, many of his patients expressed concerns over receiving their medications. He welcomed back patients at his new location at 2349 Sunset Point Rd., Suite 405 on Feb. 1.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

|  | Hillsborough DPR from pg.12

the next election.’”

And it’s not the �irst time Tampa Bay’s brand took a hit thanks to the Hillsborough Commission, according to Smith, who talked about former Commissioner Ronda Storms’ push to ban recognition of gay pride in Hillsborough County by the county in 2005.

“After that, businesses took Tampa off of their selection list for their conventions,” Smith explained.

“Businesses see places like Orlando and Orange County adding diversity measures and that brings in talent and business.”

Equality Florida and other organizations like the ACLU and the Hillsborough GLBT Democratic Caucus plan to continuously remind their supporters about the “no” vote on the countywide domestic partnership registry. The ultimate goal is to get the commission to reconsider and pass the measure in the coming months. That may |  | HIV Disclosure from pg.12

“What our intervention is about is helping people think through their motivations for disclosing, the rewards they anticipate, and the costs, and how can we help them maybe reduce those costs.”

Serovich added that decisions to be open about an HIV diagnosis are affected by who will be receiving the news.

“Your mother is going to react differently to it than someone you’re about to be intimate with,” Serovich explained. “You could be positioning yourself to disclose to a sex partner and decide last minute, ‘No, this person is kind of a jerk,’ and walk away. You can disclose and the person ends up being a jerk, and you can think ‘Well thank goodness I don’t have to deal with him anymore.’ But your mother, your sister, your brother—these are people that you’re always going to have to deal with, and so there are very different consequences between those two groups.”

She also says that her studies are �inding that once someone is prepared and feels comfortable with divulging a diagnosis, they are not feeling any regret about the decision.

“In our studies of regret, we’ve found that men experience very little regret after disclosing their HIV status to both family and sex

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

be unlikely, however, despite a poll

by Equality Florida showing 80% support for a registry in the county.

“The problem is [four commissioners] are really out of touch and it’s a weird dynamic on the board,” Mulhern said. “It’s like peer group pressure that swung the vote the wrong direction.”

see the need. This issue isn’t going away.”

A representative for Commissioner Kevin Beckner spoke to the group as well during the meeting, and shared that the county-wide representative left the commission meeting following the vote determined, not defeated.

“He pledges to rebrand Hillsborough County as an inclusive and respectful of all of its citizens,” Holly East said of Beckner. “He knows that communities that —MARY MULHERN, TAMPA CITY COUNCILWOMAN are forward thinking Sitting by silently isn’t an option attract business growth.” for the community at large, Smith Smith is hopeful that the registry explained, comparing silence will come before the commission following a disastrous vote to again later this year, but the ultimate a bystander remaining quiet goal is to convince the commission around a bully. to think more progressively on all “We’re not asking Hillsborough issues it takes up.

County to do something amazing or “The goal is a shift to make groundbreaking here,” Smith said.

Hillsborough stop embarrassing us “This is a measure that has been and itself and catch up with the rest adopted across the state and across of the state,” Smith said. |  | the country because communities

“Hillsborough is hurting our brand; they hurt our brand in the City of Tampa.”

partners,” she said. “ “Once they get it out in the open, they feel better about it and can move on.”

However, Serovich says there are circumstances which can exacerbate the situation.

“The only time there seems to be regret, especially with family members, is if a second party intervenes and does the disclosing for them,” she said. “For example if a man discloses to his sister or a friend and they say ‘Okay, well I’m telling everybody about this,’ that is a circumstance in which a man may feel regret.”

Serovich’s extensive research on this topic of HIV disclosure has the potential to provide a pioneering program that helps guide those dealing with an HIV diagnosis through the steps of disclosure, and prepare them to relate the information to others in their lives. But the struggle faced by those dealing with an HIV-positive diagnosis, and the added stress of opening up to family, friends, and partners about it, was something that �irst struck Serovich more than 20 years ago.

“As a couples and family therapist, I’ve always been interested in how individuals communicate, and so I was doing my doctoral work at the University of Georgia—and this was in the late ‘80s when HIV was really hitting the mainstream—I saw people were having to make

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these very dif�icult decisions about telling their families and friends and partners about their HIV diagnosis because people were fearful, there was such a heavy stigma,” she said.

“It was hurting people a great deal.”

Serovich �irmly believes that this study and the intervention program can have a positive impact.

“If we continue to see success with this intervention I would love to get this information directly into the hands of those working with people who are HIV-positive, and to AIDS service organizations to be implemented,” she said. “We’ve developed this intervention program in such a way that any case worker could implement this in their daily workings with people who are HIV-positive.”

While the study still has some time before it concludes— approximately two years, according to Serovich—the results so far have been very promising.

“Our facilitators are thrilled with the intervention and they are very pleased with how the study is going,” she said. “We’re doing a lot of educating, we’re pointing things out, we’re allowing people to think about things and discover things that they hadn’t before about their relationships. I’m very optimistic and I’m very excited. I really do believe that disclosure can lead to the reduction of HIV transmission.” |  |

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T

ALLAHASSEE | Three Florida legislators have �iled the Competitive Workforce Act, which would prohibit discrimination in the workplace, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the House, Representative Joe Saunders (D- HD 49) �iled the bill (HB 653), with Representative Holly Raschein (R- HD 120) cosponsoring. In the Senate, Senator Joe Abruzzo (D- SD 25) �iled SB710.

Both bills were �iled Feb. 7.

“The Florida Competitive Workforce Act will help improve the business climate here in Florida,” said Raschein in a media release.

“For any business to thrive, they must be able to recruit and retain a diverse group of top talent to their

company. This bill would allow Florida to be more competitive in a modern marketplace.”

Raschein said a majority of Fortune 500 companies already protect all employees from discrimination, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it helps their bottom line.

“It is time for Florida to catch up the private sector, and to its own municipalities that have already passed these protections on the local level,” said Saunders, in a media release.

As of press time, the House bill was in the hands of the Civil Justice Subcommittee, and there was no action yet on the Senate bill. The bill has been �iled at the state level several times over the past few years, but has never made it past the committee phase. |  |

Staff Report

T

ALLAHASSEE | Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) �iled a bill last month that would allow Floridians to enter into domestic partnerships and extends at least some bene�its to unmarried gay and straight couples. On Feb. 19, it will be heard by the Florida Senate’s Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs.

“The state has a strong interest in promoting stable and lasting families, and believes that all families should be provided with the opportunity to obtain necessary legal protections and status and the ability to achieve their fullest potential,” the bill says in a section of legislative �indings.

The bill also states that it is not an attempt to circumvent the 2008 provision in the state’s constitution that de�ines marriage as solely between one man and one woman.

Communities across the Sunshine

State have passed similar ordinances to provide a half-dozen or so rights to unmarried couples, such as hospital and jail visitation and emergency contact recognition. Many also provide access child rearing decisions when a couple shares responsibility.

“Equality Florida is proud to have worked with Senator Eleanor Sobel to introduce this important bill,” said Mallory Wells, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida. “The historic hearing will mark the �irst time the Florida legislature will discuss legal recognition of same-sex couples and unmarried opposite sex couples.”

The current version of SB 196 has conservatives worried. John Stemberger of the Florida Family Policy Council and a driving force behind the success of Florida’s 2008 marriage amendment has argued that similar pieces of legislation in other states have helped in court battles legalizing same-sex marriages. |  |

state

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Statewide partnership bill to be heard Feb. 19

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Competitive Workforce Act would outlaw discrimination

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FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

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17

nation+world NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL WINS SUPPORT OF FRENCH LAWMAKERS France’s National Assembly on Feb. 12 approved a sweeping gay rights bill that would drop the legal requirement that a marriage in France must be between two people of the opposite sex. The legislation, supported

by President Francois Hollande, also contains a controversial measure legalizing gay adoption that has sparked protests around the nation. To become law, the bill must now be approved by France’s Senate.

BOY SCOUTS DELAY DECISION ON POLICY EXCLUDING GAYS The Boy Scouts of America is putting off a decision on whether to ease its policy of excluding gays. The delay, which the Scouts attributed to ``the complexity of this issue,’’ was announced Feb. 6 after closed-door deliberations by the BSA’s national executive board. BSA National Spokesman Deron Smith said the board would prepare a resolution to be voted on by the 1,400 voting members of the BSA national council at a meeting during the week of May 20 in Grapevine, Tex.

OHIO PRINCIPAL FIRED FOR BLOG POST ABOUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY An Ohio Catholic school assistant principal was fired Feb. 11 over comments he made on his blog in support of marriage equality. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati fired Mike Moroski from Purcell Marian High School for showing “poor judgment” and violating the teachings of the Catholic church. Moroski admits his post may have violated the school’s social media policy but not the teachings of the church. “I put it up there because I really truly honestly believe it,” he said. “I’m absolutely willing to lose my job over this.”

COLORADO SENATE GIVES NOD TO CIVIL UNIONS Civil unions for same-sex couples moved forward in the Colorado Senate last week, legislation that is all but certain to become law despite Republican concerns about religious freedoms. The Senate on Feb. 8 gave initial approval to the bill on a preliminary vote, and one more vote will send the bill to the House. Democrats now control both legislative chambers, and they vow speedy approval of the bill, seven years after Colorado voters banned same-sex marriage.

OHIO MAYOR RESIGNS OVER ACCUSATIONS OF GAY SLURS The 78-year-old mayor of Pomeroy, Ohio, has resigned over accusations that she called a gay police officer ``queer’’ and created a hostile work environment. Mayor Mary McAngus resigned Feb. 9 after she repeatedly referred to Officer Kyle Calendine as ``queer’’ in front of other officers, and said, “I don’t like a queer working for the village.’’ McAngus also tried to ban Calendine’s partner from visiting the police department.

INDIANA GOP TO PUSH SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BATTLE TO 2014 Indiana’s Republican leaders said Feb. 7 they will wait to take up an effort to write a same-sex marriage ban into the state’s constitution until the 2014 legislative session—after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on related cases. “It’s inadvisable to even have that discussion at the moment, despite the importance of the issue, until the Supreme Court has given a red light or a green light,’’ said House Speaker Brian Bosma.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Same-sex military couples to receive new benefits Staff Report

W

ASHINGTON, D.C. | The Pentagon announced Feb. 11 that it would extend 20 new bene�its to same-sex military couples, including access to base facilities and groups as well as joint assignments.

The Washington Post reports that activists hailed the move as a meaningful step toward full equality, which they say will remain elusive unless the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a 1996 federal law that de�ines marriage as a heterosexual union, is repealed. The new bene�its do not include health care coverage for same-sex spouses or on-base housing privileges.

According to the Post, defense of�icials said they are still studying

whether they may be able to extend certain housing bene�its without violating DOMA, which currently restricts the Pentagon from extending more than 100 bene�its to same-sex couples.

“It is a matter of fundamental equality that we provide similar bene�its to all those men and women in uniform who serve their country,” outgoing Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a statement. He expressed regret that the 1996 law does not allow the Pentagon to do more, adding: “While it will not change during my tenure as secretary of defense, I foresee a time when the law will allow the department to grant full bene�its to service members and their dependents, irrespective of sexual orientation.”

The Pentagon estimates that

about 5,600 active-duty and roughly 3,400 National Guard service members have same-sex spouses. During a brie�ing on the new bene�its, a defense of�icial who spoke to the Post under condition of anonymity said the cost of extending the new bene�its would be “negligible.” The Pentagon said it hopes to offer the new bene�its

by Aug. 31.

The Pentagon decided not to to offer on-base housing to same-sex couples for the time being because on-base housing is scarce and because legal experts worried that doing so could have contravened the “spirit” of the federal marriage law, the defense of�icial told the Post.

The issue would be moot if the Supreme Court strikes down DOMA this summer. |  |

become law.

The process could take months, but if approved, the bill is expected to take effect in 2015 and enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, provided the religious institution consents. The bill also lets couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships convert their relationship into a marriage. ``Tonight’s vote shows Parliament is very strongly in favor of equal marriage,’’ Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said. “I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain.’’

Of�icials have stressed that all

religious organizations can decide for themselves if they want to “opt in’’ to holding gay weddings.

However, the Church of England, the country’s of�icial faith, is barred from performing such ceremonies.

That provision aims to ensure that the Church, which opposes gay marriage, is protected from legal claims that as the of�icial state religion it must marry anyone who requests it.

Currently, same-sex couples only have the option of a civil partnership, which offers the same legal rights and protections on issues such as inheritance, pensions, and child maintenance. |  |

and lesbians seeking marriage ceremonies.

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, predicts the body’s 40-Democrat majority will �ind the 30 votes necessary to make Illinois the 10th state to enact same-sex marriage. He has scheduled a �loor vote on Valentine’s Day. “Same-sex couples want to marry,’’ sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans said, “for the same reason we all do: For the common respect, commitment to families, the obligation and the bene�its that

come with marriage.’’

Republicans are realistic about their odds. Illinois public opinion has grown quickly in favor of gay marriage. President Barack Obama, an Illinois Senate alumnus, has publicly favored it. Even the Illinois GOP party chairman came out for it last month. Many in the party acknowledge approval is inevitable and are hoping it moves on quickly and quietly without doing too much political damage to the right.

Illinois approved civil unions two years ago. |  |

British lawmakers vote in favor of same-sex marriage Wire Report LONDON, ENGLAND | A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Britain cleared a major hurdle Feb. 5, as lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposals championed by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The vote in the House of Commons–400 to 175 in support of the proposed legislation—will be followed by more detailed parliamentary debates. The proposals also require the approval of the House of Lords before they

Illinois Senate committee approves same-sex marriage Wire Report SPRINGFIELD, ILL. | A strict partyline vote Feb. 5 sent proposed same-sex marriage legislation to the Democrat-controlled Illinois Senate �loor for the second time in a month.

The Executive Committee voted 9-5 in favor of the plan despite Republicans’ concerns that it will force resistant religious organizations to open their parish halls and fellowship centers—if not their sanctuaries—to gays

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

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VALENTINE’S DAY TO: My Husband John Santos FROM: Emanuel Santos The past 4 years together is a dream come true. I look forward to the next 400 years.

I only wish our marriage was equally recognized like all others who share the kind of love we feel for one another.

Love you, Hunny. OXOX TO: Roy Swails FROM: Ron Holmes

TO: Todd E. FROM: Bob W.

Sharing the love W

Over the years I have grown to love you in ways I never even knew about. Thanks for the many years.

Valentine’s Day! But who better to wish you a day full of love and romance than your own signi�icant other? We asked readers to submit their Valentine notes through WatermarkOnline and you came through again this year!

TO: Josh FROM: Daniel

Looking forward to a great adventure together. When we kiss, �ireworks explode just for us. You can “purr” on my shoulder anytime, and I’ll keep the bad guys away. Continue drawing a colorful future for us.

TO: Carlos FROM: Mark

NICE!

TO: Courtney Thompson FROM: Keldon Westgate

A year ago you came into my life and changed it!

Thank you for being you!

TO: Cole Vining FROM: AJ Steverson

Cole, the man I’ve searched years for, the man I deserve and the love we share today, tomorrow and forever.

Happy Valentine’s Day babe!

TO: Tony Tapia FROM: Scott Vedder

I love you! At this point, can’t imagine any number of days without you. Money can’t buy the 100% happiness we have.

TO: Julius FROM: Jason

Happy Valentine’s Day!! You are the best husband. I appreciate everything you do.

ATERMARK WISHES YOU A VERY HAPPY

TO: Charlotte FROM: Cheryl

TO: Tiffany FROM: Anita

TO: Deborah J. Rodd FROM: Thomi Jenkins

TO: Dawn FROM: Diane

The sun rises and sets each new day. Together we journey along our way. We wake to the sound of our breathing, waiting for our eyes to start meeting. Oh how good it is when they do because our love stands true.

I love you with all my heart! I will be by your side forever in love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day Deb! I love you so very much.

Valentine’s Day is every day for me/us. Sparky

I just can’t take my eyes off you! You are the sun that puts the color in my rainbow! I love you!

TO: Carlos (CJ) Santos FROM: C. Middleton

I know we are only friends, however, I like you a lot.

Maybe we can get to know each other more.

TO: Ray and Norma FROM: Steven and Joe

Happy Valentine’s Day!

TO: Donald FROM: Billy

P. L. A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you. Happy Valentine’s Day, 11 years!

TO: Dennis FROM: Pat

I love you with all my heart, and I always will! Happy Valentine’s Day and always!

TO: Robert FROM: Don

You will always be my favorite Valentine and I love you with all of my heart !!

TO: Boo Boo FROM: Yogi

Love you sooo much, Boo Boo. Happy Valentine’s Day !

TO: Horacio Lopez FROM: Mauser Mcmartz

To my little baby, you are the force and the inspiration, the reason to live and to be. Te amo panzon.

TO: Bob B. FROM: Larry

P. Thank you so much for everything. I so appreciate our lives together. I love you inside my heart.

TO: Joe FROM: Steven

Happy Anniversary to My Sexy Daddy. One year on Feb. 15 for our Dom Partner Reg. Happy V Day. I Love You!

TO: Matt FROM: Jamie

TO: Brian FROM: Kevin

You’re my best friend and I can’t imagine my life without you. Happy Valentine’s Day! Xoxo

To the love of my life for over 18 years. You are and always will be everything to me. I love you!

TO: Mandy Schmeltzer FROM: Ralph Andino

TO: Ziggy Petrovey FROM: Shane Steiding

Happy �irst Valentine’s Day to the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, thank you for being in my life. I love you!

So many ways to say “I love you”, but not enough words in the world to say how much.

TO: Gerry Connors FROM: Jim Nixon

I love you so much mister!!!

You are truly the best!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

This is our third Valentine’s Day together and I love you more today than ever! My best friend, my partner!

TO: Kitty FROM: Boo

TO: Kory Hennion FROM: Yahira Hennion

TO: Sandra Wellmon FROM: Sue-Bee Laginess

From the moment our eyes connected, life with you began and the ride has been tremendously amazing! I don’t know where I would be without you! Thank you for Loving me. Blink!

Thank you for coming into my life and making it a much better place! I love your heart, your smile and every minute I spend with you! I love you baby!!!

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

I love you! For your smile, patience, and passion For all that makes you who you are!

TO: Pam Colsion FROM: Eddien Fisher

Years ago you walked into my life via a long distance call of support, and now over the past years you have taught me what loving a lady is truly like. Thank you for loving me and walking daily into an incredible future together. I love you with all my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day Princess.

TO: Michael FROM: Steven

In a few days we will celebrate our sixth year together. Something I never thought possible. You have brought so much light to my life. You have been there in my high times and my lows with your unwavering love and support. I love you so very much and I am thankful to have you in my life!! LYS

TO: Scott Penyak FROM: David Dorman

Happy Valentine’s Day to my better half. I love you!

TO: Brian C. FROM: Mike S.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Brian. Sixteen years together and more to come. You are so awesome. Love Mike

TO: Paul FROM: Simon

Twelve awesome years of happiness and growing! I love you so much, my dear!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

TO: Bado FROM: Ty

Thanks for being my Cupid Bear for 13 years. I love you.

TO: Aaron FROM: Jake

You’re my baby. I love you!

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E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

P E O P L E .

watermarkonline.com

E X C E P T I O N A L

C A R E .

outloud

THINKING

The Religious Freedom Red Herring

Abby Dees ABBY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

HIS MARCH, THE SUPREME

Court will �inally hear two marriage equality cases knocking at its venerable doors. I’m willing to bet a hundred bucks that 2013 will decide this issue once and for all.

If I’m right, then this entire year is going to be the loudest, most debated, most obnoxious— possibly the most important— year in our history until now with regard to LGBT rights.

The Court, like the lower courts before, will consider legal arguments on both sides. There will be careful examination of the history of equal protection law and much serious throwing around of such legal terms of art as “heightened scrutiny,” “rational basis review,” and “legislative history.” Meanwhile, average nonlawyer Americans will play right along at home, arguing each side just as intensely, only with a whole different set of facts and rules.

Right now, maybe the most bandied about argument against marriage equality is that it will

violate people’s religious freedom.

If you believe the anti-marriageequality folks, you might think that only they stand between the LGBT community and total secular chaos. But if you followed the courtroom action in any of the marriage cases, you might have noticed that the religious freedom argument doesn’t get much play in front of a judge. That’s because the lawyers all know that marriage equality will never mean that priests and rabbis will be forced to perform a marriage ceremony against their beliefs.

Have you ever seen a divorcée get married in a Catholic church?

How about a couple of Southern Baptists getting hitched in an Orthodox temple? Probably not.

Our First Amendment guarantee of religious freedom means that the government can’t tell people what to do in their own, private religious ceremonies—unless it’s really dangerous, in which case, yeah, the �ire marshal can shut down the part where the minister tries to swallow a �laming spear, or whatever. This is never, ever, going to change.

I once read a story posted by an anti-LGBT group about a priest who got �ined for refusing to marry a lesbian couple, and so, scratching my head, I did a little source checking. Turns out they omitted one tiny part of the story: it happened in Sweden. It concerns me when I have to remind people that different countries have different laws, but why let facts get in the way?

This doesn’t mean that religious institutions are free to discriminate as much as they want, and then use the First Amendment like diplomatic license plates in a no-parking zone.

There are plenty of examples of church-run businesses or secular social services being held to the same equal protection requirements as everyone else. The critical distinction is that these are not faith or worship activities. Opponents of marriage equality intentionally fudge this fact so as to convince wellintended religious folks that we want to destroy everything they, literally, hold sacred.

In practice, this could mean that if a church owns a park that’s open to the general public,

The minister will never have to perform that wedding, nor will we be allowed to shove our way into a house of worship for a big ol’ gay wedding.

it can’t discriminate against couples who want to use that park for a wedding on the basis of race, religion, or—if the park is in a place that recognizes LGBT rights—sexual orientation. But the minister will never have to perform that ceremony, nor will we be allowed to shove our way into a house of worship for a big ol’ gay wedding.

I don’t buy the religious freedom argument at all, whether based in law or common respect.

I’ve met some pretty radical queers in my life and none of them has ever said anything like, “In my

dream wedding, we’re wearing matching Chanel suits and our priest will perform the ceremony under duress, in violation of his religious tenets.” I mean, is this romantic?

We’ve got our own supportive places of worship anyway. And we, as much as anyone, understand the importance of letting people be free to make their own, most personal of choices without intrusion by the state, random strangers or anyone else’s religious beliefs. |  |

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TALKING POINTS

Just like Jackie [Robinson], the breakthrough gay athlete will be a courageous individual going it alone in uncharted territory.

14 .

—BRENDEN AYANBADEJO, RAVENS LINEBACKER

IS TRANS

F

MILLION

Americans signed petitions asking the Boy Scouts to remove its ban on gay members.

—Associated Press

OR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS FIVE YEAR HISTORY, RuPaul’s Drag Race has an out trans woman as a contestant. In the second episode of the season, Monica Beverly Hillz tearfully announced from the runway that she is a transgender woman.

While the diva landed in the bottom two, she managed to hang onto her run on the Race by truly lip-synching for her life at the end of the episode.

So far it looks like the girls on the show—and RuPaul herself—are supporting Monica.

“I invited you here because you were �ierce,” RuPaul told her. “You deserve to be here!” |  |

ANOTHER PORN INDUSTRY LOSS

I

N WHAT SEEMS TO BE PART OF A DISTURBING TREND, another member of the gay adult �ilm industry has committed suicide. According to reports, performer Arpad Miklos, whose

real name was Peter Kozma, overdosed on Feb. 3.

The 45-year-old performer was discovered by Kristen Bjorn and soon became a popular actor for several studios.

The muscular, Hungarianborn actor was working as a chemist before he was discovered and taught himself English.

He appeared in more than 45 adult �ilms.

According to Queerty.com, there was no indication as to why Miklos took his own life. |  |

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM

ON GAY CRUSH BEHIND MANTI TE’O FAKE GIRLFRIEND HOAX: “If I had a bra for every person I fell in love with online. Just the fake dating profiles alone would make me a drag queen!”

—TODD KOTTMEIER

ON COMMUNITY STRATEGY AFTER HILLSBOROUGH’S REJECTION OF A DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY: “Work very diligently to remove all the good ole boys and girls from leadership in Hillsborough. We’ve known some of them way too long.”

—JIM MERRITT

COMING OUT

DRAG RACE CONTESTANT

HAS HEALTH BENEFITS

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL WERE YOU SURPRISED BY THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION’S DECISION TO REJECT A DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY?

No. Hillsborough’s reputation as county stunted on social issues will continue until we vote in more progressive commissioners.

20% Yes. DPRs are in place or

ON TX GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE BOY SCOUTS KEEP ANTI-GAY POLICIES: “Please allow Texas to secede.”

—BILL BEAN

ON WHETHER THE NFL IS READY FOR OPENLY GAY ATHLETES: “Yes. Their straight allies are already there.”

—JOHN SULLIVAN

A

CCORDING TO A NEW STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE JOURNAL, out gay and bisexual men are less likely to have psychological problems than their straight counterparts.

Researchers credit the process of coming out as a tangible health bene�it which relieves stress and anxiety.

The study’s lead author, Robert-Paul Juster, said the research shows that coming out should now be looked at as a matter of public health rather than a matter of popular debate.

The new information puts a whole new meaning to “come out, come out, wherever you are!” |  |

in the works almost everywhere else in the region and even social conservatives see the benefits!

10% Somewhat. DPRs are common now and the benefits have been proven—but Hillsborough county isn’t known for its forward-thinking leaders.

?

DO YOU THINK ORLANDO HAS A GOOD CHANCE OF HOSTING THE GAY GAMES IN 2018?

LET US KNOW AT watermarkonline.com.

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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watermarkonline.com

Photo by Steve Blanchard

THAT

ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

LIFE T-GIRL ARICA LOVE PREPARES TO TELL THE WORLD HER STORY IN A NEW DOCUMENTARY

S

Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T. PETERSBURG | IT’S HARD TO

�ind a club between Sarasota, Tampa Bay and Orlando that hasn’t heard of Arica Love. The admittedly loud, larger-thanlife personality has hosted shows, bene�its and special events at clubs of all sizes, and her continued presence on the microphone has attracted a devoted following.

But there’s more to the St. Pete Beach resident than meets the eye. Love is a happily married post-op transgender woman who has a story to share—and soon the world will hear it.

With the help of FilmFlo Productions and director Jamal Badra, Love’s life has been transformed into the documentary Life of the T-Girl which has been submitted to �ilm festivals across North America. It has also received thousands of views on YouTube and at LifeOfTheTGirl.com.

The documentary was �ilmed entirely in Sarasota and introduces viewers to her husband, her friends and the real woman behind the microphone.

Continued on page 36 |  |

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS

Stephen Miller

STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Oscars—some people were not invited!

W

Best Actor

HAT DID YOU GIVE UP FOR

I love Hugh Jackman but didn’t find his Le Miz turn (hi, vibrato!) all too impressive. The same goes for Denzel Washington in Flight. I miss Suraj Sharma from Life of Pi and John Hawkes in The Sessions. Bradley Cooper’s Silver Linings Playbook confirmed he’s more than just a pretty face and amazing body.

Joaquin Phoenix was transfixing in The Master.

Gay Lent so your favorites could win on Oscar night? I didn’t give up anything! Why? There is an issue of exclusion—a theme we LGBT know all too well!

The biggest surprises are in the Best Director category. Ben Af�leck didn’t get nominated for Argo, a �ilm that has a very formidable chance of winning the Best Picture Oscar.

(If so, this will be the �irst time a �ilm won without a director nomination since Chicago in early 2003.) Kathryn Bigelow also didn’t get nominated for Zero Dark Thirty. I’m okay with that, since I found her �irst 20 minutes sloppy.

In both cases, my fellow cine�iles think Af�leck and Bigelow missed the

nomination because Oscar voters believed that others would vote for them. Instead, Benh Zeitlin was nominated for Beasts of the Southern Wild, a small indie and probably my favorite �ilm this year, so I’m happy.

One other shaft was dealt to Moonrise Kingdom, which deserves to be in the list of Best Pictures with the other nine.

They have space for 10 �ilms, but there’s some mysterious, screwy math the Oscar board uses.

Best Director

I would remove Michael Haneke—even though I loved quiet, devastating Amour—because it’s more an actors’ film. In his place, I would’ve nominated Ben Affleck for Argo or Wes Anderson for quirky Moonrise Kingdom. Life of Pi is an astounding achievement for Ang Lee (who also directed Brokeback Mountain).

Spielberg did Spielberg in Lincoln—great but not at all surprising. Silver Linings Playbook is too standard for David O. Russell to win.

Best Picture

Amour will win Best Foreign Film. Django Unchained is Tarantino doing Tarantino. I mostly dislike Les Misérables, and I had small problems with Zero Dark Thirty and Silver Linings Playbook. Life of Pi is earth-shattering, but it’s mostly special effects. Lincoln is a great script (written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner—Angels in America) filmed by a master, but I feel Spielberg could’ve been more daring.

Best Actress

Now this is a list I have no qualms with! Jessica Chastain is the best reason to see Zero Dark Thirty, and Naomi Watts is overwhelming in the floods of The Impossible.

We have the oldest Best Actress nominee Emmanuelle Riva (85) in the heartbreaking Amour, and the youngest, Quvenzhané Wallis (9), in Beasts of the Southern Wild.

WHO SHOULD WIN

WHO WILL WIN

WHO SHOULD WIN

WHO WILL WIN

Cooper or Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln.

Day-Lewis has won every other award.

I love Wallis and her film!

Jennifer Lawrence has won everything else.

WHO SHOULD WIN Benh Zeitlin for his tiny, wondrous Beasts of the Southern Wild.

WHO WILL WIN Affleck wasn’t nominated.

I’m guessing Spielberg.

WHO SHOULD WIN Beasts of the Southern Wild.

WHO WILL WIN Argo.

Best Supporting Actor

As much as I love Argo, Alan Arkin’s part is Hollywood shtick. Speaking of exclusion, where is Dwight Henry for Beasts of the Southern Wild? Phillip Seymour Hoffman deserves to be here for The Master, Christoph Waltz was fun in Django Unchained, and Robert DeNiro was subtle in Silver Linings Playbook.

Best Supporting Actress

Another list I fully support. Other cinephiles bemoan Amy Adams in The Master, but I think she deserves a nomination. Helen Hunt was delightfully sweet and trashy in The Sessions. Sally Field revived her career playing Lincoln’s wife. Aussie Jackie Weaver was perfect in Silver Linings Playbook.

WHO SHOULD WIN

WHO WILL WIN

WHO SHOULD WIN

WHO WILL WIN

Based on the list of nominees, Tommy Lee Jones deserves it for Lincoln.

Give it to Thaddeus Stevens (a.k.a. Tommy Lee Jones)!

It’s the only Oscar I believe Le Miz deserves: lovely, enchanting Anne Hathaway.

Hathaway has it.

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

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ENGINEERING THE STAGE: Ron Legler has produced Broadway shows through FTA for 12 years. PHOTO BY TOM DYER

Most likely

to succeed THEATER

THE ENGINEER

Florida Theatrical’s Ron Legler is back to business, promoting Broadway and the arts in Central Florida.

J

Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

UST A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CONTROVERSY

surrounding presentation of Broadway touring shows at the $400 million Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts looked as though it would hang like a dark cloud over the remaining 18 months of construction.

And one of the most recognizable faces in Orlando’s LGBT community, Florida Theatrical Association president and CEO Ron Legler, was in the thick of it.

FTA has successfully produced Broadway shows at the city’s Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre for 24 years, with Legler at the helm the

32

last dozen. On Dec. 13, the DPAC board announced that it would disengage from FTA and selfproduce Broadway shows in the 2,700-seat Disney Theater when it opens in fall 2014.

A surprised Legler responded that FTA—with 8,500 season subscribers and a contract with

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

shows with FTA through 2019. For the time being, it means that Legler will remain at the crossroads of Orlando’s cultural community.

In addition to running FTA, Legler created The Abbey and The Mezz, two new arts venues that have changed downtown Orlando. He’s also a part owner and co-creator of Pulse, the trendy gay club that is the nightlife anchor of the emerging SoDo district. Recently named the Orlando Business Journal’s “Most In�luential Businessman” and the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s “Downtowner of the Year,” Legler has held of�ice or served on the boards of See Art Orlando, the Central Florida Performing Arts Alliance, the Downtown Arts District and the Orlando International Fringe Festival. Legler’s also a Tony-voting member of the Broadway League.

But he doesn’t �it the downtown business guy mold. With laughing eyes and child-like kinetic energy, the boyishly handsome Legler could play charmingly ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch, not stuffy corporate titan J. B. Biggley, in Broadway’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Over lunch at City Fish near FTA’s of�ices at The Sanctuary, a sometimes emotional Legler doodled on a napkin between bites of shrimp salad. He was tightlipped about the DPAC agreement, but opened up about his fascinating path to the theater and the extent of his investment in Orlando arts.

Broadway Across America securing exclusive rights to 70 percent of Broadway tours—would present shows at a competing venue, possibly the Orange County Convention Center. Dropping a handkerchief, he also announced that FTA had secured The Book of Mormon for its 2013-14 season.

DPAC shot back that its decision was strictly business, intimating that it was also �inal. But according to the Orlando Sentinel, pressure from Orlando Mayor Buddy and prominent donors like Disney ($12.5 million) and the Orlando Magic ($10 million) forced the parties into negotiations.

On Jan. 31, there were sighs of relief when DPAC announced that it had reached a deal to co-produce

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The sixth of seven children, Legler “grew up poor” in Erie, Pennsylvania. His father worked at the local GE plant, but left home when Legler was just two. His mother, a nursing assistant, once had to sell the bunk beds he slept on to make ends meet. He and his brother rolled out their sleeping bags and slept on the �loor.

“We were on food stamps and we ate a lot of government cheese,” Legler said. “We hid from the electric company so they couldn’t get in our basement to shut the power off.

Mom did the best she could.”

But things improved when Legler and his siblings grew old enough to work. Before he was 12, Legler was shoveling snow and delivering newspapers. Habits of hard work and self discipline paid off in high school, where he was president of student government, captain of the swim and water polo teams, and voted Homecoming King and “Most Likely to Succeed.”

watermarkonline.com

At 15, Legler volunteered on future Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge’s �irst congressional campaign, and was soon running the phone room, getting free pizza and soda delivered for fellow workers. Ridge was so impressed that he bought Legler his �irst suit—brown corduroy—and paid for him to attend his inauguration in Washington, D.C. Legler won a scholarship to Thiel College in nearby Greenville, where he continued to overachieve. Again president of student government, he was also president of his Phi Theta Phi fraternity house, president of the Alpha Psi Omega theatrical fraternity and manager of the student radio station, where DJ Ronnie played the weekly top 40. He worked as a lifeguard during school, and 90 hours-a-week as a waiter and then manager at the Elks Lodge during summers.

“It was a great time for me,” Legler recalled. “I was living on bingo tips from old ladies, but I was running my own life. And I had a light blue Cadillac Eldorado with white leather interior that got six miles to the gallon.”

Legler says he was driven by his background. “When you grow up poor, you don’t want to be that way again.”

But he was also increasingly aware of a secret.

“I was so afraid someone would �ind out that I was attracted to boys, and that if they did all this stuff would go away,” he said. “So I became like The Engineer in Miss Saigon. I made everything work for everyone—and I was good at it.”

Unbeknownst, he also found a role model. As a freshman, Legler signed up for Introduction to Theater to satisfy a liberal arts requirement. The charismatic teacher and one-man theater department, Dr. William Robinson, would commandeer a school bus and take his students to touring Broadway shows in Pittsburgh.

“The �irst time I saw Les Mis it changed my life,” Legler said. “I knew I wanted to be part of something that could produce that kind of effect on people.”

Legler tried out for a part, and by his junior year he was playing the lead in all of Dr. Robinson’s productions. When Legler came out to Robinson years later, his former professor said, “Duh… me too.”

“I always wanted a gay friend while I was in college,” Legler said.

“It turns out that I had the best gay friend a guy could ever want—all along. We’re still great friends.”

After college, Legler landed a plum job with an innovative software company. He bought an “arctic white Chevy Camaro” off of a turnstile on the Erie dealership’s showroom �loor—“It took them two hours to get it down”— and loaded his portable television in the back seat for the drive to California. But it wasn’t a good �it.

“They were not impressed with my Camaro,” Legler laughed. “Or my �lannel shirts and jeans. I was not a sophisticated guy.”

So he quit his job and drove to Miami, where some fraternity brothers were on spring break. And he found the courage to venture into his �irst gay bar.

“All I knew about homosexuality was the scary stuff I’d uncovered in the card catalog at college,” Legler said. “So when I went to Uncle Charlie’s and got all this attention from all these great looking guys I thought, ‘Hmmm… maybe I can do this.’”

And at the Jackie Gleason Theater, Legler found an unexpected career in the performing arts. His �irst job was

Miles Wilkin, the president of Pace Theatrical Group—now Broadway Across America. Wilkin shared that the organization needed help in Orlando, and asked if Legler would consider a move. At �irst he declined.

“I knew nothing about Orlando!”

Legler said.

But he changed his mind and arrived on a Tuesday night in February 2001.

It was opening night for Les Mis at Bob Carr, and Legler took it as a sign.

“It was like God was saying, ‘You’re going to be okay,’” Legler said.

Better than okay, really. In the past 12 years, Legler has almost doubled Orlando Broadway Series season subscriptions. And with tireless and innovative community outreach, he has raised the pro�ile for all local arts, contributing to a healthy cultural ecosystem that offers nourishment for all.

Legler also found love, on the revolving dance �loor at Mannequins in Downtown Disney.

“It was a Thursday night, and the most handsome man I’ve ever seen walked in,” Legler said. “It was like all

processing mail order subscriptions for minimum wage. But when a group sales staffer left, Legler �illed the position and implemented an ambitious marketing campaign to active retirees.

He also created an automated system— modeled after one developed by his former software employer—that soon built an unprecedented sales database.

Legler eventually directed group sales at theaters in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

He also fell in love with a “gorgeous Cuban hair stylist,” with whom he remained for ten rocky years in South Florida. In that time, Legler helped his partner strike it rich on QVC and HSN with a wall-mounted hair dryer caddie, then build an unsustainable lifestyle that imploded when the market for their product soured. Legler admits that it was painful, but they remain close friends.

“We should’ve ended it after three years,” Legler said. “But I think I learned everything you could possibly learn from a single relationship.”

When it ended Legler moved to New York, where he continued to work in theater marketing. He also went to every show that opened.

“It was my escape,” he said.

In New York Legler ran into

the wind was sucked out of the room.”

Legler and Andrew Springer have been together since 2003. A writer, actor and model, Springer also coordinates special events at The Abbey and The Mezz.

Legler is justi�iably proud of the two multi-purpose venues. They’ve functioned as movie theater, concert hall, performance venue, political forum and funeral parlor, to name a few. And they’ve hosted events for The Orlando Ballet, The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, The Metropolitan Business Association, Come Out With Pride, and many more groups.

“These are exactly the classy, convertible rooms we need for this community,” Legler said, with a nod to designer Ted Maines. “If you have a dream, these places were built for you.”

The DPAC board likely feels the same way about the state-of-the-art facility currently under construction. Legler endorses that belief, and an ambitious future for the performing arts in Central Florida. And he remains touched by the support he received when that future was uncertain for him.

“This community gives me everything I ever wanted or needed,” he said. “I don’t think I’d want to live anywhere else.” |  |

“MAYBE I CAN DO THIS”

The 2013-2014 Fairwinds Broadway Across America Orlando Series—including The Book of Mormon—will be announced Friday, Feb. 15. Visit FloridaTheatrical.org.

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|  | Arica Love from pg.27

BODY DOUBLE

When conceived, Love was one of a set of twins—a boy and a girl. But doctors say the biologically female fetus didn’t survive, and Love is convinced that part of her sister’s essence is a part of her today.

“In the womb I absorbed my sister,” Love says, adding that the two fetuses shared residency for eight months in their mother’s womb. “I truly believe I have some of her attributes which has helped make me the woman I am today.”

Love’s childhood wasn’t easy. She says she was sexually molested at �ive years old by older children in her neighborhood, and at the age of 16 she became emancipated from her parents—which they allowed with one condition.

“I had to get my GED,” Love says. “That was the condition and I jumped at it.”

When Love got her �irst driver’s license, the clerk at the DMV put a female gender marker on it based on her appearance. Unfortunately, the state later required her to return the license and replace the “F” gender marker with an “M.”

It can be hard because I am so out, some transgender people don’t know how to interact with me.

—ARICA LOVE

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” Love recalls.

In her mid-teens, Love was a regular at clubs on both sides of Tampa Bay. She always looked older than her age in those days and was always perceived as “just another girl at the bar,” despite not yet having gender reassignment surgery.

Love was “discovered” by Tampa club owner Steve Donahue, who asked the young Love to be a shotgirl.

“It’s so strange when you think about it,” she says. “I was stealth as a young transgender woman before surgery and now I’m out as a postop transgender woman today. I’m proud of who I am and I don’t mind people knowing who I truly am.”

While she’s proud to share that she’s a transgender woman, Love recognizes that she doesn’t necessarily represent the transgender community as a whole, especially considering her

involvement in drag shows.

“I get that not all transgender people are entertainers,” Love says.

“It can be hard because I am so out, some transgender people don’t know how to interact with me.”

But that has never stopped Love, who continues to work at clubs across the state.

“Entertaining is what I was meant to do,” Love says. “You can’t please everyone, but I’m always trying to do what’s right.”

While Love works with a lot of female impersonators and drag queens, she does not refer to herself as a drag queen. Although, she does admit to “dragging it up” for certain events and functions in order to promote her entertainment value.

“The Arica Love on stage is a little different than the Arica Love sitting here talking with Watermark,” she explains. “All performers take on a stage persona, and I’m no different.

While I’m not a drag queen, I

organize and promote drag shows and have numerous friends who are drag entertainers.”

IT’S T-TIME

Whatever the forces are behind recent events, Love feels like the time is right for an outspoken, transgender woman to be in the spotlight, and she believes it’s supposed to be her.

“Transgender issues are the hot topic right now,” Love says. “T-issues are on talk shows, scripted dramas, the news...it’s everywhere.”

And if that “hot topic” helps educate the public while boosting Love’s career, so be it.

Love says she’d like to be the next Oprah or Ellen Degeneres. She sees herself as a talk show host To read bonus content from this interview go to watermarkonline.com.

someday interviewing celebrities on a regular basis. She is also hopeful that a reality series will follow her documentary.

“There’s a market for it and a niche,” she says. “Life of the T-Girl is the beginning of this next chapter.

I already have people in place to help take this to the next level. I’m con�ident the documentary will take off and agents are already interested in marketing me. I feel like it’s my time.”

With success at any level there comes some costs, and Love is no stranger to controversy. She knows that some in the community love her while others don’t. But all she can do, she says, is hold her head high and continue doing what she believes is right.

“You get raised up, and then you get knocked down,” she says. “All you can do is crawl back up and do what you can to maintain. Moving forward is the best way to continue on this path, and that’s what I plan to do— move forward.” |  |

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Stop Kiss SARASOTA

N STOP KISS, TWO YOUNG NEW

York women spend a quiet evening together talking about their boyfriends and life in general—until they sense the growing, unspoken attraction between them which leads to a kiss.

to gay bashing and a complex story about love, hatred and the dif�iculties of living life fully.

The production by FSU/ Asolo Conservatory Theater runs Feb. 19-Mar. 10 at the Cook Theatre of the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. It is directed by Matthew Arbour, who says

ORLANDO+TAMPA Pink With her Truth About Love album �lying off the digital shelves, it only makes sense that Pink would name her current tour after the album.

The megastar stops by the Amway Arena in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 24, and then swings through the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Pink has released six albums, which resulted in more than 40 million albums and 70 million singles being sold globally. She’s won three Grammy Awards, two

accepting and embracing who we are and how we love.

Asolo Conservatory class members star in the production, which runs Tuesdays-Sundays. For more information and tickets, call 941-351-8000 or visit AsoloRep.org/ Conservatory. |  |

SARASOTA Lee Poulis

Brit Awards and �ive MTV Video Awards. Her acrobatics during “Glitter in the Air” brought a new element to her showstopping concerts, and last fall she wooed even more gay fans when she was an advocate for marriage equality.

Her fans range from teens to mothers to LGBTs, and she will no doubt pack both venues.

For information and tickets, visit CenterOrlando.com or TampaBayTimesForum.com. |  |

Handsome, American baritone Lee Poulis will star in The Pearl Fishers at the Sarasota Opera. The story is set in legendary Sri Lanka and follows two men whose vow of eternal friendship is threatened when the object of their mutual desires suddenly returns, igniting a dangerous triangle of forbidden love.

Poulis made his debut in Sarasota in the 2011 production of Don Giovanni, in which he played the title character.

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The young star was recently named “Best Young Singer” twice by Die Welt’s annual survey of German Music Critics and is consistently praised for his “dark, robust voice” and “beautiful lyric baritone timbre.”

That, coupled with his smoky good looks, have earned him fans of all sexual orientations.

The show runs through March. For more information and tickets, visit SarasotaOpera.org. |  |

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Equality Florida 2.23.13 Tampa Gala Italian Club at the

1731 East 7th Ave, Ybor City Saturday, February 23, 2013 8:00 – 10:30pm

Please join us for this wonderful event with drinks, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting program – including a State of the State Address by our Executive Director, Nadine Smith. We will be celebrating our 2013 Equality Honorees, April Griffin, Northern Trust and Community Tampa Bay. Don’t miss our exclusive Silent Auction items in the 2nd floor Theatre!

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Tampa Bay

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1- ORDER UP!: The handsome staff of Quench Lounge gather behind the bar before a VIP opening party on Jan. 30. PHOTO BY

STEVE BLANCHARD

2- VIP VIPS: (L-R) Pinellas County commissioner John Morroni, Quench manager Steven Rodriguez and Largo Commissioner Michael Smith attend Quench Lounge’s VIP opening party Jan. 30.

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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3- HELPING HAND: Laura Cipriani gets a little extra help behind the bar of the L-Train before Life’s A Drag on Feb. 8. PHOTO BY

STEVE BLANCHARD

4- CROW’S NEST VIEW: Revelers crowd 7th Avenue at the Knight Parade in Ybor City Feb. 9. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 5- BIRTHDAY SURPRISE: Cindy Barnes checks out her birthday cake when a women’s T-Dance benefitting Sarasota Pride turned into a surprise birthday for her Feb. 2. PHOTO COURTESY PROSUZY.COM 6- LOOKIN’ FOR BOOTY: Members of GaYbor prepare to take to 7th Avenue before the Knight Parade in Ybor City on Feb. 9. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

7- ON THIS DAY:Carrie West and Mark Bias register as domestic partners at the Tampa Clerk’s Office on Feb. 4. PHOTO COURTESY

CARRIE WEST

8- DRAG TIME: Arica Love, Lady Liemont, Alexis De La Mer and Velvet Disaronno take a bow after the first half of Life’s A Drag held at the L-Train theater in St. Petersburg Feb. 8. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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OVERHEARD QUENCH CROWDS ALL WEEKEND

I

T WAS LITERALLY STANDING ROOM ONLY DURING THE OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS AT QUENCH LOUNGE IN LARGO. The much anticipated opening on Jan. 30 began with a VIP reception, complete with a performance by Kori Stevens.

Several notables attended the grand opening, including Pinellas County Commissioner John Marroni and Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith.

The new club, located in the corner unit at 66th Avenue North and Ulmerton Road, features an extensive bar,

four �lat-screen televisions, a dance �loor and several leather couches. Each VIP received a gift bag of goodies at the end of the night and several raf�le prizes were handed out by bar manager Steven Rodriguez.

The opening went well over all, with a few minor missteps—an ice shortage, for example—but manager Steven Rodriquez was thrilled with the weekend and the performance of his staff.

“Every new bar has challenges and our guys stepped up and handled everything beautifully.” Quench Lounge is open seven days a week.

A FITTING ANNIVERSARY

M

ARK BIAS AND CARRIE WEST ARE, OF COURSE, THE UNOFFICIAL MAYORS OF YBOR CITY (okay, maybe somewhat of�icial). The long-term couple decided to celebrate their 35th anniversary in style by signing up for the City of Tampa’s Domestic Partner Registry.

The couple invited friends and family to accompany them to the City Clerk’s of�ice, where they �illed out the paperwork under the watchful eye of none other than Mayor Bob Buckhorn himself. The tuxedo-

clad couple started their day with a meal at The Laughing Cat and then hopped the TECO Streetcar to Old Tampa City Hall. Other than Buckhorn, other witnesses of the special union were Yvonne Yacoub and Judy B. Goode. Interestingly, when West signed his name to the registry, he used the exact same pen that Mayor Buckhorn used the previous year when he signed the domestic partner registry ordinance into law.

Congratulations guys!

MR. CODE RETURNS

T

AMPA BAY’S LEATHER COMMUNITY IS GEARING UP FOR

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ANOTHER CONTEST AT THE FLAMINGO RESORT THIS MARCH. Mr. Code Florida 2013 will be held at the resort the weekend of March. 22-24 and contestants can begin registering right away. The prelim to Mr. International Leather (IML) in Chicago will also give leather fans a chance to check out booths and vendors in the resort’s courtyard throughout the weekend. Several “demo” areas will also be set up for those attending to experience. To register for the competition, contestants can email CODE@FlamingoFla.com. |  |

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CLUB ORLANDO COME OUT TO PLAY! Gyms come and go……

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ORLANDO

1- PRETTY PARTY: Pretty ladies party at Phish Phest, Feb. 8 at The Hammered Lamb. PHOTO BY HAZEL JANDIK 2- YOUTHFUL SPENDING: The First Congregational Church of Winter Park, United Church of Christ, donates $2,731 to Zebra Coalition executive director Dexter Foxworth (left), to support the Coalition’s mission of supporting LGBT youth. PHOTO COURTESY THE ZEBRA COALITION

3- FUNDING FIND: UCF OUTreach Student Director Nick Simons (right) presents a request for funding for the newly formed Pride Coalition to a UCF budget committee. PHOTO COURTESY UCF LGBTQ SERVICES

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4- DRINKS FOR CHARITY: (L to R) Matt Cameron, Jasen Malavé, Alp Yorston and Michael Vacirca have a cocktail at Savoy Feb. 11 during Mardi Gras Bartender Night, which raised money for The Center. PHOTO COURTESY GABE TRAVERS 5- TOWN HALL: LGBT seniors—and those who care about their issues—pack The Center on Feb. 4 for a Town Hall meeting for Seniors. PHOTO COURTESY THE CENTER 6- FIERCE THREESOME: (L to R) Tymisha Harris, Blue Starr and Aysia Black look fierce backstage at The Venue on Feb. 10. PHOTO COURTESY BLUE STARR

7- WHAT’LL YA HAVE?: Scott Benson (left) and Doug Ba’aser get up close and personal while guest bartending at Savoy Feb. 11. The event raised $2,760 for The Center. PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL VACIRCA

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8- VICTORY DANCE: State representative Linda Stewart speaks at a Jan 31 victory celebration, held at The Center, to honor LGBT and LGBT allies who were elected in city, county, state and federal elections of 2012. PHOTO BY ANDRES DUPUTEL

OVERHEARD WHERE THE BOYZ ARE (OR WILL BE)

F

OLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF LAST YEAR’S MEGA-HIT MAGIC MIKE, it was only a matter of time before a renaissance of shows featuring nearly naked men made a huge comeback. And it looks like a show could be coming directly to The Venue in Orlando in the near future. Earlier this month, The Venue, headed by Blue Starr, put out a casting call of sorts for its upcoming show titled, “ShowBoyz!” There isn’t a whole lot of information on the concept yet, but it’s described as “hot boys and

artistry coming together to make Boylesque.” Apparently the show will be similar to the shows highlighted in the 2010 �ilm Burlesque, starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, but without all of those tassels and �ishnets, according to the announcement. Expect some chiseled physiques to grace the stage and an audience full of loud straight women and screaming gay men once the show is pulled together! Men who are interested in joining the cast of this brand new show are encouraged to email Blue@ TheVenueOrlando.com for details. The description doesn’t say it, but we’re assuming attaching a photo or two

wouldn’t hurt your chances on getting a call back. |  |

SHARING THE LOVE

F

OLLOWING WATERMARK’S RECENT STORY ABOUT WALT DISNEY WORLD’S NEW BIG GAY HEAD HONCHO, the Internet took notice. Our staff report on Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis, handily crafted by our own Jamie Hyman, was picked up by several outlets, including BuzzFeed, DailyKos, Joe. My God, UnicornBooty.com and Towleroad. The humble side of us simply responds to this as saying, “We were only

doing our job and appreciate these outlets helping spread the news.” But our prideful side sees this as a major accomplishment and we’re thrilled to see our work getting noticed on a national scale.

Kalogridis, by the way, has been with his partner Andy Hardy for 12 years and relocated to Orlando from California. |  |

STILL RIDING A HIGH

E

VEN THOUGH WE’RE HALFWAY THROUGH THE SECOND MONTH OF THIS NEW YEAR, our community is still celebrating the landmark year that was 2012. A recent victory

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celebration held at The Center honored LGBT and LGBT allies who were elected in city, county, state and federal elections last November. Some of the notables who attended the soiree in early February were tax collector Scott Randolph, comptroller Martha Hayne, City Commissioner Sam Ings and Board of Education members Rick Roach and Daryl Flynn. Last year was monumental on all levels of government and produced Florida’s �irst two openly gay legislators—Joe Saunders and David Richardson—who are currently working diligently in Tallahassee. |  |

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Roses Are Red , Love Handles Aren’t Cool Sculpt Them Away.

See Us At Cool-U le Specials ary Febru Love Hand

MILESTONE: St. Petersburg couple Robert Pope and Lawrence Konrad celebrate their 50th anniversary on Feb. 23. The two men opened St. Petersburg’s first gay dance bar, Kitty’s, in the 1970s and operated the Wedgewood Inn on 4th Street, which was a precursor to the Suncoast Resort and Flamingo.

Transitions

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations Tampa power couple Mark Bias and Carrie West celebrated their 35th anniversary by joining Tampa’s domestic partner registry on Feb. 4, a day after their actual anniversary date.

Local Birthdays Ybor’s Honey Pot manager and straight ally Ernie Webb, St. Petersburg performer Jaeda Fuentes (Feb. 14); St. Petersburg’s The Queen’s Head co-owner Darren Conner (Feb. 15); LGBT-friendly Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, gorgeous O-Town dancer, choreographer, DJ and nightclub impresario Blue, Tampa activist Chris Goldsmith, Tampa Bay Bears president Keenan Rose (Feb. 16); beautiful St. Petersburg performer and live vocalist Iman, Disney entertainment guru John Bearse (Feb. 17); Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant Ty Williams (Feb. 18); Stonewall Pinellas Democrat president Rick Boylan (Feb. 19); Tampa model and web site recruiter Michael Vought, funeral director and Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee co-founder Sam Odom, Tampa Bay

resident and Orlando Sister Billy Seablom, Flamingo Resort regular Mikel Vought, Largo resident and Lighthouse Credit Foundation fronter David Crow (Feb. 20); House of Adonis hottie Jose Ortiz, Orlando’s Zebra Foundation youth board chair Scott Bowman (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant Bart Nagy, rollergirl Jessy “Spikey” Wales, Tampa Bay Business Guild administrator and TIGLFF superstar Renee Cossette, Gulfport St. Pete Pride president Stanley Solomons (Feb. 22); Orlando’s sexy, singing cowboy cub CiJay Bailey, superstar realtor and selfless volunteer David Dorman, Tampa’s 5ive Magazine publisher Travis Sedler (Feb. 23); songbird Megan Monesmith (Feb. 24); Orlando graphic designer Lisa Buck, Framing of Central Florida co-owner Mike VanDerLeest, Tampa artist and hairstylist Christopher Nejman, Tampa’s Outings and Adventures founder Robert Geller,Tampa Bay transgender activist Janice Carney (Feb. 25); Christ the Cornerstone of Pinellas Park pastor Joyce Stone, twins Bill Pease of Orlando’s MyOptics and Jim Pease, president of Tampa Bay’s Log Cabin Republicans (Feb. 26); Ybor Karaoke Idol emcee and karaoke diva Carlos Lopez, sexy Sarasota Ballet sales manager Michael Maraccini,muscled Tampa massage therapist Eduardo Campos (Feb. 27).

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!

FEB. 14 - FEB. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.04

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Don’t confuse sacri�ice and guilt.

DEAR TRUTH,

I

’M A 24-YEAR-OLD TRANSGENDER MALE FROM LARGO. It was pretty obvious where I was headed, even at a very young age. When I refused to live as a female it drove a wedge between my parents. They divorced when I was a young teenager. Mom supported me; Dad could barely look me in the eye.

Now I’m living as a guy, dating a wonderful gal, and we want to move to Atlanta. Mom doesn’t have much of a life outside of me and my friends. She doesn’t date, pinches pennies to make ends meet, and has had some health issues lately. Now that I’m talking about moving, she’s let me know that she sacri�iced her marriage and �inancial well-being so that I could become who I was meant to be.

It’s true! What she did for me was amazing!

But ironically, now I feel like she’s trying to control me. How much do I owe her, and for how long?

—Cord Cutter

But don’t let her in�luence the important life decisions you and your partner need to make in some weird form of compensation for the important life decisions your mother and father made way back when.

DEAR TRUTH,

M

Y GIRLFRIEND, SARAH, AND I HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR FIVE YEARS NOW. I’m writing about something that may seem petty, but it really gets me.

Sarah comes from a big, close family that lavishes hugely generous gifts on each other at Christmas and for birthdays. Her parents set the tone. This past Christmas they gave Sarah a $1,000 shopping spree at the Millenia Mall. I got a $50 gift card at Target. Sarah’s sister gave her an expensive chef-quality blender, and me a CD. I’m not materialistic—really!

But the disparity (after �ive years) feels like a slap in the face. Our birthdays are coming up during the same week in March. We’ll celebrate them together and I dread it.

How can I can express my chagrin in a classy way?

—Gift Card Gal

Being a good and true daughter or son is not about compensating your parents for the sacrifices they made.

Dear CC, Parents sacri�ice. It’s what they do. That is sort of the gig, you know? Cracks in their marriage and shortcomings in your father’s personality are what led to the dissolution of their marriage. Thoughtful people should be able to �ind a way to manage dif�icult life situations without it ending their marriages or tearing families apart. That, unfortunately, is not what happened here.

But your parents’ inability to work it out isn’t your fault and you shouldn’t be guilted into anything or controlled as a result of your mother’s amazing but appropriate sacri�ice. And asking for some compensation on the back end for doing what a parent is supposed to do (versus what your father did) is sort of icky.

Here comes the Truth: being a good and true daughter or son is not about compensating your parents for the sacri�ices they made. It’s about being there for them in their time of need, using the lessons they taught you to be good citizens, and letting them know you support them. You can give your mother some money regularly to help her out if that’s something you can do. And you can let her know how much you love her.

Dear Gal, It’s not ‘chagrin’ you’re hoping to convey.

It’s disappointment at the quality of the gifts you receive from her family. You’re not being slapped in the face. It just might be the way their family expresses through gifting. I’m sure you have spoken to your partner about this (and if you haven’t, that’s where I’d start), but, forgive me the cliché, it’s the thought that is supposed to count.

You clearly don’t think they think much of you because of their relative modesty of their gifts. I think you’re getting this all wrong, Gal. The blood relatives of any family shouldn’t have to explain the gifts they give to their siblings or children. You don’t say anything about the gifts you give in return, but that’s not as important as this: your partner’s family includes you in their celebration.

I say you’re playing with house money. Have Sarah share 100 bucks of that shopping spree with you and call it a day. |  |

Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies

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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.

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Michael Wallman specializes in Comprehensive Financial Planning for the LGBT community and is the founder of the “Life Planning for the Alternative Family” Seminar Series. Michael uses a “Team Approach” to fi nancial planning bringing in professional experts in areas such as Taxation, Insurance, Wills and Trusts, Real Estate, etc. all of whom are well versed in the specific needs of the LGBT community.

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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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watermarkonline.com

Former NFL lineman accused of beating ex-boyfriend

R

EDWOOD CITY, CALIF. | Former San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Kwame Harris faces felony domestic violence charges in the beating of an ex-boyfriend in the parking lot of a Menlo Park restaurant after an argument, attorneys said.

Harris was in San Mateo County Superior Court on Jan. 28 to meet with prosecutors, but has rejected a plea bargain. He’s pleaded not guilty to one count each of domestic violence and assault causing great bodily injury and could face up to nine years in prison if convicted.

The 30-year-old former NFL player’s defense lawyer said prosecutors have targeted the wrong person.

“This is a case of self-defense,” attorney Alin Cintean said.

The trouble started Aug. 21, 2012, when Harris—a former �irst

round NFL draft pick who played college football at Stanford—and ex-boyfriend Dimitri Geier of Los Angeles were sharing dinner at a restaurant during which the men began to argue, according to a lawsuit Geier �iled in San Mateo County in October.

The argument continued, and as Harris and Geier departed for Harris’ car, the dispute turned violent. At some point the struggle came to blows.

The punches from Harris broke bones around Geier’s eye socket and led to a metal plate being installed in his face, said his attorney Craig Charles. Geier, who had been in a four-year, on-andoff relationship with Harris, may require more surgery because the metal plate has shifted.

Cintean alleges Geier threw the �irst punch, but because his injuries were worse, prosecutors elected to charge Harris over the violence. The self-defense theory left prosecutors dubious.

“The issue is not who hit �irst,”

Te’o: “Far from” gay Staff Report

L UNDER ARREST: Kwame Harris, shown here in 2008 when he played for the Raiders, is charged with beating an ex-boyfriend in a Los Angeles restaurant. said Albert Serrato, assistant district attorney. “We look to who the primary aggressor is and that is who used more force.”

Harris was drafted by the 49ers as the 26th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft. After �ive mediocre seasons with the 49ers, he �inished his career in 2008 with the Raiders.

During his NFL career, Harris did not come out as being gay or bisexual.

He’s out of jail on $75,000 bail and his trial begins April 29. |  |

OS ANGELES | Notre Dame superstar and Heisman Trophy runner-up Manti Te’o is not gay. And he seemed offended that Katie Couric would ask him that.

During a televised interview with the football star who says he was a victim of a girlfriend hoax, Couric asked the All-American linebacker of he was gay.

“No, far from it,” he said. “Far from it.”

Couric asked Te’o about his sexuality when he was a guest on her recently renewed daytime talk show. Last year, Te’o was duped into believing he had a loving, online relationship with a girl named Lennay Kekua. But the girlfriend was a fabrication of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo.

Many have speculated that Tuiasosopo is gay, and lived out his fantasy relationship with Te’o through the bogus online pro�ile. The fake relationship ended last fall when the make-believe girlfriend “died” of leukemia the same week that Te’o’s grandmother passed away.

After making 12 tackles and recovering a fumble during a nationally televised 20-3 victory over Michigan State, Te’o cited both deaths in post-game interviews. |  |

sports

Staff Report

THE ORLANDO

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celebrate it with dinner & a show!

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ANCIENT GREEK EROTICA: AN EVENING WITH APHRODITE

Galleryw

T

Go see more photos at

watermarkonline.com

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HE ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOSTED THE SECOND NIGHT OF ANCIENT GREEK EROTICA on Feb. 5 while local artists displayed their crafts and actors painted and decorated to resemble Greek characters modeled and chatted with guests. Guests could shop for everything ranging from Henna tattoos to jewelry in the main lobby of the downtown museum.

Photography By: Vincent Phillip

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