Watermark Issue 21.21: Celebrar Mi Orgullo

dayTona BeaCh • orlando • TaMpa • sT. peTersBurg • sarasoTa • issue 21.21 • oCT. 8 - oCT. 16, 2014 • WaTerMarKonline.CoM

COCO PERU’S THERAPY CoMes To sT. peTe and orlando

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MI ORGULLO Orlando TV anchor Jorge Estevez is among many out Florida Hispanics who balance cultural and LGBT Pride

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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ENDORSED!

Representative Joe Saunders Commissioner Patty Sheehan Kenneth La Roe - CEO/founder First Green Bank Chris Castro - founding chairperson Green Chamber of Commerce Orlando Regional Realtor Association

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Government ought to get out of the business of telling 16 people who they can love.

dEpartmEnts 6 // mail

PAGE

8 // orlando nEWs 12 // tampa Bay nEWs

—george sheldon, deMocratIc candIdate For FlorIda attorney general

16 // statE 17 // nation & World nEWs 39 // community calEndar 45 // transitions 46 // tampa Bay markEtplacE 47 // sports 48 // orlando markEtplacE 53 // gallEry W

PAGE

29

on thE coVEr

preview

itOrlando Burns!: The one-and-only Miss Coco Peru will stop in St. Petersburg and to present a retrospective show spanning her 24-year-career. Peru talks to us about the state of drag and what fans can expect from her “group therapy.”

WatErmark issuE 21.21 //oct oBEr 8 - oct oBEr 16, 2014

PAGE Orlando Channel 9 anchor

Estevez, who came 23 Jorge out at 31, poses in front of

orlando nEWs

tampa Bay nEWs

dario

PAGE Terry DeCarlo began his

PAGE Sarasota Pride returns to

PAGE Recording star Dario will

gallEry W

Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Photo by Lee Vandergrift

Read it online!

scan Qr codE for

WatErmarkonlinE.com

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

08

new role as The Center’s new executive director on Oct. 6; Mikael Audebert resigns his presidential role on the board of MBA; Judge rules in favor of County in transgender inmate assault case .

12

J.D. Hamel Park on Oct. 18 and expects a larger-thanever crowd with the help of headliner Dario; Hillsborough moves forward with protections for LGBT citizens; ALSO Out Youth offers a prom to donors.

32

take the stage at Sarasota Pride Oct. 18. It’s the first time the pride festival has had a headliner since it relocated to J.D. Hamel Park five years ago. Dario talks about his music and his journey to stardom.

PAGE The 25th annual Tampa

Gay and 54 International Lesbian Film Festival

kicked off Oct. 3-5 with celebrities, a block party and a special presentation by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. We offer a glimpse at a few of our favorite moments.

tampa Bay rEadErs! makE surE you graB your copy of thE official sarasota pridE guidE in this issuE of WatErmark. orlando rEadErs can ViEW thE puBlication at WatErmarkonlinE.com. watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

5

Reader feedback 2014

PRIDE WEEK AT MARY’S

“Tom Dyer leaving—not so great, but he deserves a rest, as well as a huge medal and full honors.”

—Carlos Milán

Exciting times

Saturday Oct. 11th SHOWTIME 10AM Early Bird

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SEATING AT 9PM

.50 $4 Long PRIDE Island Ice Teas

Friday Oct.10

8:30PM-10:30PM

I

just learned about the changes at Watermark and I am excited for Watermark and the community in general.

The new layout is great. The date change in the [WAVE] award schedule is great.

Tom Dyer leaving—not so great, but he deserves a rest, as well as a huge medal and full honors. I hope to continue enjoying Watermark and supporting our community.

Carlos Milán Tampa

My heroes

I

think the world of the Watermark team. You guys are my heroes. Thank you all for your support.

Magida Diouri Sarasota

WEB COMMENTS

from Watermarkonline.com and Facebook comments On requests that Florida attorney general Pam Bondi drop her defense of the state’s gay marriage ban:

“She could walk away from the losing battle to stop marriage equality in Florida and still maintain some dignity. Or she can go down to defeat and be remembered in history as a loser and unceasing defender of inequality and homophobia.”

—Ken Kazmerski

“I don’t foresee her making any change in course (if at all) until after the election.”

—Bill Janssen

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday OCTOBER 12TH

‘DRAG ON ALLEY’ the sequel

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

“Dear Attorney General Bondi: Please tell me what argument you intend to raise at our expense that has not been fully vetted by the other five states in countless federal courts, including three appellate courts? What unique legal twist have you thought of that nobody else has and that would so interest the Supreme Court that they would want to hear it. If you can’t come up with something convincing (as in something you are willing to share with those on whose behalf you are arguing), could you please save our taxpayers’ money and our state’s credibility in the event we really do need to have the Supreme Court decide something, drop this meritless appeal and get on with prosecuting criminals?”

—Larry D. Smith

“Bondi still has too much political mileage left in this issue to give up now. She is going to go to the bitter end playing up to her Republican base.”

—Mark Holmes

“It’s time to throw in the towel. Love is love!”

—Nicole Azar

contributors

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

F

Desk

or the first time in memory,

I was called a “faggot” this month.

The offending party didn’t say it to me in person, of course. It was through a random message on Facebook.

Someone with whom I had never communicated before messaged from behind an undoubtedly bogus profile— using the photo of an attractive young woman—to specifically say how disgusted he or she was that I was gay and in a same-sex relationship.

There was also something in a second message about how disturbing it was for two men to hold hands and the importance of the man/woman dynamic we should all follow.

While the initial message stung, it didn’t offend me. I don’t even recall being upset. It instead

watermark staff

served as a reminder of why our community must continue to hold events where we are visible to the rest of the country and the world.

In an attempt to remind people of just how far we still have to go to the hearts and minds of our neighbors, I posted a screen shot of the conversation on Facebook.

I hoped it would remind my gay and straight friends that people still hate LGBT people for no other reason than that we exist. The response to the post was overwhelming and very surprising. Friends suggested everything from messaging the person specifically to voice

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support for me and LGBT people to contacting her employer and sharing her hate speech with her bosses.

Neither of those tactics, I believe, would be helpful— especially in the case of a fake profile. All this post was meant to do was show that there is still a fight in front of us. The profile may not have been real, but the hate behind the few sentences shared with me certainly was.

As I’ve said in this space before, I live in an LGBT bubble.

Of course I’m aware of the fight for equality on all fronts, but I’m always at LGBT-friendly events and surrounded by well-meaning LGBT people and allies. It’s like simply being aware of a war raging elsewhere vs. experiencing it firsthand on the front lines.

Perspective is everything.

While there are conflicts and disagreements within our community, we all tend to work toward the same goal—the goal of equality. As we make strides toward that ultimate goal, we get questioned as to why LGBTspecific events like Come Out With Pride, Sarasota Pride or the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival are needed.

We also must ask ourselves if they are still relevant.

Thanks to this random message from a person I don’t know nor had contacted before, I can comfortably reiterate my argument in support of these LGBT events showcasing our community and our culture.

As those who oppose equality continue to shrink in numbers, panic has set in among them.

Since there is no way to rationally argue for the irrational opposition to LGBT equality, attacks are the only way these folks feel they can be heard.

When I received the

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watermark Your lgbt life.

initial message on Facebook, I responded by telling the person that my partner and I do more than just hold hands.

I followed up by asking simply, “Who are you?”

It wasn’t until two days later that I received a response, which didn’t answer my question but instead offered a wholehearted apology. The offending party had a change of heart, she explained, and added that through her communication with the editor of an LGBT newspaper, she recognized the importance of the LGBT equality fight and evolved to support same-sex marriage.

It’s like simply being aware of a war raging elsewhere vs. experiencing it firsthand on the front lines.

That’s quite a turnaround within a span of 48 hours! It was a strange week.

Since the profile was fake to begin with, I accepted the apology with a grain of salt.

As stated above, I’ve never been the target of a direct derogatory remark (not counting protestors at a Pride event, of course). But it’s not lost on me that combative words are hurled at LGBT people of every age every single day.

And while my encounter with a hater seems to be an isolated incident, I won’t forget the initial sting I felt when I first read the word “faggot” in a message sent directly to me. But it is up to me to use that feeling to continue the fight we’re obviously winning.

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Aaron Alper is a

photographer and writer in St. Petersburg.

He holds a Masters in English Education from the University of South Florida. Page 12, 27

Trevor Pettiford

is an Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist with more than 20 years experience in television news.

He currently works for Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay. Page 19

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 Lee Vandergrift

is a Central Florida native and professional photographer who reflects the fun-loving Florida lifestyle through art. he is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota. Cover

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

distribution Debbie Oliver, Lisa Jordan, 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.

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7

orlando news

new begInnIng: Terry DeCarlo (left), his husband Bill Huelsman, and their two Pomeranian corgi mixes are getting settled into their new Orlando home. PHOTO By DEnnIS DEAn

Full FacelIFt:

The GLBT Center’s planned top-tobottom renovation includes a reorganized and redecorated lobby area to greet the organizations guests.

mEEt thE glBt cEntEr’s nEW ExEcutiVE dirEctor Jamie Hyman

o

rlando | The new chief of The GLBT Center of Central Florida should fit right into Orlando— he’s a Disney fan, a dog lover and he has a long history of working with non-profit organizations.

Terry DeCarlo, 52, started his new role as executive director of The Center Oct. 6.

He comes to Orlando from South Florida, where he was Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Events at Broward House for eight years. Broward House is a non-profit social services organization based on Fort Lauderdale that helps people with HIV/AIDS and other health concerns. Before that, DeCarlo was the Marketing and Communications Director for CARE Resource in Miami.

At Broward House, DeCarlo would “produce big events there to bring in the money.”

He brought in events featuring Wanda Sykes and Margaret Cho, and spearheaded a successful burlesque fundraiser.

DeCarlo is originally from New York and was raised on Long Island. He’s been in Florida for just over two decades, following his parents to the Sunshine State.

It’s where he met his husband, Bill Huelsman. They’ve been together for 18 years and were married two years ago under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City.

DeCarlo earned his degree in marketing and communications while serving in the Air Force for seven years.

He said a friend told him about the opportunity to head up The Center in Orlando, and it made sense.

“Bill and I are Disney fanatics,” DeCarlo said. “We both have Disney tattoos. We were up here every 6-8 weeks. We always said, when we finally retire, we want to retire in Orlando.”

After a few telephone chats with The Center’s board chairman, Tim Vargas, DeCarlo traveled to Orlando to meet with the Board and they made an offer.

“Terry has experience not only in nonprofits but in

ConTinued on pg. 10 | uu |

8

REnDERInG By PROGRESS ARCHITECTuRE

Front and center GLBT Center of Central Florida receives grant for major renovation Jamie Hyman

o

rlando | The GLBT Center will receive $147,000 in grant funding that will go toward a major renovation of The Center’s headquarters on Mills Ave. The grant, announced at the organization’s Black and White Gala fundraiser held at the Orlando Museum of Art Oct. 4, is a Community Development Block Grant comprised of federal funds approved and distributed by the City of Orlando. The grant dollars represent 75 of total renovation funds. In order to receive the full amount, The Center must raise the other 25%—about $50,000—by the end of 2014.

In addition to an exterior and interior facelift, the renovation will include new air conditioning, new windows and the HIV counseling space will expand from one to four offices.

“It’ll change everything that you

watermark Your lgbt life.

know about the center,” said Tim Vargas, president of The Center’s board of directors. “We will not look the same six months that we do today. That’s something that I am thrilled to the gills about.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Russell Walker, assistant executive director of The Center.

“I’ve had an office the last three month no air conditioning.”

Bargas said they’ll be signing the final contacts for the grant in the coming weeks. There is no timeline yet, but Vargas said according to his conversations with their city partners, The Center is ahead of the game.

“The center is light years ahead of all other grantees this year in receiving competitive bids for work on the building,” he said.

“We already have a lot of the groundwork laid.”

Although there is no timeline, Vargas said he would like to see the work finished by March of 2015 to coincide with The Center board of

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

directors’ next retreat and strategic planning session.

The renovation project comes during a time of major changes for The Center. It recently hired a new executive director, Terry DeCarlo (see story at left). They’ve also hired Lindsay Kincaide as a new HIV coordinator. Kincaide begins her role Oct. 10.

“The new leadership means changing the way that we view a community center,” said Vargas, stating that they’re moving on from solely focusing on HIV testing and focusing on working with the local senior population and collaborating with other community organizations. “All of those changes had to take place in order for us to move to the next level.”

Walker said now that DeCarlo has been hired and he can step down from his temporary role as interim executive director, he’ll focus on The Center’s new GED program. He said it’s a collaboration with Orange County Public Schools and they’re hoping to have it running by February 2015.

“It’s a new face to the Center,” said Walker, “every aspect—the new staff, new programs, new building. We’re trying to let to community see we’re really pushing to be something Orlando can be proud of.”

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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orlando news

JudgE rulEs in faVor of county in trans inmatE laWsuit

| uu | New Director FroM pg.8 HIV/AIDS service organizations,” Vargas said. “Given that The Center is the largest HIV testing agency in Central Florida, it only makes sense that our next leader should have strength in HIV and AIDS service organizations.”

Even though a move to Orlando made sense, DeCarlo and his husband talked it over for more than a week.

“He finally looked at me and said, ‘Let’s go for it,’” DeCarlo said.

One of the concerns was uprooting their family from South Florida. DeCarlo’s mother plans to move to Orlando by December. The couple has rented a townhouse where they’ll live with their Pomeranian corgi mixes—Sir Budrick von Beaverhausen and Beauregard Picket Burnside—while they search for a home to buy.

He said he’s most excited about being close to Disney, being closer to their Orlando friends, and creating something at The Center.

“There’s such an amazing base that has been laid here,” DeCarlo said. “To take the work they’ve done and elevate it even more, that’s what I’m really looking forward to.”

His plans include pumping up the SAGE program, which stands for Seniors in A Gay Environment. DeCarlo said in South Florida it’s “such a vibrant program” and he sees lots of room to grow in Central Florida.

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Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando board president Mikael Audebert announced Oct. 7 that he is resigning from the position. He has held the post for the past two years and joined the board five years ago. “The primary reason for this move is the increased demands of the other rapidly growing organizations for which I am also responsible, Come Out With Pride, Converge, and the Wedding Alliance, all of which I will continue to serve,” Audebert said in an email. His resignation from the MBA Board is effective Nov. 1.

rlando | A federal judge ruled in favor of Orange County in a lawsuit brought up by a transgender inmate who was raped by a fellow inmate while in the custody of the county in 2008.

The victim, identified as D.B., was assaulted by cellmate Josh Bailey on Dec. 8, 2008. The assault occurred after D.B. had requested protective custody. In 2012, D.B. filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the county.

Bailey was later convicted of sexual battery with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 25 years in state prison.

On Sept. 18, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell found no proof the county intentionally disregarded D.B.’s safety.

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

NOTABLE NOTABLE SEPTEMBER AUGUST EVENTS EVENTS

NOTABLE EVENTS

946 N. MILLS AVE., ORLANDO

946 N. MILLS AVE., ORLANDO

EvENTs TO bE HELD AT THE CENTER S AT, AU G U S T 6 - 7PM TH

T H U , S E P T E M B E R 1S T – 3 P M

CASH BINGO Trash Art Reception Gallery Q Coffee Chat - Social for LGBT Seniors T U E , A U G U S T 16 T H - 7 P M

Town Hall Meeting at 10 T H – 7 P M S AT, SEP TEMBER James R Smith Community Center QUACK 1723 Bruton Art Blvd,Reception Orlando Tribute to September 11 and W Americana ED, AUG S T 17 atU Gallery QT H - 7 P M

OCT 15 - with Addison Taylor - 7 - 9 p.m.

Richard Diebenkorn, Woman with Flower (detail), 1960, oil on canvas, 70 x 44 1/2 in., Donated in memory of J. Hyde Crawford, Anthony Tortora and Mrs. Nelda Crawford

SENIOR MOVIE NIGHT

Movies and Dinner presented by U N , Sof E PPerpetual T E M B E RIndulgence.

11 T H – 7 P M TheS Sisters Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Showing of Saint of 9/11 Spaghetti with $5 Donation.

The TrueDinner Story of Father Mychal Judge at Gallery Q S AT, A U G U S T 2 0 T H - 9 A M

OCT 20 - 7 p.m.

DIFFERING VIEWS ART SHOW

GLBT Motorbike Club Ride TH T H U , S E P T E M B E R 15

– 6PM

T U E , A U G U S T 2 3 RD - 7 PM Transgender Career and Botox The Center Wellness Fair atComplimentary Gallery Q wine and snacks. $200 per zone. Call The Center for appt.

EVERY SUNDAY

NOv 5 - 6 - 9 p.m.

S AT, A U G U S T 2 7 T H Tai Chi Wedding Expo

AT 6 P M

THANKSGIVING DINNER

COLLECTION ON VIEW:

1 0 .1 1 .1 4 - 1 1 . 0 2 .1 4

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.THECENTERORLANDO.ORG

NOv 27 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (407) 228-8272 WWW.THECENTERORLANDO.ORG

J. HYDE CRAWFORD AND ANTHONY TORTORA COLLECTION

B E I N S PI R E D. The collection of J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora is the single most important gift of art the Orlando Museum of Art has received. It represents the generosity and forward thinking philanthropy of renowned artist and fashion illustrator, J. Hyde Crawford.

The collection includes works by Richard Diebenkorn, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Friedel Dzubas, Kenzo Okada, Claudio Bravo and Alan Magee.

THIS COLLECTION WILL NOT BE ON VIEW DURING FESTIVAL OF TREES.

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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W W W. O M A R T. O R G

11

tampa bay news

hillsBorough amEnds hro, procEEds With domEstic partnEr rEgistry formation Aaron Alper

t

aMpa | With a unanimous vote, Hillsborough County Commissioners passed a law prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The law, which became effective immediately, reestablishes protections that were eliminated in the 1990s, when the former commission repealed amendments to its human rights ordinance protecting the gay community.

“There’s been a cultural and political shift,” said Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who pushed for the HRO amendment. “I think people are beginning to realize the importance of making sure everyone is treated equally and fairly.”

At Beckner’s request, the commissioners also agreed unanimously to set Oct. 15 as the date for a public hearing on a domestic partnership registry.

Last year, only three of the seven commissioners supported the registry, which gives qualifying unmarried couples—gay and straight—rights to hospital visitation and end-of-life decision making.

A majority of the public who addressed the LGBT-themed issues were supportive.

“It’s important to note the distinction between the equal rights ordinance and domestic partnership registry,” said Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan. “While the equal rights ordinance expands some rights it is purely contractual between to parties, DPR acknowledges the validity of same-sex households and the existence of a loving family relationship.”

Several representatives from Equality Florida and private citizens spoke on the morning of Oct. 1.

Commissioner Les Miller , who supported the domestic partnership registry when it was first proposed in early 2013, was happy with the resulting vote. He cited personal experience with why he was passionate about the changes in the county.

“I have faced discrimination eyeball to eyeball,” Miller said. “No one should face discrimination, regardless of who they may be.”

The new ordinance added to the HRO also prohibits discrimination in credit extension and county contracting and procuring. The victory is seen as a big plus in Hillsborough County’s business community.

“Your action on this matter will have a profound impact on the business climate in Hillsborough County,” Gary Sasso, president of Carlton Fields Jordan Burt law firm told the commission.

Steve Blanchard contributed to this article.

12

FIve years strong:

Sarasota Pride returns to J.D. Hamel Park along the city’s downtown waterfront on Oct. 18 from 12-6 p.m.

PHOTO By STEVE BlAnCHARD

A boost for Pride With national headliner Dario, Sarasota Pride preps for its biggest year yet Oct. 18 Steve Blanchard

s

arasota | Ever since Cindy Barnes pulled Sarasota Pride out of the shadows and onto Main Street five years ago, the festival has grown exponentially each year. In 2014, the Oct. 18 festival is expected to bring more than 5,000 to J.D. Hamel Park in one of the most visible areas of the city.

“More than 225,000 people pass by that park every six hours,” explained Barnes, chairman of Sarasota Pride. “Visibility is key to Pride and we have to be out there to let people know we are a part of the community.”

Sarasota Pride, which is technically in its 25th year, could see its largest crowd yet, thanks to the addition of headliner Dario.

“We’ve always used local entertainers,” said Barnes, chairman of Sarasota Pride. “This is our first national act and he was affordable.”

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Dario is an international recording artist who appeared on American Idol in Season 2 and began his career on Star Search. Dario recently released his sixth album and is touring Pride festivals around the country.

Barnes said he has helped festivals similar in size to Sarasota Pride double attendance.

“Every time folks hear Dario on our website they get excited,” Barnes said. “I’ve gotten calls from as far away as Miami and Jacksonville asking about details on his concert.”

Sarasota Pride runs from noon to 6 p.m., and Dario is scheduled to take the stage from 4-5 p.m.

Musical acts are slated to perform all day long.

Besides a headliner, Barnes was excited to share that drag performances have returned to Sarasota Pride.

“In the days of the old Sarasota Pride Fest we had well-known drag performers like Lady Bunny,”

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Barnes said. “When we brought it outside that first year we had to sign a decency clause with the city and I was apprehensive to bring drag into it. But now we’ve shown we’re a family-friendly event and we have Lindsay Carlton and a team of drag performers that are just incredibly talented. They’ll give us an hour and a half of drag, which I know people will love.”

Sarasota Pride is very different than neighboring Pride events, and Barnes is well aware of that.

When it is compared with St. Pete Pride or Come Out With Pride in Orlando, she’s quick to point out the community of Sarasota is very different.

“We don’t have the population that those cities have,” she said.

“We’ll never have those kinds of numbers. But we can support a Pride this size and maybe even a little bigger. But I don’t anticipate ever moving out of J.D. Hamel Park.

It’s too perfect. Too visible.”

Before the actual festival on Oct. 18, Sarasota Pride will hold a fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 13, at Florida Studio Theatre. Mark and Joey’s Big Gay Cabaret show will offer a humorous, musical look at Pride the week before the big event. Tickets are available at SarasotaPride.org.

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are just incredibly talented guys,” Barnes said. “They’re good friends and friends of mine. They’ve put together a whole new show for us.

“VIP tickets have already sold out, and seating is limited, so, I’d suggest people get their tickets as soon as they can.”

Fundraising events happen year-round for Sarasota Pride, and Barnes said her monthly women’s dances bring upwards of 200 women each time.

“I don’t know where a lot of these people are during the rest of the year,” Barnes laughs. “But Sarasota has the population to support Pride.”

Fundraisers help seed the following years’ event, which will return to J.D. Hamel Park in 2015.

Money from vendors, food trucks and alcohol sales also help fund upcoming Pride events, which is why coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited.

Vendor space is still available, but those interested must contact Barnes directly at 941-320-9268.

ALSO gears up for Prom fundraiser Zach Caruso

S

arasota | ALSO Youth wants to give you a second chance at your prom. And they’re giving you that chance with ALSO Youth: Prom 2014 on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at The Francis in Sarasota.

A non-profit that provides peer support, activities, educational programs, and workshops to the LGBT community of southwest Florida, ALSO Youth hosts an annual celebratory gala, and this year’s theme of a second chance prom is a unique one that was inspired by the very youth the organization is dedicated to help.

“About a year ago, our board members did some focus groups and talked with the youth in the area about what kinds of things they would like to have, and an alternative prom was one of

them,” said ALSO’s executive director Donna Hanley. “This past May, ALSO hosted its first alternative prom for youth ages 14-20. It was held at the Outof-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch, we had over 130 youth from more than a dozen schools, and it was very successful. ”The success of the event led ALSO to consider bringing the idea back for the gala.

“The gala committee sat down and started planning for the October gala and started discussing ideas and themes and someone said ‘What about a prom?’” says Hanley. “When we were selling tickets to the youth prom we had a lot of adults saying ‘Man, I wish I had this when I was growing up, I’d love the chance to relive my prom,’ and we thought ‘This is a great idea.’ And now as people are buying their tickets they’re all so excited.”

Joey Panek will host the night with entertainment by DJ Richie Rain and will include a photo booth where guests can take home complimentary photos.

The night will also mark the conclusion of Stand Up Sarasota, a week-long anti-bullying campaign put on by ALSO. “This is our third annual Stand Up Sarasota campaign,” says Molly Swift, ALSO’s program director. “So we had a lot of leads on what kind of entertainment we wanted to have, what DJs we wanted to use, so luckily we were able to tap into those resources.”

Stand Up Sarasota is just one of numerous ways that ALSO strives to aid the LGBT community in the area.

“We’ve been in Sarasota for 22 years, and we provide support and advocacy for youth with a central focus on the LGBT group of youth,” says Hanley. “At

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Suburban Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

its core, we operate a drop-in center, a safe nonjudgmental space for youth to come to and spend time with other youth as well as with adults who are similar to them and understand the challenges that they are facing out in the world, whether that be because of their just being teenagers, or because of a difference or perceived difference in their lives.”

And because of what ALSO is able to give to the community, the community is willing to give back to them in any way they can.

“It’s cliché to say it takes a community, but it really does,” said Hanley of the preparation for this year’s gala.

Once the Prom fundraiser is complete, ALSO will move right into its next fundraiser, which is the Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot.

For more about ALSO Youth and the ALSO Gala, visit AlsoYouth.org.

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state news

U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage decision could indirectly impact Florida Jamie Hyman

W

hile the U.S. Supreme Court’s Oct. 6 refusal to hear same-sex marriage appeals from five states didn’t have any immediate or direct effect on Florida, it has paved the way for legal actions that may move the Sunshine State toward marriage equality.

“For us here in Florida, it doesn’t do anything immediately,” said Orlando attorney Mary Meeks, who is part of the legal team fighting for marriage for six South Florida samesex couples. “It means it doesn’t look like we’re going to get this national ruling any time soon. It’s still possible the court could accept another case before this term ends but as time passes that becomes increasingly unlikely. It looks like we’re back to fighting our own battle in Florida.”

Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, said despite

the lack of immediate effect for Florida, the Supreme Court’s message is clear.

“Of course we wish the U.S. Supreme Court [had] acted to make marriage legal nationwide,” Smith said. “But it sends the message that the decisions of state courts are to be respected and that lower court judges have the ability to strike down state constitutional bans that violate the U.S. Constitution.”

The American Civil Liberties Union plans to use the Supreme Court’s decision as leverage to move forward their case for marriage equality. In that case, Judge Robert Hinkle overturned the Florida ban on gay marriage this summer but issued a stay pending appeals.

The ACLU filed a motion to lift that stay Oct. 7. Meeks said if the motion is granted, Florida samesex couples statewide would be able to marry.

The motion is hinged on two arguments—first, that the Supreme Court’s decision to not take up the

case sends a significant message.

“The Supreme Court denied review outright in all of the cases before it, sending a strong signal that any remaining doubt about the Supreme Court’s ultimate resolution of the legal issue does not justify continuing to deny recognition of same-sex couples’ valid out-of-state marriages,” the motion reads.

The second argument is that the ban causes harm to married samesex couples that is “acute and in need of immediate resolution.”

The ACLU’s full motion can be read at WatermarkOnline.com.

“Given that the justices of our nation’s highest court just sent a strong message that they are content to let equality in marriage happen, we hope that [Florida] Governor [Rick] Scott and [Florida] Attorney General [Pam] Bondi will give up their dead-end campaign to resist what is now clear historical inevitability by treating same-sex couples who wish to solemnize their love for one another in marriage as

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legal strangers,” said ACLU attorney Daniel Tilley in a media release.

Smith and Meeks both agree that the Supreme Court has rendered state level appeals moot.

“The Supreme Court has answered the question Bondi asked.

She said she needed action by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Smith said.

“They just delivered that message, so there’s no purpose any longer of pursuing an appeal except for spite, stubbornness or bigotry.”

Bondi—and her opponent in the November election, George Sheldon—addressed the issue at a televised debate Oct. 6.

Bondi was asked if she would stop defending Florida’s marriage ban, and she responded that there are still cases pending at the circuit level and she wants to wait and see how those are decided. She also said she and her team are “reviewing” the issue.

Sheldon said the Supreme Court’s non action shows the justices don’t think there is much

disagreement on the issue among the lower courts.

“Government ought to get out of the business of telling people who they can love,” he said.

Ultimately, Meeks said the Supreme Court’s decision to not take up the cases is “a mixed bag for Florida. It could be good and could be bad in various different ways.”

It could delay marriage in Florida longer.

“If the U.S. Supreme Court had accepted cases, we would have decision most likely by next June one way or another,” Meeks said.

“That is now off the table.”

She said worst case scenario, the state level cases go through a typical process and it could take up to two years before there is any final decision.

On a positive note, in addition to the increase political pressure for Scott and Bondi, Meeks said the Supreme Court non-action could mean a faster ruling from the Florida Supreme Court.

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Classes start November 3rd.

nation+world news

A look at how same-sex marriage is unfolding in 11 states Wire Report

T

he U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 6 denied appeals from Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin in which those states sought to overturn lower court rulings that found their state bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. The decision also means same-sex couples in other states bound by those lower court decisions—Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming—should be able to get married soon.

The development effectively raises the number of states with legal same-sex marriage from 19 to 30—a majority of U.S. states— and means nearly 60 percent of Americans will live in states that have marriage eqaulity.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in the 11 states affected by the recent Supreme Court’s decision:

Colorado

Republican Attorney General John Suthers said his office will file motions to expedite the lifting of federal and state court rulings that halted gay marriage and will advise county clerks when to issue licenses.

In July, at least three county clerks began issuing same-sex marriage licenses after the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had struck down the Utah ban. Those clerks were ordered to stop issuing licenses because the court put its ruling on hold pending appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Indiana

The Indiana attorney general’s office says it will communicate with county clerks to minimize chaos and confusion at local courthouses.

A county clerk said she would begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Indianapolis on Oct. 6, but would not perform weddings. Another county clerk said she expected her office to also issue licenses after the county’s attorney had reviewed the Supreme Court’s order.

Kansas The American Civil Liberties Union says that since the appeals from Oklahoma and Utah originated in the 10th Circuit, the decision in those cases will affect other states in that circuit, including Kansas.

The ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri plans to file a lawsuit soon asking a federal judge to block the Kansas law prohibiting gay marriage.

North Carolina

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina will file a request seeking an immediate ruling from a U.S. district judge overturning the state’s ban as unconstitutional.

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has previously said that a federal appeals ruling overturning Virginia’s ban is binding in his state and that he does not intend to file any further appeals or seek delays.

Oklahoma

The Tulsa County Court Clerk’s Office has issued a marriage license to Mary Bishop and Sharon Baldwin, the couple who successfully challenged the state’s ban on gay marriage. The clerk’s office issued the license Oct. 6. The two plaintiffs challenged Oklahoma’s ban on gay marriage, which was overturned by a federal appeals court earlier this year. Bishop and Baldwin married Oct. 6 in Tulsa.

South Carolina

Same-sex marriages won’t immediately happen in the state, but the U.S. Supreme Court decsion to deny an appeal of a ruling allowing same-sex marriage by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals means they are likely. Alliance for Full Acceptance Executive Director Warren RedmanGress says the Virginia ruling will have to be certified in South Carolina and county clerks will wait for instructions from federal judges on how to proceed with any same-sex marriage licenses.

Utah

A federal appeals court has lifted its stay in its gay marriage case that the Supreme Court declined to hear. After the appeals order was

lifted Oct. 6, Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen says the district attorney’s office gave her approval to issue licenses to gay couples. Troy Williams, the executive director of the LGBT advocacy group Equality Utah, said the organization is overjoyed for the families involved but had hoped the court would take Utah’s case. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and Gov. Gary Herbert, both Republicans, have also said the issue needs to be settled by the Supreme Court.

Virginia

Same-sex couples have started marrying in Virginia. Thirty-yearold Lindsey Oliver and 42-yearold Nicole Pries received the first same-sex marriage license issued from the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk’s office shortly after 1 p.m.

Upon leaving the courthouse, they were married by gay-rights advocate Rev. Robin Gorsline. The couple said Oct. 6 also was the anniversary of a commitment ceremony they held on a North Carolina beach three years ago.

West Virginia

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, said he is still figuring out how the state’s case will be affected. ``In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s surprising decision to not review this matter, we are analyzing the implications for the West Virginia case,’’ spokeswoman Beth Gorczyca Ryan said in an email.

Wisconsin

The Supreme Court’s surprise decision stand set off a scramble among Wisconsin county clerks to figure out how to respond. Those in Milwaukee and Madison said they would begin issuing licenses, and others were expected to follow— particularly once Gov. Scott Walker declared the fight against gay marriage over.

Wyoming

A state district judge has scheduled a Dec. 15 hearing on their request by three same-sex couples and Wyoming Equality to grant the right to marry. The Wyoming case is similar but not identical to those in federal court, and those fighting for gay marriage in Wyoming were hesitant to declare unconditional victory. But same-sex marriage could be legal in Wyoming by year’s end.

watermark Your lgbt life.

in other news illinois Grad school asks about sexual orientation Northwestern University’s graduate school in Evanson, Ill., has added an optional question to its applications asking prospective students about their sexual orientation. The school posted a statement on its website explaining that the intention is to better understand the makeup of its community and better address its needs and concerns.

ohio Coalition plans to reduce LGBT youth homelessness A plan for reducing homelessness among LGBT youth was submitted for federal approval Sept. 30 by a coalition of Cincinnati groups. The Cincinnati plan calls for raising community awareness about the needs of LGBT youth, improving data collection on sexual orientation, better screening to see which youth are likely to become homeless and increased support for stable housing, education, employment and well-being of LGBT youth.

Anti-gay remarks at Brazil presidential debate spark anger Brazilian presidential candidate Levy Fidelix faced criticism after saying during a nationally televised presidential debate on Sept. 28 that gay people should receive psychological help far away from the general population. The comments drew no reaction from the leading candidates but tens of thousands of people denounced Fidelix as homophobic and hateful online and on social media.

Pope seeks frank, fearless debate on family issues Pope Francis urged bishops Oct. 6 to speak their minds without fear about contentious family issues, one of them being gay marriage, at the start of a two-week meeting aimed at making the church’s teaching on family matters relevant to today’s Catholics. The survey confirmed that the church must develop a pastoral plan to minister to gays in civil unions and to children being raised in such families, making the synod the first time the Vatican is addressing LGBT issues on a pastoral level.

Nevada, Idaho marriage bans struck down A federal appeals court has struck down same-sex marriage bans in Idaho and Nevada. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco made the ruling Oct. 7. It did not decide on a similar case in Hawaii, which legalized gay marriage in December.

Missouri to stop defending ban Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court turned away appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay marriages, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster signaled that the state is backing away from defending its own samesex marriage ban. Koster said the state is obligated to honor contracts entered into in other states.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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viewpoint

Trevor Pettiford

Trevor’s

notebook Make Tampa Bay a gay destination

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t’s fascinating to think

that just a few short years ago, the LGBT community was at odds with Hillsborough County Commissioners over their refusal to recognize LGBT Pride. Today, the county joins a long and growing list of jurisdictions that not only recognize LGBT Pride, offer domestic partner benefits and have a domestic partner registry, but are also rolling out the rainbow carpet to gay tourists.

Seeing a local government or company realize all the green in the gay flag is nothing new, but actually targeting international LGBT tourists is a new concept for Tampa Bay. Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay says, “the Bay Area has a wide variety of hotels and destinations that are very welcoming to the LGBT community.”

David Downing, interim executive director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater agrees. “From Clearwater Beach to Gulfport, Pinellas County offers a unique variety of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts and beach side resorts that are inclusive to all.”

This effort to attract international LGBT tourists sounds like a rainbow party ready to happen, but it begs the question: what do they do when they get here? Unlike cities such as Fort Lauderdale, with its army of gay resorts ranging from the elegant Grand Resort and Spa to the decadent and dare I say “naughty” Inn Leather, Tampa Bay’s list of guest houses and hotels that serve gay patrons is brief, to

Pride Parade and Festival your party is ready! And to those specific needs say the least. scheduled for March 28, maybe, just maybe, it could of the LGBT community My partner and I 2015, and the expanding St. make crossing “the great will evolve.” recently spent a weekend Pete Pride weekend in June, divide” (also known as the In addition to more evening at the Gay St. Pete there is an opportunity Howard Frankland Bridge) House. It’s a homey bed and resorts, there’s an to make Tampa Bay the less of a barrier. opportunity to bring breakfast on Fifth Avenue newest, hottest destination Day trips like paddle in more events and North in St. Petersburg for the LGBT community. boarding tours, kayak destinations. For example, that boasts of a clothing We have warmer waters adventures and biking Sunday Tea Dance at the optional pool, hot tub, that Provincetown, excursions that aren’t Flamingo has always been continental breakfast better beaches than Fort necessarily gay exclusive, a favorite way to end and a surprisingly good selection of swimsuits for purchase. But owner Brian Longstreth says it can sometimes be a lonely business.

“I’d gladly welcome more competition!” he said enthusiastically Lauderdale, and open arms but rather “LGBT-centric” the weekend. But what sitting poolside on one that stretch from bay to by offering pick-ups and about all this water that of our recent rainy day bay ready to embrace our drop-offs at places like the surrounds us? weekends. “I have a lot of worldwide community.

Flamingo or GaYbor, would A tea dance cruise once returning guests that visit Let’s get Tampa Bay ready help create more package or twice a month would from other countries, but I to be the gay spot for deals that could be sold as make a great option, and think I’d have more if there international tourists! an entire weekend. would attract not only were other places that With events like tourists but locals as well. catered specifically to our this month’s Tampa Add some fun music, community.”

International Gay and sprinkle in a couple of drag Then there is, of Lesbian Film Festival, the queens and muscle boys course, the Flamingo Sept_Watermark_Turkey Avocado_4.875x5.125 9/29/14 3:15 PM Page 1 much anticipated Tampa serving shots and “Ding!” a.k.a. “The Dirty Bird” as some affectionately call it. Although it has the infrastructure to be a top destination for gays, with its party-sized pink trimmed pool, dining BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER services and convenient Since 1981, TooJay’s has been delighting art, jewelry, leather and diners with an exciting and eclectic menu swimwear/underwear for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When shops right there on the craving strikes indulge in authentic property, many complain NY–Style deli sandwiches or settle in about the outdated style with slow roasted turkey, old fashioned of the rooms. pot roast and other comfort food The large tube TVs, outfavorites. Friendly, professional service of-style decor and vintage is a part of every meal, so make plans bath tub showers are to join us for “a little taste of home”. crying “last call!” That was LEGENDARY DESSERTS the response from friends of mine who were visiting from Costa Rica last month and stayed at the Flamingo for a long weekend.

Black & White Cookies Sawmill Resort and Campground offers a unique alternative to staying in a hotel. Either roughing it in a tent or Chocolate Killer Cake taking the more “civilized” TURKEY AVOCADO SANDWICH route in a camper or cabin Slow roasted turkey breast, avocado, can make for an interesting stay. But Santiago believes arugula, tomato with lemon garlic aioli. in the contrary cliché—If Exclusively at TooJay’s they come, you will build it.

“Once we attract more Orlando Colonial MarketPlaza (407) 894-1718 ● East Orlando Waterford Lakes Town Center (407) 249gay international tourists 9475 Southwest Orlando The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips (407) 355-0340 ● Ocoee Shoppes of Ocoee to the area,” Santiago says, (407) 798-2000 Altamonte Springs Palm Springs Shopping Center (407) 830-1770 Lake Mary “businesses that cater Lake Mary Centre (407) 833-0848 • Locations also in Sarasota and Tampa • www.toojays.com

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lesBian Couple sues sperM BanK

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hIo couple jennIFer craMblett and aManda zInkon, who are both Caucasian, were shocked when Cramblett gave birth to a biracial girl two years ago. It was immediately obvious that the Midwest Sperm Bank mixed things up and didn’t provide the selected white sperm donor’s “baby juice” to the married couple. The women say they love raising the girl, but are facing challenges with their family planning in the rural, all-white community. Cramblett says she is afraid her daughter will be treated unfairly because of her race.

watermark Your lgbt life.

a

I

n a new study released oct. 1, GLAAD found that internet and cable programs have more LGBT representation than broadcast networks. The “Where We Are on TV” report looked at the 20142015 season and found the number of recurring LGBT characters climbed from 24 to 41 since last year. HBO leads with 15 regular or recurring LGB characters, while Showtime and ABC Family are a close second with 13 each. The Fosters on ABC Family, boasts the only regular transgender character on a cable series.

Not surprisingly, Orange Is the New Black has more LGBT characters than any other show on broadcast and cable TV. Hulu and Amazon are also LGBT-inclusive, with shows like East Los High and Transparent, respectively. A&E, History and TNT were dubbed diversity failures by the organization.

iT’s a Crisis, you KnoW

group oF 50 InFluentIal conservatIve chrIstIan actIvIsts are calling upon Pope Francis to “protect marriage” and reiterate the importance of “traditional” marriage. The movement comes after marriage equality victories in the United States and around the globe and after the pope’s live-andlet-live attitude on sexuality. The pope and his cardinals are scheduled to convene in an “extraordinary synod” to discuss the pastoral challenges of the family. In a letter, the Christian activists urged the synod to end the “marriage crisis.”

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Brangelina BreaKs a proMise

t

IME MagazIne coluMnIst brIan Moylan recently skewered Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for breaking their promise to hold off on their nuptials until marriage equality was legal in all 50 states. Moylan called out the actors and human rights activists and said they weren’t real fighters for civil rights. Pitt told Esquire Magazine in 2006 that he and Jolie “will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able.” In the couple’s defense, they were married in France, where same-sex marriage has been legally recognized since 2013.

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

reportIng lIve:

in depTh: Hispanic Heritage

Jorge Estevez smiles as he flips through notes and jokes with coworkers at the WFTV Channel 9 anchor desk, where he delivers the news to his Central Florida audience.

PHOTO COuRTESy PHIllIP MAnGElS

A DUAL SENSE OF

PRIDE

LGBT HISPANICS JUGGLE HERITAGE AND SEXUALITY

a

Samantha Lena Rosenthal

s central FlorIda prepares

to celebrate Come Out With Pride, LGBTs of Hispanic descent are also amidst Hispanic Heritage Month, two cultures that don’t always easily mix.

Officially, Hispanic Pride month ends Oct. 15 and is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of the Hispanic community, its culture and its language.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics constitute 17 percent of the U.S. population as of July 2013, making them the largest ethnic or racial minority.

It is estimated that by the year

2060 that proportion will increase to 31 percent. Among the total population, a report from the UCLA Williams Institute found that an estimated 1.4 million U.S. Hispanic adults—or 4.3 percent—are LGBT.

personal pride: Jorge esTeVez

Jorge Estevez didn’t come out to his family until he was 31 years old. The WFTV-Orlando Channel 9 anchor struggled with how his parents would react to the news.

Since he was raised in the Hispanic

watermark Your lgbt life.

culture, many stereotypes were projected onto him rather than letting him define who he truly was.

“Gender roles are more outlined in the Hispanic community even to this day, so it is harder,” Estevez says.

“Everyone’s cousin always knows first. I think that in our culture, and in every culture, we always tell someone you can trust and there’s always that female cousin in your family, and that person is so key in guiding you in that moment in time when you crossover and make that decision [to come out].

“When I told my parents, it was

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

2006...I didn’t know how they would react. To this day, my father still doesn’t speak to me.”

Fortunately, Estevez had the support of friends when he came out. Many youth aren’t so lucky.

According The Trevor Project, suicide rates are two times higher among LGBT Hispanics than other youth.

“One of the fears was: ‘What will people think?’” Estevez says. “What will people think when the neighbor hears? And how will that reflect ConTinued on pg. 26 | uu |

23

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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25

(LEFT)

All smiles:

President of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida Vivian Rodriguez (right) has been partnered with Valerie Finello for 28 years.

Rodriguez, has been an advocate on the political scene for both the Hispanic and LGBT communities

Photo courtesy Vivian Rodriguez

(RIGHT)

true to herself:

Alex Borrego is a Hispanic transgender woman from St. Petersburg who breaks stereotypes.

She fully transitioned in July 2011.

Photo by Steve blanchard

26

watermark Your lgbt life.

| uu | Hispanic Heritage from pg.23

on those parents? That’s what a lot of people don’t realize— that a lot of parents take it on as a personal defeat. It reflects on them, so they take on this whole idea that it’s about them when it’s really not.”

Estevez grew up immersed in Hispanic culture. Nearly all of his friends were of Hispanic descent, and it wasn’t until college that he even knew he was a cultural minority.

“The idea that I was anything different than the rest of the country was foreign,” he says.

Estevez grew up in West New York, N.J., right outside of New York City, which is also where he began his broadcast journalism career. He learned early on that all Hispanic families aren’t the same.

“We’re all different; we aren’t the same,” he says. “Our beans are different colors, our seasonings are slightly different. The names of the food are all different, but we all have this one wonderful thing in common that we need to continue to explore to help unite us so we can succeed.”

Estevez continues to keep close ties to his Hispanic heritage and admits his ethnic background helps him relate to his broadcast audience.

“There’s that connection when I go into a home and horrible things have happened to this family, and they happen to be Hispanic,” Estevez explains. “It’s an advantage in that you’re that much closer in making a connection with someone and having them open up to you.”

He hopes to see similar connections among Hispanics and the LGBT community, especially

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

concerning youth.

“I think there is a disconnect between the literature and the conversations that I think other communities may be having,” Estevez says. “We still have a lot of that old-school mentality about gender roles, so it would be better if there was more education toward minority youth when it comes to LGBT issues.

“As a voice, we are stronger together than we are fragmented, and we need to recognize that.

As human beings, we share one thing, which is the betterment of our society.”

To empower and engage: Vivian Rodriguez

One thing the Hispanic community has in common with the LGBT culture is the diversity within each.

“It’s something that I really can’t describe, being involved in so many different communities and building that bridge,” says Vivian Rodriguez, president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida and Equality Florida board member.

Rodriguez is a retired New York police first-grade detective, who had a 21-year career with the NYPD and educated the community about issues affecting both the Hispanic and LGBT communities.

The Orlando resident, who conducted LGBT sensitivity training while in uniform, met her partner while serving the City of New York.

“I would say one of my most exciting moments was walking in full uniform as a gay officer from 50th Street all the way down to The Village, and then—it still brings a tear to me—passing by Stonewall,” says Rodriguez, a former president

All in the family:

Family Equality Council Southern Regional Manager Tatiana Quiroga (right) enjoys the company of her wife Jen West and son Lukas Hugo West-Quiroga, embracing the idea that anyone can have a family.

Photo courtesy Tatiana Quiroga

of the Gay Officers Action League of New York.

After she retired and moved with her family to Florida, Rodriguez became involved in the political scene. In 2012, she was the Hispanic outreach campaign director for Rep. Joe Saunders (D-Fla.) and she was elected as the president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida in August 2013.

“To me, I firmly believe in advocating for the rights of the LGBT community as well as the Hispanic community, and everything I do now is on a volunteer basis,” Rodriguez says.

“What made me proud was the organization did not look at me as

exposed to others they know and love, their ideas will change.”

Gender-roles are incredibly important in Hispanic families, which can make the coming out process for transgender people even more difficult than their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.

St. Petersburg resident Alex Borrego knows that first-hand. She remembers the disappointment her father expressed when, as a young male, Borrego would help her mother with household chores.

“My uncles would make fun of me and they would say I’m a little

in July 2011, her father had passed away.

“I think that the most difficult part of the whole process was making my family realize that this wasn’t just me putting on a dress or that it was my current mood,” Borrego says. “I think that a lot of them felt, ‘Okay, just let Alex put on a little nail polish, put on a little makeup and put on a dress, and in a year he will go back to being a boy and this will all be a phase.’

“I think that’s my biggest struggle because still to this day, I have family members who don’t take me seriously.”

There aren’t enough role models in the LGBT/Hispanic community,

a gay person or a straight person.

They looked at me for who I was and for what I could deliver or what they believed I could do for the organization.”

Rodriguez recognizes a fragmentation among both the LGBT and Hispanic communities.

It makes her more focused on her mission to join the two and crosspromoting pride in each.

Rodriguez and her partner of 28 years have an 18-year-old son.

“People are moving forward, and of course you are going to have some individuals who are not as tolerant as others,” Rodriguez admits. “But I think that time will change them, and as they get

‘faggot’ and stuff like that, obviously in Spanish terms,” Borrego recalls.

“They didn’t understand why I wanted to help her cook. And even now that I am transgender, they still don’t understand why I would want to be a woman because in their mind, being a man is so supreme.

And I still notice it. It is very much engraved in the culture, especially among Caribbean-Hispanics.”

When Borrego came out in her teens as a gay man, she found acceptance from her female relatives. But she recalls that her father and uncles never understood, which put a strain on her relationship with the male figures in her family.

By the time she fully transitioned

Borrego believes, which makes it more difficult for Hispanic LGBTs to come out.

“We need more positive role models because when Hispanic people think about LGBT, they think about the very feminine guy who sleeps around or the transgender woman who has all these fake body parts and works the street in order to support her lifestyle,” Borrego says. “So when they see someone like me, who is transgender and works a nine-to-five, they don’t know how to process me. They don’t know how to put me into their equation.”

Florida boasts the country’s third-largest Hispanic population,

Breaking stereotypes: Alex Borrego

As a voice, we are stronger together than we are fragmented, and we need to recognize that. —Jorge Estevez

watermark Your lgbt life.

according to 2013 Census Bureau statistics, meaning the LGBT contingent within that population is also seeing growth. That means acceptance will have to come, even if it happens slowly.

“The Spanish culture, especially the Caribbean-Spanish culture, is much infused with that chauvinism—and if you’re a man, you should behave in a certain manner,” Borrego says. “Growing up, that was difficult.”

The Hispanic Modern Family: Tatiana Quiroga

As the saying goes, “Family is everything.” This is true, especially in the Hispanic culture. Major holidays mean family gatherings and with Catholicism as the major religion in the Hispanic culture, the Church is the focal point for the family and for raising children.

So how does an LGBT Hispanic family fit into this mold?

“There’s a baby boom in the LGBT community and within that, Hispanic LGBTs want to start families,” says Tatiana Quiroga, the southern regional manager for the Family Equality Council. “Because of the strong influence that our culture and our heritage has, sometimes we have special challenges because a lot of us were raised Catholic.”

Quiroga deals with Hispanic LGBT families on a daily basis.

But she also deals with her own “non-traditional family.” She and her partner of 10 years are raising a son together. But the journey to acceptance wasn’t a smooth one.

“I was raised in a very multicultural experience because my parents were still very close to their roots and to their heritage,” recalls Quiroga, who was born in La Paz, Bolivia, “so I was raised in a very Hispanic culture but in the United States.”

It’s taken nearly two decades for Quiroga to find acceptance with her sexuality, and she says that’s because there were few—if any—LGBT people that crossed her family’s path before her.

“They didn’t know any gay people and they never met any gay people,” she says. “At the same time, they couldn’t wrap their head around the fact that I was a little girl who loved to play with Barbie, loved to play with dolls, wore makeup, loved jewelry, got my nails done and I was gay. To them, there was a direct connection between gender and sexuality.”

Quiroga uses her own experience to help the Hispanic families she works with understand their LGBT family members. She also uses her cultural roots to help LGBT couples

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Telling it by the

numbers...

(According to a Gallup survey published by The Williams Institute)

1.4 million LGBT Hispanics live in the U.S. 54 million Hispanics live in the country Top 10 States LGBT Hispanics call home 1-Texas 2-Nevada 3-California 4-Arizona 5-Wyoming 6-Colorado 7-New Jersey 8-Kansas 9-Florida 10-New York

32.9: Average age of an LGBT Hispanic who adopt Hispanic children understand the cultural differences.

She recently met with families in Austin, Texas. There, Quiroga met gay Caucasian couples raising Hispanic children. Those couples, she says, wanted to learn about Hispanic culture so their children would grow up appreciating their ethnic heritage.

Quiroga believes there is a need for more LGBT parent role models of Hispanic descent, like Ricky Martin, for example. But more need to come out to show traditional Hispanic families that an LGBT contingent exists within the culture.

“I had a very negative response from my parents coming out. It has taken the birth of my son for my parents to finally accept me and my relationship,” Quiroga says. “It was a very long drawn-out process.

It’s ended in a way I could never imagine because my son is almost three years old and he’s best friends with my parents. They are our number one supporters now. We definitely have a happy ending to a long painful journey.”

27

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Listen Up! With “haVE you hEard?” coco pEru rEminiscEs in st. pEtE and orlando WhilE BEnEfiting smart ridE

“d

Aaron Alper

Id you ever get

cum in your eye, Gabriel?

It burns!”

It’s that line from 1999’s Trick that LGBTs will always associate with Miss Coco Peru.

But 15 years later, the hilarious drag persona is still a mouthpiece for the

LGBT community.

She was in the riotous Girls Will Be Girls (which was so successful it garnered its own web series and soon-to-bereleased sequel), has done

watermark Your lgbt life.

several successful tours of her stand-up material and was even guestspotted on the classic show Arrested Development.

Now, with her new live show “Have You Heard,” Miss Coco is traveling to the Sunshine State for a set of shows with stops in St. Petersburg and Orlando. Her performances Friday, Oct. 24, at the St. Petersburg Metro Wellness, and Saturday,

Oct. 25, at The Abbey in Orlando, benefit the SMART Ride. She also has stops in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Before heading from L.A. to Florida, the performer Lily Tomlin calls “one of the last great storytellers” talked to us about growing older, good drag etiquette and, of course, bodily fluids.

ConTinued on pg. 37 | uu |

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

29

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

On view now through January 18, 2015

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Media Sponsor Jamie Wyeth, Nureyev – Don Quixote (detail), 2001, combined mediums Collection Brandywine River Museum of Art. Purchase made possible by the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, the Roemer Foundation, the Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of PA I, Inc., and an anonymous donor, 2006

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

31

live music

Doubling down

Dario could double attendance at Sarasota Pride

Big draw:

Performer Dario is the first major headliner at Sarasota Pride since it re-established itself as an outdoor event five years ago.

32

S

Joseph Kissel

arasota | If pop singer Dario can

nearly double the number of people at Lexington’s 2014 Pride event, the organizer of Sarasota Pride believes he can do the same there.

“His commitment to the Prides has been great,” said Sarasota Pride Chairman Cindy Barnes.

Dario’s performance dazzled her in Kentucky and convinced Barnes to sign him up to headline this year’s festival at J.D. Hamel Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 6 p.m. Dario is scheduled to take the stage at 4 p.m.

“His energy is amazing, and his dancers are great,” she said. “He’s just super, super talented.”

Dario has been touring in support

of his fifth album, Evolution, featuring the infectious dance-floor banger “Save You.” Barnes is confident Dario will heighten the party atmosphere of Sarasota Pride, which is in its 25th year and its fifth year at the park.

But it hasn’t always been a party for Dario, who — despite an early appearance on Star Search, several well-received albums and touring with Destiny’s Child— found himself broke and homeless after being cleaned out

watermark Your lgbt life.

by previous management.

After his accountant told him the devastating news, Dario still had to perform that night.

“My fans didn’t pay to see me cry,” he told his shell-shocked dancers and road crew of his first headlining tour.

When it ended, Dario wanted out of the business and settled into an office job to pay the bills. But after a few years, he found himself wanting his old life back. Badly.

Dario’s lifelong ambition to be a singer and performer began at the age of three and crystallized the moment he stepped onto the Star Search stage as a teenager.

“I remember the feeling I got throughout my entire body,” he tells Watermark. “That’s the moment I realized this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life.”

Following his decision to break back into the music business, Dario got positive buzz for a test track and was suddenly starring in a six-part reality series about the making of his new album, “Talking Loud.” But only if the series went unscripted, he said.

His Evolution tour—with Sarasota Pride being the last of 62 dates — is building off the success of Dario: Undiscovered and the series’ 2.5 million viewers.

“Expect a lot of fun, high-energy dance music,” says Dario, now 31.

“The park won’t allow us to bring our confetti cannons, but that’s okay as long as I get to see the fans dancing, singing and enjoying themselves.”

Dario is also looking forward to the revitalizing effects of Florida’s humidity.

“It’s just so dry in California,” he laments. “I feel like I need some moisture, which is also great for my voice the day I perform.”

Keeping the focus on his voice is also the reason Dario doesn’t appear on stage wearing revealing, skin-tight garments.

“I’m a singer and performer, not a model,” he says. “I’m not here to show skin. I’m here to sing and entertain with my music.”

But of course, Dario works out and takes care of himself.

“It goes with the territory. But I don’t need to go on stage half-naked to

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

prove I can sing.”

Considering Sarasota Pride has grown yearly under the direction of Barnes, there will be plenty of skin in the audience.

“If Dario gets us up to 10,000, we’ll be thrilled,” says Barnes.

The event averaged attendance of about 1,000 before she became involved in 2006, becoming chairman of the event in 2010.

Since then, it’s averaged over 5,000 each year, but Barnes believes Dario can take it to the next level with his showmanship as well as his publicity team’s ability to get “Save You” in regular rotation on local radio stations.

In Lexington, this strategy paid off with all-day airplay and 21,000 people coming out to see Dario compared with 14,000 in 2013.

Barnes told Watermark that interest

“The park won’t allow us to bring our confetti cannons, but that’s okay as long as I get to see the fans dancing, singing and enjoying themselves.”

—Dario

in Dario is already pulling attracting attention from fans as far away as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Naples.

“I’m getting phone calls asking about hotel accommodations and if he’ll be around to sign autographs,” Barnes says.

She does expect Dario to mingle around the stage after his set closes at 5 p.m., but Barnes warns he won’t stick around too long. He has an early flight back to California the next morning.

Dario is adjusting to his fame, and admits he’s surprised at the audience’s reaction when they spot his vibrant red hair moving toward the stage, eliciting screams.

Dario quips: “Who’s here?

Madonna?”

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

33

performance

Follow the rainbow

St. Petersburg welcomes Circus Rainbow’s world premier

(leFT)

car trouble:

Jack Cook, Circus Rainbow’s resident clown, knows a thing or two about car trouble. (righT)

keep clIMbIng:

If you have a fear of heights, you may want to cover your eyes when The Amazing Sladek stacks and climbs chair upon chair.

PHOTOS COuRTESy RAInBOW CIRCuS

34

s

Zach Caruso

t. petersburg | the cIrcus Is

coming to town—literally. Circus Rainbow will soon set up its tents in the parking lot of the Metro Center, across from Georgie’s Alibi on Third Ave. N. And organizers promise fun for the whole family under the big top. The world’s first and only touring LGBT circus has its world premiere on Oct. 22-Nov. 2.

“We have two different shows,” says Circus Rainbow creator Philip Anthony. “The 5 p.m. show is for children of all ages, and in the evening we do entertainment for adults which starts with the 7:30 p.m. cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner at 8 p.m., a movement into our show-top for seating for the main event, and after each performance we do a free outdoor show for the community.

“Then we also have the VIP tent called ‘The Rainbow Room’, which is where we serve dinner, and after dinner there’s a DJ and continuous

entertainment.”

The reason why the touring company is dubbed “Circus Rainbow” makes sense. Anthony explains that the performances are based around the original eight colors of the Pride flag and the corresponding themes.

“So on pink night everything is pink, the tablecloths, the waiters will be in pink, it’s a cultural, dining, and entertainment experience wrapped up into one,” he says. “And we have Rainbow Ricky, the top LGBT radio disc jockey in St. Petersburg.”

And no, Rainbow Ricky didn’t

watermark Your lgbt life.

change his stage name just for the circus gig.

“How can I be any luckier than to have the top guy around be named ‘Rainbow Ricky’, and we’re Circus Rainbow?” Anthony laughs. “It’s a big party, really. Nothing adult-themed, nothing dirty at all, it’s just what our culture enjoys; a fine meal in a nice facility and an entertaining show.”

A 41-year veteran of the circus industry, Sarasota-based Anthony started as an animal groomer and went on to work on the business side of the industry with companies like Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey.

For the last 17 years, he has owned and operated his own circus entertainment management company, The Philip Anthony Agency, and has been working on fleshing out the idea for Circus Rainbow for the last five years.

“As families grow, and so many more family responsibilities and opportunities come to the LGBT community, I asked myself why they don’t have an entertainment event like this,” he says. “A circus they can go to and feel comfortable, where they can

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

know ‘This is my circus for my family, and this is my community.’”

Anthony says the initial plan was to bring Circus Rainbow to Key West, a market he felt it would thrive in.

But his plans changed when he saw a news report on Metro’s new LGBT Welcome Center..

“I was looking for a partner to raise funds for” Anthony recalls. “And lo and behold, I’m watching the news and they were doing a story on the LGBT visitor’s center. And bingo, it struck me like a bolt of lightning —we’re based out of Sarasota, that’s our home, so we should help St. Pete.”

Anthony explains that the goal of Circus Rainbow is to give back and reinvest into the community, and he has sought to do that in every capacity.

“Setting up and breaking down the tents is a huge job, that’s 80 jobs I can give to the members of the community while the event is in town,” he says.

“So the money isn’t coming out of the town, it’s going back into the community.”

Anthony is also adamant about aiding Metro in reaching its goals.

“Metro would like to not only finish this new center, but also open up a pharmacy eventually, and I have this feeling that we can make that happen,” he says.

And when Circus Rainbow wraps up in St. Petersburg, it hits the road across the country.

“You’ll see us in Miami in December, Key West in January, Jacksonville in February, March in Orlando, and then the route goes around the country,” Anthony says.

And with the tour, Anthony is optimistic about the impact he and the circus can make.

“I want the takeaway to be the knowledge of where these centers can be placed around the country to help the community the most,” he says. “It’s not only a place for visitors to go and learn about what’s going on in the community, it’s testing, it’s hooking you into the local community.

Forty-seven more of these makes the community a better and safer place. Do I think we can help do that? Of course.”

For more about Circus Rainbow, and for ticket information, visit CircusRainbow.com.

morE information

what: Rainbow Circus when: Oct. 22-Nov. 2 where: Metro Parking Lot, 3251 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg tIckets: RainbowCircus.com

OctOber 17th-19th bOb carr theater Photo: Michael Cairns

407-426-1739 OrlandOballet.Org Sponsored in part by

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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and people can see that. If they believe that those characters are somehow really me then I guess that just means I’m a good actress, right? Although, I did base that “cum in the eye” line on my real life experience, so I know for a fact that it burns!

| uu | Coco Peru FroM pg.29 WaTerMarK: Tell us a BiT aBouT your neW shoW, ‘haVe you heard?’

CoCo peru: Actually, this is a “best of” show. I’m celebrating 24 years working as Coco Peru, and in this show I tell some of my favorite stories from different shows over the years. I remember in one of my earliest shows, I used to say that “my show is like a group therapy session…only it’s my turn to talk.” And after all these years, I still feel like I’m still doing group therapy. So I encourage people to come and laugh and think and leave feeling just a little better about yourself.

I mean, let’s face it, the world needs me—and I’m way cheaper than therapy! as a WriTer, hoW do you go aBouT inCorporaTing MaTerial inTo your aCT? hoW do you TesT iT and hoW sponTaneous is iT?

My shows are all scripted and memorized word-for-word. I was trained as an actor in college and I find that my freedom onstage comes from being disciplined and learning my lines! It drives me a little crazy when I see one person shows and people keep referring to their cheat sheets.

I always think, “C’mon, learn your craft and respect your audience!” Even when a show is new and I’m not totally sure of my lines, I refuse to have cheat sheets because I believe that what makes live theatre exciting is to go out in front of an audience and be present and vulnerable. If I screw up, I’ll have to deal with that in the moment. The audience will see me screw up and perhaps love me all the more for at least taking that risk.

Also, all of my shows are autobiographical! I usually tell stories to my friends and if they laugh I make a mental note that perhaps that story would make a good monologue for a show someday. Even the line from Trick—“It’s big! It’s beautiful!

And you’re gonna love it”—was something someone actually said to me one time and I thought, “Oh, that’s good! Someday I’m gonna put that in a monologue!”

The best lines always come from real life. in your FirsT speCial, “WiseCraCK,” you said your CaliFornia Friends had a

SPEAKIng oF MoVies, giVe us The MosT updaTed updaTe on The sequel To GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS!

Richard Day, who wrote and directed it, is back on track working on it and is excited about finishing it, so I expect that he’ll have it completed in 2015! At least, I am praying that he does so that I don’t have to answer questions like this one anymore. desCriBe a perFeCT day oFF FroM perForMing.

burnIng love For coco: Coco Peru says she puts pieces of her act together based on real-life encounters with friends and fans-including the infamous “It burns!” line from Trick.

hard TiMe aCCepTing you Being Called a drag queen, as Though The TerM Was VieWed as peJoraTiVe. Why do you ThinK ThaT happened?

It’s not just California! That remark started early on in my career in NYC. I think people have an idea of what drag is: men wearing dresses and lip-

a good drag queen and WhaT MaKes a Bad one?

Well, I celebrate all drag and I love any man that puts on a dress and wants to play with gender.

However, if a drag queen wants to be professional, I really think she should be on time for her gigs, she should respect the people she is working with and she shouldn’t

get emotional and think about bigger issues!” I still love when people come away from the show surprised. However, I think the maternal aspect of my personality is something that has happened just because I’m getting older and my fans are getting younger.

I absolutely love that younger kids are writing to me and

Let’s face it, the world needs me—

and I’m way cheaper than therapy! synching in bars. I don’t do that.

People considered what I do to be more theatrical and therefore they often think that I’m doing a disservice to myself by calling myself a drag queen. However, it was a drag queen that inspired me to do what I do.

I have always found drag queens to be powerful and I admire them so much, so calling myself a drag queen was something empowering and something I celebrate to this day. I just think people have to broaden their minds and realize that there are all types of drag queens! We are a diverse bunch of ladies! in your opinion, WhaT MaKes

be drunk. Most importantly, she should have a craft! Being “fishy” or just showing up isn’t enough!

Also, the goal should never be, “How do I become famous?”

one oF The Things ThaT MaKes Miss CoCo so unique is she eVolVed inTo soMeone Who is selF-depreCaTing, syMpaTheTiC and oddly MaTernal. Was ThaT a planned or an organiC shiFT in your aCT?

I was always self-deprecating and sympathetic from the time I created Coco. One of the comments I have always gotten after my shows is, “I expected to laugh, but I didn’t expect to

watermark Your lgbt life.

—MIss coco peru

asking if I can be their mom!

Getting older and embracing this maternal aspect is something I am very comfortable with. I am inspired by these young kids who are so open and seem comfortable embracing me as a role model!

your appearanCes in FilMs (TRICK, GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS) haVe Been disTinCTly risquÉ and noW are iConiC MoMenTs in gay CineMa. did you haVe MoMenTs Where you ThoughT, “hoW Will TalKing aBouT CuM in My eye or planned aBorTions aFFeCT My CharaCTer’s puBliC persona?”

I don’t think about that! I feel like those were roles I played

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Ha! My life is rather normal when I am off and not on the road.

Seriously, I love to go to Costco and just walk around and shop. I also love being at home because I miss my husband when I’m away.

We’ve been together 19 years and I still miss him! That’s a good thing! Also, the ritual of making and enjoying my café latte at home every morning on my couch is a treat that I never get tired of. aFTer The Tour, WhaT plans does Miss CoCo haVe on The horizon?

I will have a break Thanksgiving weekend and I am going to Vegas!

I love it there. I don’t gamble but I love the hotels, I love people watching, I love the restaurants and shows. It is just such a weird place and I love weird!

WhaT are soMe liFe lessons Miss CoCo Can iMparT To us.

Most of the good things that have come into my life came about because I said “Yes” despite my initial fears. I look back on those moments when I could’ve easily said “No” and I panic a little and think “Oh thank God I said yes!”

Those ‘yes’ moments changed my life! So, my advice would be to face your fears and say “Yes” more often.

morE information

who: Coco Peru shows: St. Petersburg— 7 p.m., Oct 24 at Metro Wellness; Orlando— 7 p.m., Oct. 25 at The Abbey tIckets: MissCoco.com

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

eventplanner event planner

arts+EntErtainmEnt

community calEndar

orlando

TaMpa

lykke li, Oct. 9,House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; Houseofblues.com/Orlando.

Dixie’s tupperware Party oct. 15-19 straz center, 1010 n. w.c. MacInnes place

Les Miserables, Oct. 9-12 Mafregson Theater, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org.

The hilarious, gender-bending Dixie Longate is back in Tampa with Dixie’s Tupperware Party at the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater. The off-Broadway show is a real Tupperware Party, but with a twist unlike any you’ve seen. Expect to laugh, get slightly embarrassed and fall in love with the “plastic crap” Dixie pushes from the stage. Tickets are $37.50 and available at StrazCenter.org.

The Who’s Tommy, Oct. 9- Nov. 2, The ZehngebotStonerock Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com. new Found Glory, Oct. 10, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; Houseofblues.com/Orlando.

sT. peTersBurg

Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat, Oct. 14, CFE Arena, Orlando. 407-823-3070; CfeArena.com

oct. 11-nov. 9 FreeFall theatre, 6099 central ave.

Into the Woods Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning reimagining of Grimm’s fairy tales is a glorious exploration of what happens, for better or worse, when wishes come true. A childless baker and his wife set out on a quest to get the child they’ve always dreamt of, but their hopes collide with those of other fairy tale denizens who have gone into the woods seeking their hearts’ desires.

The Best of Enemies, Oct. 15Nov. 16, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando, 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org American International Motorcycle Expo, Oct. 16-19, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando. 407-685-9800; OCCC.net The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 17, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com Jekyll and Hyde, Oct. 17Nov. 2, Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee, 407-846-6257; Ocfta.com Killer Joe, Oct. 17Nov. 1, Theatre Downtown, Orlando. 407-841-0083; TheatreDowntown.net Foster The People, Oct. 18, Hard Rock Live, Orlando.

407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ live/locations/Orlando lacuna Coil, Oct. 19, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; Houseofblues.com/Orlando.

TaMpa Bay Green Card Wedding Bridesmaid, Through Oct. 12, Flamingo Resort, 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com.

VEnICE

equality connection party tIMe: Dixie’s Tupperware Party returns to Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Oct. 15-19. For tickets visit StrazCenter.org.

sarasoTa

The Rocky Horror Show, Oct. 9-18, MAD Theatre, 813-386-6173; MadTheatre.com

Anjelah Johnson, Oct. 16, Ferguson Hall, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org

Beethoven & Rachmaninoff - The Florida Orchestra, Oct. 10, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org

TFO Rock Series: The Rolling Stones, Oct. 17, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, 727-893-7832; TheMahaffey.com

Tiempo libre, Oct. 11, Carol Morsani, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org Dixie’s Tupperware Party, Oct. 15-19, Jaeb Theater, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org Porch Party, Oct. 16, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667; Fine-Arts.org

lyle lovett, Oct. 19, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, 727-893-7832; TheMahaffey.com Cinderella, Oct. 21-26, Straz Center, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org

Martina McBride, Oct. 16, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.com lyle lovett, Oct. 17, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.com Sarasota Pride Fest, Oct. 18, J.D. Hamel Park, Sarasota, 941-320-9268; SarasotaPride.org 20th Annual Downtown Fall Arts Festival, Oct. 19, Sarasota, 941-366-7040; VisitSarasota.org

6 p.M., thursday, oct. 16 venIce theatre, 140 w. taMpa ave, venIce Celebrate equality and then stick around for a show!

Equality Florida will hold its first-ever Equality Connection at the Venice Theater on Oct. 16. The free event gives Equality Florida members and supporters a chance to mingle and learn more about the organization. Stick around and see a performance of The Rocky Horror Show at a discounted price. For details, call 941-488-1115 or visit VeniceStage.org.

daYTOna BEaCH

Shaping Sound 7:30 p.M., tuesday, oct. 21 peabody audItorIuM, 600 audItorIuM blvd.

What happens after the stars of those dancing movies and reality shows are no longer on television?

They go on tour, of course! Shaping Sound is a dance company that re-imagines dance with the Emmy Award-nominated choreographers Travis Wall and Kyle Robinson pulling the strings. The troupe is a mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought to life by contemporary dancers. Tickets range from $40-$80.

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

watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

39

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Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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Tampa Bay

1- Artfully optimistic: Nomad Artbus founder Carrie Boucher, right, mans a table with a volunteer during Carmada at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg on Sept.

27. Photo courtesy Paul Kinchen of TinkerFluff.com 2- Celebrating film: (L-R) TIGLFF board member Ken Hodges stands with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn near the Tampa Theatre stage on opening night of the 25th annual Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Oct. 3. Photo by Nick Cardello

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3- Date night: Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, right, and partner Ana Cruz share a moment during the opening night of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Oct. 3. Photo by Nick Cardello 4- Get in the zone: Aubrey Nicole Conundrum prepares to host Throw Back Thursday Oct. 2 at Enigma St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy

Paul Kinchen of TinkerFluff.com

5- shored up: Daniel Harris gives Sordid Lives scribe Del Shores a kiss while Daryl Epperly smiles after Shores’ performance at the Flamingo Resort Oct. 3. Photo courtesy Trevor Keller 6- Major announcement: Tampa Pride board president Carrie West announces the 2015 inaugural theme of “Proud.

Determined. United.” during the official kick-off party at The Honey Pot in Ybor City Sept. 26. Photo by Steve Blanchard 7- Proud and together: Friends gather at The Honey Pot for a photo op during Tampa Pride’s inaugural kick-off party on a rainy Sept. 26. Photo by Steve Blanchard

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8- Hot and ready: Hunter Vance smiles backstage before performing at Liquid Tampa on Oct. 3. Photo

courtesy Paul Kinchen of TinkerFluff.com

Overheard Tampa Theatre offers unisex bathroom

W

e’re not sure if it was a coincidence, but did anyone else find it nice that the Tampa Theatre offered a unisex bathroom during the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s opening weekend? The basement restroom that has served as the women’s room in previous years had a “Unisex” label taped to it on Oct. 3. The other restroom next door appeared to be closed, but there were no signs of maintenance.

Those using the facilities barely blinked at the unisex set-up, but one woman did pause at the door when she saw a man

inside and politely asked, “Is it okay if I come in?” Coincidence or not, we’re thrilled that the sign for transgender inclusion was prevalent at TIGLFF’s 25th anniversary.

Del Shores loves a Badcock...store

F

resh off of his two performances in Tampa Bay during the first weekend of October, comedian and Sordid Lives creator Del Shores posted a video to his Facebook account documenting his discovery of Badcock & More Furniture Store. Shores, who performed at Flamingo Resort Oct. 3 and at the Tampa

International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Oct. 4, was en route to a show in Wilton Manors when he stumbled across a Badcock & More store on Oct. 5. In true Del Shores fashion, he created a video of the sign and then expressed dismay when he learned the store was closed that day. Check out his video on Del Shores’ Facebook page.

Proud. Determined. United.

N

early 200 people braved the driving rains of Tampa Bay to help Tampa Pride kick off its official fundraising program at The Honey Pot on Friday, Sept. 26.

The celebration, titled “Out of the

watermark Your lgbt life.

Storm,” gave the newly formed organization a chance to raise some money, share the excitement about the March 28 parade and festival in Ybor City, and a stage to announce the theme.

Pride president Carrie West said the 2015 theme is “Proud.

Determined. United.” To get the inaugural event off the ground, Tampa Pride must raise $70,000

by Feb. 1. A GoFundMe.com account has been set up and more fundraisers are in the works.

The “Out of the Storm” title, by the way, officially had nothing to do with former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms, who banned LGBT Pride in the county—wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

Get your plastic crap!

E

veryone’s favorite Tupperware lady is back at the Straz Center in Tampa, beginning Oct. 15. Dixie Longate’s Tupperware Party is an offBroadway production and real life Tupperware party! The performer (who some say is actually actor Kris Andersson) has been to Tampa many times before and started by doing private Tuppeware parties in homes along Tampa’s waterfront.

Tickets go fast for this one-of-akind-show, so purchase them early.

And expect a lot of LGBTs in the audience and a fair share of naive and surprised ticket holders in the mix, which is half the fun.

41

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watermark Your lgbt life.

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Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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orlando

1- PAUSE, STEP, REPEAT: GLBT Center of Central Florida staff, board and volunteers pause for the step and repeat at the 3rd annual Black and White Gala, Oct. 4 at the Orlando Museum of Art. Photo by Jamie Hyman 2- NOTHIN’ LIKE SHOWBIZ: Kenny Howard (left) and Steve Singhaus get some fresh air during the intermission of Ladies of Eola Heights, Oct. 6 at The Abbey. Photo by Rick Claggett 3- ENJOYING THE FAR EAST: Watermark sales director Mark Cady (left) and his fiancé Carlos Archilla enjoy the view from Victoria Peak overlooking Hong Kong during their October vacation. Photo courtesy Cady

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4- FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Darden Restaurants’ PRIDE Group makes a donation of $5,000 to Zebra Coalition. Photo courtesy Zebra Coalition 5- MARCHING FOR HOPE: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (center) marches in the UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health Hope Hike on Oct. 1, in support of breast cancer awareness. Photo via Sheehan’s Facebook page

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6- SWEET SUCCESS: Se7en Bites owner Trina GregoryPropst (left) and her wife Va Propst, celebrate the bakery’s first anniversary Oct. 1. Photo by Jamie Hyman 7- HELPING HAND: Watermark creative assistant Patrick O’Connor is named Ivanhoe Village Volunteer of the Year at the 2015 Orlando Main Street Awards, Sept. 30 at Orlando Museum of Art. Photo by Meredith O’Connor

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8- WALK-N-ROLL: Heather “Foxy Bloxy” Kincade (left) and Manda “Hickey Ricardo” Fernandez wheel on by during the Ciclovia Bike, Roll & Stroll at Lake Eola Sept. 21. Photo by Missy Corson

Overheard Has Fire Run Fizzled?

W

hen word spread that the Fire Run was canceled, many who hoped to participate in the Oct. 18 Hope & Help fundraiser were doused in cold water. But there is hope. The 5K obstacle course is on track to make its big debut in 2015. Officially, “unforeseen circumstances” caused the run to get cancelled this fall and Watermark tried to get clarification from Bill Bennett Boot Camp for more details, since that was the business behind the original plan. Unfortunately, our calls went unreturned by press time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t share the great news

in all of this—Hope and Help said it has been rescheduled for Jan. 10 and more details will be released soon.

Fundraiser for Fraser

I

f you’ve been a longtime Orlando resident you may recognize the name Dan Fraser—he was on the management staff for (the original) Southern Nights, then he was brought back for Revolution. He was part of the group that didn’t make the cut when Revolution converted to RBarr which quickly changed their name to Southern Nights.

Amidst all of that confusing history, Fraser has fallen on hard

times and the community has rallied in true Orlando fashion.

Pulse Nightclub held a fundraiser for him on Oct. 3. If you missed it and you’re feeling charitable, visit Dan’s GoFundMe.com account, where there’s a goal of $5,000.

Rain Dance has experienced a drought

T

o kick off Pride celebrations, Hamburger Mary’s hoped to host Rain Dance at the Orchid Lounge Oct 7. (The Orchid Lounge is behind the Cheyenne Saloon in the historic block on Church Street in the home of the now-closed Club Paris.) But it seems that after the pink palace

watermark Your lgbt life.

devoted to its infamous Hilton sister namesake closed, the space had to go through some major renovations (and perhaps some disinfecting), which has put Rain out to dry as finishing touches and upgrades to lighting and sound systems continue. As of now, there has been no date set to reschedule the night.

Not-So-Sunny Rails

W

hen the SunRail opened earlier this year it was seen as an alternative to Orlando’s traffic woes. But unfortunately, weekend service was not part of the plan. With a few hiccups along the way—ticketing machine

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

issues and a couple of vehicle versus train accidents—it seems Orlando residents embraced the new train. Come Out with Pride reached out to SunRail to request Oct. 11 service to the parade, but SunRail only responded with a request for COWP statistics.

When COWP complied, SunRail never picked up the conversation.

So with no SunRail service on Oct. 11, COWP has encouraged patrons use Lyft, the ride-sharing app, to get to festivities around Lake Eola. There’s even a discount code: OUTWPRIDE, which is a $25 value. Anyone else need a Lyft to the parade?

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transitions

community Announcements 407-245-1166 Dr. David Rice is now working with EOLA EYES

519 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32803

presIdent oF the board: The St. Pete Pride Board elected Scion Provenzano as its new president earlier this month. Provenzano, a straight ally, previously served as vice president of the board of directors. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and currently works with JP Morgan Chase.

2304

ALOMA & ST. ANDREWS

sayIng goodbye: Beloved Church of the Trinity

member Ted Strenger passed away Sept. 25. His husband and life partner of 27 years, Jim Ferrell, and members of his family sat by his bedside. Ted was a dedicated member of Trinity Metropolitan Community Church who served as a member of its finance team and Wednesday night volunteer team, and as a Sunday usher. A service will be held in celebration of Ted’s life on Oct. 12 at Trinity.

ybor Icon: Bradley’s on 7th

hostess and emcee Joey Brooks celebrates another year of being fabulous on Oct. 14. PHOTO COuRTESy CARRIE WEST

congratulations

local Birthdays

Mary Birchler and Kimberly Boshears of Spring Hill celebrate 22 years together on Oct. 9.

GaYbor entertainer and Tampa institution Joey Brooks (Oct. 14); former gift shop owner and Tampa retiree Howard Hawk (Oct. 15); handsome Suncoast softballer Michael Monnich, Orlando attorney Mary Meeks (Oct. 16); Tampa political campaign guru and LGBT ally Mitch Kates, Lakeland-based Geico expert Barry Stemle, Ybor City’s King Corona Cigar expert Willy Emerson, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph (Oct. 17); UCF LGBTQ advocate David Moran, South Florida Gay News publisher norm Kent (Oct. 18); St. Pete’s Everest University admissions specialist Mike Callahan, Tampa photographer and graphic artist Byron Schaerr, Orlando make-up artist Scott Juszczak (Oct. 19); pilot and flight instructor louis Velasquez, Flamingo Car Club president Robert “Tiny” nasworthy (Oct. 20); Orlando cosmetologist singing star Melisa Brown, New Port Richey CNA Anthony Menicola (Oct. 22).

Phish Phest Entertainment celebrates 13 years in business on Oct. 15.

St. Petersburg couple Thomas ziri and Jeffrey nicolaus celebrated 16 years together on Oct. 3.

Grace Restoration Church in Lakeland celebrates its four year anniversary on Oct. 16.

What’s Happening Magazine celebrates its 9th year of publishing this month.

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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sports

in other news

Men’s basketball coaches association adds protections for gay players Staff Report

K

ansas City, Mo. | The National Association of Basketball Coaches has formally included “sexual orientation” as a protected group in its antidiscrimination and anti-bullying policies. The organization is the largest network of men’s high school and college basketball coaches in the country.

“The NABC opposes any action or inaction that has a tendency to cause or is intended to cause emotional or physical harm, an unequal or disproportionate effect, or unreasonable requirement because of any particular trait,” the new policy reads.

With more gay men coming out in basketball, the inclusion of their protection was an important step.

“To have the NABC put out such a powerful statement on inclusion

shows the importance of the issue,” said Anthony Nicodemo, head basketball coach at Saunders High School in New York, where he came out publicly last year. Nicodemo had been in contact with the NABC about implementing a more inclusive policy.

“I have been a member for over 15 years and the organization was so supportive with the concerns. It really makes me proud to be a member.”

Bob Walsh, the new head men’s basketball coach at the University of Maine, said there’s some real education that needs to happen across men’s team sports.

“It’s something there is a lack of education about in general, when it comes to team sports, male team sports at the college level,” Walsh said. “So I think the statement is a terrific step.

“A lack of education and understand is something that has been noticeable to me. Guys are

IOC adds anti-discrimination clause for host cities

generally unaware of maybe some hurtful comments or phrases that they use that they might consider mainstream. People are aware of something that’s racially offensive, but they’re less aware of how it effects [people who are gay].”

Walsh said he addresses the issue on a regular basis with his team.

He said he hears the word “faggot” regularly around basketball, and that he addresses it every time he hears it.

“It’s an accepted insult that’s considered funny by some people,” he said. “I hear it a lot in team settings with males, and I immediately address it. I help them understand the connotation and the hurt in that word.

I think that’s where you start the conversation.”

There is no inclusion of gender identity and expression in the statement, which worries some. But there is talk of including it in a future iteration of the policy.

The International Olympic Committee announced changes to the Olympic host city contract from 2020 to 2022 that include a reference prohibiting discrimination, adding detail to the Olympic Charter’s anti-discrimination stance.

The move comes after the much criticized 2014 Sochi games, which took place against a backdrop of Russia’s staunchly homophobic policies. While the new policy doesn’t directly address LGBT discrimination, All Out co-founder and executive director Andre Banks called it a “significant step in ensuring the protection of both citizens and athletes around the world.

Transgender guidelines for prep sports considered Amid strong reaction on both sides of the issue, the Minnesota State High School League voted Oct. 2 to table a proposed policy that would set guidelines for transgender student-athletes in high school sports.

The delay gives the league board more time to consider the divisive plan, which spells out how schools should handle transgender students in sports and what documentation those athletes would need to define their gender, such as proof of hormone therapy or surgery.

If you live in State Senate District 22 (most of Pinellas County and South Tampa), please support a true Equality Champion The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas are proud to announce their list of Fall 2014 endorsed candidates. The equality all-stars are: Charlie Crist, Governor George Sheldon, Attorney General Will Rankin, CFO Thaddeus Thad Hamilton, Comm. Agriculture Judithanne McLauchlan, State Sen. Dist. 22 Carl Zimmermann, State Rep. Dist. 65 ...

Lorena Grizzle, State Rep Dist. 66 Steve Sarnoff, State Rep. Dist. 67 Dwight Dudley, State Rep. Dist. 68 Scott Orsini, State Rep. Dist. 69 Darryl Rouson, State Rep. Dist. 70 Pat Gerard, County Commissioner, Dist. 2 Mark Weinkrantz, County Commissioner, Dist. 4 Julie Bujalski, Dunedin Mayor Deborah Kynes, Dunedin City Commission Michael Smith, Largo City Commissioner, Seat 1 Samantha Fenger, Largo City Commissioner, Seat 3 Rene Flowers, Pinellas County School Board

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Disclaimer: Paid political advertisement paid for by in-kind by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas. Approved by Judithanne McLauchlan, Democrat, for State Senate District 22.

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51

Sam Atallah, MD, FACS, FASCRS, who is not only awardwinning and MD Anderson-trained, he actually provides very specific diagnostic testing for gay men who are experiencing problems with their colon. Dr. Atallah is one of very few doctors in Central Florida who performs what is called a high-resolution anoscopy, which allows early detection of precancerous changes in the anal and rectal lining. Once detected, Dr. Atallah is able to destroy the lesions with a very specialized laser treatment.

I know. It doesn’t exactly sound like fun. But this type of advanced diagnostic testing can detect the problem or problems that are more prevalent in the gay community. For example, you may have an issue as common as hemorrhoids, causing blood in your stool or on the toilet paper, or a discharge caused by an HIV ulcer. Or, perhaps it’s a bit more complicated, like anal HPV (anogenital human papillomavirus), anal warts, genital warts or another infection of the genitals, such as condyloma, gonorrhea or rectal chlamydia, which can lead to intradermal neoplasia (AIN)/dysplasia.

Sam Atallah, MD, FACS, FASCRS, has the desired understanding and unique skill to properly care for the gay male community. He serves as the director of research and innovation at the Center for Colon & Rectal Surgery in Winter Park. Dr. Atallah is board certified in colon and rectal surgery and specializes in colon cancer surgery, as well as an array of other conditions of the colon, specifically those affecting gay men who have anal sex with other men; and even more so if they are HIV positive.

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RLANDO | Though gay rights, and correcting age-old wrongs, have come a long way in recent years, there are some other important topics that should be making news. Not marriage exactly, but the subject matter is about establishing a healthy and lasting relationship with someone who is understanding and sensitive to your particular needs as a gay man. Specifically if you are a gay man who has anal sex with other men; and even more so if you are HIV positive or might have another sexually transmitted disease or infection. I believe that it’s as important to know what’s in and what’s out, as it is to know the recommended health screenings for your specific age, sex, race, lifestyle and risk factors.

As a health writer, I felt compelled to pound the pavement in search of the right person to see for the particular type of “back” problems a homosexual man might encounter, such as rectal bleeding, pain of an

52

unknown origin and other “unmentionable” stuff I’ll mention later.

After trolling the internet and asking around, I found a Winter Park-based colon and rectal cancer surgeon,

watermark Your lgbt life.

Those conditions may or may not account for the pain, or it could be something more severe, such as an anal fissure, which is a tear in the lining of the lower rectum. As you are beginning to see, anal pain, bleeding or discharge can be a symptom of an array of illnesses, from HPV to an HIV ulcer, but far worse than the disease is leaving it untreated.

No butts about it, it’s high time to kiss any excuses goodbye—and say hello to Dr. Atallah with the Center for Colon & Rectal Surgery whose office is located just next to Winter Park Memorial Hospital—where he provides minimally-invasive treatments for hemorrhoids via infrared coagulation therapy—and even that colonoscopy you’ve been putting off.

Look at it this way. When you take your car in for regular maintenance, you drive to a shop you’d trust to make whatever repairs may be needed. By that same count, if you have to go for colorectal screening, why not use a doctor who can address any health concerns with you on the spot rather than handing you a referral slip?

Call 407-303-2615 to schedule an appointment at 242 Loch Lomond Drive, Winter Park, Florida 32792.

Fo r m o r e i m m e d i a t e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.CenterColon.com.

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jake@jacobdickson.com

photography

The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence stop by to bless the 25th TIGLFF festivities.

Filmmaker John Waters poses with a depiction of himself outside the Tampa Theatre on Oct. 4 after his live show.

Del Shores tells the TIGLFF audience what it means to live a Sordid life.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn presents TIGLFF President Kris Johnson with a proclamation honoring the festival.

John Waters fans line up to meet the iconic filmmaker outside the Tampa Theatre.

galleryw t Go see more photos at

watermarkonline.com

54

he taMpa InternatIonal gay and lesbIan FIlM FestIval celebrated its 25th anniversary in a big way Oct. 3-5 with a welcome by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Oct. 3, a live performance by legendary filmmaker John Waters and comedian Del Shores on Oct 4, and a panel discussion on LGBT history Oct. 5. The free opening night screening of Blackbird almost filled the historic Tampa Theatre to capacity and director Patrik-Ian Polk and star Julian Walker fielded questions after the screening.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Friends wait for the Tampa Theatre to open on opening night, Oct. 3.

Blackbird director Patrik-Ian Polk, left, and star Julian Walker, field questions after the opening night screening of their film.

25th Annual Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Opening Weekend TaMpa TheaTre, oCT. 3-5

Photography by Nick Cardello C ARDELLOPHOTO.COM

Oc tOb er 8 - Oc tOb er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

3rd Annual Volusia Pride Festival Saturday,

October 25, 2014 Noon to 5 p.m.

Old Fort Park New Smyrna Beach, FL

FEATURING The Dewey Rose Band

DJ Chris of KC Sound Express DJs The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Marching Band and Color Guard Over 40 vendors Sponsored by:

Discounts from local stores on Canal Street Among the vendors returning from last year are the Marine Discovery Center with their touch tanks and the NASA LGBT Employee Group.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tob er 8 - Oc tob er 16 , 2014 // Issue 21. 21

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