Watermark Issue: 20.06: Is an HIV cure within Reach?

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 20.06 •MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

HIV CURE

IN REACH? CAN A ‘FUNCTIONALLY CURED’ BABY RENEW HOPE OF ERADICATING THE DISEASE?

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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DEPARTMENTS

As the president who signed the act into law,

6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 15 // STATE 18 // NATION & WORLD 27 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 35 // EVENT PLANNER 37 // IN DEPTH 43 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 45 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 47 // TRANSITIONS 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 54 // GALLERY W

PAGE

18

I have come to believe that DOMA is contrary to those principles and, in fact, incompatible with our Constitution.

—PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

ON THE COVER

PAGE As news of a “functionally

HIV-positive baby 37 cured” spreads, the HIV community

is paying close attention to what it means in the search for a global cure. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean much—yet.

Photo illustration by Jake Stevens

Preview

PAGE

27

DREAM DUO: The new film Admission teams actors Tina Fey and Paul Rudd in straight roles that will bring plenty of LGBT fans to the theaters. The two talk about their gay following and what it was like to finally work together.

WATERMARK ISSUE 20.06 //MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE It looks like Lake County

PAGE With a 50% increase in

RUPAUL

GALLERY W

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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

08

Schools will allow Gay Straight Alliances, but there’s still another hurdle to overcome; Transgender activist Jennifer Finney Boylan will speak at Rollins College; more.

12

attendance, A Taste of Pride raises $17,000 for St. Pete Pride; Backers of 2008’s Amendment 2 are the targets of lawsuits alleging inappropriate fundraising; The City of Venice approves a DPR; more.

PAGE Halfway through the season,

30

the contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race are whittled down to six—and three of them have ties to the Sunshine State. We take a look at who’s left, who sashayed away and who could take it all.

PAGE The annual Taste of Pride

at the Dali 54 celebration Museum brought 550

attendees to the halls of the Salvador Dali Museum March 9. The beautiful displays of food—and the beautiful people—inspired our photographers.

DON’T WANT TO WAIT 2 WEEKS TO SEE WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE? CHECK WATERMARKONLINE.COM EVERY DAY! MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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5

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SUPPORTING A DONATION

I

ASHLEY FILIMON P.A. afilimon@legalperson.com www.legalperson.com

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WANTED TO SHARE THE AMAZING NEWS that The Radiant Group (parent company of The Ritz Ybor) presented their donation check to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation (PCF) earlier this week at their of�ice.

A total of $105,000 was raised last fall at various campaigns, fundraisers and events such as our Miracle on 7th Avenue event last December. Thank you Watermark, for helping to make this donation possible.

This donation could not have happened without Steve Blanchard and Watermark Media’s sponsorship and continued involvement with this event.

OKIE TILO TAMPA

MARKING THE MILESTONE

T

HANK YOU, STEVE BLANCHARD, FOR THE FINE ARTICLE ON OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY. You did a �ine job of capturing our lives, and we appreciate your professional ability to mold events from 1963 through 50 years of change, to the marriage equality of today. You did a great job.

Our celebration at King of Peace MCC was a full house,

“This donation could not have happened without Steve Blanchard and Watermark Media’s sponsorship and continued involvement with this event.”

—OKIE TILO

with standing room only. It was great to see everyone, and to thank them for their participation in our journey.

eloquently articulated, DOMA is a vestige of another time and now we must turn our back on legally sanctioned discrimination.

CLINTON REFLECTS MAJORITY

NO PLACE FOR DISCRIMINATION

BOB POPE & LAWRENCE KONRAD ST. PETERSBURG

A

GROWING CHORUS HAS RISEN UP IN OPPOSITION TO DOMA but the loudest voice is now the man who signed the bill into law calling for it to be overturned. President Bill Clinton has already voiced his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act and his emphatic repudiation of this discriminatory law is a re�lection of the views of a majority of Americans who don’t understand why loving and committed couples should be ignored by their own government.

As President Clinton

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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CHAD GRIFFIN HRC PRESIDENT

I

N A VERY DIFFERENT ERA, BILL CLINTON SIGNED DISCRIMINATION INTO LAW. Today, he adds his voice to the Who’s Who of America saying that the time has come to overturn that discriminatory law called the Defense of Marriage Act. His journey is the journey a majority of Americans have made in understanding that marriage discrimination has no place in our country or under our Constitution.

EVAN WOLFSON PRESIDENT FREEDOM TO MARRY

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

S

Desk

TEREOTYPING IS A HUMAN TRAIT.

We’ve all done it, been the victim of it or have seen it directed at someone close to us. It’s a �law that evolution has yet to eradicate and one that will no doubt be with us until our species ceases to exist.

As a gay man, I’ve seen plenty of it and I know I don’t always �it into the stereotypes so many hold in their mind. While I enjoy musical productions, I’m not obsessed with them, and I couldn’t name one reality TV host or star on the Bravo or HGTV networks without the help of Google.

My home decorating skills are essentially non-existent and the fanciest entree I create is fried eggs with a side of toaster waf�les drenched in syrup.

So to many, I don’t �it into their idea of what it means to be gay.

We’re not all drag queens and

WATERMARK STAFF

we’re not all limp-wristed pretty boys. We’re also not all bears and gym rats. Not all transgender people are lip-synching on stage each weekend and, as many ladies in our community can attest, �lannel and Birkenstocks aren’t always their garments of choice.

I used to take it as a compliment when people would tell me they were surprised I was gay. The phrase, “You don’t seem gay” would actually make me swell with pride, like I had pulled off some big magicians’ prank. It was a stupid reaction and one I thankfully no longer share.

Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell

But stereotypes aren’t just limited to the LGBT community.

Members of the straight community, for example, aren’t always against us and just because a person is a few decades older than us or drives a certain type of vehicle doesn’t mean he or she is out signing petitions supporting amendments that will make it illegal for us to marry a person of the same sex.

I found myself guilty of this just last month while shopping for a new vehicle.

After my husband totaled my pickup (no one was hurt, thankfully), it was time to �ind a new mode of transportation.

After almost three weeks of hunting and countless used car salesmen telling me one thing and then presenting another, I was fed up with the whole process.

So when we spotted the blue F-150 that prompted a U-turn on a busy thoroughfare, I was resistant to talk to another middle-aged, straight car salesman who struggles to hide his discomfort with my relationship.

But I wanted this truck and after the test drive my husband and I found ourselves seated in the of�ice of the small dealership talking about the vehicle with two straight men. After some casual conversation, the inevitable question about what I do for a living came up, and when I

explained that I was the editor of a newsmagazine covering “LGBT news,” the man behind the desk had a very confused look on his face.

“LGBT?” was his response, complete with the raised eyebrow.

“What’s that?”

So I elaborated.

“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.”

As I braced for his gruff retort, I noticed the religious symbols hanging on the wall around his of�ice. One word describes how I felt: Awkward!

But that feeling didn’t last. It was replaced with relief, then shame for jumping to conclusions when he smiled and shared stories about his lesbian friends, his escapades in the LGBT-friendly areas of Ybor City and the stupidity surrounding anti-marriage equality laws.

Both men— of different political parties, mind you—are accepting and supportive of the LGBT community and our �ight for equality! My assessment of the situation was 100% incorrect and after a few more visits to them to complete paperwork and the detailing of the truck, I found they had shared our encounter with their friends.

“So many of my friends have heard of your newspaper,” one of them told me when I went back to pick up the truck, adding with a laugh, “Apparently you’re kind of a big deal.”

Whether he meant the big deal was Watermark or me as its editor wasn’t clear. But it was clear I misjudged these guys— badly. And that’s something I hope I never do again. |  |

I was resistant to talk to another middle-aged, straight car salesman who struggles to hide his discomfort with my relationship.

Sales Manager: Mark Cady Ext. 102 [Orlando] • Mark@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Sales: Bill Jeffries Ext. 301 • 813-454-9064 • Bill@WatermarkOnline.com Orlando Advertising Sales: Sam Rennels Ext. 103 • Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

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CONTRIBUTORS MARY MEEKS

is an Orlandobased attorney who is also an LGBT activist.

She is a long-time contributor to Watermark. Page 21

CHRIS AZZOPARDI

is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service and has interviewed a wide range of celebrities, including Cher and Lady Gaga. He lives in Canton, Mich., and can be reached via his website at Chris-Azzopardi.com. Page 27

ERIK CABAN

is the administrative assistant for Watermark and also a freelance contributor. He specializes in arts and entertainment interviews. Pages 30

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

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

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

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

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday.

Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

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

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

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MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando NEWS

Rollins hosts transgender activist Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

W

INTER PARK | Best-selling author Jennifer Finney Boylan will speak at Rollins College about her life and transgender equality. A professor of English at Colby College in Maine, Boylan will speak on the Rollins campus on Thursday, March 28 from 6-8 p.m.

Boylan is the author of She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, the �irst book by a transgender American to become a New York Times bestseller.

The 2003 autobiography has been described as “frequently poignant,” and a “candid and exuberantly funny memoir of self-actualization.”

Born James Boylan, the author and political activist attended Wesleyan University and Johns Hopkins University before accepting her current position at Colby College in 1988. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, 48 Hours and Larry King Live to share her inspiring journey.

Boylan will be introduced by Gina Leigh Duncan, the former president of the Metropolitan Business Association, co-executive director of Come Out With Pride, and recent candidate for Orange County Commission. Duncan recently published her own autobiography, Attraversiamo—Let’s Cross Over, in which she describes the importance of Boylan’s book in her own life. When Duncan shared her plan to live as a woman, her mother bought copies of She’s Not There for the entire family.

The event is free, no RSVP is required, and takes place at the Rollins Building at Winter Park Plaza, 330 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. |  |

IN OTHER NEWS ROLLINS BOOTS RELIGIOUS GROUP Rollins College has booted a religious group off campus for violating the school’s policy of not allowing organizations to discriminate based on religion, race and sexual orientation.

The InterVarisity Christian Fellowship requires student leaders to affirm their Christian faith and support certain evangelical Christian beliefs. The group requested an exemption, but the Rollins Board of Trustees denied it in February.

CENTER BENEFIT REVIVES COLLEGE DAYS The GLBT Center brings back the experience of crazy college parties with cheap beer and party games at a fundraiser March 16. The Hammered Lamb hosts “Frat and Sorority Games,” for The Center, where teams compete in a tournament of beer pong, quarters, flip cup and cornhole.

The entry fee is $10 and includes all-you-can-drink Bud Light during tournament activities. The games begin at 6 p.m. Check out TheCenterOrlando.org for more information.

8

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

HIGH-FLYING SUPPORT: A banner reading “Stand with Bayli, not bullies” shows support for a Gay Straight Alliance in Lake County Schools over Tavares before the March 11 meeting. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ACLU OF FLORIDA

First hurdle clear Lake County votes 3-2 in favor of GSA Jamie Hyman

JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AVARES | The �irst round of voting by the Lake County School Board ended in favor of an eighth grader’s request for a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).

The board had discussed banning all non-curricular student clubs in response to a request by student Bayli Silberstein to form a GSA at Carver Middle School in Lake County.

On March 11, they voted 3-2 in favor of allowing non-curricular clubs, which would pave the way for the GSA. The district attorney presented three options: allowing non-curricular clubs at the districts’ high schools while closing them to middle schools, allowing non-curricular clubs at both high schools and middle schools, or closing non-curricular clubs to both high schools and middle schools.

Board members Rosanne Brandeburg, Debbie Stivender and Chairwoman Kyleen Fischer were the votes supporting a GSA, while Tod Howard and Bill Mathias wanted to ban non-curricular clubs in middle schools but allow them in high schools.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

According to Lake County Schools spokesman Christopher Patton, if the current proposal is enacted, all school clubs will require parental permission, and that will be a new requirement. “[Parental permission] is not currently a requirement for club participation at the middle or high school level,” Patton said.

Fourteen-year-old Silberstein, who was on a recent cover of Watermark, and other supporters attended the meeting, wearing red to show their support for the GSA. Some supporters in attendance expressed concern over the provision that would require

WAR HERO: Bayli Silberstein hopes

to create a GSA by the end of this school year. PHOTO BY JAKE STEVENS

activities,” said Daniel Tilley, ACLU of Florida LGBT Policy Strategist.

Silberstein’s attempts to start the club began in November. On Jan. 23, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to Lake County School Board attorney Stephen Johnson, demanding the district follow through on Silberstein’s request for a GSA to “confront bullying, educate the school community, and — BAYLOR JOHNSON, ACLU SPOKESPERSON promote acceptance and equality for lesbian, students to get parental permission gay, bisexual, and transgender in order to join clubs. students” via the formation of a GSA. “We have seen in other places According to Silberstien, school that parental-consent requirements of�icials continuously ignored her like those the school board passed request. After the ACLU sent the can create administrative burdens, prevent access to support groups for letter, the School Board proposed the minority students, and discourage participation in extracurricular Continued on page 10 |  |

“This is a clear win for Bayli and for all the students in Lake County.”

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MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

9

orlando

|  | Bayli Silberstien

NEWS

from pg.8

INCLUSION IS KEY:

State representative Joe Saunders talks about the importance of LGBT inclusion in developing business practices and partners at a Metropolitan Business Association quarterly Pride in Business luncheon, Feb. 28 at the Orange County Regional History Center. PHOTO BY CHRIS STEPHENSON

plan to ban all non-curricular student clubs, rather than allow the GSA. “I’m just really thankful for everyone who stood up for me, the GSA, and the work we’re doing,” said Silberstein. “We’re going to work hard now to get the club started before the end of the school year so we can start to �ix the bullying problem right away.”

ACLU spokesperson Baylor Johnson said the school board’s decision is “a clear win for Bayli and for all the students in Lake County.”

The ACLU circulated a petition in support of the GSA and before the school board meeting, �lew a plane overhead that read “Stand with Bayli, not bullies.”

“We’re grateful for everyone who turned out to speak, as well as the tens of thousands across the country who signed the petition,” Tilley added. “Because they stood with Bayli, she’ll be able to keep �ighting against bullying.”

The March 11 vote was a preliminary vote. The �inal vote date is April 11.|  |

Pansexuality Party protest a bust Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | Notoriously antigay Dove World Outreach Center leader Terry Jones of Gainesville urged his followers to protest a “Pansexuality Fetish Party” at Firestone Live, but the demonstration was more of a �izzle when none of the Dove protestors showed up.

Ten to 15 counter protestors made an appearance March 9 at the corner of Amelia Street and Orange Avenue, but the Dove group apparently switched its protest to March 16, the day of the planned party.

“Downtown Orlando is promoting the March 16 opening of a Gay Sex Fetish Club with billboards posted along the main highways,” read a media release from the Dove Outreach Center.

“Would you want to explain this to your child on the way to Disney World?”

The billboard depicts a woman

on her hands and knees, being led on a leash by another woman.

The party’s organizers say it’s all in good fun.

“I’d like to say �irst and foremost, we’re protesting Terry Jones because we have every right as consenting adults to do behaviors within the legal parameter and that’s all that ‘yknotevents’ is doing, is letting adults in a consensual way have a good time,” said Ari Dennis, media liaison for yknotevents, which organized the party.

Dove’s media release put an anti-gay spin on the event, stating: “They are calling it Pansexuality but what it really is, is another way for gay culture to reach out and in�luence your youth and tell them that it’s normal to have another person of the same sex wrapped in chains or sodomized.”

A Facebook event promoting the protest has more than 200 attendees as of press time, but many of the commenters are opting to post progay messages. |  |

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tampa bay NEWS

Lawsuit targets Amendment 2 backers Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA | In 2008, 62% of Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment that de�ined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, disappointing LGBT couples and advocates across the Sunshine State.

What now feels as though its ancient history, however, is now making headlines again, thanks to an ongoing investigation by the Florida Elections Commission into the allegations of illegal fundraisers by the amendment’s backers.

Recently �iled lawsuits seek to force prominent conservative faces to testify in the case—and that includes John Stemberger, president of the vehemently anti-gay Florida Family Policy Council.

The lawsuits stem from a complaint �iled shortly before the Nov. 4, 2008, election by opponents of the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment, a committee called Florida Red and Blue.

It accused amendment backers of illegally funneling up to $1 million from a charitable group, Florida Family Action Inc., to the campaign committee backing the amendment, according to a story in the Tampa Tribune.

As in any political campaign—and under state law— all donors to a campaign related to a constitutional amendment are supposed to be reported publicly.

But since charitable groups don’t have to legally report donors, some believe the campaign committee was able to use anonymous contributions to pay for most of its campaign.

Florida Red and Blue said that was an attempt to “shield donors from disclosure” during the divisive campaign.

The complaint �iled in court said Florida Family Action Inc. acted as “a secret funding conduit” for the campaign group pushing the amendment, Florida4Marriage.org.

A copy of an email from Stemberger to donors states that contributions to Florida Family Policy Council or Florida Family Action wouldn’t be reported. And according to �inance reports for Florida4Marriage, the organization received nearly half of its massive $2 million budget from FFA. Derek Newton, a political operative with Florida Red and Blue, told the Tribune that the amendment may have fallen short of its required 60% of the vote if those raising money to support the amendment had had to report donors.

“In an election this close, it would be naïve to think $1 million in anonymous advertising had no impact,” Newton said.”This was a very contentious, emotional issue, and some amendment backers didn’t want to be exposed publicly. That’s like saying we want to do something unpopular, but we don’t want to be Continued on page 14 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

TASTING PRIDE: Attendees at A Taste of Pride March 9. PHOTO COURTESY RAINBOW411.COM

browse the offerings of restaurants set up throughout the Dali Museum on

Taste of Success Record number of attendees raise $17,000 for St. Pete Pride

Restaurants contributing to the night included Café Gala, The Chattaway, Flamingo Resort, Georgie’s Alibi, Kalamazo Olive Company, Beak’s Old Florida, The Steve Blanchard throughout Tampa Bay. Queenshead, Sushi Rock Grill, Tap EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM “This is my �irst time in the House, Bistro Atlantis, Datz Deli, Dali and I am so impressed,” said Pipo’s Cuban Café, Tap Room, and Randall Cruz, who attended the Ricky P’s Canjun Café.

T. PETERSBURG | The fundraiser with his boyfriend, Salvadore Dali Museum The night was such a success Mark Peters. “I’ve only been in was transformed into a that there was very little cleanup St. Petersburg a year so there are mobile restaurant of sorts as 14 for most of the vendors. still plenty of sites to see. This is restaurants catered to a record “We only have a few samples de�initely one I want to see again.” crowd participating in A Taste of left,” said one vendor Pride on March 9. working the Cafe Gala The annual fundraiser for St. table. “It’s a good Pete Pride saw 550 attendees, problem to have.” a nearly 50% increase over last In addition to the food, year’s attendance.

Edelweiss Air donated “The night was a huge success two pair of round trip thanks to the generosity of our airfare from Tampa to event sponsors, our dedicated Zurich, tickets to upcoming volunteers who gave their time shows were given out from —ERIC SKAINS, ST. PETE PRIDE EXEC. DIR. Ruth Eckerd Hall, and the and talent, and the willingness of our guests who share the Museum of Fine Arts donated Representatives from several media outlets, government journey of true equality,” said Eric a featured item. entities and arts organizations Skains, Executive Director of St Outside, live entertainment were in attendance as well, Pete Pride. “I’m already looking and a DJ provided an atmosphere and St. Pete Pride treasurer forward to next year’s event during the raf�les.

Stanley Solomons was thrilled and seeing it continue to grow St. Pete Pride’s annual with the turnout. bigger and better.” street festival, now dubbed “This is just amazing,” Ticket sales directly bene�it “Pride Carnivale,” will be Solomons said as he manned St. Pete Pride’s Community held on Saturday, June 29 a table selling additional Grants Program which was along Central Avenue.

For more information on St. Pete launched earlier this year to assist tickets for food samples. “I’m amazed by the support.”

Pride, visit StPetePride.com. |  | other non-pro�it organizations

S

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

“The night was a huge success thanks to the willingness of our guests who share the journey of true equality.”

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tampa bay NEWS

|  | Amendment 2 Backer Suit from pg.12 unpopular for doing it.”

Even though Florida law already prohibited samesex marriage, the amendment lured conservative voters to the polls, who worried that marriage equality would �ind a way to creep into the state.

Watermark reached out to the Elections Commission, where a spokesperson said that all complaints are kept con�idential until the investigations are complete.

Recently, the conservative and religious public interest law �irm Liberty Council has stepped up to represent Stemberger and FFA. So far it has opposed subpoenas issued by the commission. The commission has also sent a subpoena to Robert Watson, a Tampa business man who is the treasurer of the Florida Family Policy Council.

Since the passage of Amendment 2, the FFA and Stemberger have continued to launch anti-LGBT causes across the state. Last summer, the organization rented planes to �ly over Disney World to “warn” potential theme park attendees that Gay Days was in progress.

Stemberger has also been a vocal opponent to domestic partnership registries in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Pinellas County and now, in Tallahassee.

He was seen by a Watermark staffer in Tallahassee on March 12, where the state was supposed to take up a domestic partner registry on a statewide level. That hearing was delayed. |  |

Stop.

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Venice unanimously approves DPR Staff Report

V

ENICE, FLA. | With a unanimous vote, the Venice City Council adopted a domestic partnership registry ordinance at its March 12 meeting.

The �irst-reading of the ordinance came nearly a month after the council gave the go-ahead for staff to come up with the proper wording of the ordinance.

Venice, which is south of Sarasota, is one of many communities throughout the state adopting an ordinance that protects unmarried couples and provides a small handful of bene�its that might otherwise be unavailable.

The domestic partnership registry gives unmarried couples, regardless of sexuality, certain rights such as hospital visitation or making funeral or health care decisions for a partner.

The ordinance is modeled

after a domestic partnership law adopted by the Sarasota City Commission.

“Today is an exciting day,” former Sarasota City Commissioner Ken Shelin, who pushed for both cities to adopt the anti-discrimination measures, told the Venice City Council.

The council included a “sunset” provision of three years so it will be required to see how the registry is working and if any revisions are needed.

The city of Sarasota started its registry in September and charges couples who sign and �ile an af�idavit a $30 fee. Other area governments, including Pinellas County, the cities of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Clearwater and the city of Tampa have also enacted registries.

Hillsborough County, however, rejected a registry in February, bucking a trend that has swept across the state.

Shelin has proposed a similar

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ordinance in the city of North Port, in the southern part of Sarasota County. It’s unclear if that city will take up the measure since the Sarasota County Commission could likely discuss its own domestic partner registry in the upcoming months.

Like in a majority of cities that have enacted a domestic partner registry in the past year, Venice’s proposed ordinance was met with very little resistance. It is expected to pass its second and �inal vote on March 26.

If it passes as expected, residents of the city could begin registering by late May or early June, according to some estimates.

Once Venice’s registry is enacted, the city plans to charge couples $30 to register, and those couples can do so with the city clerk’s of�ice located within City Hall. |  |

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Thompson, but were proud of the amazing turnout of support and the relentless advocacy of Equality Florida,” said Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks. “Our community was still heard and seen in the Capital today, and progress was made, and we will live to �ight another day.”

On Feb. 19, the committee rejected the bill despite strong support from speakers in favor of the registry. Several of the Senators who indicated that they would not move the bill forward said it was because the bill was not speci�ic enough in the rights it would provide domestic partners. |  |

forward with a domestic partner registry March 12.

The measure, proposed by Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley, will extend bene�its, similar to those that married couples get,

to those who are registered with the domestic partnership registry, gay or straight.

Several members of Equality Florida attended the vote, held around 6:30 p.m. March 12. |  |

Leon County passes domestic partner registry Staff Report TALLAHASSEE | The county that surrounds Florida’s Capital City voted unanimously to move

Two openly gay candidates running for state rep Jason Parsley

T

ALLAHASSEE | Two openly gay South Florida politicians are making a run for state representative seats. Democrat John Paul Alvarez and Republican-turnedDemocrat Scott Herman �iled to run for state representatives March 11.

Both candidates ran in 2012 and lost. Herman ran in District 94 against Democrat Minority leaders Perry Thurston. Shortly after the election Herman switched parties.

Despite being a Republican for 23 years, Herman said, his social views were always more aligned with the Democratic Party as he believes in full equality for the LGBT community.

Herman is now running in District 93, which is a coastal district that starts on the Palm BeachBroward County line and continues through to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport area.

Last time around John Paul Alvarez ran in District 53, losing to Republican John Tobia. He will now run in House District 100. |  |

state

T

ALLAHASSEE | The Families First Bill, a proposed statewide domestic partner registry, is once again temporarily postponed.

A vote on the bill was scheduled for March 12, but several members of the Florida Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs were unable to attend the meeting, including key supporter Sen. Geralidine Thompson (D-Orange County), who was admitted to the hospital that morning.

Sen. Eleanor Sobel

(D-Hollywood), who �irst �iled the bill in January and then re-�iled it for the March vote, announced that the schedule vote would not take place.

“I’m going to TP that bill for today,” Sobel said. “I apologize to all of you for any kind of inconvenience.”

Among those scheduled to testify ahead of the vote were activist Janice Langbehn, who made headlines when she was prevented from visiting her dying partner at a Miami hospital in 2007 and Orlando Weekly writer Billy Manes.

“We were all very disappointed that the DPR Bill had to be tabled due to the hospitalization of Senator

NEWS

Statewide domestic partner registry postponed again

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nation+world NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS GAY COUPLES COULD SEE WINDFALLS FROM COURT ACTION Some married same-sex couples and gays whose spouses have died may be eligible for retroactive tax refunds, Social Security benefits and other financial perks of marriage if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a provision of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act later this year. A decision is not expected until the end of June, but tax experts say some gay couples who were married as of 2009 should submit protective claims now because there is a three-year statute of limitations for seeking income and estate tax refunds.

GAY PRINCIPAL IN OREGON LOSING HIS JOB After 10 years as an elementary school principal in Gresham, Ore, Tom Klansnic was told March 8 his contract would not be renewed, and his lawyer claims it’s because he is gay. Despite having twice renewed his contract without performance complaints, Klansnic’s supervisors dramatically changed their treatment of him after he came out three years ago.

MEXICO’S TOP COURT: ANTI-GAY TERMS ARE HATE SPEECH Mexico’s Supreme Court has ruled that two anti-gay words commonly used in Mexico are not protected as freedom of expression under the constitution, allowing people offended by the terms to sue for moral damages. The magistrates voted 3-2 on March 6 that the words ``punal’’ and “maricones’’ are offensive and discriminatory. Both words roughly translate as ``faggot.’’

NO IMMEDIATE RULING ON MICHIGAN’S GAY MARRIAGE BAN A federal judge says he’ll wait for important rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether Michigan’s ban on gay marriage violates the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. Judge Bernard Friedman heard arguments March 7 on a lesbian couple’s challenge to a state law that bars them from jointly adopting children.

Friedman says he wants to wait to rule, however, because a future Supreme Court opinion in the California Prop. 8 case could affect the Michigan case.

PUERTO RICO COURT RULING ON GAY ADOPTIONS APPEALED A lesbian whose adoption request was recently denied

by Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court is appealing the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. The woman’s partner gave birth to a girl, now 12, through in vitro fertilization. The March 6 announcement of the appeal comes two weeks after the high court voted 5-4 to uphold a law banning gay couples from adopting children.

POLISH LAWMAKERS PROTEST WALESA’S ANTI-GAY RANT Poland’s first openly gay and transsexual lawmakers have taken seats in the front bench of Parliament to protest hostile remarks by former President Lech Walesa. Walesa, the democracy icon and Nobel peace prize winner, sparked controversy and outrage in Poland on March 1 by saying homosexuals have no right to a prominent role in politics and that as a minority they need to “adjust to smaller things’’ in society. He added that gays belong on the back rows of Parliament, or ``even behind a wall.’’

18

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Obama signs expanded Violence Against Women Act Wire Report

W

ASHINGTON, D.C. | President Barack Obama signed expanded protections for domestic violence victims into law March 7, renewing a measure credited with curbing attacks against women a year and a half after it lapsed amid partisan bickering.

The revitalized Violence Against Women Act also marked an important win for gay rights advocates and Native Americans, who will see new protections under the law, and for Obama, whose attempts to push for a renewal failed last year after they became entangled in gender politics and the presidential election.

“This is your day. This is the day of the advocates, the day

of the survivors. This is your victory,’’ Obama said. “This victory shows that when the American people make their voices heard, Washington listens.’’

The law authorizes some $659 million a year over �ive years for programs that strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to crimes against women and some men, such as transitional housing, legal assistance, law enforcement training and hotlines.

After twice being renewed with little resistance, it was something of a surprise in 2011 when lawmakers let the act expire.

At the crux of the election-year clash were disagreements about expanded protections for gays and lesbians, Native Americans and illegal immigrants.

Senate Democrats offered an expanded law that speci�ically

protects LGBT Americans and gives tribal authorities the power to prosecute non-Indians for abuse committed on tribal lands.

Republicans saw the move to load a popular bill with controversial elements as a provocation and objected to the Native American provisions on constitutional grounds. Democrats rejected a Republican alternative, arguing it didn’t go far enough.

In February, House Republicans capitulated and allowed a vote on an almost identical version of the bill, which passed 286-138. It was the third time in two months that House Speaker John Boehner let a Democratic-supported bill reach the �loor despite opposition from a majority of his own party—a clear sign that Republicans wanted to put the issue behind them. |  |

He says, “As the president who signed the act into law, I have come to believe that DOMA is contrary to those principles and, in fact, incompatible with our Constitution.”

Clinton says he signed the law in 1996 to avoid legislation that would have been even worse for gays. “[M]any supporters of the bill known as DOMA believed that its passage ‘would defuse a movement to enact a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, which would have ended the debate for a generation or more,’” he writes.

Clinton acknowledges that

American society has changed, and that DOMA discriminates against gays and provides an excuse for others to discriminate, too.

“When I signed the bill, I included a statement with the admonition that ‘enactment of this legislation should not, despite the �ierce and at times divisive rhetoric surrounding it, be understood to provide an excuse for discrimination,’” he says.

“Reading those words today, I know now that, even worse than providing an excuse for discrimination, the law is itself discriminatory. It should be overturned.” |  |

New Yorkers the same opportunities generations of her family got when they came here.

“I’m running for mayor because I love this city. It’s the greatest place in the world,’’ she said.

A former tenant organizer and director of a gay and lesbian advocacy group, Quinn, 46, has been on the City Council since 1999 and its leader since 2006.

The position has afforded her considerable exposure going into the crowded �ield of candidates vying to succeed term-limited Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Quinn and her longtime partner, Kim Catullo, married last year after more than a decade together. Their wedding guest list was a who’s-who of New York politics, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Bloomberg and many other of�iceholders in attendance.

The year before, Quinn had invoked her personal story in lobbying state lawmakers to legalize gay marriage, a cause Cuomo championed. She called it ``one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life’’ when the measure passed in June 2011. |  |

Clinton: Court should overturn DOMA Wire Report WASHINGTON, D.C. | Former President Bill Clinton is calling on the Supreme Court to overturn a law he signed that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

In a Washington Post op-ed published on March 7, Clinton says the justices must decide whether the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) “is consistent with the principles of a nation that honors freedom, equality and justice above all, and is therefore constitutional.”

Lesbian launches NYC mayoral bid Wire Report NEW YORK, N.Y. | Long seen as a leading contender, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn formally launched March 10 what she hopes will be a historymaking mayoral bid.

A veteran of city politics, Quinn would be a groundbreaking mayor across two personal dimensions: She would be the �irst female and �irst openly gay mayor to lead the nation’s largest city.

Quinn said she wanted to give

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Florida gays: Pleading for 1 percent of equal

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W

HILE MARRIAGE

equality is spreading across much of the country, here in Florida our Republican legislature is debating whether 1 percent of equality is still too much for Florida’s gay and lesbian couples.

Florida’s constitutional amendment de�ines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and prohibits the legal recognition of any other legal union that is “treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof.”

However, the amendment does not prohibit a statewide domestic partnership law which could provide a limited set of important rights to unmarried gay and straight couples in all corners of the state. Thanks to the recent wave of Florida municipalities enacting domestic partnership registries, nearly 50% of our population is protected in varying degrees on a local level. What about consistent protections for everyone, regardless of where they may be on a particular day?

Democratic State Senator Eleanor Sobel has introduced a bill for the last �ive years seeking to enact a statewide domestic partnership law. For the �irst four years, the bill was never heard. This year the bill was granted a committee hearing before the Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Sobel. The bill would have granted far less than half of the cumulative state and federal rights afforded to marriage. But for the Republicans on the Committee, that was just “too much.”

Rather than let the bill die, Sobel re-wrote it to appeal to her Republican colleagues’ stated concerns. The new bill, set for hearing on March 12, now contains approximately 1 percent of those rights afforded to married heterosexuals in Florida, e.g. hospital visitation, medical decision-making, and inheritance rights. Even if the bill passes this Committee, it must survive six more committees (not chaired by friendly Democrats) before making it to the Senate �loor for a vote. And a companion bill must run this same gauntlet in the House.

It looks bleak in Tallahassee, so let’s look elsewhere for some good news.

A solid majority of Americans now support marriage equality. It currently exists in nine states plus the District of Columbia, covering approximately 50 million people, representing 16 percent of the U.S. population. And although same-sex married couples are currently denied the nearly 1,200 federal rights and bene�its that attach to heterosexual marriages, that may be about to change.

This month, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two historic cases.

In United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which provides that the word “marriage,” as used in any federal law or regulation, means only a union of a man and a woman. This affects veterans’ bene�its, tax adjustments, Social Security, and many other bene�its.

Because of DOMA, New Yorker Edith Windsor had to pay an estate tax of $363,053 upon her wife’s death. She sued, arguing that DOMA’s different treatment of married gay and heterosexual couples violates the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. Constitution. Windsor won, and the ruling has been appealed to the Supreme Court.

In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the California Supreme Court held that

state statutes limiting marriage to opposite-sex applicants violated the California Constitution. California voters then approved a ballot measure, Proposition 8, amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriages. A federal district court ruled that Proposition 8 violated the equal protection guarantee of the U.S. Constitution. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, and the Proposition 8 supporters sought review by the Supreme Court.

The decisions in these cases could have a tremendous impact in advancing marriage equality. If Perry is upheld, California will formally join the growing

list of states that grant marriage equality, and the ruling could establish a legal precedent for certain other states to follow. If Windsor is upheld, married gay couples would acquire those 1,200 federal rights and bene�its.

The bad news is that neither of these decisions would necessarily improve our situation here in Florida because we don’t �it into either of the situations addressed by these cases.

So, while much of America progresses toward full marriage equality, in Florida it remains to be seen whether just 1 percent of equality is still “too much” for our Republicancontrolled government. |  |

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It would have granted far less than half of the rights afforded to marriage, but for the Republicans on the Committee, that was just “too much.”

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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V

LGBTs and video games: It could get better

Jamie Hyman ONLINE MEDIA DIR. JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

IDEO GAME COMPANY

Electronic Arts (EA) hosted an “LGBT Full Spectrum Event” in New York City March 7 to discuss LGBT issues in gaming and came to one key conclusion: “We still have a long way to go.”

Those are the words of Craig Hagen, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Electronic Arts Inc. and one of the event’s organizers.

Full disclosure: my husband works for EA. He’s not a decision maker when it comes to EA’s policies and choices in regards to LGBT issues in games, but as a result of the intersection of our careers, I spend a lot of time thinking about gay-related issues, video games and gay gamers.

Historically, EA has been supportive of LGBT rights. It offers domestic partner bene�its to employees, created an “It Gets Better” video and last year, supported a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

The Full Spectrum Event was a half-day of dialogue and panel discussions to talk about homophobia in gaming, the quality of LGBT characters in games, LGBT-inclusive language and creating inclusive work environments for LGBT employees within the

gaming industry.

Those issues may present new discussion fodder for people who aren’t forced to constantly face LGBT inequalities, but for gay gamers, the topics are old news. Gamers smacktalk each other by spitting out faggotrelated insults is so commonplace that the image is a cliché—the young, pimply, sexually-frustrated teenager chugging Mountain Dew, wearing a headset, punching away at a controller while desperately trying to assert his dominance via bigoted, anti-gay language is a clear picture in most gay gamers’ minds. In a bitter show of vitriol that borders on irony, the YouTube comments on EA’s “It Gets Better” video were are rampant with hateful bigotry. Here’s a sampling: “Homos ruined GAMING” “Ever bought an EA game? Then you’re a F***ING FAGGOT” Charming, right?

However, rampant homophobic language among gamers is just one piece of the problem.

A second piece—one that is arguably the root of all the problems faced from the corporate side—is the lack of LGBTs employed by EA and other game development companies.

This is a tough claim to make, because hard stats on the sexuality of these private gaming company employees are not readily available.

But given the emphasis the industry puts on trying to create, maintain and promote a welcoming, inclusive workspace for LGBTs, it would seem this is a segment of the population underrepresented by gay folks. When combined with the very, very slow growth of LGBT characters within the games, it’s not a stretch to assume gay voices are not being heard behind the scenes of video game creation.

And that brings us to the third piece of the problem—until really, really recently, gay characters were basically non-existant in video games.

The �irst gay video game character was created in 1986 within Moonmist where within a plotline, the criminal is a female artist who is jealous because her girlfriend marries a man. According to Wikipedia, there were just three other instances of gay game characters for the rest of the 80s. They track the characters by decade and, while there are more and more gay characters as the years progress. LGBT characters are still relatively rare, mostly limited to fantasy games and many

Pop culture’s depictions of LGBTs is the old man + man = EW GROSS, while woman + woman = HOTSEXYTIMES.

argue, frequently of poor quality or not a good representation of LGBTs. They rely on offensive stereotypes to transmit “gay.”

In addition to characters, the language in games can always use some help. In Battle�ield 3, �ired-up characters say they’re getting “F*cked in the ass” or having their “sh*t pushed in.” Ugh. Gross. Really unnecessary regardless of homophobic themes.

Another offensive portrayal that persists in pop culture’s depictions of LGBTs is the ol’ man + man = EW GROSS, while woman + woman = HOTSEXYTIMES. We can call it the Mass Effect Effect, because that’s the game that brought

the issue to a head. In versions 1 and 2, female characters could enjoy all kinds of lady lovin’ but the main male character, Shepard, had no gay options.

He could have sex with aliens on another planet. Just not other men.

EA’s Full Spectrum Event was an initial attempt to address this array of issues. It is being slammed as a publicity stunt and while that may be true, I’d argue that it’s a step forward to actively, publicly hold these conversations about the various issues when it comes to LGBTs represented in all aspects of gaming, from behind the scenes where characters are imagined to the front lines of your favorite �irst person shooter. |  |

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watermarkonline.com

TALKING POINTS

Portia and I have been married for 4 years and…

I don’t think we hurt anyone else’s marriage.

I asked all of my neighbors and they say they’re fine.

—ELLEN DEGENERES, IN A BRIEF TO

THE SUPREME COURT ASKING IT TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

57

OF TENNESSEE VOTERS oppose the

state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but paradoxically,

62

of those polled oppose marriage equality.

49

oppose a law requiring state school officials to notify parents if they believe a child has engaged in “homosexual activity.”

—Middle Tennessee State University

LITTLE MONSTERS:

‘MADONNA CAUSED AIDS’

O

KAY, SO LADY GAGA’S FAITHFUL DIDN’T SAY EXACTLY THAT, but they sure came close. In a letter to organizers of the 24th Annual GLAAD Awards, Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters express disappointment in Madonna’s planned presentation of an award to CNN newsman Anderson Cooper, saying “Madonna is one of the major reasons for AIDS,” adding that she encouraged unprotected sex in the 1980s.

The letter also says that allowing Madonna to do the presentation is an “insult to a true gay rights activist like Lady Gaga.” The letter does not mention, of course Madonna’s long-time support of marriage equality or her recent pro-gay comments in not-so-gay-friendly Russia. |  |

ANTI-GAY SHIRTS GET FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTION

I

T APPEARS THE FIRST AMENDMENT REALLY DOES PROTECT ALL SPEECH. In a Connecticut high school, student Seth Groody wore an anti-gay T-shirt to express his frustration with the “Day of

Silence” bringing awareness to LGBT bullying in schools.

His shirt, featuring a rainbow under red circle and a line, was his way of disapproving of marriage equality, which oddly wasn’t what the Day of

Silence was arguing.

Administrators made him change the shirt, but the ACLU stepped in and threatened a lawsuit on Groody’s behalf. Now the student is selling the shirts and plans to have his friends wear them during this April’s Day of Silence in protest. |  |

ON GSH RADIO:

ON MAINE COUPLES PLANNING

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM

ON THE FIGHT FOR A GSA AT LAKE COUNTY’S CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL:

TRAIN, CARLY RAE JEPSEN DROP OUT OF BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE

T

HE BOY SCOUTS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND NEW CROP OF HEADLINING ACTS for its 2013 Jamboree this summer. Both Train and Carly Rae Jepsen dropped out of the mid-July Boy Scouts of America celebration this month after they learned about the organization’s ongoing stance against gay members and leaders.

The two music acts dropped out when GLAAD said they were unaware of informed them of the the Scouts opposition to history of inequality. No equality when the agreed word yet on who will step to perform at this year’s in to headline July 15 in Jamboree and promptly West Virginia. |  |

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL

WILL THE LAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD ALLOW A GSA AT CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL?

Eventually,

but only after being forced to by attorney pressure, a lawsuit or a judge.

20% Yes, they’ll approve it

“Folks in Lake County, whether GLBTQ supportive or not, should stand up for the right of their children to form a club.

I commend this child and her family for standing up and saying no more for if only some more adults would stand up and say no more we could all live in a better world!”

SAME SEX WEDDINGS: “Greg and Victor are tireless advocates for the GLBT community.

“Even if it had no affect on business, They walk their walk in fighting for it should be made legal. It’s a right equality and in their dedication to for an adult to choose who will the well-being of the community. be their life partner, not the state, They provide a valuable service to government or religious zealots.” listeners, inspiring them to take —YASHAIRA GONZALEZ-GOMES action, to participate in creating a world where everyone is welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

—CE EVANS

—STACI B

?

when it comes up for a vote.

20% No, they’ll kill all clubs rather than allow a GSA.

NEXT ISSUE POLL QUESTION: THE SUPREME COURT WILL HEAR TWO ARGUMENTS CONCERNING MARRIAGE EQUALITY THIS MONTH. WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN? LET US KNOW AT watermarkonline.com.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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watermarkonline.com

DREAM DUO: Tina

ARTS &

Fey and Paul Rudd, both of whom have a strong LGBT following, team up in the forthcoming comedy, Admission.

ENTERTAINMENT

PAUL & TINA:

dream duo ADMISSION STARS TALK NEW FILM’S ACCEPTANCE THEME, FIRST JOBS AND SHOWER SCENE

T

Chris Azzopardi CHRISAZZOPARDI@PRIDESOURCE.COM

HEY SAY DREAMS COME TRUE, AND THAT

one where Tina Fey and Paul Rudd act (and shower) together on the big screen—it’s really happening. Two of the most charismatic, gayloved actors team up for Admission, about a college admissions of�icer (Fey) and her could-be biological son who she meets through an old classmate (Rudd).

“It’s a movie about chasing acceptance.

That formal outward acceptance shouldn’t be valued as much. That’s the message: Just be who you are,” says Fey, a GLAAD winner for 30 Rock who recounted her gay musical-theater origins in her Bossypants memoir.

Rudd’s career started, and still is, just as queer: besides Clueless, he starred as Jennifer Aniston’s best gay pal in The Object of My Affection. And that’s just the beginning of his homo happenings.

“Yes, it’s true. It’s really true,” he says, re�lecting on the increasingly gay apex of

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

his career when Watermark caught up with him and Fey at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

WATERMARK: WHAT DID YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF TAKING ON THESE CHARACTERS?

TINA FEY: For me, it was just trying to do a good job of what I felt was the dramatic arc of the movie. There were certainly scenes that were more emotional than anything I have ever had to do before.

Continued on page 33 |  |

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watermarkonline.com

Tommy Lee Jones in Emporer.

Nicholas Hoult as Jack the Giant Slayer.

Emperor

Jack the Giant Slayer

Starring Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones

Starring Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Ian McShane, Stanley Tucci

H

OW DO YOU TAKE A POTENTIALLY FASCINATING HISTORICAL MOMENT AND MAKE IT LIFELESS? Emperor has the

PRETTY, SHALLOW: James Franco meets China Girl in Oz the Great and Powerful.

Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS

Lands of Magic and Mystery

O

Z THE MOVIE IS AS

colorful as the land it comes from. Oz the story is as dull black and white as the performances at its center.

Stephen Miller

STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Franco is Oz, a shyster prestidigitator peddling his tricks in 19th century Kansas. When he gets caught for his chicanery, he escapes in a hot air balloon, which gets snagged by a tornado. He lands in Oz, a mystical world that’s been waiting for a great wizard like him to lead it out of darkness. He meets three witches: Kunis, Weisz and Williams.

Much effects credit must be given to director Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Darkman, the �irst Spiderman trilogy). The look is impeccable, from the grey-toned prairies to the Technicolor

Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz

miracles of Oz. The structure of the �ilm apes The Wizard of Oz. We know basically how this ends, so the question is how we get there. With no song or dance, Raimi instead utilizes visual aplomb.

Too bad Raimi couldn’t have gotten a better performance from Franco. (Rumors were that Robert Downey, Jr., gave up this role.) Franco never exhibits much charm, real remorse, or genuine interest in the Ozians. In fact, even talented Williams and Weisz monologue about their motivations more than they show them. Kunis is left with a character that travels deeper and deeper into parody.

To the eye, this is great and powerful. To the heart, Oz’s balloon never leaves the ground. |  |

A

HERO HAS ARRIVED, JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT FAIRY TALE MOVIES WOULD ALWAYS DISAPPOINT—Red Riding

answer to that, if nothing else.

It’s one of the great mysteries of the Hood, Mirror Mirror, Snow White 20th century, how involved Emperor Hirohito was in the attack on Pearl and the Huntsman, and recently, Harbor. General Bonner Fellers (Fox) Hansel and Gretel. Jack isn’t great, but was assigned to ascertain whether it’s good enough. the emperor should be held on Jack (Hoult) is the legendary farm trial for war crimes. boy. (In fact, everything from the General Douglas McArthur (Jones) original is here, if slightly modi�ied was his commanding of�icer— or made grander.) The magic an imposing legend who beans caused a massive transitioned from leading RATINGS GUIDE war centuries ago. A crown Paci�ic forces to rebuilding was forged to control the Japan after the war. In 1946, giants, and a long peace was McArthur attempted to brokered. Now, a greedy See it now! Buy wrangle more political clout courtier (Tucci) plans to the DVD! Quote while keeping his promise to take over the kingdom, using lines at parties! put the Empire of the Rising giants to do his dirty work.

Sun back on its feet.

He’s promised marriage to the Definitely worth Audiences probably need princess (Tomlinson), but that the price of to know that investigator isn’t enough. All is going to his admission General Fellers was a Japanese plan until the princess gets expert who had an affair stranded in giant land. King It’s useful as a with a Japanese woman. We McShane sends Hoult, Tucci, distraction also should know he tried to McGregor up the beanstalk to protect her hometown from get his daughter back. bombing. However, the plot is What’s refreshing here Maybe if someone else pays and you overtaken by drippy Nicholas is there is no self-parody, need a nap Sparks-style schmaltz. and—until the end—the �ilm Though visually memorable, refuses to wink at us. It’s a very little of this �lick is brainless, battle-�illed, fantasy Slightly worse shows culture—though they meant to inspire. than eternal talk about it endlessly. The Sure, it copies Lord of the damnation delicate world politic of the Rings. Characters are two time is skimmed over. Fox’s character is dimensional, and some—like poor boringly uncomplicated. Worse, General McGregor—have almost no purpose.

MacArthur is comic relief! Too much Director Bryan Singer, though, focus is given to pretty romance—lovers needed this. After The Usual Suspects, running through bamboo—instead of to Apt Pupil, and the �irst two X-Men the Emperor, the title of the freaking �ilm! �ilms, he looked unstoppable. Then he Only watch this if there’s nothing �lopped Superman and turned in the new on the History Channel. I lackluster Valkyrie. Singer’s sound, personally want to declare war on the epic approach and deft pacing are �ilmmakers for glossing over a great just what we need to enjoy this movie historical mystery. |  | happily ever enough. |  |

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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WE THREE QUEENS: (L-R) Detox, Roxxxy Andrews and Coco Montrese are the only remaining contestants of five with Florida ties still vying for the title on RuPaul’s Drag Race this season.

WINS THE SEASON.

Then there

were three TELEVISION

3 Florida queens remain halfway through Drag Race Season 5

T

Erik R. Caban ERIK@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

HE FIFTH SEASON OF RUPAUL’S DRAG

Race started with fourteen queens—�ive hailing from Central Florida—and as of March 11, we’re down to seven.

“We’re no longer just drag queens,” Jinkx Monsoon said during a tearful ending of the March 11 airing. “We’re now seven sister queens.”

On an otherwise mundane Monday night, we caught up with Roxxxy and her Roxxxstars at her weekly RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party at Pulse.

“It’s surreal,” Andrews says

30

of watching herself on-screen each week. “I feel like I’ve been PhotoShopped into the scenes.”

Already at the halfway point in the season, we’re now down to three Central Florida queens.

Serena Cha Cha from Tallahassee was the �irst to “sashay away.” Then, we saw the giggly with a bite, Jade Jolie from Gainesville sent packing.

The three remaining Florida

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

natives include: Detox, originally from St. Petersburg, who now performs in Los Angeles; former Watermark cover girl, Flamingo Resort star, Miss Gay America 2010 and Alyssa Edwards nemesis, Coco Montrese; and former Miss Continental Plus, Pulse Nightclub headliner and member of Team RoTox, Roxxxy Andrews.

If RuPaul’s Drag Race her-story repeats itself, looking at Drag Races past might allow us to see if the remaining Florida queens’ stats will win them the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

1. THE QUEEN WHO WINS THE MOST CHALLENGES

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

While ultimately, RuPaul is going to choose who RuPaul chooses, BeBe Zahara Benet, Tyra Sanchez and Sharon Needles all won the most challenges in their seasons. The only exception to that rule involves Raja and Manila Luzon, who tied for number of challenges won.

This season, nobody has yet to win two challenges, making it anybody’s game. That also makes this season unique—it’s never taken this long for a queen to win two challenges. Sharon and Alexis Mateo did it by the third competition episode, and Tyra did it by episode �ive. Of the remaining queens, Alaska is the only one yet to win a challenge; everybody else has one win.

2. NO TEAM CAPTAIN HAS EVER WON HER SEASON.

BeBe, Tyra, Raja, and Sharon were never team captains. While being a team captain isn’t directly damning to your chances of winning, RPDR has a high sashayrate for its captains.

Through seasons one through �ive, there have been a total of 12 team challenges. In four of them, the captain was eliminated.

Being a captain doesn’t necessarily hurt your chances of winning, but captaining a team hasn’t deemed statistically

watermarkonline.com

favorable to your chances of surviving the challenge, either. Now that we’re past the “Snatch Game” challenge, team challenges have concluded. Of the remaining Season Five queens, Roxxxy is the only one who has never served as a captain.

3. IN THE LAST TWO SEASONS, THE WINNER OF THE FIRST CHALLENGE WON THE SEASON.

This is more coincidence than indicator, but interesting nonetheless. Raja and Sharon both won the �irst challenge of their respective seasons; and while Morgan McMichaels won the �irst challenge of season two, Tyra was a high-scorer, too.

With that said, Roxxxy won the �irst challenge of season �ive.

4. UNLESS YOU’RE GUNNING FOR TOP THREE, NOBODY SURVIVES THEIR THIRD LIP-SYNCH.

While many excellent queens have survived two “Lip-Synch For Your Lives” (Raven, Sahara, Shangela, Delta, Jiggly, Milan), each of those queens was eliminated on her third lip synch. The only two queens to survive their third lip synchs were Jujubee and Alexis Mateo, both while moving from Top Four to Top Three.

Of the remaining season �ive queens, Coco has already survived

It’s Sashay Away surreal.

I feel like I’ve been Photoshopped into the scenes.

—ROXXXY ANDREWS

In 7 episodes, 8 queens have left RuPaul’s Drag Race this season

S

Enchanted April

by Matthew Barber from the novel

by Elizabeth von Arnim

O FAR, EIGHT OF THE 14 CONTESTANTS FROM RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 5 HAVE BEEN TOLD BY RUPAUL HERSELF THAT IT’S TIME TO “SASHAY AWAY. That leaves only six remaining contestants to vie for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

Two Florida queens have already left the show and the future of the remaining three Sunshine State representatives hangs in the balance. Here’s a quick look back at the contestants who have Sashayed into television history:

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EPISODE ONE: two lip synchs, so it doesn’t bode well for her. Detox has survived one.

5. SO, WHO’S WINNING SEASON FIVE?

We’re laying down our prediction now. Based on the win/high/safe/ low stats, from the critiques they’re getting, and from the gut, we’re looking at a top three showdown between Detox, Jinkx and Roxxxy— with Alyssa close behind.

As Alaska said in the last episode, “It’s open season.”

The second half of this season is when we’ll get to really know and choose who we love among the �inal competitors. We’re going to watch these seven queens really reveal their claws and alliances divide—as already proven this last week, when Alaska separated herself from Team RoLaska-Tox. Roxxxy has also gone from being the quiet one and taken off her sequin gloves and started opening up and even throwing some shade.

And who isn’t tiring of the seemingly faux feud between Alyssa and Coco? Can I get an Amen?

To quote RuPaul herself, “I can’t wait to see how this turns out.” |  |

MORE INFORMATION

Penny Tration of Cincinnati, Ohio

EPISODE TWO: Serena ChaCha of Tallahassee, Fla.

EPISODE THREE: Monica Beverly Hillz of Owensboro, Ky.

SPRING AWAKENING

A Theatre UCF Production

Book and lyrics by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik

EPISODE FOUR:

March 21-30

Vivienne Pinay of New York & Honey Mahogany of San Francisco

An adaptation of a once scandalous 1800s play by Frank Wedekind, this poignant and powerful musical follows a group of German innocents as they journey from youth to adulthood.

EPISODE FIVE: Lineysha Sparx of San Juan, Puerto Rico

EPISODE SIX:

The production contains a dynamic rock score, mature themes, and is not suitable for young audiences.

Jade Jolie of Gainesville, Fla.

EPISODE SEVEN:

407-823-1500 | www.theatre.ucf.edu

Jinkx Monsoon of Seattle, Wash.

WHAT: RuPaul’s Drag Race, season 5 WHEN: Mondays, 9 p.m., LOGO MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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31

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MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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YET YOU GOT CALLED “COUGAR” IN THE MOVIE.

TF: It’s in my contract.

DID YOU TALK TO ANYONE IN ADMISSIONS?

TF: I did. Jean (Hanff Korelitz), who wrote the book, worked in admissions, and I did talk to one or two other people who worked in admissions. One thing that was interesting: An admissions person who wasn’t connected to the movie said, “People think we really want to say ‘no’ to everyone when really what we want is to be saying ‘yes.’”

Their happiest moments and their goal was to be able to say “yes” to as many kids who they think will thrive.

WHAT MAKES A COMEDY A CLASSIC?

PR: It has to be really funny, and funny over a long period of time. If it was funny 10 years ago, it has to have been funny 20 years ago.

KEEPING IT GAY: While the film itself may not have specific LGBT themes, the addition of Lily Tomlin as Tina Fey’s mother will surely attract an LGBT audience.

|  | Tina Fey and

Paul Rudd from pg.27

PAUL RUDD: Just doing it—that was the challenge. (Laughs.) That you buy me in the part and it works in the context of the story, and that the con�lict seems legit and the character is not one-dimensional— all those things that I think kind of existed in the script CAN YOU RELATE TO THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

TF: I wasn’t growing up in some kind of private-school world where it was expected of you to try to get into an Ivy League school or something. I think there are people who grow up in a family where it’s like, “If you don’t get into Harvard or Yale or Princeton, you’re done!” I think that’s craziness.

PR: I never grew up with that at all. I didn’t apply to any of those schools—mainly because I know I wouldn’t have gotten in. I was just out to lunch when it came to all that stuff. Living in New York City, I’m certainly much more aware of it now.

I’m much more aware of it having friends that went to those schools and even having young kids and seeing how they’re being groomed for these schools.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO COME FROM KANSAS CITY AND HEAD TO NEW YORK TO BECOME AN ACTOR?

That’s the message: Just be who you are.

—TINA FEY

PR: Well, I wasn’t born in Kansas City; I was born here. I lived in Kansas and then California and then went back to Kansas. Nobody in my family did this, but it felt normal to me because I was pursuing what I wanted to do. I had as much false con�idence as I possibly could muster, because my parents told me as a young kid that I could be anything I wanted to be—and I actually believed them.

WERE YOU DOING THE WAITING TABLES THING, THEN?

PR: I was working in the kitchen at a Bennigan’s. I didn’t even get to wait tables. I was in the back expediting and making salads.

YOU ALSO DJ’D. WHAT RECORDS WERE YOU PLAYING THAT GOT THE GIRLS AND BOYS ON THE FLOOR?

PR: MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” was pretty popular, and Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” was a huge crowd pleaser. There were those two, and then there were classics like “Mony Mony” and “What I Like About You” by The Romantics.

I’ve been out of the bar mitzvah

DJing game so I don’t know if those are still popular, but they were big hits when I was spinning.

DO YOU REGRET NOT HAVING THOSE EXPERIENCES, TINA?

TF: I made cheese steaks at a swim club snack bar so that my mom could have free access to the pool.

(Laughs.) My brother did it for a year, and then she transitioned me into doing it so she could continue to have employee access.

AS AN ACTRESS, AND EVEN MORE SO AS A WRITER, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SECRET IS TO GREAT COMEDY?

TF: Oh gosh. Obviously try to surround yourself with people who are really funny and good at it. Like Paul.

PR: Aww.

WAS IT HARD TO SHOOT THE SHOWER SCENE?

TF: There are so many built-in humiliations in a thing like that.

We shot that shower scene very late in the evening.

PR: And it was cold.

TF: Just out of frame, I’m wearing a rolled-down bikini top they gave me; they’re like, “We have a skin-colored one just in case.” Then jams and Crocs. So it’s already ridiculous. We don’t need to add to it.

PR: I didn’t have the rolleddown bikini top, but I did have the jams—and I think I might’ve had the Crocs, too.

TF: Because it was, like, not clean.

PR: No. We were in a barn!

TINA, DO YOU SEE THIS AS ACT THREE IN YOUR LIFE NOW THAT 30 ROCK IS DONE?

TF: I see it as a series of increasingly larger grifts that I’m running. 30 Rock was more of a shell game; this is more of a Ponzi scheme. This happened while 30 Rock was on a summer hiatus, and it felt like a really lucky thing to be offered to do—a part that always made sense. I’m always pleased when I see a part where people speak intelligently and speak like adults and also, I go, “College admissions lady—do I look like that?” Yeah, I look like that more than, perhaps, Denise Richards would.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

TF: I saw Trading Places on TV recently, and Eddie Murphy in the �irst �ive minutes of that movie, where he’s pretending to be homeless—so funny! That holds up.

CLUELESS IS STILL POPULAR WITH THE TEENS.

PR: Well, I have no perspective on that one! (Laughs.)

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A KID WHO’S GOING THROUGH THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

TF: Do your best, but also know that the results don’t de�ine your value as a person or your future as a student or an adult in the world. I think there are so many kids who do all the right things to get on the right track now, and there are just too many of them on the right track. As the schools make a genuine attempt at diversity, I think some kids are getting bumped out. Hopefully that shuf�ling will make them more interesting people on a more interesting path.

AS A WOMAN WHO’S ABLE TO GET MOVIES MADE IN HOLLYWOOD VERSUS THE INDIE WORLD, ARE YOU GETTING THE OFFERS YOU WANT?

TF: Sure, yes. Because I don’t expect to be the person who’s like, “Let me see my offers today.” A part like this, I feel so lucky to have been offered.

I’m always thrilled any time the phone rings. Ahem … no one from Anchorman 2 has called, so if you could pass that on. |  | To read bonus content from this interview go to watermarkonline.com.

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The 83-year-old performer stops at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Saturday, March 23, and at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on Sunday, March 24. For tickets, visit RuthEckerdHall.com or PeabodyAuditorium.org. |  |

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HE STYLE AND GRACE THAT ACCOMPANIES BALLET IS SOMETHING MANY OF US CAN ONLY IMAGINE. But now, with Orlando Ballet Uncorked!, we get a glimpse into the world of ballet with a behind-the-scenesstyle performance featuring the company of dancers and Artistic Director Robert Hill.

The show arrives at The Abbey on March 19 at 7 p.m. and will feature choreography of upcoming shows, including

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

Carmina Burana, which is part of the company’s 40th Anniversary season line-up.

After seeing the captivating performances in an up-closeand-personal way that is incredibly rare, stick around for a question and answer session with Hill and some of the dancers, who will no doubt have plenty to say about the rigors of making ballet beautiful.

For more information and tickets, call 866-468-7630 or visit AbbeyOrlando.com. |  |

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A NEW HOPE

IN DEPTH FUNCTIONALLY CURED

A BABY ‘CURED’ OF HIV BRINGS NEW HOPE TO THE BATTLE AGAINST THE DISEASE

Steve Blanchard & Bob Roehr EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

S

ITTING OUTSIDE OF HIS TAMPA HOME, “Lance” is ready to talk about the baby that was “cured” of HIV.

Of course, Lance, 43, is excited about the news out of Mississippi that a baby born with the virus that causes AIDS appears to be cured. But he is obviously skeptical about the news released March 3.

“I really want to think that this is the breakthrough we needed to actually eradicate this disease,” says Lance, who shared that he contracted HIV almost six years ago through a sexual encounter. “But I have also learned a lot about HIV over the past few years and I know it’s not something that can be cured easily, if at all.”

Scientists share Lance’s apprehension in celebrating too

early, but a �lurry of excitement over a claimed “functional cure” for HIV opened the 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Atlanta the �irst weekend of March. But questions remain about some of the details of what happened with the young girl, and even if it proves to be true, it is likely to have little immediate or widespread effect in daily care.

The case study involved a girl born prematurely at the University of Mississippi to a mother who was infected with HIV but did not know it. Because the mother had a high viral load at the time of delivery, and likelihood of transmission of

the virus increases as viral load increases, the physician decided to test the infant for HIV and started her within 30 hours of birth on combination therapy.

The viral load test came back showing 20,000 copies of HIV. That strongly suggests she became infected in the womb and not at delivery, which is another point of high risk for mother to child transmission. While the RNA test for the virus showed that it was replication competent, there was no reason at the time to run a test used only in research and not in clinical practice to show if the virus was capable of infecting cells. A signi�icant portion of HIV RNA has defects that leave it incapable of infecting cells.

The infant remained on

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

Continued on page 39 |  |

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,000 300 CHILDREN

|  | Status of HIV Cure from pg.37

antiretroviral drugs for 18 months and then mother and daughter stopped going to clinic. They reappeared four months later and the girl had not been on therapy for much of that time. The doctors took a blood sample to measure her viral load but it was below the 20 copy level that they used.

That is when researchers from Johns Hopkins University stepped in. They used ultrasensitive tests to look for the virus but could not �ind it the �irst or subsequent times that they looked.

“We were unable to detect replication competent virus,” said lead author of the study Deborah Persaud. “We believe that perhaps the initiation of very early antiretroviral therapy prevented the formation of viral reservoirs in CD4 t-cells.”

The child is two-and-a half years old now and apparently free from infection. There is no guarantee the child will remain healthy, although sophisticated testing uncovered just traces of the virus’ genetic material still lingering. If so, it would mark only the world’s second reported cure.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

Specialists say the news offers promising clues for efforts to eliminate HIV infection in children, especially in AIDS-plagued African countries where too many babies are born with the virus.

Despite advances in treating and preventing HIV transmission, an estimated 9,522 Americans alive today contracted the virus at birth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It would mean quite a lot,” pediatric HIV and AIDS specialist Dr. Mark Kline of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said of a cure. “It would mean thousands of children could come off of a lifelong treatment regimen.”

But. was the initial viral load test of the baby accurate or was there some mix up in processing or record keeping? And was the virus capable of infecting cells? There is no stored blood sample so there is no way to answer those questions de�initely.

“The question is whether the HIV DNA [detected by the study] is junk DNA or replication competent DNA.” said Scott Hammer a researcher a Columbia University and vice chair of the conference. “Or is this an example of an elite controller and

were born with HIV in 2011 IN POORER COUNTRIES, ONLY ABOUT

DOCTOR WITH THE CURE?: Dr. Hannah Gay, a pediatric HIV specialist at

the University of Mississippi, explains how she treated an HIV-positive newborn nearly two years ago. PHOTO COURTESY THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

the baby would have cleared the virus without drugs.”

Elite controllers are less than 1% of those who become infected.

Their immune system has one or more unusual variations that are capable of controlling HIV infection for long periods of time, up to several decades, at very low levels and without clinical symptoms of disease.

There was much initial skepticism around the �irst person cured of AIDS, Timothy Ray Brown, �irst known only as the “Berlin patient.” He underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma and a bone marrow transplant to rebuild his immune system. The doctor secured a transplant match that contained a rare variation—the delta32 mutation for the CCR5 cell receptor—known to naturally confer resistance to HIV infection.

It took several years of monitoring for people to become convinced that Brown had been cured.

While the two cases are related, the one involving the infant offers more hope, because it did not include an entire marrow transplant.

If the “cure” does impact HIV-positive patients, it would most likely be the youngest who would bene�it.

GROWING UP POSITIVE

And no one knows more how the disease can impact childhood than Hydeia Broadbent. The young

woman was born with HIV and her adoptive parents discovered the virus when she was three. It was 1987, and Broadbent was a guinea pig in the quest for HIV treatment in children.

“I’ve had brain infections, blood infections,” Broadbent told the Associated Press. “I once had an infection that my doctor hadn’t heard of since medical school.”

Now 28, Broadbent takes three antiretroviral pills a day, on top of a handful of supplements to keep her body strong. The pills give her headaches and stomach cramps.

But if she misses a dose, the drugs could lose their potency against the �ickle virus.

About 300,000 children were born with HIV in 2011, mostly in poor countries where only about 60% of infected pregnant women get treatment that can keep them from passing the virus to their babies. In the U.S., such births are very rare because HIV testing and treatment long have been part of prenatal care.

“You could call this about as close to a cure, if not a cure, that we’ve seen,’’ Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, who is familiar with the �indings, said.

The child’s doctor used her instincts with treatment.

“I just felt like this baby was at higher-than-normal risk, and deserved our best shot,’’ Dr. Hannah

60% OF INFECTED PREGNANT WOMEN GET TREATMENT to prevent the passage of HIV to their children.

THE CHILD IS “FUNCTIONALLY CURED,’’ MEANING SHE IS IN LONG-TERM REMISSION EVEN IF ALL TRACES OF THE VIRUS HAVEN’T BEEN COMPLETELY ERADICATED.

$379,668:

the estimated, lifetime cost to treat HIV

From 2006 to 2009, HIV infections among young black/African American gay and bisexual men INCREASED 48%.

In 2009 Newly identified HIV infection was 2.6% among transgender persons compared with 0.9% for males and 0.3% for females

FLORIDA IS SECOND ONLY TO CALIFORNIA (5,973) IN THE NUMBER OF HIV DIAGNOSES IN 2011 WITH 5,403.

Continued on page 40 |  |

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

39

Study: Bee venom shows promise in HIV battle Wire Report

S

T. LOUIS, MO. | NANOPARTICLES

carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunode�iciency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown.

The �inding is an important step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. “Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventive measure to stop the initial infection,” says Joshua L. Hood, MD, PhD, a research instructor in medicine.

The study appears in the current issue of Antiviral Therapy.

Bee venom contains a potent toxin called melittin that can poke holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV, and other viruses. Large amounts of free melittin can cause a lot of damage.

Indeed, in addition to anti-viral therapy, the paper’s senior author, Samuel A. Wickline, MD, the J. Russell Hornsby Professor of Biomedical Sciences, has shown melittin-loaded nanoparticles to be effective in killing tumor cells.

The new study shows that melittin loaded onto these nanoparticles does not harm normal cells. That’s because Hood added protective bumpers to the nanoparticle surface. When the nanoparticles come into contact with normal cells, which are much larger in size, the particles simply bounce off. HIV, on the other hand, is even smaller than the nanoparticle, so HIV �its between the bumpers and makes contact with the surface of the nanoparticle, where the bee toxin awaits.

“Melittin on the nanoparticles fuses with the viral envelope,” Hood says. “The melittin forms little pore-like attack complexes and ruptures the envelope, stripping it off the virus.”

According to Hood, an advantage of this approach is that the nanoparticle attacks an essential part of the virus’ structure.

In contrast, most anti-HIV drugs inhibit the virus’s ability to replicate. But this anti-replication strategy does nothing to stop initial infection, and some strains of the virus have found ways around these drugs and reproduce anyway.

“We are attacking an inherent physical property of HIV,” Hood says.

Beyond prevention in the form of a vaginal gel, Hood also sees potential for using nanoparticles with melittin as therapy for existing HIV infections, especially those that are drug-resistant.

The nanoparticles could be injected intravenously and, in theory, would be able to clear HIV from the blood stream.

“The basic particle that we are using in these experiments was developed many years ago as an arti�icial blood product,” Hood says. “It circulates safely in the body and gives us a nice platform that we can adapt to �ight different kinds of infections.”

Many viruses, including hepatitis B and C, rely on the same kind of protective envelope and would be vulnerable to melittin-loaded nanoparticles. |  |

40

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

|  | Status of HIV Cure from pg.XX

Gay, a pediatric HIV specialist at the University of Mississippi, said in an interview.

That fast action apparently knocked out HIV in the baby’s blood before it could form hideouts in the body. Those so-called reservoirs of dormant cells usually rapidly reinfect anyone who stops medication, said Dr. Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. She led the investigation that deemed the child ``functionally cured,’’ meaning in long-term remission even if all traces of the virus haven’t been completely eradicated.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Persaud’s team is planning a study to try to prove that, with more aggressive treatment of other high-risk babies. “Maybe we’ll be able to block this reservoir seeding,’’ Persaud said.

No one should stop antiAIDS drugs as a result of this case, Fauci cautioned.

Better than treatment is to prevent babies from being born with HIV in the �irst place.

“We can’t promise to cure babies who are infected. We can promise to prevent the vast majority of transmissions if the moms are tested during every pregnancy,’’ Gay stressed.

The Mississippi case shows “there may be different cures for different populations of HIV-infected people,’’ said Dr. Rowena Johnston of amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. That group funded Persaud’s team to explore possible cases of pediatric cures.

It also suggests that scientists should look back at other children who have been treated since shortly after birth, including some reports of possible cures in the late 1990s that were dismissed at the time, said Dr. Steven Deeks of the University of California, San Francisco, who also has seen the �indings.

“This will likely inspire the �ield, make people more optimistic that this is possible,’’ he said.

In Mississippi, Gay gives the child a check-up every few months: ``I just check for the virus and keep praying that it stays gone.’’

The mother’s HIV is being controlled with medication and she is ``quite excited for her child,’’ Gay added.

PREVENTION

The news was less encouraging

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

when it comes to using pills or microbicide gels to prevent the acquisition of HIV by women.

The VOICE study enrolled 5,029 primarily young single women in Africa. The complex trial had �ive groups and participants received either a vaginal microbicide gel containing tenofovir that was to be applied a short time prior to having sex, a daily pill of tenofovir, or Truvada, which contains tenofovir and another antiretroviral drug, or a placebo version of the gel or pill.

The gel groups in the study were stopped early when it became apparent that it would not offer any protection. The other groups continued to the end of the study, but neither of the pills proved to be protective. Tenoforvir pills had proven effective in some earlier PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) studies.

“None of the products were ef�icacious in preventing HIV acquisition in women,” said Jeanne Marrazzo, a researcher from the University of Washington who participated in the study.

When researchers looked at stored samples to measure drug

UNAIDS, hailed the news of the “functionally cured” child.

“This news gives us great hope that a cure for HIV in children is possible and could bring us one step closer to an AIDS-free generation,’’ said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe in a press release.

“This also underscores the need for research and innovation especially in the area of early diagnostics.’’

The case involving the baby has surprised researchers, but maybe not as much as it surprised Gay herself, who treated the child.

“I did not expect that this baby would turn out to be a cure,” Gay said in a press conference March 4.

“That was a surprise to me.”

Gay teamed with doctors at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and John’s Hopkins Children’s Center to perform more sensitive tests, and they still found almost no trace of HIV. The child has now been off treatment for 10 months with no sign of symptoms, although trace amounts of HIV DNA and RNA remain in the peripheral blood cells.

For now, Lance will continue to take his HIV medication and follow

There may be different cures for different populations of HIV-infected people.’

— DR. ROWENA JOHNSTON OF AMFAR concentrations in the blood, only about 30% were using the products frequently enough to be detected in the women’s blood. “The bottom line is that the women were not using the product.”

Stigma around HIV medications appears to be a major reason why the young women were not taking the drug, she said. Others have suggested that perhaps the women were giving or selling the drug to people who were already infected.

The monthly birth control injection Depo-Provera is popular with some women because it provides discretion that a pill might not offer, added Sharon Hillier, a leading HIV prevention researcher at the University of Pittsburgh. “It would be good to develop a similar long-lasting option for HIV prevention.”

RESERVED OPTIMISM

The United Nations agency that guides the global �ight against HIV/AIDS, known as

watermarkonline.com

the advice of his doctors. However, he hopes that within his lifetime a true cure for HIV and AIDS will be found and he can �inally quit worrying about taking medication on a daily basis.

“I’m lucky in that I contracted HIV at a time in history when it is no longer considered a death sentence,” Lance says. “But I also never realized how many drugs were involved in not only combating (HIV), but in countering the side-effects of the medication.”

Living as a positive, gay man has changed Lance’s life, he says, but not in the way he had originally expected.

“I’m still active, I go out, I date,” he says. “What has changed is private. My routine is different because of the drugs. What it takes to remain healthy has changed and that’s what a lot of people don’t see—and I don’t want them to see that.” |  |

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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407-854-0255 1805 W. Fairbanks Ave. Winter Park, FL

407-517-5001

Bartcade.com / Bartcade / Bartcade

1205 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 Tue-Sun: 5pm - 2am

WWW.WILDHOGSSCOOTERS.COM

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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If you’re ready to quit tobacco, we’re ready to help with a personalized two-hour or 6 week program.

There is no charge to enroll or for materials.

To register Call 1-877-848-6696 or Visit us at http://www.ahectobacco.com/calendar You can do it! We can help!

Free Nicotine Patches/Gum/Lozenges for Program Participants (while supplies last) Free Participant Workbook

This program is sponsored by the Florida AHEC Network and the Florida Department of Health

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watermarkonline.com

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ShotonSite

Tampa Bay 1- BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Okie Tilo, center, presents a check for $105,000 to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation March 5 that was raised through various fundraisers last fall, including Miracle on 7th Avenue last December at The Ritz Ybor. PHOTO COURTESY OKIE TILO 2- SO WHAT?: PINK wows the crowd at the Tampa Bay Time Forum on Feb. 27. PHOTO COURTESY TODD FIXLER

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3- WICKED FUN: Duffy Iorio, right, and Emily Armstrong recreate Dorothy and The Wicked Witch behind the bar at Georgie’s Alibi during the Oz Ball celebration March 9. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 4- TASTE OF FUN: Don Kiceina and Marc Ratzlaff enjoy each other’s company outside of the Dali Museum during A Taste of Pride on March 9. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 5- HEART AND BRAINS: Robert Wilkerson, as Scarecrow, and Russell Sutherland as the Tin Man brought some brains and heart to the bar at Georgie’s Alibi March 9. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 6- LABOR OF LOVE: Members of Balance Tampa Bay volunteered more than eight hours to build a playground in Tampa Heights earlier this month. PHOTO COURTESY BALANCE TAMPA BAY 7- SAFARI SEXINESS: Alexis De La Mer and partner Jack Butera rocked a zebra theme at Taste of Pride at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg March 9. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 8- FLY MY PRETTIES: (L-R) Chris Ruch and Jason Lintner make sexy flying monkeys at Georgie’s Alibi Oz Ball on March 9. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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OVERHEARD PLAYGROUND FINDS ‘BALANCE’

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HE GUYS AND GALS FROM BALANCE TAMPA BAY PARTICIPATED IN A MASSIVE PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECT ON MARCH 2, helping to build a large playground in Tampa Heights. Most volunteers spent more than eight hours constructing the equipment and making the area safe for local children. Balance Tampa Bay teamed with national, nonpro�it KaBoom to complete the project. In all, nearly 150 volunteers worked on the project. Balance Tampa Bay has helped several local non-pro�it organizations and in February,

it teamed with Watermark for Watermark Wednesday at Ceviche in South Tampa.

BALL OF THEIR OWN

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ADY GAGA FANS WERE CRUSHED WHEN WORD SPREAD THAT MOTHER MONSTER HERSELF HAD TO CANCEL HER TAMPA APPEARANCE because of her hip injury. But that didn’t stop her Little Monsters from going on with the celebration. On March 13, a Born This Way Ball of Our Own was held at Factoria on 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Scheduled performers included Blayze Le Shade, Pleasure Pixels Burlesque Troupe, Kora Lane and Jade Embers. The night was emceed by Domonic Botto.

GET SOAKING WET SPEAKING OF WATERMARK WEDNESDAYS, THE POPULAR NETWORKING AND SOCIAL RETURNS THIS MONTH TO QUENCH LOUNGE in Largo on Wednesday, March 20. The social begins at 6 p.m. and like with other events, expect a large number of raf�le prizes and door prizes to be awarded throughout the evening. This month’s Watermark Wednesday will take on a theme, thanks to the upcoming touring production of Pricilla, Queen of the Desert, coming to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Word is that club manager Steven Rodriguez has a few surprises up his sleeves, which

we hopes translates to some impressive Pricilla performances from local drag icons. For more on Watermark Wednesdays, �ind the event on Facebook

FUNDRAISERS BRING $100K TO PCF

A

FTER HOLDING, ORGANIZING AND HOSTING SEVERAL FUNDRAISERS LAST FALL, The Radiant Group—which is the parent company of The Ritz Ybor—proudly presented a check for $105,000 to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation earlier this month. The organization has funded more than $3.8 million to researchers

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

focusing on less toxic, more targeted treatment of pediatric cancer worldwide. In late December, The Ritz Ybor hosted its annual Miracle on 7th Avenue spectacular, which featured local music and dancing acts, catered refreshments and Mr. and Mrs. Claus as a way to launch the 2012 holiday season.

Watermark was a proud sponsor of the celebration and the event was emceed by none other than Watermark editor Steve Blanchard and life and business coach Carla Vaughan. The two have known each other for years and most recently emceed Talent Quest Florida, which is owned by Blanchard and his partner, at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City earlier this month. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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Got Mustard?

We’ve got more weiner than we can handle.

Looking for a weekend get-away?

www.DareToRescue.com

STAY AT COMFORT SUITES DOWNTOWN ORLANDO!

L

ocated within minutes of Gay/Lesbian Night Life, Bars and Restaurants. Walking distance to museums, art galleries and theaters.

HOTEL AMENITIES INCLUDE:

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Outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Free daily newspaper, Free Breakfast, 24/7 Business Center

ANDREW CHRISTIAN

ASK FOR CODE: WTR AND RECEIVE 20% OFF RATES

NEW STYLES AND COLORS FOR SPRING.

ONLY AVAILABLE AT FAIRVILLA MEGASTORE ORLANDO.

2416 N. Orange Ave.Orlando, FL 32804

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

Club Orlando’s Gym has been here for 14 years and is still going strong!

Innovative fabrics and styles that

We Offer Monthly and Annual Memberships. Stop in for a tour and a complimentary work out.

include “butt-lifting” and waistcinching that can enhance the wearer’s physique.

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$

Fairvilla MegaStore

4 HOUR LOCKERS M – F • 10AM – 2PM

450 E. COMPTON STREET ORL ANDO, FL (407) 425-5005 W W W.THECLUBS.COM

1740 N. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32804

one mile north of Hwy 50 - minutes from downtown

407.425.6005

THE CLUB ORLANDO ®

GOOD. CLEAN. FUN.

OPEN: MON-SAT: 9AM-2PM, SUN: 10AM-2AM

We’re also located in Key West and Cape Canaveral.

SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME @ FAIRVILLA.COM 44

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: TOLL-FREE: 1-877-228-4007 LOCAL: 407-228-4007 OrlandoComfortSuites.com

watermarkonline.com

ShotonSite 1

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3

ORLANDO

1- MAKING PLANS: State Representative and Orlando resident Joe Saunders (middle) with Republican colleague and co-sponsor for the FL Competitive Workforce Act, Rep. Travis Hutson (left) speak at Lobby Days in Tallahassee. PHOTO COURTESY EQUALITY FLORIDA 2- NOTHING TO COUNTER: Ari Dennis with ynotevents was among the counter protestors demonstrating March 9 while the Dove Outreach Center was a no-show at the protest. PHOTO BY ANDRES DUPUTEL 3- MARCH!: (L to R) Watermark art director Jake Stevens, Ken Gall and Watermark CFO Rick Claggett ride on the Watermark float at the Parliament House Mardi Gras parade March 9. PHOTO BY SCOTT

MCCAULEY

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4- SHARING HER STORY: OADO’s Patrick Howell and Lake County teen activist Bayli Silverstein appeared on WKMG-TV’s Flashpoint with Lauren Rowe on Sunday, March 10. PHOTO COURTESY PATRICK HOWELL 5- KISS US!: Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls tap into their inner Irish for the Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 3. PHOTO COURTESY

OPCDG

6- HANDIWORK: Ivanhoe Village Main Street manager Scottie Campbell and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan roll up their sleeves to spruce up the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts March 10. PHOTO COURTESY PATTY SHEEHAN 7- PIE IN THE SKY: Orange County School Teacher Clinton McCracken (center) his partner Michael Palmateer (left) and Equality Florida Field Director Michael Farmer attended a March 7 EQFL Mixer at the penthouse home of Bob Poe and Ken Brown in downtown Orlando. PHOTO BY TOM DYER

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8- PARTY PEOPLE: Kissimmee City Commissioner Cheryl Grieb (left) attended an Equality Florida event honoring Orange County School Board Member Daryl Flynn. Grieb shared that she will run for a seat on the Osceola County Commission in 2014. PHOTO BY TOM DYER

OVERHEARD EQFL HIGHLIGHTS A TREMENDOUS 2012

I

F THERE’S A LINGERING HANGOVER FROM THE 2012 ELECTION SEASON, it wasn’t apparent at the March 7 Equality Florida mixer at the penthouse home of Bob Poe and Ken Brown in downtown Orlando.

Approximately 75 enjoyed skyline views and the opportunity to honor Orange County School Board’s Daryl Flynn and schoolteacher Clinton McCracken for their efforts in updating the OCPS policies to include LGBT employees and their partners. EQFL Orlando Field Director Michael Farmer spotlighted 2012—a year that saw an unprecedented 12 domestic partnership and anti-

discrimination policies approved in municipalities throughout the state. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan sported her svelte new marathon-ready body. And Kissimmee City Commissioner Cheryl Grieb shared that she will run for Osceola County Commission in 2014.

THE ABBEY GETS WICKED

O

N MARCH 6, THE ABBEY HOSTED A CABARET FUNDRAISER BENEFITING BROADWAY CARES AND HOPE AND HELP OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. The event, “Wicked After Dark” was a theatrical evening featuring performances and meet and greets with cast members

of Wicked: The Musical. A live auction and special appearances by a number of Orlando’s �inest entertainers, including Eureka Fish, made it a truly oneof-a-kind evening.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE WANZ!

T

HE ONE AND ONLY MICHAEL WANZIE CELEBRATED HIS BIRTHDAY ON MARCH 6, and to commemorate his special day, the night was turned over to Addison Taylor and Sam Singhaus for a night of debauchery, shoes, drinking games and prizes at the Parliament House. Hundreds came to show their love and appreciation.

Orlando FRINGE’s George Wallace

even headed up a collection of funds, presenting the stuffed envelope to him at the end of the evening. A tearful Wanzie gave a speech explaining how much the support and gesture meant to him; between the unforeseen loss of both of his parents within months of one another and monetary costs.

“2013 has got to be a better year,” he concluded. After a rousing game of Booze-icle Chairs, Wanzie jetted off to The Abbey to be auctioned off as part of their “Wicked After Dark” fundraiser.

MOURNING A DRAG ICON

F

ACEBOOK HAS BEEN FLOODED WITH THE NEWS THAT FORMER MISS CONTINENTAL and drag mother

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

to RuPaul’s Drag Race �ifth season contestant Roxxxy Andrews, Erica Andrews passed away March 11 after a lung-related illness.

Andrews was well-known not only locally but nationally. She performed at Southern Nights, now Revolution, Pulse and Funky Monkey to name a few. Posts are �illed with memories about the talented icon, trendsetter but above all else, a great person and loving individual. Andrews’ wellknown performances include her Mommie Dearest boardroom and Shirley Bassey mix to “I (Who Have Nothing)” for the 2006 National Entertainer of the Year pageant.

Her many titles include Universal Show Queen (2004), Miss Gay USofA (1999) and, of course, Miss Continental 2004. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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accountant

framing

massage+bodywork

&

Residential • Commercial

Dan Fiorini 2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete (727)344-1000

hair stylist

• Massage • Microdermabrasion • Facials • Bodyhair wax • Ultrasound • Craniosacral Therapy

IMAGE

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Offices in Tampa and Palm Harbor

Tampa

813.228.6800

www.VerrasLaw.com Palm Harbor 727.493.2900

Hair Cuts ½ Off First Appointment

INLINE IMAGE 1 • 4037 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa Fl 33609 • 813-215-8598

1111 North Westshore Blvd. Suite 109-A Tampa, Florida 33607 - (813) 286-2125

lawn care

automobiles

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MA 2 24 80 MM22769

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Wm. Cory Jeffries, LMT

813-368-0532 • 4503 N. Armenia Ave #101, Tampa, FL 33603

Crossroads Center next to Ross

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING YOUR FAVORITE LMT 4 YEARS IN A ROW • 2008, 2009, 2010, & 2011

medical MALE HORMONE REPLACEMENT CONSULTATION AND LABS $249 * MONTHLY TESTOSTERONE AND VISITS ALL INCLUSIVE $129

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• Increase muscle mass • Lose that unwanted fat • Improve erectile function, libido • Improve mood, mental faculty

property maintenance Commercial and Residential Licensed specializing in:

church Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am Rev. Dr. Kathy Rooke Pastor

An open and affirming Christian faith community

www.faithfamilycommunitychurch.com • info@ faithfamilycommunitychurch.com 9350 Bay Plaza Blvd, Suite 125 • Tampa, FL 33619

if this were your ad, thousands of readers

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• Diplomate AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ANTI-AGING MEDICINE • Certified Instructor for CENEGENICS age@anuyouinstitute.com • 727.896.4909

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813-482-2804

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KEVIN HIRSCH md facs

installation of sod Ornamentals Trimming Elevating Palms Trees Mulch Irrigation pressure washing

Arie Groen’s Property Maintenance

(727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com

restaurant

For in-depth LGBT businesses listings

visit the Purple Pages on

WatermarkOnline.com

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

tampa bay marketplace

LICENSE# MA337167 / MM12873

HEY EVERYBODY!: Iconic, bear-loving Tampa Bay performer Stephanie Shippae, pictured with buddy Chris Tate, celebrates her birthday March 20. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

Transitions

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Local Birthdays Largo’s Christopher Street bartender Mitch Demmons, ConceptBait Tampa Bay director of sales and rentals Tim Thompson (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche, St. Petersburg legal assistant and partner to St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, Bobby Poth (March 15); Out and proud St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, skincare genius Tabor Winstead (March 17); Associate Director of Admissions for Stetson Law School in Gulfport Darren Kettles (March 18); St. Petersburg massage therapist Terrell Ray, Tampa boot-scootin’ Florida Mavericks dancer and St. Pete Pride volunteer Dale Crocker (March 19); Former Tampa resident and exotic animal expert Scott Lope, Sarasota ALSO Out Youth director Sue Westcott, Tampa icon and “Hey Everybody!”-coining performer Stephanie Shippae, Hyde Park Antiques owner Randy Strebing (March 20); derby

girl and inspirational speaker Emily “The EmPaleHer” Easterly, Homosassa hotelier Robert Bruno, St. Petersburg-based trucker Bucky Fergus (March 21); fratboy Adam Conrad, St. Petersburg-based Rightously Outrageous Twirling Corps board member Eric Peak (March 24); derby girl and plant whisperer Jennifer “Venus Deathtrap” Parrish, Tampa’s Todd Brown (March 25); Tampa photographer and USF student John Kantor, former St. Pete Pride board member Delores Ringgold, St. Petersburg nurse and former Gazette publisher Brian Feist, Orlando’s handsome video game wizard, husband of Watermark Online administrator Jamie Hyman and straight ally Matt Huertas (March 26); Orlando’s former LAVA Lounge bartender and current realtor at the Condo Store Jay Wood, St. Petersburg chef Domenica Macchia, Tampa Karaoke Jockey extraordinaire and straight ally Normie Dunn (March 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!

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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accountant

air conditioning

attorney

Need A/C help?

CALL YOUR A/C

expert

accountant

407-295-9231

FL License#: CAC056308 www.4seasonsair.net

Like Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/4SeasonsAir

accountant

alternative dispute resolution

attorney

TOO BUSY FOR TAXES? WE HAVE OPTIONS! PERSONAL/BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION, e-file

…facilitating solutions

QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED PROADVISOR ®

• Family Dispute • Divorce

Leah G James, CPA, MSTax Judy L Hines, CQA

• Surrogacy Agreement • Parenting Plan

Call for FREE ASSESSMENT

321.972.4012

407.478.4513 • ContactUs@geckoCPA.com

www.BridgesMediationServices.com

accountant

attorney

Richard A. Barber, c.p.a., p.a.

Richard A. Barber Certified Public Accountant

rabarber@att.net o. 407.327.9935 • f. 866.893.6639 803

shallow brook avenue • winter springs, fl 32708 www.richardabarbercpa.com

if this were your ad, thousands of readers

would have just seen it.

Call for rates

407-481-2243 48

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

orlando marketplace

attorney

attorney

cleaning service

T O N Y L . R I C H A R D S O N P. A .

Attorney & Counselor at Law

115 North Stewart Avenue, Suite 3 • Kissimmee, FL 34741 P: (407) 944-4511 • F: (407) 255-8940 www.osclaw.com • Tony_Richardson@osclaw.com

chiropractor DR. JARED SILBERSTEIN Chiropractic Physician

F D • B • E

FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC WORKS

S E A G L E L A W . C O M

407-770-0100

924 West Colonial Drive | Orlando, Florida 32804 The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon any information included on this page, nor upon any advertisement that you might view.

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

“DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE”

attorney

concierge

WWW.FCWONLINE.COM Two Great Locations!

South Park Chiropractic

North Orlando Location

8865 Commodity Circle Suite 3 Orlando, FL 32819 407-354-0009 Fax: 407-354-4882

10882 West Colonial Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 407-654-2575 Fax: 407-654-6027

(Off of John Youn Pky near Sand Lake Road)

attorney

(Hwy 50 Between close to Maguire Road)

cleaning service

counselor

orlando marketplace

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

49

counselor

counselor

financial services Life Planning for the Alternative Family Headed by Michael Wallman, Wallman Financial helps individuals and couples secure their fi nancial plans.

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.

WALLMAN FI NANCIA L 8AM–4:30PM Call (407) 470-8889 mwallman@wallmanfinancial.com www.wallmanfinancial.com

407-435-9995

Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services, if applicable, offered through Investors Capital Advisory 230 Broadway East, Lynnfi eld, MA 01940-2320 (800) 949-1422.

counselor

electrician

funeral services

Your Final Wishes Are As Unique As Your Life

Serving All Faiths Providing Pre-Planning and At Need Funeral Services

CARDINAL MEMORIALS Designers of Distinctive and Innovate Memorials

SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL TROUBLESHOOTING, SERVICE UPGRADES, AND REMODELS. KEVIN MCELROY • 321-377-4008 • kevinmcelroy@bellsouth.net

Read It Online!

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

50

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

( 407 ) 599-1228 info@cardinalmemorials.com

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

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

bethshalom@bethshalommemorialchapel.com

garden+nursery

CIT Y OA SIS

“Your Downtown Garden Shop” Sales - Leasing - Maintenance

Exotic Orchids Bonsai Plant Rentals

1214 N. Mills Ave. (17-92) Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 898-8101

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home improvement

physician

insurance

web site

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MetroSurance inc Individual and Small Business

plastic surgeon

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lawn care George H. Pope, MD, FACS

Arie Groen’s

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o r l a n d o

youth services

religious A DIVERSE CONGREGATION GATHERING TO SHARE GOD’S ALL INCLUSIVE LOVE.

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(727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com

Joy Metropolitan Community Church Reverend Terri Steed, Senior Pastor Wednesday Evening Spiritual Transformation Classes 7:00 PM Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM 2351 South Ferncreek Ave. | Orlando, FL 32806 Office: 407.894.1081

orlando marketplace

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

Call for Rates

407-481-2243 watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

51

[CLASSIFIEDS]

407-481-2243 • Deadline is February 8, at 5:00pm. WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New Listings Every Day!

central florida

real estate for sale

personal services

Male Looking for Roommate - Share 3 bedroom home, south of downtown. $400/ mo. includes 1 bed/1 ba & all utilities. Nonsmoker preferred. (407)383-7107

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(321)527-8513.

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Relaxation - Complete satisfaction body rub from head to toe by a gentle bear.

Located in Port Charlotte. Can travel. Call Johnny. (814)241-3016.

professional services

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PRIME S. COLONIALTOWN OFFICE SPACE - High profile

location in quiet downtown neighborhood next to Watermark offices. Near the corner of Ferncreek Avenue & Livingston Street. Amenities include: monitored alarm system, landscape maintenance, CAT 5 networking throughout, and T1 & ROADRUNNER access available. Unit includes two offices and a large reception area. Building is handicap accessible with parking. $750 per month. Available Now! Contact Rick at (407) 481-2243 ext 108 or via e-mail to rick@watermarkonline.com

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tampa bay adult clubs Tres Equis Adult Superstore & Theater - Lingerie/DVDs/Adult toys. Couples welcome. 6220 E. Adamo Dr., Tampa, Fl. 33619. (813)740-8664

personal services real estate for sale Web Solutions - Simple Web DesignsNever pay for more than you need.Personal and small business web designand set-up solutions. Bundle packagesand specials available. Mention this adto receive 1 year Domain and hosting for free.info@simpleweborl.com / 321-300-6568 / www.simpleweborl.com.

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

Total relaxation & stress reduction. Rick (813)546-8220. No texts.

professional services BODY SENSATIONS -” WHERE YOUR KNOTS BECOME NOT!” MASSAGE FOR THOSE HEALTHY IN MIND & BODY. YOU DESERVE TO FEEL RELAXED AND REJUVINATED. GREAT RATES. CALL FOR CURRENT PROMOTIONS. EVENING APPOINTMENTS WELCOME. TIM 813*352*7814 MA-56731

real estate for rent Condo For Rent - 2/2 Condo downtown Orlando, Park Lake Towers, corner unit, balcony, incredible view, garage parking, fitness room/sauna, pool, ceramic tile, granite, must see! $1,700/month. (407)947-6037.

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ANNOUNCE IT. RENT IT. SELL IT. POST IT.

watermark

classifieds 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

Staff Report In light of the Manti Te’o situation, the questions at the NFL scouting combine during player interviews earlier this month appear to have touched on some subjects that aren’t supposed to come up in job interviews—namely, sexual orientation.

The NFL Players Association is aware of those rumblings— and Colorado tight end Nick Kasa’s contention that he was asked if he’s a heterosexual— and the union wants the league to investigate whether, and to what extent, it occurred.

“I know that the NFL agrees that these types of questions violate the law, our CBA and player rights,” NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith

said in a statement to USA Today. “I hope that they will seek out information as to what teams have engaged in this type of discrimination and we should then discuss appropriate discipline.”

The NFL appears ready to comply.

“Like all employers, our teams are expected to follow applicable federal, state and local employment laws. It is league policy to neither consider nor inquire about sexual orientation in the hiring process,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said. “In addition, there are speci�ic protections in our collective bargaining agreement with the players that prohibit discrimination against any player, including on the basis of sexual orientation.

“We will look into the report

on the questioning of Nick Kasa at the scouting combine. Any team or employee that inquires about impermissible subjects or makes an employment decision based on such factors is subject to league discipline.”

There was a report from ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio, speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, saying the “elephant in the room” was teams’ desire to know if Te’o was gay and if his relationship with Lennay Kekua, who didn’t exist, was some form of coverup for his sexuality.

Florio did not state a team asked Te’o if he was gay. Kasa said he was asked the opposite.

“They ask you like, ‘Do you have a girlfriend? Are you married? Do you like girls?’ “ Kasa said in an interview with ESPN Radio Denver, per

KNOWING BOUNDARIES:

Colorado tight end Nick Kasa says recruiters asked him about his sexual orientation during interviews at the combine earlier this month.

ProFootballTalk.com.”Those kinds of things, and you know it was just kind of weird. But they would ask you with a straight face, and it’s a pretty weird experience altogether.”

Jeff Foster, the National Football Scouting president who runs the combine, said no team, player or agent has said to him

sports

Player says NFL recruiters asked about sexual orientation

that an inappropriate question was asked during the private interview sessions, which are conducted solely by the team.

Foster and his staff only set up those interviews.

The combine staff conducts videotaped interviews that last about 10 minutes and are distributed to teams, who are permitted 60 private interviews.

Those questions, Foster said, “have all been reviewed by legal and human resources to make sure they’re in compliance” with legal guidelines.

“The 32 NFL teams are professional organizations. At this point, I certainly don’t feel we need to remind them they need to act as such. I’ve got no sense of that,” Foster said.

“I think it’s probably like a lot of things that come out of the combine—more rumor and innuendo than fact.

“Now, if we found out there was in fact something that was inappropriate, we would address that individually to make sure we understand what’s happening and make sure we were all on the same page. But at this point, we don’t see that as being necessary.” |  |

Greek, Mediterranean, and Vegeterian Cuisine

WE HAVE A LOT TO THANK THE GREEKS FOR...

MEDITERRANEAN BLUE IS JUST ONE MORE.

435 E. Michigan St.,Orlando, FL 32806 www.mediterraneanblue.net 407-422-2583 MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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PHOTOGRAPHY: A TASTE OF PRIDE

Galleryw Go see more photos at

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EARLY 600 PEOPLE TURNED OUT FOR THE ANNUAL TASTE OF PRIDE EVENT at the Salvador Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg March 9. The celebration featured restaurants from throughout Tampa Bay who offered samples of their culinary expertise. Ticket sales and raf�les bene�itted St. Pete Pride.

MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

Photography by Steve Blanchard and Rainbow411.com EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies

TAMPA | ST PETE | CLEARWATER SARASOTA | ORLANDO | DELRAY FOR MORE INFORMATION: 888-49-TAPAS (82727) | www.ceviche.com MAR. 14 - MAR. 27, 2013 // ISSUE 20.06

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Life & Status.

Estates at Millenia

YOUR

amenities

YOUR

features

1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes

kitchen Eco-friendly, energy efficient Whirlpool appliances Granite counter tops Wood-style flooring Stainless steel appliances Track lighting Espresso cabinets Upgraded sink faucets Above range microwave personal touches 2� Wood blinds 2 tone color throughout Designer interior color scheme Walk-in closets* Whirlpool washer and dryer included Soaking garden tubs Ceramic tile in wet areas relax Zen-inspired garden and pool deck with outdoor fireplace stay fit Innovative wellness facility with Olympic-size lap pool fun Entertainment zone with billiards, Wii game room, movie lounge and cafÊ-style coffee bar work Resident cyber center Within steps of the Mall at Millenia, surrounding shops and business parks private Garage parking with private access and apartment entry

Estates at Millenia Apartment Homes 4150 Eastgate Drive | Orlando, FL 32839 866.813.6606 EstatesatMillenia009@myLTSMail.com LiveMillenia.com TradeStreetResidential.com

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*See leasing center for details.