Watermark Issue 21.22: Rick Scott vs. Charlie Crist

daytOna Beach • OrlandO • tamPa • st. PetersBurg • sarasOta • issue 21.22 • Oct. 23 - nOv. 5, 2014 • WatermarKOnline.cOm

COWP BOasts 150,000

WE

HAVE THE

POWER With the gubernatorial election so close, LGBT voters could very well put Crist back in Tallahassee

SARASOTA

PRIDE

celeBrates

25 years

gay cOuPle

KEEP THINGS

SPOOKY in Old tOWn

2

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Departments 6 // mail

PAGE

17

8 // orlanDo news 12 // tampa bay news

There’s definitely people who are holding up Matthew Shepard’s memory and, I hope, feeling like we’re coming a long way.

—WYominG’S rev. audette FulbriGht

16 // state 17 // nation & worlD news 39 // community calenDar 45 // transitions 46 // tampa bay marketplace 47 // sports 48 // orlanDo marketplace 54 // gallery w

PAGE

on the cover

PAGE florida governor Rick

compared to 25 Scott—often skeletor by many—could

lose the nov. 4 election if lgbt ‘fans’ of Charlie Crist make it to the polls and give him the power to return to tallahassee.

preview

31 season of fear:

the same-sex couple behind the legends attraction at old town talk about the inspiration and motivation behind their year-round fright fest. photo by patrick o’connor

watermark issue 21.22 //oct ober 23 - november 5, 2014

orlanDo news

tampa bay news

PAGE approximately 150,000

PAGE after 30 years as a

rent

gallery w

illustration by Jake stevens

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

people surrounded lake eola oct. 11 to celebrate come out With pride; the orange county commission votes to support marriage equality; Volusia county schools talks transgender issues.

12

transgender therapist, dr. kathleen ferrell closes shop and heads into retirement; sarasota pride brings out thousands to J.d.

Hamel park on oct. 18; Hillsborough’s county commission approves a domestic partner registry.

PAGE the suncoast aids

34

theatre project offers up a concert version of Rent in november as part of its ongoing mission to raise money for HiV clients. We talk with some of the performers about the emotion behind the show.

PAGE come out With pride

its 10th 54 celebrated anniversary in a big

way, with a huge parade and festival around lake eola. We had photographers roaming the park all day and they captured some of the more festive elements of the annual festival.

the general election is coming. visit watermarkonline.com for upDates on canDiDates anD for our list of recommenDations. watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

5

top web comments {from WatermarkOnline.com and Watermark’s Facebook page)

On Florida attorney general Pam Bondi’s request that the state supreme court decide gay marriage:

“S

he wants someone else to make the decision so she doesn’t have to. No conviction, just whatever she needs to do to stay in office.”

—Michael Snyder

“The polls show that the governor’s race is close. We have to not be complacent and get out there and make sure that those who want marriage equality vote.”

—Sandy Goldcross

321.293.2240 DavidDorman.com

People move for all different reasons, let me help you with all of them!

“Pam is entitled to her views just as we all are.

Florida voted and the majority was in favor to enact legislation. The Attorney General defends the constitutionality of statutes duly enacted by the Legislature and is authorized to issue formal legal opinions at the request of various public officials. So, she is upholding the law that Florida voters voted for.”

—Don Lamb

No one has the right to discriminate against anyone for any reason.

—Stephen J. Fischbacher

“Well it’s definitely not in our best interest. It’s only a matter of time. Bottom line, no one has the right to discriminate against anyone for any reason.

This should have been the basis of the civil rights act of 1964 and every related piece of legislation thereafter.”

—Stephen J Fischbacher

“If she leaves the issue up to the circuit courts, she stands a chance of losing the battle along with her base. This will postpone the issue until well after her re-election bid, keeping the evangelicals from splintering against her.”

—C.J. Hatter

On Dario’s performance at Sarasota Pride:

“Dario was amazing at Pride! He is such a great singer not to mention hot as hell!”

—Jeff Hanson

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Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

“I’ve been a Dario fan since the Dedicated album came out. He’s such an amazing artist. So humble and a true star, keep it up Dario!”

—Jon Soliz

On our Come Out With Pride 2014 wrap-up story:

“The Opening Ceremony on Thursday was not well attended. The crowd was a huge disappointment, which was unfortunate because all the speakers were wonderful and Capital Cities was amazing.

Capital Cities even delayed their start in hopes that more people would show. To say it was ‘well attended’ is disingenuous.”

—Scott Stowell

On the retirement of Dr. Kathleen Farrell:

“Kathleen, I wish you well and I want to acknowledge how wonderful your services were to our community!”

—Kathie Michael

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

T

Desk

o be upfront, I am not

Catholic, nor have I ever put much stock into what the Church had to say about most things—except when it came to exorcism scenes in scary movies.

The Church, in my view, is an outdated, chauvinistic club where old guys go to hang out together, put on fabulous outfits and point a judgmental finger at the rest of the world. The more the media gives the club attention, the more sway it seems to have over both the important and trivial things in our lives.

But, I realize that millions of people are impressed and even swayed by the rhetoric of the Church, especially when it comes to LGBT issues and homosexuality.

So, of course, I’ve been asked my opinion of the Catholic Church’s recent decision to not hate same-sex

watermark staff

couples as much as it used to, then it’s about-face return to “oh, wait, we didn’t mean that, it’s still okay to not be okay with gays, just don’t be so loud about it.”

Early on during an October synod—a gathering of Catholic bigwigs in Rome—discussing familial matters, there were indications that the Church would lighten up a bit on same-sex couples and divorced parishioners and those who have remarried. Divorced Catholics, you see, can’t take communion unless their previous marriage is annulled. They literally can’t have a church cookie if they’ve been divorced.

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But conservative Catholics collectively lost their minds when there was a hint of softer language when it came to these two groups.

So much so that after the 200 men in attendance voted, language that originally applauded the “precious support” sometimes found in same-sex unions was dropped and replaced with a sentence saying gays must be “welcomed with respect and delicacy.”

It’s okay, I don’t see that much of a difference in the two statements either. One recognizes that gays do, in fact, have relationships with other people and the other just simply says that gay people exist.

On the topic of remarried Catholics, the final document seems to express a need for more study on that situation, so no solution has yet been officially posted.

Many LGBT Catholics are optimistic about the change regarding gays, saying that it’s a step in the right direction. Those of us who aren’t so religious or a member of the denomination see very little movement here, but then again, the Catholic Church isn’t known for its aggressive and speedy inquiries into discrimination cases, errors or scientific studies.

Take, for example, the 1633 case of Italian physicist, mathematician, engineer, astronomer and philosopher Galileo Galilei. The Church condemned the scientist for the “heresy” of his discovery that the solar system as we know it today existed, and that the Earth was not the center of it, which was taught by the Church.

To believe differently, the Church said, was to refute a strict biblical interpretation of the Creation that “God fixed the Earth upon its foundation, not to be moved forever.”

Galileo was given a choice by the Church: recant his beliefs and remain under house arrest or get burned at the stake. Of course, he chose the former.

In 1757, the Church unbanned

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Galileo’s “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems,” which argued against the Earth-is-thecenter-of-the-solar-system belief.

In 1984, the Church began a 13year investigation into whether or not it screwed up in a case three centuries old!

In the 1990s, Pope John Paul II shared with the world that the Church was wrong to condemn Galileo.

It took the Catholic Church more than 350 years to admit that a scientific discovery it loathed and condemned because it contradicted

If the case of Galileo is any indication, it will be decades, if not longer, before the Catholic Church finally embraces LGBTs and our families.

it’s teaching was, in reality, a factual statement.

So by comparison, to take a minute step toward the direction of tolerance of LGBT worshipers is a huge progressive step for the ancient institution.

But if the case of Galileo is any indication, it will be decades, if not longer, before the Catholic Church finally embraces LGBTs and our families.

To many of the world’s faithful, the Church’s belief system is an important model and moral code by which to live. But for me, I’ll continue to keep that system in mind as a reference for the next Hollywood offering featuring an exorcism.

Orlando Office P. O. Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655 TEL: 407-481-2243 FAX: 407-481-2246

Tampa Bay Office TEL: 813-655-9890 FAX: 813-849-2986

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

contributors Dr. Steve Yacovelli

is Owner & Principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development consulting firm based in Orlando that provides guidance and solutions in diversity and inclusion. Page 19

Michael Wanzie is an

Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House. Page 21

Chris Muscardin

is a student at the University of Central Florida, where he is studying journalism and literature.

He is also a 2013 graduate of Valencia College. Page 33 Greg Burton, Scottie Campbell, Zach Caruso, Susan Clary, Kirk Hartlage, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Jim Walker, Michael wanzie

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

distribution Debbie Oliver, Phil Garris, Ken Caraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

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WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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7

orlando news

cowp brings out 150k revelers Jamie Hyman

o

rlando | The final numbers won’t be in until after this issue of Watermark goes to press, but early estimates from the Orlando Police Department show about 150,000 people crowded Lake Eola on Oct. 11 for the 10th anniversary of Come Out With Pride.

It’s the highest number yet, up from last year’s estimate of 120,000 in attendance, according to COWP executive director Mikael Audebert.

“I think we’ve outgrown our space,” he said. “People were coming earlier and staying longer which is always a great thing.”

Audebert mentioned that in previous years there have been some nearly empty spots along the parade route but “this year, it was packed,” and some of the crowd even overflowed onto the road along Central Avenue.

COWP this year featured an expanded schedule, including a week’s worth of concerts that kicked off Oct. 7, the Tuesday before the Saturday main event. Performers included Clean Bandit, Meghan Trainor, Capital Cities and Lil’ Kim who took the stage at Parliament House Saturday night after the parade and festival. The Pride in Concert series was sponsored by XL 106.7.

The Capital Cities’ show was Oct. 9, the night of the official COWP Opening Ceremony.

“Opening night was well-attended and fantastic,” Audebert said. “It was our 10th anniversary, no way we could go with a little party.”

LGBT activist—and previous COWP grand marshal— Jonathan Lovitz emceed the event, which featured Power Chords, Orlando Rep Theatre’s young vocal group. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also took the stage.

“Orlando is at the forefront, fighting for equal rights for everyone in Central Florida, because that’s the kind of community we are,” Dyer told the crowd. “We have taken the lead with domestic partner registry.”

Concert-goer Kris Wiley said it was “like a private party, except we have Capital Cities playing.”

Overall, Audebert said they expected a bigger turnout for the concerts and are not sure whether the idea will be revisited next year.

When it comes to the main event—the parade and festival—Audebert said COWP benefited from adding new positions this year, including a volunteer coordinator and security liaison.

He and the COWP team are already thinking about how to smooth out some wrinkles next year, starting with an even earlier set-up.

“We’ve already started to set up the night before. I think we’re going to have to stay overnight and be ready to open by 8 p.m.,” Audebert said.

The COWP bars were packed, and Audebert said they ran out of liquor several times, necessitating a few “policeescorted runs to the stores.”

About a week before COWP 2014, Audebert announced his resignation from the MBA, Central Florida’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce. MBA has historically been tied to Pride, but Audebert said the organizations are quite

cOntinued On Pg. 10 | uu |

8

an emotional reSponSe:

Joanne Rodriguez is surrounded by media after sharing the emotional story of her dying partner.

PHOTO By JAMIE HyMAn

Vote for Equality Orange County Commission signs onto brief in support of marriage equality Jamie Hyman

o

rlando | In a 5-2 vote, the Orange County Commissioners decided to sign onto amicus briefs in support of marriage equality.

The briefs will be filed in the ongoing Florida lawsuits fighting for samesex marriage.

Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell proposed the issue. Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Vice Mayor Pete Clarke and Commissioners Jennifer Thompson, Ted Edwards and Moore Russell voted in favor of the measure.

Commissioners Fred Brummer and Scott Boyd voted no.

About a dozen citizens spoke about the issue at the Commission’s regular Oct. 14 meeting, with just two speakers opposing the County Commission supporting the brief.

Joanne Rodriguez, whose partner of 13 years, Liz Molina, is dying of cancer, presented a moving testimony. Rodriguez said her partner initially responded to treatment

watermark Your lgbt life.

and they made plans to expand their family—right now, Rodriguez is 34 weeks pregnant with Liam, a sibling for Molina’s daughter, Bella. When the cancer returned, and spread, Molina did not have insurance and because they were unable to marry, she couldn’t go onto Rodriguez’s insurance. Molina was without treatment for about four months, during which Rodriguez said her partner’s health and hopes declined. In July, Molina was given 2-6 months to live.

“We pray that she is able to meet our son; a son that is not going to be recognized as hers because we’re not legally married,” Rodriguez said.

“Marriage equality would have lifted our medical burdens and it may have given us more time together.”

Rodriguez pointed out that marriage also would have allowed their son to be recognized as Molina’s, entitling him to social security benefits.

“It may be too late for me and Liz, it may be too late for our family, but

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

it doesn’t have to be too late for other same-sex families,” she said.

Two Rollins faculty members testified, and one presented letters in support of marriage equality signed

by Rollins faculty plus faculty and students from other schools.

Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s transgender inclusion director, told the Commissioners about her daughter, who is a lesbian engaged to her partner. Duncan found out this past weekend that she is expecting her first grandchild. “[My daughter and her partner] would like to bring this baby into this world within a married loving household,” Duncan testified. “With your input, you can help make that happen.”

Mary Meeks, who is a member of the legal team fighting for marriage for six South Florida same-sex couples, pointed out that antigay organizations are filing briefs denouncing marriage equality.

“Standing silently by empowers the haters,” she said.

Other speakers in favor of signing onto the brief argued for marriage equality’s economic benefits.

The only two anti-gay speakers were Charles and John Norris, regulars at government meetings where LGBT protections are on the agenda.

“To pass this brief is to say we

cOntinued On Pg. 10 | uu |

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9

orlando news | uu | Equality Amicus Brief from pg.10 are on the side of those who deny nature and our creator,” Charles said, and his brother argued that gay people are “unfortunately led astray by their emotions and their passions.”

Orange County Comptroller Martha Hayne, who has long been a supporter of LGBT equality, asked to speak. She said she learned about the inequalities suffered by the gay community during her time in office, and was “chagrined” to learn how much work was left to do.

“After all years in public service, I am still somewhat surprised at the power of my voice. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to put my name in support of this brief on marriage equality and I hope that you will join me,” Haynie said, addressing Jacobs and the board.

Jacobs retorted that she put forward the domestic partner registry for Orange County, “notwithstanding the revisionist history we’ve been hearing about. Not with a gun to my head.”

She mentioned that she expressed her support for marriage equality in an August interview with Watermark “without pressure from [Haynie] or anyone else.

“I’ll make my decision based on my own conscience,” Jacobs said.

Commissioner Clark said he’ll support the brief, stated that he’ll “sleep well tonight.”

Commissioner Boyd said he supports the marriage equality but doesn’t feel it’s the Commission’s place to sign onto the brief, and Commissioner Brummer, the other dissenting vote, did not comment.

Commissioner Edwards said the issue should be decided by the courts but recognized that the issue is important to his constituents.

“My preference would have been to let the courts decide, but since Commissioner Moore Russell put us in the hot seat, I’m going to support the amicus brief,” Edwards said.

Meeks was not surprised the measure passed, although she said Mayor Jacobs made public comments several days before the vote indicating it wasn’t within the Board’s purview to sign onto the brief.

“We were pleasantly surprised that she changed her position at the last minute and joined the majority vote,” Meeks said. “It certainly sends a much stronger message to have the Mayor on board, and I applaud her for doing the right thing.”

| uu | Come Out With Pride from pg.10 separate and focusing on COWP will allow him to make Orlando’s pride celebration even better.

“Pride has grown to be a great celebration; it needs to become a great community organization,” Audebert said. “I’m pulling away from production of the event itself and focusing on what we can do to help the Orlando community, using some of funding received from events.”

Pride Gives Back is already active, and awards one-time grants to worthy organizations. Audebert said he wants to take it a step further and fund specific projects that make a difference in the Orlando LGBT community.

Additionally, he said they’ve been approached by several cities who want to look at the COWP model and implement it in communities that don’t currently have an annual pride event.

10

Parents push Volusia County School Board toward better transgender policies Samantha Rosenthal

D

eltona | Two families are pushing back against Volusia School Board policies that prevent their transgender children from using restrooms and facilities aligned with their gender identities.

Kyle Mournian, a senior student who was born a female but is now a fully transitioned male, was told by staff at Deltona High School he couldn’t use the boy’s restroom or other facilities despite the fact that he identifies as a boy, has been taking hormones for more than a year and has a girlfriend.

Mournian is identified on his passport as a male and on his driver’s license, and his birth certificate will say the same when they are changed within the next couple months. The family wants the school district to change the student’s name and sex on his paperwork to reflect his identity and update current policies that don’t address rights and protections for transgender students.

The second student is in middle school, and name and identity have not been released.

Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Director, spoke at a September school board meeting, asking the board to develop better practices and work toward initiating policies that allow transgender students to have a safe school environment where they feel accepted. She also pushed for changing students’ paperwork to reflect names and genders that match their identities.

“The Volusia County School Board was one of the first school districts in Florida to prohibit bullying and harassment on the basis of gender identity in March of 2011,” Nancy Wait, director of community information services for Volusia County Schools, said in a statement.

“Any report of bullying or harassment is investigated and may result in disciplinary action against a student.”

The Mournian family and the middle school student’s family approached the ACLU, PFLAG and Equality Florida to get the organizations involved in bringing about change for

watermark Your lgbt life.

transgender students in Volusia County. A goup formed from the three organizations presented to Superintendent Margaret Smith and the school board proposals for policy recommendations and implantation.

When the group met with the Volusia County school board last month they offered to be a resource to Volusia County for transgender students, faculty and parents with free educational workshops; provide models of schools with policies for transgender students in place already; and present the school board with policies from the Department of Education based on the Arcadia ruling that can assist in preparing better policies that won’t discriminate against these students. Duncan met one-on-one with Superintendent Smith to discuss further the necessary steps that need to be taken, but she said in an

policies that are being implemented all over the country,” Duncan said.

“The transgender community is evolving and is emerging as more visible than ever. Students are transitioning at a younger and younger age, and the school district is going to have to embrace the necessary policies to prevent bullying, discrimination and marginalization of transgender students.”

The school paperwork for students who attend schools in Volusia County has the name and sex of the student as it appears on their birth certificate. The school district removed the mentioning of the sex of student to only necessary documents and teachers are free to call students by other names rather than their legal name.

“Each school works with a student and his or her parents that requests alternative restroom and locker room

The volusia school district apparently is not interested in moving forward with inclusive policies that are being implimented all over the country.

—Gina duncan

email to Duncan she doesn’t intend to change the district’s current practices in place.

“The superintendent is not interested in moving forward in proper policies and protocols and apparently is okay with the current discriminatory policies against transgender students,” Duncan said.

Smith was out of town and unable to comment by press time, but Wait told Watermark, “We make accommodations for transgender students and for those who have identified because we know there are more than just those two. Some just haven’t identified because they want to keep it private.”

Along with Superintendent Smith, school board members Linda Costello and Ida Wright have reservations about allowing transgender students to use facilities other than the ones that align with their birth sex.

“The Volusia school district apparently is not interested in moving forward with inclusive

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

usage,” Wait said in a statement.

“Those alternatives are located within a convenient, if not identical, distance from their classroom and not locked. The intent is to provide a discreet alternative for the student.

If such an alternative restroom was locked, it is corrected immediately.

Providing alternatives is done on a case by case basis and based on the individual needs of a student. Some transgender students do not wish their gender identity to be known by other students.”

Yet both Duncan and the family of Kyle Mournian believe this is not enough and continue to push forward in making progress for transgender students throughout Volusia County.

“We would hope that they do their research and review these policies which have been either highly recommended by the Department of Education or that have been successfully implemented in other schools across the country,” Duncan said.

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11

tampa bay news

farrell heaDs into retirement after 30-year career

celebratinG pride: former

Steve Blanchard

sarasota city commissioner Suzanne Atwell reads the proclamation declaring oct. 18 Unity in pride day at J.d. Hamel park.

S

t. peterSburG | Sometimes the timing just feels right. And Dr. Kathleen Farrell believes now is the time for her to step away from the practice she founded in the early 1980s.

Farrell, who was Tampa Bay’s first openly lesbian psychologist and therapist, locked her office for the final time on Oct. 17. She is a neW chapter: renowned throughout Tampa Bay for the Dr. Kathleen Farrell was the first openly lesbian compassionate practice therapist in tampa bay and counseling she when she began her provides the transgender practice in the 1980s and community. News of her soon after became the departure isn’t a surprise prime resource for the to her clients, who have transgender community. been referred to Metro Behavioral Health Centers PHOTO COuRTESy DR. FARREll of Tampa Bay. But it’s still a sad day, as Farrell has always been at the forefront of transgender issues.

She began her Florida career in 1982. Three years later, in 1985, she noticed a shift in her patients and her clientele developed into HIV-positive women.

“I began to see women who were basically working the streets and, because I was openly lesbian and seeing gays and lesbians, these positive individuals and also transgender residents would find me,” Farrell recalled. “At that point, I didn’t really know a lot about transgender issues so I went and got some information so I could admirably serve this population that wasn’t being served.”

Farrell said that none of those early clients are still with us, having lost their battles with HIV and AIDS. The epidemic facing the LGBT community, and the growing number of transgender clients, motivated Farrell to seek out information in the age well before Google and online message boards.

“My resource was John Money at John’s Hopkins at the time,” said Farrell, referring to one of the earliest practitioners of gender reassignment surgeries.

Even though Money became a controversial

cOntinued On Pg. 14 | uu |

12

PHOTO By STEvE BlAnCHARD

Unity in Pride Sarasota Pride celebrates 25 years with thousands in attendance Steve Blanchard

S

araSota | Shelly Adams started coming to Sarasota Pride when she learned the festival relocated along Sarasota’s waterfront five years ago. But something felt different as she wandered among the booths on Oct. 18 this year.

“There’s so much music,” she said.

“It seems like non-stop entertainment.

I’ve tried to see all of the vendors, but I also don’t want to miss any of the entertainment. It’s a fun problem to have.”

The 28 year old Ohio native has been to Pride festivals before—some of them much larger—but she said she enjoys the intimacy of Sarasota Pride, which boasted several thousand attendees throughout the course of the day.

“There’s such a feeling of community here,” she said. “And it’s run like a well-oiled machine.”

That is thanks to organizer and Sarasota Pride board chair Cindy Barnes, who pushed for relocating the festival to an outdoor venue five years ago. This year’s festival marked 25 years of Pride in Sarasota, and Barnes was thrilled with how the day turned out.

watermark Your lgbt life.

“This is perfect weather,” Barnes announced from the stage. “And we have an amazing day for you. If you get bored, it’s your own fault.”

The day was kicked off as in years’ past with Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota. The LGBT choir sang several selections—including a few show tunes—to start off the day. Attendees were also treated to a glimpse of Venice Theatre’s Rocky Horror Show and saw the return of drag to Sarasota Pride.

“I’m so excited about drag

Sarasota celebrating who we are!”

Former Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell read the city’s proclamation declaring it Unity in Pride Day in Sarasota, and was cheered on by the entire Pride board, which stood behind her.

Danny Ryson, who attends Ringling College, ventured out to Sarasota Pride for the first time Oct. 18. He said he was surprised at the number of LGBT people in the community.

“I haven’t been here very long,” said the newly relocated north Florida native. “I was out in my high school and I’ve seen Prides, but I haven’t really been to any. This is my first. I really didn’t expect it to be this big. I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Ryson said he hopes to return in 2015 and would like to have a boyfriend by then.

“Maybe I’ll meet the right guy during school this year or over the holiday break,” he said somewhat

“I’d love to walk through the festival holding hands with my boyfriend like I’ve seen other couples doing today.” —dannY rYSon

returning to Pride,” Barnes said before the festival. “This is something we’ve been wanting to do and Lindsay Carlton and her team puts together an amazing production.”

Carlton not only organized the “Dragtastics” section of the lineup, but served as hostess and emcee throughout the day.

“Are you all having fun?” she asked from the stage. “Because we sure as hell are. It’s great to be here in

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

jokingly. “I’d love to walk through the festival holding hands with my boyfriend like I’ve seen other couples doing today. To me, that just makes such a powerful statement.”

Exact attendance numbers weren’t available at press time. For more photos of Sarasota Pride, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

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13

tampa bay news

Despite opposition, Hillsborough approves partnership registry Staff Report

T

ampa | Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously approved a domestic partnership registry Oct. 15, even though more than two thirds of the those speaking on the measure opposed it.

“There’s a hidden agenda here. Please, vote no,” said Mike Frank, of Thonotossassa.

Hillsborough’s registry, similar to those passed in Tampa and Pinellas County, ensures rights such as hospital visitation and end of life decision-making for unmarried couples, gay or straight.

The unanimous vote is another LGBT-rights victory in a county typically associated with socially conservative views. This same commission, for example, rejected a similar registry in January 2013.

The wording in the updated ordinance added a sentence to point out the distinction between a partnership and a marriage, which was a point of contention the last time the commission considered the registry. In the ordinance, the commission points out that it does “not intend that this Ordinance be construed as recognizing domestic partnerships as marriage.”

Speaker David Koffron said that passing the ordinance would result in punishments from a higher power and declared that it violated “The Golden Rule.”

“We are being force-fed a line of garbage in the media,” he said. “Just remember, come election time, there are way more people opposed to this than are for it.”

But times have changed, several commissioners pointed out. Kevin Beckner, the county’s first and only out commissioner, pushed for the domestic partner registry.

“This just isn’t about one segment of our community, it is about our entire community,” Beckner said. “I absolutely believe that this is something essential that we need in this county.”

While those opposed to it appeared to be part of a church movement of sorts, no one confirmed to local media that they were part of an organized effort.

Despite the many anti-gay remarks, PFLAG Tampa founder Nancy Desmond wasn’t impressed with the arguments against the ordinance.

“The anti-gay commenters all seemed to come together, and they all spouted the same couple of uninformed talking points,” she said after the meeting.

“Many just asked the BOCC to vote no, then sat down.

The pro-gay speakers had varied, intelligent points and clearly won the day.”

Hillsborough County residents wanting to enter into a recognized domestic partnership may now do so at the Tampa clerk’s office at 315 E. Kennedy Blvd.

Names in the registry will be provided to local hospitals in a database to ensure partners have access to each other in the case of a medical emergency.

14

| uu | Dr. Kathleen Farrell from pg.12

psychologist due to one gender study involving a young boy who Money encouraged his parents to raise as a female after a botched circumcision, Farrell relied on his early research to educate herself.

“He was the only game in town at that time in terms of getting the information on transgender issues,” Farrell said. “In the early days, I didn’t even have anyone to refer clients to for hormones.”

It wasn’t until 1988 that Farrell met Dr. Barry Rodwick, who specializes in HIV/AIDS and hormone therapy for transgender individuals. The two have worked closely ever since.

Today, transgender issues are mainstreaming. Transgender celebrities are household names and on national magazine covers, and there’s more understanding of what it means to have gender dysphoria.

Farrell credits a lot of that change to the education of the lesbian and gay community.

“The LG community has done its homework and pushed through a lot of transgender rights,” Farrell said. “That has been very helpful and made it a little easier for the transgender population.”

But the minds of the straight population are also changing, Farrell said. She shared a story of her neighbor, a conservative member of law enforcement, who contacted her after seeing a CNN report on Kristen Beck, a transgender former navy SEAL with ties to Tampa Bay. “He said that the show changed how he felt about transgender individuals,” Farrell said. “The thing that really did it for him was Kristen saying that it’s like being born with blue eyes. There’s nothing you can do to change the color of your eyes.

That’s what it’s like to be born in a gender that your body doesn’t reflect. That just blew me away.”

Farrell counts those instances where a non-transgender person finally “gets it” as small victories over a career spanning three decades, and she applauds Beck for being so candid and using the eye-color analogy.

It’s similar to what Farrell has preached since she began

watermark Your lgbt life.

working with the transgender population in the 1980s. She has always used what seems the most simple of tools—a mirror.

“If it doesn’t reflect what we see in our mind’s eyes, I think that’s the kind of thing that is really important,” Farrell said.

“It’s mind-body congruity. You see in the mirror what you see inside.

That’s the thing that probably stands out the most over my career. Wherever I’ve been or where I’ve done seminars, I’ve taken my mirror.”

The mirror is typically the first thing a new client would see when meeting Farrell for the first time. But clients have become more educated over the years, thanks to the freeflowing information on the internet. Farrell said informed clients made her job easier when discerning if a person is

understand that we have another family. I hope people start being a little more open. I hope to see that happen; I think it will.”

While Farrell is longer seeing her clients after Oct. 17, she won’t disappear. She plans to hold onto her post on the board of Metro Wellness and Community Centers, an organization she’s been a part of since it began 21 years ago.

“Dr. Farrell will be extremely missed in the community,” said Lorraine Langlois, CEO of Metro.

“We are happy to have worked with her for many years and thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her good work in the transgender community.

Our mission has always been to provide the best quality services to the LGBT community in Tampa Bay and with our new Behavioral Health Centers, we’ll

“Wherever I’ve been or where I’ve done seminars, I’ve taken my mirror.”

—Dr. Kathleen Farrell

gender dysphoric.

“A lot has changed,” Farrell said. “For instance, in 2008, the American Medical Association passed a resolution that called for all insurance companies to cover all aspects of gender reassignment. In 2013, when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual changed the diagnosis of ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ to ‘Dysphoria,’ it made a huge change on how people see themselves.”

Removing the diagnosis from a psychiatric area helps people realize being transgender is not a mental illness, she said.

“It’s how your brain is configured,” Farrell explained.

“I think that everything fitting together has made a huge change in how transgender people are treated today in terms of their rights.”

She also hopes the community at large continues with an open mind.

“I hope people understand that there are transgender people in our community,” Farrell said.

“I think if they’ve concentrated on avoiding gender issues or are trying to stay in synch with family and friends so they don’t lose them, it’s time to really

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

do just that.”

Farrell said she is looking forward to spending more time with family.

“I have a huge dedication to this community,” said Farrell, who is also a former executive director of the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. “But I have a 102-yearold father who is in an assisted living facility around the corner of my house and I see him every day. His medical needs have become greater at his age so I will be spending more time with him. I also have a 93-year-old aunt who is living independently.

However, all the needs she has I take care of. So I will be spending more time with my elderly relatives.”

But it’s not just caretaking awaiting Farrell in retirement.

She’s excited to join her retired friends around the card table.

“Of the seven individuals I’m closest to, six have been retired for several years,” Farrell said.

“We play cards but everyone has had to shuffle around my schedule. They won’t have to do that anymore.”

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Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

15

state news

Key marriage case deadline is Oct. 24 Jamie Hyman

T

allahassee | Same-sex Florida couples could start getting married Oct. 24, depending on what happens in a Tallahassee federal district court.

The possibility stems from Grimsley and Albu v. Scott, a case filed by the ACLU on behalf of eight married same-sex couples

and SAVE, a South Florida LGBT rights organization. The case fights for marriage recognition for gay couples legally married out of state.

On Aug. 21, U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle ruled that Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. As in other Florida marriage equality cases, an appeal

by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi meant a stay was placed on the ruling. On Oct. 6, when the U.S.

Supreme Court refused to hear same-sex marriage appeals from five states, it opened the door for the ACLU to attempt to kill Florida’s stay on marriage.

“The day after the Supreme Court denied review in the marriage cases before it, we filed a motion with Judge Hinkle in Tallahassee explaining why the stay in our case should be lifted and our clients’ marriages should be recognized

Twenty-six Florida healthcare systems were recognized as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality,” tying with Ohio and coming behind California and New York. The following healthcare systems in Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area were recognized:

• Poinciana Medical Center in Kissimmee • VA Orlando Medical Center • Doctors Hospital of Sarasota • Edward White Hospital in St. Petersburg • Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg • St. Petersburg General Hospital

immediately,” said Daniel Tilley, the ACLU of Florida’s staff attorney for LGBT rights.

That motion set an Oct. 24 deadline for the state to file a response to the request.

“If Judge Hinkle indicates he will lift the stay, he will very likely give the State an opportunity to ask the 11th Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court to keep the stay in place,” Tilley said. “If the stay is lifted, couples married out of state will have their marriages immediately recognized in Florida, and same-sex couples will be able to marry right

Florida ranks No. 3 on HRC’s 2014 ‘Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality’ survey Staff Report

T

he Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2014 report, showing Florida as No. 3 in the number of recognized HEI 2014 “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.”

• The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS)

• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa • VA James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa

The grading for the HRC Foundation’s HEI 2014 survey is based on healthcare systems meeting a Core Four Leader Criteria covering patient nondiscrimination, LBGT-inclusive visitation and

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Suburban Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

here in Florida.”

If the stay remains, Tilley said they’ll have to get relief from the 11th Circuit.

“Briefing in the 11th Circuit is underway, and we will continue to make the case why the State’s senseless, destructive discrimination should end now,” he said. “It’s time for [Florida governor] Rick Scott and Pam Bondi to put this matter to rest.”

employment nondiscrimination.

Eligible healthcare systems have received HEI approved training for dealing with their LGBT patients.

“At the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and our clinics located across southwest Florida, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, high-quality healthcare environment for all Veterans,” said Suzanne M. Klinker, Director, Bay Pines VAHCS. “We are honored to be recognized as a national leader for the second year in a row.”

nation+world news

Wyoming gay couples get marriage licenses Wire Report

C

heyenne, Wyo. | Wyoming has become the latest state to allow same-sex unions, bringing the wave of legalizations to a place where the 1998 beating death of Matthew Shepard galvanized a national push for gay rights.

Gay couples began to apply for marriage licenses Oct. 21, albeit far more quietly than in other states where bans were recently struck down.

Hundreds of same-sex couples in Idaho and Nevada flooded clerk’s offices and courthouses in recent weeks and married immediately afterward to cheering crowds.

In Wyoming, however, only a handful of couples received licenses across the state as the change went into effect.

In the state’s largest city, Cheyenne, two couples were licensed right away, and Jennifer Mumaugh and A.J. McDaniel became the first gay couple to legally marry in the state’s most populous county.

Mumaugh said attitudes in

Wyoming have shifted in recent years to be more open to gay couples. She said she expected gay marriage to eventually become legal, but didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.

“With Wyoming being the Equality State, it’s kind of like, ‘Well, duh,’” she said. “But Wyoming does have a stigma. I’m surprised with the progress of the state and that of the people throughout the state over time.”

About 175 miles north, in Casper, Dirk Andrews and Travis Gray were the first of three couples licensed after the state formally dropped its defense of a law defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

“It’s surreal,” Andrews said. “We can’t believe it’s happening.”

They plan to marry in a ceremony in few weeks and say they, too, have experienced support.

“Neighbors and friends have been great,” said Andrews, a kindergarten teacher. “Co-workers, for the most part, if they don’t agree, they just don’t talk about it, but they haven’t been mean or negative about it.”

Andrews and Gray, as well as Mumaugh and McDaniel, had

considered going out of state to wed, but held off in hopes that gay marriage would finally come to Wyoming, a state shadowed

by Shepard’s death for the last 16 years. The gay college student was robbed, beaten and left tied to a fence in freezing weather. He died days after the attack.

“There’s definitely people who are holding up his memory and, I hope, feeling like we’re coming a long way,” said Rev. Audette Fulbright, who has long performed nonbinding ceremonies for gay couples in Cheyenne.

More than 30 states now recognize same-sex unions, many — including Alaska and Arizona — coming in changes triggered by a U.S. Supreme Court decision Oct. 6 that refused to hear appeals from states that wanted to defend gay marriage bans.

Gay rights supporters have said bans on same-sex unions are violations of 14th Amendment protections that guarantee equal protection under the law and due process. Opponents have said the issue should be decided by states and voters, not courts.

the court’s Oct. 6 rejection of appeals from states seeking to preserve gay marriage bans is the best of his tenure.

The former law professor says although the court was not ready to expand gay marriage rights nationwide, ``it was a consequential and powerful signal of the changes

that have taken place in society and that the law is having to catch up.’’

The rejection effectively made gay marriages legal in 30 states and could lead to an expansion nationwide.

Obama says he doesn’t see himself ever serving on the Supreme Court because it would be too ``monastic’’ for him.

so immediately.

Nevertheless, Mayor Ignazio Marino received thunderous applause upon arrival at the city hall reception room where the couples and their loved ones gathered to make the marriages official in Rome’s city ledger. Marino transcribed the date and locations of their weddings, including Spain, Portugal and the U.S. Marino said it was an important day in the fight for equal rights and that “the most important right is to say to your companion `I love you’ and to have that be recognized.”

Outside, a few protesters held up signs saying “Stop Marino” and “Transcriptions don’t make families.”

Police said they blocked about 70 right-wing protesters who didn’t have a permit.

The Italian bishops’ conference said it was “unacceptable” that Marino registered the weddings the same day Catholic bishops were wrapping up a two-week summit aiming to reinforce traditional Catholic family values.

In a statement, the bishops insisted marriage was between a man and woman.

Obama praises Supreme Court’s gay marriage orders Wire Report

W

ashington | President Barack Obama says the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent gay marriage orders may have the biggest impact of any ruling of his presidency.

Obama told The New Yorker that

Rome mayor registers 16 same-sex marriages Wire Report Rome | The gay marriage debate arrived within walking distance of the Vatican Oct 18 as Rome’s mayor defied Italy’s government and registered 16 gay marriages celebrated abroad.

Gay marriage is illegal in Italy.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano recently sent a notice to local prefects saying any registrations of foreign gay marriages would be voided, and Rome’s prefect vowed to do

watermark Your lgbt life.

in other news Federal judge strikes down Arizona’s ban on same-sex marriage A federal judge has cleared the way for legally recognized gay marriages in Arizona Oct. 17 by ruling that the state’s ban on same-sex unions is unconstitutional. The ruling by U.S. District Judge John Sedwick bars state officials from enforcing a 1996 state law and a 2008 voter-approved constitutional amendment that outlawed gay marriage.

Report says LGBTs in Jamaica are targets of violence A report released Oct. 21 says Jamaican LGBTs are the targets of unchecked violence and discrimination in Jamaica. In the report titled “Not Safe at Home,” Human Rights Watch says they are frequently refused housing or employment, driven from their communities, stigmatized by healthcare professionals and poorly protected against police bias. Human Rights Watch asked the government to strike down the anti-sodomy law that criminalizes anal sex and another that prohibits “acts of gross indecency.”

NYPD seeking 4 suspects in hate crime attack The NYPD is looking for four suspects who punched and kicked a man late Oct. 12 while yelling anti-gay statements. The 28-year-old victim suffered serious injuries and is listed in critical condition at Elmhurst Hospital. The suspects also threw an acrylic glass board at the victim, striking him in the head. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.

NC’s top GOP lawmakers plan appeal on same-sex marriage North Carolina’s Republican legislative leaders plan to appeal a ruling that struck down the state’s gay marriage ban. House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate leader Phil Berger’s appeal would go to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., which ruled this summer that Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. That ruling led the way for North Carolina’s ban to be struck down Oct. 10.

Alaska resumes issuing licenses to gay couples Phillip Mitchell, with the state Department of Vital Statistics, said couples who completed applications last week before the courts issued a stay can start picking up their licenses Oct. 20. He also said in an email that offices across the state will again be taking marriage applications for same-sex couples. A federal judge on Oct. 12 ruled the state’s ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. The state intends to appeal, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay for the state.

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

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Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

viewpoint

Steve Yacovelli

homo e r ec tus:

The Evolution of Us Ghosting Out of the Party

I

have a confession to

make … I’m not a Democrat.

But then again, I’m not a Republican either.

I’m a registered Independent voter. And as an Independent voter living in the I-4 Corridor it’s been an interesting past few weeks: between the robocalls, the forest of political fliers, the knocks on the door … I feel more popular than a muscled 24-yearold on Grindr. When our phone rings, my husband doesn’t hesitate to say to me “it’s for you” when the robo callers come a-callin’.

I haven’t always been an Independent voter, but the non-conformity along the party lines has been a part of me since I could vote. In college I was a registered Republican (after all—my young logic went—Reagan was in Tau Kappa Epsilon, and as a TKE it seemed like the right party for me).

But when Clinton came onto the scene I really liked his views, so I “cheated” on my party and voted for the charismatic Southern Democrat.

Years later, after I came out, I changed to the Democratic party since they seemed to embrace who I was a heck of a lot more than the Republican party seemed to. During elections I’d keep my eye on both candidates but mainly voted down the Democrat party line … until one of the Bushes ran, and I cheated again. No, not W, but his brother Jeb. I remember thinking, “Huh, this guys seems pretty competent … much more so than any of his family members. Yet he’s a Republican. I can’t vote for him!”

But truth be told I did cast my vote for the smart Bush. Did I like all of his policies? No. But do I think overall he was a decent leader with integrity? Yes.

And that’s kinda what’s governed my decisionmaking and led me to finally shed the shackles of a specific party affiliation.

I was tired of feeling guilty for voting my conscience and picking the candidate that seemed to—at the time—be the best person for the job.

But I’m not alone here: a 2013 Gallup poll found that 42 percent of Americans identified as Independents.

Research suggests that Independent voters are more diverse in age, race, gender and income than Republican and Democratic voters (Washington Post, 2012). And, 60 percent of Independents say they aren’t affiliated with either party mainly because they align with Democrats on social issues but with Republicans on issues such as national security and the economy.

And yup, that’s me. I found my party by not being apart of one.

I like being an Independent voter. I feel that I can approach an election and a candidate without bias or wearing party-coated blinders. I can have conversations with friends from both parties without them looking at me with what I call “partybias.” Going against type, (All gays are Democrats!

All religious people are Republicans!) feels pretty good and, well, American.

I’m not put in a box or someone that the political pundits can easily label.

Yes, I am socially liberal, and that is a value system that I honor so candidates with similar views tend to get more of my attention.

However, I try to keep an open mind to all the issues at hand and vote for the best one for the job—or sometimes for the lesser of the two evils. I’ve come to accept that no one candidate, regardless of the size of the office, is going to be the perfect leader for me. But you pick the

watermark Your lgbt life.

best with what you’ve got and be sure to be part of the process.

Am I advocating everyone turn away from her or his party affiliation?

No. But I do encourage every voter (which should

inc_values.

I think so many of us—including my LGBT brothers and sisters— sometimes focus on one party or the other or one issue or another and blindly vote down the party lines.

(read: non-biased) sources on both sides of the fence and make a decision about a candidate based upon your own personal values, not those of a party, a specific endorsement, or any other “easy” way to

be every reader!) to really look at the candidates and decide where and how they align with your own personal values.

If you can’t clearly articulate your own values, a quick Google search on “determine my own values” will yield a heap of great resources. Of particular interest is a 2013 Inc. article: http://bit.ly/

Do I look at candidates that support marriage equality and protecting the rights of the LGBT community?

Abso-freakin-lutely. But do I also consider fiscal conservatism and being good stewards of our resources? Sure do.

Be careful to not be a one-issue voter. Get educated about the candidates from various

cast your vote.

After all, once you enter that voting booth or fill out that absentee ballot in the privacy of your own home, we’re all Independent voters … regardless of party affiliation.

“Once you enter that voting booth or fill out that absentee ballot in the privacy of your own home, we’re all Independent voters— regardless of party affiliation.”

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

19

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viewpoint

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE

I

A sea of expectations

am pleased as punch to

welcome you to The Wonderful World Of Wanzie. In order for you, the reader, to ascribe any worth to my words appearing in this space about once every four issues, I feel I should share with you my work history from which I have gleaned my many life lessons and personal philosophies.

Having considered myself an actor for most of my life I can of course offer up an impressive list of restaurants from which I have earned a wage but most notably I hold the distinction of having been the first male “Johnsons’ Girl” (that was the pay code on my checks from Howard Johnson’s “28 Flavors”) in the state of Florida!

I have also been the Avon Lady, Tupperware Lady, Friendly Toys Home Party demonstrator, and Pampered Chef representative. Other credits include Muscular Dystrophy Backyard Carnival Ringmaster (nine consecutive summers), Jungle Cruise Skipper, Universal Studios Tour Guide, Radio City Music Hall Tour Guide, Broadway theater usher, “flyer” at Macy’s Herald Square, Sears’ children’s portrait photographer, bingo caller, trivia host, receptive tour operator and a shepherd in the original “Living Nativity” at Walt Disney World.

I wrote and directed the original Capone’s Dinner & Show as well as entertainment for ‘The Mouse.’ I have worked as an Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor, Executive Director of Orlando’s LGBT Community Center, producer of the very first all-gay cruises to ever sail from Florida ports, Vice President of GayDays.com, Managing Director of The Footlight Theatre and a two-season stint as a life-sized tap dancing Muppet with the national touring company of Jim Henson’s Sesame Street Live! I am currently embarking on my 16th year of reviewing movies on Real Radio 104.1FM—The Philips Phile—and every now and again I write and produce a play or musical.

Looking back at that list you might conclude I must not have been very good at executing the duties of any those

vast and varied positions; but you would be wrong.

No one could ever match the articulate skill and sense drama I evoked when burping a Wonderlier Bowl.

Now, to illustrate the type of topics upon which you may expect me to comment on in coming issues, I offer you the following cornucopia of my stances and observations concerning the burning issues of the day: One of the things I most detest about the politicians of today is their propensity to engage in sweeping generalizations. Also, I strongly believe all rightwing Christian caucasian male politicians to be pious, judgmental, self-serving evil bastards.

I believe Vatican insiders murdered Pope John Paul I. I believe O.J. did it. And I staunchly believe President George W. Bush should be charged with the murder of all 4,000-plus Americans who lost their lives fighting in an unprovoked war, which he waged predicated on a big fat lie!

I am certain that we as a nation of consumers are victims of a vast decades-old fast food industry conspiracy, whereupon in an effort to increase the volume of spuds they could churn out and sell per hour they have slowly and methodically weaned us off fully-cooked French fries by reducing the cooking time of our shoe strings, steak planks, and crinkle cuts exponentially with each passing year until we now happily accept barely blanched pale yellow potato spears in place of their long forgotten predecessors which used to be deep fried to a lovely golden brown.

In my world farmer’s markets are a far better resource for fruits and vegetables than the produce department at Publix, but Publix’ subs are far superior to those sold at Subway.

And there is no excuse for Winn-Dixie.

In my world, people residing on the coast of Florida, who ignorantly elect to build their multi-million

watermark Your lgbt life.

dollar homes 10 yards from the shoreline, should shut the fuck up when a hurricane destroys their dwelling.

In my world when I wake up in the morning I do so fairly instantly and often while singing. This seems to really annoy those around me who are not “morning people.”

In my world, no circus would be allowed to cage

“New Fantasyland” and its minor attractions while Universal built Diagon Alley and its major attractions in just two.

I subscribe to the belief that without the benefit of standard Disney fanfare or press event, Walt’s head will soon be relocated deep within the FROZEN attraction in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.

man and dinosaur never coexisted, and catastrophic weather events and their attendant waves of mass destruction are not viewed as an outward expression of God’s wrath over anything; it’s just weather.

In my world, the Reverend Pat Robertson would have his tongue yanked out with a hot branding iron.

and exploit exotic creatures, and until a law is passed prohibiting them from doing so our tax-funded arena would refuse to host any circus that features (abuse) exotic animals.

I often wonder whether Rosa Parks really meant to start anything, or if she was, perhaps, just tired.

It angers me that Disney took four years to complete

Just because I freely admit to having a foot fetish does not mean I automatically like yours.

In my world, beginning a legislative session with prayer, whether on a state or federal level, is patently wrong and so obviously ineffectual.

In my world, the Grand Canyon was created by a river, not by a deity.

Oddly enough, in my world,

In my world, The Holy Land Experience would be required to pay property taxes just like all other area attractions.

In my world, an atheist, such as myself, can also be an ordained minister, which I am.

God Bless America!

No one could ever match the articulate skill and sense drama I evoked when burping a Wonderlier Bowl.

Michael Wanzie is a playwright and theatrical producer residing in Orlando.

You may subscribe to his weekly WANZeGRAM performing arts & cultural e-newsletter by logging onto WANZIE.com

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talking points

40

I’d take up arms against someone

%

who was telling me I had to believe in what they believed or they would kill me.

—benedict cumberbatch

OF LGBT

nO, ellen and POrtia dOn’t Plan tO have a BaBy

YOUTH

identified as bisexual, but remain disconnected from the larger LGBT community and

MORE

W

hen people maGazine hinted that Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia DiRossi were planning on starting a family, the news came as a shock to the popular California couple.

In true Ellen fashion, the talk show host interviewed her own wife about the rumors to find out once and for all if she was going to become a parent. “One of the main things that everybody is asking me about, and asking you about, and I thought I would let you clear it up, is if we’re having a baby or not?” Ellen asked her wife. Portia’s answer was short and sweet: “No, we are not.” Ellen was relieved at the news, replying, “Okay, good for me to know.”

neW snail name hOnOrs marriage equality

a FACE DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT THAN THEIR PEERS. — Human rights campaign foundation.

neWlY identiFied SpecieS oF land Snail in Taiwan is now called the “Aegista Diversifamilia” in honor of the advancement of same-sex marriage around the globe. Researchers at the National Taiwan Normal University and Academia Sinica were inspired by the growing acceptance of the new modern family around the world and thought naming the snail after that progress would be appropriate. The kinds of snails they were studying are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. Okay, thanks, we think.

watermark Your lgbt life.

THE T-WORD Premieres On mtv

l

averne cox haS to be the hardeSt WorKinG tranSGender actreSS in Hollywood. The “Orange is the New Black” star premiered her new documentary show, “The T-Word” on MTV and LOGO Oct. 17 to rave reviews. The show features seven trans people, ages 12-14 and tells the story of what it’s like growing up as a transgender person in America. “For many of us, the ‘T’ in LGBT means more than transgender, it also means truth,” Cox said in a statement. “The cast members in this documentary are fearlessly living their truths.”

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

lOndOn Bus driver tOsses gay cOuPle FOr Kissing

a

ccordinG to the uK neWSpaper THE GUARDIAN, a gay couple were thrown off a London bus for kissing. The driver allegedly told the young couple that he “didn’t want to watch that” after the two exchanged a gentle peck.

The couple said the driver added that it was “my bus, my rules.” Ken Davidson, Transport for London’s head of bus operations, was not happy with the news, saying, “All customers have the right to use our services without fear of being abused and offensive behavior is completely unacceptable.”

23

EARLY VOTING MIGHT BEGIN AS EARLY AS October 20th

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 4TH, 2014 CHARLIECRIST.COM/VOTE

During his first term as Governor, Charlie Crist officially ended Florida’s ban on gay adoption and vetoed extremist anti-choice legislation. After his election in November, he’ll continue working with the LGBT community to: Bring Marriage Equality to Florida Expand Access to Healthcare Protect the Right to Choose Reverse Rick Scott’s Cuts to Education

Stop Bullying in Florida’s Schools Make College More Affordable Prohibit Discrimination in the Workplace Ensure Diversity in State Appointments Endorsed by:

Equality Florida Action PAC • Human Rights Campaign • SAVE

YOU CAN VOTE EARLY AT ANY LOCATION IN YOUR COUNTY VOLUSIA 10/25 - 11/1 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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New Smyrna Beach Regional Library 1001 S Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach

PINELLAS 10/20 - 11/2 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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HILLSBOROUGH 10/23 - 11/2 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library 1906 Bloomingdale Ave , Valrico C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library 2607 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Tampa Fred B. Karl County Center 601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library 3910 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library 2902 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa New Tampa Regional Library 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa North Tampa Branch Library 8916 North Blvd., Tampa Plant City, Bruton Memorial Library 302 W McLendon St., Plant City

Riverview Branch Library 10509 Riverview Dr. Riverview Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center 2514 N Falkenburg Rd., Tampa SouthShore Regional Library 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin Temple Terrace Public Library 202 Bullard Pkwy., Temple Terrace Town 'N Country Regional Public Library 7606 Paula Drive, Suite 120, Tampa Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library 11211 Country way Blvd., Tampa West Tampa Branch Library 2312 W Union St., Tampa

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Political advertisement payed for and approved by Charlie Crist, Democrat, for Governor.

24

watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

ORANGE 10/20 - 11/2 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Alafaya Branch Library 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando Apopka Community Center & VFW 519 S. Central Avenue, Apopka Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando South Creek Branch Library 1702 Deerfield Blvd., Orlando Southeast Branch Library 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando Hiawassee Branch Library 7391 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando Southwest Branch Library 7255 Della Drive, Orlando Supervisor of Elections Office 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando Washington Park Branch Library 5151 Raleigh Street, Suite A, Orlando West Oaks Branch Library 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee Winter Park Library 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park Herndon Branch Library 4324 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando UCF- Barbara Ying Center 12815 Scholarship Dr., Orlando FL 32816

in dePth: governor’s race

Illustration by Patrick O’Connor

Our move lgbt voters coulD very well sway the 2014 gubernatorial election

W

Steve Blanchard

hen preSident baracK

Obama faced Republican challenger Mitt Romney for the nation’s top elected office in 2012, polls showed the two in a dead-heat race. Pundits predicted the next president would be elected by a minority group, and eyed Latinos and African-Americans as the driving force behind whichever candidate won the election. watermark Your lgbt life.

They were right, but exit polls showed another minority had a strong voice. LGBT voters overwhelmingly supported the incumbent Democratic president and could have very realistically helped push him into his second term.

Obama’s more than threeto-one edge in exit polls among the 5 percent of voters who identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual was more than enough to give him the

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

ultimate advantage, according to a study by Gary J. Gates of the Williams Institute at the U.C.L.A. Fast forward two years and that same LGBT voting power could determine the outcome of another neck-in-neck race— the race between Republican incumbent governor Rick Scott and Democratic challenger— and former governor—Charlie Crist. The two are vying for the

cOntinued On Pg. 29 | uu |

25

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2304

ALOMA & ST. ANDREWS

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 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 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

27

mid-term elections

Crist for Governor Watermark’s 2014 General Election recommendations

i

attOrney general:

Staff Report

n a Year oF chanGeS SurroundinG

equality, Floridians have some interesting choices before them as the Nov. 4 general election approaches. Amid the negative campaign ads, the ludicrous debate scenarios and ongoing battle over same-sex marriage in the Sunshine State, it can be difficult to see through the muck and distorted truths to find a candidates suitable for your vote.

At the request of many Watermark readers—and a responsibility to tradition—we offer our 2014 general election recommendations.

These are only recommendations, not endorsements, since we have not spoken with every single candidate seeking office this year. Our recommendations are based on several factors: our research on who would serve as a champion of LGBT equality in our state, the endorsements and recommendations of proequality groups like Equality Florida and the ACLU, and our own conversations with some of those seeking office on Nov. 4.

The most important thing to remember on Nov. 4 is that you have a voice. Whether or not you use this guide in the voting booth, please exercise your right to vote for the leaders of our state. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

28

gOvernOr:

Charlie Crist (D)

The Republican-turnedIndependent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist has a very real chance of making history as Florida’s first former governor to return to Tallahassee in a different term and with a different party. Crist isn’t ideal by any means, but when it comes to pro-equality stances, he stands heads above Republican incumbent Rick Scott, who supports “traditional marriage,” and cheers on Attorney General Pam Bondi’s fruitless fight to defend the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, despite a string of decisions declaring it unconstitutional.

As Governor in 2008, Crist supported the amendment that banned gay marriages, but he has since evolved on the issue, telling Watermark in January of this year that he was sorry for supporting that amendment. He has also made it a point to speak at LGBT events, specifically St. Pete Pride, where he talked to festival goers at the Stonewall Reception held at the St. Petersburg Museum of Art.

George Sheldon (D) Polls show Democrat George Sheldon as a long-shot for the position of Florida’s next Attorney General, but as incumbent Pam Bondi continues battling for marriage inequality, his popularity is growing. Sheldon has voiced disappointment in the current AG for continuing to fight for Florida’s marriage ban, which has been ruled unconstitutional five times as of this writing.

His experience as an attorney and a member of the Florida House gives him bragging rights for past accomplishments and makes him a strong choice for the role of Attorney General.

cFO:

Jeff Atwater (R) cOmmissiOner OF agriculture:

Adam Putnam (R)

CENTRAL FLORIDA us rePresentative

district 7: Wes Neuman (D) district 8: Gabriel Rothblatt (D) district 9: Alan Grayson (D)

has been a long-time supporter of the LGBT community and has consistently made equality a major part of his platform. His equality stances are so strong, in fact, that challengers have tried to label him as one of the most “anti-Christian” lawmakers in Florida, which just isn’t true.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Grayson is Jewish. He told The Huffington Post that because of his religion, he has “had to deal with religious innuendo from opponents since the beginning.”

district 10: Michael Mckenna (D) district 15: Corrine Brown (D)

state hOuse district 25: Noel Bickford (D) district 26: Dwayne Taylor (D) district 27: Bob Garcia (D) district 30: karen Castor-Dentel (D) district 31: Eric Eisnaugle (R) district 46: Bruce Artone (D) district 47: Linda Stewart (D)

tried in 2013 to get HB 438 in front of her co-workers. That bill would have given samesex partners the ability to make educational decisions for children, healthcare visitation rights to partners and much more. The statewide domestic partnership registry never gained much traction, but proved that Stewart, a former vice mayor of Orange County, continues to keep equality in the forefront of her political work. district 49: Joe Saunders (D)

Saunders was a relative newcomer to politics. After securing his seat in his newly created district in 2012, he became one of two openly gay members in the Florida legislature. As a former field director with Equality Florida, he has a knack for finding equality measures and he has began changing minds in Tallahassee when it comes to LGBT issues.

state senatOr

district 6: kathleen Trued (D) district 10: David Simmons (R) district 12: Geraldine Thompson (D) district 14: Darren Soto (D)

Orange cOunty schOOl BOard chair: Gene Hair district 3: Regina Hellinger

Orange cOunty cOmmissiOn district 2: Alvin Moore district 6: Derrick Wallace

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

Orange cOunty sOil and Water district 4: Eric Rollings

Rollings is an associate supervisor for the State of Florida and has the experience needed for the District 4 seat. What makes this race so intriguing is that both Rollings and candidate Brian Fenn are both openly gay. Rollings has more experience when it comes to environmental issues and is actively promoting conservation efforts in Central Florida, making him the better choice in this race.

vOlusia cOunty schOOl BOard

district 1: Don Sarro district 3: Linda Cuthbert

DAYTONA BEACH city cOmmissiOn zone 1: Ruth Trager zone 3: kelly White zone 5: Patrick Henry

vOlusia cOunty cOuncil at large: Joyce Cusack district 1: Andy kelly district 3: David Machuga district 5: Rich Gailey

TAMPA BAY us hOuse: district 11: Richard Nugent district 13: Lucas Overby,

Overby, a Libertarian, is a longtime supporter of LGBT rights.

The 29 year old father is a Pinellas County native, was active in his local GSA while still in high school and continues to fight for marriage equality. He is socially liberal while financially conservative.

His goal is to finalize marriage equality so he can focus on the future health of the state. district 15: Alan Cohn (D) district 16: Joe Newman (WRI) district 17: Will Bronson (D)

FlOrida senate senate district 20: Jack Latvala (R) senate district 22: Judithanne McLauchlan (D) senate district 24: Brandon Thebeau (WRI)

| uu | Florida Governor’s Race FrOm Pg.25

FlOrida hOuse district 58: Daniel Raulerson (R) district 59: Donna Fore (D) district 61: Edwin Narain (D) district 63: Mark Danish (D) district 64: Miriam Steinberg (R) district 65: Carl Zimmermann (D) district 66: Lorena Grizzle (D) district 67: Steve Sarnoff (D) district 68: Dwight Dudley (D) district 69: Scott Orsini (D) district 70: Darryl Rouson (D) district 72: Ray Pilon (R) district 74: Doug Holder (R)

hillsBOrOugh cOunty schOOl BOard district 2: Sally Harris district 4: Melissa Snively district 6: April Griffin

hillsBOrOugh cOunty cOmmissiOn district 2: Elizabeth Belcher (D) district 7: Pat kemp (D)

Pinellas cOunty schOOl BOard: district 4: Beverly Biliris district 7: Rene Flowers

Pinellas cOunty cOmmissiOn district 2: Pat Gerard

Gerard is the former mayor of the City of Largo and is the right choice for the Pinellas County Commission. She has long-been a voice for equality and was one of only a few who stood up for Susan Stanton when she came out as transgender while still serving as that city’s manager. Gerard has spoken on equality at every opportunity. district 4: Carl Folkman

largO city cOmmissiOner district 1: Michael Smith district 2: Samantha Fenger district 5: Donna Holck district 6: John Carroll

FlOrida

governor’s mansion in Tallahassee on Election Day, Nov. 4.

Susan McGrath, president of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, wholeheartedly believes that the LGBT vote is crucial this November.

“St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will readily admit that there’s power behind the LGBT vote,” McGrath says.

“When he entered the race for mayor he was in third place. He will give credit to the LGBT community support as the turning point for him in that election.”

McGrath says that pro-equality voters typically turn out at twice the ratio of the general voting population and said that candidates recognize that and actually court pro-equality voters and groups in election season.

“As for the governor’s race now, because it’s close, it’s becoming increasingly more negative in campaigning,” McGrath says. “Governor Scott has just said he is willing to put in another $22 million of his own money into messaging, which will undoubtedly be negative. And what negative messaging does is it suppresses the vote and people stay home.

“When people lean toward not voting, the votes of the LGBT community become even more important.”

According to the 2010 census, there are 65,000 same-sex households across Florida, and many of them are raising children. That’s a relatively small percentage compared to the 7.4 million households in the state. But if those same-sex households vote, it could sway the election one way or another.

“We need you to vote like your marriage depends on it,” says Stratton Pollitzer, chair of Equality Florida’s Action PAC. “For the first time, we have a candidate for governor who is with us on 100% of the issues. If elected, Charlie Crist has the opportunity to make a substantial difference in our lives.”

With marriage equality victories sweeping the country, Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage still stands, despite being ruled unconstitutional by five different judges. That’s because Gov. Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi continue to defend the ban.

“Electing a pro-equality governor isn’t enough,” Pollitzer says. “We need an Attorney General who will immediately drop the appeals of our marriage equality lawsuits, and we need a state legislature that can help the governor pass his pro-equality agenda.”

As governor in 2008, Crist supported the amendment to Florida’s Constitution banning the recognition of same-sex marriages. He has since publically apologized—in a cover story conducted by Watermark founder Tom

watermark Your lgbt life.

Dyer—for supporting the measure and says he has evolved on the issue.

In fact, his campaign released a letter to Rick Scott in August, asking the governor to stop fighting for the ban on same-sex marriages.

“Four years ago, a district court of appeals ruled Florida’s ban on gay and lesbian adoption unconstitutional,” Crist wrote in the letter. “When the ruling came down, I believed it was my job as Governor to exercise the authority vested in me by the people and our Constitution. The day the judge ruled, I declared Florida’s adoption ban over.

Gay and lesbian parents began adopting the children they loved immediately. It is one of my proudest moments as an elected official.”

Sally Phillips, president of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and campaign manager for Hillsborough County Commission candidate Pat Kemp, admits that she initially supported Nan Rich as the democratic candidate for governor.

But she now supports Crist and sees an opportunity to remove Scott and Bondi from office, which she believes should be the goal of all LGBT Floridians.

has said he will stop Florida’s fight to continue enforcing the state’s ban on marriage equality.

“Someone can have reservations about someone’s past,” McGrath explains. “But look at where they are in the here and now on issues. That’s a compelling argument to support Crist.

We know where Scott is on the issues.

He and Pam Bondi have a recent history and we know where they are right now.

We’re at the tipping point for change, all we need is a little more support and we can bring that change to the people of Florida.”

Orlando HRC Steering Committee Political Co-Chair Tony Sanndonato is enthusiastic about the LGBT community’s voting power. He used the recent festivities of Come Out With Pride as a gauge of voter turnout among LGBTs. “Last weekend we attended Orlando Pride and we saw hundreds of ‘LGBT for Charlie’ signs,” he says.”This is going to be a very close election. Every vote counts. HRC volunteers have been working in the Florida Democratic Party campaign offices calling voters

We’re at the tipping point for change; all we need is a little more support and we can bring that change to the people of Florida.

—SuSan mcGrath “That would excite me to no end to defeat Bondi,” Phillips says. “And in that mix, as a consequence of all of us voting, we could also put Crist in there.

We could finally have a state we can be proud of and a state we’re proud to live in. It can happen as long as we get out and vote. If we vote, we’re going to win.”

Even if Bondi is re-elected and Crist beats Scott, Crist will have the power to halt the appeals process, Phillips adds.

To many, Crist is seen as a flipflopper, and the former governor’s previous positions have prevented him from building the momentum he had hoped for. McGrath, however, hopes voters will look at where the Democratic candidate stands now, rather than where he stood six years ago.

“For me, I don’t care where you come from, I care where you are now,” McGrath explains of her support of Crist. “Even President Obama has had movements on his support of LGBT issues. He was kind of tepid when he started out and the more he learned and the more he thought about it, he evolved to become supportive.”

In a perfect world, McGrath would have liked to see Crist on the “right side of history” from the very beginning. But he has become more progressive and

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

on behalf of Charlie Crist for Governor.

Charlie Crist supports marriage equality and would issue an Executive Order banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in state government. He also supports the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, which is a statewide nondiscrimination bill.”

But it’s not all about the statewide positions. LGBTs must vote in proequality representation at the local level, according to Phillips.

“Locally it will matter more to your daily life than on the state level,” Phillips says, adding that getting Pat Kemp on the Hillsborough Commission is just as important as keeping Terry Kemple, a long-time anti-gay activist, from getting on that county’s school board. “We just have to make sure the community votes.

We can make the difference and we can have marriage equality come the first quarter of 2015 if we get Charlie Crist into office. He will stop the appeals, he said he would do that.”

Early voting began statewide on Oct. 23. Polls are open on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

dYinG For buSineSS:

Jim Shackleford plays an killer undertaker at the legends haunted attraction.

PHOTO By PATRICK O’COnnOR

Finding the

Fear

gay owneD legenDs proDuces anD promote fear year-rounD

K

Dylan Drobet

iSSimmee | it’S halloWeen

season, and in Central Florida, that means spooky theme parks and over-the-top attractions.

But not every haunted attraction is under the dome of Disney, Universal or Busch Gardens.

Beyond the well-known tourist attractions, there is Legends Dark Amusements, a gem at Old Town.

And the screams at this attraction don’t stop after midnight on Oct. 31. Legends is a year-round haunt thanks to partners Jim Shackleford and Jay Westerman, who created the attraction with business partner Dan Carro.

Shackleford’s fascination with all things Halloween started when he was only six years old. When his grandmother’s friend did a haunted house in her garage for the children from church, Shackleford jumped right in to help and caught “the bug.”

As Shackleford grew up his love of haunts continued. Along the way, he found love when he met Westerman, owner of Obscurities Tattoo and Piercing.

During a visit to that studio,

watermark Your lgbt life.

Shackleford started a conversation with Wasterman about an upcoming haunted house convention. This shared interest lit a spark, which led them into a relationship that reaches five years this fall.

“We connected over haunted houses,” Shackleford laughs. “It’s always been woven into the tapestry that is my life. Neither of us knew if the other was gay or straight at the time. I’m not usually very aggressive but I Facebook-stalked and the rest is history.”

The duo started the company in Dallas and had intended to open locally but couldn’t find the right location. After three years they made a connection with Carro in Orlando.

Carro knew about an opportunity in Central Florida that he thought would be the perfect project for the three of

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

them to embark on as a team. With Shackleford and Westerman’s families being scattered across Oklahoma and Dallas, the decision to open up shop in Orlando was a difficult one.

It took five meetings with Old Town for Shackleford to solidify the spooky attraction as an Orlando destination.

“Ultimately, it was every haunter’s dream to have a show open yearround,” says Shackleford. “Orlando really is where the world goes for vacation and with all the different cultures vacationing—literally there is a different audience every couple of months—it made sense. Outside of Las Vegas there really aren’t many.

There are a handful of cities that could make this work.”

Legends just celebrated its one-

cOntinued On Pg. 37 | uu |

31

Appearing at the King Center in Melbourne

Home for the Holidays

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“The show that defines Broadway dazzle!”

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SAT, NOV 29 at 2 PM & 8 PM BOB CARR THEATER

The holiday tradition continues under the baton of audience favorite Albert George Schram. Bring the family and enjoy traditional carols and holiday pops favorites featuring the Holiday Singers and the Florida Opera Theatre Youth Choir.

In the spirit of the season we ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to share with Second Harvest Food Bank.

Fri, Jan 2, 8 pm

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Tickets also available at

brevardmusicgroup.com (321) 783-9004

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The Orlando Philharmonic is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/ centralflorida and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Music & Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER

Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows

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Celebrate art and enjoy an evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping and cosmopolitan fun. Expect the unexpected as each month is uniquely an experience in art and culture.

FOR GALLERY INFORMATION, VISIT ORL ANDOSLICE.COM OR CALL (407) 648-7060

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141023Watermark

407.770.0071 | OrlandoPhil.org

art

New gallery, important exhibit

J. Hyde Crawford exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art is valued at $8.3 million

(LEFT)

Historic glimpse:

Jean-Leon Gerome’s General Bonaparte in Egypt, ca. 1860, oil on canvas, 10 x 7 in., is one of several pieces donated in memory of J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora.

(Center)

Beautiful portrait:

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

(RIGHT) John Hyde Crawford, pictured in this undated photograph, passed away in 2013.

O

Chris Muscardin

rlando | Two weeks ago the

Orlando Museum of Art opened what museum director Glen Gentele calls “the single most important collection of art to come to the Museum in its history.” He was speaking of the new J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora Gallery.

Named for the late fashion illustrator, the gallery opened with its first exhibit at the 30th Anniversary Gala of OMA’s collecting group Oct. 9.

Born in Jacksonville in 1930, James Hyde Crawford was a Central Florida native. He grew up in Orlando and after graduating from Orlando High School, attended the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. He started his career as a freelance illustrator shortly after, working alongside and for artists and haute couture designers such as Andy Warhol, Emanuel Ungaro and Calvin Klein.

The real breakthrough in Crawford’s career came when New

York department store Bonwit Teller invited him to redesign the iconic bouquet of violets that had long been their symbol.

“They had a previous violets design that was very old-fashioned, and one day they asked me if I could sketch a new one,” Crawford told The New York Times back in 2009.

“I made the new one fresher and bolder, and it took me about 25 minutes. Next morning I sent it up to the store and they loved it.”

Indeed they did. That bouquet sparked the beginning of a torrid love affair between Bonwit Teller and Mr. Crawford’s design work, as they posted those violets on every

watermark Your lgbt life.

bit of merchandise imaginable and contracted him as an artist shortly thereafter. Crawford drew countless advertisements for the women’s department store, and his work was seen internationally. In 1968, he and his partner at the time Anthony J. Tortora—whose name is also remembered on the arch above the exhibit entrance—founded Quadrille, a highly successful and innovative fabric and wallpaper company.

Even throughout his wildly successful career, Crawford always kept close roots with Florida, according to longtime friend Sam Ewing.

“His mother lived here [in Orlando]… into her 90s,” Ewing tells Watermark. “He would come several times a year to visit her… [and] he had lifelong friends here.”

During these visits, Crawford would host a plethora of art exhibitions in the Central Florida area.

Crawford died in May of 2013, survived only by his husband Charles W. Andrews and a massive art collection distributed between their three homes. Shortly after, a group of his close friends began organizing a donation of this amalgamation to the Orlando Museum of Art. “[Before his death] we had the idea and made the suggestion that Jay give the collection to Orlando, which he did,” says Ewing.

This group, dubbed “Friends of J. Hyde Crawford,” pulled together the

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

money to renovate the empty storage space inside the museum and convert it into the new gallery.

While the gallery itself is permanent, the current exhibition runs only until Nov. 2. The nine pieces are all from Crawford’s personal collection, which he kept at his townhouse in New York City.

“These paintings were collected when they [Crawford and Tortora] were together, in the 60s and 70s maybe even the early 80s,” says Ewing about the exhibit. “That’s why the collection is the J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora Collection, even though he and Charles Andrews were together for 30 years… Jay and Anthony, they bought these things together, and when Anthony died [in 1984] Jay inherited it.”

The nine pieces showing currently are a mix of some of the leading contemporary artists of Crawford and Tortora’s day. Included among the collection are works by abstract expressionists Andrew Tavarelli, Robert Motherwell and Helen Frankenthaler, as well as modern realists Claudio Bravo and Alan Magee.

Thrown into the mix are two of Crawford’s favorites as well, NeoClassical works by the 19th-century French painters Rosa Bonheur and Jean-Léon Gérôme. Overall, the collection is priced at $8.3 million.

“Museum quality art exists in many private collections in our community,” comments Francine Newberg, president of the museum’s Acquisition Trust, about the exhibit. “It would be wonderful if other collectors follow Jay’s example. This is how museums become major institutions.”

The Orlando Museum of Art’s dedication of the gallery to Crawford is a fitting legacy to a man who, no matter how high his career climbed, kept close to his Central Florida roots.

“Jay was a wonderful man,” remarks Ewing. “He could’ve been a fashion designer, he could’ve been an architect; he was good at everything.

He had the best eye for design of anybody I had ever been around. He was a tremendous friend, and I just I learned so much from him just being around him.”

more information

WHAT: J. Hyde Crawford Exhibit WHERE: Orlando Museum of Art DETAILS: OMART.org

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theater

Concert-worthy

Rent: In Concert is the newest offering from the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project

all of the music, so neither are we and some of the things that wouldn’t translate well without staging having been cut, but the big numbers are in the show and you will hear all your favorites. “ So what differentiates a concert from a musical? Panek helped clarify the difference.

“Garry has assembled a group of professionals who are all currently in other shows, working in other cities, so we are getting together on our days off. So since there isn’t time to stage a full production it’s a lot of actors singing from their sears, or coming downstage; it’s the music, the acting and the emotion but without sets and costumes.”

But most exciting for Panek is the chance to step into the lead character of Mark Cohen, the narrator.

“I have wanted to play this when I was in my 20s,” Panek explains.

“He’s a filmmaker and he narrates the piece. It’s funny, my most recent

“It’s the music, the acting and the emotion but without sets and costumes.”

—JoeY paneK

(leFt)

biG voiceS: (l-r)

Ariel Blue (Joanne) and Danae DeShazer (maureen) bring their characters to the concert stage nov. 3 and 10. PHOTO COuRTESy DOnnA DES ISlES

(tOP right)

‘rented’ caSt:

Kristofer Geddie (tom collins), Bill Sarazen (ensemble), Danae DeShazer (maureen) and musical director Berry Ayres rehearse for the suncoast aids theatre project’s upcoming show Rent—In Concert. PHOTO COuRTESy DOnnA DES ISlES.

(BOttOm right)

nailed it: Ricky Cona (angel), Stephen Ray (gordon) and Chris Crawford (roger davis) learn their parts. PHOTOS COuRTESy DOnnA DES ISlES

34

S

Aaron Alper

araSota | RENT iS a time-honored

musical amongst the LGBT community. It’s a story of a group of impoverished young artists living in Alphabet City in NYC while living under the nightmare of the initial onslaught of AIDS. It’s the perfect musical for the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project to present Nov. 3 and 10 at Florida Studio Theatre.

Rather than being maudlin or prone of victimizing it’s gay characters (as many Hollywood movies are want to do) Rent imparted a message of hope amidst the decimation, and that is probably the reason why it continues to be relevant more than 20 years after its debut.

And now, thanks to Brandon Florida’s own Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project, Rent is coming alive again in order to both enlighten and to bring help to those who need it. But this time, it’s presented as a concert rather than a play. Money raised will go directly to providing food for those living with AIDS. It was Garry Bruel, the artistic

director, who decided he wanted to do a “concert” version of the musical.

Bruel then brought in Berry Ayers as a musical director, and things took off from there.

“This is the first time I am musically directing something for them,” Ayers said. “And I think this is the first time they’ve done anything like this. They usual do play readings; just straight plays. Maybe a song or two. I believe in what the organization does; it gives money to people with AIDS—helping them out in anyway shape or form.

Rent, food, you name it. I have friends personally who are living with AIDS who have received checks from them, and it’s a great organization.”

watermark Your lgbt life.

That powerful connection also spills over into what Rent is really about as well, both artistically and personally for the cast.

“I have a very personal relationship with the show,” Ayers said. “It was the second show I’d seen on Broadway. My age group, we grew up with AIDS, and when I was in college we were losing professionals, people were just starting to die. So Rent was cathartic for me because it dealt with people dying and how to live for the day. The motto of the show is, ‘no day like today.’ So now coming back to it as an adult, it’s been a very moving experience. There have been moments where we all just break down and cry thinking about some of the people we’ve lost.

The timelessness of Rent is also palpable for the stars of the show, including Joey Panek, who plays the lead made famous by Anthony Rapp. Alongside his own personal connections to the piece, Panek seems very excited at the changes being made from taking Rent from musical to concert style.

“If you are familiar with the original cast recording, which most of us are,” Panek laughed, “they didn’t include

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

career move has been making videos and producing, so there are things that I get about the character now that I wouldn’t have gotten 10 years ago. It’s amazing. When Garry asks you to do these readings, he takes care of you, he respects your time and everyone is so giving and understanding. It’s a great cause and out of all of the things I do this is the one that stands out.”

Rent—In Concert stars Panek, Chris Crawford, Danae DeShazer, Kristofer Geddie, Ricky Cona, Ariel Blue, Cranston Cumberbatch, Ashley Jai and Stephen Ray. Florida Studio Theatre is at 1241 N. Palm Ave. in Sarasota. Tickets are $25 by calling 941-366-9000.

For details, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

more information

What: Rent—In Concert Who: Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project When: Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota inFo: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

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Jamie Wyeth, Nureyev – Don Quixote (detail), 2001, combined mediums, Work by Jamie Wyeth copyright © Jamie Wyeth 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

• Mingle with the artists at an after- party • Under 2 hours: perfect for newcomers

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year anniversary and has built an audience that even includes “Legends Superfans,” who come as often as every weekend to the haunt.

While most haunts are open from mid to late September and close after Halloween, Legends did about 16 seasons worth of traffic in its first year alone and has received critical acclaim. It was voted one of the top 10 year-round haunts

by HauntWorld.com. The only other Floridian attraction to make the list—Disney’s Haunted Mansion.

As with most haunted attractions, theme is key.

Legends has gone with “Ashdown and Son’s Undertakers” to set up the spooky plot.

According to Legend’s website, the fictional family has offered affordable, high quality funeral services to the good people of Old Town since 1889. While they have laid many clients to rest some of them were still alive upon burial, and now the dead won’t stay dead.

The Ashdowns aren’t the

dYinG to See You: the cast of ashdown and son’s mortuary are dying to service new clients. local actors bring the haunts of legends to life in old town. PHOTO By PATRICK O’COnnOR

only ones who have made a living working with the dead. Shackleford gained his eerie inspiration for the haunt from his time working in funeral homes through his early 20s and from questioning universal fear.

“We have to appeal to not just Central Florida, but Asian tourists and Brazilian and English tourists,” he explains. “Our audience is so varied culturally that we had to figure out something universally that cultures share: Death is a common fear. It’s the final great mystery.”

So what is it that Shackleford fears? Since growing out of his childhood fear of the dark, there doesn’t seem to be much of anything

don’t get to work together as much as we would like,” Shackleford says. “If we’re apart for too long it is really hard for us. We are an example of yin and yang.

Even in life we work through things and its always very civil. Jay also said he has the flower shop on the speed dial just in case.”

Legends boasts unique sets and designs that cannot be found anywhere else. One of the more noteworthy props is the “dead” body lying in a casket within the tour’s chapel scene. That body is an actual body cast of Shackleford.

“First for us, we are performers and wanted to create a custom-tailored experience,” he says. “We

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that frightens him.

“Well Jay said I should be afraid of losing him,” he laughs. “Really my biggest fear is failure. I want to be at the top of my game with whatever I am doing on a business and personal level.”

It seems failure hasn’t been an issue for Legends or for life partners Shackleford and Westerman.

“Because we are still in the process of relocating we

“Ultimately, it was every haunter’s dream to have a show open year-round.” —Jim ShacKleFord

didn’t want off-the-shelf things that you could get at any other haunted house.

Having custom work for us was about pride for our craft, passion and wanting to offer a unique experience.

“We get a lot of people that ask us, ‘how can you compete’ with the big name haunts, like HowlO-Scream and Halloween Horror Nights. It really isn’t a competition. An apple and orange are both fruit, but we don’t taste the same. You can’t compare the two things.

We have been to both events already this year. We knew the caliber of what we did had to be high because of where we are.”

While Westerman is often involved in the performance aspects of Legends, Shackleford uses his BFA and MFA in design to focus on the construction and design of the always-evolving haunt.

Legends: A Haunting at Old Town is open ThursdaySunday from 7-11 p.m. The Stuff of Legends gift shop is open Tuesday-Sunday form 7 p.m.-11 p.m. General admission to the haunt is $15. Legends also offers a haunted history tour with groups gathering on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

For more information, visit LegendsOldTown.com.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

37

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Killer Joe, oct. 23nov. 1, theatre downtown, orlando. 407-841-0083; theatredowntown.net

Into the Woods oct. 23-nov. 9 FreeFall theatre, 6099 central ave., St. peterSburG

The Who’s Tommy, oct.

23- nov. 2, the Zehngebotstonerock theatre, orlando. 407-297-8788; madcowtheatre.com.

the tony-award winning re-imagining of grimm’s fairy tales gets the freefall theatre treatment this month. the musical, starring local favorite actors, shares the story of a childless baker and his encounter with characters from fairy tales. the witty and funny musical offers music from stephen sondheim. tickets start at $21 and are available at freefalltheatre.com or by calling 727-498-5205.

The Best of Enemies, oct. 23-nov. 16, orlando shakespeare theater, orlando. 407-447-1700; orlandoshakes.org Jekyll and Hyde, oct.

23- nov. 2, osceola center for the arts, kissimmee.

407-846-6257; ocfta.com

tamPa

Vampire Lesbians of Sodom

rocky Horror picture show, oct. 24, the abbey, orlando. 407-704-6261; abbeyorlando.com

oct. 29-nov. 23 Straz center, 1010 n. macinneS place, tampa

brand new, oct. 24, House of blues, orlando. 407-934-2583; Houseofblues.com/orlando

one of the longest running plays in off-broadway history, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom tells the saga of two fatally seductive vampiresses, a virgin sacrifice and her maker, whose paths first collide in ancient sodom. their bitter rivalry endures for nearly 2,000 years with stops along the way in 1920s silent movie Hollywood and contemporary las Vegas. tickets are $28 at strazcenter.org.

orlando Home show, oct. 2426, orange county convention center, orlando. 407-685-9800; occc.net Yellowcard and memphis may fire, oct. 25, Hard rock live, orlando. 407-351-5483; Hardrock.com/live/locations/ orlando anjelah Johnson, oct. 26, Hard rock live, orlando.

407-351-5483; Hardrock.com/ live/locations/orlando Judas priest and steel panther, oct. 29, Hard rock live, orlando. 407-351-5483; Hardrock.com/live/locations/ orlando Animal Farm, oct. 31-nov.

23, moonlight players, clermont. 352-243-5875; moonlightplayers.com 4th annual murder by moonlight mystery Walk, oct. 24, moonlight players, clermont. 352-243-5875; moonlightplayers.com enrique iglesias & pitbull, oct. 28, amway center, orlando. 407-440-7000; amwaycenter.com fall fiesta in the park, nov. 1-2, lake eola park, orlando. 407-246-2782; cityoforlando.net

OrlandO learn her ‘SecretS’:out songwriter and performer Mary lambert returns to florida with a one-

Orlando Ballet: Peter & The Wolf

night only concert oct. 25 at the capitol theatre in clearwater. tickets are available at rutheckerdHall.com.

lake street dive, nov. 2, the beacham, orlando. 407-246-1419; thebeacham.com

tamPa Bay Cinderella, oct. 23-26, straz center, tampa. 813-228-7827; strazcenter.org Dracula, oct. 23- nov. 2, the little theatre, new smyrna beach. 386-423-1246; nbsplayers.org barber’s Violin concerto - the florida orchestra, oct. 24, ferguson Hall, straz center, tampa. 813-228-7827; strazcenter.org

the florida orchestra coffee concerts: magic, mystery & music, oct. 30, the mahaffey theater, st. petersburg. 727-893-7832; themahaffey.com the florida orchestra pops: fiesta! an evening with the mambo kings, nov. 1, the mahaffey theater, st. petersburg. 727-893-7832; themahaffey.com Jeff corwin: tales from the field, nov. 1, ferguson Hall, straz center, tampa. 813-228-7827; strazcenter.org SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody, nov. 5, ferguson Hall, straz center, tampa.

813-228-7827; strazcenter.org

the Ultimate doo-Wop show, oct. 24, Van Wezel performing arts Hall, sarasota.

941-953-3368; VanWezel.com bill maher, oct. 26, Van Wezel performing arts Hall, sarasota.

941-953-3368; VanWezel.com

orlando ballet and garden theatre continue their partnership with another family favorite, Peter and the Wolf. this colorful, theatrical family ballet tells the classic story of young peter and the animals that live in the forest surrounding his grandfather’s house. tickets are $25 at gardentheatre.org.

foodtrepreneur showcase w/ good graeff, oct. 29, fogartyville community media and arts center, sarasota. 941-545-5635; sarasotapeacenter.org susan boyle, nov. 5, Van Wezel performing arts Hall, sarasota.

941-953-3368; VanWezel.com

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

watermark Your lgbt life.

oct. 25-26 Winter Garden theatre, 160 W. plant St., Winter Garden

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Little Shop of Horrors oct. 23-nov. 16 WeStcoaSt blacK theatre troupe ready for some digestibly raw fun? don’t miss this charming, tuneful and hilarious show that spoofs the 1950s-era b-movie sci-fi flicks. one of the longestrunning off-broadway shows of all time, Little Shop of Horrors features a lively motown rock ‘n’ roll score about an extraterrestrial plant with a man-eating appetite. its tendrils of enjoyment and scariness are sure to capture you. tickets are $29.50 at WbttsrQ.org.

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L A S E R H A I R R E M O VA L

I P L P H OTO FAC I A L

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Tampa Bay 1- Headlining Pride: Sarasota Pride headliner Dario takes the stage at J.D. Hamel Park Oct. 18. Photo by Steve Blanchard

2- Memory lane: Robert Geller, left, and Steve Watson took a break from the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival to swing by Crumb & Cork to celebrate Watermark’s 20th anniversary Oct. 8. Photo by Bruce Hardin

2

3

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3- Proud Forces: Sarasota Pride chair Cindy Barnes, right, shares the stage with emcee and hostess Lindsay Carlton during Sarasota Pride’s festival Oct. 18 at J.D. Hamel Park. Photo by Steve Blanchard 4- Creepy and sexy: Jose Garboza, Tony LaColla and Matt Knestrick put a voodoo spin on their All Hallows Ball costumes Oct. 18. Photo courtesy Tony LaColla 5- Plastic Crap: Gulfport resident Liza Miller, left, snags a peppermint and a photo with Dixie Longate before Dixie’s Tupperware Party at the Straz Center on Oct. 15. Photo by Steve Blanchard 6- All dressed up: David Scarbie Mitchell, right, poses with a friend at the All Hallows Ball held at the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry Oct. 18. Photo by Rhonda Nelson 7- Group Party: Friends gather at Crumb & Cork in downtown Tampa Oct. 8 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Watermark. Photo by Bruce Hardin

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8- Reconnecting: Daniel Lancaster, left, reconnects with Watermark founder Tom Dyer during the newspaper’s 20th anniversary party at The Crumb & Cork in downtown Tampa Oct. 8. Photo by Bruce Hardin

Overheard Tampa Pride gets 501c3 status

T

ampa Pride is officially a non-profit entity. The newly formed organization that hopes to bring Pride back to Tampa in March 2015 received word that the State of Florida has granted it’s 501c3 status.

That means Tampa Pride is tax exempt and is officially a charitable organization. Tampa hasn’t had its own Pride festival since Pride on 7th folded a few years ago. The new Tampa Pride is not affiliated with any other Pride that has existed in Tampa and is not a part of St. Pete Pride. However, the organization hopes to work closely with other Pride festivals throughout the state.

To make the March 26-29 festival a reality—which includes plans for a parade down 7th Avenue in Ybor City on March 28—organizers need to raise $70,000 by February. So far the organization’s GoFundMe. com account shows just under $4,000, so more donations are desperately needed. Find details at TampaPride.org.

Monsters aplenty

T

he annual All Hallows Ball was another smashing success this year, even with an earlier-thannormal date! The Monster-themed celebration returned to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) on Oct. 18, and brought

out nearly 3,000 people. The annual celebration saw a collection of group costumes, individual creativity and a few inappropriate yet laughable get-ups (a deceased Joan Rivers and a real member of the Fashion Police, for example). But the Monster theme was mixed with a theme of fun, and the who’s who of Tampa Bay were out in full force.

And to think, we’re still a week out from the actual Halloween date!

Get your Rocky Horror on!

S

peaking of Halloween, what would the holiday be without Rocky Horror and its collection of musically macabre characters? Several productions

watermark Your lgbt life.

of the iconic play (and film) are showing throughout the area, and in Sarasota, the Venice Theatre is presenting a specially themed Halloween party in honor of its local production. Al and Chuck Travel will sponsor the special Halloween Party at the theater on Saturday, Oct. 26, complete with a screening of the classic film starring Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry. We expect that the actors of the local play will be in attendance to bring a special 3-D element to the night. Money raised from the event benfit ALSO Out Youth, which assists the local LGBT youth of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Get tickets and information at VeniceStage.org.

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

Welcome to the Blu Room Theater

T

he rumors are true!

The Flamingo Resort will soon have its very own live theater. The Blu Room, which has been a dance bar, show space, restaurant and line-dancing room, is being converted to a live theater space. On Nov. 8, the popular LipSchtick show, starring David Scarbie Mitchell, will pack the place and Trevor Keller of Gypsy Productions is a producer of the show. It sounds like more Gypsy Productions, well, productions, could find a home in the newly revamped space soon!

Stay tuned for more details as they’re released.

41

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Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

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orlando

1- HELPING HANDS: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (center) shows gratitude for a bevy of volunteers at The Orlando Housing Authority Volunteer Appreciation luncheon Oct. 16. Photo

by Bill Stevens

2- RIGHT HAND MAN: Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill poses with one of the props from the “Vampire’s Ball” media preview dress rehearsal was Oct. 16. The show ran Oct. 17-19 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Photo by Samantha Rosenthal

3- ALL THAT JAZZ: (L-R) Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie, State Rep. Joe Saunders, Keith Morrison and Karen Castelloes celebrate 20 years of Planned Parenthood providing services to Central Florida at the organization’s “Our Roaring Twenties” event Oct. 17 at The Orchid Garden. Photo by G.K.

7 4

Sharman Event Photography

4- LET’S DO THE TIME WARP: (L-R) Melissa Falk as Columbia, Kevin Kriegel as Dr. Frank’n’Furter, Philip Cain“The Minx” as Riff Raff and Joshua “Ginger Minj” Eads-Brown as Magenta are fierce and ready to perform a live-stage version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct. 25 at Sleuths. Photo by Jimmi Rossi 5- SING IT PROUD: The Orlando Gay Chorus takes a road trip to perform at Ocala Pride Oct. 18. Photo courtesy OGC 6- PRETTY IN PURPLE: Darden’s Pride Alliance Employee Resource Group celebrates Spirit Day in style Oct. 16 at Darden HQ. Photo courtesy Darden

7- SHOWTIME: (L-R) VJ Nick Comis, Liz Langley and Sam Singhaus take in some spooky ballet at the opening night of “Vampire’s Ball,” Oct. 17 at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Photo

by Danny Garcia

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8- STEP TOWARD EQUALITY: Watermark cover model and news anchor Jorge Estevez interviews equality supporters after the Oct. 14 Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting where they voted to sign onto an amicus brief in support of marriage equality. Photo by Jamie Hyman

Overheard Goodbye to kitsch

W

TF is going on in Orlando? After the Trader Joe’s opened in Winter Park, news spread that Mount Vernon Inn, home of the Red Fox Lounge, was closing to make room for a new complex and parking to assist with overcrowding. The unintentional vintage kitschy bar was a favorite for many in town thanks to the talents Mark and Lorna, who would sing and dance. Also recently announced, the Peacock Lounge closes at the end of the month. The Peacock Lounge was one of the first ambiguously gay martini bars that had opened in Orlando but then transitioned to more of an art bar, but still attracting a very diverse crowd. And lastly, Theatre

Downtown’s Frank Helgenberg posted an announcement to its website announcing that after 25 years and over 300 performances, it’s Orange and Princeton location is closing. That’s thanks to a clause in the lease allowing Florida Hospital to end the relationship two years ahead of schedule. Frank went on to say the theater still plans on closing out its 2014 season and Theatre Downtown is seeking a new location to host the 2015 season.

Something Lil’ and something Grande

P

arliament House Resort certainly drew in the crowds on the night of Come Out With Pride by hosting

rapper Lil’ Kim, despite the Twitter storm of confusion that had many questioning whether or not she would perform. Before arriving in Orlando, the rapper was scheduled to perform and attend a meet and greet in Wilton Manors, which never happened. Social media was ablaze with complaints following that gig. To add to the confusion, Lil’ Kim reposted a tweet saying she would not be appearing at the P-House due to a conflict with her promoters. But the P-House quickly rectified the situation and verified her performance. Boca Raton’s own Frankie Grande was also in attendance at P-House Pride weekend and made a special appearance. The Big Brother star was well received. Rumors also

watermark Your lgbt life.

circulated that talk show host Wendy Williams might pop in, but she was never spotted.

Bullies Back Off the Space Coast

W

hen the Westboro Baptist Church planned to picket a local Cocoa Beach high school and the nearby UCF campus, Space Coast Pride assisted in getting the word out via their social media. In true Westboro fashion, only a small handful of protestors showed up for so-called church, but twice as many came to counter protest and drown out hateful anti-LGBT speech. Space Coast Pride previously organized a group to rally at a Bye Bye to (Pam)

Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

Bondi event when she appeared in Melbourne.

The Super Moon is back

W

hen the word got out the new owners came in and purchased the Old Full Moon Saloon, many were excited to see what was to come. The fur flew when we were advised it was going to be named Woodstock bar and rebranded as outdoor music venue rather than a Levi/Leather club. But die-hard fans can rejoice. One owner told us this week that a decision was made to rebrand and rename yet again.

The main bar will be the Full Moon while the outside venue will remain Woodstock. Owners hope to open in late November.

43

Rick

DECEMBER 6 , 2014 44

watermark Your lgbt life.

Oc tOb er 2 3 - NOv emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

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Community Announcements

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Register online at www.TrinityCharities.org or call 941-355-0847

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for information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities

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reSt in peace:

baxter’s lounge owner Angelo Montanaro passed away suddenly after suffering a heart attack on oct. 16.

He was 56. funeral arrangements are pending.

neWlYWedS: tampa couple (l-r) Aron and Gabe Alves-Tomko legally tied the knot in Hawaii on sept. 2. on oct. 19, the pair celebrated with their church family at home in tampa with the traditional cutting of the wedding cake. PHOTO COuRTESy GABE AlvES-TOMKO

congratulations

Ronnie Fox and William Moss of tampa celebrate 18 years together on oct. 24.

ocoee’s Raul Salinas and Scott Stinson celebrate 26 years together this month.

local birthDays

editorial assistant Samantha Rosenthal (oct. 31); st. pete bear Wendell Wilson and former orlando karaoke legend nick Rogers, sexy orlando diva invasion’s Peter Gaspar (nov. 1); tampa maintenance specialist Joe Arlotta, america-lover organizing coach and personal assistant Tracy Jaime DeFrancesco, orlando Hamburger mary’s Miller and Usf grad student and retired political drinkmeister Juan Torres and g. bar and Honey activist Rand Snell (nov. 2); Winter garden library pot co-owner Steven Donahue (oct. 23); tampa manager August Calabrese and st. pete canaan vocalist David valentine and orlando myoptics band singer and pianist Melanie Wilkinson (nov. sotballer and occupational therapist Sarah Bapst 3); gulfport everyman Daniel Hodge, massage (oct. 28); orlando accounting whiz norm Gentry therapist and framer at framing of central florida and orlando attorney Michael Morris (oct. 29); Kirk Johnston, st. pete pride volunteer Rich lakeland leather man Jerry Miller (oct. 30); Runyan, and st. petersburg cowboy Winston Haws orlando stealth artist and green leader Brendan (nov. 4); orlando realtor Cindy Gregory, orlando O’Connor, sarasota HiV/aids activist Michael Kehoe, state farm agent John Psomas, tampa bay Verizon Wireless employee and super dad Ryan sister of perpetual indulgence Shelita Cra-k, tampa lopez and former paradise orlando and savoy co-owner Randall lambright (nov. 5). boating enthusiast Jamie Paul and Watermark’s

Are you making a Transition? Having a birthday or anniversary? Did you get a new job or promotion?

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sports

cowboys release michael sam

gay Distance runner chases 2016 olympic Dream

a rotation in the front four of a defense exceeding expectations.

Dallas also has rookie second-round pick DeMarcus Lawrence close to coming back after breaking his right foot in training camp. He was placed on short-term injured reserve and will be eligible to play next week against Arizona.

Veteran defensive end Anthony Spencer has been getting stronger each week in his return from microfracture knee surgery that sidelined him all but one game last season.

The Cowboys (6-1), off to their best start since they were 12-1 in 2007, are playing their second straight NFC East opponent at home, with Washington (2-5) visiting Oct. 20.

While releasing Sam, the Cowboys added linebacker Troy Davis of Central Florida and defensive tackle Ken Bishop of Northern Illinois to their practice squad.

Wire Report

i

rvinG texaS | The Dallas Cowboys released defensive end Michael Sam from the practice squad Oct. 21, another setback as the NFL’s first openly gay player tries to make an active roster during the regular season for the first time.

Sam spent seven weeks with the Cowboys after signing to their practice squad on Sept. 3, four days after he was among the final cuts by the St. Louis Rams at the end of the preseason.

The Rams drafted the former SEC defensive player of the year from Missouri late in the seventh round in May. He was pick No. 249 out of 256. Sam had three sacks in the preseason with St. Louis playing mostly against secondand third-stringers.

The Cowboys are among the league’s worst in sacks but have been getting solid production with

Staff Report

m

att Llano will be 27 when he lines up for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles in February 2016.

Defending Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi will be 40, while 2013’s fastest American marathoner, Dathan Ritzenhein, will be 33.

Llano believes he could be on track for a breakthrough to the Olympics.

“I truly believe that I have a chance of making that team and punching my ticket to Rio,” he said.

And if he does make the team, he would be the first, out marathoner representing the United States at the Olympics. And while his family has known he was gay since he was 21, he told CNN that coming out prior to the trials just made sense.

“The feeling of being able to be authentic with someone was really

out marathoner: former

richmond student athlete Matt llano came out publicly just as he begins training for the 2016 rio olympics.

special,” Llano said.

Llano dated another male student at Richmond for three and a half years, but never felt the need to go public about his relationship.

Llano breaks down his decision to come out into two tiers: coming out and coming out publicly.

“Coming out was not just a way for me to acknowledge and embrace who I really am, but also to try and mend all of the fractures

that my life had built up over time,” Llano said. “It wasn’t easy to do.”

He decided to go public with his announcement with a blog post titled “It’s Time” on his personal website. The moment he clicked “publish,” a weight was lifted off his shoulders and he’s been a different runner ever since.

“I owe a lot of my recent success to releasing this shame,” Llano said. “ In January, when Llano finished fifth at the U.S. Half Marathon Championships in 61:47. He went on to represent the United States at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in March.

In early October, he completed the 26.2 miles in Chicago and is now focused on his training geared toward the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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coee Health Care Center provides short-term, postacute medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term skilled nursing care. We offer: • Skilled nursing, RN/LPN care • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech and respiratory therapy • Orthopaedic programs • Stroke recovery programs • Wound and amputation care • IV and pain management • Hospice and respite care • Restorative nursing program • Cardiac programs • Strengthening and gait training • Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance accepted!

407-877-2272

www.OcoeeHealthCare.com 1556 Maguire Rd • Ocoee, FL 34761

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orlando

M ar k etplace

home improvement

health+fitness

lawn care

Phil Crouso Arie Groen’s Vitamins - Herbs - Supplements

We will match or beat local prices!

Commercial & Residential Painting, Drywall & More Licensed & Insured Free Estimates Serving Florida since 1985

407-719-2556

407-207-0067

insurance

M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6

www.NMFbody.com Crystal Lake Plaza

property maintenance Commercial and Residential Licensed specializing in:

installation of sod Ornamentals Trimming Elevating Palms Trees Mulch Irrigation pressure washing s e r v i c i n g

3074 Curry Ford Rd.

407-362-1600

Between Conway Rd. & Bumby Ave.

Come see Dave, Ed & Susan for a Free Consultation!

o r l a n d o

&

t a m p a

NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPERS Arie Groen’s Property Maintenance

(727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com

home improvement

non-profit organization

Fire.Water.Mold.Wind.Sewage

Budget Masters Property Maintenance

non-profit organization

jewelry

Remodel / Rebuild General Maintenance Demolition

G R Bridges Jewelry Personalized Sales & Services

Fine Jewelry and Watches Appraisals Gold 334 Park Avenue North Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-790-4983 Email: grb61@cfl.rr.com www.grbridgesjewelry.com

Ron Wright 407-965-8686 home improvement

• Free Business Workshops • Business Discounts • Online Membership Directory…and much more!

MBAOrlando.org J O I N O r l a n d o’s P R E M I E R LG B T B u s i n e s s e s & A l l i e s !

landscaping

Free Estimates LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Landscape Design and Installation

If this were your ad, thousands of readers

would have just seen it.

Todd Meyer Owner Operator

407-898-4222 . www.tmLandscapelighting.com

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Oc tob er 2 3 - Nov emb er 5 , 2014 // Issue 21. 2 2

Call for rates

407-481-2243

O R L A N D O

M A R k E T P L A C E

tree services

Physician

Billy Arwood T R E E B I L L Y, I N C.

Over 20 yrs. experience in Professional Tree Care

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

LICENSED AND INSURED 407.701.TREE (8733) • billy@treebilly.com

WeB site

Plastic surgeOn

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407.857.6261 Trust your face and body to a board certified plastic surgeon

George H. Pope, MD, FACS

• Gynecomastia reduction • Liposuction • Laser hair removal • Sculptra®, Botox®, Radiesse®, Juvederm® • Laser skin rejuvenation • Rhinoplasty • Facelift & eyelift • Cosmetic breast surgery • Professional skin care • Accredited in-house surgical suite

yOuth services

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon by Orlando Magazine readers

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

religiOus

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

For in-depth LGBT businesses listings

Joy Metropolitan Community Church Reverend Terri Steed, Senior Pastor Wednesday Evening Spiritual Transformation Classes 7:00 P.M. Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M. 2351 South Ferncreek Ave. | Orlando, FL 32806 Office: 407.894.1081

visit the Business Directory on

WatermarkOnline.com/Business-Directory watermark Your lgbt life.

call 407-481-2243 FOr mOre inFOrmatiOn

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EQUALITY FLORIDA’S

You’re Invited!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 8PM-11PM

THE MEZZ, 100 SOUTH EOLA DRIVE, ORLANDO, FLORIDA Please join us for a night filled with special entertainment surprises, live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, open bars, and an exciting program including a State of the State Address by our co-founder and Deputy Director, Stratton Pollitzer. We will also be honoring our 2014 Voice for Equality honorees Dr. Kathryn Norsworthy and Ted Maines & Jeff Miller.

Tickets: $100 or $50 with valid student ID • Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500.

COCKTAIL ATTIRE PLEASE

100% of the proceeds directly benefit EQFL’s important work. *Please note that no physical tickets will be issued, names of attendees will be held at the door.

To RSVP and for more information on sponsorship visit eqfl.org/orlandogala. For questions, call 407-376-4801.

PRESENTED BY

Catering Graciously Sponsored By

watermark

Jennifer Roe Design Studio

The Diane Springer Rev. Living Trust

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

PO BOX 20786, TAMPA, FL 33622-0786 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN FLORIDA (1.800.435.7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH7992.

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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.

BACKED BY POPULAR DEMAND

Gay Men have a Trusted Advocate Catering to their Health Care Needs HEALTH WRITER

O

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

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.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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photography

galleryw Go see more photos at

watermarkonline.com

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c

ome out With pride celebrated itS 10th Year in a biG WaY oct. 11, which happened to be National Coming Out Day. An estimated 150,000 people attended the annual Pride festival, making it the largest Orlando Pride gathering to date. Festive floats, dancers and corporate sponsors made for a spectacular parade while vendors lined the shores of Lake Eola.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Come Out With Pride 2014 saturday, Oct. 11 laKe eOla, dOWntOWn OrlandO

Photography by Jake Stevens JAKE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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Fields Fiat. All treats. No tricks.

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All offers are plus tax, tag, title and $489 dealer fee. *Includes $2,500 consumer cash and $1,000 in dealer coupons. ^Must qualify. Financing offer available on most 2014 models. All finance offers subject to credit approval Tier 1-3 through Chrysler Capital. #MPG available on manual transmission only, and only applies to the FIAT 500 Sport. See studio for details on all offers. Images used for illustration purposes only. Offers end 10/31/14. © 2014 Chrysler Group LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FIAT Group marketing & corporate communications SpA, used under the license by Chrysler Group LLC.