Watermark Issue 21.10: Logan Donahoo's Guide to Fringe

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 21.10 • MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Edie Windsor INSPIRES IN ST. PETE

Michael Jackson

GETS CIRQUE

TREATMENT IN TAMPA

OH, MY

MORE HOURS,

MORE MUSIC AT SARASOTA'S

HARVEY

MILK

GAY!

FESTIVAL

Actor Logan Donahoo guides us through what’s fabulous at Orlando Fringe

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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Diversity has 54 become a critical topic,

DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 20 // STATE 23 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 31 //ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 47 // COMMUNITY CALENDAR 49 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 51 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 53 // TRANSITIONS 54 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 55 // SPORTS 56 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 61 // LOOKING BACK

PAGE

people are talking about it all the time and I think the world is different.

— MICHAEL HAYNES, A NINE-TIME NFL PRO BOWLER

ON THE COVER

PAGE

PAGE Orlando actor

Donahoo gets into 31 Logan his Field Guide to the Gays

character to help us digest this year’s Fringe Festival selections. Donahoo has a new show this year called Field Guide to the Logan.

Preview

36 IMMORTAL: Cirque du Soleil puts its acrobatic and dancing influence to the music of Michael Jackson in its Immortal Tour, which stops in Tampa May 20 and 21. We talk with out performer Fernando Miro about the show’s worldwide acceptance.

WATERMARK ISSUE 21.10 //MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE The former home of the Full

PAGE Edith Windsor wowed the

HARVEY MILK FEST

LOOKING BACK

Photo 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

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Moon Saloon is undergoing some major renovations to become Woodstock this summer.

Openly gay Daytona resident David Cox has announced his bid for congress; Man in women’s clothing attacked in Daytona; more

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crowd at Equality Florida’s Greater St. Petersburg Gala at the Mahaffey Theater on May 3; Dining Out For Life sees success with the addition of food trucks; Pride & Passion to raise the bar yet again this year; more.

PAGE With more acts and

39

an extended day of performances, the Harvey Milk Festival is set to raise activism while enjoying art. A mixture of theater, art and music will grace Five Points Park in Sarasota May 17, and organizers expect record crowds.

PAGE In 1997 and 1998, Ellen’s

out was still huge 61 coming news! Watermark Publisher

Tom Dyer takes a journey down memory lane as he explores the headlines of those two years in his continuing look back at Watermark’s history in its 20th year.

WONDERING WHAT FRINGE SHOW TO SEE? READ OUR REVIEWS AT WATERMARKONLINE.COM MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION

I

eyeglasses contacts sunglasses 703 n. orange ave. | downtown orlando

(407) 245-7800

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

ALOMA & ST. ANDREWS

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

HAD TO LAUGH WHEN I RECENTLY OVERHEARD A GROUP OF YOUNG MEN discussing a Watermark cover story concerning gay softball leagues. They seemed to be upset the article called out the hypocrisy that the national organization to which the league belongs limits the number of straight players on each team.

Their excuse was that the local league doesn’t enforce that rule. Well I’m sorry, but if you are a part of a larger organization that does something to speci�ically ostracize our straight allies, you are just as guilty by not demanding change. Change in something like this has to start at the local level, and if those local leagues choose to ignore the rule, that puts them out front as a signal of discrimination.

As a community that has fought—and continues to �ight—so hard for every right we have, it’s sad to see our own organizations limiting access to any other group, even if they are a majority.

Just as we �ight for LGBT equality, we must continue to �ight for others by shining a light on discrimination.

I applaud your bravery in tackling the issue.

ANTONIO COTHRON VIA E-MAIL

“As a community that has fought so hard for every right we have, it’s sad to see our own organizations limiting access to any other group.”

—ANTONIO COTHRON

IMPLEMENT THE WINDSOR DECISION

T

HE DENIAL OF THE MOST BASIC BENEFIT of same-sex spouses to be buried together in Idaho violates the dignity of all LGBT veterans and is fundamentally inconsistent with the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs. We urge the V.A. to take all steps within its purview to end this harmful, needless discrimination and to ensure all veterans the basic dignity of burial beside their spouse.

Contrary to the broad standard of recognition currently utilized by the Department of Defense for active duty military personnel, the V.A.’s current limited recognition policy will undoubtedly leave thousands of families in the same position as Madelynn Taylor, who was refused the right to bury her late wife beside her, simply because of where they live.

CHAD GRIFFIN HRC PRESIDENT

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10 YEARS COUNTING

T

HE RAPID AND LASTING PROGRESS OF THE FREEDOM TO MARRY MOVEMENT is remarkable in the history of civil rights struggles. The shift in majority opinion since Massachusetts [legalized same-sex marriage in 2004] is a testament to Americans’ inherent values of fairness, freedom, and family. We will keep making the case until we �inish the job: the freedom to marry nationwide.

All of this progress didn’t just happen. It wasn’t the product of one organization, one person, one case, one state, one battle, or even one decade. We celebrate our movement that made this all so as we approach the 10th anniversary of Massachusetts’ marriage equality. With continued help, there will be no need to mark the 15th.

EVAN WOLFSON FREEDOM TO MARRY FOUNDER

CONTRIBUTORS SUSAN CLARY

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

ABSOLUTELY LOVE HISTORY—

especially the American variety. It’s the subject at which I excelled in high school and college and aced repeatedly throughout my academic career. In fact, I came “this close” to becoming a history teacher before journalism caught my attention.

That’s why I was so excited to actually shake the hand of a historic icon who has forever changed the path of this country’s history.

I can forever say that I met and spoke with Edith Windsor face to face.

The octogenarian was the guest of honor at Equality Florida’s latest gala in St. Petersburg, and she was, not surprisingly, a huge hit. With so many people in attendance, I only got about a minute with the diminutive woman who in 2013 prevailed after suing the federal

WATERMARK STAFF

government and led the Supreme Court to overturn the part of the Defense of Marriage Act that failed to recognize same-sex marriages.

When studying in school or even seeing historic sites in our country, I often wondered what it would be like to chat with Abraham Lincoln after he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, sit next to Rosa Parks on that Alabama bus or ask Martin Luther King Jr. what he thought about the status of racial equality in 21st century America.

What would Harriet Tubman tell me about the Underground

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Railroad that I don’t already know?

Would Harvey Milk be as engaging as I expect and as I’ve heard?

Unfortunately, I will never know what those experiences would be like. I have to rely on the history books and documentaries available through educational channels to form my own opinions.

Unfortunately, there’s no changing that reality. There’s a reason why historic icons are, well, historic. Typically that means they are no longer with us.

But that’s not always true.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet the Rev. Troy Perry, the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church.

It’s rare that I get tongue tied or nervous when meeting a person of note. But even after interviewing him on the phone prior to his visit to St. Pete Pride that year, I was apprehensive about shaking his hand. I wasn’t afraid of him, I just wanted to ensure I didn’t make a fool of myself.

Like so many, I was raised in a religious home and heard the anti-gay speeches that are, at this point, just boring. And while I don’t know what religious af�iliation, if any, I have these days, Rev. Perry is a historic �igure for his activism and the healing bene�its the church he created has passed along to countless members of the LGBT and allied community.

Meeting him was a highlight of my career, and my life.

No offense to the good Reverend, but meeting Edie Windsor was even more monumental. This woman decided to take on a government that refused to acknowledge the love American citizens have for members of the same sex—and she won. Because of her efforts to battle estate taxes thrust upon her after the death of her wife in 2009, Windsor has ignited a �irestorm of marriage equality that has already planted seeds here in Florida, and will someday arrive in my home state of Missouri as well.

It’s unfathomable, the things she’s accomplished.

What was most remarkable about Edie— which, despite only a brief encounter I feel I can use her nickname—is that she doesn’t introduce herself as anyone other than a widowed woman who lost the love of her life. She’s real. She’s sweet.

She’s a friend of not only the community, but of everyone she meets.

Fifteen or 20 years from now, I know that each time I hear about the historic toppling of DOMA or the lawsuit that’s named after Windsor, I’ll immediately tell anyone nearby that I had the honor of meeting her.

There are a lot of “icons” in the gay community. Cher, Lady Gaga, Madonna...all have the “icon” status thrust upon them. I’ve never met any of those women, and if I do someday I’m sure it’ll be noteworthy in my journey through this life.

But I seriously doubt I would be more excited to shake their hands than the hands of the soft-spoken, history-making Edie Windsor. |  |

No offense to the good Rev. Perry, but meeting Edie Windsor was even more monumental.

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is a longtime journalist who has worked for the St. Petersburg Times, Orlando Sentinel and Watermark Media. Her freelance work has appeared in newspapers and websites around the country.

She lives in Winter Park with her menagerie. Page 10, 12

PEGGY GREEN

is a chaplain and a ClearHeart Coach, serving the LGBT community and helping people and their families find grace and peace at the end of life. To reach her, visit ClearHeartCoaching.com. Page 25

GREG STEMM

lives in Gulfport, Fla., and has worked as a freelance writer for several local publications. He is a founding member of St. Pete Pride and active politically in Tampa Bay. Page 36

Greg Burton, Scottie Campbell, Zach Caruso, Susan Clary, Amy Dees, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Jim Walker

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

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

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

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MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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orlando NEWS

EYE ON HISTORY: If David Cox wins in November, he would be Florida’s first openly gay congressman.

David Cox could be Daytona’s first openly gay congressman Samantha Rosenthal

D

AYTONA | A Daytona man is making a run to be Florida’s �irst openly gay congressman.

David Cox, director of resources at BethunCookman University, would represent District 6, which covers St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. He said being gay won’t affect his campaign, but his plans for being a voice for Florida in Washington D.C. will.

“I happen to be a gay person, but it’s not all that I am,” Cox said. “This campaign happens to be about LGBT rights but it’s not all about that—there’s so much more.”

Cox will take on freshman congressman Ron DeSantis. The former Navy of�icer who went to Yale for undergrad and then Harvard law is moving quickly up the Republican ladder after emerging in 2012 to defeat a crowd of opponents in the primary and then besting Democrat Heather Beaven in the general election.

He has become a staple on Sunday morning news shows and is an opponent of the Affordable Care Act and continues to �ight for veterans rights.

As a candidate for Florida’s Sixth Congressional District seat, Cox states on his website that he plans to focus on �ive key issues: economic prosperity, quality of life, research and development, communal support and being a world leader. Among the issues that make-up his platform, he considers education and strengthening the working class to be the most important.

“I’m an educator, not a politician,” Cox said.

“Education is my top priority.”

This makes sense, as Cox has been an educator for Continued on page 10 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

WELCOMING WOODSTOCK: Renovations are underway at the site of the former Full Moon Saloon, with plans to reopen it as Woodstock by the summer. PHOTO BY PATRICK O’CONNOR

Full refresh Former Full Moon Saloon to be renovated, reopened as Woodstock Jamie Hyman

O

RLANDO | An Orlando gay nightclub is being resurrected after being shuttered for seven years.

Kevin Naylor and Darryl Sheppard are the new co-owners of the building that used to house the Full Moon Saloon, a popular bear bar located near Parliament House Resort that closed in 2007.

They’re renovating the building and the two acres of property, then reopening the establishment as Woodstock.

Naylor said they’ve been renting the building from a private owner since February of this year.

“We went in and cleared the two acres off in the back and we’re rebuilding the building from the ground up,” he said. “The original building built in 1915 and has some historical value and we didn’t want to trash it.”

Going along with the

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

Woodstock theme, Naylor said they’ll be a musical venue featuring local and visiting acts.

Sheppard added that they also want to re�lect Woodstock’s values of inclusiveness.

cabanas, a stage to host musical acts and maybe some water features and a volleyball court.

“We’ll also offer food, so you can eat and hang out,” he said.

“Food music friends, that’s really the recipe to life.”

Naylor said they’ve received positive reactions to their plans from the community and Woodstock’s neighbors.

“Everyone is excited,” he said.

“Parliament House is supportive. [PH owner] Don [Granatstein] came over and said ‘congratulations’ and ‘welcome to the neighborhood.’”

Naylor and Sheppard said the original goal was to be open and running by Gay Days weekend.

“That’s the goal but I have a feeling we’re not going to reach it,” Naylor said. “We’re having some issues with the permitting and the city.”

Sheppard said he thinks they’ll be ready for at least a soft opening

by Gay Days. |  |

“The original building built in 1915 and has some historical value and we didn’t want to trash it.”

—KEVIN NAYLOR

“We are gay owned and operated, we are a gay bar, but we want to attract some of the straight crowd as well,” he said, adding that the décor will be inviting and colorful.

Renovation plans include a facelift for the building’s exterior, a dance �loor, bars and a big emphasis on the outdoor space.

Sheppard said they’re planning on

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

9

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orlando NEWS

Appeals court dismisses UCF case on flawed LGBT study |  | David Cox from pg.8 10 years and has worked at the middle school, high school and college levels. He has been involved in politics through volunteer work and partnering with local organizations, but felt he wanted to become more involved and do something bigger.

“We believe in heavy representation in Florida and having a seat at the table in D.C.,” Cox said. “Having a seat at the table is key… and being able to be involved in the discussion.”

Cox said he supports LGBT equality and, although a Congressman would work at the federal level, he would love the opportunity to help make change in Florida.

“I support Equality Florida and I support equal rights for everyone,” Cox said. “On the campaign trail, I don’t have a direct hand in these laws [for in Florida], but I do throw my support behind the cause.”

Cox said he has pushed for equality by speaking at various events, including the April 12 LGBTQ+ March in St. Augustine, Fla. “I think we need to do more for the LGBT community in all of Florida,” Cox said.

Cox said he strives to be a voice for his district and Florida, advocating for education, the middle class and LGBT rights.

DeSantis has said he opposes marriage equality and also voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. “It gives me a great opportunity and platform to represent the community in a positive light and show others what can be done,” Cox said. |  |

IN OTHER NEWS 2014 PRIDE YOUTH THEATER ALLIANCE CONFERENCE COMES TO ORLANDO Hundreds of LGBT youth organizations, programs and professionals will visit Orlando this summer for the 2014 Pride Youth Theater Alliance Conference. Converge Orlando, Inc., the nonprofit LGBT Convention and Visitors Bureau for Central Florida, is working to bring PYTAC to Orlando and LGBT visitors from all over the nation, enhancing the LGBT-friendly image of Orlando and the city’s accessibility as a destination for LGBT groups and conventions. The conference will take place August 21 to 24 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

THE SECOND ANNUAL HARVEY MILK DIVERSITY BREAKFAST RETURNS For the second time, the Harvey Milk Foundation, along with presenters Watermark Media, Inc., MBA Orlando and The Center of Orlando, will host an annual breakfast to honor local community leaders. The leaders are honored in the spirit of Harvey Milk, an American politician and LGBT activist who’s goal was to bring diverse leaders together and work toward a common goal. The breakfast is Monday, May 12, at 7:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Downtown. Milk’s nephew, Stuart Milk, is scheduled to be in attendance. Tickets are available at HarveyMilkOrlando.com.

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Susan Clary

O

RLANDO | It’s bad news for an LGBT online journalist who is trying to investigate how a �lawed, anti-gay study got published.

A panel of judges April 28 dismissed an appeal �iled by the UCF Board of Trustees in November, challenging the decision of an Orlando judge who ordered the school to give the journalist documents and emails related to an anti-gay study.

The emails in question came from the UCF computer of Professor James Wright, who edits The Social Science Journal. The Journal had published the now-debunked “New Family Structure Study,” authored

by Texas Professor Mark Regenerus.

The study claims children of gay parents are less likely to thrive than children of straight parents.

The study almost immediately sent up red �lags when respected researchers across the country determined the Regnerus study failed to control for error. While the straight parents in the study were in committed, long-term relationships, the gay parents failed to feature couples in comparable relationships.

With the help of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), John Becker, who writes for The Bilerico Project, �iled a lawsuit in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orlando, which claimed the emails and documents were public record under Florida law.

Circuit Judge Donald Grincewicz

repeatedly agreed with Becker and ordered UCF to turn over the documents. Though some paperwork was given to Becker, UCF of�icials continually stalled and �inally appealed the decision last fall to the Fifth District Court of Appeal (DCA).

UCF claimed the documents and emails were private property owned by Elsevier Inc., the company that publishes The Journal. Becker argued that because Wright used public resources — like of�ice space and computers at UCF—to work on the study’s peer review process, the information is subject to public review.

In late 2013, Judge Grincewicz, who reviewed the emails and documents, excused himself from the case with no reason given. Circuit Judge John Kest was assigned to replace him and determine whether to hold a hearing on the issue.

In March 2014, the Fifth DCA said it could not determine whether a �inal order had been issued in the case. Kest decided to have a hearing April 9 to 11 to listen to arguments from UCF and Becker, though he did not review the emails and documents in question.

Kest decided to use the “Schwab” test, named after a previous Florida Supreme Court case, to determine whether the emails and documents requested by Becker fell under the legal de�inition of public or private.

Case law states that whether documents are private or public cannot be determined simply by the fact that they are located on a

publicly owned computer.

In his 19-page �inal order April 28, Kest wrote that The Journal was compiled, copy edited and produced in Chennai, India and the Netherlands; UCF did not pay for the publication of The Journal; Wright’s work was mostly done in cyberspace; his contract for the work was with Elsevier and not a function of UCF; and UCF did not play any role in the creation of The Journal.

Kest determined that The Social Science Journal “was not publically created” and the emails and other documents related to the study were not public record. Elsevier successfully argued that the records Becker wants are “trade secrets.”

Wright began editing The Social Science Journal, which was founded in 1974 at Johns Hopkins University, while a professor at the University of Massachusetts and later took it with him to Tulane University and �inally UCF. At each of those schools, he used a school address for the journal.

Elisevier Inc. did not renew Wright’s contract to serve as editor for The Social Science Journal.

Once the new editor is selected, The Journal will no longer be housed at UCF. While the Fifth DCA April 28 dismissed the UCF appeal and Becker’s motions in relation to that appeal, the court did not close the door on future �ilings in this case. Becker wrote on his blog that he intends to appeal Kest’s decision, though he had not �iled the paperwork as of press time. |  |

arrested. As of press time, Daytona police said there have been no arrests in the case.

The video, which was posted on Facebook, shows a group of men punching and kicking Jackson, who was wearing a white and black dress in the video, near the gas pump in front of the convenience store.

The police report said one of the attackers used an offensive term for gays before beating Jackson up.

Jackson was able to identify one of the men who attacked him.

Daytona Beach Chief Michael Chitwood said there is not enough evidence to declare the attack a hate

crime, but it could rise to that level.

Two suspects have been identi�ied by investigators and possibly face battery charges.

Despite being bruised and having a black eye, Jackson he feels more emotionally hurt and disconnected than physically, and he hopes this can serve to other people like himself so it doesn’t occur to the “My message to, you know, people who are like me and have been in this position, is I understand it,” Jackson told WFTV Local 9. “I get it and you know you have to be strong being when you are a different kind of person.” |  |

Daytona man attacked for dressing as a woman Staff Report

D

AYTONA | A Daytona man is calling for the arrest of a group of men who were caught on video beating him at a gas station while he was dressed as a woman.

William Jackson, the victim, said it started when he broke up a �ight that his girlfriends had with other another group of girls. Thirty minutes later, a group of men beat him up at the Citgo on International Speedway Boulevard. Jackson said he wants the men found and

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

11

tampa bay NEWS 12

RALLY FOR CASH: ASAP added a new feature to this year’s Dining Out For Life, several food truck rallies like this one at Baypoint Plaza in North St. Petersburg. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN

Food trucks join Dining Out For Life cause Samantha Rosenthal

T

AMPA BAY | Tampa Bay restaurants came together April 24 for Dining Out For Life, an annual dining fundraising event which aims to raise money for local AIDS service organizations.

Seventy-two dining locations across Tampa Bay participated this year to help reach the $63,000 goal, including proceeds that came from the new food truck rally aspect of the event.

“The food truck rallies brought out people that normally couldn’t get out to the restaurants,” said Jay Aller, resource development manager with the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP).

Aller said the goal, which was $5,000 more than last year, will hopefully be met as restaurants continue reporting what they’ve raised so far.

Dining Out For Life had 103 volunteers this year, where ambassadors from different organizations greeted, served and helped at various restaurant locations raise extra funds for ASAP. Dining Out For Life was created in 1991 by ActionsAIDS in Philadelphia, and is now an annual fundraiser in more than 60 cities.

“This year I had very few problems, and got to go around to 38 locations and visit the ambassadors and restaurant managers,” Aller said.

The food trucks were an added bonus. Through the efforts of Maggie Lo�lin of Maggie on the Move and the Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association, Aller said ASAP bene�ited from three different food truck rallies—one in North St. Petersburg and one near Downtown St. Petersburg for lunch, and one in Tampa for dinner.

As the donations and proceeds continue to come in, Aller hopes to reach the goal of $63,000.

“Next year, I want to focus on pockets of restaurants with independent owners,” Aller said.

Aller said he feels this will add to the welcoming atmosphere he desires from the event, as well as cast a wider net for even more participation in 2015.

For more information, visit ASAPServices.org. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

THANKS AND RESPECT: Edith Windsor, flanked by Stratton Pollitzer and Nadine Smith, addresses the 600-plus attendees at Equality Florida’s Greater St. Petersburg Gala at the Mahaffey Theater on May 3. PHOTO BY LAURIE ROSS

Queen Bee of Equality Edie Windsor captivates at St. Petersburg’s Equality Florida Gala Susan Clary

S

T. PETERSBURG | When the petite 85-year old Edith Windsor slowly descended the stairs at the Mahaffey Theater to step to the microphone, hundreds of people rose to their feet and applauded wildly.

Windsor spoke for a mere �ive minutes, but she spoke of the history of the gay rights movement from the 1960s in New York when she met Thea Theyer, her future wife, through the AIDS epidemic and Mary Bonuato’s work with the Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) in the 1990s. This culminated with the decision in her own case, where Windsor proudly said the word “respect” was mentioned 13 times.

“Half the people in this room are probably out now who never were before,” Windsor said. “You guys thank me. I thank you for a community that’s full of love and joy and I know Thea would be thrilled. I honor every person in this room.”

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

After her brief remarks, fans descended upon her like a swarm of bees hugging her, shaking her hands and fawning over her. She is, after all, the queen bee of the equality movement.

Windsor, affectionately known as “Edie,” was the guest of honor May 3 at the Equality Florida Greater St. Petersburg Gala, the biggest fundraiser of the year in the area. You could tell by the dozens of sponsors listed on screens throughout the venue that it was an exciting coup for the Pinellas County Chapter and the LGBT community.

The event smashed previous attendance records with 600 people in attendance, and raised more than $237,000.

Windsor, a lesbian, was the winning plaintiff in last summer’s U.S. Supreme Court case that toppled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which de�ined marriage as a heterosexual coupling. She has arguably done more for gay rights in the last decade than almost anyone.

Nadine Smith, Chief Executive Of�icer of Equality Florida, told

watermarkonline.com

the audience she was nervous and emotional introducing Windsor.

Smith watched the award-winning documentary, Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, on the day of the gala.

The 2009 �ilm chronicles the 44-year love affair between Windsor and her longtime partner Thea Spyer, who met in New York in 1962 and became engaged.

After Spyer became terminally ill, the couple �inally legally married in Toronto on May 22, 2007.

When Spyer died in 2009, Windsor was forced to pay $363,000 in estate taxes because the IRS said under DOMA, their marriage was not recognized.

Windsor �iled suit, claiming the law was unconstitutional.

The case wound its way through the courts and in a landmark decision, on June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed.

In February 2014, the Obama Administration expanded federal same-sex marriage rights in legal matters, including bankruptcies, prison visits and survivor bene�its.

Windsor, who was an unknown except to those who had seen the �ilm, became an instant celebrity.

Nearly a year later, at the Mahaffey Continued on page 14 |  |

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

13

tampa bay NEWS

ALSO Out Youth to hold alternative prom for LGBT youth Staff Report

S

arasota | With prom season right around the corner, ALSO Youth plans to hold Sarasota’s �irst alternative prom for LGBT youth and allies.

High school students from 14 to 20 are invited to attend the “A Summer Night”-themed prom on Saturday, May 10, at The Out-of-Door Academy. There is an attendance cap at 200 people, and the dress requirement is semi-formal.

Founded in 1992, ALSO Youth is a nonpro�it organization providing support, activities, programs and workshops to southwest Florida’s LGBT youth.

“The Alternative Prom is for every teenager who, for whatever reason, might not be excited about attending his or her own high school prom or dance,” said Donna Hanley, Executive Director of ALSO Youth.

“With ‘A Summer Night,’ ALSO’s goal is to provide a model of inclusion and acceptance for youth events, so that one day, all youth will feel comfortable being themselves among their peers, no matter their real or perceived differences.”

DJ Johnny Speed will spin the best dance music all night long, with refreshments from Tropicana and light bites from Blue Rooster. There will also be a photo booth to allow attendees to take complimentary souvenir photos.

A school- or government-issued photo ID and a ticket are required for entrance into the prom. Tickets are available online at AlsoYouth.org and at Tickets.

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Man gets 6 months for 2013 St. Pete Pride BB shooting Wire Report

C

LEARWATER | A Tampa Bay man has been sentenced to six months in jail for shooting a gay man with a BB gun during a gay pride parade last summer.

A Pinellas County judge sentenced 21-year-old Cornelius Davis on April 30. He pleaded guilty to felony battery. He initially faced a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Police say Davis was yelling homophobic slurs at a group of men marching at St. Pete Pride last June when he �ired the BB gun at them. One man was hit, but of�icials said he wasn’t seriously injured.

Davis later acknowledged that he was upset by how little clothing some of the marchers were wearing. |  |

14

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Pride & Passion more ambitious than ever in 2014 Steve Blanchard

T

ampa | Pride & Passion returns to the Tampa Museum of Art on Saturday, May 17, and has a very appropriate theme of “A wedding.”

“We wanted to do something that’s current and brings awareness to the issues at hand,” said event chair Kevin Reder. “’A wedding’ is appropriate given the headlines lately.”

Expect entertainment that’s over the top, Reder said. A theater production company is involved this year that features 23 actors appearing throughout the night.

He said that the look of the museum will be different this year too, with blacks and silvers |  | Edie Windsor from pg.12

Theater, she seemed to enjoy the attention. Upstairs in the VIP lounge, she smiled broadly for photographs and shook hands.

Dressed sharply in a black suit, purple top, and wearing her signature bob haircut, she still wears the circle pin adorned with diamonds that Spyer gave her upon their engagement more than 50 years ago.

When asked about all the attention, Windsor replied: “I don’t feel like a celebrity.” But when a Watermark reporter pulled out a notebook, Windsor turned away. A friend said she doesn’t speak to reporters because her hearing is very poor.

Back at the podium, Nadine Smith spoke about how far the LGBT community had come in the last decade, with an eye toward the future.

“We’re going to win passage of a statewide nondiscrimination law because we have �inally shattered the lavender ceiling and we have out-gay representation in Tallahassee and it has changed everything,” Smith said. “It is amazing.”

Smith spoke about out gay State Rep. Joe Saunders (D-Orlando), who sponsored a bipartisan bill, titled the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA) in the recent Legislative Session, with State Rep. Holly

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

decorating the museum’s atriums and whites and blues greeting guests on the terrace.

“Before we had a couple reveals,” Reder said of the entertainment. “This will be ongoing throughout the whole night.”

And be sure to stick around all night, because Reder believes the “wow” moment of the �inale will have people talking for months.

“It’s going to be a jaw-dropper,” Reder said. “It’ll take place in the atrium and make its way out to the terrace. The music will stop, these people will take their positions, spotlights will turn on and then there’s an incredible performance. It’s what I’m most excited to see.”

Pride & Passion, now in its

ninth year, is the largest annual fundraiser for the museum.

And with each passing year, the decor, the food and the “reveals” are more extravagant than the year prior.

“It’s intimidating,” Reder said.

“I’ve been involved on many boards but this is the �irst time I’ve chaired an event and the �irst time I’ve been on a board bene�itting a museum. There’s a learning process and learning how an institution work. Fortunately we have returning committee members who are passionate and who are back with some great insight. That’s helped us get to where it is this year.”

And where it is this year—so

Raschein (R-Key Largo). The bill, which has been �iled annually unsuccessfully for a decade, would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to Chapter 760 of Florida statutes. The session ended May 2 and the bill did not pass.

“You can either say ‘Our bill didn’t pass. That’s bad news,’” said Smith. “Or you can catalog the dramatic sea change in Tallahassee. A bill that before out gay legislators arrived in Tallahassee had no Republican sponsors and no business

with Carlton Fields, received the Equality Means Business Award. Burt is one of the lawyers representing six gay couples suing for the right to marry in Florida.

While guests enjoyed an open bar courtesy of Georgie’s Alibi, hors d‘oeuvres catered by Ceviche and a small silent auction, Penguin Entertainment’s EYE Candy performed Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger and Ashford and Simpson’s R&B classic Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Studio One Dance Company, dressed as Greek gods and goddesses, posed as mannequins placed through the hall. The hip hop dance troupe, who made it to the �inals of the �ifth season of America’s Got Talent, came to life and danced to several Whitney Houston hits.

There were many elected of�icials in attendance, including Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-14); State Rep. Dwight Dudley (D-St. Petersburg); Former Florida CFO Alex Sink; Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer; Pinellas County School Board Member Linda Lerner; St. Pete Mayor Kriseman; Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson; Oldsmar Vice Mayor Linda Norris; Largo Mayor Pat Gerard; and St. Petersburg City Council members Steve Kornell, Darden Rice and Amy Foster. |  |

Continued on page 16 |  |

“You guys thank me; I thank you for a community that’s full of love and joy.”

—EDIE WINDSOR

support. Today, there are 10 Republican sponsors and a dozens of major companies across our state—Disney, Darden, Tech Data—that stepped forward.”

Before guests began arriving at the Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman presented a key to the city to Windsor, and gave a proclamation to Smith proclaiming May 3, 2014 “Equality Florida Day” in the city.

During a VIP reception, Annie Hiotis received the Voice for Equality Award and Jorden Burt,

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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

15

tampa bay NEWS

|  | Pride and Passion from pg.14

far—is way ahead of schedule.

Reder said that ticket sales are up for Pride & Passion, mostly thanks to motivated committee members and volunteers pushing ticket sales early. He expects the event to sell out this year at 800 tickets, which would be the most tickets ever sold for Pride & Passion.

Last year’s event came close to that mark, but didn’t completely sell out.

“We’ve added a VIP ticket option,” said Reder. “Those tickets get guests in early at 7 p.m. and it’s limited to 150. It gives the VIPs space to enjoy the museum and it gives the access to speci�ic food and unique entertainment for an hour.”

Those tickets are $200.

General admission tickets are $100.

“We’ve gotten some push back about the $10 increase in the base ticket prices,” Reder said. “But this is the �irst time in nine years there’s been an incrase. In retrospect, you get an open bar, high end food, entertainment and access to an incredible museum for a year.”

Reder and his team hope that with new sponsorship opportunities and the VIP packages, Pride &

Passion 2014 can raise $100,000 for the museum.

Last year the event raised $72,000, Reder said. The year before it raised $103,000.

“I think the most important thing is that people enjoy themselves while they’re there,” Reder said. “The good thing is they’re helping to support the museum and promoting some awareness for the LGBT community.”

And the LGBT community is always out in full force.

Out elected of�icials, television personalities and executives are always in attendance, as well as allied of�icials. That show of support says something about Pride & Passion to Reder.

“Tampa is known for being a diverse and accepting city,” Reder said.

“I think that to have all of the support from these of�icials and so many in�luential people speaks to just how supportive everyone in Tampa is of each other.”

Pride & Passion, Reder said, is highend, but lacks “stuf�iness.”

“This is where you can let your hair down, have a good time and still enjoy an experience with your friends and neighbors while supporting the Tampa Museum of Art.” For tickets, visit PrideAndPassion.org. |  |

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19

state NEWS

Straight man barred from South Beach gay club

IN OTHER NEWS PEMBROKE PINES TO DISCUSS PARTNER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Staff report

The City of Pembroke Pines was scheduled to hold on May 7 its first public reading for an ordinance that would extend domestic partner benefits to city employees. The ordinance would extend benefits to qualifying domestic partners, the same way they’re extended to spouses of married employees.

MIAMI | A South Florida straight man is no longer welcome at a South Beach gay club.

Omar Raipute told WSVN, a Miami TV news station, that he was banned from Twist for being straight, and questioned if it was legal because he claimed he didn’t do anything wrong. Twist has been open since 1993 and has welcomed men and women—straight or gay. Rajpute said he frequents gay clubs because they play good dance music.

Twist’s manager said Omar was a “good person” but was usually a nuisance at Twist and never had money to buy drinks. He would try to solicit drinks from other guests and staff members.

Broward County’s public defender weighed in and said the club legally can bar Raipute for not buying drinks and for bothering other customers. |  |

ATLANTIC BEACH SLOWLY TAKES STEPS TOWARD HRO Atlantic Beach is still moving toward establishing a human rights ordinance.

The City Commission met April 22 to discuss further provisions for the ordinance in reference to businesses, housing and enforcement. The HRO has been up for consideration since its first public workshop Nov. 25, 2013. Despite the overwhelming support from the community, it has still not been approved, and city commissioners failed to set a date for the next workshop to further discuss and revise the HRO’s language.

Plaintiffs want state same-sex marriage ban ruled unconstitutional Jamie Hyman

M

IAMI | The plaintiffs in Florida’s marriage equality lawsuit �iled a new motion, requesting that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage be ruled unconstitutional.

The original lawsuit was �iled in January. The plaintiffs are Equality Florida Institute and six South Florida same-sex couples: Catherina Pareto and Karla Arguello; Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez and David Price; Vanessa and Melanie Alenier; Todd and Jeff Delmay; Summer Greene and Pamela Faerber; and Don Price Johnston and Jorge Isaias Diaz.

“Once we get a hearing and if we prevail on this motion, it’s over and we win,” said Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary B. Meeks, who is

part of the team representing the plaintiffs.

The motion, �iled May 1, states that Florida’s ban on marriage equality, cannot stand since the Supreme Court ruled the federal Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional.

“By barring same-sex couples from the fundamental right to marry, Florida’s marriage ban intentionally disadvantages them and discriminates on the basis of gender. There is no rational justi�ication for that ban...” the motion reads.

“We are excited to get this dispositive pleading �iled and to get these incredibly important legal arguments before a Florida court for the �irst time,” Meeks said.

The legal team representing the plaintiffs is made up

of Meeks, law �irm Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

In other marriage equality news in the Sunshine State, a federal judge rejected a motion by an anti-gay group to intervene in two lawsuits on the matter.

On April 24, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle denied a request by Florida Family Action, Inc. represented by the Liberty Counsel, to intervene in the cases.

The ruling states that in order to intervene, Florida Family Action must either cite a federal statute giving them that right or demonstrate a direct interest in the issue argued in the case. |  |

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Wire Report

Brunei embraces strict Islamic laws Wire Report BENDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI | Brunei on May 1 embraced a form of Islamic Shariah criminal law that includes harsh penalties for homosexuality, a move slammed by international rights group as a step backward for human rights.

The tiny Southeast Asian nation began phasing in a version of Shariah that allows for penalties such as amputation for theft and stoning for adultery and homosexual behavior. Most of the punishments can be applied to non-Muslims, who account for about one-third

General Mike DeWine, said in a statement that the of�ice ``is prepared to defend the state’s constitution and statutes regarding marriage.’’

A spokesman for Ohio Gov. John Kasich declined to comment ``except to say that the governor believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, and he supports Ohio’s constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.’’

Hackley said the attorney general’s of�ice will ask the court to deny any requests for immediate action ``to maintain the status quo while the case is being litigated.’’ |  |

of the 440,000 people in the oilrich country.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has introduced the law as a ``great achievement’’ for Brunei. ``The decision to implement the (Shariah penal code) is not for fun but is to obey Allah’s command as written in the Quran,’’ he said in a speech April 30.

Brunei citizens can now be �ined or jailed by Islamic courts for offences like not performing Friday prayers, pregnancy out of wedlock, propagating other religions and indecent behavior.

More severe punishments such as �logging, amputation of limbs and stoning for offenses such as

theft, adultery and sodomy will be introduced in phases over the next two years.

Human Rights Watch said the move was a ``huge step backward for human rights’’ in Brunei. ``It constitutes an authoritarian move toward brutal medieval punishments that have no place in the modern, 21st century world,’’ said its deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Campaign, which promotes LGBT equality, condemned the changes as ``draconian,’’ saying the death penalty for gay sex, the eighth nation in the world to have such a law, was ``horri�ic and sickening.’’ |  |

Hundreds of businesses, from hair salons to bakeries and art galleries, have started displaying round blue window stickers that declare: ``We don’t discriminate. If you’re buying, we’re selling.’’

The sticker campaign started in April in response to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant’s signing the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law says government cannot put a substantial burden on religious practices, without a compelling reason. While it does not speci�ically mention gays or lesbians, ``People are going to take it as permission, if you will, to discriminate against people they don’t necessarily agree with or like,’’ said Jackson hair salon

owner Eddie Outlaw.

Outlaw is one of the organizers and proponents of the ``We don’t discriminate’’ campaign. ``We have a long and well-documented history of discrimination in this state,’’ he said. ``To think there won’t be any discrimination is laughable.’’

While the Mississippi law angers him, Outlaw said he sees it as backlash from religious conservatives who are resisting equal treatment for gays and lesbians, including the right to marry. ``The rational part of me realizes this is just the death rattle of the old way of life.’’ |  |

Business window stickers protest Mississippi law Wire Report JACKSON, MISS. | In conservative Mississippi, some business owners who support equal treatment for gays and lesbians are pushing back against a new law that bans government from limiting the free practice of religion.

Critics fear the vaguely written law, which takes effect July 1, will prompt authorities to look away from anti-gay actions that are carried out in the name of religious beliefs—for example, photographers refusing to take pictures for samesex couples because they believe homosexuality is a sin.

HRC PLANS LGBT CAMPAIGN IN 3 SOUTHERN STATES The Human Rights Campaign has iaunched a three-year, $8.5 million campaign to promote LGBT equality and push for new legal protections in three Southern states dominated by conservative politics and religion and known for resistance to change: Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi.

The campagn will employ chats and front-porch visits between relatives and friends to foster an environment more welcoming toward people of all sexual orientations.

FIRST OPENLY GAY EPISCOPAL BISHOP DIVORCES HUSBAND The first openly gay bishop in the Anglican church has announced that he is divorcing his husband. Retired Bishop Gene Robinson disclosed that he is divorcing Mark Andrew in a May 3 email to the Diocese of New Hampshire.

UGA EMPLOYEES WANT GENDER IDENTITY PROTECTIONS Faculty members at Georgia’s largest university say they want discrimination against employees for gender identity banned more explicitly, on par with race, sex and religion.

Supporters acknowledge the change is a small one and doesn’t create new protection but said it speaks volumes about the University of Georgia community to current and potential students or faculty.

nation+world

C

INCINATTI | Civil rights attorneys �iled a lawsuit April 30 asking a judge to strike down Ohio’s gay marriage ban as unconstitutional and allow same-sex couples to wed in the state.

The lawsuit was �iled in federal court in Cincinnati on behalf of six gay Ohio couples who say they are in love and want to get married. ``We just want the simplest thing,” said Gary Goodman, who proposed to his longtime partner, Karl Rece Jr., in 2011. “We want to be able to marry in the state of Ohio,

and we want it to be something that we share with our friends and our family because it’s right.’’

Like other successful challenges to statewide marriage bans across the country, the attorneys who �iled the lawsuit are arguing that Ohio’s ban, passed by voters in 2004, violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the U.S. Constitution. ``A consensus is �inally emerging: the Constitution protects the right of consenting adults to love whoever they want,’’ the lawsuit says. ``It is time for Ohio to do the same.’’

Lisa Peterson Hackley, a spokeswoman for Ohio Attorney

IN OTHER NEWS

NEWS

Lawsuit aims to strike down Ohio gay marriage ban

ARKANSAS AG SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE, WILL DEFEND BAN Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said May 3 he supports allowing same-sex couples to wed but will continue defending his state’s 2004 ban on gay marriages in court. McDaniel, a Democrat, is the first statewide official in Arkansas to back same-sex marriage.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FIRE AT SEATTLE NIGHTCLUB A man who set fire to a crowded Seattle nightclub just after midnight on New Year’s Eve pleaded guilty on May 2 to a federal arson charge. U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan says 30-year-old Musab Mohammed Masmari put more than 700 people at risk when he poured gasoline in a stairwell at Neighbors, a gay nightclub, and lit it.

JUDGE TAKING ANOTHER WEEK ON ARKANSAS MARRIAGE RULING

An Arkansas judge is taking another week before issuing a ruling in a lawsuit challenging the state’s gay marriage ban.

In a May 1 letter, a clerk for Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza said that the judge expected to issue a ruling

by May 9 in the lawsuit seeking to overturn a 2004 state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

JUDGE HEARS ARGUMENTS IN INDIANA MARRIAGE CASE A lesbian couple’s out-of-state marriage will continue to be recognized in Indiana while a judge considers whether to extend an order requiring the state to acknowledge the union. U.S. District Judge Richard Young heard arguments May 1 on a request that the state recognize the 2013 Massachusetts marriage of Amy Sandler and Niki Quasney, who is terminally ill.

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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lifecoach THE LAVENDER

used to it. The days of showing up in �lip�lops and shorts were out the window.

SOMETHING HAPPENED IN A 2005 FORUM.

Lessons from the Campaign Trail

It was a Town Hall I organized to speak to the voters of my district about affordable housing. An anti-gay activist tried to force me out even though I was already out. Her plan was to force the media to write about it. She asked me if I was gay. I said, “Yes. I am. And that’s why I know that fairness is important to everybody and that discrimination is something that hurts everyone.” Her response was yelling, “God’s not down with that!” and storming out the building all hyped up, to make sure the media caught every word and every gesture.

WHO HAD YOUR BACK THAT NIGHT?

Oh everybody—that whole panel that was up there with me, they were totally with me, and the people in the audience too. Karl has always had my back.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE AN ALLY WHO WILL SPEAK FOR YOU?

Peggy Green

I

N NOVEMBER 2013, ST.

Petersburg residents elected Darden Rice to the City Council. It was Rice›s third campaign. The landscape had changed since her �irst run in 2005, when she was the �irst openly gay candidate to seek of�ice in St. Pete.

Eight years later, St. Petersburg has three gay council members, had taken huge steps toward LGBT equality, and saw its annual Pride celebration swell to record-breaking numbers.

As a life coach, I love stories about pioneers and perseverance. Darden Rice was kind enough to share her journey. Read the entire interview at WatermarkOnline.com.

PEGGY GREEN: IN YOUR 2005 CAMPAIGN PHOTO, YOU LOOKED 25—MAYBE.

As part of my stump speech, I actually had to state my age (35) because I didn’t look old enough to run for of�ice.

WHO ASKED YOU TO RUN?

Karl Nurse [now a St. Pete City Councilman]. He was a neighborhood leader. He was a good friend and a mentor.

Being gay didn’t factor into that decision. I never felt that being gay would be something that could stop me.

WHAT›S THE HARDEST THING YOU FACED IN THE 2005 CAMPAIGN?

Getting used to being a candidate. And frankly, sometimes as a candidate, you do become a little bit of a product. You need to look a certain way, dress a certain way, sound a certain way, and you need to be consistent with it. And when I �irst got into it, it felt very strange, and then I got

It’s absolutely critical. And it was also helpful because Karl’s straight. So I had straight friends stand up and say, “This isn’t an issue people care about.”

YOU USE THE WORD “CONSERVATIONIST” RATHER THAN “ENVIRONMENTALIST.” WHY THAT CHOICE?

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It’s my goal, as a communicator, to keep people in a solutions-based mindset. So I try to avoid using words that trigger ideology. Because when you do that, people stop thinking.

WHERE DO PROGRESSIVES THINKING ABOUT ENTERING PUBLIC LIFE FIND HELP?

The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Emily’s List, Ruth’s List... People thinking about running for of�ice really need to avail themselves of some of these basic trainings. The idea that you can do it on your own without learning from people who’ve done it hundreds of times would be foolish.

YOU FACED A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES WHEN RUNNING. NAMELY REDISTRICTING. WHAT SUSTAINS YOU?

My partner, Julie, and I decided early on that some things were worth �ighting for. And, what they were trying to do with redistricting, in a way it was a gift because it made me angrier than ever, and that’s when I got really �ired up.

I thought, “If they want to get rid of me, they’re going have to try harder than this! They’re going to have to beat me in the ring, because I’m running!” I was really committed to the path I had chosen. And when you’re committed, you do what you have to do to get the job done. |  | MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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search proves it! tPOP is considered her fans. So there you dy Gaga also seems to gave them strength or were the focus of pating in the study llowers to embrace n differences and hers found that o follow the kward� feel more al media presence Y OF MISSOURITUDY FROM THE

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Bilingual

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93%

TALKING POINTS

I still felt scared about people knowing.

I felt awkward around gay people;

I felt guilty for not being myself.

OF BRITISH, COLLEGE-AGE, MALE ATHLETES SAID THEY HAVE SPOONED OR CUDDLED WITH ANOTHER MAN.

—ELLEN PAGE ON COMING OUT

—Journal of Men and Masculinities

r

COMPETITION IS STIFF AS PORNHUB GIVES WOOD

ACTRESS CAMERON DIAZ HAS SATISFIED HER SAME-SEX CURIOSITIES

P I

JODIE FOSTER TIES THE KNOT

N A SECRET EASTER WEDDING, Academy-award winning actress Jodie Foster married photographer Alexandra Hedison. Foster and Hedison, who previously dated Ellen DeGeneres, began dating last summer. Foster’s 20-year relationship with ex-partner Cydney Bernard ended in 2008.

Foster and Bernard co-parent their two children: Charles, 15, and Kit, 12. The actress came out in early 2013 during her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, where she won the Cecil B. DeMille award. |  |

ORNHUB DECIDED TO CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY IN A MOST APPROPRIATE WAY—by giving America wood.

The free porn site announced it will plant a new tree for every 100 videos viewed in the “Big Dick” category. The initiative, designed to alleviate porn watchers’ guilt, was launched on a U.S. holiday that encourages people to plant and care for trees. The site receives one billion visitors a month, so we could be talking about thousands of acres. So far, 12,000 trees have been planted. Pornhub saw the opportunity for puns: “The more videos viewed, the more trees we will plant! While you’re watching some nice pieces of ash, you’ll also be helping to spruce America up!

(Bushes are optional).” |  |

DOLLY PARTON BELIEVES IN GAY MARRIAGE

S

AME-SEX MARRIAGE ISN’T RECOGNIZED IN HER HOME STATE OF TENNESSEE, but country music singer Dolly Parton has made it clear that she supports equality. “I do have a lot of gays in my family,” the singer told Britain’s Event magazine. “I don’t want to be controversial, but people are going to love who they are going to love,” Parton, 68, said. “I think gay couples should be allowed to marry. They should suffer just like us heterosexuals.”

Parton has been married to her husband for almost 50 years. |  |

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A

CTRESS CAMERON DIAZ MADE A SURPRISING CONFESSION on the Bravo TV show Watch What Happens Live. She told host Andy Cohen that she has had a same-sex encounter, but wouldn’t reveal the details. The 41-year-old star, whose father’s family are Cubans from Ybor City, told Glamour U.K. that she has been attracted to women. She said she believes “all women have been sexually attracted to another woman at some point. It’s natural to have a connectivity and an appreciation for the beauty of other women.”

Diaz also shared what turns her on—and off—in a man. |  |

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ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

RATED

G TO

OMG

LOGAN DONAHOO GIVES DIRECTION THROUGH FRINGE FEST’S GAY OFFERINGS Steve Blanchard | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jake Stevens

W

HO BETTER TO GUIDE US THROUGH

the substantial gay-themed and gaypenned shows at the 2014 Fringe Fest than Logan Donahoo? The Orlando-based actor isn’t only a Fringe veteran, but the star and creator of the wildly successful Field Guide to the Gays, which returns for two shows this year.

“I’m also bringing Field Guide to the Logan to Fringe this year for �ive shows,” Donahoo says. “It’s more autobiographical. It’s like being on a date with someone who shares way too much about himself—and that date is me.”

Both shows offer a simple and hilarious safari into the gay community and what it means to be a part of the LGBT alphabet soup.

Last year, Donahoo’s show sold out, which is why he’s bringing it back for two shows this year. He’s

hopeful that the new incarnation of the “Field Guide” theme will do well, and he adds he’s not afraid to use some self-deprecating humor to make the audience laugh.

Donahoo’s shows are de�initely comedies, as are many other shows in the 2014 lineup. But there are a fair share of dramatic pieces as well.

All are styled in a way that theater lovers may not see elsewhere outside of the Fringe circuit.

“You get to see weirder, darker content, shows that are questionable in their subject matter, even though the festival is expanded and rated ‘G’ to ‘OMG!’” explains Donahoo.

Continued on page 33 |  |

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Fifty Shades of Gay: The Musical

“This one is a lesbian send up of 50 Shades and parodies the new burgeoning world of ‘mommy porn.’ The description made me say, That’s a thing?”

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“I heard the original production group rewrote it to reflect the change in the climate and the world. I hope Mary still has a gospel number. I’m down for having the virgin Mary singing gospel at me.”

|  | Orlando Int’l Fringe

Festival from pg.31

A full schedule of shows is available at OrlandoFringe.org.

We asked Donahoo to use his safari skills to help us make sense of what’s aimed at the LGBT community during the Orlando International Fringe Festival, which runs May 14-27 at the Orlando Shakespeare Center, 813 E. Rollins St.

Field Guide to the Gays

Our guide’s original show is a one-man multimedia safari into the gay community and is described as loud, irreverent and hilarious.

Learn about LGBT history, drag queens, bears and more.

“I took my slot of seven performances and I’m doing two performances of my old show from last year,” Donahoo explains. “The other �ive are for my new show.”

This hour-long variety show answers all those questions about the gay community you didn’t know you had.

Field Guide to the Logan

The next chapter in Donahoo’s creativity is an introduction to the craziness that is Logan: a one-man autobiography that exposes his past while he exposes himself.

“If I’m going to shuttle people to a show, of course it’s going to be mine,” Donahoo laughs.

Learn about Catholicism, death, masturbation, all delivered with the honesty of a bulldozer. See what makes our cover man tick.

Fifty Shades of Gay: The Musical

When naive, college graduate Anastasia Steele meets rich, powerful executive Christine Grey, sparks �ly. And whips. But is Ana ready for what her Inner Goddess has to say? From the co-creator of “Annie Todd” comes a hilarious raunchy musical spoof on the mommy porn sensation, featuring all original music.

God is a Scottish Drag Queen II: An All New Testament

This show’s creator and star, Mike Delamont, reminds Donahoo of Eddie Izzard.

“It’s rambling, philosophical, observational comedy,” Donahoo says. “If anyone is a fan of ‘Kids In The Hall’-type comedy where you wax philosophic about life and the universe, Mike knocks it out of the park.”

This sequel has God taking on everything from the Mormons to circumcision. The testament may be new, but we’re hopeful the familiar �loral power suit is back.

Continued on page 41 |  |

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A dangerously funny parody of the iconic TV series ‘The Love Boat’

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Brilliant humour.

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NOT HER LOVERS?: The performers of Cirque du Soleil interpret Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean” as only they can.

Staying ‘Immortal’ PERFORMANCE: CIRCUS ACROBATICS

Cirque du Soleil brings the magic of Michael Jackson to Florida

W

Greg Stemm

HEN FERNANDO MIRO TURNED

20, he took a leap of faith and left his native Puerto Rico to pursue a career in Las Vegas. Now 26 years old, the out dancer is part of the largest Cirque Du Soleil traveling experience in the organization’s history. He’s on the Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour, which stops in Gainesville on May 13 and 14 and the Tampa Bay Times Forum on May 20 and 21.

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Miro was hired by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas as part of the resident performance there.

He says the Cirque du Soleil organization often hires from within its own ranks for new shows, which is how he came to become part of this tour.

“We’ve had some great and moving performances all over the world,” says Miro. “Michael Jackson’s music resonates with a wide variety of people in many different cultures. The one that really stands out to me was our

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MACHINE MAN: A Cirque performer interprets “Dancing Machine” for the audience during the Immortal tour. performance in Dubai. You would think an Arab country would be very stilted in its response, but that wasn’t the case at all. I looked out at the crowd and everyone was tapping their feet and singing along. It was amazing.”

Created by Cirque du Soleil and directed by Jamie King, the Immortal tour is a departure from the company’s previous touring shows. Featuring 49 international dancers, musicians, and acrobats, it is presented in a rock concert format that combines the excitement and innovation of Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil’s unparalleled creativity.

Surprisingly, Miro is just one of a half-dozen or so LGBT troupe members, which has a cast of 120. However, the handsome performer feels far from lonely.

“In fact, the whole troupe is kind of like an extended family,” says Miro, who started training in dance at the age of 16. “We love each other and take care of each other. It make the long times on the road a lot easier.”

Miro has had a partner for the past two years who is also an

watermarkonline.com

acrobat. Miro met him in Miami, but they live an ocean apart; Miro calls Las Vegas home while his partner resides in Europe.

Fortunately, Miro seems unfazed by the distance.

“We have a lot breaks and we �ind time we can be together,” he says. “We make it work.”

Whatever headlines Michael Jackson made in his life, one thing remains untainted: the music the pop legend created and his messages of love and peace.

“What we really focus on is Michael as a creative artist, not his personal life,” explains Miro.

“When you are performing these numbers you can really feel the presence of love that was so much a part of his artist expression.”

Miro is on stage quite a bit in the production, but says he really relates to the message of “Man in the Mirror.” He also loves the moves in the “Dangerous” number.

“Michael Jackson was a real showman and we try and capture that as much as possible in the show too,” he says.

Miro is quite the showman, too.

He is trained in hip-hop, modern, contemporary, Afro-Cuban,

TOUR OF PEACE: Puerto Rican dancer Fernando Miro is one of eight out performers in Circque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour, stopping at the Tampa Bay Times Forum May 20-21.

SCARY STORY: Acrobatics are

everywhere throughout the Immortal tour, including during Jackson’s song, “Is It Scary.”

A CARING GROUP: In “They Don’t Care About Us,” dancers look like robotic football players sporting light-up suits.

folklore, �lamenco, general ballroom, and aerobatics requires. He has set mambo, ballet, jazz and experimental his sights on acting and hopes to movement. He has toured with be the lead character on his own Taylor Swift on her “Speak Now” television show one day. That plan world tour, and appeared in her remains in the distant future for now, music videos for however, as his focus “Sparks Fly” and is the Immortal tour “Story of Us.” which is one of Miro is also the most unique a featured Cirque shows. aerialist for Royal “I would tell Caribbean Cruise anyone planning Lines, and has to attend that this performed live is a high energy for Le Ombre performance with Acrobatic Company a wide variety of and at corporate musical numbers,” events for Cannon, Miro says. “It has Playstation, Cat some amazing Footwear, Skechers dancing and and Happy Socks. aerobatics, and the —FERNANDO MIRO, He has also posed special ambience CIRQUE PERFORMER for renowned that only a Cirque photographer du Soleil show David LaChappelle. brings. It is pure His other credits include an AT&T entertainment from start to �inish.”

Wi-Fi commercial, Juan Luis Guerra’s This production, according to “Lola’s Mambo” music video, “Panic!” press materials, is aimed at lifelong and At the Disco’s “Ready to Go” fans of Michael Jackson as well as music video. Beyond dancing, Milo those experiencing the King of Pop’s is also trained in aerial, contortion, creative genius for the �irst time. clowning and improvisational acting.

Tickets are $50-$125 and are At 26, Miro is at the peak of his available through TicketMaster.com career, but he is already planning or through CirqueDuSoleil.com/ ahead for the time when he won’t MichaelJackson. |  | be able to do the kind of strenuous work his current career in dancing

“When you are performing these numbers you can really feel the presence of love that was so much a part of his artist expression.”

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TOUR STOP: Slow Magic is currently touring the world, and the band’s notoriety will likely boost attendance at the Harvey Milk Festival.

Wake-Up call MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Harvey Milk Festival returns with a later schedule and a call to action

S

Steve Blanchard

ARASOTA | FIVE YEARS AGO, A SMALL

festival in downtown Sarasota caught the attention of music acts around the country. In 2014, the Harvey Milk Festival is set to be the largest event in the festival’s history—so much so that it added two hours to its main festival, now extended to midnight.

“I’m a musician myself and I’m a promoter,” says festival organizer Shannon Fortner. “I do bookings, so that’s my forte and this kind of combines my activism with being a musician and promoter.”

The festival honoring politician and civil rights activist Harvey

Milk is the brainchild of Fortner, who wanted to create an event recognizing the late San Francisco of�icial’s large involvement in the civil rights movement but also recognizing his love of the arts.

“Milk was big into theater and the arts,” Fortner says. “That �irst year

I had a theater group participate.

This year we have a group from Orlando doing an interpretive call and response. It’s a way to create a solution of love without limits.”

The festival returns to Five Points Park on Saturday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m. Headliners this year include Ghost Beach and Slow Magic, but there are plenty of local performers as well, Fortner says.

“The headliners have been getting a lot of attention, which has helped us get a lot of attention as well,” says Fortner, who adds that submissions to participate in this year’s festival came from as far away as Italy. “We still want to give a local showcase, but we like to bring down regional and national acts as well.”

“It’s all integrated,” she says.

“Film, music, art. But the �ilm admittedly kind of rides solo and leads into the kick-off party.”

The ArtFest gallery opening follows on Friday, May 16, at Circus City Architectural Salvage, located at 1001 Central Avenue. The 7 p.m. reception has the theme of “Love Without Limits,” and live art installations with a theme ATTENTION GETTERS: Tropical of “Change & Equality” will be Grit Pop group Ghost Beach, from New available for viewing throughout the York, are getting a lot of attention lately, music festival on May 17. which has helped the Harvey Milk Festival.

“These will be more interactive for the audience and give people more to do,” Fortner explains. “And we’re going to have a special feature that mixes things up.”

While art is everywhere during the festival, Fortner is quick to point out that the Harvey Milk Festival’s main purpose is to honor its namesake and to motivate people to get involved.

There will be a candlelight vigil honoring Milk at 9:15 p.m. on May 15, and several guest speakers, including opening remarks by Sarasota City Commissioner Susan LOCAL FLAVOR: Sarasota band Atwell at 2:30 p.m. and keynote MeteorEYES, of which Harvey Milk Festival speaker Gina Duncan at 6:10 p.m. founder Shannon Fortner is a member, will Duncan, of Orlando, is a perform at the outdoor festival May 17. representative of Equality Florida and is currently working on bringing The free festival—donation boxes transgender protections into will be available throughout the park Florida’s workplace.

“We’re still �ighting the good and donors can also give through cause,” Fortner says. “DOMA was HarveyMilkFestival.com—is actually repealed last year, which is great, a three-day event, beginning on but we’re trying to Thursday, May 15, wake people up and with a showing of let them know their the �ilm The Dog at voices can be heard.”

Burns Court Cinema Fortner points at 9:30 p.m. to 2013’s Soapbox The �ilm Project, which gave documents the life festival goers a of John Wojtowicz, chance to stand on a who in the 1970s physical soapbox and attempted to rob awaken their inner a bank to �inance activist. Some of his partner’s sexthose speeches were reassignment recorded and will be surgery. The act shown during the resulted in a 14candlelight vigil. hour hostage “When you can situation broadcast step up and take on national —SHANNON FORTNER that time to dedicate television. Three yourself to use your years later, actor Al Pacino starred voice to make change, it’s a powerful in Dog Day Afternoon, a �ilm inspired feeling,” Fortner says.

by Wojtowicz’s story.

And while many members of the Archival footage and interviews LGBT community are working to with Wojtowicz will offer viewers pull together the festival, Fortner a unique look at the gay liberation says it is not only for those who movement in New York City. identify as LGBT. The �ilm, Fortner says, �its For a full schedule of events, naturally with the theme of the artists and entertainers, visit Harvey Milk Festival, which HarveyMilkFestival.com. |  | embraces all forms of art.

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“When you can step up and take that time to dedicate yourself to use your voice to make change, it’s a powerful feeling.”

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OVER 1OO SHOWS 2O14 RATED G TO OMG

MAY 14TH-27TH FULL DETAILS AT ORLANDOFRINGE.ORG ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL

Orlando Fringe is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, The Barry L. Miller Foundation for Arts and Education, and Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. Orlando Fringe is Presented in part by funding from Clear Channel Outdoor, Walt Disney World Resort, and Hard Rock.

THEATRE FESTIVAL

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Bite

“This is a choose your own adventure show, so expect audience interaction. No one performance will be the same thing.”

The Chronic Single’s Handbook

Mad Cow Theatre Presents

in the Zehngebot-Stonerock theatre “With the precious exception of literati like Oscar Wilde and his beloved Bosie, quarreling lovers are never as articulate and entertaining as they are in Cock …” – VARIETY

“This is by Randy Ross, but not our local, political, flash mob-enthusiast Randy Ross.”

Tod Kimbro Does Everything This is a one-man cabaret piano act with weird choices in song structure and cover songs. I saw his name and was excited.”

|  | Orlando Int’l Fringe

Festival from pg.33

The Queer Diaries Goes to Fringe This is a “coming of age ensemble piece,” according to Donahoo, who adds that it sounds like it has a lot of heart and heartstrings.

The show tells the stories of a variety of characters and the ups and downs they experience living the LGBTQ life. From coming out, to going out; from overcoming bullying, to overcoming urges; from being a late life lesbian, to going to a drag show—this covers it all.

Simply Streisand

Carla DelVillaggio is an award-winning Barbra Streisand tribute artist who recreates the musical icon for Fringe followers. Tribute shows are rare, but not unheard of at Fringe, and Donahoo believes that for Streisand fans, this could be quite the experience.

“It sounds interesting,” he says.

Something’s Weird in Weeki Wachee

Orlando favorites Liz Murph and Peg O’Keef join forces onstage as faded Weeki Wachee mermaid performers living in seclusion. This twisted comedy by John Ryan reveals some bizarre secrets about the reallife tourist attraction north of Tampa Bay. “Women of a certain age sharing secrets?”

Donahoo retorts. “I’m in.”

Tap Me on the Shoulder

This is one of Curve Magazine’s “Top 10 Hottest Lesbian Plays,” so ladies, listen up.

Playwright Erika Kate MacDonald takes the audience on a tale of empowerment and creativity by using the English language in a rhyming way when discussing love and confrontation.

There’s No Place Like Home

Last year, Michael Wanzie said he was returning to Fringe 2014 with a play. It looks like he delivered.

In this offering, Wanzie plays a Catholic priest unexpectedly visited by a accusationwielding former alter boy in one of three short plays. Brooklyn Jews are the subject of another, and the third is a misadventure featuring a late-life Judy Garland hallucinating to a post-apocalyptic Munchkinland.

“These always have that interesting Wanzie touch to it where we’re left laughing at something and there’s a happy upturn at the end, regardless of the subject matter,” Donahoo says.

By the way, the of�icial description warns that Glinda doesn’t age so well in this one.

June 20-July 20, 2014 SPonSoreD bY

Tired Old Whore

Taffy is retiring after 40 years in the “business” and she’s got stories to tell, via a lipstick wearing, dragtastic Doug Ba’aser. The old gal reminisces about drug abuse, celebrity “clients”, sexcapades, violence, debauchery

COCK

By Mike Bartlett Tickets: 407.297.8788 or madcowtheatre.com

Continued on page 43 |  |

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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1924 - 2014

THE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART IS PROUD TO HOST "VISUAL" FRINGE ART BAZAAR Saturday & Sunday May 17th & 18th + May 24th & 25th From 4-8pm Admission to the Art Bazaar is FREE! 50% OFF Museum admission, with official Fringe Pin or ticket stub, from May 14 - May 27th.

Orlando Museum of Art / 2416 N. Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803 / 407.896.4231 / www.omart.org

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watermarkonline.com

Truth or Dare with Pepe Something’s Weird in Weeki Wachee

“Okay, I’m there. I’ll watch two ladies of a certain age talk about secrets and mermaids.

It’s like drag roles played by women.”

Hungry! The Musical

Tap Me on the Shoulder

“Bonus round: discounts* to anyone wearing a jean vest. That may tell you what this show may be like. Find your vest at Goodwill, just don’t go to Salvation Army. We’re not supposed to do that.”

“If The Hunger Games is a sacred cow for you, don’t see this.

But if you’re ready to laugh, you have an outlet. Congratulations.”

“This is Wayne’s World meets Sabado Gigante.

It’s like if Spanish language channels got taken over by a gay porn director.

‘Hola, take off your clothes.’”

*THERE IS NO PROOF OF SAID DISCOUNT

Simply Streisand “This is for Streisand enthusiasts.

If Streisand isn’t your cup of tea, I don’t know if this would land well. Excited about it though, I haven’t seen many tribute artist shows at Fringe before.”

God is a Scottish Drag Queen II

“ He’s a straight guy who does a very booger drag. It’s not ugly, but non-glamorous. It’s a wig and a power suit, here we go.”

|  | Orlando Int’l Fringe

Festival from pg.41

and more. This funny, dark and poignant piece was written by Fringe favorites David Lee, Wanzie, John Ryan, Jeff Jones and Doug Ba’aser.

“Ba’aser always brings that chunk of drag and controversial humor to the festival,” Donahoo says. “His stuff is really brave for comedy.”

This one warns that Taffy may just have time to take on a few new clients, so beware.

Tod Kimbro Does Everything

Tod Kimbro is an icon, and he knows it. In this show he recounts his 16 consecutive Orlando Fringe appearances with a song and a story to re�lect each year.

“If his other shows are any

indication, this will be really fun,” Donahoo expects. “He’s very rock, very fun, and very interesting. If someone is a fan of Tori Amos or the parody performer Richard Cheese, they’ll see Tod’s name and get excited.”

Truth or Dare with Pepe Full disclosure here: our guide has collaborated with the man behind Pepe, so Donahoo may be a bit biased. But he highly recommends this show.

“You’re down in the basement of a weird character with special guests, games and Jell-O,” Donahoo says. “It’s a party show and it’s not high art.

There’s no thick plot line here.”

The talk show features host Pepe interviewing Fringe celebrities and getting them in a game of Truth or Dare.

“The dares are always raunchy,” Donahoo says. “They’re things like fellating a bana or stripping down naked. It’s a must see.”

Under the Rainbow Can a distraught mother cast aside her religious beliefs to support her son’s marriage to another man?

Will she attend the wedding, or will a family be torn apart forever?

This premier opera dealing with the politically charged topic of today—Marriage Equality—is presented by Valencia College’s Opera Theater Workshop Ensemble, and was written and directed by Valencia Faculty.

Continued on page 45 |  |

“You get to see weirder, darker content, shows that are questionable in their subject matter, even though the festival is expanded and rated ‘G’ to ‘OMG!’”

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watermarkonline.com

There’s No Place Like Home Tired Old Whore

“Last year Wanzie said he’d write a play and the audience cheered.

This is that offering and is in three pieces.”

Doug Ba’asar is fun and he’s always like, ‘I’m doing this, I’ve

The Queer Diaries Goes to Fringe

“There’s a Lifetime television moment in this one, which is lovely and it has its place.”

Under the students! This sounds topical and serious and is a good piece

VGL Top

“Not only do I like the description, I will be stalking him down.”

a drama to sink your teeth into.”

VariaTEASE

“You may not see what you’ve seen before, but I think we’ll see a weird, nightmarish artsy thing that’s been bouncing around in her head.”

|  | Orlando Int’l Fringe

“Luckily there’s an outlet like Fringe to let artists be Cinderella at the ball and then turn back into a pumpkin after the run.”

Festival from pg.43

“It’s nice to see that done,” Donahoo says of the school’s involvement. “This sounds topical and serious and it’s a great piece if you’re looking for a drama to sink your teeth into.”

VariaTEASE

After a three-year hiatus, babyBlueSTAR arrives at the Fringe Festival in a big way. Descriptors are vague, but it guarantees innovative dance, music, sex and art.

“I call this dream theater,” Donahoo says. “It’s a wonderful show, whichever incarnation.”

This is the 50th installment, according to press materials, and in years past VariaTEASE has won the Patrons Pick—�ive times!

“It was the smash of the festival when she did a Carnivale theme,” Donahoo recalls. “It’s that weird mash up of interpretive, artsy visions with a really good, obscure soundtrack. Each VariaTEASE is something different, so this may not be what we’ve seen before.”

VGL 5’4” Top

The creative mind of Lucas Brooks brings this show to life as he shares his thoughts on short jokes and snobbery among the gay population. The vertically challenged young top is ready to �ight back.

“This description sounds funny,” Donahoo says. “He’s an out-oftowner and I know some people who don’t take chances on visitors. But this seems fun. Not only do I like the description, I’ll be stalking him down.”

Armed with only a laptop

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and a quick wit, our gallant hero addresses the loaded topic of sex and how it divides us, rather than unites us, in a time of need.

Hungry! The Musical

Do you love The Hunger Games books and movies? Then maybe you should skip this one. But if you love parody, get your ticket.

All we know is that there will be food, �ighting, singing, sex and more food!

“I worked with one of the cowriters of this years ago on Cannibal: The Musical, and she has a fun, dark sense of humor with the writing. If you are ready to laugh, you have an outlet. Congratulations.” |  | watermarkonline.com for reviews of Fringe 2014 shows.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

45

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954 Lake Baldwin Lane | Orlando, Florida 32814 | www.SAJUNE.com watermarkonline.com

Winter Park Farmers’ Market 35th Anniversary Cekebration, May 17, Farmers’ Market, Winter Park. 407-599-3275; cityofwinterpark.org Show Me Some Glee!, May 9 and 10, Cornerstone Charter Academy, Orlando. 407937-1800; cfcarts.com/ show-me-some-glee

SARASOTA Hero: The Musical, through June 1, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org Walk to Cure Arthritis 5K, May 17, Payne Park Adams Lane, Sarasota.

D2K Tour

TAMPA BAY Next Generation Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, May 9-10, Ferguson Hall, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Friday, May16.

All New People, through June 1, Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Event Planner

We Will Rock You, May 13-18, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ORLANDO Orlando Cabaret Festival, through May 11, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com Cher D2K Tour, May 16, Amway Center, Orlando.

AmwayCenter.com Ghost-The Musical, May 13-18, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando. 321-418-7646

The Full Monty, through May 18, Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee.

407-846-6257; ofcta.com Butterflies are Free, May 16-25, Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, New Smyrna Beach. 386-423-1246.

NSBPlayers.org On Golden Pond, through May 25, Moonlight Theatre, Clermont. 352-243-5875; MoonlightPlayers.com

Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits, through May 17, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org Spotlight Cabaret Series: Kevin Kelly, May 14, 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park, 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org Katt Williams, May 10, CFE Arena, Orlando; CFEArena.com

Orange County’s Top Talent, May 10, Linda Chapin Theater—Orange County Convention Center, Orlando.

407-317-3261; FoundationForOCPS.org Pat Benatar & Neil Geraldo 35th Anniversary Tour, May 10, Hard Rock Live Orlando, Orlando.

407- 351-5483; www. hardrock.com/live

Taste of Pinellas, May 9-10, Downtown St. Petersburg.

800-745-3000; TasteofPinellas.com TFO Rock Series: The Music of The Eagles, May 9, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com

Bastille, May 16, House of Blues Orlando, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ORLANDO

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

THROUGH MAY 18 200 EPCOT CENTER DR., LAKE BUENA VISTA There is only a limited time left to catch the annual Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, which ends its run on May 18. The popular festival features plants from around the world as only Disney can do, and mixes in exotic foods as well. Check it out at Epcot and get tickets through DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com or by calling 407-939-5277.

ST. PETERSBURG The Mikado

THROUGH MAY 18 FREEFALL THEATRE, 6099 CENTRAL AVE., ST PETERSBURG freeFall Theatre’s artistic director Eric Davis directs a new staging of the Gilbert and Sullivan Classic, The Mikado, with an all-male cast. The politically incorrect, fictional version of feudal Japan features nine men in Japanese drag bringing to life a series of sublimely ridiculous executions and weddings that has had audiences laughing since April 26. The show runs until May 18 and features local favorite Matthew McGee as Katisha, an elderly lady, and stars Patrick Ryan Sullivan as the Mikado and Larry Alexander as Pooh-Bah. For tickets and information, visit FreeFallTheatre.com or call 727-498-5205.

Mad Hatter grand opening 7-10 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 9 4685 28TH ST. N., ST. PETERSBURG

The new ethnobotanical tea bar, Mad Hatters, will hold a grand opening celebration on Friday, May 9, beginning at 7 p.m. The new establishment takes over the same location that once housed The Broken Tusk, and owners Liam and Judah Levi are still at the helm. Rock/Reggae/Funk group Ajeva will play live music until 10 p.m., and hula girls and a fire poi are scheduled to appear. There’s also a Hatter Hat contest.

For details, find The Mad Hatter on Facebook.

SARASOTA

Out at the ASOLO

7 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 9 ASOLO THEATRE, 5555 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL, SARASOTA The Harvey Milk Festival, in partnership with The Asolo Theatre, presents Out at Asolo Rep on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. The theatre, at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, will present Hero: The Musical, which premiered in Chicago in 2012. The musical follows the story of a comic book artist who finds out there’s more to his life than imagining heroic story lines for others. Out at Asolo invites the LGBT community to socialize and enjoy local theater. For tickets, call 941-351-8000.

To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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TAMPA BAY 1- LINED UP: Friends get prime seating at Georgie’s Alibi before the Watermark Wednesday raffle at on April 23. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 2- SAMICH SEARCHIN’: A line forms outside The Killer Samich Truck at Baypoint Plaza during Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 24. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM

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3- SHOW TIME: St. Petersburg city councilman Steve Kornell, right, and partner Bobby Poth stand in front of the set before enjoying American Stage in the Park’s production of The Wiz on April 26, which was LGBT night. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 4- NEW DIGS: The pre-opening party at Enigma in St. Petersburg brought friends out to check out the new LGBT club and its staff. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM 5- READY TO EAT: (L-R) ASAP’s Jay Aller and Georgie’s Alibi executive chef Joshua Meier prepare for diners at the Kenwood restaurant during Dining Out For Life on April 24. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 6- LIFE-LONG CONNECTION: (L-R) Long time friends Rose Walton, Edie Windsor and Marge Sherwin reconnect during Equality Florida’s Greater St. Petersburg Gala at the Mahaffey Theater on May 3. PHOTO BY LAURIE ROSS 7- MAKING IT OFFICIAL: A group toasts the unofficial opening of Enigma, a new LGBT dance club at 1110 Central Ave., on April 26. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM 8- SETTLING IN: (L-R) Susan Langsdale and Lillian Dunlap get cozy at Georgie’s Alibi during Watermark Wednesday benefitting St. Pete Pride on April 23. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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OVERHEARD OPEN, BUT NOT OFFICIALLY

S

T. PETERSBURG’S NEWEST LGBT DANCE CLUB isn’t set to of�icially open until sometime the second week of May, but that didn’t stop more than 100 people enjoying the music and drinks at Enigma on May 3. Managed by Ed Gonzalez, formerly of Georgie’s Alibi, Enigma is located at 1110 Central Avenue, and if the May 3 crowd is any indication, it’s going to be quite popular with a very diverse clientele. Two bars grace the large, open space of the club and �lank a sizeable dance �loor.

A pool table, dart board and a drink-friendly sidewalk out front also seemed to keep the festivities going. Enigma didn’t even have

signage up, but one of the owners told Watermark that the club had worked out a majority of the kinks and welcomed patrons all evening long. The of�icial grand opening date has yet to be announced, but you can bet the club will be in full swing by the end of May and ready to celebrate Pride month in St. Petersburg.

A VERY PRIDEFUL JUNE IN ST. PETE

S

PEAKING OF ST. PETE PRIDE, it sounds like this year will be especially festive in the city. For the �irst time in Pride’s 12-year history, St. Petersburg has an LGBT-supportive mayor.

Rick Kriseman told Watermark

during an interview on upcoming Pride coverage that the city will have “many ways” to mark June as Pride month. While Kriseman kept the speci�ics close during his candid chat with Watermark editor Steve Blanchard at City Hall, he did allude to participation in Pride events by police and �irerescue personnel and colorful displays at government buildings.

He also pledged to be the �irst St. Petersburg mayor to march in the annual parade, which is the evening of June 28 this year.

A RETURN OF TAMPA PRIDE?

T

AMPA PRIDE COULD BE RETURNING! While plans are on the down

low, for the most part, it is fairly well known that several LGBT community leaders of Tampa have planned meetings to discuss the resurrection of the once-lauded festival, which �izzled in the 1990s. Details, of course, are very limited, but many among the who’s who of Tampa’s LGBT scene are said to be involved in plans to bring Pride back to Tampa and Hillsborough County. The old Tampa Pride saw its heyday as a huge music event at Raymond James Stadium. Later festivals like Winter Pride Tampa Bay— which was �looded out in year three and never recovered— and Pride on 7th failed to motivate the masses like the

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

original. We’re keeping our �ingers crossed and pride wear at the ready!

MILK MIX & MINGLE RETURNS

T

HE SECOND ANNUAL HARVEY MILK MIX & MINGLE will return to the Birchwood in St. Petersburg on Thursday, May 22. Con�irmed guests this year include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Largo Commissioner Michael Smith and Pinellas County Commission Candidate Judithanne McLaughlan. Money raised bene�it Pinellas Youth Pride. For tickets or to sponsor, visit the Harvey Mix & Mingle page on Facebook. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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ORLANDO

1- TRACKING THE TRAIN: Ivanhoe Village Board Members (L to R) Jessica Kinnee, Julie Hoffmeyer, Jason Lambert, Blue Star, Scottie Campbell and Sarah Teipel check out the grand opening of the SunRail station at Florida Hospital. PHOTO COURTESY SCOTTIE CAMPBELL 2- ON BROADWAY: Backstage at his Tony-nominated Broadway play The Cripple of Inishmaan, actor Daniel Radcliffe has a private meet and greet with Orlando Fringe veteran Logan Donahoo and his producer Ofir Eyal in New York City. PHOTO COURTESY LOGAN DONAHOO

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3- SNIP SNIP: Shawn Hunt, co-owner of Gary Lambert Salon, cuts the hair of Amanda Cooley, who won a makeover May 2 at the Orlando Women’s Conference at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. PHOTO BY SUSAN CLARY

4- ON THE GO: TheDailyCity.com publisher Mark Baratelli stands in front of his brand new Food Truck Bazaar Truck. PHOTO BY JAKE STEVENS

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5- COCKTAIL HOUR: Mark Wright, Faith Greenberg and Darryll Clark mingle and drink cocktails prior to MBA Orlando’s Pride in Business Awards Gala April 25. PHOTO BY JAKE STEVENS 6- AWARDS NIGHT: Orlando drag legend Miss. Sammy speaks to the audience at MBA Orlando’s Pride in Business Awards Gala April 25, as emcee Jorge Estevez, evening news anchor for WFTV Channel 9, looks on. PHOTO BY JAKE STEVENS 7- GAY GRADUATES: City Commissioner Patty Sheehan delivers the keynote address at the 3rd annual Lavender Celebration April 30.

Sheehan graduated from UCF 27 years ago. PHOTO BY DAVID MORAN

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8- FRONT ROW SEATS: Taking a selfie with the judge’s table behind him, Troy Cochran of Orlando attends the live broadcasting of the television show Dancing with the Stars to support Meryl Davis, Olympic Gold Medalist. PHOTO BY TROY COCHRAN

OVERHEARD FLAME ON!

T

HE ORLANDO FIRE RUN PRESENTED BY BILL BENNETT BOOT CAMPS, bene�itting the Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, suddenly went out in a puff of smoke after a heavy push leading up to it’s May 31st event date. Luckily, like a �laming phoenix sashaying from the ashes, the event has been of�icially rescheduled for Oct. 18. Chris Hessler from the Hope and Help Center said the change has allowed the organization to have a bigger and better event.

So expect more obstacles and for more participants to join in this fall! So simmer down about the controversy now and feel the burn a few months later!

BABY, OH BABY!

I

T SEEMS THAT MODERN FAMILY IS MAKING AN IMPACT on future pride events for Orlando. If you attend Come Out with Pride this year with your Gayby in tow and you’re feeling overloaded with a stinky diaper, don’t fret. The Family Equality Council is negotiating with a major household family brand that is known for various products around-the-house supplies— including a line of baby care items. This company is looking to sponsor changing tables that will be fully stocked with their products offer relief to the parents of the little ones who may have already relieved themselves. If things don’t go as planned,

FRINGE RECORD

A

PRIL 14 HAD A RECORD NUMBER OF ARTS PATRONS ATTEND THE ORLANDO FRINGE LOCAL PREVIEW SHOW. It was divided into two categories, a general audience performance hosted

by Eric Pinder and the racier mature audience hosted by Jeff Jones and Janine Klein as their “Little Miss Fringe” characters, Lionel and Virginia Del Frisco.

The event offered a small and unpolished sampling of two minute acts one could see at the 23rd annual Orlando Fringe Festival. Many subjects were touched on; a mother with cancer singing her tearful goodbye to her daughter, a �lashy tap dancing

group of sailors reminding us that “Anything Goes,” to the comedic story of an aging hooker telling us about the good ol’ glory (hole) days! The Orlando Fringe Festival of�icially opens May 14. Be sure to visit WatermarkOnline.com for our reviews!

STREAMLINE GETS, UH, STREAMLINED

D

AYTONA’S GAY-FRIENDLY HOTEL AND BAR, THE STREAMLINE HOTEL, was sold to new owners who have big plans on renovating the establishment back to its glory days. The historic hotel, located on Atlantic Avenue, opened in 1941, where the art decostyled building re�lects the era

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

it was built in. Since its opening, Streamline has been home to a variety of different businesses over the years but is known for its weekend drag shows, which will be discontinued as the renovations begin. Watermark tried contacting the hotel to inquire if the hotel and bar will continue being a gayfriendly, but there was no response from hotel proprietors. Streamline has also developed a reputation with Daytona Police over the years, being known at times to be a place that houses cockroaches, crack heads and prostitutes. We’re hopeful that the new owners, who purchased the property for $950,000, have a few more bucks to spare and bring the Streamline back to its glory days. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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This could be a friend, care giver, family member or anyone you consider your angel!”

REGISTRATION COST:

$25 per person, which will include admission to the walk, a T-shirt and an Honor sticker.

WHEN:

The walk will begin at 1:20pm on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Register by 12:30pm in order to pick up your T-Shirt and participate in sending off the Scooters 4 Hooters riders!

WHERE:

To check in and register, please visit the registration booth located at Lake Eola near the corner of Central and Osceola.

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CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Anniversaries

CONGRATS:

Orlando resident and long-time Watermark contributor David Thomas Moran graduated May 1 with an MFA in Emerging Media from the University of Central Florida’s School of Visual Arts & Design.

Orlando artist Crawford and his partner, Doug Walter, celebrate 17 years together on May 19.

Rich Hughes and Doug Nederveld of St. Petersburg celebrate their 31st anniversary on May 19.

Dawn Rosendahl and Cheryl Turner of Altamonte Springs celebrate their 27th anniversary this month.

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Congratulations Orlando couple Kevin Drawdy and Deren Leeson married on May 2 in New York City. They’ve been together for 16 years

Local Birthdays USF executive administrative assistant Eric Andersson, former Tampa Bay Bear John Burchett (May 10); Tampa softball player and massage therapist Alexis Acevedo, techy and straight ally Alison Berke Morano, Tampa political hob-nobber Scott J. Allen (May 11); Lutz real estate agent Kenny Braverman (May 12); Sarasota personal trainer, coach and medical specialist Dr. Sporty Damon Paul Harper (May 13); Suncoast Softball League player and school teacher Bob Tencza, Largo media publisher Jeff Youngblood, roller derby secret weapon Vanessa Cattau (May 14); Hillsborough Kids advocate Malachi Ortiz, stylist and Q Salon owner Sameer Nurani, straight ally and Friday night host Alex Copeland (May 15); St. Pete ROTC leader Frank Hay, adorable Tampa cub and artist Ric Moreir (May 16); Orlando muscle bear and trainer Migael Schieder, Sarasota photographer and artist Ming “Troy” Ming (May 17); Gypsy Productions founder and Talent Quest Florida director Trevor Keller, Phish Phest phenom and phab photographer Julie Milford, Come Out With Pride’s master marketer Jason Lowe (May 18); Office Dynamics employee and Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce member Phil Lentsch

HAPPY DOZEN: Victor Daza, left, manager of Orlando’s Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital, and his partner, founder of Neu America Art Gallery Edemuel Mora, celebrate 12 years together on May 15.

CONTINUING GOOD WORKS: Bradenton-based BIRTHDAY BEEFCAKE:

St. Petersburg fitness trainer and sometime model Jamarcus Mosely celebrates another birthday on May 21.

(May 19); Tampa karaoke star Matt Androsiglio, St. Petersburgbased GSHRadio co-host Jack Goodwyn, Tampa Gay Rodeo fan Mark Gongora (May 20); former Metropolitan Business Association prez Dr. David Baker-

director, actor and Prelude to Pride organizer Gerry Breul, pictured here at Sarasota’s Prelude to Pride in October, turns another year older on May 16.

Breul’s productions benefit the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project.

Hargrove, Orlando freelance writer and real estate agent Wes Miller, Human Rights Campaign Orlando co-chair and attorney John Ruffier, proud mommy Tanya Blasingame (May 21).

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!

Sponsored by: MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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Hall of Famers believe gay player will be accepted

of his career following the 1998 season, believes there’s an unwritten code among football players to ignore anything other than a person’s skills and talents. ``From the time you’re a kid and you start playing, you’re almost programmed for `Can a guy play or not?’’’ he said. ``By the time you get to the NFL, that’s well ingrained. I’m pretty sure every guy in this league has been around gay individuals before, and so I don’t think it will be much different.’’

Sam’s courageous decision to reveal his sexual orientation was an important personal milestone. It was also a historic moment for the NFL and all major sports as it provides a deeper re�lection of society’s openness and willingness to accept his individuality.

Sam’s revelation may not have been met with such overwhelming approval just a few years ago. In the

macho arena that is pro football, Sam may have been an outcast in previous generations.

“He’s a very bold guy to come out,’’ said cornerback Michael Haynes, a nine-time Pro Bowler elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997. ``The timing is good. If he’d done that in the `60s or `70s, maybe not so good because everybody was really struggling with how to understand differences like that in people. ``Diversity has become a critical topic, people are talking about it all the time and I think the world is different. Remember Magic Johnson with AIDS? It starts with education.

He’ll be judged on football.’’

Carson, who retired in 1988 after 13 seasons in New York, said he was ``proud’’ of Sam for choosing to be open about his sexuality. Carson recalled that one of his Giants teammates, offensive lineman Roy Simmons, was suspected as being gay and was never ostracized.

“It never really swayed anyone’s opinion of him,’’ Carson said. ``But it’s something he lived with and he didn’t have to by himself because he had teammates, and the teammates he had were guys who supported him.”

Sam is a projected �ifth or sixth round draft pick. The 2014 NFL draft begins Thursday, May 8, at 8:00 p.m. |  |

protections into federal law.

“Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity and OCR accepts such complaints for investigation,” reads the 46-page document. “Similarly, the actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of the parties does not change a school’s obligations. Indeed, LGBT youth report high rates of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

A school should investigate and resolve allegations of sexual violence regarding LGBT students using the same procedures and standards that it uses in all complaints involving sexual violence.”

Though aimed at clarifying how Title IX relates to sexual violence, the guidance carries far broader implications. LGBT advocates note that transgender students will not just be explicitly protected from physical or sexual abuse under Title IX, but from all forms of discrimination in education.

“It certainly would be our view that transgender students should be given the ability to participate in sex segregated activities, like sports teams, consistent with their gender identity,” said Ian Thompson, legislative representative at the American Civil Liberties Union on MSNBC. “Failure on part of the school to allow that would be discrimination against that student.” |  |

C

LEVELAND | Once Michael Sam is drafted in the NFL, the Missouri defensive end will be judged strictly on whether he can play and whether he can help his team win. Everything else—even that he’s gay—will be trivial.

As the �irst openly gay player to enter the draft, Sam could face scrutiny unlike any player before him. But many of the greatest players and coaches in football history don’t believe he’ll be subjected to any hatred, harassment, discrimination or bullying by teammates.

“I don’t think he’ll have any problem in the locker room or on the �ield,’’ said Hall of Fame offensive tackle Art Shell. “The one thing about football players, they’re inclusive.

“It’s who you are: `You’re a football player, then you can play with us.’

I don’t see that as being a problem in the NFL.’’ Shell’s stance was shared by several other Hall of Famers, including Lions running back Barry Sanders, Buffalo coach Marv Levy, and Giants linebacker Harry Carson, who appeared along with nearly 100 other inductees at a two-day ``Fan Fest,’’ the largest gathering ever of football legends outside Canton, Ohio.

Sanders, who retired at the peak

Gay NFL prospect Michael Sam.

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Title IX—the civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities—also bars discrimination on the basis of gender identity, announced the Department of Education’s Of�ice for Civil Rights (OCR), marking a major victory in the �ight to codify LGBT

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watermarkonline.com

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1997

1- In its first year, Watermark’s Beach Ball attracted 3,000 to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Along with One Mighty Party, Beach Ball changed Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom into a weekend destination event. Tickets were a whopping $26.50.

2- The story of the year was Ellen’s coming out—on her sitcom and on the cover of Time magazine. Being gay hasn’t been the same since.

3- When USF invited HIV-positive Olympian Greg Louganis to speak, State Sen. John Grant threatened to pull funding, saying the event “represents moral decadence and is an embarrassment to the university community.”

Louganis is pictured here with Watermark editor Todd Simmons. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE E. REYNOLDS 4- Bedrox, a popular gay bar on St. Pete Beach with unique ‘Flintstone’ architecture and a view of the Gulf of Mexico, closed.

6 1

7

2

5- International artist Ron Reams with Denise Winette and Carol Ann Haley at Tampa AIDS Network’s ‘Art for Life’ fundraiser.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE E. REYNOLDS

6- Dr. Jeff Goodgame was the respected physician at the forefront of early HIV treatment in Orlando.

4

7- After Gianni Versace was murdered on Miami Beach in May, there was a nationwide manhunt for Andrew Cunanan, who killed himself rather than surrender to authorities.

8- Hope & Help found all kinds of ways to raise money at their Headdress Ball, which by 1997 had grown into one of the highlights of the Orlando fall social season.

17 YEARS AGO 3

ON THE COVER Watermark turns 20 this coming Labor Day. In the issues between now and then, founder and publisher Tom Dyer looks back at a remarkable two decades.

On this page, he returns to 1997.

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 21

Watermark’s first transgender cover person was Hillsborough County Sherriff’s officer Tony Barreto Neto. This 64-page October issue also included interviews with the Indigo Girls and author Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City), and features on Orlando’s Bear Bust and Fantasy Fest in Key West.

5

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Todd Simmons, summed it up best: “When we look back at 1997, we’ll remember it for two Tom Dyer public �igures: one celebrated in life, PUBLISHER the other mourned in death. But the impact of Ellen DeGeneres and Gianni Versace made this a year unlike any other.”

Ellen’s Time magazine cover— ‘Yep, I’m Gay’—appeared days before her sitcom character, Ellen Morgan, came out on April 30. The avalanche of publicity resulted in an unprecedented nationwide conversation about what it means to be gay that continues to this day.

A few months later, the search for the murderer of fashion superstar Gianni Versace uncovered lurid details about the wasted, murderous life of Andrew Cunanan.

In November, Bill Clinton spoke to the Human Rights Campaign,

becoming the �irst sitting president to address an LGBT organization.

Gay pop superstar Elton John’s tribute to the late Princess Diana, ‘Goodbye England’s Rose,’ was the fastest selling single in history.

In Tampa Bay, a standingroom-only appearance by Greg Louganis at USF exposed the irrational homophobia of the far right, who claimed he was coming to “promote homosexuality.”

And when radio shock jock Mark Larson announced that he would attend an Ellen viewing party at The Cherokee Club—which he

“Candle in the Wind”

by Elton John

MOST POPULAR ALBUM

LOOKING BACK

UR TAMPA BAY EDITOR,

MOST POPULAR SONG

Spice by the Spice Girls

MOST POPULAR TV SHOW

called “the tuna can”—300 showed up and showed him the door.

In Orlando, TV star Mitchell Anderson and Martina ex Judy Nelson emceed The Spectrum Awards. But when the check to Church Street Station bounced, it was a harbinger of bad news for GLCS. Treasurer Tim HooperEllett later �led with $38,000 of the organization’s money.

When it turned out he was a convicted felon, much of the GLCS board resigned. My coverage won Watermark a national journalism award.

Many of us watched the Ellen episode at Patty Sheehan’s where extension cords ran to a half-dozen portable TVs. Attendance at Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom surged again, fueled by two new nighttime events—Watermark’s Beach Ball and Jeffery Sanker’s One Mighty Party. And with eight teams, the Central Florida Softball League launched in the fall. |  |

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

HIGHEST GROSSING FILM

Titanic

BEST PICTURE OSCAR

Titanic

PRICE OF GAS

$1.22 per gallon CELEBRITIES WHO CAME OUT

Ellen DeGeneres OUT ELECTED OFFICIALS

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds (D-MA) U.S. Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-WI) U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY

None

NUMBER OF AIDS DEATHS

16,685 in U.S. (half the number in 1996)

390,692 in World (30,000 more than in 1996)

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS 1- I posed with my friend, Bruce Ground, after his Out & About Books was named one of the most successful LGBT bookstores in the nation.

2- A conservatively dressed Carrie West announced his candidacy for Tampa City Council. The MC Film Festival coowner would barely miss making a runoff. PHOTO BY REX MANISCALCO

1998

3- (L-R) Amy Mandel, Dorothy Abbott and Christine E. Reynolds appeared on our cover about Tampa Bay’s vibrant women’s community. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE E. REYNOLDS 4- (L-R) The Civic Theatre of Central Florida staged The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer’s emotional reflection on the AIDS crisis.

Pictured from left are Scottie Campbell, Paul Wargo and Todd Schuck.

1

2

5- Tampa Bay editor Todd Simmons began a column about the pomp and politics of his pending marriage to Gus Martinez-Padilla.

They’re still together, living in Hawaii with two beautiful boys. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE E. REYNOLDS 6- Watermark obtained funding and approval to fly rainbow flags throughout downtown Orlando, but not before bitter public hearings at City Hall that made national news.

6

4

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7- Matthew Shepard was found beaten and tied to a fence in rural Wyoming on October 7, 1998. His death five days later was a vivid reminder that despite political progress, violence towards gays and lesbians remains epidemic.

8- When Orange County Teacher of the Year Mike McKee came out in Watermark, it led to mainstream news coverage… and support from students, and school administrators.

9- Tampa Bay Triathlete Joe Hodges won a Gold Medal at Gay Games 1998 in Amsterdam. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE E. REYNOLDS

16 YEARS AGO

3

ON THE COVER

Titanic soundtrack

Watermark turns 20 this coming Labor Day. In the issues between now and then, founder and publisher Tom Dyer looks back at a remarkable two decades.

On this page, he returns to 1998.

MOST POPULAR TV SHOW

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 13

MOST POPULAR SONG

“Too Close” by Next

MOST POPULAR ALBUM

Seinfeld

BEST PICTURE OSCAR

Shakespeare in Love

CELEBRITIES WHO CAME OUT

George Michael, Alan Cumming, Rob Halford (Judas Priest) QUOTE OF THE YEAR

“I did not have sexual relations with that woman… Ms. Lewinski.”

President Bill Clinton STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY

None

NUMBER OF AIDS DEATHS

16,403 in U.S. (slight decrease since 1997)

410,800 in World (20,000 more than in 1997)

62

This Warhol-inspired cover of Chastity Bono, designed by Derek Cavilla, remains one of my favorites. Bono was Grand Marshal for PrideFest ’98 in Tampa. Others attending the star-studded event were Greg Louganis, comedian Georgia Ragsdale and disco legend Thelma Houston.

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

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21-year-old University of Wyoming student was found tied to a wooden fence, bleeding and Tom Dyer barely conscious. Matthew Shepard died PUBLISHER �ive days later, igniting outrage and a heated national discussion about persistent violence against gays and lesbians. President Bill Clinton urged passage of federal hate crimes legislation.

The Republican-controlled Congress was unmoved.

MAY 8 - MAY 21, 2014 // ISSUE 21.10

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LOOKING BACK

N OCTOBER 7, A SLIGHT,

But Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) became the �irst openly gay person elected to federal of�ice.

Nationwide, 29 openly gay of�ice seekers prevailed.

And while Ellen’s sitcom was canceled, an equally groundbreaking—and better— show was a surprise hit on NBC. Will & Grace picked up the baton, bringing likeable gay/lesbian/ friendly characters into living rooms for the next eight years.

7

Movies also raised awareness, with hits like In & Out, As Good as it Gets, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and… Mulan? Madonna released Ray of Light… nuff said.

In Orlando, Watermark’s Keith Peterson got city approval to �ly rainbow �lags downtown during June, but when the religious right objected, it led to an unforgettable parade of homophobia at City Hall. The �lags �lew, gloriously, even though televangelist Pat

watermarkonline.com

Robertson predicted God’s wrath.

Gay Day broke attendance records and, with increasingly fabulous nighttime events, gained a coveted spot on the international gay party circuit. Respected community activist Chris Alexander was hired to direct beleaguered GLCS—renamed GLBCC. In Tampa Bay, two gamechanging resorts opened. St. Pete’s Suncoast Resort debuted in July, with six bars and 30 gay-owned businesses, including MC Film Festival. Owners Tom Kiple and Lester Wolf were our Tampa Bay “Persons of the Year.”

And to the east, some visionaries took over a dilapidated country campground and turned it into the Sawmill Resort.

The Human Rights Task Force changed its name to Equality Florida and launched its �irst Lobby Day in Tallahassee. Bill Kanouff’s Tomes & Treasures moved to S. Howard Ave. and began an ambitious expansion.

And we launched WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

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