DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 21.12 • JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM
YOUR LGBT LIFE.
ORLANDO EDITION
THE PAINFUL TRUTH ABOUT
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Sometimes I am asked aren’t I too PAGE old to have surgery; my answer is, 19 ‘how old is too old?’
DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 16 // STATE 19 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 27 // IN DEPTH 33 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 47 // COMMUNITY CALENDAR 49 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 51 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 53 // TRANSITIONS 54 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 55 // SPORTS 56 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE
—TRANS VETERAN DENEE MALLON
ON THE COVER
PAGE
PAGE Country/crossover singer LeAnn Rimes will appear in Tampa and Orlando with two very different concerts. She’ll bring a traditional sound to Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino and a dance track presentation to the Parliament House for Gay Days.
33
Preview
36 GETTING BUSY:
Joseph Alan Johnson’ brings back his Gay/Sex/Life, starring William Bryant, Kyle Hill and Howard Riddles, to Studio620 in St. Petersburg just in time for Pride.
PHOTO COURTESY LIMES PHOTOGRAPHY
WATERMARK ISSUE 21.12 //J UNE 5 - J UNE 18, 2014
ORLANDO NEWS
TAMPA BAY NEWS
SPORTS
LOOKING BACK
PAGE Orlando attorney Mary Meeks and Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan ask Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs to endorse marriage equality; COWP unveils its new theme and scheduled events; Orlando leaders attend Milk stamp dedication; more
PAGE As renovations continue on St. Pete’s LGBT Welcome Center, more volunteers are needed; Olson exits American Stage; Rev. Jennifer Daysa takes the pulpit at Good Samaritan Church; Lakeland expands partner benefits.
PAGE Donald Sterling has pulled Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos into the debate of what’s acceptable speech for NBA owners. Sterling has been ousted by the NBA for racist comments, to which he compares to DeVos’ long record of anti-gay actions.
PAGE In 2001, evangelicals blamed LGBTs for the 9-11 attacks and 2002 brought nondiscrimination ordinances to area cities. Publisher Tom Dyer continues is look back at Watermark’s first 20 years.
Read it online!
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR “Judges have come to the inescapable conclusion—19 times in a row—that such bans are wrong and constitutionally indefensible.” —EQUALITYFLORIDA
BONDI’S STAND INDEFENSIBLE
C 2304
6
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
ALOMA & ST. ANDREWS
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
OURT AFTER COURT ACROSS THE COUNTRY has found that there is no legal basis to deny some Americans the dignity of marriage to the person he or she loves, yet Florida’s attorney general continues to hold on to unfounded arguments to legitimize a ban on samesex marriage that serves no purpose but to discriminate. Judges appointed by Republicans and Democrats alike have come to the inescapable conclusion—19 times in a row—that such bans are wrong and constitutionally indefensible. Attorneys General in states across the country have upheld their duty to the U.S. Constitution by refusing to defend a law that so clearly violates basic rights. We call on Attorney General Pam Bondi to reconsider this stand in this defining moment. A defense of the indefensible only squanders our state’s
resources and delays justice for hundreds of thousands of Florida families. The majority of Floridians stand with us in support of marriage equality. We look forward to our day in court and are con�ident that equality under the law will prevail. EQUALITY FLORIDA
AN INDISPENSIBLE VOICE
I
’LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I HEARD ‘ON THE PULSE OF MORNING’ IN 1993. I was only 19 years old and still very much in the closet, but Maya Angelou’s greatest gift was the ability to reach each and every person with her wisdom, the beauty of her language, and her simple insistence upon a better and more just world. For those of us whom Angelou inspired to tell our own stories and live our own truths, we will always miss her indispensible voice. CHAD GRIFFIN HRC PRESIDENT
watermarkonline.com
TOP WEB COMMENTS Via WatermarkOnline.com and Watermark’s Facebook page
ON LAKELAND EXTENDING BENEFITS TO LEGALLYMARRIED SAME-SEX COUPLES: “Well, the Mayor and Mr. Walker come up for re-election soon and we’ll see then who has the last laugh!”
—MARK TAYLOR MELNICK (THE MAYOR AND COMM. WALKER WERE THE ONLY DISSENTING VOTES.)
ON THE FLORIDA FAMILY ASSOCIATION HIRING A PLANE TO WARN ABOUT GAY DAYS AT DISNEY: “I’ve learned to accept the warning sign as a proper announcement to vacationers that their outfits will be judged for hours while in queue…so dress up.”
—BEN “That plane is the best free advertising for Gay Days.”
—BRIAN CAHILL “How many school children could they feed with 6k donated to the Hi Five Kids Pack Program? It’s sad that their name has ‘Family’ in it and yet they are more concerned with advertising to adults than doing something to help Florida’s struggling families and children.”
—ANNETTA LAPOINTE ON FLORIDA A.G. PAM BONDI’S MOTION STATING MARRIAGE EQUALITY WOULD CAUSE “HARM”: “Unfortunate position for someone with two divorces under her belt.”
—JENNIFER STEELE
editor’s
Steve Blanchard EDITOR
SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com
I
Desk
T’S JUNE, WHICH MEANS NEWS OUTLETS
around the country will cover LGBT Pride events. And as with every year, the uneducated collection of straight individuals who don’t know their civil rights history or understand the importance of equality will be irritated by this attention. And eventually, they will ask the repetitive question: “Why isn’t there a straight pride parade?” They’ve asked before, so let’s break it down, shall we? When a criminal targets you on the street, calls you “hetero” over and over and beats you to an almost unrecognizable pulp, you may have your heterosexual pride parade. When a landlord kicks you out of your rented residence because you “choose” to become romantic with a person of the opposite sex— and your local community doesn’t offer you any legal protections—
WATERMARK STAFF
you may have your heterosexual pride parade. If you are in need of public housing and are denied it because you have a vagina and your boyfriend has a penis, you may have your heterosexual pride parade. When churches shut their doors to you or actively campaign to prevent the government from extending protections to your family, simply because you are attracted to a person with different
Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Office Assistant: Kathleen Harper • Ext. 100 • Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Reporter: Samantha Rosenthal • 104 • Samantha@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Assistant: Patrick O’Connor • Ext. 109 • AdProduction@WatermarkOnline.com
genitalia than you, feel free to start organizing those �loats and stacking bags of beads. When your marriage to your opposite-gender spouse is suddenly invalidated simply because you crossed a state line or you lose the right to make medical decisions for your spouse because you’re in a different county than where you had to “register,” you may have your heterosexual pride parade. When you decide to make a life-long commitment to your signi�icant other, only to have your application for a marriage license denied because you are opposite genders, start organizing your heterosexual pride parade. When the term, “That’s so straight,” is wielded as an insult, you may have your heterosexual pride parade. If you �ind yourself at a gathering of friends and someone learns of your sexual orientation and expresses shock with, “Wow, you don’t act straight,” you may begin plotting the route of your straight pride parade. When you meet a stranger on the sidewalk holding a sign declaring that the love you have for your opposite-gender partner in life is sinful and an abomination punishable by hell and damnation, you may have a heterosexual pride parade to celebrate that love. If a legislator in your state brings forth a bill that allows your neighborhood supermarket
to refuse service to you because they’re uncomfortable putting a bride and a groom on top of a cake, or a hairstylist to deny you a trim because she doesn’t believe you should marry the opposite gender, maybe you’ll see a need for a heterosexual pride festival. When leaders of large religious organizations thriving in your own “free” country support another country’s proposed laws that would mean death to those who �ind the opposite gender attractive; or when those leaders say such laws should be incorporated in your own country, you can start picking out the colors of your pride �lag. If you are a male, professional sports athlete and hear lifechanging, career-altering news on national television that results in a congratulatory kiss from your girlfriend, only to hear how “disgusting” or “inappropriate” it is for children to see, you may have your heterosexual pride parade in any month you choose. If you are attacked in a public place and no one steps forward to assist you because someone is uncomfortable with your expressed gender, get the soundtrack ready for your straight pride dance party. If you are a parent who is married to a person of the opposite gender, and you are told that your child is “at risk” because the two people who love him don’t have matching genitalia, you may have your heterosexual pride parade. And �inally, if your parents kicked you out because you shared that you found the opposite gender attractive, your heterosexual pride permitting applications should be rushed to city hall. Happy LGBT Pride month! | |
When the phrase, “That’s so straight,” is wielded as an insult, you may have your heterosexual pride parade.
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CONTRIBUTORS DR. STEVE YACOVELLI
is owner & principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development consulting firm based in Orlando that provides guidance and solutions in diversity and inclusion. Page 21
SANDRA KETCHAM
is a native Floridian with a passion for travel writing. She currently writes for Visit Florida and is the Orlando Guide at About.com. Page 27
KIRK HARTLAGE
is an Orlando-based journalist and DJ, and a former full time employee of Watermark. He specializes in celebrity interviews. Page 33
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
PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, Tom Eckert, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift, Tinkerfluff, Lonnie Thompson
DISTRIBUTION Debbie Oliver, Phil Garris, Ken Caraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.
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JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
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orlando NEWS 8
LGBT leaders visit Capitol to launch Harvey Milk stamp Jeremy Williams
W
ASHINGTON, D.C. | The City Beautiful occupied the Nation’s Capital as several local community leaders traveled to Washington D.C. for the dedication of the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp. The GLBT Center of Central Florida director Randy Stephens, MBA president Mikael Audebert, Equality Florida’s Gina Leigh Duncan, Watermark publisher Tom Dyer, attorney Ava Doppelt, and USF LGBT Studies Professor David Johnson attended the May 22 ceremony at the White House. Speakers included U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Lewis. Stuart Milk and Anne Kronenberg, co-founders of the Harvey Milk Foundation, recalled the 1978 murder of Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. Harvey Milk was less than a year into his term as City Supervisor, but he had already become the brave face of the modern-day LGBT rights movement. “My uncle never sought fame. He never sought to be on a postage stamp,” Stuart Milk said. “He knew his life was in danger. His message was that we must come out… and he was willing to take a bullet for it.” But Kronenberg got laughs from the 150 in attendance when she said, “He may not have sought to be on a postage stamp, but he would have loved the attention.” Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, attended Milk’s funeral 37 years ago. “I thought, is this how it ends?” she recalled. “But it really was just the beginning.” Milk is the �irst openly gay politician to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp. The 49-cent ‘forever stamp’ is available through the U.S. Postal Service website and features a black and white photograph of Milk taken in front of his Castro Street camera store. His name and the colors of the rainbow �lag appear above his picture. “Today we honor a man who refused to accept anything short of equality,” Power said. “In so doing, Harvey Milk made America more American.” Dyer, who is on the board of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and Doppelt assisted with legal work associated with the stamp. “For me the stamp is both a reminder of the courage it took to claim equality back in Harvey’s day, and also a celebration of how very far we’ve come since then,” he said. Duncan agreed. “It’s important to celebrate the vision and the bravery of this amazing activist, who saw this day and was willing to do what it took to get here.” May 22 would have been Milk’s 84th birthday. | |
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
CALL OF SUPPORT: Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks (far right) encourages Mayor Teresa Jacobs (far left) and the Orange County Commission to go on the record as supporting marriage equality during a Commission meeting June 3. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN
Will she commit? LGBT activists call on Orange County mayor to state support for marriage equality Jamie Hyman
O
RLANDO | When she delivers the State of the County address on June 6, local LGBT activists are asking Mayor Teresa Jacobs to put a ring on it. Attorney Mary Meeks and transgender educator Gina Duncan both spoke at the June 3 Orange County Commission meeting, imploring Jacobs to openly and publicly state her support for marriage equality. “All across our great nation, states are doing the right thing, ensuring that they are on the right side of history in legalizing same-sex marriage,” Duncan said in her address. “There is a nationwide groundswell and bipartisan support for marriage equality evidenced by amicus briefs being �iled by mayors from small towns to larger cities.” Both speakers referenced Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who stated his support for marriage equality in his 2014 State of the City address. “Diversity is our greatest
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
strength and a vibrant, welcoming community attracts the kind of industries and talent our cities need. That’s why we were one of the �irst cities in Florida to adopt a domestic partner registry, and now we have more than 1,200 couples registered,” Dyer said on April 10. “I hope that one day we are
to take a stand and make a difference,” Duncan said. “As our county mayor, upcoming for another term, and serving all citizens of Orange County, the LGBT community would like to know that you stand with us on this important issue. With your state of the county address on Friday, we hope that you will make a clear statement that you also stand on the right side of history where all couples across this great state and in this great county can receive the rights and protections under the sacred vow of marriage.” Meeks is an Orlando attorney who is a member of the legal team �ighting to legalize same-sex marriage, through a lawsuit on behalf of six South Florida samesex couples and the Equality Florida Institute challenging that Florida laws banning marriage equality are unconstitutional. “Work remains here in Florida where our state refuses any recognition or rights whatsoever for an LGBT citizen,” Meeks said in her address to the commission. “We are here to ask you, Mayor, to use your voice now to support us in our quest.
“It’s Gay Pride month and provides a timely backdrop to take a stand and make a difference.” —GINA DUNCAN
the city that hosts the state’s �irst same-sex wedding. Love and commitment should be encouraged, and it should be celebrated and it should be embraced as a constitutional right for all.” Duncan also pointed out that June is a timely time for Jacobs to make a similar announcement. “It’s Gay Pride month and provides a timely backdrop
watermarkonline.com
Continued on page 11 | |
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orlando NEWS
Come Out with Pride Orlando reveals theme, new events
| | Teresa Jacobs from pg.8
Daytona court rules in lesbian custody case
We ask for your personal support as Mayor Dyer did in his state of the City speech and we ask for your of�icial support of our lawsuit.” Meeks also requested Jacobs �ile an amicus brief. “Mayor Jacobs, your voice can help to change hearts and minds, and can help to change those laws, too,” she said. “And so we ask you now, to stand up, speak out, support us. We ask you to state for us and to us explicitly that you support marriage equality for your gay and lesbian citizens.” Mayor Jacobs did not return Watermark’s request for comment by press time. After Mayor Dyer’s address in April, Watermark contacted Mayor Jacobs seeking clari�ication on her position on marriage equality, but she has not consented to an interview. See video of Meeks’ and Duncan’s speeches at WatermarkOnline.com. | |
Samantha Rosenthal
Repertory Theatre’s Power Chords performed and DJ Scott provided music. RLANDO | Come Out With “We’re going to focus on the Pride organizers unveiled a people this year, showcasing social media-inspired theme the individuals and the diverse and a schedule of events for this community,” Audebert said. coming October at a high-in-theHe said he wants COWP to sky launch party on the 11th �loor become a destination event, patio of The Plaza building. drawing people from outside The 2014 theme is Central Florida. “#IAMPRIDE,” and the production This year, visitors will �ind a team hopes to build up the online four-part concert series, featuring presence of the event from now Lil’ Kim as one of the performers. until Oct. 6-12, the week of COWP. The opening ceremony will be at It’s the 10th anniversary of COWP. the History Museum near Wall “Orlando is an extremely diverse Street, bringing COWP back to its LGBT community,” said Mikael origins to re�lect on its growth. Audebert, executive director and A comedy night is on Oct. 8, senior executive producer of COWP. and the annual visit to Halloween “We want to showcase the LGBT Horror Nights is set for Oct. 9. One community of 10 years ago and the new aspect will be the Oct. 11 LGBT community here of today.” addition of a huge dance party on He spoke to a crowd of about 50 the International Bridge at Lake members of the LGBT community Eola before everyone is shuttled to at the launch party May 29. Miss the Parliament House for the night 03_OrlandoLublin_05.14:Layout 1 Orlando 5/15/14 11:38 activities. AM Page Sammy hosted, the | 1|
Jamie Hyman
D
AYTONA | A Daytona appeals court has ruled that a lesbian who is no longer with her partner still has custody rights to the child they raised together. The May 21 ruling overturns a previous ruling by a Seminole County judge who nulli�ied the adoption. The women were partners from 2005 to 2012 and conceived the child in 2007 using an anonymous donor. In 2011, they petitioned the court to allow the birth mother’s partner to legally adopt their child, and the adoption was granted in 2012. The couple received a birth certi�icate listing both of their names as parents. The women separated and co-parented for a year, but then the birth mother requested that the adoption be voided. The Seminole County judge granted that request. The ruling reverses the ruling, and states that the child was raised by both women, regards them equally as parents and the birth mother is wrong to argue otherwise. Read the court’s ruling at WatermarkOnline.com. | |
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tampa bay
NEW BEGINNINGS: After 11 years, Todd Olson will leave his
post as American Stage’s Artistic Director this month. PHOTO COURTESY
AMERICAN STAGE
NEWS
Olson exits American Stage
12
Staff Report
S
T. PETERSBURG | After 11 years as the Artistic Director for American Stage, Todd Olson is leaving the theater company and moving north. He has accepted the job of executive director at the Columbia Festival of the Arts in Maryland. “With the 2014-2015 season in place, this is the perfect time for my family to move on,” Olson said in a press release. He is the second longest-serving leader of American Stage since the organization began in the late 1970s. During his tenure at the theater company, American Stage has been voted “Best Theatre Company” by Tampa Bay Magazine and Creative Loa�ing. “This is an opportunity I cannot pass up,” Olson said. “I feel immense gratitude for my time at American Stage, especially relative to the artists, donors, staff and audiences. In Maryland, Olson will lead a growing organization that curates Columbia’s annual summer festival. He’ll also take an active part in the city’s new master plan for its downtown, including a $30 million arts park with four new theatres. His in�luence in St. Petersburg will be missed. “American Stage is one of St. Petersburg’s brightest gems, and our success is the result of Todd’s brilliant and engaging vision,” explained Matt Conigliaro, chair of the theatre’s Board of Trustees. Olson has directed more than 30 plays and produced nearly 40 more at American Stage. “I will forever be grateful to the small group of angels and friends of the theatre who brought me here in 2003,” Olson said. Olson, who is straight, worked with many LGBT directors, actors and LGBT-themed shows. He is also a staple at every opening night performance at American Stage in the Park each spring. Olson leaves American Stage at the end of June and begins his new position later this summer. | |
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
AT THE READY: Volunteers gather outside the new LGBT Welcome Center on Central Ave. in St. Petersburg on a recent Saturday morning before tackling an interior painting project. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD
Getting it done Welcome Center renovation continues, still needs volunteers Steve Blanchard
S
T. PETERSBURG | With $80,000 raised so far, the new LGBT Welcome Center is about halfway to its �inancial goal. The former Grand Central District home was relocated last year to its current address next to the Metro Wellness Thrift Shop on Central Avenue—and a lot has changed since its relocation. “We’ve �inished exterior painting, and one of the �irst things we did was take off the enclosure around the front porch,” explained Larry Biddle, the LGBT Welcome Center director. “We had a volunteer group remove the enclosure and paint some of it.” The structure, which now has electricity and plumbing, also has fresh coats of paint on the interior walls. There are plans to sand and re�inish the original, wood �loors. “They’re just beautiful,” Biddle said. “We’re trying to keep as much of the original structure as possible. It’s a historic home.” Several organizations and individuals have stepped up to help
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the new project succeed. Balance Tampa Bay, an LGBT and allied volunteer group, spent a Saturday painting the interior in May and donated $7,000. The Kenwood Neighborhood Association has wielded paintbrushes and donated funds as well. The Florida Blue
money we need ($170,000 total) and divided it by the square footage of the house,” Biddle explained. Now, each room is available for sponsors. The front porch, the conference room, a reading room and the restroom have all been “purchased.” The largest donation was for the front porch, which was $14,000. The LGBT Welcome Center will serve as a catch-all destination hub for LGBT visitors, but will also serve as a place for LGBT youth and the surrounding community to gather for special events, concerts and presentations. “We’re aiming for a ribbon cutting on July 10, and everyone is invited,” said Biddle. A VIP reception for donors is set for Thursday, June 26. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the new Welcome Center, which would only be the third of its kind in the country. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, has expressed support. “I think we’re working toward a lot of improvements in the city [with regard to LGBTs],” the mayor said. “We need that open and
“We’ve probably done about 30 percent of the renovation so far; this house is in good condition.” —LARRY BIDDLE
Foundation has given $5,000, and Edward White Hospital has pledged $20,000 to the project. While those donations are appreciated and extremely helpful, Biddle said he’s most surprised by the number of individuals who are donating time and money to the effort. Checks of all sizes have rolled in and there has been extreme interest in “naming” the different rooms of the structure. “I took the total amount of
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tampa bay NEWS
Church unanimously selects lesbian pastor Staff Report
P
INELLAS PARK | The members of Good Samaritan Church of Pinellas Park unanimously voted to put Rev. Jennifer Marie Daysa behind the pulpit. She began her ministry on June 1. NEWLY The pastor, who has two APPOINTED: children with her wife, Julie Rev. Jennifer Marie Daysa, was previously the Daysa began her new role as pastor on June 1. director of youth and family ministries at the Congregational Church of Exeter in New Hampshire. The Rev. Daysa graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2010 with a Master of Divinity Degree. She was raised in the Presbyterian Church and is now af�iliated with the United Church of Christ. Good Samaritan Church is a progressive, Christian congregation. This is Daysa’s �irst call as a senior pastor. | |
Lakeland extends benefits to same-sex spouses of legally wed employees Staff Report
L
AKELAND | Same-sex couples who have been married in states where marriage equality is legal will be recognized by the City of Lakeland. In a 5-2 vote on June 2, Lakeland commissioners approved expanding healthcare coverage to same-sex spouses of city employees. The vote only affects the
| | Welcome Center from pg.12
functioning.” And before it can be open, there is still a lot to do. Landscaping is a big priority and fencing needs to comply with codes. The restroom is also still under construction and needs to
spouses of employees with valid marriage licenses. Commissioners declined to expand bene�its to unmarried same-sex partners—the same result as a 2012 vote. A large group of residents spoke both for and against the expansion. Commissioners had three choices: Extend health care bene�its to legally married same-sex spouses with marriage certi�icates from one of the 19 states that have marriage equality; extend bene�its to all
same-sex couples in committed relationships; or extend health care bene�its to any employee in a domestic partnership, regardless of orientation. The city considered the move because of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. The changes in the IRS tax code also prompted the vote. According to the Lakeland Ledger, expanding the bene�its could cost the city $110,000. | |
meet the Americans with Disability Act standards. “We’ve talked to a general contractor and we’re in the process of vetting permits to do the construction work that needs to be done with regards to air conditioning, etc.,” Biddle said. “We’ve probably done about 30 percent of the renovation so far.
This house is in good condition.” Some major renovations must be done by contractors, but there are still opportunities to donate sweat equity. To take a tour or to learn more about the project, contact Biddle at LarryjBiddle@me.com or at 813-417-1225. | |
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state
Complaint: Insurance companies discriminate against HIV/AIDS patients
NEWS
Wire report
F
ORT LAUDERDALE | Two health organizations have �iled a complaint with federal health of�icials alleging some Florida insurance companies are violating the Affordable Care Act by structuring their insurance plans in a way that discourages consumers with HIV and AIDS from choosing those plans. The National Health Law Program and The AIDS Institute said four insurance companies offering plans in Florida through the federal online exchange require HIV and AIDS patients to pay a percentage of their often expensive drugs instead of a �lat co-pay. Instead of paying a �lat $10 co-pay at the pharmacy, the plans require patients to pay 40-50% of the cost of their drug, which could run into the thousands of dollars according to the complaint. Health experts say the result could have national implications. The groups also allege that the plans charged high up-front costs and require unwieldy prior authorizations. The complaint, �iled May 29, asks the agency to investigate the Florida plans offered by CoventryOne, Cigna, Humana and Preferred Medical and require the insurance companies to take corrective actions if necessary. Cigna, Humana and Coventry said in separate statements that their plans follow the latest HHS guidelines, cover all medically necessary HIV drugs and offer a variety of options so consumers can pick a plan that best meets their health needs.
Gay Days eyes Lauderdale Staff report
Gay Days is growing again. According to GayDays. com president Chris Alexander-Manley, the event will expand into Fort Lauderdale Nov. 25– Dec. 1, 2014. Gay Days celebrates its 24th anniversary in Orlando June 3-8. GayDays.com has been a principal organizer for the last 12 years. The company produced Gay Days Las Vegas in 2012. The Fort Lauderdale host hotel will be W Fort Lauderdale, and reservations are available now. There will be daily pool parties and a Gay Days Expo. Presenting sponsors include Bud Light and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, according to Alexander-Manley. Visit GayDays.com for more information. | |
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ACLU answers motion to dismiss marriage equality lawsuit Jamie Hyman
T
ALLAHASSEE | The American Civil Liberties Union is �ighting an effort to dismiss a lawsuit asking Florida to recognize the marriage of eight same-sex couples legally married out of state. The ACLU of Florida represents the couples, in addition to a recently-widowed Fort Myers woman and a South Florida LGBT rights organization called SAVE. The lawsuit was �iled in March 2014. Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi are among the state of�icials named as defendants in the case. In the May 12 motion, Bondi stated “disrupting Florida’s existing marriage laws would impose signi�icant public harm,” and create problems for Florida’s pension and health insurance programs. “Florida’s discriminatory laws cause serious harm to real families across the state,” responded ACLU of Florida staff attorney Daniel Tilley, who is lead counsel in the case, in a media release. “Despite the state’s assertion that the harms to same-sex married couples aren’t signi�icant enough to warrant relief, the families living every day being treated like legal strangers by their home state know better. It’s time to end this state-sponsored discrimination once and for all.” The case, titled Grimsley vs. Scott, has been consolidated with
WANTING RECOGNITION: Chuck Hunziker and Bob Collier are among the couples listed as plaintiffs in the marriage equality lawsuit. The Fort Lauderdale couple has been together for 50 years and were married in New York in July of 2013. PHOTO COURTESY ACLU another marriage equality lawsuit. The consolidated cases are being heard in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Florida. The ACLU response argues that the state’s motion to dismiss ignores the U.S. Supreme Court opinion that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013. The response also states that the lawsuit deserves heightened scrutiny because Florida’s constitutional ban on marriage equality violates the plaintiffs’ fundamental rights and discriminates on the bases of both gender and sexual orientation. The ACLU says the next step in the process is the judge’s ruling on the motion to dismiss, which could happen any time. “It could be tomorrow, it could be months from now,” said ACLU spokesman Baylor Johnson. There is also a motion for preliminary injunction before the court.
“We’ve told the court that because of the strength of the legal argument for recognizing the marriages and because the families are suffering real harm in the meantime, the court should order the state to recognize the plaintiffs’ marriages immediately,” Johnson said. He added that if that motion is granted, it’s not the end of the �ight. “I do want to be clear that if the judge grants our motion for preliminary injunction, that order will likely not apply to all married same-sex couples in Florida, just to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, but it would be a good sign that the court thinks we are making a strong case for a �inal ruling later down the road that would mean that Florida could no longer discriminate against married couples simply because they are gay,” Johnson said. | |
for same-sex partners-cannot intervene in Pareto v. Ruvin. That lawsuit, involving six couples, argues that Florida’s laws barring same-sex marriage violate the U.S. Constitution by denying them legal protections. Zabel said the groups don’t have concrete legal interest in the case and added that the “validity of their own marraiges will not be affected.” “Judge Zabel reached the proper
conclusion ind enying extremists seeking a platform for their antigay rhetoric,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida Institute. “This lawsuit is about fundamental, constitutionally protected rights that are violated by a measure that does real harm to our families. On July 2, Zabel will hear from attorneys who �iled the lawsuit in January. | |
Motion to intervene in marriage equality case denied Samantha Rosenthal MIAMI | Three anti-gay groups in Florida cannot intervene in a Florida lawsuit �ighting for marriage equality, a circuit court judge ruled June 3. Judge Sarah Zabel ruled that Florida Family Action, Florida Democratic League and People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality-all who oppose marriage
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Wire Report
said Illinois is now on the ``right side of history.’’ ``All couples across Illinois can now receive the rights and protections under the sacred vow of marriage,’’ he said. Equality Illinois of�icials estimate about 1,300 couples have wed since then, most of them in Chicago’s Cook County. Most of the state’s remaining 86 counties opted to wait until the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act of�icially took effect, in some cases worried that issuing licenses before June 1 could trigger lawsuits against the counties and perhaps cause legal problems for the couples themselves. | |
Medicare ban on sex reassignment surgery lifted Wire Report SAN FRANCISCO | Medicare can no longer automatically deny coverage requests for sex reassignment surgeries, a federal board ruled May 30 in a groundbreaking decision that recognizes the procedures are medically necessary for some people who don’t identify with their biological sex. Ruling in favor of a 74-yearold transgender Army veteran whose request to have Medicare pay for her genital reconstruction was denied two years ago, a U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services review board said there was no justi�ication for a threedecade-old agency rule excluding such surgeries. ``Sometimes I am asked aren’t I too old to have surgery. My answer is how old is too old?’’ the veteran, Denee Mallon, of Albuquerque, N.M., said in an email interview before the board issued its decision. ``When people ask if I am too old, it feels like they are implying that it’s a `waste of money’ to operate at my age. But I could have an active life ahead of me for another 20 years. And I want to spend those years in congruence and not distress.’’ Jennifer Levi, a lawyer who directs the Transgender Rights
Project of Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in Boston, said the ruling does not mean Medicare recipients are necessarily entitled to have sex reassignment surgery paid for by the government. Instead, the lifting of the coverage ban means they now will be able to seek authorization by submitting documentation from a doctor and mental health professionals stating that surgery is recommended in their individual case, Levi said. The cost of gender reassignment surgery varies, but typically ranges from $7,000 to $50,000, according to the Transgender Law Center in Oakland, Calif. | |
a �irst-in-the-nation law requiring public schools to teach students about the contributions of gay Americans in state and U.S. history. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell’s announcement at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood also comes amid rapid legal changes across America on the issue. Gay rights advocates have enjoyed a stunning series of court victories, as one state after another sees its same-sex marriage ban fall. The gay rights movement’s story will be explored by a panel of 18 scholars convened by the U.S Park
Service, who will be charged with examining its impact in areas such as law, religion, media, civil rights and the arts. The committee will identify relevant sites and its work will be used to evaluate them for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, designation as National Historic Landmarks or consideration as national monuments, Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said. The scholars’ study, which is expected to be completed by 2016, is being �inanced with $250,000 from the Gill Foundation, a major donor to gay civil rights causes. | |
Park Service announces effort to mark LGBT historical sites Wire Report NEW YORK | The U.S. National Park Service will begin marking places of signi�icance to the history of LGBT Americans, a cabinet secretary announced May 30 at the scene in Manhattan of the 1969 riots widely credited with starting the modern gay rights movement. The shift comes after years of debate about how gay people �it into America’s historical narrative and whether they should be included in textbooks. In 2011, California state legislators passed
OBAMA DECLARES JUNE LGBT PRIDE MONTH In a proclamation released by the White House on May 30, President Barack Obama declared June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. In his statement, Obama recommits his administration to securing fairness and equality for LGBTs and their families, both within the U.S. and beyond its borders. He further calls on each of us to “speak for tolerance, justice and dignity—because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.” Read the full text of Obama’s Pride Month proclamation at WatermarkOnline.com.
THOUSANDS MARCH IN CYPRUS’ FIRST PRIDE PARADE Several thousand people turned out for Cyprus’ first gay pride parade on May 31, exceeding the expectations of organizers who said the event’s popularity shows that Cypriots are shedding their conservative attitudes. Organizer Costas Gavrielides said he was overwhelmed because he had expected just a few hundred people to attend the event in the heart of the capital Nicosia. Cyprus, a largely Orthodox Christian society, decriminalized homosexuality a dozen years ago.
COLORADO BAKER MUST MAKE CAKES FOR SAME-SEX WEDDINGS Colorado’s Civil Rights Commission on May 30 ordered a baker to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples, finding his religious objections to the practice did not trump the state’s anti-discrimination statutes. The unanimous ruling upheld an administrative law judge’s finding in December that Jack Phillips violated civil rights law when he refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple in 2012. Colorado law prohibits businesses from refusing to serve customers based on their sexual orientation.
nation+world
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HICAGO | Gay and lesbian couples across Illinois can now legally wed as the state’s law allowing same-sex marriage took effect Sunday. June 1 marked the �irst day all of Illinois’ 102 counties could begin issuing marriage licenses to samesex couples after a piecemeal start where some county of�icials began granting licenses months ago following a federal court ruling. Gay couples and civil rights advocates across the state marked the date with blessing ceremonies and group weddings, and several
county clerks opened brie�ly to issue licenses for those who didn’t want to wait for Monday morning. ``June 1 [was] a history-making day in Illinois,’’ said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of the gay rights group Equality Illinois. ``At long last, the state recognizes their families for what they are: which is equal in love, equal in commitment and equal in marriages.’’ Gov. Pat Quinn signed the state’s gay marriage law in November, but last February, a federal court ruling in Chicago declared Illinois’ original ban unconstitutional, clearing the way for some same-sex couples to marry. In a statement Sunday, Quinn
IN OTHER NEWS
NEWS
Same-sex marriage begins in Illinois
HOUSTON APPROVES EXPANDED LGBT PROTECTIONS Houston leaders on May 28 approved expanded anti-bias protections for LGBT residents in a measure that critics argued would impede their religious liberties. Supporters, including lesbian Mayor Annise Parker, said the measure is about offering protections at the local level against all forms of discrimination. It takes effect in late June.
MALE STUDENT NAMED CONNECTICUT SCHOOL’S PROM QUEEN A 17-year-old boy has been named prom queen at his high school and says he’s making a point about gender labeling and discrimination. Nasir Fleming won the title May 31 at Danbury High School. Fleming said he isn’t sure whether the students who submitted his name were making fun of his sexuality but decided it was a good opportunity to make a point about the importance of being who you are. ``Either way, I’m still fabulous,’’ he said.
MAINE FINES NATIONAL ANTIGAY MARRIAGE GROUP Maine’s ethics panel fined the anti-gay marriage National Organization for Marriage more than $50,000 on May 28 and ordered it to reveal the donors who backed its efforts to repeal the state’s gay marriage law. The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices found the group violated campaign finance laws by failing to properly register as a ballot question committee and file financial reports in the 2009 referendum that struck down gay marriage.
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guestcolumn
GayDays, Gay Pride, and thoughts on being a June bride
Steven R. Yacovelli, Ed.D.
I
REMEMBER MY FIRST
GayDays: it was 1995 and I was a young gayling of 24 years old here in O-town. My BFF (at the time and still to this day) Bruce convinced me to go. I didn’t quite know what to expect; being newly out, this was one of my �irst “Pride” events and it was an incredible, powerful, moving, and af�irming experience.
A sea of red shirts at the Magic Kingdom, boys in swimsuits at Typhoon Lagoon, and just a feeling of support coupled with a whole lot of fun. Being part of this was more than encouraging; it was the opportunity to not only see so many of my “people” being out and proud in one spot, but just as important was the opportunity to be seen by others outside of the community as an out gay man as well. The next year I made my way to New York City for my �irst “big” Pride parade. Here I saw a cornucopia of humanity celebrate the LGBT community while dykes on bikes zoomed past the half naked boys on the Twilo �loat. I distinctly remember looking at the 2nd �loor window above where I was watching the parade and seeing this 80-year-old woman and her (assumed) husband dancing up a storm and trying desperately to
catch any beads that came their way. It was awesome, and just reinforced the proud feelings I had and that sense of community each June brought with it. The world has changed in a relatively short 19-ish years since I went to these events. With the vast amount of information on the Interweb, positive depictions of the LGBT community in the media, and the extensive news coverage on our �ight for equality, we’re so much more “out” as a community in the collective world conscience then we were in the days of my �irst Pride events. I think of Steve’s Gay Pride like a fabulous empty cup that magically appeared when I �inally identi�ied as gay. Every Pride event, every TV show with a positive LGBT role model (once too few and far between), every magazine ad promoting that “nefarious” LGBT Agenda put a drop or two into that Pride Cup. Today, at 43, that cup has gotten pretty full, but it has taken a while. By contrast, today’s gaylings have been exposed to so many more positive images of the LGBT community than I ever was at their age, and this has helped to get their fabulous Gay Pride Cups quite a bit fuller far more quickly. And that’s a fantastic thing. Now June not only means “LGBT Pride” but the possibility of wedding bells for an ever-increasing amount of us LGBT Americans. After 16 years of technically “dating” Richard, I am getting married to my partner in San Francisco in a few weeks. The 24-year-old Steve—awash in a sea of red shirts watching the 3 p.m. parade at the Magic Kingdom 19 years ago—would never have thought I’d have the opportunity to be proud in a whole different gay way in June at my own wedding. And maybe next year we’ll have a run on gay weddings by Disney in Orlando come the �irst weekend in June. So do we still need these Pride and GayDay events each June, and Gay Pride parades snaking down the Main Streets of so many cities, villages and town? Abso-�lippin’-lutely. There’s still a lot of hate, oppression, and misunderstanding in this country. Globally, there are almost 80 countries where being LGBT is illegal (and in at least �ive it’s a crime punishable by death). These Pride events help bring a sense of community, a sense of belonging to a group of people with a shared experience, and for many a sense of exposure that this somewhat “invisible minority” has to the world. Our collective celebration each June shows the rest of the world that we are part of a larger group that are normal
and wonderful citizens of this world. We’re celebrating the challenges we’ve collectively overcome while advancing the conversation about how we should be viewed and treated in society. Have fun, but know you’re also representing all of us when you gather for that Pride celebration. With that said, a few “do’s” and “don’ts” as we swing into our celebration month: Don’t celebrate so much in your “pride” that you’re ashamed of your actions the next day. Moderate your drinking, know your limits if you are indulging in “other substances,” and, like kindergarten �ields trips, know where your “pride buddy” is at all times. Don’t show body parts in public that could put you in jail, or make your grandmother blush. Yes, be proud of your sexuality, but know where and when. The showers at RipTide/ BeachBall aren’t the best place to “show your pride.” Don’t over text / Tweet / FB post while attending the events. Engage your LGBT and ally brothers and sisters in RT (“real time”). Yes, post a
few pics of your fun experiences but then put your phone down, lift your head up and go live those experiences. Do show how proud you are to be a part of the LGBT community. There are a lot of us around the world who may not be able to publically share our pride as much as we can in the U.S. Do be open to all facets of our community. Just because you aren’t into leather daddies, for example, don’t judge or demean those who are. We use a rainbow �lag as a symbol for a reason: learn to accept those who are different—in our
Do we still need these Pride and GayDay events? Abso-flippin’-lutely.
community and beyond. Do respect that for many younger folks this is one of their �irst Pride celebrations; this is the foundation for their future pride, let them have fun. For those younger, realize that you wouldn’t be celebrating Pride if not for the efforts of the “more chronologically experienced LGBTs.” Respect your LGBT elders; they’ve paved the way for you. Enjoy yourselves throughout this Pride month, be safe, and be proud of how far we’ve come, and hopeful for how far we still need to go. | |
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Jamie Hyman ONLINE MEDIA DIR. JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
HEN IT COMES TO
Gay Days, Disney just can’t win.
The �irst Gay Day was in 1991, and religious groups immediately blamed Disney for allowing it to happen. In 1994, after the crowds swelled to tens of thousands, Disney posted signs at the park entrance that both distanced the park from Gay Day, “We are not sponsoring or promoting it,” and made an attempt at welcoming, “We do not discriminate on any basis.” The next year, the American Family Association called Gay Day “a mission to pervert America’s children,” and every year they take to the media condemning Gay Day and �ly banners over the parks that read “WARNING GAY DAY AT DISNEY.” This isn’t new news, but when I visited the AFA website to research their fundraising efforts for this year’s hate plane, the anti-gay group’s version of the story really hit home how warped their perspective is when it comes to Gay Days and Disney. Let’s break it down line by line. AFA: “Disney has prohibited drag queens from entering Disney World since Gay Day 1991 when even the mainstream media reported in a negative light the estimated 1,800 cross dressers in the park with children. Yet, Disney continues to allow thousands of people to wear shirts promoting various alternative lifestyles.” We’d like to see their documentation on this. Watermark has photos of drag queens in front of the castle playing hula hoop with Disney staff, so… AFA: I’m just going to paraphrase for them here.
They say in a very long-winded manner that gang colors are not okay in Disneyland in California, so red shirts on Gay Day should not be okay at Disneyworld. Gangs are about violence. The red shirts stem from the very �irst Gay Day, when it was more dangerous to be openly gay and the distinctive color gave LGBTs a way to identify each other. Gay Day is about community, love and family. AFA: “Disney provided group discount tickets with a different colored Mickey logo for Gay Day Patrons.” Oh, the humanity! Again, no proof this ever happened but wow. Talk about petty. AFA: “Disney paid personnel to greet Gay Day patrons at the front gate.” Disney pays people to greet visitors every single day. It’s the happiest place on earth, for crying out loud. They want people to feel welcome. (Now I’m thinking about how the AFA would like Disney to address this. What’s the opposite? Should Disney pay employees who, every time they see a visitor in a red shirt, make it a point to turn their back, cross their arms and snub that visitor? Those employees could turn up their noses and say “Hmph,” for good measure.) AFA: “Disney recruited employees to be guides for groups of Gay Day patrons.” Apparently the AFA would feel better if the gays just wandered around the Magic Kingdom, utterly lost. AFA: “Disney gave away Disney tea shirts [sic] to people who complained that they did not know that the red shirt they innocently wore meant they supported Gay Day.” Assuming a tea shirt is the same as a t-shirt… well, I have more of a problem with the people who freaked out about wearing red. OMG! Someone might think I’m a gay! AFA: “The State of Florida does NOT prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.” Well. That is true...and a completely obnoxious thing to say, because we can infer that the AFA would only be happy if Disney were to actively, deliberately discriminate against gay visitors. AFA: “Disney has the right to prohibit people from entering the park with tee shirts that promote LGBT behavior but deliberately chooses to allow this to occur in the midst of thousands of children.”
Oh, that’s where they were going with that discrimination thing. Apparently no one has told the AFA that gay people also have children. Many, many LGBT families bring those children to the park on Gay Day, and their delighted faces prove they are not scandalized, and are having a wonderful time in the Magic Kingdom. AFA: “So why doesn’t [sic] Disney and Gay Day organizers want their own unique Gay Day bash at Disney World after the park closes when regular guests won’t be offended and Gay Day patrons can do as they please? The answer is they both want to impact a captured audience of tens of thousands of children.” Again, loads of gay people have children, too. Gay Day is a family event, AFA. That is why it happens before dark. AFA: “Disney requires other unique events like Grad Night and Night of Joy to be held after regular operating hours. Disney does this to avoid having a large
group of likeminded people in the park at the same time with regular patrons who expect a normal day at Disney World.” Yes, but much to the consternation of many in the LGBT community, Gay Day is not a Disney event. That’s the other side to this story of Disney and Gay Day. LGBTs �lock to the park by the thousands once a year, spending untold amounts of money on admission, food and souvenirs. Yet Disney doesn’t publicly acknowledge the event. Why? Why has the park never of�icially declared the �irst Saturday in June Gay Day? Where are the rainbow �lags on Main Street? Where is the LGBT support? To the religious community, that Disney even allows Gay Day to exist is a tragedy. But the true tragedy is that LGBT-friendly Disney doesn’t go one step further and support the LGBT community in a large, proud, meaningful way. | |
AFA’s version of the story really hit home how warped their perspective is when it comes to Gay Days and Disney.
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TALKING POINTS STORY OF ROBERT DENIRO’S GAY, ARTIST FATHER COMING TO HBO
I
F YOU READ THIS COLUMN REGULARLY, you know that Oscar-winning actor Robert DeNiro debuted a documentary about his late father, the openly gay artist Robert DeNiro, Sr., at Cannes Film Festival. Now, Remembering the Artist: Robert DeNiro, Sr. will �ind its way to cable. The �ilm, which features the younger DeNiro reading from his father’s journals, premieres on HBO June 9. It includes archival footage from the 1970s and was edited by Thelma Schoonmaker, a longtime editor for movie director Martin Scorsese. DeNiro’s father died more than 20 years ago from cancer. The �ilm, originally intended to be shared only with family, was released to the public after DeNiro was asked the share the story. | |
ACTRESS MELISSA MCCARTHY SAYS SHE’S DATED MANY GAY MEN
A
CTRESS MELISSA MCCARTHY, OF MIKE AND MOLLY FAME, has revealed that she’s dated “so many” gay men. McCarthy, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the movie Bridesmaids, was asked by The Advocate if she dated a man who later came out as gay. “Just one? There were so many,” she said. “In my early 20s, I was like the last stop before a guy said, ‘Yep, it’s of�icial: I’m gay’. She went on to say: “I’d be like, ‘Really?!’ I’d think, ‘But he’s so funny, so charming, and such a good dresser.’ I never saw it coming.” McCarthy is married to actor Ben Falcone. | |
GAY MEN HAVE THE SAME INSTINCTIVE REACTIONS OF STRAIGHT MOMS AND DADS
A
NEW STUDY THAT COULD AFFECT WHETHER ADOPTION AGENCIES will work with gay couples show that after adopting, gay men’s brain activity resembles that of both new moms and new dads. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sought to determine whether mothers’ brains are more sensitive to emotional cues, like hearing their children cry after birth, because of hormonal changes or parenting experience. Researchers measured parents’ brain activity in an MRI while watching their own children at home and other children not their own. The gay fathers’ brain waves responded similarly to the heterosexual parents. Their emotional circuits were as active as the moms’ and their cognitive circuits were as active as the dads’. The study suggests that, biologically, gay couples are as �it to be parents as straight couples. | |
NEW YORK CITY AND ST. LOUIS
HAVE THE FIRST-MOST MOST AND SECOND-MOST
G AY F R I E N D LY
FOOTBALL FANS, respectively.
OAKLAND
and NASHVILLE have the fewest LGBT-supportive fans. —According to an Emory University study following Twitter reactions to Michael Sam’s NFL career
NEW
FREDDIE MERCURY
TRACKS SET FOR QUEEN’S NEXT ALBUM
U
NHEARD TRACKS BY FREDDIE MERCURY will be included in a new album by Queen before year end, guitarist Brian May told BBC Radio. May was on the show to promote his new book Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures in Hell, about the history of 19th century French stereoscopic cards. Queen is set for a 19-date tour with Adam Lambert opening on June 19 in Chicago and wrapping up July 20 in Washington, D.C. Mercury, 45, died in November 1991 of complications from AIDS. | |
[The Isla Vista shootings are a result of]
the attack on natural marriage and the family. —KEN BLACKWELL OF THE FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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watermark
IN DEPTH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate against the LGBT community
A
Sandra Ketcham
FTER LIVING TOGETHER FOR
just a few months, David’s boyfriend started to change.
“He became very controlling, losing his temper over stupid things and ... physically getting in my face when we’d argue,” says David, who lives in Port Orange. “I �igured it was some sort of stress or it was because he’d had a few beers, but instead it got worse over the next
few months until one day he snapped and threw me against the wall. When I told him I was leaving, he called me a faggot and said he’d tell my parents I was gay. I was only out to my sister and a couple of friends at that point.” Over the next several months, David’s boyfriend
became increasingly demanding and abusive, but David was scared of being outed and didn’t have anywhere else to go. In need of information and support, he called a domestic violence shelter in Daytona. “I just wanted to know if there was help with moving out and I wanted to know if I had any legal rights to our furniture and art and dog,” David says. “They didn’t seem to know what to do with a man needing help. They gave me another number to call, but I don’t
think I bothered. I just dealt with it until my boyfriend found someone else and moved out.” David believes he was lucky, even though he still suffers from occasional nightmares and has had trouble trusting men since his relationship ended almost seven years ago. He’s known others who’ve gone through worse, and he believes at least half his LGBT friends have been abused in some way
Continued on page 30 | |
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| | Domestic Violence from pg.27
by a partner. Statistics support his estimate. Same-sex domestic violence is at least as common as heterosexual domestic violence, according to a 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey. As many as 61 percent of bisexual women and 44 percent of lesbians report rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner compared to 35 percent of heterosexual women. The numbers are a little closer for men, with 26 percent of gay men and 37 percent of bisexual men reporting violence versus 29 percent of heterosexual men. Despite its prevalence, same-sex domestic violence doesn’t get as much attention as heterosexual domestic violence, and many social, medical and legal agencies don’t have the training or resources to provide for the unique needs of the LGBT community, notes the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP). There’s also a lack of understanding when it comes to violence in LGBT relationships; it’s not uncommon for same-sex violence to be deemed a “fair �ight” or for victims to be accused of overreacting. And, when LGBT victims �inally work up the courage to reach out, they are often dismissed or treated with homophobic responses. Accusations of “whining” and “being dramatic” were obstacles 26-year-old Amanda J. faced when searching for a way out of her abusive 14-month relationship. “My brother told me to grow up, �ight back and get over it,” Amanda recalls. “He had me convinced that my girlfriend couldn’t be abusing me because she was a girl and she was smaller than me. It took me a long time to realize he was wrong and that I deserved someone who treated me well.” Amanda says she thought the abuse was normal. “I was shamed into thinking I did something to deserve it and
SUPPORT RESOURCES 30
14.3% of LGBT VICTIMS were denied help from domestic violence shelters
37% 61% of BISEXUAL MEN and
26%
of GAY MEN report violence from an intimate partner
had no right to complain about it,” she says. “It was probably worse in my case because my girlfriend was careful not to leave marks on me. She’d pull my hair or slap me or scream at me. Mostly it was the constant name-calling and being told I was fat and slow that hurt the most. I believed her. I actually thought I was lucky to have her. “It’s hard to leave when no one else thinks there’s a problem. It actually makes you wonder if you’re crazy.”
STRUGGLE TO BREAK FREE
Breaking free and getting help can be extremely challenging for the LGBT community. In fact, Heather Wilkie, the COO of Harbor House, a domestic violence shelter and advocacy center in Orlando, says there are many barriers to LGBT victims in need of assistance. “Fear and threats of being outed if they are not out to their
HARBOR HOUSE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA HarborHouseFl.com 407-886-2856
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
of BISEXUAL WOMEN and
4%
of LESBIANS report rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner
families or communities; failure to recognize they are victims of domestic violence; denial and isolation in the LGBT community; lack of accessible and sensitive services; fear of losing custody of children; and homophobia, heterosexism, and/or lack of training within law enforcement and justice systems” are all challenges the LGBT community faces, explaines Wilkie. “Peaches,” who lives in Sanford, had to overcome many issues common to victims of intimate partner violence, and leaving wasn’t easy. But after hearing her 4-year-old daughter yell, “Get off my mama,” she decided to end her abusive relationship. “Going back home to parents that disowned me, hated me for loving women, prevented me from leaving. I felt I was better off, not being a burden,” explains Peaches. Getting legal help was even harder than �inding social
THE SPRING OF TAMPA BAY
FLORIDA COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
TheSpring.org 813-247-SAFE (7233)
FCADV.org/ (800) 621-4202
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
30%
of LGBT victims reporting an abusive incident to police were arrested instead of their abusive partner. —According to a 2012 report by the NCAVP
support. “Police look at us like weirdos, and there is no domestic violence help for same-sex partners. Nobody cares if we kill each other.” An unsettling 14.3 percent of LGBT victims were denied help from domestic violence shelters, according to a 2012 report by the NCAVP, and nearly 30 percent of LGBT victims reporting an abusive incident to police were arrested instead of their abusive partner.
BEYOND PHYSICAL ABUSE
Without proper training to identify and address LGBT domestic violence, law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel tend to underestimate the risk of physical violence in same-sex relationships or arrest both the victim and the abuser because they are unable to identify the primary aggressor. Recognizing intimate partner violence is THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE SAFETY PLANNING INFORMATION TheHotline.org/Help/Path-To-Safety
watermarkonline.com
even more dif�icult when the abuse is sexual, emotional or otherwise hidden. It’s important to remember that domestic violence isn’t always physical. Verbal abuse, emotional and psychological intimidation, threats against family or pets, sexual assault, �inancial control, and other methods of humiliation and manipulation trap victims, making it extremely dif�icult to leave. Unfortunately, these behaviors often go on for months or years, inducing fear, helplessness and isolation that can lead to lasting psychological and emotional trauma. So what are victims of samesex domestic violence supposed to do with limited social and legal support? The Spring of Tampa Bay, a domestic violence center in Hillsborough County, recommends contacting a local domestic violence advocate to develop a safety plan before leaving, and calling 911 in the event of a crisis. Documenting abuse through photos and medical examinations will help with legal issues down the road, and reaching out to a trusted friend, therapist or family member can provide muchneeded emotional support. As society becomes more aware of same-sex domestic violence, services to the LGBT community should improve. Harbor House has partnered with The Center and the Zebra Coalition in Orlando to offer support and prevention groups speci�ic to the LGBT community, and domestic violence shelters and organizations in Tampa Bay and around the state are increasing efforts to educate the public and criminal justice professionals. Of course, there are still roadblocks and a lot of ignorance. The hope is that increasing outreach efforts will help correct misconceptions about same-sex domestic violence and provide victims with greater social support and improved access to emergency shelter, childcare, medical treatment and legal representation. | | VICTIM SERVICE CENTER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. VictimServiceCenter.com 407-497-6701
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E X P E R I E N C E T E N O F F LO R I DA’ S M O ST P R O G R E S S I V E A N D E X C I T I N G A R T I ST S
on view june 21 - september 7, 2014
AMBASSADORS
Orlando Museum of Art / 2416 N. Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803 / 407.896.4231 / www.omart.org 32
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Photo by Sara Hertel
FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT AARTS RTSS & RT
ENTERTAINMENT
LEANN RIMES ADDS A FIRST-OF-ITSKIND (FOR HER) GAY DAYS WEEKEND PERFORMANCE AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
S
Kirk Hartlage
HAME ON US. WE’RE QUIETLY
hoping LeAnn Rimes’ Gay Days Weekend performance doesn’t go completely well, if only because her back-up plans sound so entertaining. While Saturday’s show at Orlando’s Parliament House won’t be Rimes’ �irst appearance at a gay nightclub, it will be the �irst time the 31-year-old singer performs an entire concert of her numerous dance hits.
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“I won’t have a live band around to be able to switch things up as I normally would,” Rimes said. “It’s going to be such a cool experience; there are very few ‘�irsts’ for me. To do something like this is a little nerve-racking. If I screw up I’ll just, like, jump in the audience and crowd-surf or something!” While Rimes also liked our suggested distraction— bringing hunky husband Eddie Cibrian up on stage Continued on page 42 | |
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33
Mad Cow Theatre Presents
in the Zehngebot-Stonerock theatre
June 20-July 20, 2014
“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
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By Mike Bartlett
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SPICING THINGS UP: William Bryant, left, and Howard Riddles, right, play a long-term couple looking either dissolve or rescue their relationship. Kyle Hill, center, plays a new love interest in Gay/Sex/Life. PHOTO COURTESY LIMES PHOTOGRAPHY
A day in the life THEATER
Gay/Sex/Life returns to St. Pete in time for Pride month
S
Zach Caruso
T. PETERSBURG LOCAL ACTOR/
director/playwright Joseph Alan Johnson is back with a new production of an old favorite. Johnson will be at the helm of the latest production of his original play Gay/Sex/Life, which will be performed June 9-11 at The Studio @ 620 as part of St. Petersburg’s LGBT Pride festivities. 36
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
“They usually do a play during Gay Pride as part of the many events,” says Johnson. “Bob Devin Jones was going to bring a play in from New York, so I said to him ‘Well I live here, I’m a local St Pete playwright, why don’t you use this play I have?’ and he really liked the idea.” Gay/Sex/Life follows the strained relationship of Clifford and John, a couple whose partnership spans 20 years and
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is now on the rocks. As John seeks to end the relationship amicably, Clifford wants to salvage it, and as things progress the drama and comedy ensue. Add in a performance by Tampa Bay favorite Daniel Harris, and the end result is an entertaining ride Johnson says will make you laugh, cry, and connect with. “It’s about a couple on the verge of breaking up,” says Johnson. “So it is a gay-themed play, but it’s about situations that everyone can relate to. After the �irst production of it, people would come up to me and say ‘That character reminds me of so-and-so,’ or ‘I know someone just like that character.’ They’re relatable, and people can connect with the story and characters.” Though the play debuted in 2011 at The Carollwood Players Theatre in Tampa, Johnson had no direct part in the production, but is thrilled to �inally be in the
watermarkonline.com
director’s chair this time around. “I actually wasn’t involved in that production,” says Johnson. “They did their own production, but it was so far away that one Friday night I actually rented a bus and took all my friends out there to see their production of it.” Johnson explains that the play ended up at the Tampa theatre by happenstance. “I knew the artistic director there at the time, and I had said to her ‘I wrote this gay-themed play,’ and she said ‘Well actually we’re looking to do more edgy material, and something by a local,’” he says. “So she read the script and said ‘I want to do this play.’ I have to give her credit for taking a chance on a play that had never been done.” The decision by the theater company was a controversial one. “They actually got some �lak, Continued on page 39 | |
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PLAYING LIFE: The cast of Gay/Sex/Life include, back Row (L-R) Howard Riddles, Daniel Harris, Donnie Engle, Trey McDuffie, second row, Kyle Hill and William Bryant. Writer and director Joseph Alan Johnson is in front. PHOTO COURTESY LIMES PHOTOGRAPHY
knowing we’re all doing our best, and we’re having so much fun. Every from pg.36 cast is different, some like to just do the work and then go home, others because of the provocative nature of are really lively, they like to go out the title. And the title is provocative, and bond,” says Johnson. “This cast and I did it to sell tickets,” he says is really lively, and what makes this with a laugh. “But they have a play work is the chemistry between big following at the theater and the characters and the actors. It’s everyone who went to see the show an enjoyable situation when you’re really enjoyed it.” with a group of people that Johnson says that you like and respect, after the production and you all have that ended, he moved on common goal.” from Gay/Sex/Life And as opening and started working night draws near, on other projects and Johnson re�lects on, writing new plays. But and appreciates, the when he put on one journey involved in of his newest plays, the creative process. Misconception, at the “I love seeing Studio @ 620 this past words and thoughts fall, the interest in —JOSEPH ALAN JOHNSON that I had in my reviving Gay/Sex/Life head now become was renewed. �lesh and blood,” he says. “It’s very And now Johnson is �inally able to gratifying to see something that see his vision come to life the way he I walked around my living room imagined it. saying to myself now come to life “Since I wrote the material and onstage. It’s magic.” have certain visions of how I want For ticket prices and information, certain things to be,” he says. visit TheStudioAt620.org or call “Once I’ve done it [a production] 727-895-6620. | | I don’t mind letting it go, but I’ve never actually directed this play or seen it done as I envisioned it, and as MORE INFORMATION you bring other people into it, actors bring their own colors into, it’s really WHAT: Gay/Sex/Life interesting.” WHERE: Studio @ 620, St. Petersburg Johnson is �inding the experience WHEN: 7 p.m., June 9-11 to be exceptionally rewarding. TICKETS: $20-$25 at TheStudioAt620.org “It’s about the camaraderie, | | Gay/Sex/Life
“It is a gaythemed play, but it’s about situations that everyone can relate to.”
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A smile isn’t the only thing that can be infectious. Use a condom. Every time.
www.wemakethechange.com · 1-800-FLA-AIDS
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Photo by Sara Hertel
| | LeAnn Rimes from pg.33
and making him take his shirt off—we’re sure nothing will go wrong for the countrycrossover artist who was already an experienced singer by the age of nine. Since then, Rimes has been called many things. In 1997 Grammy voters called her that year’s Best New Artist, the �irst country singer and, at only 14, the youngest person ever to win the award. Billboard magazine called her a record-breaker when her hit “How Do I Live” became the longest-running single in Billboard Hot 100 history, spending 69 weeks on
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Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve ever done a show like this, so you guys are breaking me in! —LEANN RIMES
the chart. And Rimes has been called…well, any number of things by her husband’s ex-wife Brandi Granville. But Rimes has never been called a Dance Diva, at least until now. On Friday, June 6, when she appears at Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, she’ll perform a traditional
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concert with a live band. But on the following day, Saturday— okay, technically Sunday, since the show is slated to start after midnight—she’ll sing live to pre-recorded dance tracks, quite possibly with some muscled male dancers behind her. Rimes admitts that on the very rare occasion she is singing
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at one in the morning it’s not in concert, and typically comes from having had a little too much to drink with friends. “Honestly, it’s the �irst time I’ve ever done a show like this, so you guys are breaking me in!” Rimes said during a recent phone interview, held while the singer was navigating L.A.’s
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infamous 405. “I’ve never really performed dance tracks live, and it’s something I’ve been wanting to do. It’s basically going to be one big fun show. And I have no idea how it’s going to turn out! I just plan on having a good time!” Rimes’ singing career has, in recent years, been overshadowed by near-constant coverage in the tabloids, which, if they’re to be believed, put Rimes en route to a dentist appointment during our recent Watermark interview. But while Rimes’ success has come primarily from her country hits, she’s also seen remixes of her songs make an impact
on the dance club charts as well. An album tracing Rimes’ history of dance remixes hits stores in July. She’s even titled the album Dance Like You Don’t Give A … “That’s a phrase I like to use,” Rimes said, laughing. “It goes all the way back to ‘How Do I Live’ and ‘Can’t Fight the Moonlight.’ I’m always being asked, especially by my gay fans, to please do a dance record, or put everything on one record. I’ve had several dance hits, but it’s a totally different world for me, and it’s one that I love. One of the reasons we’re doing this show is that eventually I would like to dabble in that more and actually do a dance record. This is me testing the waters a little bit.” The album will also include remixed material from Rimes’ last album Spit�ire, and a new take on “Help Me Make It Through the Night” from Lady & Gentlemen, her 2011 album of country classics covers. Speaking of covers, Rimes will be featured on the upcoming album Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe, also slated for release in July. “I re-did ‘Smoking in the Boys Room,’ and it’s totally my take on it. It’s so bad ass!” Rimes said. Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx apparently agrees. Last month he Tweeted that her version of the song was “fucking killer.” Also debuting this summer is “LeAnn & Eddie,” a VH1 reality show depicting Rimes’ life with her husband. The couple’s relationship started while Rimes and Cibrian were working together on a Lifetime movie…and were each married to other people. Rimes said doing the reality show allowed her to work with her husband again while staying close to home, since Cibrian shares custody of his two sons with Granville. “People have written all of these crazy things about us the last �ive years,” Rimes said. “It’s time, in a way, to reclaim ‘us.’ It’s very lighthearted. People think we take ourselves so seriously sometimes. Eddie and I always give each other crap, so there’s a lot of humor in the show, which I think is missing in some reality shows. And that’s just our relationship. We’re
calling it a docu-com.” Filming for the show’s �irst season has wrapped, so, sadly, her Parliament House performance won’t be featured on a very special episode called “LeAnn & Eddie & The Gays.” “That would be awesome!” Rimes said, laughing, when presented with the idea. “And then we can put Eddie right in the middle of the crowd and see how long it takes for him to get eaten up! He’s already telling me, ‘You’re not bringing me up on stage.’ And I’m like, ‘Yes, I am!’” If that episode were to be �ilmed it would no doubt include a discussion of Rimes’ long support of the LGBT community and marriage equality. In 2010 Rimes performed with The Gay Men›s Chorus of Los Angeles, and she’s posed twice for the NOH8 Campaign. “I’ve never understood why people couldn’t love who they wanted to love,” Rimes said. “We live in a country that talks about how we’re all equal, but we don’t live by that. It’s always been very confusing to me. People are people. We all breathe the same, we have the same feelings, hopes, dreams and wishes. It just comes down to being a human being and being able to have the same rights.” It’s a somewhat unique stance for a country artist to take. Has she received any backlash from the often-conservative county music fan base? “I really haven’t,” Rimes said. “Maybe sometimes when I’ve posted things on Twitter somebody’s said something really ignorant, and it’s really sad for them. I have a very diverse group of fans, I think, because I’ve been around so long and I’ve dabbled in so many different things, as far as music. I’ve never gotten backlash for that sort of thing, but I’ve never been fearful of it either.” | |
MORE INFORMATION
WHO: LeAnn Rimes WHERE: 9 p.m., Friday, June 6:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa; 1 a.m. Sunday, June 7, Parliament House Resort TICKETS: $55 at SeminoleHardRockTampa.com and $30 at ParliamentHouse.com
GIRLS IN WONDERLAND
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Ensure your Gay Days survival with these tips
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Kirk Hartlage
HAT’S GAY DAY WEEKEND’S
scariest, heart-pounding, fear-inducing feature? Finding a parking space!!!
There’s a standard checklist of what to bring if you’re going to any of this weekend’s events: cash, pre-purchased tickets, I.D., and especially for daytime events—bottled water, sunglasses and sunscreen. We’d like to suggest having the following handy as well: patience, fortitude, perseverance, a bit of luck, and a well-thought out travel plan that includes plenty of time for traveling to—and parking at— every event you attend. As the weekend has grown over the years, so has the need to �ind places to park. Be it the myriad of construction projects in town or the sold-out hotels, nearly every event organizer has had to re-create alternative transportation and parking plans. They also have different policies on what their hotel guests will pay, as well as how many parking spaces per room are permitted. Our overall advice? If you can carpool, do it. If there’s a shuttle available, ride it. Take a taxi. Prepare to pay more for valet service if you happen to stay overnight. And, of course, make sure you have a designated driver so everyone gets home safe. In order to help you better navigate your fun, here’s what to know before you go:
GAYDAYS.COM
The promoter with the largest number of events also attracts the largest number
of guests. The Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld will charge $5 for parking that includes a $5 voucher for food or non-alcoholic drinks. The over�low lot will be a quartermile away on Westwood Blvd., with shuttles and a walking path to the hotel.
THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE The resort’s on-site parking lots hold nearly 1,000 cars, which are expected to be at capacity by midnight Friday. The standard over�low lot at the Citrus Bowl is unavailable this year thanks to the stadium’s renovations; an additional 250 spaces have been secured at a lot just south of the resort’s main entrance. Signage will direct drivers to additional parking. The resort will also offer a shuttle bus from the GayDayS.com Doubletree host hotel. Roundtrip tickets are $10. Service starts at 9:30 p.m. with the last bus scheduled to leave the Parliament House at 4 a.m.
TIDAL WAVE WEEKEND
Day parking at the bear group’s host hotel, the Holiday Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista, will run $5 with over�low parking across the street at the Athletic Amateur Union. A free shuttle to their signature party at Wet ‘n’ Wild runs Friday night. Service starts at the hotel at 3 p.m. with the last bus leaving the water park at 12:30 a.m.
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All non-hotel guests will be directed to an off-site lot a half-mile north of the Sheraton Resort Lake Buena Vista, just off S. Apopka Vineland Road. Parking is $5 and shuttles will run 24-hours-a-day between the lot and the hotel. The group will also offer bus service from the host hotel to events at Ember and Firestone Live in Downtown Orlando and at the House of Blues at Downtown Disney. Prices had yet to be determined at press time.
ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND
While parking at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for the group’s Riptide party Friday night is status quo, unof�icial over�low parking across the street at Downtown Disney is anything but. Construction on the district’s new parking garages, and lane widening on Lake Buena Vista Drive has made navigation extremely dif�icult. Disney instructs all Riptide guests to park at Typhoon Lagoon; in the event alternative parking is needed, signage will alert drivers where to go. Our suggestion? Approach the water park from the east on Buena Vista Drive from EPCOT Center Drive. A $10 roundtrip shuttle bus service will run from the GayDayS.com Doubletree host hotel to the water park starting at 6 p.m. and ending when the last guests have cleared the park at approximately 2:30 a.m. Unlike last year, shuttle buses will not transport guests to Saturday night’s WE party at EPCOT; instead, partygoers will enter through the theme park’s main gate and walk directly to the party location in World Showcase.
ONE MIGHTY WEEKEND
The group will offer free shuttle service between its host hotel, the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, and their Magic Journeys parties at Arabian Nights. Operating hours have yet to be determined. | |
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For Mark, Rick and Steve
Summer Circus Spectacular June 17-Aug 2, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.org
American Stage in St. Petersburg continues its run of the inspiring Steel Magnolias through June 15.
Black is the Color of my Voice June 10- June 22, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; wbttsrq.org Move: Live on Tour, June 15, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org
TAMPA BAY Steel Magnolias, May 21June 15, American Stage, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, June 6- June 22, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Counting Crows with Toad The Wet Sprocket, June 11, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org
Event Planner
Summerland Tour 2014, June 14, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. SummerlandTour.net 79 th Annual Miss Florida Pageant: Viva La Diva, June 17- June 21, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
ORLANDO Hair, June 4 to July 6, The Harriet Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com Sordid Lives, May 9 through June 7, Theatre Downtown, Orlando. 407-841-0083; TheatreDowntown.net A Night of Perpetual Comedy, June 5, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Summerland Tour 2014, June 15, Bubba Racetrack Park, Ocala. 352 622-9400; SummerlandTour.net The Dancers Pointe, June 7, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando. 407-246-4262; TodayAndTonight.com
Orlando Spring Home and Garden Show, June 7, CFE Arena, Orlando. 407-823-3070; CFEArena.com Toad the Wet Sprocket, June 10, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando Happy Together Concert, June 15, Daytona Beach. 386-671-3462; PeabodyAuditorium.org
Sonu Nigam Concert, June 6, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando. 407-685-9800; BollywoodEventsFL.com Move: Live on Tour, June 14, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRockLive.com
SARASOTA
Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular, June 14, Amway Center, Orlando; 407-440-7000; TodayAndTonight.com
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti, through June 15, Asolo Reparatory Theater, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org
1984 and Shoots to Thrill ROCK THE ABBEY, June 14, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com
Pump Boys & Dinettes, June 4-29, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota. 941-366-9000; FloridaStudioTheatre.org Curiosity, June 4- Sept 8, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.org
Intent to Decieve: Fakes and Forgeries in the Art World, May 23- Aug 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, 941-359-5700; Ringling.org Beth Lipman: Precarious Possessions April 28- Sept 7, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.org The Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection Nov 13, 2013- June 29, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.org Science and the Spectator June 6- Aug 24, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.org
Test Drive Your Seat, June 7, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Return to the Forbidden Planet, June 10- July 6, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Live & Local, June 11, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org The Burnt Part Boys, June 14- July 6, Free Fall Theatre Company, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreefallTheatre.com Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular, June 15, Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa. 813-301-6900; TampaBayTimesForum.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TAMPA
Viva La Divas Drag Show 8 P.M., SATURDAY, JUNE 14 TAMPA MCC, 408 E. CAYUGA
The fabulous Tiffani Middlesexx returns to Tampa Metropolitan Community Church with an impressive cast of top-notch performers to benefit the church on Saturday, June 14. Scheduled to appear are Melanie Minyon, Esme Russell, Delores T. VanCartier, Macaviti, Twila Starr and Iman Travieaso. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. A wine bar is also available beginning at 6:30 p.m.. For details, visit MCCTampa.com.
ST. PETERSBURG
Watermelon Woman
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 FREEFALL THEATRE, 6099 CENTRAL AVE., ST. PETERSBURG The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival continues its monthly 25th Anniversary Retrospective Series with the 1996 lesbian film, The Watermelon Woman. The film tells the story of Cheryl, a 20-something lesbian struggling to make a documentary on an elusive 1930s black film actress. The film co-stars Guinevere Turner and is a comedy with a political edge. For details and tickets, visit TIGLFF.com.
ORLANDO
Little Miss Parliament House
JUNE 6-8 THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE, 410, N. ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL The hilarious Little Miss Parliament House returns to, well, the Parliament House, June 6-8, and once again, local actors take on different roles throughout the limited Gay Days run. The toddler pageant is hosted by “Lionel Del Frisco,” Jeff Jones, and a stream of adults portray toddlers vying for the crown. As the press literature says, no toddlers were harmed during this process. Get info and tickets at ParliamentHouse.com.
SARASOTA G2H2
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 5 EAT HERE, 1888 MAIN ST., SARASOTA Join the Gay Guy Happy Hour on the rooftop of Eat Here in Sarasota to socialize, network and make new friends. The private event has a $10 cover and will feature appetizers, a 50/50 raffle and live entertainment. For details, visit G2H2Sarsaota on Facebook.
To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com. JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
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TAMPA BAY
1- HOT STUFF: The staff of The Honey Pot prepare for the annual White Party on Memorial Day weekend. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST
2- GETTING SOCIAL: Friends get social at, well, The Social, in Ybor City Memorial Day weekend. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 3- COCKTAIL TIME: (L-R) Paul Gonya and Wayne Whitney enjoy a cocktail before the raffles at Watermark Wednesday May 21 held at the Holiday Inn Clearwater.
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PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM
4- POWER TRIO: St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Largo Commissioner Michael Smith and St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell share a moment at the Harvey Milk Day fundraiser benefiting Pinellas Youth Pride at the St. Petersburg Museum of History May 22. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO 5- BATTLE CALL: Susan McGrath, president of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, introduces Largo Commissioner Michael Smith at “Watermark Wednesday” held at Holiday Inn Clearwater on May 21. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 6- FAN FAVORITE: Alexis Mateo greets fans after a recent performance at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST 7- CELEBRATING A LEGACY: (L-R) Stanley Solomons and Brian Longstreth welcome guests to the Second Annual Harvey Milk Day fundraiser for Pinellas Youth Pride held at the St. Petersburg Museum of History May 22. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO
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8- SOCIAL HOUR: Ashley Brundage and Steve Watson chat at Watermark Wednesday at the Holiday Inn in Clearwater on May 21. PHOTO COURTESY PAUL KINCHEN OF TINKERFLUFF.COM
OVERHEARD A GRAND OPENING, MAYBE
M
ANAGERS AT ST. PETERSBURG’S NEWEST LGBT NIGHTSPOT are remaining tight-lipped about any of�icial grand opening plans, but sources have said that Thursday, June 12, may be the celebratory night. Enigma has been unof�icially open for a month now, and word-of-mouth reviews have mostly been positive. The addition of a new sidewalk/patio bar has been especially welcome. Several friends of the paper have asked about grand opening details, and all report back that an of�icial announcement is “coming.” June 12 may or may not be the grand opening, but we say the city should show up for a cocktail or two that night anyway. They are, after all, open and serving nightly. | |
BENEVA TO GO TO HOLLYWOOD?
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UMORS ARE THAT SARASOTABASED PERFORMER BENEVA FRUITVILLE could be headed to California for the next season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. An unof�icial poll on DragOf�icial.com has the funny girl placed second at press time on a list of fan-favorites to appear in the upcoming season. The site is unaf�iliated with LOGO or RuPaul, but is �looded with votes for 200 queens vying for a spot on Season 7. Watermark readers selected Beneva as favorite area Drag Entertainer last year and is known for her hilarious take on Drag Bingo in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. To vote for Beneva, visit DragOf�icial.com/ Rupauls-Drag-Race-Season-7.html. | |
5 YEARS, 10 PINS
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T’S HARD TO BELIEVE, but Gay Bowling will celebrate its �ifth anniversary on Thursday, June 5. The monthly gathering of LGBT bowlers takes over Dunedin Lanes every Thursday at 10 p.m. Come enjoy the whimsical commentary of hostesses Amy DeMilo, Natasha Richards and Jocelyn Summers. This month’s celebration will feature DJ Mark McKay and free drinks from 10- 11 p.m. There will also be a variety of contests and giveaways, plus a midnight show! Even if you don’t want to bowl, check out the anniversary party and win something. Dunedin Lanes is at 405 Patricia Ave. in Dunedin. | | JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
BENEFIT FOR BREUL
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NTERTAINERS FROM AROUND SARASOTA AND TAMPA BAY are pulling together to help out one of their own—director Garry Breul. The founder of the Suncoast AIDS Theater Project is battling cancer in his lungs and brain, and the treatment won’t be cheap. So on Monday, June 9, actors, singers and entertainers of all kind will pull together a variety show called “A Life on Stage.” Scheduled to appear are performers Brian Shea, Jim Sorensen, Roxanne Fay, Lulu Picart, Alison Burns and Broadway star Ann Morrison. More performers will be lined up soon. There will also be a silent auction, all to bene�it Breull. Tickets are $20 at the door. The bene�it will be held at the Gompertz Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. | |
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Got Mustard?
DYER&BLAISDELL, P.L. Attorneys at Law
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THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.
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ORLANDO
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1- STAMP OF APPROVAL: Randy Stephens, Ava Kirshenbaum Doppelt, Gina Leigh Duncan, Tom Dyer and Mikael Frank Audebert visit Washington D.C. for the commemoration of the Harvey Milk Stamp. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 2- LUCKY BEARS: After winning free tickets via a WatermarkOnline.com giveaway, Pat O’Rourke (left) and Bryan Pittard settle in for a showing of The Full Monty, May 17 at Osceola Center for the Arts. PHOTO COURTESY BEARS IN THE CITY
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3- CLICK CLICK: Snap! Orlando owners Holly and Patrick Kahn celebrate five years in business with a party May 29. PHOTO
FROM SNAP! ORLANDO’S FACEBOOK PAGE
4- LET’S CELEBRATE: Michael James, Jeff Buak and Cleve Acree toast the official Gay Days kickoff party at Parliament House June 3. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN
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5- MARCHING MUSICIANS: A marching band provides musical accompaniment during the 7th annual Space Coast Pride, May 25 at Wickham Pavilian. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA 6- ART FOR A CAUSE: Dexter Foxworth and Dana Williams show off some masterpieces donated for sale to benefit Zebra Coalition. PHOTO FROM ZEBRA COALITION’S FACEBOOK PAGE 7- PURPLE PRIDE: Orlando Repertory Theatre’s Power Chords perform at the launch party for Come Out With Pride 2014, May 29 on the 11th floor patio of The Plaza building. PHOTO BY
SAMANTHA ROSENTHAL
8- SPOOKY CELEB SIGHTING: Freddy got inside NOES2 star Mark Patton as he posed with Watermark’s own scream queens, sales reps Jeremy Williams (middle) and Danny Garcia (right).
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OVERHEARD OFF WITH THEIR HEADDRESS
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ITH THE CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS OF THE HEADDRESS BALL FAST APPROACHING, the Hope & Help Center has made a major change to its usual Vegas-like �lair. While the organization will focus on the last 25 years of its diamond anniversary, it will drop the featured Headdress competition. The change brought out the claws as glue guns were put away. The lack of a competition drew some criticism from a few local crafters who had already started to stock up on materials. This year organizers of the event will work with supporters and partners across to create custom
built headdresses themed after each year of the Headdress Ball. Those creations will be integrated as part of the show rather than having its own dedicated segment of the evening. This will allow for a smoother �low of events. The Headdress Ball is Sept. 20 at the Hilton Orlando.
BRINK-ING BACK THE DRAMA
I
T LOOKS LIKE THERE’S BEEN A SHAKE-UP IN MANAGEMENT AT THE BRINK. According to a post on Facebook by Christopher Tanzi, who has essentially been the face of the bar for more than a year, his business partnership with Jan
Harold has �izzled. Details aren’t clear, but Tanzi hinted that he may have been forced out of the operations of the popular bar and Harold is now handling things for both Brink and Firestone Live. In related news, Firestone Live is rumored to be bringing back its LGBT nights later this summer. In the mid- to late-90s the Club at Firestone was known as one of the top clubs in the nation, at one point hosting two LGBT nights before an abrupt change to the format.
QUEEN OF HER QUEER-DOM
T
HE PARLIAMENT HOUSE WAS INVADED BY ANOTHER EVIL
QUEEN, and we’re not talking about one of one-hundred or so Drag Race girls! Once Upon a Time’s Lana Parrilla who plays ‘Evil Queen’ Regina in the ABC Sunday night drama, stopped by PH for a night of drinks, dancing and wickedness after spending a day greeting fans at Spooky Empire’s May-Hem.
PIANO BAR’S SWAN SONG
T
HE ON-AGAIN, OFF-AGAIN RELATIONSHIP between Kelly Richards and the Parliament House seems to be truly off—for good this time. Richard has reportedly decided to retire the gig after working at the iconic resort for more than
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
30 years. He admits he’ll miss his fellow singers and his Parliament House family. We wish him well!
TIP YOUR DANCERS
W
HEN YOU SEE THAT HOT DANCER SHAKING HIS STUFF during Gay Days pool parties this weekend, dig a little deeper for those tips. Some Go-Go boys report that party promoters aren’t able to offer base pay this year, so that means the tips they earn is all the cash they’ll make this time around. So remember when you head to the pool to stop by the ATM �irst and put some poolside cash in a plastic bag so you can stuff those G-strings. | |
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Transitions
Mary’s Week Long Pride Celebration
CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Passings
June
FIT TO CELEBRATE:
Sheryl Lynn Johnson, 58, of Tampa passed away on May 26. She is survived by her brothers, Andy Johnson, Alan Johnson and Kenny Johnson; and her father, Ken Nuznoff. Services were held May 31. Congratulations E.M. & Voss Solutions Event & Wedding Services owners Sascha Voss and Eric Muenks celebrate another anniversary during Gay Days Weekend.
Orlando Ballet organization, which is considered one of the finest training academies in the world, selected Jim Mitchell as its new director. Mitchell has more than 30 years of arts management experience, including five years as executive director of a state arts agency, which presents student showcases each year in May and again in July. He began working with artistic director Robert Hill June 2.
th
Sunday 11-3pm
DEATH OF AN ICON:
St. Petersburg couple and former St. Pete Pride board members Scott Turner and Ralph Trent celebrate their anniversary on June 18.
Poet and equality advocate Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 28, said her literary agent, Helen Brann. Angelou had been “frail” and suffering from heart problems. The 86-year-old was a spokeswoman for equality, and pressed lawmakers to recognize same-sex marriages in her later years.
Kevin Clifford and Tom Hlinko of Seminole celebrate their anniversary on June 7.
Local birthdays Handsome Tampa Coldwell Banker realtor Steve Wessels (June 5); KangaGirl Productions diva and longtime Orlando scenester Margaret Nolan, Tampa Francis House Executive Director Joy Winheim (June 9); Hillsborough Community College teacher David Usrey, Centro Ybor Wear Me Out! store owner Sharon Rose, Tampa friend-of-the-Geico-lizard David Usrey, Tampa Bay cowboy Roger Bell, Orlando Psycho City Derby girls league owner Tiffany “Vegas” Maitland (June 10); Tampa Bay real estate agent and former TIGLFF president Ken Hodges, Tampa marketing whiz La’Trice “Lady LaLa” Sharpe, St. Pete SoyBright Candle Company co-owner Tim Huff (June 11); Tampa native bear Ryan Morris, former St. Pete Twirling Project member and current Orlando resident Anthony Jenners, St. Petersburg city councilwoman and Pride grand marshal Darden Rice, schoolteacher and Orlando activist Wendy Elkes (June 12); Department of Transportation employee and big sweet bear John Stimis (June 13); Tampa-based Les Vixens performer, fashion designer/stylist and all-around goth-flavored Amazonian goddess Raven Lunatique, former Tampa
2014
3 -8 rd
Th ursday:
10PM 5 - Close
$4
Long
Island
$2.50 MIMOSAS • $6 BLOODY MARYS $2.95 DRAFTS
Every Friday 8:30pm SAYING GOODBYE:
Former St. Pete Pride board member Gregory Ericsson passed away on May 30, after battling complications from open-heart surgery for nearly three weeks. He is survived by his two sisters, a large family and many close friends.
International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival prez Chris Constantinou, Tampa volunteer everyman Bill Kanouff (June 14); Tampa Walgreens diva, photographer and LGBT ally Poly Costas (June 15); Bodywork Massage and Day Spa owner Roger Medrano, Town ‘n Country banker Travis Hilborne, Sarasota filmmaker and
LOSS OF A PIONEER:
Storme DeLarverie, a lesbian activist, died May 24. She was 93. In the 1950s, she performed as a male impersonator. DeLarverie was among those who fought against a police raid at the now iconic Stonewall Bar in Greenwich Village.
writer Anthony Paull (June 16); Metropolitan Business Association history chair Ken Kazmerski, former GaYbor Coalition board member John Gorman, St. Petersburg karaoke singer and artistic photographer J.J. Respondek, former St. Petersburg resident and current New York actor Michael Silas (June 17).
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!
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Staff Report
A
DA, MICH. | Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling isn’t going down without a �ight, and he is bringing Amway co-founder and Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos into the fray. Sterling has responded to the NBA—which has banished, �ined him and pressured him to sell his team in the wake of racist comments—and calls his treatment by the professional basketball league a sham. He suggests there is a double standard in how he is being treated for his racist comments versus anti-gay marriage comments made years ago by DeVos. In the document, Sterling notes DeVos “has made highly controversial comments against individuals with HIV/ AIDS and generously supports anti-homosexual causes with impugnity (sic).” Sterling is referring to an interview DeVos gave to The Grand Rapids Press/MLive in 2009, for the 50th anniversary of his company, which has grown into the world’s biggest multi-level marketing company, selling cosmetics, vitamins and household products through more than three million distributors. In the interview, DeVos says he donated $100,000 in 2008 in support of a Florida state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage because it was a “sacred issue of respecting marriage.” “It was not an anti-gay thing,” said DeVos at the time, noting he has been considered a foe of the gay community since he served on President Reagan’s �irst AIDS commission. “From that point on, that’s when they were hanging me in ef�igy because I wasn’t sympathetic to all of their requests for special treatment. Because at that time it was always somebody else’s fault.
ACCOUNTANT
sports
Sterling brings Magic owner’s anti-gay stances into conversation
ORLANDO MARKETPLACE
ACCOUNTANT
Donald Sterling
Rich DeVos
And I said, ‘You are responsible for your actions, too, you know. Conduct yourself properly,’ which is a pretty solid Christian principle. You’ve got to take responsibility for your actions. It went from there to a series of requests for special treatment … .”
constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage. NOM supports similar efforts in other states. But Sterling’s accusation is not accurate. The 2009 donation came from DeVos’ youngest son, Doug DeVos, through his Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation. That contribution, discovered in 2012, sparked a boycott of Amway and the Orlando Magic. That boycott is led by Fred Karger, the founder and president of Rights Equal Rights, created to �ight Proposal 8. The linking of Sterling to DeVos began several weeks ago in the sports media, when blogs and columnists began suggesting that the 88-year-old DeVos could become the next target of the NBA. It’s a topic that has ignited debate in the social media sphere among sports media, and commentators. Mike Bianchi, sports writer for the Orlando Sentinel, was one of several to suggest that DeVos could be “the next owner to be scrutinized for a stance that is considered biased and bigoted by some in this world.” Amway referred questions regarding Sterling’s comments to the Orlando Magic, which declined to comment. | |
“(DeVos) has made highly controversial comments against individuals with HIV/AIDS.” —DONALD STERLING He added he supported gay unions, but not gay marriage. “But marriage is a sacred document, OK? A sacred sacrament in the church and in the world. Don’t mess with it.” He added that he has friends and employees who are gay. “I respect them. They’re terri�ic. I am good friends with them. But you live your life the way you want to live and I’ll live mine and I won’t stick my nose in yours. But don’t keep trying to change things. That’s all.” In the response to the NBA Board of Governors released Tuesday, May 27, Sterling said that in addition to his earlier comments, DeVos previously donated $500,000 to the National Organization for Marriage Education Fund, the group behind California’s controversial Proposal 8 campaign, a
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watermarkonline.com
2001
1- Out of the tragic events of Sept. 11, a gay hero was born. San Francisco rugby player Mark Bingham was among a group of brave passengers who prevented a second kamikaze jetliner from making it to Washington D.C. 2- After seven years I got a much-needed breather when Watermark hired its first full time editor. Talented Scott Smith infused the paper with his intelligence, wry wit, and a refreshing focus on nightlife and counterculture. 3- Bruce Ground closed Out & About Books in January 2001. I still miss it. 4- Margaret Murray served as programming director for the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Despite 9/11, the event was buoyed by strong films. Murray returns to TIGLFF in 2014.
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5- On April 1, 2001, Anne Marie Thus (left) and Helene Faasen and three male couples were married by the mayor of Amsterdam in the first legal gay marriage ceremony in the world.
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6- By 2001, Bear Bust at Orlando’s Full Moon Saloon had grown into one of the largest—and best—annual Bear events in the nation. 7- 2001 saw the big-time arrival of the ladies on the Gay Days Weekend scene. Alison Burgos’ Girls in Wonderland events and hotel filled a void, and remain a huge draw. 8- PrideFest Tampa Bay’s “Meet the Stars Reception” featured Tammy Faye Baker Messner (pictured with Sterling Powell and Stephanie Shippae) leading a group of porn stars, drag queens and local politicians in singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Photo by Christine E. Reynolds. 9- MC Film Fest’s Carrie West welcomed the International Mr. Drummer Contest to St. Pete’s Suncoast Resort.
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 2001.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 15
On the same Friday that an ambitious PrideFest Tampa Bay began, Tampa police Officer Lois Marrero was gunned down in the line of duty. Profound sadness quickly morphed into outrage when her partner of ten years, Mickie Mashburn, was denied pension benefits. This stunning AP photo captures the sudden finality of Marrero’s death. This cover takes me right back to that emotional day.
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LOOKING BACK HE EVENTS OF SEPT. 11
dominated 2001. But Tampa Bay’s LGBT community suffered a personal tragedy. In Orlando, homophobia wore a Tom Dyer particularly ugly mask. PUBLISHER The year began with the inauguration of President George W. Bush. Progressives feared the worst, but he nominated gay men to head AIDS policy and serve as Ambassador of Romania. Gay mayors were elected in Paris and Berlin. Stateside, an attempt to overturn Vermont’s groundbreaking domestic partner legislation failed. Gay rugby player Mark Bingham helped thwart a fourth jetliner hijacking on 9-11. That didn’t stop televangelists Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson from blaming the terrorist attack on gays. On July 6, Tampa police Of�icer
Lois Marrero was gunned down by a robbery suspect. Heartbreak turned to outrage when Marrero’s partner of 10 years, Mickie Mashburn, was denied pension bene�its. PrideFest persevered with a rainy parade and splashy events at TBPAC and the Florida Aquarium that mixed politicians with porn stars and entertainers with evangelists. Tampa Bay and Pinellas County business guilds merged. Bears, on the other hand, split into two packs. Rev. Karen Ducham resigned after 14 years at Tampa MCC. St. Pete’s Af�inity Books closed. Ted Koppel took Nightline to the Palms
10- Brian Feist purchased The Gazette from Rand Hall, who founded the respected Tampa Bay monthly with Nancy Valmus in 1988. Valmus died of cancer in 1996. Feist continued to publish The Gazette for 10 more years.
13 YEARS AGO of Manasota. During Equality Florida’s Youth Lobby Day in April, Orlando State Rep. Allen Trovillion lit into 17-year-old Chris Vazquez. “You are going to cause the downfall of this country,” Trovillion told the Edgewater High senior. “God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and he is going to destroy you.” Vazquez left in tears. Trovillion never apologized. Conservative donors forced Heart of Florida United Way to facilitate donations to the anti-gay Boy Scouts. GLBCC struggled after the resignations of executive director Chris Alexander-Manley and board president Barry Miller; an interim director had a criminal record. The closing of Out & About Books and Mad-Lyn’s Coconuts Cafe changed the ViMi District. And a successful business expo hosted by GayDays.com suggested future developments. | |
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
MOST POPULAR SONG
“Hanging by a Moment” by Lighthouse MOST POPULAR ALBUM
Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
MOST POPULAR TV SHOW
Friends
HIGHEST GROSSING FILM
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
BEST PICTURE OSCAR
A Beautiful Mind
CELEBRITIES WHO CAME OUT
Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“I just want one day off where I can go swimming and eat ice cream and look at rainbows.” —MARIA CAREY BEFORE ENTERING REHAB
STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY
None
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PHOTO CAPTIONS 1- DivaFest at Raymond James Stadium featured Pat Benatar, Julia Fordham (pictured), Jennifer Holliday, Halcyon— and a lot of empty seats. PrideFest never recovered from the huge financial loss.
2002
2- In October, Esera Tuaolo became the first NFL football player to come out. 3- Redistricting made Florida House District 36 heavily Democratic—and gay—so Republicans recruited respected and out attorney Patrick Howell to run against untested Democrat Sheri McInvale. 4- Television personality Rosie O’Donnell came out in an April interview with Diane Sawyer. 5- Doug Bowser (far left) and Michael Wanzie (2nd from right) joined Moira and Jim Philips on The Philips Phile, the popular afternoon drive time show on Real Radio 104.1.
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6- Exodus International, the largest ex-gay ministry in the nation, moved to Orlando in February. Executive director Alan Chambers has since apologized for the pain his prejudice had caused.
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7- Viewers of Court TV watched a Pinellas child custody case involving Michael Kantaras, a female-to-male transgender person.
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8- Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (OADO) founding members (from top) Michael Slaymaker, Sam Odom, Debbie Simmons and Carl Johnson were our ‘Persons of the Year’ for Central Florida.
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9- Hedwig and the Angry Inch is currently the hottest ticket on Broadway, but in 2002 David Lee starred in a rollicking production at The Parliament House. 10- Tampa Robinson High School student Nikki Youngblood sued when the school insisted she wear a scoop neck blouse for her yearbook picture. Her activist attorney, Karen Doering, was our Tampa Bay ‘Person of the Year.’
12 YEARS AGO MOST POPULAR SONG “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback MOST POPULAR ALBUM The Eminem Show by Eminem
Watermark turns 20 this coming Labor Day. Founder and publisher Tom Dyer looks back at a remarkable two decades. On this page, he returns to 2002.
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 15
MOST POPULAR TV SHOW CSI: Crime Scene Investigation HIGHEST GROSSING FILM The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers BEST PICTURE OSCAR Chicago QUOTE OF THE YEAR “I make too much money to ever smoke crack. Let’s get that straight, okay? We don’t do crack. Crack is whack.” —WHITNEY HOUSTON
STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY None
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ON THE COVER
Three men were attacked in a brutal hate crime at a Channelside parking garage after the Wet Party at the Florida Aquarium. This cover, with a photo of Stephen Hair’s bruised and swollen face, captured the community’s horror. There hasn’t been a major Pride event in Tampa since.
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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LOOKING BACK 002 WAS A WATERSHED,
as non-discrimination ordinances passed in Tom Dyer St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Orlando. PUBLISHER The January vote in St. Pete was unanimous. Despite lobbying by Equality Florida, the City Council refused to include protections based on gender identity. Ricc Rollins formed a church for LGBT African Americans: Breath of Life Fellowship. The Krewe of Cavaliers was booted from the Sant’Yago Knight Parade after being accused of inappropriate �loat playfulness. The owners of the Suncoast Resort ventured across the Hillsborough River to open the Tampa Eagle, but it failed after two months. Tampa Bay Arts ceded ownership of TIGLFF to the Friends of the Festival. Sunny Hall resigned, but Crescendo
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
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performed with the Tampa Bay Gay Men’s Chorus at Carnegie Hall. Later, a splinter group of men formed Una Voce. Steeped in controversy, PrideFest found more when they accused travel agent Jim Garciga of hording pro�its from the Pillage & Plunder cruises. But TIGLFF continued its successful run, with 14,000 attendees. In November, Sarasota voters overwhelmingly extended citywide non-discrimination protections to gays and lesbians. In Orlando, the same protections proved more dif�icult. Pushed by OADO, the process started with the city’s Human Relations Board in January. Hearings turned ugly, with hundreds testifying both
watermarkonline.com
for and against. In December, protections passed the City Council 4-3, with Mayor Gloria Hood voting against. She was rewarded when Gov. Jeb Bush appointed her Secretary of State. Downtown progressives were torn when Republicans ran openly gay Patrick Howell for State Rep. When Democrat chair Doug Head equated a gay vote for Howell to a Jew voting for Hitler, it made national news. Howell still lost in the heavily blue district. In April the Orlando Sentinel published an award-winning series on the city’s thriving LGBT community. But lesbians were disappointed when the WNBA Miracle announced they would move to Connecticut. In 2002 Connecticut became the second state to authorize domestic partnerships. The New York Times began running samesex commitment notices. Watermark began publishing Celebrate! in Key West. | |
JUNE 5 - JUNE 18, 2014 // ISSUE 21.12
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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FINAL OPPORTUNITY COPLEY SQUARE TOWNHOMES
Luxury Downtown Living, From the High $200s Low-Maintenance Townhomes in the SoDo Area This is your last chance to choose from a select few remaining townhomes in Copley Square, just a few steps away from the desirable SoDo area. The location caters to a vibrant lifestyle with gathering places for recreation, education, entertainment and shopping. The townhomes feature upscale designs by Cecconi Simone, an internationally known design firm. For more information, contact Allie Raposo at allie.raposo@ashtonwoods.com
Only 10 homes remain, attached two-car garages Community pool and cabana Close to downtown, hospitals and I-4
Copley Square 2595 Joslin Place Orlando, FL 32806
ashtonwoods.com/orlando
407.704.8939
Š 2014 Ashton Woods Homes. Plans, specifications, prices, and available items are subject to change without prior notice or obligation, and may vary by elevation. Square footage is approximate, and subject to change without prior notice or obligation. Images are an artist’s conception, and not a guarantee of final specifications. Please contact an Ashton Woods Homes Sales Agent for details and additional information. Ashton Woods received the highest numerical score in United States in the proprietary Lifestory Research 2014 Most Trusted Builder in America StudySM. Study based on 43,200 new home shoppers in 27 markets. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed between January and December 2013. CRC# 1517613