Watermark Issue: 20.08: Supreme Court and Gay Marriage

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 20.08 • APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 16 // STATE 17 // NATION & WORLD 27 // IN DEPTH 33 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 41 // EVENT PLANNER 43 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 45 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 47 // TRANSITIONS 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 53 // SPORTS

PAGE

17

I have concluded the federal government should no longer discriminate against people who want to make lifelong, loving commitments to each other.’

—SEN. HEIDI HEITKAMP (D-ND)

ON THE COVER

PAGE Justice Ruth Bader

may have driven 27 Ginsburg the final nail into the

Defense of Marriage Act’s coffin when she called limited same-sex marriage recognition as skim milk marriage.

We take a look at possible outcomes from the March arguments against Prop 8 and DOMA.

Preview

PAGE

33

GET ON THE BUS: The much anticipated arrival of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical has landed in Florida. We talk to out performer Bryan West, “Adam/Felicia,” about the show and it’s light-hearted, musical message.

WATERMARK ISSUE 20.08 //APR. 11 - APR. 24 , 2013

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE Community leaders gathered

PAGE Just over 200 people

IN DEPTH

GALLERY W

Illustration

by Jake Stevens

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

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

08

to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court cases for marriage equality at The Center in Orlando; Scott Randolph, Orange County Tax Collector, has instituted a tax credit to even things up for LGBT employees discriminated against by the federal tax code; more.

12

attended a Light The Way Tampa Bay vigil supporting marriage equality on the steps of the Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse March 26; this year’s St. Pete Pride grand marshals will be chosen by community vote; Harvey Milk Festival announces its weekend lineup; more.

PAGE The arguments have been

25

heard and the decision has more than likely already been written. But we won’t know for sure what the Supreme Court will decide about the future of marriage equality in America until June. We take a look at the possible outcomes and the furor leading up to the arguments.

PAGE It was a chilly night, but that

stop some 200 people 54 didn’t from supporting a peaceful

gathering for marriage equality on the steps of a downtown Tampa courthouse March 26. The signs relaying messages of support were especially captivating, and we share a few of our favorites here.

THE BRAND NEW WATERMARKONLINE.COM IS COMING SOON! KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR OUR NEW LOOK. APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LEGALPERSON ENCOURAGED

BY NELSON

I

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AM THRILLED THAT BILL NELSON LISTENED TO THE VOICES OF FLORIDIANS and to his own conscience (by supporting marriage equality). The Senator has an admirable record on so many issues that this blind spot stood out as incongruous to the principles he has espoused for years.

His voice matters a great deal and his evolution on equality is a roadmap for others to understand that it is wrong to in�lict �inancial burdens and to impose the indignity of second class citizenship on our families.

NADINE SMITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EQUALITY FLORIDA

MARRIAGE MAZE

T

HANK YOU TO STEVE BLANCHARD FOR SO PRECISELY DESCRIBING HOW RIDICULOUS THE MARRIAGE LAWS ARE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. I have struggled to explain to friends why marriage de�ined by states is so problematic, and I have never come up with a better explanation than Steve’s Editor’s Desk in the recent issue [Issue 20.07].

Having a relationship de�ined by where you are within the country

“The best thing same-sex couples can do right now is to enter into a simple estate plan.”

—GIDEON ALPER

is ridiculous. Imagine if our heterosexual parents had their marriage de�ined strictly by the borders of the states!

Today’s families are no different and as a country we should embrace marriage equality in every state, not just a select few.

MEGAN BAKER ORLANDO

STATE REGISTRY NOT ENOUGH

F

LORIDA’S SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND ELDER AFFAIRS ADVANCED A BILL out of committee that would establish a state-wide domestic partnership registry.

The proposed registry would only grant limited rights to Florida gay and lesbian couples. Speci�ically, the registry would grants hospital visitation rights and the power to make end-of-life decisions about medical treatment and burial arrangements.

These limited protections are not enough to protect

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APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

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the rights of same-sex couples in Florida, and pale in comparison to the protections that marriage provides. The best thing same-sex couples can do right now is to enter into a simple estate plan, which includes a will, a power of attorney, and a few other documents.

Unfortunately, time and again couples tell me that they think they have obtained all the rights they can get by signing up with local domestic partnership registries.

I believe this trend will continue should the statewide domestic partnership registry become active.

Same-sex couples will sign up for it thinking it is all they have to do, leaving themselves legally unprotected in most situations in life, and totally unprotected should they ever leave the state.

Still, a statewide domestic partnership registry would be an important �irst step towards more rights for LGBT couples.

GIDEON ALPER ORLANDO

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

E

Desk

ARLIER THIS YEAR I MADE A TRIP TO

my home town just south of St. Louis. I hadn’t been there in nearly four years, but a medical procedure with some potentially serious after-effects involving my mother prompted the two-and-a-half hour plane ride north.

Fortunately, everything worked out well with mom, but her short hospital stay meant I had a little bit of time to myself at the house in which I was raised and where she and my dad still live. The day after the surgery I left the hospital before my father, who wanted to spend a little more time with his wife of 42 years. So I was home alone and passed the time by browsing through the pile of mail on the kitchen table.

I wasn’t being nosy, but I saw that my parents still subscribe to the American Family Association

WATERMARK STAFF

Journal—the monthly publication created by the far-right, anti-gay group in Colorado that is offended by anything rainbow-related. Of course, I had to take a quick look through its pages.

When I lived at home, I would browse its contents every time my parents had tossed it to see which television shows had the organization worked into a frenzy.

My parents and the church to which we belonged hailed the publication as a guide to morality in a demoralized society headed down the irreversible path to the end times.

Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

But I used the information differently—especially regarding entertainment.

The Journal has a section in which it lists television shows that are “offensive.” The key code on the side lists reasons for the negative ratings, ranging from violence, too much sex and, of course, positive portrayals of homosexuality.

Growing up, that guide was exactly what I needed to ensure I didn’t miss the good stuff premiering on network television.

In hindsight that’s funny. But the Journal really did help me �ind programs that showed me the feelings I had toward other boys wasn’t so strange that no one had experienced those feelings before. It also directed me to movies that also depicted the “homosexual lifestyle” in a way that was “offensive to good Christians.”

In a way, the AFA Journal helped me discover the classic �ilms Too Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar and The Birdcage.

Now that I’m older, the entertainment section didn’t interest me so much. The broader cultural stories did—especially the March cover story on the Boy Scouts of America and the threat against it by homosexual extremists.

A sidebar notes that the Pentagon could extend bene�its to same-sex partners, meaning that the “forced intimacy” of gay soldiers is now invading the �ive-sided symbol of our armed forces!

I also saw an old issue that “helps” Christians love homosexuals without loving their sins— something I know my mother really did struggle with when I �irst told her I was gay.

And, to add insult to injury, every reference to marriage equality is written as gay “marriage,” which is the equivalent of using air quotes when referring to something that’s not exactly legitimate.

The experience of simply �lipping through the magazine was frustrating, and with each headline I read and every article I perused, my blood pressure would rapidly rise another notch. More than once, audible groans escaped my throat, breaking the silence in the house that otherwise was only broken by the sound of �lipping the pages.

The closed-mindedness of the organization drips off every page of the Journal, and knowing this nutty group is getting funding from members of my own family was depressing!

I didn’t say anything to my parents about the subscription.

Maybe I should have, but having an emotional discussion that focuses on religious intolerance probably isn’t recommended for someone just a day out of surgery.

And tackling the subject with my dad, who was already stressed to the max, just didn’t make sense.

The experience made me reevaluate the role I play in the LGBT community and made me proud to be involved with a publication that truly shows what it means to be LGBT. I can only hope that more people see anti-gay discrimination in publications as exactly that, rather than as some holy manual to a misguided moral truth. |  |

Growing up, the AFA Journal was exactly what I needed to ensure I didn’t miss the good stuff premiering on network television.

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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 8

STEPHEN MILLER

is a long-time Watermark contributor and author of Screened Out, our movie reviews column. He is also an Orlando playwright and business consultant. Pages 19, 35

ERIK CABAN

is the administrative assistant for Watermark and also a freelance contributor. He specializes in arts and entertainment interviews. Pages 33

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

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

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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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APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

7

orlando NEWS

NEW TEAM: (L to R) Brandon Llewellyn, Chris Hannay and Patrick Razo are the new co-owners of Savoy Orlando.

PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN

Savoy under new ownership Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

8

RLANDO | Savoy’s new owners bring decades of bartending experience, a vision for upgrading the nightclub and a desire to increase Savoy’s community outreach.

Chris Hannay, Brandon Llewellyn and Patrick Razo purchased Savoy on April 1, a transaction that’s been in the works for a year. Hannay and Llewellyn continue to work behind the nightclub’s bar, while Razo enters the equation as a big fan of Savoy.

“I just spent my time there,” Razo said. “I purchased the bar previous to purchasing the bar.”

He’ll handle the business side of Savoy while Hannay and Llewellyn hope to enrich the venture with their bartending experience—11 years apiece. Razo has owned two other companies, “a subcontracting company for a new home builder and a real estate company back in Illinois.”

The trio purchased Savoy from original owners George Butler and Randall Lambright, who established it in 2004.

“We’re already changing drink specials, our nights throughout the week,” Razo said. “We are going to be making some cosmetic changes, making it more exciting.”

That makeover includes a renovation of the attached Tattoo Lounge, which will become a sports bar called “Locker Room at Savoy.”

Razo said the name will stay because “It’s a very wellknown brand,” according to Razo. Bartender staff will also remain in place.

Hannay said the feedback from the community has been positive.

“These are nice guys and that’s a positive for our neighborhood,” said Scottie Campbell, executive director of Ivanhoe Village, the neighborhood where the bar is located. “They’ve already reached out to see how they can be more involved with the community.” |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD: Scott Randolph, Orange County Tax Collector, has instituted a tax credit to even things up for LGBT employees discriminated against by the federal tax code. PHOTO COURTESY SCOTT RANDOLPH

Making them whole Tax credits bene�it domestic partners of Orange County employees Jamie Hyman

JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

from $350 to $1,300 annually.

“It really makes the employee whole and doesn’t penalize them for wanting to add their partner or their children to their health care,” Randolph said.

Randolph said signing up for the

to wait until open enrollment in October to apply for the stipend.

He said because of privacy issues, he’s not sure how many of his 232 employees will bene�it from the stipend.

“I’ve had several come up and say thank you,” Randolph said.

“I don’t know if they’ll take full advantage of it but they’re very happy the option is there now.”

He said the hope is that this will “spread to other government entities around Orange County” to increase the impact.

“I’ve started some conversations with some of the other constitutional of�icers and there may be movement there,” Randolph said.

He has received some negative feedback; “A couple of emails, but that’s to be expected.”

Mostly, Randoph said the feedback has been very positive, “even from non-employees.”|  |

RLANDO | Orange County’s tax collector is attempting to even things up between straight employees who can get legally married and LGBT “It really makes the employee employees who cannot.

Scott Randolph, Constitutional whole and doesn’t penalize Tax Collector, has instituted the Domestic Partnership Tax Equity them for wanting to add their Policy which establishes a stipend to reimburse tax collector’s of�ice partner or their children to employees who are discriminated their health care.” against by the federal tax code’s treatment of domestic —SCOTT RANDOLPH partner health bene�its.

The stipend is not considered domestic partner registry would be salary, as that would be taxed. The amount depends what coverage the considered a qualifying event, and employees who have done that can employee seeks —which depends qualify for the stipend immediately. on whether it’s just the employee’s New employees or employees who partner added to their health care have not yet quali�ied would have or children as well—but will range

APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando

IN OTHER NEWS TRANSGENDER VICTIM SHOT, KILLED AT MOBILE HOME PARK Witnesses say four shots fired from a black sedan in the early morning hours of April 4 were intentionally pointed at a transgender resident of a mobile home park on Nimrod Lane.

That victim, who authorities have not yet identified, died at the scene. The park is in the Oak Ridge area. Deputies said that the victim was 30 years old and that they are still looking for clues to the killer’s identity. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeLine at 1-800-423-8477.

NEWS

LAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS TO REVISIT GSA The Lake County School Board will hold a final vote on whether to allow a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Carver Middle School at its board meeting on April 22. On March 11, in a preliminary vote, the board voted 3-2 in favor of allowing noncurricular clubs, which would pave the way for the GSA. The issue made headlines when the ACLU got involved after school officials ignored an 8th grade student’s request to establish the GSA in an attempt to combat bullying.

KINGS OPENING BENEFITS ORLANDO BALLET A new, upscale bowling entertainment venue, Kings, will host Bowl-erina, a night to celebrate the grand opening of the new complex and benefit the Orlando Ballet on April 16 at 7 p.m.

The mid-century themed alley will have a red carpet area, cocktails and special food just for the celebration. For more information, visit KingsBowlAmerica.com/BowlerinaTickets.

Orlando Town Hall on Marriage Equality Disrupted by Anti-LGBT Activists David Thomas Moran DAVID@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

O

RLANDO | Two anti-LGBT activists disrupted a marriage equality town hall meeting on March 27 at The GLBT Center Orlando (The Center), shouting that the crowd was going to hell for condoning homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

Almost 100 people mostly decked out in red in support of marriage equality attended the event, a panel discussion on the ongoing Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) same-sex marriage court cases under review by the United States Supreme Court.

Deland resident Charles Norris and his twin brother’s anti-LGBT remarks quickly escalated into a shouting match with other town hall attendees.

“Not only is homosexuality absurd but to even speak of

homosexual marriage is not only absurd, it’s insane...you all are going to go to hell if you do not change,” Norris said.

He and his brother were then asked to leave and eventually stormed out of the town hall.

Reactions to Norris’ comments ranged from anger to dismissal and even gratitude.

“We recognize the Norris twins from previous events that they have attended,” said Randy Stephens, The Center’s Executive Director and the town hall moderator. “I was not going to deny them the right to [speak]...To be quite honest, I’ve always enjoyed when they have spoken at the County and City commissions because it makes us look so much more sane.”

Stephens said that the twins are on the fringe and that public opinion now supports marriage equality.

Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks represented

the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance(OADO) committee on the town hall’s panel.

“I think people like [the Norris twins]...are the last dinosaurs clinging to their tired old prejudices,” Meeks said.

“I think they only represent a small segment of society, and they are freaking out because they see that they are losing and that equality is on the way.”

Meeks was joined at the town hall by panelists Michael Farmer, Equality Florida Statewide Field Director, John Ruf�ier, Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board Member, and Daniel Tilley, ACLU of Florida LGBT Advocate.

Meeks said that the legal outcomes of both marriage equality cases could go in many different directions. A sweeping ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide is thought to be possible but Tilley said that it is unlikely. |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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tampa bay NEWS

Public to vote for St. Pete Pride’s Grand Marshals Staff Report

S

T PETERSBURG | For its 11th Annual Street Festival and promenade, now called Pride Carnivale, St. Pete Pride is asking the community to choose its three grand marshals in 2013.

“We heard the feedback, and we’re responding,” said Eric Skains, Executive Director. “In the past, Grand Marshals were decided by a small group from within the community much like other parades. This method often overlooks those unsung heroes within our community, and many people felt too many people were being overlooked.”

Pride sent out a survey in January and spoke with community leaders to solicit nominations. Nominees are those who have contributed most to the positive image and outlook of Tampa Bay’s LGBT community. This list was then narrowed down to three in each category: Male: Mark Bias and Carrie West, long time activists within the community; Michael Keeffe of TransAction Florida; Steve Blanchard, editor of Watermark Newsmagazine.

Female: Renee Cossette of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; Sharon Herman, a long time contributor to LGBT organizations; Susan McGrath of Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas.

Organization: AIDS Association of Pinellas (ASAP); Metro Wellness & Community Centers; PFLAG Tampa.

Voting runs throughout April, and can be done by visiting StPetePride.com. St. Pete Pride will announce its 2013 Grand Marshals at a special event on Saturday, May 18 at Bert Smith BMW in St Petersburg. The 2013 Pride Carnivale, which includes the annual Festival and Promenade, is set for June 26–30, 2013. |  |

IN OTHER NEWS RED RIBBON RUN RETURNS APRIL 28 The annual Red Ribbon Run, benefitting Metro Wellness and Community Centers, will be held at Al Lopez Park on Sunday, April 28. Registration for the 5K run/1-Mile walk, begins at 7 a.m. at the park, located at 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for teh shorter Fun Run. Prizes will be awarded for the most pledges collected. For more information, visit TampaBayRedRibbonRun.com.

UUC SARASOTA HOSTS LGBT MOVIE NIGHTS The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota now hosts LGBTQ Movie nights every fourth Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The free event at 3975 Fruitville Road features different films with LGBT themes. On April 26, the church will show Pariah. For details, visit UUSarasota.org. Donations are requested, but not required.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

YOUNG VISION: Tampa resident Tyler Meagley, 13, shares why he believes his two mothers should be legally recognized as a married couple during a vigil in downtown Tampa on March 26. PHOTO COURTESY VINNY DIPPOLITO

Lighting the Way A vigil in Tampa brings home importance of marriage Equality Steve Blanchard

EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

AMPA | While the world’s attention was focused on the U.S. Supreme Court cases surrounding California’s Proposition 8 and the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, residents in Tampa Bay and its surrounding communities brought the message of marriage equality home March 26.

Light The Way Tampa Bay was a vigil outside the Sam. M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse on North Florida Avenue that featured several speakers discussing the importance of allowing samesex couples to marry. The event was organized by GetEQUAL FL and endorsed by several

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organizations, including MCC Tampa, Living Faith MCC, Pride Tampa Bay, Get Equal and the ACLU of Florida, to name a few.

The vigil was held in conjunction with similar events across the

the Florida Immigrant Coalition said. “You can’t grant citizens equal rights within one state and deny them those same rights in another state. So immediately after these cases are resolved, they are going to have to �igure out how resolve the patchwork if someone goes on a road trip across the country their rights will change nine times. They won’t be able to hold that up for more than a year. There will be so many lawsuits that the entire system will shut down.”

A handful of anti-gay protesters attended the event, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those supporting marriage equality. John Ransom, pastor of Living Faith Community Church of Dunedin, told WMNF news that citing scripture as a way of

“My two moms mean the world to each other and I mean the world to them. Gay people aren’t some poison.”

—TYLER MEAGLEY nation. Currently, nine states and Washington D.C., allow same-sex marriage. ”When you pass those orders it creates this controversy; this con�lict with every other single state,” Juan Sousa-Rodriguez of

watermarkonline.com

Continued on page 14 |  |

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tampa bay NEWS 14

|  | Tampa Vigil from pg.12

oppressing LGBT rights is an incorrect interpretation.

“Jesus himself never said anything about homosexuality— not one word,” Randsom said.

“And yet he reached out to all that were oppressed; all who needed healing. So, today I feel con�ident that Jesus would run to homosexuals for the amount of oppression and putting down and marginalization that we’ve endured over the centuries.”

He told the crowd that shifting opinions about the LGBT community and samesex relationships have helped fuel the progress of marriage equality in the United States.

“Our opponents are in the minority right now,” said Ransom, who also spoke to the crowd. “Gay marriage is not a threat to straight marriage.”

Speakers old and young took to the microphone, including 13-year-old Tyler Meagley, who wants to see his two mothers’ relationship be recognized

by the government.

“Marriage should be seen as a bond between two people who love each other,” Meagley said.

“My two moms mean the world to each other. And I mean the world to them. Gay people aren’t some poison. If we don’t �ix this right now, we’ll be bigger idiots.”

Organizers described the vigil as a show of solidarity, not a protest and not a demonstration.

“History is in the making and it is time to bring America into the 21st century,” said Jarrod Scarbrough, who helped promote the gathering on Facebook. “Let’s give people hope and create change by using the voice of the people. Call on our veterans, back to the days of MLK, Harvey Milk, Cesar Chavez, Alice Paul and many other allies and advocates who have fought to create change through action— this is a grassroots movement.”

Scarbrough told the crowd that supporters of marriage equality must be patient and remain optimistic.

“The arch is starting to bend towards us— towards equality,” Scarbrough said. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Harvey Milk Fest announces lineup Staff Report

S

ARASOTA | The fourth Annual Harvey Milk Festival is scheduled for May 16-18 and will return to the historic downtown district of Sarasota. Several bands are on board to entertain this year, as are a number of other, special events to commemorate the slain California civil rights pioneer.

On May 16th, the festival will screen the documentary I Am Divine, portraying the life of iconic drag queen Divine. The �ilm features interviews with John Waters, who directed Divine, and Ricki Lake and Mink Stole.

On May 17, The Equality Art Gallery returns with works from local and national artists. The free show is at MillerBrady Fine Art Gallery.

On Sunday, May 18,

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the large street festival returns to Five Points park. Along with vendor tables, nine performing acts—national and local— will take the stage.

“All of our performers believe in LGBT equality,” said organizer Shannon Fortner. “This creates a welcoming environment for everyone.”

This year’s headliner is French Horn Rebellion from Milwaukee, Wis., an indie brother duo who have pioneered the “Next Jack Swing” movement. The 2013 co-headliner is Clementine and The Galaxy, a New York City-based duo.

Other acts include Good Graeff, Jen Rock and The Cry Babies, Bard and Mustache, Zulu Wave, Brazos the Rat and Waking Giants.

Fortner’s own band, MeteorEYES will also perform as a co-headliner the day of the street festival.

watermarkonline.com

Several speakers will address the issue of LGBT equality during the festival, including Michael Farmer, Equality Florida’s �ield coordinator, and Tesla Gunderson, an ALSO Out Youth teen staff member.

An of�icial after party at Throb Nightclub will follow the festival and the $5 cover charge goes directly to the Harvey Milk Festival if that patron is wearing a festival wristband.

The of�icial after party for HMF/Music will be held at Throb Nightclub. The �ive-dollar cover will be donated to the festival for any attendee wearing an of�icial HMF bracelet.

The annual Harvey Milk festival street party begins at 4 p.m. For details, visit HarveyMilkFestival.com. |  |

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state NEWS

House bill could circumvent LGBT protections Staff report

O

n April 4, the Florida House passed a bill that some believe could allow communities to avoid following ordinances set in place to protect LGBT citizens.

House Bill 655 passed 75-43 and states that it provides “for applicability and future repeal of certain ordinance and conforming provisions to constitutional requirements relating to the state minimum wage.”

According to Michael Farmer of Equality Florida, the bill is trouble for Florida’s LGBT citizens and workers who earn hourly wages.

“It’s a bill that would kill ordinances that require employers to provide equal bene�its to gay couples, kills ordinances that require employers to provide earned sick time, kills ordinances that protects works from wage theft,” Farmer said on Facebook.

The language of the bill doesn’t directly mention LGBTs or their families, but does say, that political subdivisions, like cities, townships, etc., may not require employers to provide employment bene�its not otherwise required by state or federal law. |  |

Harvey Milk Fest announces lineup Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

T

ALLAHASSEE | The Florida Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs approved the Families First Bill, a proposed statewide domestic partner registry, in a 5-4 vote April 1.

At the hearing in Tallahassee, all of the bill’s supporters who showed up to testify opted to “waive and support,” which means they did not speak but stated that they back the statewide domestic partner registry.

“We secured the votes we needed just before the hearing,” said Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks, one of the people scheduled to speak. “So as a courtesy to Senator [Eleanor] Sobel and Senator [Nancy] Detert, who had bills they were sponsoring in other Committee hearings, we agreed to waive our public comment to speed things along so they could leave to present their other bills.

Only two speakers were in

opposition to the bill. One of them was John Stemberger with the Florida Family Council who is a notorious local anti-gay activist.

Stemberger distributed to the Senators a document that outlined communities that created domestic partner registries, which then had marriage equality follow. “[At the last hearing on the bill], the proponents were saying that it was not marriage but when the debate came, the esteemed senator and others were talking about marriage and that’s what it was about,” he said. “[Domestic partner registries] are not good public policy because of the precedent they set for same-sex marriage.”

Sen. Sobel (D-Hollywood) �irst �iled the bill in January.

On Feb. 19, the committee rejected the bill despite strong support from speakers in favor of the registry. Several of the Senators—including Sen. Detert (R-Sarasota)—who indicated that they would not move the bill forward said it was because the bill was not speci�ic enough in the rights

it would provide domestic partners.

“The re-write of the Bill (making it clearer and narrower and delineating the rights granted) �lipped Detert’s vote,” Meeks said. “It passed today because Senator de la Portilla was absent—when I spoke to him last he said he did not know how he intended to vote, but his absence gave us a 5-4 victory.”

After the vote, Sobel thanked the room for attending and waiving their time.

“The bill passes today and we have made history in the Florida senate,” she said. “We look forward to making this a reality eventually in the state of Florida because it’s really about fundamental fairness.”

According to Meeks, the bill confers seven rights to couples registered as domestic partners: hospital visitation, correctional facility visitation, right to make funeral arrangements, healthcare decisions when the partner is incapacitated, inheritance rights and the right to own property together.

Next, the bill goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee. |  |

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watermarkonline.com

Wire Report

Manchin of West Virginia.

Pryor had said previously that he was “undecided” as to whether he would support marriage equality. When asked on about the issue on April 9, however, Pryor clari�ied that he hasn’t changed his mind.

“No, I’m opposed to gay marriage and have been,” he said.

Landrieu has proved more elusive when asked about marriage equality. In an April 5 interview, Landrieu told CNN that she “personally believes ‘people should love who they love and marry who they want to marry,’ but that her obligation rests with the people of Louisiana who elected her.” Marriage in Louisiana is restricted to one man and one woman.

Manchin was less equivocal on April 2 when he reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage, saying “I believe that a marriage is a union between one man and one woman. My beliefs are guided by my faith, and I support the Defense of Marriage Act.” |  |

Catholic leaders tell marriage equality supporters to skip Communion Wire Report DETROIT, MICH. | The archbishop of Detroit, Allen Vigneron, said this week that Catholics who receive Communion while advocating gay marriage would “logically bring shame for a double-dealing that is not unlike perjury.”

And Edward Peters, a Detroit professor and legal adviser to the Vatican, says Catholics who promote same-sex marriage should not try to receive holy Communion, reports the Detroit Free Press.

The comments of Vigneron and Peters highlighted in an April 8 Free Press article are part of a polarizing discussion about gay marriage that echoes debate over whether politicians who advocate abortion rights should receive Communion, a key part of Catholic identity.

On April 7, Vigneron said about supporting gay marriage and receiving Communion: “For a Catholic to receive holy Communion and still deny the revelation Christ entrusted to the church is to try to say two contradictory things at once: ‘I believe the church offers the saving truth of Jesus, and I reject what the church teaches.’ In effect, they would contradict themselves. This sort of behavior would result in publicly renouncing one’s integrity and logically bring shame for a double-dealing that is not unlike perjury.”

Vigneron said the church wants to help Catholics “avoid this personal disaster.”

Peters, who teaches Catholic canon law at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, said in a March 27 post on his blog that Catholic teachings make it clear that marriage is between one

man and one woman, the Free Press article continues. And so, “Catholics who promote ‘samesex marriage’ act contrary to” Catholic law “and should not approach for holy Communion,” he wrote. “They also risk having holy Communion withheld from them ... being rebuked and/or being sanctioned.”

Peters didn’t specify a Catholic politician or public �igure in his post. But he told the Free Press that a person’s “public efforts to change society’s de�inition of marriage ... amount to committing objectively wrong actions.”

Peters has said before that liberal Catholic Democrats, such as U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, should be denied Communion because of their statements and positions. |  |

KAN. LAWMAKERS OK REPEAL OF AIDS QUARANTINES BAN Kansas legislators have approved a bill that repeals a 25-year-old ban on quarantining AIDS and HIV patients.

The bill makes it easier for medical and emergency workers to learn if they’ve been exposed to infectious diseases but allows for the quarantine of AIDS and HIV patients. The bill faced strong criticism from gay rights advocates and civil libertarians.

TEXAS A&M STUDENT BILL ON GLBT CENTER FUNDING SHOT DOWN Texas A&M University’s student body president on April 5 vetoed legislation from the student senate that would have let students opt out of using their school fees to fund the LGBT Resource Center. The bill focused on funding exemptions based on religious grounds. Student body president John Claybrook vetoed the bill, saying A&M is a welcoming school.

SEN. SNOWE OF MAINE SUPPORTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY Former Sen. Olympia Snowe, who voted for the federal Defense of Marriage Act, announced April 5 that she now supports same-sex marriage. The Republican known for moderate social views said she voted for a referendum that legalized gay marriage in Maine. Snowe’s successor, independent Sen. Angus King, supports marriage equality, while Maine’s other senator, Republican Susan Collins, calls herself ``a champion’’ on equal rights for gays and lesbians but doesn’t openly support same-sex marriage.

nation+world

S

IOUX FALLS, S.D. | Sen. Tim Johnson, one of the last remaining Democratic holdouts to oppose same-sex marriage, announced April 8 that he now supports gay nuptials.

He joins a rapidly growing list of senators who support marriage equality that now includes 50 Democrats, two independents and two Republicans.

“After lengthy consideration, my views have evolved suf�iciently to support marriage equality legislation,” Johnson said in a statement. “This position doesn’t require any religious denomination to alter any of its tenets; it simply forbids government from discrimination regarding who can marry whom.”

Two freshman Democratic senators from conservative states, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, also joined the growing chorus of lawmakers who say they support marriage equality.

In separate statements released minutes apart on April 5, Donnelly and Heitkamp said their views on the issue had evolved. “`I have concluded the federal government should no longer discriminate against people who want to make lifelong, loving commitments to each other or interfere in personal, private, and intimate relationships,’’ Heitkamp said. ``I view the ability of anyone to marry as a logical extension of this belief.’’

Donnelly said he reconsidered his opposition to same-sex marriage after recent Supreme Court arguments and public discussion on the issue.

So far, 50 Democrats, two independents and two Republicans, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Rob Portman of Ohio, have announced their support for same-sex marriage. There are now only three Democrats in the Senate who have not expressed support for marriage equality: Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Joe

IN OTHER NEWS

NEWS

Senate Democrats come out for marriage equality

FRANCE’S SENATE TAKES UP MARRIAGE EQUALITY DEBATE France’s upper house of parliament has begun debating a bill to legalize same-sex marriage and allow same-sex couples to adopt children, weeks after the divisive reform was passed in the lower house. The senate debate is scheduled to last until April 13. Last month the National Assembly approved the measure, putting France on track to join about a dozen mostly European nations that allow gay marriage.

TEXAS SENATORS CONSIDER LGBT DISCRIMINATION BILL Texas senators on April 3 began formal consideration of a bill that would ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposal would allow workers to report discrimination to the Texas Workforce Commission for administrative action, but it would not allow workers to file civil lawsuits. Several cities in Texas, including Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio provide such protections to municipal employees.

URUGUAY: SENATE APPROVES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Uruguay’s Senate on April 2 voted to legalize gay marriage by approving a single law governing matrimony for heterosexuals and homosexuals. Senators voted 23-8 in favor of the bill, which must now return to the lower chamber of Congress with changes. If approved, the law would make Uruguay the second nation in Latin America and the 12th in the world to legalize gay marriage.

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3/21/13 10:56 AM

guestcolumn

R

Ebert the hero

Stephen Miller STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

OGER EBERT WAS MY HERO.

“Film critique is important, because �ilm is important,” Ebert once said in a television interview. “Films can teach us empathy.”

On his recommendation, I saw The Color Purple when I was 14. “This is one of the few movies in a long time that inspires tears of happiness,” he said. Empathy: even though I was nothing like Whoopi Goldberg’s character, I felt it. It’s still one of my absolute favorite �ilms. Thanks, Ebert!

Ebert’s show with Gene Siskel was a regular feature at my grandma Lorena’s house. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I got Lorena to go to The Strand theater in Creston, Iowa: The Empire of the Sun (she loved); Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (which she, surprisingly, adored); Dirty Dancing (which made her uncomfortable); Batman (which she thought was silly and dark); and The Color Purple, which my grandma thought was a perfectly fantastic �ilm, except for the sex, alcohol, and lesbian kissing. More than going to the actual movies, Lorena seemed to love Siskel and Ebert.

I cannot ever remember a time when the pair weren’t on television. When I was little, I thought of them as extensions of Statler and Waldorf, the two grumpy balcony guys from The Muppet Show. When they launched At the Movies in 1982, I started to appreciate their views. I found my 12-year-old self often agreeing with Ebert so much more than captious Siskel.

Many people see critics like Roger Ebert as out to kill

joy, overanalyzing �ilms, nitpicking to death. However, anyone who read Ebert’s Chicago Sun-Times column, which he started in 1967, or saw him on television sometime between 1975 and 2011, will know that Ebert expressed great love and passion for �ilm. He wanted us to be happy. He wanted us to spend our money well.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Ebert sat through bad movies so we wouldn’t have to.”

Ebert also wanted us to be content in our homes. This television star and Pulitzer Prize winner (the �irst �ilm critic) was also a staunch ally of the LGBT community and our rights.

“My feeling is that love between consenting adults is admirable,” he said.

Though a lifelong Catholic, he was always critical of the denomination’s stand on LGBT rights. In 2005, he revealed that his childhood home was devoid of LGBT prejudice. His mom worked for a lesbian couple for years, standing in at their wedding as a maid of honor.

He was so supportive that the Westboro Baptist Church had half a dozen people picketing his funeral.

As a reviewer, I know what Ebert said is true: �ilm critics are the only buffer between the studio hype and the audience. We study good scripting, photography, acting, editing, costuming, make-up, sound, etc. Then we try to share what we’ve learned and experienced by writing about how these different arts come together in one great story, one �ilm.

It’s our job. Studios can spend millions on marketing. Sometimes the only voice with nothing at stake is the critic’s. Also our job: critics can call greater attention to small �ilms that would otherwise be missed. We do these things only for the good reason that we love �ilms. It’s our religion.

Critics want to laugh at some goofy prank or pratfall, even three days after seeing the �ilm—Sandra Bullock trying to climb a ladder in high heels in one of the few hilarious moments of The Proposal.

Critics want to be shown things they’ve never seen—the ghostly, mystical lives of Spanish orphans in The Devil’s Backbone.

Critics want to think about things they would’ve otherwise never even fathomed—how divorce is legally handled in Muslim countries, as shown in A Separation.

Critics want to suspend belief in such a way that it’s easy to cry—

He was so supportive that the Westboro Baptist Church had half a dozen people picketing his funeral.

don’t ask me about my sob-fest after Dead Man Walking.

In short, critics want movies to do what playwright Arthur Miller said good theater should do: change lives.

Ebert believed in this, and he understood that movies could change lives. People are passionate about movies and �ilm critique because the stories we tell ourselves are more than mere entertainment. They are vital.

They are the way we open up, the way we experience more, the way we live vicariously, our natural lessons in empathy, our methods of exploring, and our introduction to the power of shared experience.

Ebert wrote many things, but here’s one that will always stick with me. It’s in his review of Brokeback Mountain: “The more speci�ic a �ilm is, the more universal, because the more it understands individual characters, the more it applies to everyone.”

In that one sentence, Ebert wrote about the magic of good moviemaking, why it affects us all so deeply. This is the stuff that keeps me waiting in the dark to have my funny bone tickled, my heart broken, my mind expanded, and my life changed. I just wish Ebert were still there with me, so we could still experience it together. |  |

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guestcolumn

The godfather of LGBT marriage equality

Mark Segal

E

VERYONE IS PREDICTING

how the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on marriage equality.

Let me give you my prediction. We already won, no matter which way they rule of the some 200-plus possible rulings.

Want proof the battle’s over? It’s easy to supply.

If Prop. 8 was before the voters of California today or before the state legislature, we’d win. If DOMA was in Congress today, it wouldn’t make it to the president’s desk, and, if somehow it did, unlike President Bill Clinton, the current president wouldn’t sign it. Those two days of hearings on marriage equality had some LGBT activists so enthused with premonitions of victory that they were already handing out credit for victory—should it go to Evan Wolfson, Andrew Sullivan or even actor Rob Reiner?

The answer is, none of the above.

Each of them has added something to the battle, and each is an incredible asset to our community. But none has much of a history in the war to achieve marriage equality. Yet, if I had to vote for one of the three, it would be for Reiner, for three reasons.

He really gets what this war is about. He has worked to get this issue before the public in California, so that even if the Supreme Court sends the case back to the state, marriage equality will be a fact in California. And, third, he’s a gay ally, and one we should all be proud to have speak for us, similar to those non-African-Americans who spoke up during the �ight alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis and others of the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But there’s someone to whom even Reiner has to take a back seat.

The Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Church, has been called “the godfather of gay marriage.” Talking about the battle for or the history of marriage equality without mentioning Perry is like talking about the history of women’s rights without mentioning Gloria Steinem, Susan B. Anthony or even Emma Goldman.

Perry has literally fought this battle longer and harder than anyone. Starting in 1970, across the country from one city to another, he applied for marriage licenses for the members of his church and, even under the threat of arrest, performed commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Most of that time, members of the LGBT community looked the other way, thinking it a fool’s mission. He and his church were ridiculed by members of our own community.

Most of the �irst same-sex marriage applications �iled in states and cities around the country came from MCC. But Troy didn’t leave it there: He practiced what he preached.

After getting legally married in Canada to Phillip Ray De Blieck, he sued the state of California to recognize his marriage. His coplaintiffs were fellow longtime LGBT marriage activists Robin Tyler and Diane Olson.

That case literally set up the

Talking about the battle for or the history of marriage equality without mentioning Troy Perry is like talking about the history of women’s rights without mentioning Gloria Steinem.

marriage equality issue in California and made other activists realize this issue was real. When the U.S. Supreme Court rules, it will be due to the diligence of the Rev. Troy Perry, who has fought the court as well as his own community on this issue for more than 40 years.

In 1969, Perry held a meeting to organize his church in New York.

That meeting was picketed by members of Gay Liberation Front and Gay Youth since, in the spirit of the day, it was felt that we didn’t need a gay religion, since religion was responsible for most of the problems LGBT people faced. Troy

came out and spoke with several of the picketers and explained that there were many people out there who were believers in God and, while you might not win them to your cause, he could help them and bring them forward.

I was one of those picketers, and Troy and I have been friends since. |  |

Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media.

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4/4/13 8:31 PM

TALKING POINTS

We failed to live up to the high standard to which we hold ourselves accountable and we will strive to do better in the future.

—HRC VP FRED SAINZ, AFTER THE ORGANIZATION WAS CRITICIZED FOR SILENCING TRANSGENDER AND IMMIGRATION ACTIVISTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON MARCH 26 & 27.

2.7 MILLION GAY DAUGHTER

ERWIN JOHNSON III STEPS

SASHA BARON COHEN MAY MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT

HONG KONG MOGUL’S OUT WITH BOYFRIEND

FACEBOOK USERS UPDATED THEIR

PROFILE PICTURES

on March 26, the same day the HRC encouraged using its marriage equality logo.

120% more profile photos were

updated that day, compared to the week before.

—Source: RadCampaign.com/HRC and Facebook.com

M

AGIC JOHNSON’S SON STEPPED OUT ON THE TOWN IN A FABULOUS FUR COAT AND A MAN BAG AND WALKED HAND-IN-HAND WITH HIS BOYFRIEND IN L.A. When Erwin Johnson III was “caught” by a TMZ photographer and video crew, all they wanted to know about was how the 20-year-old felt about the renovated Staples Center and the hopes for larger, more accommodating bathrooms.

L

AST SEPTEMBER, GIGI CHAO ELOPED WITH HER GIRLFRIEND OF SEVEN YEARS. Her father, a powerful property developer, offered $65 million to any man who could convince the young woman she was straight. Now, Sasha Baron Cohen of Borat fame may make the entire mess into a movie.

In an interview with The Hong Kong Tatler, the stunning Chao talks about the thousands upon thousands of offers for her hand, the hate mail and, of course, Cohen’s interest in making her story into a �ilm. Chao tells the magazine that she is still close with her father, but he refuses to meet her wife. |  |

CRITICS QUESTION TYLER PERRY’S HIV VIEWS IN NEW FILM

C

RITICS ARE TAKING TYLER PERRY TO TASK FOR HIS HANDLING OF HIV IN HIS NEW FILM, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor. Spoiler alert: characters cheating in this �ilm contract HIV, and some

say the �ilm spreads a message that HIV is a sinner’s disease and, therefore, is deserved. Mike Ryan of The Huf�ington Post, for example, wrote that Perry “either believes that if you cheat on your partner, you deserve a terrible disease or he believes that the

people he hopes will pay money to see Tyler Perry’s Temptation believe that if you cheat on your spouse, you deserve a terrible disease. I can’t decide which is worse.” The movie is a morality play and earned $22 million its opening weekend. |  |

PEOPLE ARE TALKING AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, have been long-time supporters of the LGBT community and were active in the �ight against Proposition 8—back before it was cool in 2008.

The Johnsons issued a statement that they support and love their son, who they call EJ. |  |

WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL RUTGERS UNIVERSITY FIRED COACH MIKE RICE AFTER VIDEO OF HIM BERATING PLAYERS WITH GAY SLURS AND PHYSICAL VIOLENCE SURFACED ON ESPN.

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PHOTO COURTESY COLLECTION OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

watermark

IN DEPTH DOMA AND PROP. 8

Now We Wait

TWO LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASES IGNITED UNPRECEDENTED—AND UNEXPECTED—SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY. WILL THE JUSTICES TAKE NOTE?

O

Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

N MARCH 26-27, GAYS AND LESBIANS

throughout the nation were glued to their computers and cell phones watching for �irst reports on the landmark same-sex marriage cases being argued at the U.S. Supreme Court.

At issue on the �irst day was whether Proposition 8, passed by a narrow majority of California voters in 2008, could ban same-

sex marriages after they had been declared lawful by the state’s highest court. On the second day the justices considered whether

the federal government, by virtue of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, can deny federal bene�its to legally married same-sex couples.

The Supreme Court has already decided both cases. The nine justices met in secret on March 29—no clerks or staffers allowed—to cast their votes. A �irst draft of the majority opinion in each case is likely in the works.

And although pro-gay legal experts are optimistic, we won’t know the outcome until the court announces

its decisions in late June—on the eve of St. Pete Pride.

But what became clear during the last week of March 2013 is that LGBT equality—full, uncompromised, marriage-based equality—has �inally reached critical mass as both political reality and cultural imperative.

“This is a watershed moment,” said Orlando attorney and LGBT advocate Mary Meeks. “Whatever

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Continued on page 27 |  |

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|  | Supreme Court, DOMA,

Prop 8 from pg.25

comes out of the Supreme Court cases, it will almost certainly be good.”

SHIFT IN PUBLIC OPINION

Four years ago, when superlawyers David Boies and Ted Olson announced they would take their constitutional challenge of Prop. 8 all the way to the Supreme Court, optimism among LGBT activists was hardly universal.

Voters in state after state were banning same-sex marriage, and no federal judge had yet overruled them. Skeptics said the legal maneuver was premature and risky—a “Hail Mary” pass that could sacri�ice precious ground that had been gained.

But in four short years the tide has turned. Same-sex marriage is now legal in nine states and the District of Columbia. In March,

advisor Karl Rove has softened his stance. Fox News host Bill O’Reilly recently characterized opponents of same-sex marriage as “bible thumpers.” And radio personality Rush Limbaugh admitted last week that “there’s going to be gay marriage at some point nationwide.”

Protests, in front of the Supreme Court and in Tampa, were large, loud and con�ident. A simple idea by the Human Rights Campaign to “Turn Facebook Red” resulted in more than two million users changing their pro�ile photos to a crimson symbol of equality and turning the ubiquitous social media site into a striking political statement.

Equality Florida joined 27 organizations in 23 states in submitting an “amicus brief” or advisory opinion to the Supreme Court. A group of Republican leaders also �iled a brief, as did a coalition of 300 leading corporations including Disney,

of 40 years died. The couple was married in Canada, and the marriage was legally recognized in New York. But because of DOMA, Windsor was denied the unlimited marital exclusion on estate taxes.

In both cases, federal District and then Circuit courts found the different treatment of opposite and same-sex couples unconstitutional. And in both cases, the government entity charged with defending the laws in court—the State of California for Prop. 8, and the Justice Department for DOMA—refused.

Prop. 8 was championed in court by its sponsor organization, ProtectMarriage.com, which argued that courts should not lightly interfere with citizen referendums, and that restricting marriage was defensible as a means of protecting children and traditional families. The more conservative justices appeared to agree.

“You want us to step in and

Whatever comes out of the Supreme Court cases, it will almost certainly be good.

—MARY MEEKS, LAWYER AND LGBT ADVOCATE

President Barak Obama expressed unequivocal support for same-sex marriage. According to a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, almost 60% of Americans of all ages now support marriage equality. For those under 30, the number jumps to more than 80%.

And in the remarkable weeks before and after the Supreme Court cases were argued, there was a tidal wave of altered opinion. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton released a video endorsement of marriage equality. Husband Bill Clinton, who had signed DOMA as President, renounced the law. Republican Senator Rob Portman movingly announced his change of heart regarding same-sex marriage after his son came out to him. Portman was soon publicly joined by a dozen more Senators, including Florida’s Bill Nelson, bringing the total number supporting marriage equality to 53.

Most remarkably, even strident conservative pundits seem to have thrown in the towel. Political

Apple, Starbucks, Marriott, Morgan Stanley and Nike.

“When the Supreme Court hears these marriage equality cases, they’ll know that millions of fair-minded Floridians are demanding equal treatment under the law for themselves and their fellow Americans,” said Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith.

COLLECTIVE MORAL JUDGMENT

At the Supreme Court, a standing-room-only audience heard compelling and confusing arguments. Pointed questions from the justices at times elicited gasps and highlighted rapidly evolving perspectives on same-sex marriage.

The California case was brought by two same-sex couples, both together for more than ten years, whose marriages were nulli�ied by Prop. 8. The DOMA case originated in New York, where plaintiff Edie Windsor was forced to pay $363,000 in federal estate taxes after her partner

render a decision based on the effects of [same-sex marriage], which is newer than cell phones or the Internet?” asked Justice Samuel Alito. “We do not have the ability to see the future.”

But Justice Anthony Kennedy focused on harm done to existing families by Prop. 8.

“There are some forty thousand children in California… that live with same-sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status.

The voice of those children is important in this case, don’t you think?” he asked.

The dif�icult task of defending DOMA was left to the Republican Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, whose attorney claimed that it was necessary to enforce uniformity in federal law, and that social issues of this kind are best left to the political process.

“You don’t doubt that the lobby supporting enactment of samesex marriage laws in different

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You will have the right to make necessary medical decisions for your spouse, and to be present with them in any medical facility.

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You will have the right to make cremation, burial and funeral arrangements for your spouse.

You will have the right to visit your spouse in a correctional facility.

You will inherit your spouse’s estate… tax free.

You will inherit your spouse’s retirement account, and you will have the option of deferring distributions to your advantage.

06 07 08

You will automatically inherit jointly owned real property.

Your creditors will not be able to force sale of jointly owned real property.

When you and your spouse sell your home, the first $500,000 in capital gains will be tax free — double the amount for singles.

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You will be covered under your spouse’s employer-provided health insurance.

Your spouse will no longer be taxed for that health insurance—up to $4,000 per year.

You—and your children—will receive survivor benefits under your partner’s pension plan.

If your spouse made more than you, you will be eligible for greater social security benefits—for the rest of your life.

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If your spouse was a government employee, you will be eligible to receive a government pension.

If your spouse was a veteran, you will receive survivor benefits and burial expenses.

You will have greater access to food stamps, Medicaid and other need-based government support programs.

16 17 18 19 20 21

You can file your income taxes jointly.

Valuable child tax credits and deductions can be apportioned to the spouse that will most benefit.

You and your spouse will be legal parents for any children born after marriage.

It will be easy and inexpensive to adopt your spouse’s children as a step-parent.

You will have access to divorce courts in the event of dissolution or child custody disputes.

You can sponsor your foreign spouse for an immigrant visa and citizenship.

Continued on page 28 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

27

WHAT THEY SAID: I think it is a DOMA problem. The question is whether or not the federal government, under our federalism scheme, has the authority to regulate marriage.

Do we First is a spouse in a state that really think allows same-sex marriage, the second Congress is a domestic partner in a state that was doing allows that, but not same-sex marriage, this for and third is an equally committed loving uniformity reasons, or do relationship in a state that doesn’t allow either.Your we think that Congress’ argument is that under federal law the first should be judgment was infected by admitted, but the other two would be kept out? dislike, by fear, by animus, —JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO, DISCUSSING DOMA and so forth?

—JUSTICE ANTHONY KENNEDY — JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN, DISCUSSING DOMA When Outside did it become of the marriage unconsticontext, can I’m not sure that it’s right to view this tutional to you think of as excluding a particular group. When exclude any other the institution of marriage developed rational basis, reason, historically, people didn’t get around and homosexual couples from marriage? 1791? for a state using sexual say, ‘Let’s have this institution, but let’s 1868, when the 14th orientation as a factor in keep out homosexuals.’The institution developed to Amendment was denying homosexuals serve purposes that, by their nature, didn’t include adopted? benefits or imposing homosexual couples.

—JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA, burdens on them?

ON PROP 8.

—CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS ON PROP 8.

—JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, ON PROP 8

AS OF PRESS TIME, 54 U.S. SENATORS (50 DEM., 2 REP., 2 IND.) SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY; 173 U.S. REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY |  | Supreme Court, DOMA,

Prop 8 from pg.25

states is politically powerful, do you?” Chief Justice John Roberts asked the attorneys seeking to overturn DOMA. “As far as I can tell, political �igures are falling all over themselves to endorse your side of the case.”

But in a dramatic moment, Justice Elena Kagan resurrected at least one motive for DOMA—and

28

the same-sex marriage bans that presently exist in 39 states.

“What happened [when DOMA was passed] in 1996—and I’m going to quote from the House report here—is that, ‘Congress decided to re�lect an honor of a collective moral judgment and express moral disapproval of homosexuality,’” Kagan scolded.

“Is that what happened?”

And Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg created laughter when she acknowledged the more

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

than 1,100 federal bene�its resulting from marriage, and the impact of DOMA. “You’re saying [that in states where marriage is legal] there are two kinds of marriage: the full marriage, and then this sort of skim-milk marriage,” Ginsburg observed.

HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY

Predicting the result of the two cases is irresistible—and almost impossible, given the myriad

APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

options available to the court.

According to Meeks, much depends on the level of scrutiny the court applies to Prop. 8 and DOMA. “If the court applies a heightened scrutiny, as in sex discrimination cases, then defenders would have to demonstrate that the laws are ‘substantially related’ to an ‘important governmental interest’,” Meeks told a crowded gathering at The Center on March

watermarkonline.com

27. “That’s a much greater burden than just demonstrating that the laws have a ‘rational basis.’”

In the Prop. 8 case, the court could �ind a ‘rational basis’ for the ban, reverse the Circuit court and uphold Prop. 8. Few think this is likely.

They could also rule that ProtectMarriage.com has no standing—no personal stake in the outcome—and thus dismiss the case, leaving the Circuit court ruling intact and making same-

SEEING RED

BAR + The Human Rights Campaign asked Facebook users to turn their profile photos red and offered a red and pink HRC symbol to use. The campaign turned Facebook red and this map, compiled by a team at Facebook, shows a countyby-county look at how the red trend impacted the United States on March 26.

The team then compared the week-over-week increase. Counties with more intense colors can be thought to have greater turnout as a result of the HRC equals campaign.

The largest increase in profile photo changes was in the Washtenaw County, home to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Surprisingly, counties housing larger cities like New York and Chicago, showed only modest support of the campaign.

ARCADE sex marriage legal in California, but nowhere else. The same result would occur if the court ruled that California could not withdraw same-sex marriage once it had been made legal by the California Supreme Court.

Or the justices could rule that states like California that offer civil unions while withholding full marriage deny same-sex couples equal protection under the law. If they do, same-sex marriage will become legal not only in California, but also in the seven remaining states that allow “everything but marriage” civil unions (Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Illinois, Oregon, Nevada and Hawaii). This is the incremental result advocated in a brief �iled by the Obama Administration. It advances marriage rights in states inclined toward full equality, while leaving governance of marriage laws to the states.

Or applying heightened scrutiny, the court could rule that there is no ‘important governmental interest’ supporting California’s ban on samesex marriage and that all such bans— including the one in Florida—violate the Constitution. Many experts believe that even the most liberal justices will shy away from such a sweeping ruling, fearing a Roe v. Wade-type backlash

against the court. But others argue that gay rights have been vetted in ways unlike abortion rights.

There are fewer potential outcomes in the DOMA case, but they could be equally tectonic.

It is considered unlikely that the court will dismiss the case because House Republicans lack standing.

Also unlikely, given the tenor of questions from the justices, is that they would �ind DOMA supported by the Constitution.

Most experts think they will �ind the 1996 law unconstitutional, thus giving same-sex couples in nine states and the District of Columbia access to more than 1,100 federal laws and bene�its.

The ruling would have no impact in states that ban same-sex marriage. The next round of litigation would likely arise when legally married same-sex couples seek federal bene�its even though they reside in states that deny marriage equality.

We will all watch these two landmark Supreme Court decisions with great hopefulness. But also with the knowledge that neither Prop. 8 nor DOMA would pass in our present day world.

Happily, it is a world in which even Rush Limbaugh can be prophetic. |  |

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Searing put-downs, sequins and pop-music standards fuel this outrageous buddy/road-trip comedy. This musical spectacle, based on the 1994 cult �ilm, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up �inding more than they could ever have dreamed.

Priscilla: the Musical boasts over 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony Award®-winning costumes and features a hit parade of dance-�loor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally” and “I Will Survive.”

Watermark recently caught up with Bryan West who plays “Adam/Felicia” in this undisputed high-camp queer classic to chat about the musical, doing drag for the �irst time and his message to LGBT youth.

APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

WATERMARK: HOW DID YOU

GET YOUR START IN THEATER?

BRYAN WEST: Originally, I was in a German pop-band for about three years, called FiveNY. I was living part time in New York and part time in Germany. I always wanted to live in Los Angeles, so after that, I picked up and moved over there. I worked on commercials, writing music and other different projects. I saw Continued on page 38 |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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CarminaBurana Featuring

Dr. John Sinclair | conDuctor

TickeTs as low as $20 For TickeTs call 407-426-1739 Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre | OrlAndOBAllet.Org

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Photo by Carlos Amoedo | focustudios.com

April 12-14

Dwayne Johnson, just shoot us—don’t make us watch G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

MOVIE REVIEWS

Manly Meh

Starring Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart

W

ITH ON THE ROAD, JACK

Kerouac spun a novel of frenzied, rambling, bohemian brilliance.

His story was a loosely �ictional account of his friendship with sexy Neal Cassady, a charming, handsome, young ne’er-do-well.

Stephen Miller

STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Cassady led Kerouac on several cross-country trips in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Both men were aimless pioneers, explorers without new lands to conquer.

Cassady wooed many a women (and a few men, including poet Allen Ginsberg), stole cars, did drugs and used his looks to get what he wanted.

At the same time, Kerouac was struggling to �ind a unique writing style.

He typed this novel in long-form, jazz-infused sentences on a 120-foot, taped-together roll of paper. The groundbreaking product Kerouac created de�ined the Beats (a group he never wanted to belong to) and created generations

Olympus Has Fallen

Starring Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Jonathan Pryce

Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Dylan McDermott, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo

W

Screened Out On the Road

G.I Joe: Retaliation

HAT IS IT WITH SPRING AND SUBSTANDARD ACTION FLICKS? It’s as if,

ROAD TRIP: Sexy Garrett Hedlund takes us On the Road.

of admirers who wanted to emulate those self-destructive travels.

This movie focuses on the relationships, but that’s at a great price—it mostly misses Kerouac’s mad genius.

The acting is pretty solid. Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) is fascinating as Dean Moriarty, the �ictional version of Cassady. His swagger captures the conman perfectly. It’s easy to understand how so many fell under his sexual spell. Riley (Control) is less engaging as the �ictional Kerouac, because his creativity is never given arc.

Such an unconventional book should’ve inspired unconventional �ilmmaking. By being too quiet, too small and too sensitive, the �ilmmakers missed the opportunity to render Kerouac’s world-changing language in movie form. |  |

Gerard Butler and Aaron Eckhart in Olympus Has Fallen.

O

LYMPUS HAS FALLEN…ASLEEP.

Apparently Bruce Willis wasn’t available for this caper that after Oscar season, everyone gives up apes a Die Hard �lick. It’s amazing Hollywood to the special effects people. how good some of the action is. It’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation is like Jolt Cola jaw-dropping that these respected for tweener boys. It’s brainless and bad actors signed on for this milquetoast for you, and only the most immature plot with crappy, patriotic dialogue would �ind something enjoyable that would turn off even the most here. I cannot even recommend it America-centric audience. after a breathtaking but pointless Butler is a superhero secret service action sequence in the Himalayas, guy who’s demoted after because it’s random, a terrible accident. When pandering and impossible.

If you care to, recall the RATINGS GUIDE President Eckhart and the White House are kidnapped �irst crappy �ilm—through

by North Korean baddies, brain technology, an evil Butler must step from Cobra agent had taken over See it now! Buy behind his desk job to save President Pryce. G.I. Joe the DVD! Quote America. Freeman, as leader soldiers Johnson and Tatum lines at parties! of the Senate, becomes acting are unaware—spending hours president, where he spouts playing video games, taking Definitely worth inspiring, patriotic platitudes target practice, singing and the price of until freedom rings again. bonding in scenes that feel admission The dialogue is so clunky like lead-ins to a gay porn it made me angry. The action, �lick. Then Tatum disappears.

It’s useful as a however, is watchable.

Johnson becomes the hero. distraction Director Antoine Fuqua Finally, Cobra wipes out a Joe (Training Day) seems to have station, and Johnson and a a better sense this time of the couple other survivors have Maybe if someone else pays and you special effects, but the great to save the world. And then need a nap script and acting he once Bruce Willis shows up. garnered from A-list actors This �ilm has more has disappeared. Secretary tangents that a junior high Slightly worse of State Leo is a shame to the geometry textbook. than eternal of�ice (and this Oscar nominee Director Jon M. Chu has damnation is otherwise amazing in other directed elaborate dance �ilms). Even Eckhart doesn’t seem �it movies and Hong Kong actioners. This for his presidential role, feeling more means maybe he doesn’t possess the like a high schooler trying to perform ability to tell a coherent story arc with older and more responsible. engaging characters. Sure, the source Sure, it’s fun to watch cars blow material is cheesy 80s cartoons and up, the Washington Monument take badly rendered comic books. If you’re a beating and portions of the White going to spend millions of dollars House explode. However, the story at to take us to the Himalayas and �ly the center is bland in that way that people around on ropes, however, �irst makes audiences disrespect America, spend some of that money on a good, or at least Hollywood. |  | cohesive script. |  |

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To Our Incredible Sponsors!

Including your efforts, we were able to raise over $160,000 to provide for OUR Central Florida community!

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37

moment. You need to do that with a stage production to keep things moving and not to dwell on the dark side. It’s a little more light-hearted.

We de�initely touch on serious issues but we still keep it upbeat.

|  | Priscilla Queen of the

Desert from pg.33

an ad in the paper for the musical Hairspray when it was auditioning for its �irst national tour. So, I went to the open call and that’s how I got my �irst shot at theater.

WERE YOU WORRIED ABOUT STEPPING INTO SUCH A WELLKNOWN, ICONIC ROLE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING THE ROLE OF “ADAM/FELICIA”?

No, because I felt I knew the �ilm so well. I thought Guy Pearce was so brilliant in the movie. I kind of studied him and I try to pay homage to him. I even picked up the accent after a lot of practicing.

Since January, when the national tour kicked off. Before that, I was the understudy on Broadway. When the show opened in March 2011, I had been part of the ensemble.

When this opportunity came along, I was like, “I love that role; it’s so much fun!” I love the show and wanted to travel.

THE MOVIE IS KNOWN FOR ITS EMPOWERING MESSAGE— ESPECIALLY TO GAY AUDIENCES. HAVE YOU FOUND THAT THE STAGE PRODUCTION SERVES AS AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL AS WELL AS AN ENTERTAINMENT OUTLET?

HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED IN DRAG BEFORE?

No. Before I went to audition for the Broadway version, I went to Payless and bought these high-heeled boots, since I knew they made you audition in heels. [Laughs.] Late at night, I would walk my dog in these boots to get used to it. I remember my neighbor came out of his door one night and saw me. I had to tell him, “I swear, it’s for a job.” [Laughs.] “I’m rehearsing for a job right now.” It paid off though; I was much more comfortable dancing and stuff once I got in there for the audition.

WAS IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN THE COSTUMES?

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: Openly gay actor Bryan West, right, stars as “Adam/Felicia” in the national tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musical. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

A lot of the costumes are set pieces, really. They’re heavy. You can learn the choreography and everything but once you put the costumes on, your presence has to be ten times bigger to allow for the choreography to even show. It’s de�initely a learning process.

Late at night, I would walk my dog in these high-heeled boots to get used to it.

Everyday I come home and there’s a new scrape or a new cut. I’m always bleeding or bruised. You don’t even notice it during the show because your adrenaline is pumping. After the fact, I’m like, “I don’t even know how I got that but I’m pretty sure it was from a sequin or jewel of some kind.” Theater can be dangerous. It’s a contact sport. [Laughs.]

throw all caution to the wind and be a fun, crazy-costumed character.

I was a little self-conscious at �irst with the whole drag thing but once I got it on, the barrier between me and whatever insecurity I was having disappeared. It turned more into “I get to be whoever I want to be.” It’s empowering.

I READ THAT YOU SAID THAT THE SEQUINS ARE DANGEROUS.

FROM “CORNY COLLINS” AND “LINK” IN HAIRSPRAY TO WICKED, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D BE PLAYING SUCH A CHARACTER?

It’s really cool. Before this, I always understudied the ingénue, like Prince Charming or something. It’s great because with this role, I get to

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—BRYAN WEST, WHO PLAYS “ADAM/FELICIA”

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PLAY THIS CHARACTER?

I love the movie, �irst of all. I’ve watched it many times since I was a kid. It’s so funny, different and weird. The script is hysterical. When I got involved with the production and the auditioning process, I was

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

worried they were going to water it down but the same guy that wrote the movie, Stephan Elliott, wrote the musical. He’s kept all of my favorite parts. It’s something that’s never been done before. I was in Wicked when they started the auditions and Wicked is one of those shows that when you get cast, you never leave it because it’s such a great job. But I really wanted to break out of the box and try something new.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS PRODUCTION?

I think the show in general. I’ve been a part of it for over two years.

And every night in my dressing

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room, I look forward to the show.

The audience is right there with you. The love we feel from the audience, hearing them cheering us on; it’s just good for the soul. The interaction with the audience is my favorite part.

ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES FROM THE MOVIE VERSION?

It’s a little more cartoon-ish than the movie. The movie had a dark overtone, but with a musical that wouldn’t work as well. A lot of the scenes, like when I paint the bus after a slur has been spray-painted on it, we sing “Color the World,” making it a fantastical and jolly

watermarkonline.com

When we were in Minneapolis, I had a mother and her twelve-yearold son come to the stage door and while I was signing her Playbill she said, “Thank you for being a role model for my son. It’s great to see you fully playing that character on stage.” She went on to say how her son is having a rough time in school and after reading my bio in the Playbill—in which I reference “It Gets Better”—she said it’s really inspiring. I never expected “Adam/ Felicia” to give someone con�idence like that, so it was really cool.

It really caught me offguard. It’s amazing.

YOU MENTIONED YOUR MESSAGE TO LGBT YOUTH IN THE PLAYBILL. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE GROWING UP GAY, COMING OUT AND GROWING INTO A SUCCESSFUL GAY MAN LIKE?

I’ve always been in entertainment, so it was never a foreign world to me. When I was much younger, growing up in Baltimore, I felt like I was the only one so I kept it a secret. I got picked on a lot. That was tough but in my case, I knew I was talented, so I really clung to that. In high school, I went to the School of Arts. By then, it didn’t even matter anymore. Not long after high school, I came out to my parents and stuff.

They’re supportive. Like anybody, it’s a journey. |  |

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert WHEN: Tampa’s David A. Straz Center, through April 14 and Orlando’s Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, April 16-21.

TICKETS: StrazCenter.org or OrlandoVenues.net

CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF POWER, PASSION & PERFECTION

An outrageous COMEDY by the screenwriter of

SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS and IN BRUGES

– THE SEATTLE TIMES

VeniceStage.com

941.488.1115

PERFORMING

SWAN LAKE (Act III pas de deux)

+

GLORIA

+

RETURN Sarah Nealis. Photo by MyUnionHouse

+

Balanchine’s

Tickets start at

Photo by Rachel Neville

AGON

www.dancetheatreofharlem.org

SMART $15! “SERIOUSLY & VERY FUNNY” THE YEAR’S by David Ives AsoloRep.org “ BEST PLAY 941-351-8000 THE NEW YORK TIMES

directed by Tea Alagic

`

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Now - Apr. 28

Contains mature language and strong THE NEW YORKER THE WALL STREET JOURNAL sexual themes. Recommended ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY in the Historic Asolo Theater for 17 and over.

APRIL 21 • TICKETS AND DINING: 813.229.STAR (7827) STRAZCENTER.ORG • OUTSIDE TAMPA BAY: 800.955.1045 GROUP SERVICES (10 OR MORE): 813.222.1018 OR 1016

EVENTS, DAYS, DATES, TIMES, PERFORMERS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

FIRST TIME IN TAMPA SINCE 2001!

APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

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39

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ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT EVENT PLANNER

QUICK PICKS Orlando

Carmina Burana APRIL 14 & 16 Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre 407-849-2577 TicketMaster.com

Winter Garden The Wizard of Oz APRIL 19-MAY 26 The Garden Theatre 407-877-4736 GardenTheatre.org

Clearwater

Weird Al Yankovic APRIL 13 Ruth Eckerd Hall 727-791-7400 RuthEckerdHall.com

Sarasota

The Addams Family APRIL 22 Van Wezel 941-953-3368 VanWezel.org

Winter Haven The 39 Steps

APRIL 11-28 Theatre Winter Haven 863-294-7469 For more events or to submit your upcoming show, concert or performance, visit

watermarkonline.com.

Stuffed AND Unstrung W ST. PETERSBURG

HAT HAPPENS WHEN HENSON

puppeteers are unleashed? You get a new breed of intelligent nonsense that is Stuffed and Unstrung—a live, outrageous, comedy/variety show for adults only landing at St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater on Thursday, April 18.

S

SARASOTA LipSchtick

ARASOTA-BASED PERFORMER DAVID “SCARBIE” MITCHELL WILL PERFORM FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Florida Studio Theatre on Friday, April 12.

His signature show, Lipschtick, is a free-for-all of impersonations ranging from Julia Sugarbaker of Designing Women to Eunice from the popular family skits on The Carol Burnett Show.

The 90-minute performance is unique in that not only does Mitchell impersonate a wide range of celebrities and celebrity characters, but he does it all without ever leaving the stage.

The April 12 performance bene�its ALSO Out Youth, a Sarasota organization that provides a safe haven and resources for Sarasota and Manatee county LGBT youth. |  |

Enjoy an unpredictable evening when six talented, hilarious, expert puppeteers improvise songs and sketches based on audience suggestions. With a motley group of characters brought to life by the world-renowned puppeteers of The Jim Henson Company, this is not

F

your average night at the Improv and it is de�initely not for children. But all others are welcome to enjoy the uninhibited anarchy of live puppet performance as never seen before.

For tickets, visit TheMahaffey.com or call 727-898-2100. |  |

CLEARWATER+MELBOURNE Jillian Michaels

OR YEARS, JILLIAN MICHAELS HAS MOTIVATED— SOMETIMES BY SCREAMING AT THEM—contestants on NBC’s hit reality show The Biggest Loser. Now, the �itness guru is taking her knowledge on the road with Maximize Your Life, stopping at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on April 18 and the King Center in Melbourne on April 19.

Michaels’ stage show will

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be an interactive experience that’s part lecture, part theater, and—Michaels hopes—pure inspiration.

The celebrity trainer has two children with her partner, Heidi Rhoades, and has said that staying healthy for her children and wife have been instrumental in wanting to inspire others.

For tickets and information, visit RuthEckerdHall.com or KingCenter.com. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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DINE OUT, FIGHT AIDS

April 25, 2013

www.DineTB.org

On April 25th the following restaurants will donate a portion of your bill to fight AIDS.

Datz, Tampa

Participating Restaurants*

O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, Gulfport

St. Petersburg

Alésia L The Broken Tusk LN Chattaway D 100% Flamingo Resort D Fresh Go Wild Market & Grill L Simply Delicious NY Deli

Downtown

Neptune Grill, Gulfport

Yummy’s, Gulfport

James Beard Foundation Semifinalist, Chef Greg Baker - The Refinery, Tampa

Pia’s Trattoria, Gulfport

Sponsored Locally By:

Smokin’ J’s BBQ, Gulfport

Peg’s Cantina, Gulfport Cafe Alma, St. Petersburg

400 Beach B Cafe Alma L,D Chaing Mai Thai L,D The Cupcake Spot L,D Fortunato’s on Central D 50% Gratzzi Itallian Grille D The Hangar B Lonni’s Sandwitches L Marchand’s Bar & Grill L Parkshore Grille L St. Pete Brasserie D Tap Room at The Hollander B

Dunedin

Casa Tina’s L Hot Dogs On Main L Kelly’s for Just About Anything D Pan y Vino D

Tampa

CRU Cellars D Datz B Dough B Gaspar’s Grotto Hamburger Mary’s D Kurdi’s Fresh Med. Grill L,D,LN The Refinery D Ybor City Wine Bar D

Gulfport

Backfin Blue Cafe D Cousin’s Pizzeria D Grand Central Gulfport Cafe B ARTpool Gallery & Cafe L Habana Cafe L,D Beak’s St. Pete L,D La Cote Basque Winehouse D Cappy’s Pizza D Neptune Grill L Georgie’s Alibi L,D O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille L,D The Queens Head D Oar House L,D,LN Paco’s Tacos D Peg’s Cantina & Brew Pub D Gulf Beaches Pepperz L,D,LN Frog Pond (Redington) B,L 100% Pia’s Trottoria D Frog Pond (St. Pete Beach) B,L 50% T & Me B,L,D Clear Sky (Clearwater) B,L Tangelo’s Grille D The Village Pub L,D Smokin’ J’s BBQ L,D Clearwater Stella’s B The Blue Heron Cafe L Yummy’s L Pro Shop Pub D,LN Quench Lounge D,LN Sabai Thai L,D

CRU Cellars, Tampa

* This is only a partial list of participating restaurants.

The full list is available online at www.DineTB.org Visit the website to find participating restaurants and meal times.

Do you, or someone you know own a restaurant? Get involved, email events@asapservices.org

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ShotonSite

Tampa Bay

1- REIGN OF ROYALTY: (L-R) Former Miss ASAPs Chantel Reshae, Coco Montrese, Jocelyn Summers, Aspen Love, Alexis Mateo, Star Hayes and Alicia Foxx all returned to the 10th annual pageant at the Flamingo Resort April 7. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 2- CROWNING MOMENT: (L-R) Alicia Foxx, Aspen Love and Star Hayes pin the Miss ASAP crown on Anjila Cavalier following the pageant at Flamingo Resort April 7. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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3- CANDIDATE SUPPORT: Lucas Theodore Overby, a Libertarian candidate for the House of Representatives in Pinellas County’s District 13, speaks to marriage equality supporters outside the Sam Gibbons Courthouse in Tampa March 26. PHOTO BY VINNY DIPPOLITO 4- EGG-STATIC: (L-R) Partners Jacob Hamm and Chris Rudisill were at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City to check out the annual Easter Egg Competition. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 5- RAISING THE BAR: Flamingo Resort bartender Kelly gets cozy with Watermark editor Steve Blanchard during the Miss ASAP Pageant on April 7.

6- DANCING MAD: Friends gather for the Sarasota Pride women’s dance appropriately dubbed “March Madness” on March 23. PHOTO COURTESY PROSUZY.COM 7- BUNNY HOP: Wave-Award-winning entertainer Amy Demilo celebrates Easter as only she can at G. Bar in Ybor City March 31. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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8- BIRTHDAY TOAST: (L-R) Kori Stevens, Jaeda Fuentes and Meagan Towers toast during Towers’ birthday celebration at the Broken Tusk in St. Petersburg on April 5. PHOTO COURTESY THE BROKEN TUSK

OVERHEARD BOWLING IN BOXERS RETURNS

I

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT THE ANNUAL BOWLING IN BOXERS FUNDRAISING EVENT IN SARASOTA IS BACK FOR ITS 14TH YEAR! The April 14 gathering at AMF Gulf Gate Lanes in Sarasota bene�its ALSO Out Youth and Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota. As in past years, expect a huge assortment of prizes to be raf�led off in a number of ways and the always entertaining Boxers contest. The competition goes from hilarious to hot and also helps raise a ton of money for very worthy LGBT causes. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at ALSOYouth.org.

ART EGG-STRAVAGANZA

A TOAST TO TOWERS

ORE THAN 20 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL EASTER EGG DECORATING CONTEST HELD AT BRADLEY’S ON 7TH in Ybor City over the Easter holiday weekend. Eggs were painted to represent spring scenes, bunnies and whimsical art. But there were even a number of bizarre creatures etched into the fragile eggshells—including a depiction of Mark Bias of MC Film Festival rendered by local artist Peter B. As with past years, the top three eggs were rewarded with prizes. This year’s winning artists are Chou Chou Guilder, Enrique Hernandez and Alexis Mae Perry.

TAMPA BAY ENTERTAINER MEAGAN TOWERS CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY IN STYLE ON APRIL 5 when The Broken Tusk held a birthday extravaganza in her honor. The bar was packed with well-wishers and fellow performers Kori Stevens and Jaeda Fuentes were on hand to keep the entertainment coming all night long. Of course, the celebration would not have been complete without a birthday cake, which was presented to Towers late into the evening. When asked about the celebration later in the weekend, Towers had this to say: “It was wonderful seeing so many people there. I couldn’t have asked for a better party and for more support.”

M

CAVALIER TAKES MISS ASAP TITLE

T

HE FLAMING RESORT WAS PACKED ON APRIL 7 AS FOUR CONTESTANTS VIED FOR THE TITLE OF MISS ASAP 2013. The 10th Annual pageant started with a parade of former title holders, which included RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Alexis Mateo and Coco Montrese.

Now, Anjila Cavalier can add her name to the roster of impersonators who have worn the Miss ASAP sash. Judges selected her to represent the organization over the next year.

Other contestants included Nicky Monet, Tayanna Love and Jelitza Fierce and the

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pageant was emceed by the hilarious Melanie Minyon and the adorable Zachary Hines.

Cavalier was swarmed with well-wishers following her crowning, but she made sure she thanked everyone through her Facebook page: “Thank you Florida. Your love and support have truly aspired me to new dimensions, not only as an entertainer but also as an individual. To all the supporters and newly found supporters of Anjla Thank you soooo much for giving me a sense of purpose and direction in your community! I will make sure as your newly crowned Miss ASAP to be everything you need me to be and more.” |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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Mad Cow Theatre Presents

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

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

Music by Henry Krieger Lyrics and Book by Tom Eyen

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

8

$

4 HOUR LOCKERS M – F • 10AM – 2PM

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

THE CLUB ORLANDO ®

GOOD. CLEAN. FUN.

Our “green” urban chic hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando close to impressive venues and Orlando attractions.

Opening June 7, 2013 Sponsored by

Commitment Ceremonies | Conferences | Seminars

407-843-8700 and ask for the VIP rate of only $89*!!! *Based upon availability

sales@downtowncrowne.com www.downtowncrowne.com 304 W. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801

Tickets Starting at $27.00 Call The Box offiCe aT 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 44

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

54 W. ChurCh STreeT

THE HARRIETT Mad Cow TheaTre APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

watermarkonline.com

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ORLANDO

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1- TALKING MEDICINE: (L to R) Randy Stephens, Terri Giannoutsos, Elizabeth McCarthy, Bryan Beal and Jennifer Marvin discussed LGBT medical issues with about 120 first year medical students at the UCF College of Medicine Lake Nona. PHOTO COURTESY ELIZABETH MCCARTHY 2- PICK UP THE MIC: Hip-hop/pop/soul duo God-Des & She rock the stage at Revolution Nightclub April 6. PHOTO BY SHELLEY GILLEON

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3- ART IN THE PARK: Locals gather for food, live music and art at the first ever Sunday Morning Coming Down Picnic Jam, April 7 at Menello Museum of American Art. PHOTO BY SCOTTIE CAMPBELL 4- AUTHORED ADVICE: Best-selling author Jennie Boylan (in purple) speaks to students and community members at Rollins College March 26. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 5- TIARA TIME: (L to R) Scott Dunkle, Adam Rodgers, Jeremiah Catherwood and Kevin Kuhta wait for the start of Little Miss Parliament House Talent Show at the Footlight Theatre March 30. PHOTO BY RICK CLAGGETT 6- THE BOMB: Brandon Williams (center) photobombs Michael Vacirca (left) and Jasen Malave during Sunday Funday at Ember on April 7. PHOTO BY DANIEL SHULTZ 7- BEACH BOYS: Rob Domenico (left) and Danny Pelham enjoy a sunny day at Cocoa Beach April 9. PHOTO COURTESY ROB DOMENICO 8- LET’S GET PAINTED!: Christina Sockol (left) and Lauren Hartley get colorful March 31 at the Holi Festival, at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN

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OVERHEARD WHAT THE FRINGE?

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N MONDAY APRIL 15, THE CITY’S LARGEST ARTS AND THEATRE FESTIVAL, ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL, will commence with a general audience preview. Twenty acts will offer up previews of their shows to help you decide which must-see shows you need to get tickets for, and which ones don’t appeal to your tastes. Everything from musical theatre, dance, comedy, improv, acrobatics, ukelele to singing bears! Some of the performances include: Dance For Grandma by PET Projects, Once Upon a Wonderland by

Yow Dance and Miss Inner Beauty by Shelarious Sheli Productions. For more info., contact nicole@orlandofringe. org. Also, pay attention to WatermarkOnline.com, where our staff of freelancers will check out shows and let our readers know what they thought of this year’s lineup.

MAKING AN IMPACT

E

VERY SUNDAY, A TEAM FROM THE CENTRAL FLORIDA SOFTBALL LEAGUE HANDLES THE TASK OF RUNNING A CONCESSION STAND DURING THE SUNDAY GAMES. On Sunday, April 7, Team Impact, sponsored by

Hamburger Mary’s Orlando and The Hope & Help Center of Central Florida raised over $800. All proceeds raised will go toward AIDS Walk Orlando. “$800 for the AIDS Walk is tremendous,” said team manager Norm Gentry.

PRIDE AND NO PREJUDICE

I

T WAS A BUSY WEEK AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ORLANDO, WHO ONCE AGAIN HOSTED BIG BOY PRIDE APRIL 4-8. The event boasts “men of size and men of color.” Hundreds of “Big Brothas” and those who love them gathered for a week of

events including games and variety show. Then, on April 8, the resort hosted Florida Regional Entertainer of the Year, where former NEOY’s performed, including Electra, Nina West, Mokha Montrese, Necole LuV Dupree and DeeRanged. Tiffany T. McCray of Tampa was crowned Florida Entertainer of the Year 2013 and Orlando’s Addison Taylor was named the first alternate.

DUDE LOOKS LIKE A LADY

I

T’S THAT TIME AGAIN! Grab the duct tape, dust off your wigs and strap down your “girls” for the 5th annual

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Mr. and Ms. CFSL Pageant. On April 14, Parliament House’s Footlight Theater will play host to Orlando’s gay and lesbian softball players from the Central Florida Softball League for a competition like no other. Think turnabout. Mr/Ms CFSL is an annual amateur cross-dressing fundraiser to assist teams that represent the league at the NAGAAA and ASANA World Series. Any team is welcome to participate in an evening that guarantees to be full of laughs and entertainment. Last year’s winners were Mr. CFSL: Amber Hart from Cascades MedSpa Plastics and Ms. CFSL: Eric Hans from Nick Wild Stallions. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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accountant

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

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46

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massage+bodywork • Massage • Microdermabrasion • Facials • Bodyhair wax • Ultrasound • Craniosacral Therapy

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

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LICENSE# MA337167 / MM12873

tampa bay marketplace

CELEBRATE!: Mitchell Ryan of Tampa, at right and pictured with Stephen Warne during Tampa’s WAVE Award party in November, celebrates his birthday on April 17.

Transitions

CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Passing

Donnie Dennison, a long-time Tampa bartender, passed away on March 14. He was 59.

Friends and family gathered to remember the well-liked bartender on Saturday, March 30, where former employers and patrons shared memories of Dennison. According to Carrie West of MC Film Fest, Dennison had worked as a bartender at El Goya, Tracks, Annex, Metropolis and Baxters. He is survived by his partner, Steve.

Anniversaries

Orlando Realtor David Dorman and his partner, marketing director Scott Penyak, celebrate their eighth anniversary together on April 19.

St. Petersburg residents and former Watermark distribution heroes Claude and John Granstrand celebrate 35 years together on April 17.

Birthdays Tampa Metropolitan Community Church’s facility manager Mac Williams, Florida Democratic Senator Joe Saunders, handsome Orlando Log Cabin Republican Patrick Howell (April 12); Florida Hospital Altamonte social worker Stacy Pease, Former OGC director Aubrey Connelly, derby girl Becca “TBex” Fisher, St. Petersburg ROTC twirler Scott Helie, GSHRadio show host and Hamburger Mary’s Tampa performer Esme Russell (April 13); former Flamingo Resort cast member Andromeda Strain (April 14); muscular,

Ocala-based horse trainer Randy Eeckhout (April 15); Orlando The (GLBT) Center board member Will Perry (April 16); sexy Tampa insurance specialist and community volunteer Mitchell Ryan, Serial Thriller and swing dancer Kalyn Rushing (April 17); Orlando arts patron Jerry Baumeister, adorable former Georgie’s Alibi-St. Petersburg server John Fletcher, St. Petersburg Stonewall Democrat Beth Fountain (April 18); Olde Town Properties Realtor Patrick James, retired Tampa Fox 13 weatherman Andy Johnson (April 19); Publix at Colonialtown pharmacist Rob Young (April 20); Orlando Fringe event associate and director of marketing for David Dorman Inc., Scott Penyak, head honcho of The Center Randy Stephens, handsome, former St. Pete DJ Chad Pitt (April 21); young bear and former Tampa business owner Michael DiCamillo, Orlando fashion plate and aspiring reality-show contestant Jamesson Beane, Rollins College director of dance Bob Sherry (April 22); Tampa Leather Club member and Brandon Office Depot manager Joseph Mastrapasqua, Sunnyland Slammer and artist Amanda Vickers, former Tampa-based actor now residing in New York Christian Maier (April 23); St. Petersburg actor and theologian Tom Campbell, Watermark sales rep and plant whisperer Scott McCauley, brilliant Central Florida artist and set designer Paul Horan, former Tampa resident and current Fort Lauderdale actor Larry Buzzeo, O-Town textbook editor and mom Sara Lyna, former St. Pete Pride president Scott Turner, handsome Tampa daddy bear Bill Vincent (April 24).

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!

Arie Groen’s property maintenance Commercial and Residential Licensed

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■ installation

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

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Arie Groen’s Property Maintenance (727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

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air conditioning

accountant

attorney

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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Call for FREE ASSESSMENT

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

Leah G James, CPA, MSTax Judy L Hines, CQA 407.478.4513 • ContactUs@geckoCPA.com

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

Read It Online!

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

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando marketplace

attorney

attorney

cleaning service

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

Attorney & Counselor at Law

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

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chiropractor DR. JARED SILBERSTEIN Chiropractic Physician

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

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

(Off of John Youn Pky near Sand Lake Road)

(Hwy 50 Between close to Maguire Road)

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

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

attorney

cleaning service

counselor

orlando marketplace

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counselor

counselor

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

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

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

407-435-9995

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

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electrician

garden/nursery

CIT Y OA SIS

“Your Downtown Garden Shop” Sales - Leasing - Maintenance

Exotic Orchids Bonsai Plant Rentals

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

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

For and in-depth listing of LGBT businesses visit

the Purple Pages on

WatermarkOnline.com!

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando marketplace

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religious Holy Angels Catholic Community INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE AMERICAS

Sunday Mass 12:30 pm

worship at: First United Church of Christ 4605 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, FL 32812 407-677-0072 www.holyangelscatholiccommunity.com

All Are Welcome Here!

MetroSurance inc

MAKING GOD’S LOVE KNOWN IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

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Health • Life • Dental • Disability Critical Illness • Mortgage Protection Accident Insurance • LTC Insurance Final Expense Policies Annuities • Medicare Supplements

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Over 20 yrs. experience in Professional Tree Care

• PRUNING • REMOVAL • STUMP GRINDING • 24 HR STORM AND EMERGENCY SERVICE.

Let Us Help Secure Your Future CRAIG GOODMAN (407) 362-1600 or (888) 683-1159 WEB: www.metrosurance.org EMAIL: craig@metrosurance.org

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web site

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Voted Best Plastic Surgeon by Orlando Magazine readers

www.OrlandoPlasticSurgeryCenter.com 3872 Oakwater Circle at South Orange Avenue

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youth services

religious

Serving Central Florida's LGBTQ youth for over 20 years

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

New meeting location at Reeves United Methodist Church 1100 N. Ferncreek Ave.

in-home pet cuddling service • since 1998 (407) 246-5249 •www.cuddlesofcollegepark.com

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

orlando marketplace

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

info@OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

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[CLASSIFIEDS]

407-481-2243 • Deadline is April 19, at 5:00pm. WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New Listings Every Day!

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personal services

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

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PRIME S. COLONIALTOWN OFFICE SPACE - High profile

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

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

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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

N

EW BRUNSWICK, NJ | It only took one day for administrators at Rutgers University to �ire its head men’s basketball coach after ESPN showed footage of Mike Rice yelling gay slurs at players and hurling basketballs at their heads.

The video was originally seen by athletic director Tim Pernetti in December, who at that time suspended Rice for three games, �ined him $50,000 and ordered him to sensitivity training. But after the video was shown on ESPN’s Outside The Lines, Rutgers �ired Rice.

“I am responsible for the decision to attempt a rehabilitation of Coach Rice,” said Pernetti in a statement. “Dismissal and corrective action were debated in December and I thought it was in the best interest of everyone to

UNEMPLOYED: Rutgers University

fired men’s basketball coach Mike Rice after a video of him physically assaulting players and screaming anti-gay slurs at them aired on ESPN’s Outside The Lines.

rehabilitate, but I was wrong.

“Moving forward, I will work to regain the trust of the Rutgers community.”

These aren’t the �irst allegations of mistreatment of players. Former basketball development director Eric Murdock made accusations in the 2010-2011 season, only to have his contract not renewed for the 2011-12 season.

The video, aired on April 2, showed Rice manhandling players, shoving and pulling them by their jersey. He �ired balls at his players, including one instance where it appears that he threw a ball at one player’s head. He called his players every name imaginable, including one instance where he can be heard yelling “f—ing fairy, f—ing faggot.”

Several politicians have spoken about the videos, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who said he was “deeply disturbed” by the footage. Christie, and a number of state politicians, had called for Rice’s �iring.

Last year �ive players transferred out of the program. At the end of last season Austin Carroll (American) and Gilvydas Biruta (Rhode Island) left, with Malick Kone, Vincent Garrett and Jerome Seagears saying they intend to leave at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, NBC News reports. |  |

Bears under fire for donations to NOM Staff Report

C

HICAGO | The National Organization for Marriage, a group dedicated to battling marriage equality and other LGBT equality efforts, claimed that the Chicago Bears donated to its cause recently. The NFL team, however, was quick to say that it did not donate anything to a Ruth Institute Gala, which brought in leaders of the organization to discuss ways to defeat marriage equality.

According to OutSports.com, a signed jersey

by Bears star Brian Urlacher and a certi�icate of authenticity were donated for a raf�le. Who exactly within the Bears organization donated the item is unclear.

“The items featured in The Ruth Institute gala invitation were personal donations to Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse,” the Bears said in a statement to OutSports. “Neither was a club donation, nor do they represent the team’s view on any social issues. Any remarks stating otherwise are false.”

NOM, however, boasted about the Bears support, posting on its website a “huge thank you to the Bears for supporting our message.” |  |

sports

Rutgers fires coach after ESPN shows video of violence, anti-gay slurs

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407.403.0880 APR. 11 - APR. 24, 2013 // ISSUE 20.08

jake@jacobdickson.com watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: LIGHT THE WAY TO JUSTICE TAMPA BAY

Galleryw Go see more photos at

watermarkonline.com

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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UNDREDS OF PEOPLE TURNED OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY on Tuesday, March 26, outside the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse in downtown Tampa—the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments against the Defense of Marriage Act. Supporters of same-sex marriage held signs and spoke on a microphone to share their stories. A smaller group of anti-marriage equality protesters also attended.

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Photography

by Vinny Dippolito

watermarkonline.com

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Copyright Benson 2013. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced.

Life & Status.

Estates at Millenia

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3/14/13 4:41 PM