Watermark Issue: 20.07:

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 17 // STATE 20 // NATION & WORLD 29 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 41 // EVENT PLANNER 43 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 45 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 47 // TRANSITIONS 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 53 // SPORTS 54 // GALLERY W

PAGE

—JOE ROGAN

ON THE COVER

PAGE Jillian Michaels is best

for role on NBC’s 29 known The Biggest Loser, but now

the bisexual and partnered mother of two is bringing her fitness lessons to cities around the country, including Melbourne and Clearwater. She tells us what to expect.

Preview

PAGE

36 OUT TO SPEAK:

Out actress, Married...With Children star and Orlando native Amanda Bearse recently spoke in Winter Park about her experiences in Hollywood.

WATERMARK ISSUE 20.07 //MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE A group supporting the Boy

PAGE Long-time activist Darden

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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

Scouts’ ban on gay members arrived in Orlando to make its case and had the help of none other than anti-gay activist John Stemberger; The leader of The Center Orlando takes on WESH for its handling of gay issues; more.

12

Rice was the first openly gay person to run for office in Pinellas County and she’s announced her bid to become St. Petersburg’s first lesbian councilmember; Hillsborough County commissioners again refuse to consider a DPR; more.

PAGE The weather is finally

33

warming up and that means we’ll all soon start flocking to the beaches and pools. Do you know what you’re going to be reading? We take a look at LGBT literature debuting just in time for spring reading.

PAGE It’s Easter, but forget the

and the eggs. In 54 rabbits Orlando Easter means Babes

in Bonnets at the Parliament House, an annual tradition that brings money directly to the Orlando Youth Alliance.

Photograph Chris Stephenson caught some of the moments specifically for Watermark.

HEAR WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT CASES CONCERNING PROP 8 AND DOMA AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM. MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR HOPE DOESN’T REPLACE SAFE SEX

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N YOUR RECENT ISSUE OF WATERMARK [ISSUE 20.06] YOU ASK IF THERE IS REASON TO BE HOPEFUL FOR A CURE TO HIV because a child was ‘fundamentally cured’ of the disease. Of course, those in the HIV community want to be hopeful, but it’s important to realize that this is a very isolated incident that doesn’t necessarily have bene�its to adults living with the disease.

Too often the media expresses hope before fully identifying all of the facts of the matter. While I appreciate Watermark’s enthusiasm in combating the disease and explaining in the story that we have a long way to go, I hope that your younger generation of readers don’t take this news as a reason to forego safe sex.

Today, the only sure-�ire way to prevent the spread of the virus is safe sex.

Condoms are a must today just as they were in the 1980s and 1990s, and I hope that we all, especially the media don’t forget that.

SEAN MOON ORLANDO

STEREOTYPING IS A HUMAN TRAIT

I

READ WITH INTEREST STEVE BLANCHARD’S COLUMN REFERENCING

“I hope that your younger generation of readers don’t take this news as a reason to forego safe sex.”

—SEAN MOON

OUR DNA-ENGRAINED WAYS OF STEREOTYPING THOSE WE MEET. Interestingly, just prior to reading the current issue of Watermark I read a story about children as young as six months automatically reacting to those who are different than them. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a reality that we must all live with— we are programmed to be uncomfortable with things that are different.

As a transgender woman, I was thrilled to see Mr. Blanchard say that “not all transgender people are lip-synching on stage each weekend.” That’s a stereotype that has been part of mainstream society and, sadly, part of the LGB community as well.

In time, I’m hopeful that despite our inherent af�liction to pre-judge those who are not like us that we will all learn to embrace every situation— and every individual— with an open mind.

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Thank you, Mr. Blanchard, for continuing to share your experiences with your readers.

MICHELE ROACH TAMPA

OPPOSING LGBT RIGHTS IS OUT OF STEP WITH SOCIETY

T

HE SUPREME COURT, FOR ALL ITS PRETENSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES, is a completely political body. Today, with a massive swing in public opinion in favor of equality, we aim to force the Court to live up to its obligations.

Increasingly, institutions that oppose legal equality for LGBT people are seen as out of step with modern society, if not downright bigoted. Our challenge to the Court is that it keep in touch with modern society.

ANDY THAYER GAY LIBERATION NETWORK CO-FOUNDER

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

S

Desk

OMETIMES A SIMPLE QUESTION REQUIRES

so much more than a simple answer. Why, you might ask? Because cultural divides and antiquated views make things much more dif�icult than they need be.

Recently, when an acquaintance casually asked me if I was married, my response both baf�led him and surprised me.

My response went something like this: “Well, it depends on what state I’m standing in. Here in Florida, no, I’m not married. But if I were standing in a Northeastern state I could easily say that yes, I am married. I’m also married in California, but I couldn’t get married there today. So I guess my answer to your question changes depending on my travel schedule.”

The baf�led, single, young straight man wasn’t sure what I meant until

WATERMARK STAFF

I explained that my marriage to my husband of 15 years is recognized in only a handful of areas of the United States. We’re legally married in California and our marriage would be recognized in nine states and Washington, D.C. However, as I sit here in front of my computer screen at my of�ice in the Sunshine State, I am a single man in the eyes of Florida law.

The disorienting state of my marital status wasn’t something this 19-year-old ever wanted to consider, but it’s a reality that many of us in same-sex relationships deal with on a daily basis, especially if we travel

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across state lines.

As I write this column, thousands of people are outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in anticipation of two days of arguments regarding marriage equality. The arguments against Proposition 8 and a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act mark the �irst time the nation’s highest court has addressed marriage equality.

History will always remember these two days in American history as (hopefully) a turning point for gay and lesbian rights in the United States.

Polls, politicians of both parties, celebrities, athletes and large corporations have all showed progressive thinking in support of marriage equality in the United States—and it’s about time.

The arguments against marriage equality are weak. Citing texts that are thousands of years old to make an argument today is ludicrous (especially when you ignore the other ridiculous statements in that same text), and to simply say that those who cannot procreate should not be allowed to marry is a perfect practice in stupidity. Should we outlaw the heterosexual, geriatric set from tying the knot just because they won’t produce a child? Of course not.

And to simply say that one who “does not believe in same-sex marriage should not have it thrust

upon them” doesn’t even make sense. Same-sex marriage exists around the globe and couples are legally married in a number of countries and states. So, therefore, saying that one doesn’t believe in same-sex marriage makes as about much sense as saying one doesn’t believe in clouds. And there have been no indications of straight people being forced into same-sex marriages.

It’s an exhausting and ridiculous argument that will hopefully, someday, be laughed at by social studies classes looking at American history.

But that day isn’t here yet and we have a very real �ight ahead of us for marriage equality, regardless of what decision the Supreme Court justices hand down in June. Experts across the political spectrum agree on one thing: the likelihood of this decision being all or nothing for marriage equality is non-existent.

It is, however, an impressive stepping stone that could pave the way for America to be on the same level of equality as European nations and our Canadian neighbors to the north.

Protecting marriage is a catch phrase and a scare tactic used by the uneducated and the fearful.

Embracing marriage equality is something more Americans see as the right thing to do, while those opposing it look more like discriminating fossils every day.

I am hopeful that within the next few years, when someone asks me casually about my marital status, I can proudly respond with a simple, “Yes, I’m married.” And I won’t have to reference my GPS for the answer. |  |

The disorienting state of my marital status wasn’t something this 19-year-old ever wanted to consider.

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CONTRIBUTORS DAVID MORAN

is the LGBTQ Services Graduate Coordinator at the University of Central Florida, where he studied Emerging Media. Page 10

JIM WALKER

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

He recently began his own news/commentary at Blog.

JWLooseCannon.com. Page 23

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 CHRIS STEPHENSON

is a wedding, event and media photographer who focuses on capturing emotion, light, and the interplay between each. Page 54

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

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. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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orlando NEWS 8

GLBT leader faces off with WESH Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | The executive director of the GLBT Center of Central Florida is taking a local television news station to task for its coverage of the launch of On My Honor, a group dedicated to maintaining the Boy Scouts’ current ban on gay members and scout leaders.

Randy Stephens contacted WESH after its 6 p.m. report on March 23, where it discussed On My Honor’s press conference announcing the group’s goals. In the WESH report—a truncated version of which was available online as of press time—reporter Amanda Ober uses the phrase “open homosexuality” at least four times when describing pro-gay activists’ goal to lift the Boy Scouts ban on gays, according to Stephens. It appears twice in the online version.

Many �ind the word “homosexual” offensive when describing gays. Because of the word’s clinical history, many anti-gay activists use “homosexual” to imply that gay people are disordered, and it tops the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) media reference guide of offensive terms to avoid.

Stephens said he spoke to a WESH news assignment editor at 8 p.m. on March 23 to complain about both the use of the offensive phrase, and that the reporter failed to talk to any if the community’s LGBT leaders when covering the story. According to Stephens, the longer TV report only used a quote from a press release he issued six months ago, but did not bother to contact Stephens even though his phone number was included in that press release.

Stephens said he explained the offensive history of “homosexual” to the editor, who promised to review the language used in the report and on WESH’s website.

Stephens was “surprised and extremely disappointed” to see the exact report, with the same offensive language, rerun on the 11 p.m. news broadcast.

There are also questionable language choices on WESH’s online report, written by reporter Michelle Mullen. It appears alongside a shortened version of Ober’s broadcast report, and uses the phrase “open homosexuality” as well. Mullen’s report also describes On My Honor’s press conference as a “debate,” when it was clearly a press conference that only allowed antigay activists af�iliated with the group to speak.

On March 25, WESH News Director Bob Longo responded to Stephens via email.

“I regret that your initial phone message wasn’t passed along to our producer and that we did not seek a rebuttal comment—both these actions would have likely prompted a change in copy and made your follow-up unnecessary,” Longo’s email said.

He also promised to use Stephens’ feedback to follow up with managers and producers, “so that the correct terminology will be used in future stories.”

Stephens has invited Longo to have a face-to-

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

QUESTIONING HONOR: On My Honor members join in the Boy Scout pledge as they prepare to announce their intentions to keep openly gay members and scout leaders out of the Boy Scouts. PHOTO BY DAVID MORAN

On My “Honor” Group �ights to keep gays out of the Boy Scouts David Moran

DAVID@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | On March 23, scoutmasters and parents from across the country held a press conference in downtown Orlando announcing the launch of On My Honor, a national coalition opposing lifting the ban on openly gay and trans boy scouts and troop leaders.

A crowd of approximately 50 people gathered outside the Bob Carr Center for the Performing Arts for the press conference, attended mostly by On My Honor coalition members and the media.

The website OnMyHonor.net has also been launched as the antiLGBT coalition that “work[s] to keep open homosexuality out of the Boy Scouts” according to the group’s press release.

“I think that most people are very uncomfortable with [repealing the ban] because they know that gay people can be in scouting, they just have to act appropriately,” said On

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

My Honor founder, Orlando attorney and notable anti-gay activist John Stemberger. “They can’t be open and by open meaning come out in the open…that’s usually involving some kind of activism or expression that really we don’t think is appropriate for kids.”

Stemberger stated that he thinks the currently policy is not discriminatory and simply prevents sex and politics from being injected into the organization.

“Scouts do not discriminate.

There is no question on the application about sexual orientation,” Stemberger said. “All it reads is that scouting does not allow inappropriate expression of sexuality of any type.”

He also said he saw no correlation between the Boy Scout’s ban on gay and trans youth and issues of bullying, suicide and homelessness that disproportionately affect LGBTQ youth.

In addition to Stemberger, more than dozen scout leaders and family members of Boy Scouts spoke at the press conference, many promising

watermarkonline.com

to leave the Boy Scouts of America organization if the current ban on gays was lifted.

Biill Gosselin, Director of Operations for the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America, said the Central Florida Council does not have an of�icial stance on the issue.

“It’s an open discussion,” he said. “We are not taking any sides on this point.”

Gosselin said that the current policy, not just in Central Florida but nation-wide, is that openly gay and trans individuals are not allowed to be members or leaders. The Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America serves Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.

According to the nationwide group Scouts for Equality, which opposes the current ban, the Boy Scouts of America has barred openly gay and trans individuals from participating in its program at any level since 1991.

Gosselin said that the current policy also prohibits Boy Scout troops from collaborating with openly LGBT individuals and organizations in the community

Continued on page 10 |  |

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orlando NEWS

|  | Boy Scouts Rally from pg.8

such as Central Florida school GSAs, the Zebra Coalition and the Orlando Youth Alliance.

“We don’t ask or inquire, but if someone’s sexuality becomes a distraction [to scouting then it becomes an issue],” said Gosselin.

He said the currently policy is largely in�luenced by the religious organizations with which the Boy Scouts partner.

Some approve of the ban and some do not.

According to Gosselin, what would be considered a distraction was somewhat unclear, in terms of scouts and troop leaders who just happen to identify as gay or transgender.

Gosselin is not sure what decision the national of�ice in Texas will make on the ban when it votes on May 23.

“No matter what the decision, the mission of the Boy Scouts will stay the same…that is not going to change. It’s been the same for 103 years,” he said.

Speaker Thomas Dillingham stated he was fearful that the Boy

Scouts of America was in danger of losing sight of its values and referenced the Girl Scouts of the USA and Scouts of Canada as examples of organizations overrun by sex and politics.

Grace Gonzales, VicePresident of Marketing and Community Partners for the Girl Scouts of Citrus, said the group

Gonzalez said that parents or guardians are responsible for teaching their kids about sexuality.

Unlike the Boy Scouts, Gonzales said Girl Scouts work with the placement of openly gay and transgender youth in troops on a case-by-case basis to ensure their emotional and physical safety.

In regards to troop leaders and volunteers, Gonzales said they don’t ask about sexuality or gender identity.

“As long —JOHN STEMBERGER, ANTI-GAY ACTIVIST as they �it the does not have a stance on the requirements of our positions Boy Scout’s gay and transgender and have the girls’ best interests ban, but did say that the Girl [in mind], we just feel that it’s Scouts organization strives to not any of our business,” she be non-judgmental. The Girl said. “[Being LGBT or not] is Scouts of Citrus Council includes not a requirement and it’s not a the counties of Brevard, Lake, negative either.”

Orange, Osceola, Seminole and The On My Honor coalition’s Volusia. announcement was timed to “We don’t take a position or coincide with the Central Florida develop materials [speci�ically Council’s Town Hall Meeting, about LGBTQ issues],” she which Boy Scouts of America said. “We feel that our role is CEO Wayne Brock and National to develop self-con�idence and Commissioner Tico Perez were decision-making skills...life skills.” scheduled to attend. |  |

“Scouts do not discriminate. There is no question on the application about sexual orientation.”

Trans inmate sues Orange County Staff report

O

RLANDO | A transgender woman who was an inmate in the Orange County jail is suing the county, 14 jail employees and another inmate because she says she was raped while in jail.

Court papers just indentify the inmate as D.B., and she’s claiming a violation of civil rights.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, D.B. says she was removed from protective custody and placed

OYA gets a new home Staff report

O

RLANDO | The Orlando Youth Alliance has a new home base at Reeves United Methodist Church in the Mills 50 District.

Reeves UMC is an open and af�irming church, and according to a media release by OYA, the staff

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

among the general jail population.

She claims her cellmate, Josh Bailey, raped her on Dec. 8, 2008.

Bailey, 23, is serving 25 years in prison for sexual battery and is named in D.B.’s lawsuit, along with a corrections of�icer and 13 other employees all named in court papers as “John Doe.” D.B. says the county does not have a policy regarding transgender inmates, whom she says are at greater risk of assault, according to the Sentinel. |  |

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at Reeves will help OYA ful�ill its mission of offering a safe space for LGBT youth to meet. The church will offer space for weekly group meetings and Friday social drop-ins, plus additional space for larger social activities like dances.

The Zebra Coalition had offered OYA space at the Zebra House on Mills Avenue but the space availability was too limited. |  |

mills50.org

F O

O R P

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tampa bay NEWS

Hillsborough sidesteps DPR with ‘guide’ Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA | The chances of the current Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners revisiting a countywide domestic partnership registry seems less likely after the March 20 meeting.

The commissioners voted 4-3 to provide a booklet called “Important Life Decisions” that contains Florida statutes relating to who can make health care decisions. The move comes two months after the commission voted against exploring the creation of a domestic partnership registry that would grant a handful of rights to unmarried couples—both gay and straight—that many other municipalities have passed within the past year.

“This packet allows a person to designate another person of their choice to make important life decisions in the event it is needed,” said Republican commissioner Al Higginbotham. Higginbotham lead the vote against the registry in January, citing his religious beliefs as a reason why he couldn’t support a registry granting any rights to same-sex couples.

But the packet is not suf�icient, according to Michael Long, a resident of Tampa who said that a domestic partner registry would make much more sense, especially for him and his girlfriend, whose family lives out of the country.

“I’ve looked at the forms ... that have been proposed as a replacement for a DPR and, in my opinion, it’s not nearly suf�icient,” Long told the commission. “For young people, these forms can be very complicated and I wouldn’t be comfortable without a lawyer. In Tampa, the domestic partner registry was very simple. It was very easy to get. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”

Long went on to talk about the large number of municipalities in the state that have enacted domestic partner ordinances and encouraged the Hillsborough commissioners to reconsider its vote on creating its own registry.

Commissioner Kevin Beckner attempted a motion to continue the discussion on a registry, but he only received support from Republican Mark Sharpe and Democrat Les Miller. All three voted for a domestic partnership registry in January. Higginbotham’s substitute motion declaring that the only action that would take place would be the production of the booklet of statutes gained the support of Ken Hagan, Sandra Murman and Victor Crist.

Prior to the vote, Nadine Smith of Equality Florida addressed the commission about domestic partner registries and also directly talked about the booklet Higginbotham wants to create.

“I think (the booklet) actually illustrates very clearly why domestic partnership registries are essential,” Smith said. “Even pulling the information Continued on page 14 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF: Long-time civic activist Darden Rice, wearing blue in the center, celebrates the announcement of her bid for St. Pete City Council with supporters in mid-March. PHOTO COURTESY NICK JANOVSKY

Third time’s a charm With experience on her side, Darden Rice is con�ident her campaign for St. Pete City Council is a winner.

Steve Blanchard

EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

S

T. PETERSBURG | This could be the time that Darden Rice secures a seat on a governmental body. The longtime civic activist announced in mid-March that she is running St. Petersburg City Council’s District 4 seat, which will be vacated by Leslie Curran due to term limits.

This is the third time Rice has sought public of�ice. In 2005, she lost a bid for city council to Earnest Williams. In 2008, Rice lost to Renee Flowers in the Democratic primary for Pinellas County Commission.

“I really do think the third time’s a charm,” Rice said in a telephone interview with Watermark. “I’m one of the most prepared candidates for city council that we’ve seen in

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

a long time. When I talk about the issues, these aren’t talking points for me. I have a depth and a breadth of experience working on a number of relevant public interest issues.”

Even when not running for

Restoration Network.

“The main reason I’m running is to make St. Pete strong,” Rice said.

“I have a plan called St. Pete Strong that focuses on three areas.”

Those areas are strong business and jobs, strong communities and neighborhoods and strong city services, she said.

“The role of City Council and City Government is to ensure that businesses have the resources they need for job growth; that neighborhoods and communities re�lect a desirable place to live work and play, and that city services are lean and effective,” Rice said in her plan.

“With this focus, our city will realize its greatest purpose and opportunity, to continue to thrive and be the vital community where people come to live, work and play.”

Rice and her partner, Julie, live in St. Petersburg, so the future of the city is important to her, she said.

“My partner and I want to live long lives ahead together in the city

“My partner and I want to live long lives ahead together in the city we call home.”

—DARDEN RICE public of�ice, Rice is often in the spotlight throughout the community through a number of organizations.

She recently stepped down as the president of the League of Women Voters, a post she held for three years. Rice is the chair of the legislative committee of the PSTA transit board and has been active in the Sierra Club and the Gulf

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Continued on page 14 |  |

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tampa bay NEWS

|  | Darden Rice |  | Hillsborough Sidesteps DPR from pg.12 that you were able to pull, some of the forms are inaccurate. If they were executed they would not provide the protections you intended.”

Smith went on to share that businesses support domestic partnership registries and that in those communities that have enacted the ordinance, businesses see those municipalities as more attractive.

“It is business leaders standing up and saying we need this in our community, we need it to protect our employees,” Smith explained. “In Orlando where this passed, the hospital said ‘Thank you. We’ve wanted a standard. We don’t want to have to evaluate on a case-by-case basis who is a partner and who isn’t.’

This gives a very concrete and easy way to make that evaluation.”

Terry Kemple, who has argued against protections for same-sex couples, also spoke to commissioners.

He praised Higginbotham for bringing forward a packet that “seems to be a non-divisive way” to provide for rights.

“The proponents of the registry were nearly unanimous in their assertion that the registry was about granting rights to unmarried couples,” Kemple said, referring to the �lood of supporters of the registry who spoke at the January meeting. “If that was, in fact, their motivation for lobbying for the registry, then they should be here applauding this agenda item.” |  |

from pg.12

we call home,” Rice said. “I think what makes St. Petersburg special is its offerings, its location, its diversity and the arts. But all of that depends on a city that fosters and encourages a strong job base.”

Since her �irst campaign for public of�ice seven years ago, a number of out candidates have sought—and won— election. Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith and St. Pete City Councilman Steve Kornell all won their positions while running as openly gay candidates.

But Rice was the very �irst.

“I was the �irst ever openly gay person to run for Pinellas County of�ice back in 2005,” Rice said. “I was a trailblazer back then and seven years later it’s a world of difference. The world changes, people think about these issues.

When they think about fairness and ending discrimination, we general prevail. It speaks to how much the world has changed in the last seven years.”

CAMPAIGN PREPARED: This is Darden Rice’s third bid for elected office.

She is running for the District 4 seat, being vacated by Leslie Curran. PHOTO COURTESY DARDEN RICE

In previous campaigns, Rice was attacked by opponents because she is gay. But today, sexuality is rarely an issue, she said, and she doesn’t expect it to be an issue in this campaign.

Of course, human rights issues are close to Rice’s heart—she spoke when the St. Petersburg City Council heard arguments for its domestic partnership

registry. But she’s also concerned about other issues impacting the city, including the Pier, red light cameras and the Tampa Bay Rays.

“One of the deepest values I have is to bring meaningful civic engagement to our local government and city hall,” Rice said. “It’s hard to defend the process. Our city leaders should know that the pier is an important symbol to everyone in the city.

Secondly, it’s a big investment for the city and we’re just coming out of a recession, so the city should have bent over backwards to make every effort possible to solicit and engage meaningful civic engagement on the issue.”

On the issue of The Lens, which is slated to replace The Pier, Rice said that “at this point, we need to hit the reset button and let people vote.”

It’s unclear who exactly Rice will face in the Aug. 27 primary election since it’s still early in the campaign. If she is one of the top two to receive the most votes, she will move forward to the general election in the fall.

For more information on Rice’s plan or to donate to the campaign, visit VoteDardenRice.com. |  |

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watermarkonline.com

21/03/13 17.21

F

ollowing an unprecedented surge in support for marriage equality nationwide, Floridians have expressed strong support for marriage equality or civil unions in the Sunshine State.

According to a poll conducted

by Public Policy Polling, 75% of Florida voters are in favor of letting same-sex couples legally wed or be allowed to form civil unions.

Only 23% opposed any kind of legal recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships.

Within that poll, just 25% of

registered Republicans opposed recognition of gay relationships while 53% supported civil unions.

Only 21% of Republicans favored legalizing same-sex marriage, according to the poll, which was conducted March 15-18.

Another poll released on March 21 by the Public Religion Research Institute also found a majority of Floridians favoring the recognition of same sex relationships by the government.

54% of Floridians favored marriage equality, which is similar to the 52% favoring equality nationwide, according to the poll.

Earlier this month, an ABC

News/Washington Post poll found a staggering 58% of Americans think gay and lesbian couples should be granted full marriage, which is the highest number ever reported in a poll concerning marriage equality.

In 2008, more than 62% of Florida voters approved Amendment 2, which added a constitutional ban to same-sex marriages by de�ining marriage as a union “between one man and one woman.” Recent reports show that the amendment would fail today if it were put before voters. |  |

staff make homophobic remarks.

Eight in ten students said they experienced verbal harassment based on their sexual orientation, and about 2 out of 3 were verbally harassed for how they express their gender.

Many students also reported physical harassment and assault based on their sexual orientation, with 4 in 10 physically harassed by another student (as in, pushed or shoved) and 1 in 10 assaulted (as in punched, kicked or injured with a weapon).

The vast majority of students—90%—said they felt deliberately excluded by their peers and more than half were cyber bullied or had their property damaged.

The harassment is very underreported, according to the study, with 62% of students saying they never report it to a school of�icial and 556% saying they never told a family member. Of the students that did report harassment, only 36% said the report resulted in any staff intervention.

The GLSEN report also shows LGBT students are underserved by school resources, with only 5% attending a school with an anti-bullying policy that contains speci�ic protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Less than half the schools—44%— have a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) or similarly supportive extracurricular activity. |  |

and doctors appointments.

While not an of�icial assisted living facility, Secret Gardens does give older LGBT residents a sense of comfort in their twilight years, according to Tom Duffy, a retired catering business owner who converted a small ALF into Secret Garden.

“I want it to be like a family, more like a commune, I guess,” Duffy told the Sun-Sentinel.

Duffy lives on the property and has already started interviewing prospective tenants.

Another facility catering to elderly LGBTs could open soon in nearby Fort Lauderdale. That facility, dubbed Pineapple House, will have nearly 200 units and have a relationship with Pineapple Point, an upscale gay men’s resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach. |  |

Poll finds gay students find school unsafe Staff report Florida’s LGBT students �ind the state’s public schools unsafe, according to a new study by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) released March 21.

The 2011 National School Climate Survey reports that 9 in 10 students heard the word “gay” used in a derogatory way and also heard other students make negative remarks about how some students choose to express their gender.

Thirty-two percent of students reported hearing biased language from school staff while 25 percent said they regularly heard school

LGBT retirement facilities eye South Florida Staff Report WILTON MANORS | A new 4,000 square-foot facility will soon cater to the elderly population within the LGBT community in south Florida. Secret Garden will offer rents ranging from $2,500-$3 500 a month and will offer both shared or private rooms and transportation to shopping centers, attractions

Staff Report

E

quality Florida announced March 25 that it had added several new staffers to its ranks, which will help the statewide equality organization reach more areas of the Sunshine State.

According to Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, the new staffers come from diverse backgrounds but share the same commitment to equality.

Jess Osborn was the Campus Program Manager for Fairness For All Families at the University of Central Florida and is now the Statewide Outreach Coordinator based in Equality Florida’s Orlando of�ice. After graduating from UCF, she worked for the Human Rights Campaign as the Southern Regional Field Organizer and worked toward the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, among other crusades. In 2012, Osborn moved back to Orlando to serve asthe Deputy Campaign Manager for the successful campaign to Elect Joe Saunders.

In Jacksonville, Equality Florida has brought on Rob Vidler as that city’s Development Of�icer. In this role, Vidler will coordinate Jacksonville’s growing Equality Florida team and plan community events, like the annual Jacksonville Gala. He will also be responsible for recruiting new sponsors, creating donor stewardship and organizing mixers. He is a Jacksonville Native and is a longtime supporter and volunteer of Equality Florida.

In the realm of New Media, Equality Florida can now turn to Brittany Link, a former communications intern for the organization. Link works in the Gainesville of�ice and is responsible for helping manage Equality Florida’s communication interns, social media sites and e-mail marketing.

She is a graduate student at the University of Florida and plans to graduate in May 2013 with a Political Science degree.

Equality Florida’ new Statewide Field Director is Michael Farmer, who will replace Joe Saunders.

Saunders held the role until he successfully campaigned for the Florida House of Representatives last year. Farmer will lead development programs and staff in Orlando, Sarasota, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. He will be based in Orlando.

And �inally, Equality Florida’s New Media Director is Sue Hoffman, who is based in Tampa Bay. Hoffman has 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and has received more than 40 local and national marketing awards. She joined the team full time in 2012 as the New Media Manager, where she managed the organization’s social media, e-mail marketing and print publications.

In her new role, Hoffman will lead on all of Equality Florida’s communication plans and will direct new media staff, interns and volunteers. |  |

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

state

Staff report

New staffers help Equality Florida expand fight for equality

NEWS

Polls show strong majority of Floridians favor marriage equality

17

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

19

nation+world NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS ROVE SEES POTENTIAL SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE GOP strategist Karl Rove says he can imagine a Republican candidate in the next presidential campaign supporting gay marriage. The statement from the former adviser to President George W. Bush appears to acknowledge that opposition to gay marriage has waned in some conservative circles. Rove’s comment was part of a panel discussion on ABC’s This Week. He did not elaborate.

LESBIAN COUPLE WINS $100K WEDDING CONTEST A lesbian couple, Jenna Eagleton and Caroline Curry, was chosen March 24 from three finalist couples to receive their dream wedding courtesy of the magazine Real Maine Weddings. The Portland couple plans to get married in October in Kennebunkport. The $100,000 prize includes the reception, a wedding dress, tuxedos, rings, flowers and limousine service.

OREGON HIGH SCHOOL CREATES GENDER-NEUTRAL BATHROOMS Portland’s largest public high school has reclassified six bathrooms as unisex to create another option for transgender students and faculty who feel uncomfortable with traditional bathrooms. Grant High School’s conversion is a first in the district and relatively uncommon nationwide for K-12 schools, which typically make staff or other small bathrooms available.

Wire Report

W

ashington, D.C. | Four Democratic senators reversed their stance on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the three days before the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the law that limits marriage to one man and one woman.

Sens. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., John “Jay” Rockefeller, D-W.V., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, said that they no longer support a federal law banning same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging that law on March 27, after it considered a law banning same-sex marriage in California on March 26.

McCaskill made March 24 her announcement on Tumblr.

Wire Report

In a six-minute video released March 18, Hillary Rodham Clinton embraced same-sex marriage, saying that she backs marriage equality both ``personally and as a matter of policy and law.’’ In the video, released by the Human Rights Campaign, Clinton says gays and lesbians are ``full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship.’’

The video signals that Clinton may be seriously weighing a 2016 presidential and trying to avoid the type of late-to-theparty caution that hurt her first bid.

PARIS, FRANCE | Paris police used tear gas and batons to �ight crowds who pushed their way onto the landmark Champs-Elysees avenue as part of a huge protest against a draft law allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children.

Hundreds of thousands of people—conservative activists, schoolchildren with their parents, retirees, priests—converged on the

Former Democratic Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove says he now regrets signing a state law in 2000 that bans same-sex couples from adopting children. He also said same-sex couples should have the right to marry.

Musgrove, who’s Baptist, said March 22 that his evolution occurred over time, and that reading the U.S. Constitution made it clear that the government cannot deny rights to groups of people.

CIVIL UNIONS SIGNED INTO LAW IN COLORADO Colorado on March 21 became the latest U.S. state to approve civil unions for gay couples, ending a dramatic turnaround in a state where voters banned same-sex marriage in 2006. ``There is no excuse that people shouldn’t have all the same rights,’’ Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper told the crowd. Civil unions grant gay couples rights similar to marriage, including enhanced inheritance and parental rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for their partners.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

“I have come to the conclusion that our government should not limit the right to marry based on who you love. While churches should never be required to conduct marriages outside of their religious beliefs, neither should the government tell people who they have a right to marry,” McCaskill wrote. “My children have a hard time understanding why this is even controversial. I think history will agree with my children.”

Rockefeller’s statement largely echoed McCaskill’s, adding , “This has been a process for me, but at this point I think it’s clear that DOMA is discriminatory.”

Sen. Warner announced his change of heart in a statement on his Facebook page.

“I support marriage equality because it is the fair and right thing to do,” he reportedly wrote. “My views on gay

marriage have evolved, and this is the inevitable extension of my efforts to promote equality and opportunity for everyone.”

Sen. Begich’s of�ice issued a statement March 25 supporting marriage equality.

“If someone wants to marry someone they love, they should be able to,” he said.

The four Senate Democrats join a long list of Republicans who have changed their minds about DOMA, many of whom now embrace the concept of marriage equality.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, announced March 15 that he supports gay marriage, which followed his son’s saying that he is gay. More than 80 upper-level Republicans also signed their support for same-sex marriage in an amicus brief for the Supreme Court last month. |  |

capital Mar. 24 in a last-ditch bid to stop the bill.

The lower house of France’s parliament approved the ``marriage for everyone’’ bill last month with a large majority, and it faces a vote in the Senate next month.

As the otherwise-peaceful protest was winding down, about 100 youths tried to push past police barricades onto the ChampsElysees, a tree-lined avenue that cuts through central Paris and draws throngs of tourists daily.

Protesters had been barred from

marching on the Champs.

Police of�icers �ired tear gas, primarily at aggressive youths at the front of the crowd.

Protesters of all ages were among those coughing and clutching their stinging eyes.

Of�icials estimated that 300,000 people took part in the march, slightly less than a similar march in January.

Polls indicate a shrinking majority of French voters back gay marriage, but polls show French voters are less enthusiastic about adoption by same-sex couples. |  |

as well in gay or straight families when they are nurturing and �inancially and emotionally stable, the academy says.

The academy believes that a two-parent marriage is best equipped to provide that kind of environment. Their policy says that if a child has two same-sex parents who choose to marry, ``it is in the best interests of their children that legal and social institutions allow and support them to do so.’’

The policy cites reports indicating that almost 2 million

U.S. children are being raised by gay parents, many of them in states that don’t allow same-sex couples to marry.

Of�icials with the group said they wanted to make the academy’s views known before two same-sex marriage cases were considered by the U.S. Supreme Court. ``We wanted that policy statement available for the justices to review,’’ said Dr. Thomas McInerney, the academy’s president and a pediatrician in Rochester, New York. |  |

Clashes at French anti-gay marriage protest

CLINTON JOINS OTHER DEMS IN BACKING GAY MARRIAGE

MUSGROVE: WRONG TO BAN ADOPTION BY GAY COUPLES

20

Senators abandon ‘discriminatory’ DOMA

U.S. pediatricians back gay marriage, cite research Wire Report CHICAGO, ILL. | The most in�luential U.S. pediatrician’s group says same-sex couples should be allowed to marry to help ensure the health and well-being of their children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new policy, published online March 21, cites research showing that the parents’ sexual orientation has no effect on a child’s development. Kids fare just

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA: FLORIDA: For 24 years, the Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) has been the only organization offering social and support services to Central Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

For the past few years, meeting and office space has been provided through the kind donation of the Zebra Coalition, and its coalition partners.

During this time, OYA has expanded its services, offering more social and support activities.

When the Zebra Coalition moved into their new facilities earlier this year, they were kind enough to once again offer meeting space for OYA. However, with the expanded services and requirements of the Zebra Coalition, the availability of space was very limited. After meeting at the Zebra Coalition for one month, the OYA Board of Directors felt the space did not meet our current or future needs, and worked with one of our community partners to secure a more suitable meeting space.

STARTING TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013, 2013, the Orlando Youth Alliance started meeting at Reeves United Methodist Church. This facility is located at 1100 N Ferncreek Ave, in the Colonialtown North neighborhood, part of the Mills/50 District. The central location is a short walk to all the activities on Mills Ave, and The Center.

Reeves UMC is an open and affirming church, and has been a community partner with OYA. The staff at Reeves are very excited about expanding this partnership and working with OYA to fulfill its mission of offering a safe space for LGBTQ youth to meet. In addition to space for weekly group meetings and Friday social drop-ins, Reeves also offers additional space to help OYA expand its other social activities, such as the annual Colors Prom and Homecoming dances.

The Orlando Youth Alliance would like to thank the Zebra Coalition and its coalition partners for the support they have provided us in the past. OYA continues to support Zebra in its mission to provide services to Central Florida’s LGBTQ homeless youth. We hope this move will give them more opportunity to use their space to provide the services of this mission.

Orlando Youth Alliance, PO Box 536944, Orlando, FL 32853 (407) 244-1222 info@orlandoyouthalliance.org www.orlandoyouthalliance.org

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Finding faith

Jim Walker WALKER@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

I

GREW UP IN A HOME WHERE

religion was absent. We did not attend any church and there was never any talk about God or faith.

By the time I was a teen and knew I was “different,” I also knew that most organized religion held the position that my very being represented sin, or at least the sexual expression of my being was considered a sin.

Given that, it’s really no surprise that the vast majority of gays and lesbians, scorned for centuries by faith communities, want nothing to do with any church or any religion.

Can you blame us? I felt that way for many, many years, until I had lost my job, lost my home, and lost the partner I loved very much. Sometimes it’s not until everything is stripped away do you realize how much you need the power of faith and love and light in your life.

I had no idea how to �ind the way back or even where to start. I found myself willing to try anything, and one night, for the �irst time in my life, I sat down and wrote a prayer, then recited that prayer every night before bed. It seemed pointless, silly and stupid, but really, what more did I have to lose? It also helped me to gather my thoughts and focus my energy for the �irst time, in a new, positive direction.

Within six months, my prayer was answered and my partner was back in my life. We became stronger

than ever. It did not come easy,; I had to take a hard look at myself and make some big moral changes. I believe “morality” to God is honesty, kindness, consideration of others, and above all, respect and love.

Throughout my life, I had always been less than honest with myself and others about who I was, and what I really wanted and needed. I had always put my own needs way ahead of anyone else, always thinking �irst about what was in it for me.

The lessons were painful and often lonely, but through every one of those changes, I prayed for God’s help.

Years later, when I got a job 1,200 miles away from my partner, our relationship became long distance and I found myself feeling very alone. When you’re away from all others, you �ind yourself getting closer to God. My faith walk took a brave new turn—I sought out a church where I was accepted and loved for exactly who I am. I made so many wonderful friends in my church family at MCC St. John the Apostle in Fort Myers, Florida. No matter how bad my week had been at work, or how lonely I felt, when I came to service, I instantly felt energized and uplifted with the spirit.

Faith is a not a crutch or a weakness, it is a hopeful optimism of believing in things unseen. There is nothing that makes optimism more realistic than pessimism. It’s only the human condition that makes us negative. The story of Jesus—his death and his resurrection—is unbelievable for us as humans. If it wasn’t, why would we think or expect He is capable of miracles?

There are those who will condemn people of faith as delusional and deceived, and still others will say that gays and lesbians will not be allowed into the Kingdom of God. Say whatever you’d like, but that’s the beauty of faith.

Each of us gets to have a very personal relationship with God. No one else has to understand, approve or even know our feelings. It is enough to know that we know Him. Jesus didn’t die so we could all go to church on Sunday and pretend to be perfect. We aren’t and never will be. Jesus died so each of us could have a deep, personal relationship with God. Here’s more good news: This is 2013 and many of the mainstream denominations have evolved and now openly welcome and accept gays and lesbians. Even if you had a bad

Faith is a not a crutch or a weakness, it is a hopeful optimism of believing in things unseen.

experience growing up, consider one of the more progressive churches out there. Do your research online.

Talk to people. Go visit one Sunday.

You don’t have to come back.

Metropolitan Community Church is the largest and oldest gay church in the country with more than 250 congregations around the country. If you’d prefer attending a mainstream church, but one that is welcoming to gays, consider the United Church of Christ. UCC has a statement in its bylaws speci�ically welcoming gays and lesbians. UCC was also the �irst mainstream denomination to ordain gays and lesbians, and �irst to

perform same-sex marriages.

Other denominations that are somewhat friendly include the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian and the Lutheran Church.

Ultimately, my personal belief is that living a balanced life requires that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects all be ful�illed.

I think of it as a wheel. When any one chunk of that wheel is missing, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Faith doesn’t mean you give up any of who you are. It just becomes a part of who you are. |  |

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Am I that good at snif�ing people out? Or are they hypocrites? Am I? Frankly, we’re all probably hypocrites on some level. Lord knows I thought Bush’s tax cuts were obscene. And in the few ways they extended to me, I was happy to take full advantage of them.

But calling people hypocrites and then expecting change is unproductive and, well, hypocritical. My friends and I, by de�inition, have each other’s back. Disagreement between us is painful sometimes, so I

must remember what I know for sure: They too only want family, love and security. In pursuit of these things, we are all guilty of having irrational fears and blind spots, and we are each doing the best we can in a confusing and loud world. This is our common humanity—recognizing it is a lot easier than maintaining the false dichotomy of us and them. How about we start right there? |  |

THINKING

outloud

To a typical tree-hugging lesbian, this combo rarely suggests “ally,” and yet here I was with my old friend who has only ever been someone I’d consider an ally. And this week she gave me no reason to think that’s changed. I don’t actually know what she thinks about things like same-sex marriage, abortion, immigration, or whatever. I do know that she was genuinely happy to hear that I’m happy. It’s mutual and I’m glad we found Other each other again.

So, like I said, most inconvenient. people’s politics It would be so much easier to think my friend had become a fundamentally different person or was under the insidious in�luence of some nutty political propaganda. I could maintain a nice us/them view of the world…and nothing would ever change.

This is the problem when we get lazy about our politics and opinions. If we stay in our respective camps of people we agree with, we lose the opportunity to �ind common Abby Dees ground. And maybe “common ABBY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM ground” is too common a term. When I think about my friends, it feels more like common humanity.

As I watch so many rightAVING FRIENDS WHO wing talking heads on TV don’t share your political railing about the gay agenda, I always feel like they turn views is very inconvenient. us into cartoon versions of It requires you to think in terms of individuals, people—two-dimensional rather than lump everyone you disagree with into characters intent only on a tidy group that is (pick one): stupid, greedy, dismantling what’s important evil, brainwashed or out to get you. It means you to other, “real” Americans. Yet have to get your news from multiple sources and when I think about LGBT rights, that takes so darn much time. It’s much easier to I imagine a million ordinary know there are only two types of people in the people who only want what world: us and them. Then we can use our critical everybody wants: family, love, thinking skills for other things, like deciding and security. I picture closeted who deserves our kids in small towns wondering vote on The X Factor. if they will ever get to truly If we stay in our Last week I ran be who they are. It makes into an old, dear heart ache. “Why is respective camps of mythis friend. The last so frickin’ hard to understand?”

I time we met was people we agree with, keep asking the TV. almost 30 years Then I fall into ago when we were we lose the opportunity that trap myself, still basically kids. to find common ground. thinking that those She was the kind talking heads of person who represent all of “them,” the other made you smile just to look at her. Bright side that is so �irmly against eyed and curious, she always led with her “us.” Where does my friend fall heart; I remember that most vividly after all into that narrative? Is she one these years. The person I met last week was of the few exceptions? Those no different, except perhaps more settled and exceptions I keep meeting? Is con�ident—the lovely patina that comes with it really possible that each one age. My friend told me that since we last met, of my conservative friends or she had become born again and involved with family is a very rare outlier? the local Tea Party group.

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TALKING POINTS

You cannot use the name of God or religion to justify acts of violence, to hurt, to hate, to discriminate.

—MADONNA, DURING HER APPEARANCE AT THE GLAAD AWARDS

5

CRISTIE DOESN’T BELIEVE OHIO GOVERNOR IN CONVERSION THERAPY

%

of Major League Baseball players surveyed said they know a gay player.

46%

of those same players own at least one firearm.

—According to an ESPN Magazine survey of 110 anonymous MLB players

HEN STARBUCKS CEO HOWARD SHULTZ DONATED FUNDS TO FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAST YEAR, the National Organization for Marriage had a �it, declaring that those opposed to equality for gays

and lesbians should boycott the coffee giant.

Apparently the boycott worked, a little. Schultz admitted that sales and earnings at the end of last year were disappointing, but were still outperforming the rest of the markets. The “Dump Starbucks”

ON THE NEW POPE:

ON THE EFFORT TO

campaign plateaued after two months. In mid-March, Shultz addressed the boycott, saying “Not every decision is a �inancial decision,” and “If you feel you can get a higher return than the 38% you got last year, you can sell your shares of Starbucks and buy shares in another company. Thank you very much.” |  |

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM

“There are numerous no-no’s in the Bible, KEEP GAYS OUT OF THE BOY SCOUTS: especially, in Leviticus: no tattooing, no piercing, no shellfish, no sleeping with “Gays are already in, they are just not the same sex. Now—how many of ‘Out’ about it. The exclusion of gay those things are accepted as mundane kids is stupid. Most gay kids are not and conventional today? Why the out or going to be out even if they hold-out on homosexuality, which has are allowed to be a scout, so just been around as long as all the rest, if lift the ban and let those few brave not longer?” little souls feel and be accepted.”

—JOANNE ROBRAHN

—THOMAS HOUSER

N

EW JERSEY REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE SHARED RECENTLY THAT HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN CONVERSION THERAPY, that some claim allows homosexuals to ‘convert’ to heterosexuality. According to his spokesman, Kevin Roberts, “there is no mistaking his point of view on this when you look at his own prior statements where he makes it clear that people’s sexual orientation is determined at birth.”

The comment came after the state’s senate voted to advance a bill that would ban ex-gay therapy for minors.

Despite his belief that sexuality is determined at birth, Christie remains opposed to marriage equality. |  |

N WHAT MAY BE THE FASTEST FLIP-FLOP OF ALL TIME, Ohio Republican Governor John Kasich favored civil unions in a newspaper one morning, but his spokesperson said otherwise by that same afternoon.

“He may have used the term ‘civil union’ loosely,” the spokesperson said.“The governor’s position is unchanged. He opposes gay marriage and changing Ohio’s constitution to allow for civil unions.” Kasich hasn’t addressed the statement directly, so who knows what he actually thinks about same-sex couples partnering up in the Buckeye State. |  |

NOM’S BOYCOTT HURT STARBUCKS—AT FIRST

W

TAKES BACK SUPPORT OF CIVIL UNIONS I

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL HOW DO YOU THINK THE SUPREME COURT WILL RULE ON PROP 8 AND DOMA IN JUNE? Both DOMA and Prop 8 will be narrowly construed and ruled unconstitutional, limiting the decision to California.

40%

Both DOMA and Prop 8 will be interpreted broadly and found unconstitutional, nullifying same-sex marriage bans nationwide.

“Keep sex and politics out of scouting by allowing everyone regardless of orientation. Your exclusion makes it all about sex and politics.”

10% DOMA’s going down, but

—JOLENE DESTEFANO

10% Neither DOMA nor Prop 8

“It says keep sex and politics out of scouting. That’s fine. Since when does being gay equate sex? Heteros have sex, too, if they’re lucky!”

—JULIE DORMAN OHRBERG

Prop 8 will remain because it’s a state issue.

will be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

0% Prop 8 is going down, but DOMA is a

federal-level law and that means it will hang on.

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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MORE THAN FITNESS: In May 2012, Jillian Michaels shared that she is raising two children with her long-time partner, Heidi Rhoades.

ARTS &

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CRUNCH

TIME Jillian Michaels will ‘Maximize Your Life’ in Clearwater, Melbourne

I

Dan Pine EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T’S CRUNCH TIME FOR AMERICA’S

toughest personal trainer.

Jillian Michaels, the relentless drill sergeant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser who became a �itness icon and health and wellness guru, is hitting the road with her �irst-ever live tour. Dubbed “Maximize Your Life,” Michaels’ stage show will be an interactive experience that’s part lecture, part theater, and— Michaels hopes—pure inspiration.

She brings her show to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on April 18 and to the King Center in Melbourne April 19.

“I personally love a direct connection with my audience,” Michaels

Continued on page 38 |  |

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Mia Wasikowska in the dead dull Stoker.

Stoker Starring Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode

T

DIVINITY: Divine finally gets a full-length documentary, showing at the Florida Film Festival.

Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS

Festival frees film fans from feeble fare.

T

HE FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL TAKES OVER

Maitland’s arthouse Enzian Theater and a big section of Regal Cinemas Winter Park from April 5 through 14. Every year, the festival offers new �ilms for LGBT audiences. Beside the shorts Storm Out, Benjamin’s Flowers, Slash, and Social Butter�ly, these two full-length documentaries will be in the competition: Stephen Miller

STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Florida Film Festival

I AM DIVINE:

It’s astounding that this is the very �irst documentary completely committed to Divine. The big drag legend was featured in other docs, namely Divine Trash, about �ilmmaker John Waters. In the ‘60s-’80s, the pair de�ined counterculture trash cinema. This loving doc focuses on the performer—from a working class kid to the international legend. Footage and interviews are pieces together with wit and pace. It’s a shame, though, that it took this long—25 years after his death! In Tampa, can catch the �ilm April 11 at Muvico Ybor. |  |

BIG JOY: THE ADVENTURES OF JAMES BROUGHTON:

Broughton was an experimental poet, playwright, and �ilmmaker; his short 1967 �ilm The Bed is still shown in �ilm classes today. He had a child with �ilm critic Pauline Kael, and was married to costume designer Suzanne Hart for 16 years. During that time, Broughton had love affairs with Kermit Sheets and Harry Hay. At 62, Broughton met 27-year-old �ilmmaker Joel Singer, and they were together until the poet died. Broughton helped start the Radical Faeries and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

This documentary is a solid introduction to the fascinating life of this renaissance man.

More information is available at FloridaFilmFestival.com. |  |

Steve Carell is not so incredible in Wonderstone.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Starring Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi,

Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin HIS IS A CHILLING WORLD WHERE AN ISOLATED GIRL T TAKES A CERTAIN MAGIC TO CAN HEAR, SEE AND FEEL CAPTIVATE AUDIENCES FOR SO MUCH MORE THAN NORMAL TWO HOURS WITH A VAIN, HUMANS. The �ilmmakers really know STUPID, SELFISH CHARACTER. Burt how to let this concept shape a �ilm.

Wonderstone doesn’t have it.

Maybe they focused on that mood a Carell was a kid who was picked on little too much, to the detriment of fully mercilessly. Then he found magic and a developed characters or sound logic. best friend (Buscemi). Their obsession Because of her ability (or malady), with prestidigitation bloomed into Wasikowska shrinks from contact, a huge Las Vegas career. The only both physical and emotional. She’s problem is that their act never alone in this world, especially changed, and now gross-out after her father dies in a �iery illusionist Carey is threatening crash on her 18th birthday.

RATINGS GUIDE to steal their thunder. The A heretofore-unknown uncle pressure starts to crack the (a very creepy Goode) shows famous friendship. up to comfort both the girl See it now! Buy Sadly, this comedy lifts its and her mother (Kidman). the DVD! Quote basic plot from other movies He also seems to understand lines at parties! with despicable, idiotic Wasikowska’s torture, how it people. Think Anchorman, can twist a mind.

Definitely worth Talladega Nights, Stepbrothers, More atmosphere than the price of or a whole host of other action, more style than admission Will Ferrell movies. sense, the spooky thriller If the protagonist is so Stoker does have a couple loathsome and shallow, It’s useful as a reasons to recommend it. something else has to hold our distraction The literary references and interests. Perhaps it could be the sly nod to vampirism as the world of magicians, except mental illness are thrilling.

Maybe if someone that here that milieu is treated else pays and you The representation of like simple charlatanism. Magic need a nap Wasikowska’s emotional state could make a very funny movie. throughout is well executed.

Wonderstone only has half a The dif�iculty comes Slightly worse dozen good jokes throughout in trying to leap over two than eternal the entire running time. Also, grave-deep plot holes. Also, damnation the characters aren’t terribly the acting is mostly solid, captivating or well de�ined, though I’m very sick of Kidman’s redmaking us care even less. eyed, sultry damsel in distress. She’s I say this every time Hollywood done this shtick before, and here it creates one of these �ilms: If you seems hollow and even lazy. The pace have to tell a story about someone can be ridiculously self-indulgent, disingenuous and dislikable, either art for art’s sake. make the character intriguing or offer I think the audience for this is a well-developed, surprising plot. Don’t horror lovers, people who adored just string together one sophomoric the Swedish �ilm Let the Right One In. joke after another and then pretend I’m also thinking they expect more you’re performing magic. |  | than just mood. |  |

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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ThisÊprojectÊisÊfundedÊinÊpartÊbyÊ OrangeÊCountyÊGovernmentÊthroughÊ theÊArtsÊ&ÊCulturalÊAffairsÊProgram.ÊInÊ addition,ÊthisÊprojectÊisÊsponsoredÊinÊ partÊbyÊtheÊStateÊofÊFlorida,Ê DepartmentÊofÊState,ÊDivisionÊofÊ CulturalÊAffairsÊandÊtheÊFloridaÊCouncilÊ onÊArtsÊandÊCulture;ÊUnitedÊArtsÊofÊ CentralÊFlorida;ÊNationalÊEndowmentÊ forÊtheÊArts;ÊandÊtheÊAcademyÊofÊ MotionÊPictureÊArtsÊ&ÊSciences.Ê

intimacy, modernity” and more.

Not for the faint of heart, American Honor Killings: Desire and Rage Among Men (Akashic, 2013) by David McConnell is a detailed exploration of hate crime motivated murders of gay men, from 1999 to 2009.

FICTIONAL ACCOUNTS

SEXY READ: David Bergman’s Fortunate Light (A Midsummer Night’s Press) is part of the queer publisher’s Body Language series and pulsates with sexuality.

AWARD WINNER: A Horse Named Sorrow

(Terrace Books, 2012) by award-winning gay novelist Trebor Healey is a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award.

Spring

FICTIONALIZED REALITY: The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (Greenleaf Book Group, 2013), is a fictionalized memoir based on the true life story of pioneering American lesbian Lucy Lobdell.

Reading BOOKS

Find the right gay read for the warmer months.

A

Gregg Shapiro GREGSHAPIRO@AOL.COM

S THE WEATHER WARMS UP, MORE OF

us will �lock to pools or beaches with our books or Kindles in hand. And, as with most springs, 2013 brings a wash of LGBT-centric books that will make getting that tan a little bit more enjoyable. Here’s a look at a few new releases:

POETRY IN MOTION

Multi-award winning lesbian poet Maureen Seaton’s eighth solo poetry collection Fibonacci Batman: New and Selected Poems (Carnegie Mellon, 2013) draws on six of her full-length books (including Iowa Prize and Lambda Literary Award-winning Furious Cooking).

Comprised of more than 60 poems, the book gives readers a �irsthand look at the ongoing evolution of Seaton’s work.

Straight ally and frequent Seaton collaborator Denise Duhamel returns with her 10th full-length book of poetry, Blowout (University of Pittsburgh, 2013). Anyone who has been through a dif�icult divorce or break-up will appreciate Duhamel’s insightful handling of the subject matter, put forth in her distinctive style.

Queer publisher A Midsummer Night’s Press has two new titles available for the season. Gay

poet, editor and educator David Bergman’s Fortunate Light (A Midsummer Night’s Press, 2013), part of the press’s Body Language series, pulsates with sexuality. Deleted Names (A Midsummer Night’s Press, 2013) is by Lawrence Schimel, the press’s proli�ic publisher.

QUEER VOICES

Consisting of interviews with queer youth, as well as essays by the author, In A Queer Voice: Journeys of Resilience from Adolescence to Adulthood (Temple University Press, 2013) by Michael Sadowski chronicles an unheard community and provides some of them with a forum in which to speak their minds.

Author and �ilm expert B. Ruby Rich, the woman behind the term “New Queer Cinema,” revisits the subject in the �ittingly titled New Queer Cinema: The Director’s Cut

(Duke University Press, 2013). In it she writes about LGBT �ilm festivals, what makes a “good gay �ilm,” analyzes queer �ilmmakers, and examines �ilms such as Go Fish, The Watermelon Woman, Itty Bitty Titty Committee and Brokeback Mountain.

In the new edition of Inside The Vortex (JjustinHernandez.net, 2013), Naked In New York City blogger Justin Hernandez re�lects on his personal journey from actor/ dancer to stripper/sex worker. From “Drinking the Kool-Aid” to “Coming Clean,” Hernandez frankly tells his story, sharing what he learned so that we may also learn something from his experience.

On a more academic note is The Missing Myth: A New Vision of Same-Sex Love (Select Books, 2013) by Gilles Herrada. Among the book’s “controversial claims” are the lack of biological and anthropological data to support the existence of a single “gay” gene, the inaccuracy of the claim that gays and lesbians can’t or don’t reproduce, and the assertion that modern homosexuality was made possible by the Judeo-Christian world.

Australian feminist/queer theorist Annamarie Jagose gets up close and personal with the illustrious and elusive orgasm in Orgasmology (Duke University Press, 2013). Jagose elevates the material beyond sex and sexual orientation, venturing into “agency, ethics,

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Published last year, A Horse Named Sorrow (Terrace Books, 2012) by award-winning gay novelist Trebor Healey is a �inalist for a Lambda Literary Award, to be presented in June 2013. It’s not too late to read this acclaimed novel, set in San Francisco in the 1980s and `90s.

“Sister Spit superstar” Ali Liebegott’s latest novel Cha-Ching!

(City Lights/Sister Spit, 2013) is set in the 1990s, following “downon-her-luck queer girl” Theo’s relocation from San Francisco to Brooklyn, where her new circle of friends includes her roommate, her girlfriend and a rescued pit bull named Cary Grant.

Monica Nolan, author of Lois Lenz, Secretary and Bobby Blanchard, Lesbian Gym Teacher is back for more pulpy and steamy Sapphic fun with Maxie Mainwaring, Lesbian Dilettante (Kensington, 2013), set in the �ictional Bay City in the carefree mid-1960s.

William Klaber’s debut novel The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (Greenleaf Book Group, 2013), is a �ictionalized memoir based on the true life story of pioneering American lesbian Lucy Lobdell.

Lobdell, who, beginning in 1855, lived her life dressed as a man, even managed to have what would have been the �irst same-sex marriage when she wed Marie Louise Perry in Klaber’s �ictional telling.

Can’t get enough queer historical �iction? Consider Fortune’s Bastard or Love’s Pains Recounted (Chelsea Station Editions, 2013) by Gil Cole. Cole’s novel tells the tale of young Antonio, who in an effort to escape Renaissance Florence’s “religious hysteria” sets sail on the Mediterranean and encounters a series of adventures, including the opportunity to pursue his desires for other men.

Musician-turned-novelist Steven Jordan Brooks also takes us back in time, to the 1970s, with Hollywood The Band (Authorhouse, 2013).

Subtitled “A Tale of Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” the book touches on the sexual revolution, gay and women’s issues, as well as racial and civil rights matters. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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on the hit Fox sitcom Married...

With Children. She remained with the show throughout its 10-year run, and eventually directed more than 30 episodes. She primarily works now as a director, with credits that include Mad TV, The Big Gay Sketch Show, Reba, Dharma & Greg, Veronica’s Closet, Jessie and Ladies Man.

ORIGINAL COVER GIRL: Publisher Tom Dyer reminds Amanda Bearse recently that she was on the cover of the very first issue of Watermark in 1994.

Amanda Bearse is Back ENTERTAINMENT

The Married With Children star reminisces about her childhood in Winter Park.

W

Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

INTER PARK | AS IF TO DISPROVE AN

old axiom, out television actress and director Amanda Bearse was greeted warmly on March 19 at the Winter Park Welcome Center.

“When the circumstances are right, you can go home again,” Bearse told close to 100 people, many of them former school classmates, who came to hear her talk about her three decades career in television and reminisce about her childhood in Winter Park.

Bearse also spoke about her decision to come out in 1993— four years before Ellen—while starring on the hit sitcom Married With Children. That groundbreaking disclosure, and her local roots, landed Bearse on the cover of the �irst issue of Watermark in August 1994.

36

LATE BLOOMER

Bearse moved to Central Florida in 1965 and remained until she graduated from Winter Park High School in 1976, where she was a student of theater teacher Ann Der�linger.

“She taught me discipline, respect and passion. Without her I wouldn’t have had the career I had,” Bearse shared. “If I ever win an Oscar, she’s the person I’ll thank… just like Tom Hanks did when he won for Philadelphia.”

Under Der�linger, who died in the 1980s at just 44, Bearse played leads in productions like The Skin of Our Teeth. She was hooked.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

“When you get that applause or that laugh… that’s the glory,” Bearse said.

After earning enough credits to graduate early, she returned for a senior year at Der�linger’s request to star in an ambitious production of The Diary of Anne Frank.

Bearse attended several colleges, including Rollins College in Winter Park, before graduating from Birmingham Southern College.

“I was a late bloomer,” she laughed.

With her parents’ blessing, Bearse then headed for New York to see if she could forge an acting career. She studied with acclaimed instructor Stanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse, and in 1981 she landed a plum role on the ABC soap opera All My Children.

But her big break came in 1987, when Bearse was cast as Marcy D’Arcy, the uptight neighbor and comedic foil to Al and Peg Bundy

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

Bearse recalled. “She lit up like a neon sign, and the rest of us got to see it all through her eyes.”

After Bearse graduated from high school her family moved to Atlanta.

Even though she was college-bound, Bearse was saddened.

“I felt like I’d lost my home base,” she said.

She described her four-year stint on All My Children as an IDYLLIC CHILDHOOD extraordinary learning experience.

Bearse was clearly delighted to “You’re acting every day,” Bearse be back in Winter Park for the �irst said. “It’s the closest thing to time in more than a decade. repertory theater you can �ind in “It was idyllic to grow up in this television.” beautiful little town,” she said after And she characterized the attending the Winter Park Sidewalk success of Married...With Children as Art Festival the day before. “I’m a blessing and a shock. happy to see that so much of it “Back then there were only three hasn’t changed. Thanks for keeping commercial networks—CBS, NBC it so wonderful.” and ABC. People said there would Bearse reminisced about walking never be a fourth,” she recalled. “And to Park Avenue Elementary from her lo and behold this crazy little show home near Genius Drive. The school became the anchor that allowed was located in the building that now Fox to grow from one night of houses Restoration Hardware. Her programming to a full lineup.” �irst acting role was as the mother in During that period, Bearse a second grade production of Little took classes and began directing Red Riding Hood. episodes. She continued directing, “I must’ve been destined to play but left Hollywood after an supporting roles,” unpleasant Bearse quipped. experience with “But I got some Chuck Lorre, the laughs, and that’s infamously dif�icult all it took.” creator of Dharma & She recalled Greg, Two and a Half riding on the Men and The Big Bang neighborhood T.G. Theory.

“He’s a Lee dairy truck, moneymaker, so swimming at the people put up with Langford Hotel, him,” Bearse shared. paying for movies “But I thank him at the Colony because he motivated Theater with me to leave Los bottle caps, and Angeles and raise my learning to water kids in the South.” ski at age six.

Bearse specializes “My �irst career —AMANDA BEARSE in directing twoambition was to camera situation comedies, and be a water skier,” Bearse said. “My continues to work extensively friends and I used to ski through the with the Disney Channel and other chain of lakes to junior high where television producers. the ninth grade center is now. We’d Bearse’s local appearance was drop at Lake Virginia—usually presented by the Winter Park soaked—and then walk the rest of Historical Society. Presented with the way. I spent many a school day another piece of history—the dressed in my blue P.E. uniform.” �irst issue of Watermark—Bearse But plans changed under the expressed pride in the newspaper’s tutelage of Der�linger, a former success and talked about her decision Broadway actress who played to come out in 1993, when it was Mammy Yokum in the Broadway unprecedented for a television star. production of Li’l Abner. The “I was adopting a baby, and I knew teacher took her theater students the tabloids would run a disparaging to New York each year, and Bearse story,” she said. “So I decided to tell says Der�linger’s enthusiasm for people the truth: that I come from a her former stomping grounds loving family and that I hope to grow was infectious. a loving family.”

“We got on the train in Winter “And twenty years later…

Park, and by the time we got off at all is well.” |  | Penn Station she was transformed,”

“Lo and behold this crazy little show became the anchor that allowed Fox to grow from one night of programming to a full lineup.”

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37

If we want to turn things around in this country, it’s got to be a ‘reach-one-teachone’ grassroots movement.

—JILLIAN MICHAELS

transformation. I’m trying to set up an experience of success, where they know what it feels like. I need them to take responsibility for the state of their life, how they’ve created this pattern. Because if you don’t take responsibility, then you don’t have the power to change it.

THE BIGGEST LOSER IS A COMPETITION WHERE THE NUMBER ON THE SCALE IS ALL THAT MATTERS. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

For me it’s never been about building a better body. It’s about building a better life. It’s about utilizing health as a platform to build your life, and utilizing �itness to rede�ine self-image. It’s never been about weight. Health is an entry point for a total transformation in your life. You’re not just healthier, you’re a happier human being.

I want you to be a healthy individual, physically and emotionally. Granted you’re not always going to be happy. Bad things are going to happen, but how you respond to those bad times is what will help you grow, so that things get better, not worse. That’s my goal.

IT’S ONE THING TO TELL PEOPLE THEY NEED TO KICK-START THEIR GOALS. IT’S ANOTHER TO SHOW THEM EXACTLY HOW TO DO SO. HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

|  | Jillian Michaels from pg.29

says. “I like that one-on-one, faceto-face conversation. I can see if someone’s hearing me, if they’re getting me. If we want to turn things around in this country, it’s got to be a ‘reach-one-teach-one’ grassroots movement.”

Michaels has appeared on 11 seasons of The Biggest Loser, which is seen in more than 90 countries around the world. She is also an author, having sold more than 3.5 million bestsellers worldwide, including Master Your Metabolism and Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life. Her DVD 30-Day Shred is the best-selling �itness DVD of all time.

She’s also a mother of two with her partner, Heidi Rhoades. Michaels subtlety came out in May 2012 in a People magazine interview, where she discussed her relationship with Rhoades and their two children.

She had never mentioned her partner before that, even after revealing she was bisexual in 2010.

38

“When we were having kids, I thought, ‘How am I supposed to hide a newborn?’” Michaels told Redbook last year. “So we thought, ‘Let’s talk about it.’ It wasn’t so much about coming out. It was more about, okay, this is my family.”

Now she’s going live with her new tour, which is being promoted

by Live Nation Entertainment.

Between rehearsals, Michaels took time out to explain what she intends to accomplish with her tour:

WATERMARK: WHAT WILL PEOPLE GET OUT OF YOUR “MAXIMIZE YOUR LIFE” LIVE SHOW?

JILLIAN MICHAELS: Obviously you’re going to learn how to lose weight and how to keep it off. But that’s not what the show is about at its core. I want you to walk out being connected to your passion and authentic truth, with a clear, de�ined goal of what you want for your life. Then you will learn how to rede�ine your self-image and reboot your con�idence. You’re going to walk away believing in your ability to achieve your goals. And I’m going to give a set of steps, a skill set and

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

a toolbox of how to achieve these goals. We’re going to get to the bottom of why you and your dreams and your goals are worth it and subsequently how to achieve them.

WHAT WILL YOU ACTUALLY BE DOING IN THE TWO HOURS?

It’s me on stage but I’m engaging the audience throughout. I’ll be bringing different audience members on stage. There are exercises they go through, and questions to think about, write down and explore throughout the show. There are huge LED screens behind me taking people on this journey, so what I talk about you will see illustrated behind me. You won’t see so much Jillian the tough taskmaster in the show. I will confront you, challenge you and call you on the carpet, but there’s not going to be any yelling.

YOU TELL AUDIENCES YOUR OWN STORY, AND DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STRUGGLES WITH FOOD AND WEIGHT.

I’ve walked this path and know what it’s like. It’s like being a dry drunk: Once you use food for comfort,

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

you always use food for comfort.

Whether you’re an alcoholic, or use drugs or spend too much money, or eat too much—it’s the same issue. You’re nourishing yourself in destructive ways. So this show is my way of saying to people, ‘I get it.’ Although bad things may have happened to you, now you’re victimizing yourself and repeating the pattern. Here’s how to stop it. Here are ways of feeding that need that are life-af�irming, not self-destructive.

ON THE BIGGEST LOSER WE’VE SEEN YOU PUSH PEOPLE BEYOND THEIR ENDURANCE. WHY?

The reason I yell on The Biggest Loser is because I’m dealing with a group of people who are literally killing themselves, who are digging a grave with their teeth. They are in a life-or-death intervention on that show. I need them to understand very quickly that the pain of where they are is greater than the pain in their fear of change. In addition, I need them to have success and achievement in that gym, because that’s the how-to of an accelerated

watermarkonline.com

You have to establish a lasting source of motivation. The way you do that is by establishing your ‘Why.’ People can accomplish any ‘how,’ as long as they have a ‘why’ to live for. Maybe it’s �itting in that wedding gown, or walking your daughter down the aisle, living to 100, meeting your great-grandchildren or wearing a bathing suit on the beach for your 20th anniversary. What is the ‘why?’ When you have it, it makes any ‘how’ tolerable.

SO WHO SHOULD GO TO YOUR SHOW?

If you feel stuck, like you wake up every day asking is this all there is, then this is the show you need to come to. I will get you unstuck. I will help you realize that the possibilities for your life are unlimited. It’s just a matter of having the tools and the skill set to achieve that. |  |

MORE INFORMATION

WHO: Jillian Michaels WHAT: Maximize Your Life Tour WHEN: Thursday, April 18, at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater Friday, April 19, at The King Center, Melbourne TICKETS: RuthEckerdHall.com; KingCenter.com

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ARTS &

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drop the F-bomb and, believe it or not, she’s a huge supporter of the LGBT community. Lisa Lampanelli has made a career out of being mean on stage, and her Florida audiences laugh hysterically every time she rolls through the Sunshine State.

MARCH 30 Straz Center 813-229-7827 StrazCenter.org

Daytona

Once Upon A Mattress

This equal opportunity offender brings her stand-up to the King Center in Melbourne on Friday, March 29.

In 2012, she was a top contender on The Celebrity Apprentice and she managed to raise $100,000 for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis when she �inished fourth on the NBC reality show—and it’s not the �irst time she’s raised a ton of money for an LGBT-speci�ic cause.

Lampanelli is known for her insults, her love of black men and for her many appearances on Comedy Central’s celebrity roasts. Expect to be offended while you’re laughing. |  |

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For more events or to submit your upcoming show, concert or performance, visit

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TAMPA

ORLANDO

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Fernando Varela

T

HE MOVIE WAS A HIT, SO IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME before this spectacular show sharing the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime was transformed into a staged musical. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert follows the three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus as they search for love and friendship in the Australian Outback.

Of course, the three stars �ind more than they ever

expected on their trip, and a number of dance �loor hits will have the audience moving. “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally,” and “I Will Survive” are just some of the expected dance ditties the cast will belt from the stage of the Straz Center April. 9-28.

This production is for mature audiences, so leave those under 16 years of age at home. For tickets, visit StrazCenter.org. |  |

P

UERTO RICAN PERFORMER FERNANDO VARELA WILL PERFORM AT THE ABBEY IN ORLANDO on April 6, with proceeds to bene�it Orlando 2018, the cause to bring the Gay Games to Orlando.

Varela resides in Orlando and has performed in 26 countries.

His performances include popular songs by Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Coldplay, Whitney Housten and a selection of Broadway showstoppers.

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

Varela, who is straight, says he is supportive of the LGBT community and enthusiastic about Orlando’s chances of bringing the Gay Games to the city in 2018. Varela is hopeful that his appearance at The Abbey will help raise money for the push for the games and show a message that Orlando is a welcoming place, regardless of anyone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Tickets are available at Orlando2018.com. |  |

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ShotonSite

Tampa Bay

1- RUBBING ELBOWS: Largo commissioner Michael Smith and Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, center, are flanked by partners Michael and Joe at Quench Lounge during Watermark Wednesday on March 20. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

2- PARTY CRASHERS: Friends representing multiple softball teams gathered for a pool party at the St. Pete Guest House benefitting the Homewreckers on March 24. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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5

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3- WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE: Todd Richardson greets sponsors at the beginning of the Equality Florida Sponsors Reception at the Poynter Library on the campus of USF St. Petersburg March 16. PHOTO

BY STEVE BLANCHARD

4- WITH THANKS: Metro Wellness and Community Center Executive Director Lorraine Langlois accepts an award from Equality Florida during a sponsors reception at the USFSP Poynter Library March 16.

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

5- QUEEN OF THE NIGHT: Performer Kori Stevens brought Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to life during Watermark Wednesday at Quench Lounge March 20, which benefitted Metro Wellness and Community Centers. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 6- PRIZE WINNERS: Contestants for Mr. Code 2013 line up behind emcee Lincoln Calcavecchi during a raffle at the Flamingo Resort March 23. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 7- OVATION: Judges with the Mr. Code 2013 contest at the Flamingo Resort applaud a title holder during the contest March 23. PHOTO BY

STEVE BLANCHARD

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8- RENOVATORS: Volunteers with Balance Tampa Bay were at it again over St. Patrick’s Day weekend when they showed up in force to paint the entire exterior of Francis House. PHOTO COURTESY JOY WINHEIM

OVERHEARD PAINTING RENOVATORS

I

T LOOKS LIKE THOSE GUYS AND GALS AT BALANCE TAMPA BAY TRULY ARE ON A MISSION TO IMPROVE THE BAY AREA. The organization brought a “small army” of volunteers to the Francis House over St. Patrick’s Day weekend and painted the entire exterior of the large building. According to Francis House executive director Joy Winheim, the project saved the charity thousands of dollars and helped divert more funds for direct client services. The building will now match the new Carlos Alvarez Annex that will be built shortly, and

the organization is still raising money for that project at GoFundMe.com/FrancisHouse.

It wasn’t only the exterior that got a facelift. Steve Sroufe of Steve’s Carpet Cleaning donated a �loor buffer and took care of some of the �loors within the structure, which also saved a ton of money. If that wasn’t enough, Srouf left the buffer behind so Francis House Staff can keep up with its �loors in the future without having to hire a service.

CLARK WINS CODE

W

E LOVE IT WHEN ALLITERATION MAKES A HEADLINE WORK, so when Craig Clark was named Mr. CODE 2013, we knew

the announcement would have a great ring to it! Craig Clark was chosen out of �ive contestants to represent the CODE Bar within the Flamingo Resort at International Mr. Leather in Chicago later this spring. The resort was packed with vendors, leathermen and women and former title holders. In fact, at one point the entire stage was crowded with title holders from contests held across the state and around the country. This was the second year for the competition and expect to see Clark and contest organizers to be out and about at fundraisers to help get Clark to Chicago for the competition.

QUENCH/ WATERMARK RAISE $450 FOR METRO

O

N MARCH 20, QUENCH LOUNGE IN LARGO WAS PACKED WITH PEOPLE from throughout Tampa Bay to participate in Watermark Wednesday, a social networking and fundraising event that bene�itted Metro Wellness and Community Center. Several representatives from Watermark were on hand throughout the night to sell raf�le tickets and to just chat up the guests, and entertainer Kori Stevens brought the crowd to its feet with a very 70s performance promoting

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The Broadway show will be at the Straz Center in April and the facility donated a number of tickets to be raf�led during the night. Several notables were on hand that evening, including Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith, Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, and Larry Biddle of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. In all, $450 was raised for Metro and it will be used for client services and LGBT programs in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Pasco County.

Another Watermark Wednesday in Tampa Bay is in the works and those details will be announced very soon. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

43

NOTABLE NOTABLE SEPTEMBER AUGUST EVENTS EVENTS

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S T our current sponsored artist: WeTwill reception H Ube , holding S E P T EaM B E R 1for – 3PM

Trash Art Come Reception Q company and art, meet Jason Hunt. and enjoyGallery some great Coffee Chat - Social for T H LGBT Seniors - 7 P with M the community on T E , behind A U Gthe U Spainting T 16and theUman mingle

this night of celebration.

Town Hall Meeting at 10 T H – 7 P M S AT, SEP TEMBER James R Smith Community CounsELIng atCenter thE CEntEr QUACK Art Reception 1723 Bruton Blvd, Orlando Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Appointed times on Wednesday, Tribute to September 11 and H Discounted or W E D , A($20) UG Spro T bono 17 - 7 P Mservices offered by Americana atU Gallery QT counseling licensed health Please call Movies and professionals.

Dinner presented by 407-228-8272 for appointment.

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Showing ofofSaint of 9/11 FrEE LEgaL advICE Spaghetti with $5 Donation.

The TrueDinner Story of Father Mychal Judge Once a month at appointed times. Local attorney Gary Israel at Gallery Q TH - 9 in AM Soffers AT,free AU G U S T 2 0 legal advice once a month 30 minute intervals.

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T U E , A U G U S T 2 3 RD - 7 PM FrEE haIrCuts BY van Transgender Career and Botox The Center Complimentary Every Wednesday fromat10 AM until 5QPM. wine Our resident hair stylist Wellness Fair Gallery and zone.toCall Center offerssnacks. hair cuts$200 for aper donation TheThe Center. for appt.

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hIv)

monDay’s aT 7:00pm @ The CenTer The Center will FOR a MORE INFORMATION V ISIT who have recently have be offering new support group for those WWW.THECENTER OR LANDO.OR G been diagnosed with HIV and other life changing illnesses. While the group’s main focus is for young men and women, the group is open to anyone recently diagnosed. The group will be a place to discuss issues, feeling and concerns while transitioning to the new reality of living with a life changing illness. The group will be led by two certified life coaches.

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ORLANDO

1- POWER LUNCH: State representative Linda Stewart lunches with students March 14 at the First Amendment Foundation’s Sunshine Recognition Luncheon at the Governor’s Club in downtown Tallahassee.

PHOTO BY MATT ALFORD

2- LUCKY AND CHARMING: Miss Sammy keeps the party rolling at the March 17 Clover Crawl at Ember, benefiting the 2013 AIDS Walk Orlando. PHOTO COURTESY DANNY GARCIA 3- ARTIST’S RENDERING: Jennifer Kunsch (left) is pictured with artist Christie Miga as she shows off her newly-purchased painting at La Femme Fondue: The Art of Christie Miga, at an opening of Miga’s work March 21 at The Timucua Arts White House. PHOTO BY RICK CLAGGETT

7 4

4- THE FIRST CUT: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, flanked by Floyd’s Barber Shop founder Bill O’Brien (left) and franchisees Kyle and Sarah Sleeth (right) cuts the ribbon on Floyd’s Barber Shop in the Mills 50 District on March 21. PHOTO BY SAM RENNELS

5- UNITED FRONT: Team Watermark rocked the red to show support for marriage equality March 26, the first day of Prop 8/DOMA hearings before the Supreme Court. PHOTO BY ANDRES DUPUTEL 6- MAKING A PLAN: Dr. Mark Trolice, director at Fertility C.A.R.E. in Orlando, speaks at a Chase Bank employee PRIDE event on the topic of gay and lesbian family building options, including surrogacy, egg donors, IVF, adoption and the legal processes involved. PHOTO COURTESY MELISSA CLEVELAND

7- SHOW TIME: Orlando Fringe general manager George Wallace (left) and his partner Joe Folsom (right) take in Babes in Bonnets with a friend March 25 at Parliament House. PHOTO BY RICK CLAGGETT

5

6

8

8- THE VOICE: Announcer Chuckles does his thing at Parliament House March 25. Chuckles marks his 35th year working at the resort on April 10. PHOTO COURTESY DREW SIZEMORE

OVERHEARD BABES, BONNETS, SCOOTERS AND CASH!

T

WO MAJOR FUNDRAISERS BROUGHT IN SOME IMPRESSIVE DONATIONS TO AREA CAUSES during the late part of March. On March 23, Scooters for Hooters invaded Lake Eola Park for the seventh time and brought in more than $170,000 for Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation, a local non-pro�it that provides mammograms and breast healthcare services to uninsured women. The grand total was well above the $140,000 the event brought in last year, indicating that 2013 was an even bigger success.

On March 25, the Orlando Youth Alliance pocketed more than $8,300 after the annual

Babes and Bonnets event took over the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House. The evening started with Darcel Stevens and Danielle Hunter introducing some amazing headwear and eventually Michael Wanzie helped out as well.

PATTY’S NEW QUEST

A

LTHOUGH MOST ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THE TRENDY FLOYD’S BARBER SHOP AND ITS ICONIC BARBER POLE, you might not be aware that the county is trying to do away with it. What did a harmless barber pole do to anyone to deserve getting cut, you ask? Turns out, the county isn’t happy that the red, white and blue pole spinning in front of the Mills

location isn’t made in the USA and is not UL rated. On March 21, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan was on-hand for the ribbon cutting at the new Mills location. She later posted a photo on Facebook of her standing front and center to the pole with a caption reading “My new quest, save Floyd’s barber pole.” This marks the third Floyd’s location.

ZEBRA LOSES ITS STRIPES—ER—VOTES

O

N MARCH 25, THE NON-PROFIT LGBT YOUTH OUTREACH ORGANIZATION ZEBRA COALITION SENT OUT AN E-BLAST informing their

supporters that a contest being sponsored by IKEA in which Zebra Coalition is competing for the chance to win $10,000 worth of product and design services from the store had a glitch. Turns out, all prior votes were lost. It asks supporters to please re-cast their votes. Visit TheLifeImprovementProject.com, select Orlando and vote for Zebra Coalition. You can vote once a day through April 8.

WHO IS LEIGH SHANNON?

T

HE PUBLIC WILL SOON FIND OUT. Last summer, female impersonator Leigh Shannon posted on

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

his Facebook that he is in pre-negotiations for a reality show based on his life. “I think [reality shows] are the way to go anymore,” Shannon told Watermark last year. And on March 25, Shannon �inally posted a sneak preview from his upcoming small screen debut. Careful: it’s NC-17. “It will be about my upbringing in a redneck rural environment and family up to today with my shows, new acting venture, my store, cancer patients and the everyday struggles of a business man/show girl/drag queen and �inding out I have a black sister,” Shannon said.. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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tampa bay marketplace

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ADD IT UP: Orlando accountant Leah James celebrates a birthday on April 6.

Transitions

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Anniversaries Announcer Chuckles of the Parliament House marks his 35th year working at the resort on April 10.

Justin Homer and Angel Arcelay of Orlando celebrate their 11th anniversary together on April 14.

Savoy/Paradise co-owners George Butler and Randall Lambright celebrate their 20th anniversary in April.

Dancer-choreographer-DJ Blue’s production company, babyBlueStar Productions, turns seven years old this month.

Local Birthdays Tampa softballer Randall Spiller, Sarasota equality advocate Jen Drake, New Church Family Inc. of Daytona Beach administrative assistant Jerry Corlis (March 28); St. Pete gym rat and Watermark editor Steve Blanchard (March 29); Orlando trivia host and WAVE-winning actor Doug Ba’aser (March 31); Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Tampa Bay Order’s Rodger Prewitt, former St. Petersburg resident and Equality Florida supporter Elizabeth Albelo (April 1); Orlando-based flight attendant James

Sparkman, former Watermark graphics artist Catherine Thompson, Tampa Baybased Concept Bait’s Frank Clemente, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council founder and president Rand Hoch (April 2); Orlando’s former city commission candidate Chase Smith, Orlando’s Didi Panache, AKA Douglas McGeough (April 3); Hedwig actor/ Shakespeare director David Lee (April 4); Sexy Tampa banker and TIGLFF donor Jeff Baker, St. Pete nurse and former editor of The Gazette, Brian Feist, Orlando Front Runner Scott Feneck, St. Petersburg entertainer Meagan Towers (Michael Jones),Tampa MCC go-to-man activist Mac McGowan (April 5); Orlando accountant Leah James (April 6); former Orlando and San Franciscobased graphic designer Jason Donnelly, Sarasota real estate e-marketing director Ken Demmons, intrepid traveler Jon Taylor, Rollins College costume studio manager Seth Schrager (April 7); sometime Watermark contributor Chris Crain, St. Petersburg clown and HIV/AIDS activist Joe Dobson (April 8); Halcyon co-founder Stephanie Callahan (April 9); Orlando bobbalicious lovebird Bobby McCall, Fort Lauderdale-based muscular, sexy singer Sean Ensign, St. Petersburg Metro Wellness employee, Canaan Band roadie Mike Hollis (April 10).

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. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

47

accountant

attorney

accountant 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

air conditioning

accountant

HOT AIR?

Call 4 Seasons for all of your air conditioning needs. 407-295-9231 www.4seasonsair.net • FL License#: CAC056308

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando marketplace

attorney

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

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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counselor

counselor

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

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orlando marketplace

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MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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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

T

he world of Mixed Martial Arts has become a den of controversy after �ighter Fallon Fox revealed that she is transgender. She was born male, but had gender reassignment surgery in 2006.

Fox, 37, is 2-0 as a professional with two �irst-round �inishes.

Her license is currently under review by the Florida State Boxing Commission. She did not disclose that she was transgender to the commission prior to a contest on March 2. She shared her story with Sports Illustrated earlier this month.

Miesha Tate, a UFC female bantamweight, weighed in about Fox’s announcement on ESPN.com, sharing that she would not accept a bout against Fox if it were offered.

She cited health concerns.

“I wouldn’t do it,” Tate told ESPN. com. “If there was solid research that [proved] she’s 100 percent like a female, then I might consider it.”

Tate reiterated that she has nothing against transgender people, but she is concerned about the well-being of biological women in the ring.

“I have nothing against transgender people,” Tate said.

“You should live your life however you want. It’s about �ighter safety.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable getting in with someone who is a woman but developed as a man. I just don’t think it would be safe.”

The voice of the UFC, Joe Rogan,

CONTROVERSIAL CONTENDER: Mixed Martial Arts fighter Fallon Fox underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2006. PHOTO FROM FALLON FOX’S FACEBOOK PAGE

took a less politically correct stance on the issue, saying that there is “no fucking way” that Fox should be allowed to get into the ring with biological woman.

He took on the issue during his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

“She calls herself a woman, but I tend to disagree,” he said, referring to Fox. “She used to be a man...and she wants to be able to �ight women in the MMA? I say no fucking way.”

Rogan’s expletive-�illed rant went on to talk about Fox’s former genitalia and her testosteroneinfused bone structure.

“You have bigger hands, you have bigger shoulder joints... you’re a fucking man,” Rogen said. “I don’t care if you don’t have a dick anymore. You’re a

man without a dick.”

But not everyone is against Fox entering the ring.

Former UFC No. 1 contender Liz Carmouche supports Fox and said she would be willing to �ight her.

“I understand she �ights in a regional organization right now, but if she makes it to the UFC and �ights in the 135-pound female bantamweight division, I’d be happy to �ight her,” Carmouche said in a statement. “But that’s all hypothetical—what I can say for sure is that I understand what it is to be an LGBT athlete in the spotlight like she �inds herself in right now and that I’m glad she’s got the support of the LGBT community behind her.”

In a recent interview on AXS TV, Fox stated she doesn’t believe transgender athletes should be required to disclose private medical history prior to a �ight.

Fox claimed the “scienti�ic community” has found transsexual �ighters on hormone therapy do not hold physical advantages over other women. She also said she thinks any woman who refuses to �ight her is either scared or a “hate-�illed” person.

“I understand she wants to be viewed as a female. I get it,” Tate said. “That’s �ine, but it’s not �ine if you may have a physical advantage and may be able to really hurt someone. It has to be disclosed. It should be an opponent’s choice whether they want to �ight her or not.” |  |

Cruz wins second bout after coming out Staff Report KISSIMMEE, FLA. | Boxing’s �irst out athlete is now a contender for the World Boxing Organization’s featherweight championship belt after he secured a sixth-round technical knockout at Kissimmee’s Civic Center on March 15.

Orlando Cruiz, who wore shorts with the colors of the Puerto Rican �lag and rainbow colors representing the LGBT community, is nicknamed

“The Phenomenon” and beat Aalan “The Bomber” Martinez.

The WBO Latino champion retained his regional title and reinforced his No. 1 ranking in the 126-pound division after scoring a TKO at 1:19 of the sixth round against the Mexican �ighter.

According to ESPN, the win put Cruz in a position to face Mikey Garcia, the current featherweight champion.

“I’m ready for the championship,” Cruz said after the �ight. “My mind is now in challenging for the WBO belt.

Jaguars fan asks owner to cease ‘kiss cam joke’ Staff Report

J

ACKSONVILLE | Anyone who has been to a sporting event has probably seen the popular ‘kiss cam’ scanning the crowd, hoping to catch a couple sharing an intimate moment on the massive jumbotron. But it’s also a popular practice to feature two people of the same sex— often members of the opposing team—on the big screen.

The joke has raised the ire of many fans, especially those who it as offensive to the LGBT community. Brandon McCarthy, a pitcher with the Oakland A’s, called it “cheap shitty comedy that’s offensive to gay males” last year.

In March, an openly gay fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars expressed his displeasure with the kiss cam, and asked Jaguars owner Shahid Khan to cease the practice.

“The message is clear,” Dave Uible wrote in the letter.

“Jaguars are heterosexual and approved. The opponent is ‘gay,’ disapproved and the butt of a crude joke. Really, why is this even at an NFL game?”

Uible is a “proud” season ticket holder and also shares his sexuality with Khan in the letter. Since the NFL is working with equality groups to end bullying and homophobia, Uible believes the Jaguars should do the same.

“It’s disheartening to be reminded, by the NFL, that you really aren’t quite as equal as the other season ticket holders,” Uible said. “It’s time for this not-too-subtle homophobic joke to go, too.”

Jacksonville is not very gay friendly, at least on a governmental level. There is no domestic partner registration and the city’s human rights ordinance does not protect the LGBT community in employment, housing or accommodations.

“Maybe our backwards city leaders will…follow your lead,” Uible says in the closing of the letter.

Khan has yet to respond to Uible’s letter. |  |

sports

Trans MMA fighter sparks debate on ‘fair fighting’

40-plus athletes urge marriage equality Staff Report

I’m thirsty for glory now.”

When his challenger went down, Cruz climbed the ropes of the ring and pointed to the rainbow �lag on his trunks, which caused the audience to scream approval, according to a report from The Advocate.

Since his win, Cruz has been on social media, thanking God, his grandmother, trainers and the LGBT community on Twitter. He wrote, in Spanish, “I love you and carry you with me.” |  |

More than 40 professional athletes signed the Athletes Brief, designed to show the Surpreme Court the growing support in sports for same-sex marriage.

The court on March 26 and 27 heard arguments about the constitutionality of Proposition 8, a law passed in California outlawing same-sex marriages, and a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents the federal government from recognizing gay unions in states where they are legal.

Notables on the list include Chris Kluwe, Brendan Ayanbadejo, Scott Fujita, Pkey CHatman, Sean Avery and Wade Davis. Also on the list is athlete ally Hudson Taylor. |  |

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PHOTOGRAPHY: BABES IN BONNETS

Galleryw Go see more photos at

watermarkonline.com

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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HE PARLIAMENT HOUSE PLAYED HOST TO ORLANDO’S BIGGEST LGBT EASTER CELEBRATION, OF SORTS, when “Babes in Bonnets” invaded the Footlight Theatre on March 25. The array of fabulous headwear sported by beautiful models helped raise $8,350 for the Orlando Youth Alliance.

Danielle Hunter, Darcel Stevens and Michael Wanzie all emceed the event.

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

Photography

by Chris Stephenson CSTEPHENSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

watermarkonline.com

Bánh Mi • Sandwiches • Vietnamese Iced Coffee Fresh Fruit Smoothies & Boba Tea • Vegetarian Dishes

N. MILLS AVE.

VIRGINIA DR. MONTANA ST.

E. COLONIAL DR.

yum-mì

1227 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 407-894-1808 www.YummiSandwiches.com

Speakers • Presentations • Earth Kids Zone Environmental & Humane Education • Animal Haven Artist Corner • Live Music and Entertainment • Restaurant Booths 100+ Eco-Friendly Vendors • and Much More! Featuring:

Saturday, April 21, 2013 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Lake Eola Park (east side) | 195 N. Rosalind Avenue Orlando, FL 32801

Ibex Puppetry’s Endangered Species Parade

FREE EVENT!

www.CFEarthDay.org

Presented by

Check the website for more info about the event and other Earth Week activities.

All money raised will be used for local environmental education and outreach.

MAR. 28 - APR. 10, 2013 // ISSUE 20.07

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