Watermark Issue 22.06: WAVE Awards Winners

daytona beaCH • orlando • tampa • St. peterSburg • SaraSota • iSSue 22.06 • marCH 12 - 25, 2015 • watermarKonline.Com

orlando edition |

your lgbt liFe.

A BRAND NEW

Our readers’ favorites unveiled inside orlando FilmmaKer putS grindr under tHe lenS

SeCond gSa lawSuit at Carver wrapS up

zebra Coalition raCKS up $21K For SCHolarSHipS

This issue features two covers!

In this issue we feature some of our WAVE winners from both Orlando and Tampa Bay.

:

daytona beaCH • orlando • tampa • St. peterSburg • SaraSota • iSSue 22.06 • marCH 12 - 25, 2015 • watermarKonline.Com

your lgbt liFe.

e d 0 1 5 DE Si in L 2 UI l ia CIA E G eC Sp FFI RID EO P TH PA TAM

tampa bay edition |

A BRAND NEW

Our readers’ favorites unveiled inside CHriStine o’leary bringS laugHS baCK to St. pete

tiglFF now requireS venueS to provide gender neutral reStroomS

St. pete pride announCeS grand marSHal nomineeS

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Tuesday APRIL 28, 2015 NEW DAY OF THE WEEK

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH11373) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

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departments 6 // mail 10 // orlando neWs 12 // tampa Bay neWs 16 // state 17 // nation & World neWs 23 // Wave Winners 49 // Community Calendar 51 // tampa Bay overHeard 53 // orlando overHeard 55 // transitions 56 // tampa Bay marketplaCe 57 // sports 58 // orlando marketplaCe

PAGE

57

We’re a small but visible business and I actually think it’s important that we send this signal of inclusion to the entire region.

—rays presIdent BrIan auld

on tHe Cover

PAGE

23

orlando edition

tampa Bay edition

(L-R) Sondra Rae of XL 106.7, orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Miss Sammy, Patty Sheehan and Dr. Federico Hinestrosa of the Orlando Immunology Center celebrate their WAVE wins at the opening night festivities of the Central Florida State Fair in Orlando.

WAVE winners James Michael McCracken, DJ L. Mo, Lisa Noe, CJay tauber and Jerome Bailey of the Suncoast Softball League stand along the riverfront of Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa.

festIve wInnIng celeBratIon: smIles: (L-R)

Photo by Jake Stevens

sCan qr Code for

Watermarkonline.Com

PAGE

45

tHe grind: Using Grindr is nothing new, but sharing experiences in a very public format like a short film is.

Central Florida creator and stars of The Grind talk about it’s recent awards and it’s new life headed to Hollywood.

Watermark i ssue 22.06 //marCH 12 - marCH 25, 2015

orlando neWs

tampa Bay

CHristine o’leary

gallery W

PAGE Carver Middle School’s

PAGE Tampa Chief of Police Jane

PAGE

PAGE

Photo by Nick Cardello

read it online!

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

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fight over a Gay-Straight Alliance lands in Ocala’s U.S. District Court; James Rode is the Orlando Gay Chorus’s new artistic director; more than $20,000 is raised for Zebra Coalition’s new scholarship program.

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Castor was the keynote speaker at a youth summit in Ybor City with a mission to curb bullying; area residents have until March 27 to vote for the 2015 St. Pete Pride grand marshals; TIGLFF has a new policy requiring venues to provide at least one gender neutral restroom.

Popular comedienne Christine O’Leary is back in Tampa Bay, and this time it’s to raise money for LGBT Youth. The New England funny girl gained local fame when she appeared at St. Pete Pride nearly five years ago. She tells us what she’s been up to.

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Dancing with the Fringe Stars took over the Hard Rock Orlando recently and we had photographers there to catch every fabulous moment.

Check out some of these graceful stars in this issue’s Gallery W.

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did you Hear? SaraH mClaCHlan iS Coming! win tiCKetS to See Her live at watermarKonline.Com!

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top web comments Have hope in our youth

I

BUILT FORD TOUGH 2015 FORD F150

was amazed while reading Steve Blanchard’s recent Editor’s Desk that he was willing to share such a personal story [Issue 22.05].

It’s easy to forget in these days of mass acceptance and marriage equality that many LGBT people are still fighting a very personal battle for equality within their own families.

Youth, as they say, is our salvation. And as the next generation comes up, so improves the opportunities for equality in all aspects of life. I am sure that Mr. Blanchard’s niece is no exception. In time, she will come to respect and accept her uncle.

I have never met your editor, but I wish him well and thank him for sharing his recent column. It was revealing, inspiring and—I am sure—a help to many who read it.

Hunter Colby Orlando

Constant coming out

T

oo many of us forget that even the most wellrecognized among us have had to come out to our families—and that’s something we continue to do on a daily basis. That was

“And as the next generation comes up, so improves the opportunities for equality in all aspects of life.”

—Hunter Colby

made very clear by Steve Blanchard’s recent Editor’s Desk [Issue. 22.05] where he addressed his niece’s reaction to learning of his sexuality.

I agree with Mr. Blanchard, especially about the misrepresentation of the LGBT community so many of us experienced in our youth. Hopefully the next generation will see through the lies and instead be inspired by the real-life LGBT people in their life.

I wish Mr. Blanchard well and I am sure that his niece will learn to respect and love him for the man he is.

Susan Fulton

Tampa

TOP WEB COMMENTS: On the Fla. House committee advancing a anti-transgender bill:

On Watermark’s Facebook:

“It’s only 8 months till November, people, let’s try to remember this shit when voting, shall we?”

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“Will there be police at said bathrooms? Probably not so the law is just a case of, ‘well we don’t like it, so........this is what we are going to make illegal!’ So stupid” —Jennifer Veach

On WatermarkOnline.com:

“So now what? The gender police are going to be standing at every restroom in Florida to check whether people are actually male or female? I have many friends who are TG and you can’t tell their original sex. I feel as though we have moved back in time, to the civil rights movement. When will all this nonsense be over? What are they doing, driving us back into the closet?”

—K@T

“How ridiculous. Everything has to be a problem. As a father, I, many times, brought my daughter into a men’s room up until she was about age 10, while traveling in foreign countries, too.”

—Jack

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

’m competitive, but I don’t

necessarily like contests. I’m not one of these new age people who think everyone should get an award or a trophy for just showing up. Trophies, tiaras and awards should be given to those who earn them. But contests—no matter the type—can cause hurt feelings, bitterness and resentment.

When I was in school I excelled at track & field. I was a hurdler—running in both the 110 high hurdles and the 300 intermediates. I am proud to say I have a collection (somewhere in my parents’ basement, I suppose) of medals from local, small town meets to the state finals.

During those late teenage years, track was my life. I measured my success on the number of shiny medals hanging on my bedroom wall.

Not all of those medals were

for first place, mind you. Several represented second and third place finishes. But the multiple colors added to the overall weight of my collection, and you can bet every one of them was proudly displayed in a case built by my aunt.

On the other hand, I wasn’t so successful in other areas.

I had to drop out of an advanced placement biology course my senior year in high school because it impacted my GPA negatively. And while I’ve

watermark staff Founder and Senior Contributor: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Admin. Assistant: Kathleen Harper • Ext. 100 • Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Editorial Assistant: Samantha Rosenthal • 104 • Samantha@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell

always been one of the tallest people in the room, basketball was far from my forte.

Sure, I played. But playing basketball and playing basketball well are two very different things.

While I was always encouraged to chase my own dreams and to do my best at whatever activity I chose—sports, academics or my career—I was also taught how to deal with the disappointment that comes when—not if—I fall a little short.

My mother used to say that the actions of a person who receives an award—or doesn’t, in some cases—says much more than the hardware acquired. Winning gracefully is just as important as losing gracefully, she’d say.

In our modern, tech-savvy world, there are immediate examples of how not to behave.

For an example, search YouTube for the video of the 2015 Miss Amazon Pageant. Copies of a cell phone video showing runner-up Miss Brazil literally snatching the crown from the winner’s head will immediately fill the feed.

It’s a reaction each of us have envisioned in our minds at some point, but have never acted upon.

It’s also awkward, surprising and disturbingly hilarious.

Disappointment is to be expected in a situation like that—or in any kind of contest when one falls short of the expectations. But how one verbalizes or shows that disappointment says a lot about that person’s character.

Miss Brazil, I’m sure, is not on any short lists for keynote speaking engagements or racking up awards for her superior work in customer service.

She now has the label of “that queen.”

I bring all of this up, of course, because this is our WAVE issue.

Our readers have nominated and selected their favorites in a large

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number of categories. Within these pages are the results, and on Thursday, March 12, parties celebrating these results will happen in St. Petersburg and in Orlando.

And celebrate we should. The people highlighted within this issue have earned the respect and admiration of thousands of readers. Their support of the LGBT community and the attitudes they present in their chosen professions is what prompted voters to click on their names in our final balloting last month.

All of the nominees should

Miss Brazil, I’m sure, is not on any short lists for keynote speaking engagements; she now has the label of ‘that queen.’ be very proud.

I’ve said it before. This is my favorite issue of the year—even if it is presented in the spring rather than in the fall this year. It’s admittedly a lot of work for our staff to cull together this issue. But there are rarely complaints.

That’s because it gives us a rare chance to turn the mirror on our own community and learn a little bit more about the people, businesses and organizations that make life a little bit better for all of us living here.

So I invite you to join me and the staff of this newsmagazine in congratulating every nominee in the 2015 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence.

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

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Clarification In a recent story on sex trafficking [Issue 22.05], it should have stated that Nathan Earl, founder of Ark of Freedom, was sexually exploited, not trafficked. We regret the error.

contributors Skyla Luckey

is a freelance journalist and actress living in St. Petersburg. She is a 2013 graduate of the University of South Florida journalism program. Page 12 Greg Burton, Scottie Campbell, Zach Caruso, Susan Clary, Kirk Hartlage, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Jim Walker, Michael wanzie

photography Nick Cardello

is the owner of Cardello Photography and he lives and works in Tampa Bay. He is the official photographer for several area events and organizations.

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

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orlando news

ZeBra raises $21k for lgBt youtH sCHolarsHips Samantha Lena Rosenthal

o

rlando | The Zebra Coalition raised $21,671 on Feb. 27 at its launch event for the Jefferson R. Voss Education Fund.

About 130 people attended the event, held to raise awareness and collect generous donations to help the fund that will provide LGBT youth with the opportunity to apply for scholarships. The Zebra Coalition partnered with UCF, community colleges, career and technical centers, and GED programming in Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Orange, Polk and Seminole counties to provide for further education opportunities.

“Let’s face it, everyone thinks ‘OK, we got marriage equality now. We’re good to go.’ That’s just one tip of the star of everything we’re trying to achieve,” said Zebra Coalition Executive Director Dexter Foxworth. “And for youth, especially those who are coming out, even though the youth are coming out at a faster and higher percentage than they would when we did growing up, they are faced with so much rejection and oppression in our community because of that. That affects and creates barriers to higher education and education at all.”

Zebra Coalition has the necessary funds for scholarships to give out for this year, but the Education Fund Launch was to raise money and support to sustain the fund for years to come. Applications are now available on the Zebra Coalition’s website for students who wish to apply for the various scholarship opportunities.

The host committee’s UCF representative has created a mentoring group that will be available to the Zebra Coalition Youth so that in addition to scholarship funds, support throughout schooling is available.

“One other thing that is unique about our scholarships is that we’re not just going to award money to the students, we’re going to do a mentoring follow up with them and follow them through and create a relationship with the scholars so we can make sure that their experience is going to be successful,” said Karen Castelloes, co-chair for the Jefferson R. Voss Education Fund.

Castelloes and Foxworth said that the first scholarships recipients will be announced in late May or early June, and will receive their scholarship in August.

Jeff Voss, the fund’s namesake, also attended.

“It’s very weird and somewhat embarrassing because I don’t like recognition,” Voss said. “I just like getting things done. It’s an honor that they named it after me, but at the end of the day, it’s not about me, the coalition or the education fund. It’s all about the young people that we help, and that’s what’s important.”

Voss founded the Zebra Coalition five years ago.

“This is a milestone,” Voss said. “When we started the Zebra Coalition, our goal was to create a continuum of care for LGBTQ youth at-risk or in need. That started with a hotline and then housing came along and health counseling and this is one more part of that continuum of care. While I’m really excited about this and that it’s happening, there’s still a lot more to come.”

For more information, visit ZebraYouth.org.

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standIng up for eQualIty:

Carver Middle student Hannah Faughnan (left) and American Civil Liberties Union of Florida attorney Daniel tilley stand outside the U.S. District Courthouse for the Middle District of Florida on March 2. Faughnan is filing a lawsuit against the Lake County School Board for not allowing the students to form a GayStraight Alliance. PHoto By SAMAnTHA ROSEnTHAL

GsA lawsuit goes into round 2 No ruling on Carver Middle School GSA till after April 1 Samantha Lena Rosenthal

o

cala, fla. | The court hearing for a Gay-Straight Alliance at Carver Middle school ended in the late afternoon March 3. A ruling isn’t expected until after April 1 after all court filings have been submitted.

The hearing was held over two days at the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida in Ocala.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed a lawsuit on behalf of Hannah Faughnan, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Carver Middle, and the students of the GSA at Carver Middle in December 2013.

They sued the Lake County School Board on counts of equal access and First Amendment Rights. Daniel Tilley, of ACLU Florida, is the lead counsel for the case.

“I think we made a strong showing,” Tilley said. “The judge

watermark Your lgbt life.

acknowledged it was an important case and that it was well-tried, and we are going to keep doing the best that we can.”

On March 2,the ACLU presented its case to the court, while on March 3 the defense presented their case.

There was no ruling made at the end of the hearing. Both parties will have the opportunity to submit post-trial filings: ACLU before March 18 and Lake County School Board before April 1.

“Litigation sometime takes a long time, but the reality is the school board at any time can allow the club—it’s the fact it didn’t have to be this way, that they have put up so many roadblocks all along the way to do whatever they can to prevent this club from meeting,” Tilley said.

U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges is proceeding over the matter. He questioned if the case could even hold up in federal court, because Faughnan didn’t resubmit

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and application for the club for the current academic year. Hodges said the case will proceed but this will be taken into consideration and addressed later.

This is the second lawsuit over a GSA at Carver Middle School. In November 2012, then-14-yearold Bayli Silberstein requested permission to start a GSA at Carver Middle. After months of legal wrangling and school board meeting debates, a judge granted Silberstein permission to form the club for the remainder of her eighth grade year, which ended in the summer of 2013. That settlement has expired, Bayli has moved onto high school and now, the GSA no longer meets at Carver Middle School. The club was not approved when Faughnan reapplied, and she wasn’t given a reason as to how to improve upon her application.

“If we win, I really hope to have the club so that we can focus on what we want to accomplish with the student body because the GSA may change every year, depending on who’s in it and who’s involved,” Faughnan said.

Silberstein, now 16 and in high school, was a witness for the ACLU’s case March 2. She talked about what happened when she was at Carver and what happened once Hannah took over.

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“It’s crazy. It shouldn’t have gone this far, it shouldn’t have been this hard. But I am proud of Hannah for taking over for it, and I’m extremely thankful that she cares about it as much as I did,” Silberstein said. “It’s about equal rights.

Everyone deserves to be safe in their own school, and they’re children. We’re all children and we deserve to get an education without fearing of other students. It wasn’t fair, and we need to make it right.”

In addition to Silberstein and Faughnan, the ACLU called Lake County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Susan Moxley to the stand March 2.

Tilley questioned Moxley on the changed school board policy 4.502, which determines what can or cannot be a school club.

He also addressed how the school board only seems to address bullying by the use of disciplinary action and

education. The ACLU legal cited the application and club’s charter into evidence and questioned how it didn’t fit the criteria to be a club at Carver Middle.

“We will be making some post-trial filings explaining to the court and Judge Hodges what we would like him to include in his judgment in the order that he issues,” Tilley said.

Faughnan was nervous when she took to the stand March 2, but she’s hopeful for a positive outcome. “[Bullying] is a growing issue, and the GSA is there to support everybody,” Faughnan said. “No matter what you— your race, ethnicity and anything like that. It’s not just whether you’re gay or straight. So by anyone being able to come in there and talk to anybody else like equals, just as it should be, we can move forward as one unit, not as a group of many different people with many different opinions.”

orlando gay CHorus announCes neW artistiC direCtor Samantha Lena Rosenthal

o

rlando | James Rode is the new artistic director and conductor of Orlando Gay Chorus.

OGC celebrates 25 years this year and Rode is ready to take on the new challenge.

“It’s exciting and a new adventure to kind of jump on,” Rode said.

OGC’s President of the Board of Directors Karl Haglund made the announcement Feb. 16.

“Starting our next 25 years under the direction of James A. Rode ensures that the Orlando Gay Chorus can continue to change images and attitudes about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities,” Haglund said in a press release.

Rode said he will focus on new recruits—particularly sopranos and altos—to grow the chorus, increased partnerships with local arts organizations and

James Rode

performing at bigger events and venues around town.

“OGC has a big mission to be at COWP and sing there, and sing for Hope & Help and sing for World AIDS Day and they were on the steps of Town Hall when they legalized marriage,” Rode

said. “We are there to provide musical support for a lot of LGBT events and we also do a lot of charity work.”

Rode is currently the choral/ vocal director at Celebration High School in Osceola County, where he also teaches choir, advanced piano and AP Music Theory. He has previously worked as the assistant director for the Timber Creek Chorale, an intergenerational choir, accompanist and interim director of the Celebration Community Choir, and the choral/piano teacher at Timber Creek High School. He has also performed with the Florida Opera Theatre.

“The people [in OGC] are not all gay; we bring all types of people in,” Rode said. “We get straight people, gay people and transgender, and it’s just an open door type of community for people to feel safe and welcomed here in Orlando.”

Thomas Rhodes, Esq. Practice Limited to Family Law

Prenuptial Agreements Property Distribution Agreements Divorce Certified Family Law Mediator 4162 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Ofc 407-578-1748 Fax 407-521-7919 Tom@trhodeslaw.com 10

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11

tampa bay news

st. pete pride reveals grand marsHal nominees Staff Report

s

t. petersBurg | For the fourth year in a row, St. Pete Pride is asking the community of Tampa Bay to select its grand marshals. On March 8, the organization revealed its 2015 nominees and the community has until March 27 to make their selections.

Those nominees are selected by the board of St. Pete Pride and each has made significant contributions toward LGBT rights in Tampa Bay and in the state.

There is also the return of “Community Grand Marshal” and this year’s nominees in that category are The Rainbow Recovery Club, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County and the West Coast AIDS Foundation.

In years past, individual grand marshal nominees were divided by gender. This year, individual grand marshals are non-gender identified and community members can select any three deemed worthy of the position.

The nominees for individual grand marshal for 2015 are Larry Biddle, Nick Janovsky, Ashley Brundage, Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis, Frank Hay, Nancy Greenlees, Kevin Johnson and Frank Clemente. larry Biddle is chair of Equality Florida’s 2015 Equality Florida Greater St. Petersburg Gala and director of Metro Wellness and Community Center’s new LGBT Welcome Center. He is also a past executive director of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. nick Janovsky, public relations director for Smith & Associates, is a veteran in politics and has worked for 10 years on various political campaigns. He is a mentor to political science students and is the author of the book Gay: A New Path Forward. ashley Brundage is a highly regarded personal and business relationship banker for PNC Bank in Tampa.

She was hired into her current role after transitioning and has since become a spokeswoman for transgender issues within and outside of the LGBT community. She has been married to her wife, Whitney, for 12 years and the two are raising their sons, Bryce and Blake. Brundage is also the president of the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. the rev. dr. candace r. shultis is the senior pastor at King of Peace MCC in St. Petersburg. She holds a baccalaureate degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters and Doctorate from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She was called to pastor at King of Peace MCC in December of 2007. frank hay is best known as the founder and director of the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps, or ROTC. The color guard and bugle corps is a staple at Pride events and fundraisers and has helped raise money for a number of organizations. Twelve years after founding the group, ROTC now performs across the state and the country. nancy greenlees is a long-time member of the Hillsborough County LGBTQA Democratic Caucus and

Continued on pg. 14 | uu |

12

feelIng empowered: Tampa Chief of Police Jane Castor speaks at the inaugural Empower Tampa LGBTQ Youth Summit held at the Metro Wellness and Community Centers office in Ybor City March 7.

PHOTO BY SKYLA LUCKEY

Youth Empowered Tampa’s LGBT Youth Summit features Castor, Buckhorn and more Skyla Luckey

t

ampa | It truly was all about the youth on March 7.

City of Tampa leaders, including Chief of Police Jane Castor, teachers and professionals united for the first-ever Empower Tampa LGBTQ Youth Summit at the Metro Wellness and Community Center building in Ybor City. Their purpose for the day was to educate the community in ways to help prevent LGBT youth suicides, curb human trafficking and stop cyber bullying.

Castor offered a historic context in the struggle for diversity—in not only the LGBT community, but in the African-American community.

She expressed the importance of LGBTQ youth studying history, and learning from that because at some point everyone has experienced discrimination, and this helps LGBT youth realize that they’re not alone in their journey.

“There have been changes, and

watermark Your lgbt life.

it’s very important that we continue to make those changes,” Castor told the summit attendees. “And that’s one of the beautiful things about our city, here, is the diversity, and how we embrace that diversity.

That’s what makes our city much, much stronger.”

The police chief encouraged those listening to always voice their opinion and to never be afraid to do so.

“I don’t care who you are; everyone is going to face discrimination in their life, and what it boils down to is how you deal with it,” she said. “If you carry that around for the rest of your life, then you’re the only one affected by that, not the person who tried to hurt you, whether it was intentional or not intentional. But you have to look at those situations that you go through that are the toughest times of your life and think what you can learn from that. The most important thing you can learn is to never do that to anyone else.”

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

was unable to attend, provided a message of encouragement to Tampa LGBT youth in attendance via video expressing the of their involvement in Tampa’s future.

While the event was held at Metro’s Ybor office, the organization wasn’t the only presenter of the program. PFLAG and the Gay Straight Lesbian Education Network (GLSEN) were also responsible for the program.

“It was important to us that we give youth, and those that work with youth in our community, the skills they need to empower more young people and promote positive outcomes in the lives of local LGBTQ youth and their allies,” said Chris Rudisill, director of LGBT Metro Community Center Services.

LGBT health issues, creating safer schools and transgender youth were a few of the topics discussed at Empower Tampa. Heterosexual teens and adults, LGBT youth and medical professionals were among the 68 in attendance.

Tasha Ratliff, a nurse with USF Health Ybor Youth Clinic, attended so that she could get a feel for the sessions. She also wanted to support her co-worker who presented information about Ybor Youth Clinic.

“We serve youth, ages 13-24 years old, and we provide non-judgmental healthcare, a safe haven. They are free to talk about anything that they probably wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about to their regular care Continued on pg. 14 | uu |

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tampa bay news | uu | St. Pete Pride from pg.12

has been in Tampa Bay since 1975. She has been involved behind the scenes in a variety of social, economical and environmental movements.

She is a member of Crescendo and a volunteer at TIGLFF and Community Tampa Bay. Kevin Johnson is a St. Petersburg native, bartender and active fundraiser for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas.

He contributes through extreme couponing and donates 95% of the items he purchases to ASAP’s food pantry.

Frank Clemente is a partowner of ConceptBait and has volunteered for or helped almost every LGBT organization in Tampa Bay. His designs have been used by Equality Florida, TIGLFF, Metro Wellness and more.

The community is welcome to vote for the nominees at StPetePride.com. Voting continues until 11:45 p.m., Friday, March 27.

TIGLFF updates bathroom policy to be trans-inclusive Staff Report

T

ampa | An antitransgender bill presented in Tallahassee that would limit transgender individuals access to public restrooms has led to a policy change at the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

According to executive director Margaret Murray, TIGLFF will now require any venue used for screenings of its films or any receptions to provide at least one gender neutral restroom.

“We will begin providing gender neutral restrooms immediately, beginning with our upcoming screening of Boy Meets Girl on March 18 at freeFall Theatre, our primary home for our monthly screening

series,” Murray said in an email to Watermark.

“We are proud to take this step toward equality by creating a discriminationfree environment for our festival attendees, and look forward to identifying and working with venues and organizations who support our transgender friends, family members, and loved ones.”

The policy shift came during TIGLFF’s annual retreat where organizers finalize plans for the annual October festival. Discussions consistently returned to the pending HB583 bill, introduced by Republican State Rep. Frank Artiles.

“This bill unfairly targets the transgender community by requiring them to prove their sexual identity or face arrest, and would undo

many of the protections that local municipalities, including Tampa and St. Petersburg, already have in place,” Murray said.

She added that the policy will be voted into place at the organization’s next board meeting.

“We are mindful of the larger issues facing our community and strive to adapt our festival’s programming and events to reflect the social, cultural, and political changes impacting the LGBT community,” Murray added.

TIGLFF celebrates its 26th anniversary this year.

For details on monthly screenings and on the annual October festival, visit TIGLFF.com.

| uu | Youth Empowerment from pg.12

provider,” said Ratliff.

GLSEN Co-Chair Frank Roder helped with Orlando’s Inaugural Youth Empowerment Summit last year and wanted to make it happen for Tampa youth. Planning began just after the first of the year and shortly after 16-year-old Trevor Rosine was appointed secretary of GLSEN. “We had huge support from almost everyone in the community,” said Rosine. “We had Mayor’s Youth Corps, and that was really great to work back and forth with them. We’ve been busy at work. It’s been intense.”

Rudisill plans to have an Empower St. Pete event this fall, but wants to remind everyone that Metro Wellness offers ongoing programs of support for LGBT youth and their allies through its community centers and the new St. Petersburg welcome center.

Programs can be found at MetroTampaBay.com. Youth who need immediate assistance should call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386.

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state news

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allahassee | On March 4, the Florida House Civil Justice Subcommittee discussed and approved HB 583, an anti-transgender bill that would bar people from using restrooms that align with their gender identities. fter the 9-4 vote—in which Republicans voted in favor of the bill and Democrats voted against—audience members chanted, “Trans lives matter!” in protest.

Republican State Rep. Frank Artiles of Miami, who filed the “Single-Sex Public Facilities” Bill Feb. 7, presented the bill to the committee by first indicating that it had been completely

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Rep. Lori Berman asked about lawsuits.

“Could I sue the owner of establishment if a gender nonconforming person uses restroom at the same time as me?” she asked.

“Yes,” Artiles replied.

Attorney Edward Labrador with Broward County questioned the need for the bill and pointed out its negative business and legal ramifications.

“Creating an action where someone is going to sue businesses, government, schools—we’re going to waste our time in court litigating on these issues,” Labrador said.

Of the “Yes” votes, several representatives said their support is conditional and that the bill needs a lot more work before becoming law.

policy director.

So why didn’t Eddy get the nod?

“It’s really important for us to be subjective,” GarnerWells said. “Under our criteria, Eddy did not meet the standards for running a competitive race.”

Candidates must complete Equality Florida’s candidate questionnaire, which Eddy did. They also must raise at least onethird of the amount of their highest raising competitor so as to be competitive in their race, which Eddy did not.

The Action PAC has instead highlighted Marc McCullough in District 7. It’s an important distinction, as Garner-Wells explains the list is “not an endorsement”.

Eddy is taking McCullough to task over what he considers a lack of commitment to the LGBT community.

“Marc hasn’t shown that he’s for the LGBT community. Period,” Eddy said. “He filled out a

questionnaire.”

And that alone offers no guarantees, as was seen with District 7 incumbent Johnny Gaffney’s actions in 2012.

Gaffney, who scored 100% on the questionnaire, voted against expanding the HRO. As a result, Jacksonville remains one of the only major U.S. cities that hasn’t added “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression” to its list of protected classes. Gaffney is not running for re-election.

For Eddy, there has been some good in all of this.

“The community has come out even more in support since Equality Florida has posted this,” he says.

Voters will decide on March 24 and Eddy needs more than 50% of total votes to win, or at least a top two finish to move on to the May 19 general election, as per the rules under Jacksonville’s unitary voting system.

Equality Florida passes on Jacksonville gay candidate Daniela Costa

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rewritten. He said the bill is a reaction to Miami Dade County’s Human Right Ordinance, which Artiles claims “allows a heterosexual male to walk into a women’s facility” and does not allow a business owner to ask that male to leave, based on the HRO’s “overbroad language” protecting the male from discrimination.

Artiles stated that his bill “simplifies and brings uniformity to the entire state of Florida,” but admitted there is a laundry list of exceptions and amendments for various situations that would still need to be put into place .

When asked if there was any rise of criminal activity in Miami Dade to demonstrate a need for this bill, Artiles said his bill is “proactive, not reactive.”

Jacksonville | When Equality Florida’s Action PAC released its list of recommendations on candidates running for office in Jacksonville, there was one noticeable exception—openly gay candidate James Eddy.

It is a striking omission that Eddy, who is running for the District 7 Council seat, considers a “diss” after helping Equality Florida with its events and initiatives.

“They should be backing gay candidates, plain and simple,” he said. “Not all LGBT candidates are going to win, but if we don’t have the support of our organizations, how do we have a chance to even win?”

Equality Florida has its own views on the matter.

“We absolutely support openly LGBT candidates running for office,” said Mallory Garner-Wells, the organization’s public

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nation+world news

supreme Court to provide same-day audio for april 28 same-seX marriage arguments Wire Report

W

ashIngton | The Supreme Court will hear arguments over same-sex marriage (SSM) on April 28 and make audio of the proceedings available later that day.

The marriage equality cases mark the only time this term that the court has agreed to the quick release of audio recordings. But the court is continuing its ban on providing video of its sessions or even live-streamed audio.

The arguments on SSM have been allotted two-and-a-half hours on the final Tuesday in April.

Audio and the transcript of the proceedings should be available on the court’s website by 2 p.m. EDT, the court said March 5 in a statement.

The justices denied a request from The Associated Press and other media outlets for the quick release of audio of the argument March 4 over the tax subsidies that are part of the health care overhaul.

That audio will be made available on March 6.

The SSM cases come from

the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, so far the only federal appellate court that has upheld state bans on SSM since the justices’ 2013 ruling striking down part of DOMA, the federal anti-gay marriage law.

Lawyers on both sides will get 90 minutes to argue whether gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry everywhere in the U.S. Another hour will be devoted to the question of whether states must recognize same-sex unions performed elsewhere.

A decision is expected before July.

scheduling the two cases.

The blogger alleged that Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon wanted to hear both challenges as part of the apex court but could not earlier, when he was Singapore’s attorney general, the state’s legal representative in the two cases.

Both challenges were heard, and rejected, by Singapore’s apex court, the Court of Appeal, in October.

One case had been filed by a gay couple and the other by a man convicted of having

sex with another man in a public restroom.

Local media reported that Au planned to appeal the judgment but apologized and said he will pay the fine first.

The 62-year-old blogger is one of the few dissidents who continually tests the limits of Singapore’s closely policed media environment.

He is gay himself and in his writings has championed repealing the ban, which the government upholds in favor of the majority, stillconservative society it has.

Freedom and commitment go hand in hand.

singapore Court fines Blogger for Comments on gay seX Cases Wire Report

in otHer neWs

Vice President Joe Biden says the same human rights that African-Americans fought for in Selma, Ala., are at stake for gay rights activists today. Biden drew parallels between the civil rights and gay rights movements in a speech to the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group. He says Selma and Stonewall were “basically the same movement.” He’s referring to 1969 Stonewall Inn riots that marked the symbolic start of the modern gay rights movement.

The Fire Department of New York swore in its first female and first openly gay chaplain.

The Rev. Ann Kansfield was sworn in March 3. She’s the department’s eighth chaplain.

Six are Christian and one is Jewish. She’s a pastor at Greenpoint Reformed Church in Brooklyn. The duties of FDNY chaplains include providing counseling to firefighters and department personnel and performing blessings and invocations. Kansfield said it would be great if she could be part of the effort to diversify the FdnY.

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Y

fdny swears In fIrst openly lesBIan chaplaIn

KE

BIden tIes gay rIghts to cIvIl rIghts

LA

RG

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sIngapore | A Singapore court fined a prominent dissident blogger on March 4 for questioning the timing of two constitutional challenges to the city-state’s ban on gay sex.

Alex Au, who writes for the Yawning Bread site, was ordered to pay 8,000 Singapore dollars (US $5,845) for claiming that the high court engaged in “strange calendaring” in

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viewpoint no questions asked, when entering the park.

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE WAVEs of my own

A

ll this recent talk

of WAVE Awards has had me thinking. First of all, you can’t really say “WAVE Awards” because the “A” in the word WAVE stands for “Award(s).” So when you say “WAVE Awards,” what you are actually saying is, “Watermark’s Awards For Variety and Excellence Awards.” That’s one “Awards” too many.

To take it one step further if you say “Watermark’s WAVE Awards,” what you’re actually saying is Watermark’s Watermark’s Awards for Variety and Excellence Awards.”

I’m just sayin’.

I have also been thinking about Florida’s theme parks lately for reasons far too cerebral to make sense to anyone who does not spend major portions of their day thinking about theme parks. But nonetheless, I was thinking about the theme park-related award categories that have egregiously been overlooked by the WAVE selection committee and indeed you, the voters at large.

Here are a few of the omitted theme park-related awards categories and their winners, which were voted on by absolutely no one but myself:

Best theme park into which one should sneak liquor:

And the winner is the Magic Kingdom! There is no park in which adults more desperately need a stiff cocktail. Yet it remains the one and only Orlando area top-tier attraction that does not serve alcohol.

So, before you go, dump out the contents of that spring water bottle and replace it with Absolut or Grey Goose, or switch out your Lipton Iced Tea for Captain Morgan. As long as the bottles are plastic and the color of the liquid contained within matches the hue of the substance the label indicates the vessel is meant to hold, you’ll sail right through security,

Best place to purchase in-park mixers to accompany your contraband liquor, which you sneaked into the Magic Kingdom:

And the winner is Aloha Isle—the Dole-sponsored walk-up counter service refreshment establishment situated on the right, just as you cross over the bridge from “the hub” into Adventure Land.

Pineapple Dole Whip or Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade—either way, it’s a good thing. First take a little off the top of your selected mixer, then dilute with “spring water” or “iced tea” to suit your taste.

Park with best odds that you’ll see an exotic creature cause injury to an employee during your visit:

Gator Land seems like the obvious choice, right? Or perhaps Animal Kingdom?

But of course neither the fabled reptile attraction on South OBT near Kissimmee or Disney’s “Naht-ah-zoo” (Remember that short lived advertising buzz word?) park are the winner. In fact, I’m not going to even mention the winner of this category in this column because those mammal lovers over at our area marine life park get very defensive about this subject.

So let’s all just agree to not reference SeaWorld here, shall we?

When You Get Wings Meet & Greet the Risen Christ in Die-But-Not-Gone Alley The Jungle Cruise-ifixtion It’s A Small Bethlehem Tammy Faye’s Horror Make Up Show The Tree of Afterlife Dumbo The Tithing Elephant Pirates of Your Income

on very good authority that the perennially pink-haired Jan Crouch (owner and pastor of The Holy Land Experience) reads Watermark: The Rock’n Holy Rollers Coaster The Enchanted Preachy Room The Dapper Abrahams Big Thunder Mountain Railroad To Heaven

The Wedding At Canaan— Magical Dinner Show & Wine Tasting It’s Tough To Be A God Expedition Arafat IlluminExCommunications Finding Demons Jimmy Swaggart’s Tilt-A-Whore Back To The Rapture

Mr. Darwin’s Silly Ride Baptismal Splash Fountain John The Baptist’s Laugh Your Head Off Comedy Lab The Hall Of False Prophets Pat Robertson’s Meteorites Jamboree The Many Adventures of Jesus The Jew Grace Mountain

The NRA Presents Charlton Heston’s Shooting Gallery FANTASMIC—The Story of Creationism Test Bible Tract Honey I Shrunk The Chosen People Impressions de Sodom & Gomorrah Ted Haggart’s Crystal Meth Palace

Here are a few of the omitted theme park-related awards categories and their winners, which were voted on by absolutely no one but myself.

Best theme park in which to find not one Goddamned ride:

And the undisputed winner is The Holy Land Experience! There’s a nativity scene at every turn and both Chik-fil-A and cardboard cut outs of life-sized Jesus abound. But alas, not a single ride is to be found at this thriving theme park that doesn’t pay its property taxes.

And isn’t that a shame, really? Can’t you just imagine the potential for great Biblebased rides and attractions?

I know I can. Thus I should like to share a few of my suggestions here as I have it

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talking points

SEARCHES FOR “SUBMISSION” are UP

55

%

SINCE

50 SHADES OF GREY PReMIeRed FEB. 13.

a 42% inCreaSe For SearCHeS oF “bdSm” HaS oCCurred in tHe Same time period.

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I heard from a very early age that homosexuality was a sin next to the crime of murder.

So from the age of three, I knew I was down there with all the sinners and murderers and rapists.

—dustIn lance Black

weStboro’S planS to

piCKet nimoy Fizzle

t

he westBoro BaptIst church’s plans to protest at the funeral of Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy fizzled when plans for the services remained secret. The actor, who passed away Feb. 27 from complications related to COPD, was laid to rest in a private ceremony with only family and close friends in attendance. Nimoy, of course, created “Mr. Spock” in the hugely successful sci-fi series that transcended television and film for more than four decades. His “sin,” according to Westboro, was that the series starred openly gay actors George Takei—the original Sulu—and Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in J.J. Abram’s reboot of the franchise.

by tHe way, Catwoman iS biSexual

t

he seXIness of the slInky, purrIng catwoman of DC Comics fame has always transcended gender—and now it’s obvious why.

According to writer Genevieve Valentine, it’s because the original Catwoman is bisexual. “She’s flirted around it for years now,” Valentine said of Selina Kyle, the original Catwoman’s alter ego. “This wasn’t a revelation so much as a confirmation.” Valentine is referring to the kiss shared between Selina and Eiko Hasigawa, the “new” Catwoman, after passing along the iconic suit to her successor.

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gaga Set to Star in AHS: HOTEL

a

MEriCAn hOrrOr STOrY Is movIng from the “freak show” to the “hotel” come October, and it’s newest star is an LGBT icon. Lady Gaga announced on Twitter that she has a starring role on the anthology series, which will enter its fifth installment in 2015. Very little other information has been released by producers of the popular FX show— including whether AHS star Jessica Lange will return. Lange announced in 2014 that “Freak Show” would be her last affiliation with the creepy series.

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gay PLAYGIRL model dead at 52

d

Irk shafer, the 1992 PLAYGirL man of the year, was found dead in the front seat of his car on a West Hollywood residential street on March 5. Shafer, who was 52, created a mock documentary in 1995 about his role as an international sex symbol to women while living as a gay man. He returned to the pages of Playgirl in 2012 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his original spread.

The cause of death has not yet been released by the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office.

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in-deptH: wave awardS

W E N D N A R B A

E V A W

e n c i o h ditio c ’ s r a e r t d a ring e r l a a sp u n n ow a r Ou s are n d r a e In aders aw m I s t t u r re

e prid have T o t ons LG B reas r local , and e s u l e in o uniti howcas nua m s is an ber s m h e o e t g c ted Novem ne thos e pa shif thes few of ples.

We n from everyo n a in m just ng exa join us our itio give utio i f e n trad rch to contrib i s o h a s a le all So p ulating n the to M m a d e a u n i t y i n t i ra less ed wh o r c o m m e n d a r e cong ers list . Regard , l u c a o c n a n s to re win WAVE y placed a ch enti o e the of 2014 d.

15 e the d h t 0 e ns 2 e k utio her year honore me fram rate e as orites in of w contrib rable. w i b e , t e b y l r to nd av or new o ce thei measu we are T h e ws u s t t i o n a l hist r their f ariet y a ather im hat , r e r o i u l a l d r o o V , f o a he tra (True, for t kful. g r s l e d n o a t i f n t . r o A s an n n v p i d o d i s y th to with ds seas Oscars u d n. war in the trul o A y r e t a , h u k t n ) t aw , b our ar tio e no mys ag a i AVE erm cipa we’r e Gram roud of e.)

Wat lence ( W nd once r par ti ons, or th dang p he sam u l A Top ti Exce the fall. with yo se nomintahem to a y“ou to we’reners justet many t d tho ensed win ere ar aske sed than isappoin m Th ond ing and ’re plea n c o o t d e r f s s i t t W l l n . i 3” again e resu no lled lorida s ro vote are thos pages.

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23

Fields BMW Winter Park South Orlando Daytona Beach Lakeland

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

THANK YOU FOR MAKING US NUMBER ONE.

WINNER wave FAVORITE LOCAL 2015 VETERINARIAN

watermark’s

A W A R D

We Appreciate You Watermark Readers Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital Jim Martin, DVM Dianne Rey, DVM Heather Linen, DVM

2000 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando (407) 896-0941 www.lochhavenvet.com

ruSS FoWLer thankS Watermark readerS!

The votes are in: Fields BMW has won 1st Place for Favorite Local Auto Dealership in Orlando by Watermark Magazine’s readers in the annual WAVE Awards.

On behalf of everyone at Fields Auto Group, we’d like to thank all our friends in Central Florida for honoring us with this award.

It’s nice to know that customer appreciation goes both ways.

Fields BMW Winter Park | South Orlando | Daytona Beach | Lakeland 407.628.2100 | 407.956.6300 | fieldsbmw.com Fields Matters Because You Matter ©2015 BMW of North America, LLC. Images used for illustration purposes only. The BMW name, model names, and logo are registered trademarks.

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Voted FaVorite LocaL auto SaLeSman!

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watermark’s

A W A R D

2015 Winner

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Photo by Jake Stevens

ORLANDO Favorite local politician/ activist

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) writer/journalist

1. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan

1. Jamie Hyman

2. orlando Mayor Buddy dyer

3. Scott Maxwell

3. Former State Representative Linda Stewart

Greatest straight ally to the local LGBT community 1. orlando Mayor Buddy dyer 2. Jack and Margo dixon 3. Former State Representative Linda Stewart

Most effective local LGBT organization 1. The GLBT Center of Central Florida 2. The Zebra Coalition 3. Hope and Help

Favorite local LGBTaffirming faith community 1. Joy MCC 2. First Unitarian Church of Orlando

2. Billy Manes

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) website 1. WatermarkOnline.com 2. The GLBT Center of Central Florida 3. Bungalower

Favorite place for a date night 1. The Hammered Lamb 2. Stonewall 3. Maxine’s on Shine

Favorite charitable event 1. Come Out With Pride 2. Headdress Ball 3. Equality Florida Gala

Gayest local event 1. Gay Days 2. Come Out With Pride

3. oasis Fellowship Ministries

3. Orlando International Fringe Festival

Favorite local LGBT sports league/ organization

Favorite new LGBT business less than one year old

1. Central Florida Softball League 2. Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls 3. Gay and Lesbian Bowling League

Favorite local radio station

1. Southern Nights 2. Ivanhoe Wine and Spirits 3. Vagabond Salon Spa Continued on pg. 26 | uu |

t

XL 106.7 he radIo statIon’s slogan is “Live Life. Love Music”—and it takes it to heart.

This year XL 106.7 was named the “Favorite Local Radio Station” by Watermark readers. But the station and its on-air personalities have given back to the local community for years.

“I have seen the show grow and change tremendously, not only with the community,” says Sondra Rae, pictured, who is better known as “Radio Rae” on XL 106.7’s morning show “Johnny’s House.” “We are trying to do 365 charities this year—whether it’s mentioning them on air or giving them a shout-out on social media or us attending the charity event.

We’re always just out and about in the community.”

XL 106.7 began broadcasting in 1969 to the greater Orlando metropolitan area. The station is owned

watermark Your lgbt life.

by iHeartMedia, Inc., and broadcasts out of its Maitland, Fla. studio.

The station’s original morning show was “Doc and Johnny in the Morning”, starring Jeff “Doc Holliday” Duncan and Johnny Magic.

Johnny is still on the air for XL 106.7, now with co-hosts Laura Diaz, Brian Grimes and Rae. “My favorite thing about working for the radio station is being able to be myself and being able to connect with people,” says Rae. “There are so many different talents at our station and we all connect with different people on different levels.”

Rae is openly gay and says she was nervous at first about being out and on-air. But she received a huge amount of support from her listeners.

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“I have received messages from people that have told me that they look up to me, which is a shocker to me because I’m just being myself,” Rae says.

“But it’s amazing to see that other people are coming out and being themselves and they’re proud that our station actually represents somebody in the community.”

In 2014, XL 106.7 helped arranged the XL 106.7 Pride in Concert Series—featuring Meghan Trainor—for the weeklong for Come Out With Pride Orlando festival.

This is the first time XL 106.7 has received WAVE from Watermark readers.

“It’s absolutely amazing to receive this award from you guys because it shows that our hard work is paying, and people hear us every morning,” Rae says. “And literally, it keeps us motivated to keep doing what we’re doing on a daily basis.”

—Samantha Lena Rosenthal

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THANK YOU WATERMARK READERS FOR 2015 WINNER SUPPORTING MAXINE’S ON SHINE!

Favorite new business; Bar with the hottest eye candy

wave

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SOUTHERN NIGHTS

p

ower Isn’t Just In the

MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT!

name for the iconic Southern Nights.

After some time under different monikers, the return of the nightclub’s familiar atmosphere has brought the title of “Favorite new business” to its doorstep.

“Throughout the community, a lot of people still refer to it as the old Southern Nights building, even when it was Revolution and RBARR,” says Southern Nights manager Greg Skeen. “We figured, why not rebrand and take it back to what the community knows?”

This resurrection officially took place on Aug. 15 of last year. Along with the renovations made, many of the classic events of the the past—such as lesbian nights and drag shows—have returned.

Responding to the public cry has been a successful move. It’s not unexpected for Friday nights to host close to 1,000 people. “Sultry Saturdays,” the business’ ladies’ night, brings in 700 women.

One of the bigger festivities hosted since the reopening was the “Pride Weekend” held during Come Out With Pride.

When discussing these events, Skeen consistently attributes the club’s success to having a supportive following in the

community and having a “diverse yet popular staff.”

Southern Nights’ main goal is a welcoming one.

The business’s mission statement states that it hopes “to provide the premier nightclub experience for the LGBTQ community in the greater Orlando Florida area.”

“Fun, energetic, welcoming,” is how Skeen describes the atmosphere, and he’s thankful for the award Orlando readers have awarded them.

“It shows that the community has opened up to us and are embracing us and welcoming us back into the community,” he says.

For a schedule of upcoming events, visit SouthernNightsOrl.com.

—Kimberly Slichter

| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.25

wave

watermark’s

A W A R D

2015 WINNER

COME MEET OUR AMAZING STYLISTS INCLUDING, 2015’S WAVE AWARD WINNER, TIMI HEDRICH - FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR STYLIST!

407-422-8821

815 EAST WASHINGTON ST. ORLANDO, FL 32832 26

watermark Your lgbt life.

Favorite LGBT business more than one year old

Favorite local massage therapist 1. Balance Massage

1. The Hammered Lamb

2. Michael Varona

2. Stonewall

3. Angela Bax Kidd

3. embellish fx

Favorite local healthcare professional 1. Orlando Immunology Center

Favorite local spa 1. EO Inn and Spa 2. Club Orlando 3. Nube Nove

2. Dr. Rafael Pinero 3. White Picket Fence Counseling Center

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Continued on pg. 28 | uu |

wave

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2015 WINNER

WE WANT TO THANK WATERMARK READERS FOR VOTING US #1 FAVORITE LOCAL CHEF OR CATERER & #1 FAVORITE LATE NIGHT DINING! 67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 www.pompomsteahouse.com

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watermark’s

Thank you WaTermark readers for voTing me your 2015 Winner favoriTe LocaL reaLTor since 2007!

A W A R D

OPEN 24 HOURS ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY

THANK YOU WATERMARK READERS FOR VOTING

FAVORITE PLACE TO

PAMPER YOUR PET

RANGERSPETOUTPOST.COM

2015 WINNER

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| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.26

Photo courtesy Lee Vandergrift

Favorite local veterinarian

3. Winter Garden Florist

2. Kimberly Lee at Animal Medical Clinic

Favorite area museum or gallery

Favorite place to pamper your pet 2. Dandy Doggie Do’s 3. Sparky’s

ee vandergrIft’s lIfe as a

photographer began with a love for working with photographs in the dark room. Today, Vandergrift pursues his passion as a freelance photographer in the Central Florida area.

Vandergrift studied at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, where he took a course in photography.

That eventually led to a minor in photography and a major in illustration.

“It was an elective course and I really enjoyed doing it,” Vandergrift says. “And this was back in the 35mm film days.

When I was working in the dark room, I just found it very calming. It’s the same effect when I’m sitting at my art table.”

His current hot project is called “Beard Envy,” which portrays men, both gay and straight, showing off their facial hair prowess. Over the past year, Vandergrift has photographed more than 100 bearded men. The project sprung from Vandergrift’s own envy of beards.

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1. Orlando Science Center 2. orlando Museum of Art 3. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

1. Ranger’s Pet Outpost

LEE VANDERGRIFT

l

1. Lee James Floral Designs 2. Forever Young Floral Design

1. dr. Jim Martin at Loch Haven Vet

3. Robert Reigle

Favorite LGBT artist; Favorite LGBT photographer

Favorite local florist

“In the beginning, I did not have a beard and I wanted to grow a beard. I never had one,” Vandergrift explains. “[Beard Envy is] a project that’s been really close to my heart.”

Earlier in his career, Vandergrift worked for a company in Tennessee, drawing images that other people wanted him to draw, which hampered his creative freedom.

“If somebody is telling you what to do, it’s not much fun,” Vandergrift says.

When he returned to Central Florida, Vandergrift felt a new beginning was in store for him in Orlando.

“I feel pretty connected here in Orlando,” he says. “I’m not really an out and about kind of guy, but I love going to LGBT community events and one of the best [photography]

shows I put on was the at the [GLBT] Center.”

Vandergrift wants to wrap up his Beard Envy project during the spring. He turned some of his bearded subjects into a calendar and hopes to incorporate the project into a book.

His next project will be titled “From Behind,” and, just as the name implies, Vandergrift will photograph the rear ends of his male subjects.

“That’s not as easy to approach and promote as the ‘Beard Envy’ project,” Vandergrift laughs. “I’ve only approached people that I’ve already photographed.”

He wants to make “Rear End” into a calendar as well.

Vandergrift’s freelance photography has brought him to Watermark on several occasions, where he has used his studio to provide cover art for recent issues of this publication.

To learn more about Vandergrift and to see his photography, visit LeeVandergrift.com.

—Andrew Ramos

watermark Your lgbt life.

Favorite local realtor

Favorite local framing shop 1. Sam Flax 2. Great Escape 3. Framing of Central Florida

1. David Dorman 2. Alex Zweydoff 3. Jack Matthews

Favorite local auto salesperson

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) artist 1. Lee Vandergrift 2. Brendan O’Connor 3. Katrina Constantine

1. Russ Fowler 2. Travis Mills 3. Fred Berliner

Favorite local auto dealership

Favorite upscale restaurant 1. Capitol Grill 2. Mi Tomatina 3. Ruth Chris Steakhouse

1. Fields BMW 2. Toyota of Orlando 3. Don Reid Ford

Favorite local mall 1. Millenia Mall 2. Florida Mall 3. Fashion Square Mall

Favorite local hair stylist 1. Timi Hedrich 2. Kai Garcia 3. Shayne Hylton

Favorite casual restaurant 1. Hamburger Mary’s 2. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 3. Dandelion Café

Favorite restaurant for breakfast/brunch 1. Hamburger Mary’s 2. First Watch 3. Maxine’s on Shine

Continued on pg. 31 | uu |

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Favorite casual restaurant; Favorite restaurant for breakfast/brunch

ORLANDO’S PREMIERE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & URBAN DAY SPA

Photo by Kimberly Slichter

HAMBURGER MARY’S ORLANDO

W

Ith the force of

the 2008 recession, Church Street was pronounced dead—until recently.

Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando not only survived the economical natural selection, the restaurant actually gained a following along the way.

The secret, according to owner John Paonessa, is in the restaurant’s fans as well as its specific food/show combination.

“We were very fortunate in that we had a concept that was new to Orlando, and thanks to a very loyal clientele we prospered,” says Paonessa. “We must thank our loyal fans and the community for always supporting us throughout the last seven years.”

During the area’s hardships, Paonessa says there was never a time in which he felt the restaurant would have to close.

The burger joint opened in May 2008 and combines meals with entertainment, hosting events such as interactive

drag shows and celebrity impersonations. The schedule on its website is packed, listing events for almost every day of the week, with many days hosting multiple events.

“It is important for us not only to offer great food and service, but to give our guests an amazing experience,” Paonessa says. “In addition, one of our performers, Ginger Minj, is on this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, so we now have a Monday night watch party which is selling out already.”

Other regular performers include WAVE

winner for Favorite Host Doug Ba’aser, Leigh Shannon and Miss Sammy along with Carol Lee. Hamburger Mary’s is also known for its fundraisers, some of which benefit fellow staff members, an indication of the close-knit relationship between employees.

“We have a pretty tight group. It is like one big family,” Paonessa says. “We all work hard together to make sure things are done right and to meet our guest’s expectations. Is there a little dysfunction? Of course, just like any family, but we do truly love each other.”

Although he’s excited and grateful that his restaurant is officially WAVE-approved, in the long run, it’s not the awards that make Paonessa’s job worth it.

“We all want to win awards, and they are great,” Paonessa says.

“But at the end of the day, to see our guests leave happy, smiling and knowing we did a great job, is award enough for us.”

—Kimberly Slichter

watermark Your lgbt life.

NOT JUST A HOTEL. NOT JUST A SPA.

AN EXPERIENCE. 2 2 7 N . E O L A D R I V E O R L A N D O , F L 3 2 8 0 1 • 4 0 7. 4 81. 8 4 8 5 • W W W. E O I N N . C O M

wave

watermark’s

A W A R D

2015 Winner

Thank you WaTermark readers for VoTing us your faVoriTe LoCaL sPa!

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!

2015

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A W A R D

2015 WINNER

#1 - CASUAL #1 - BREAKFAST/BRUNCH #1 - TRIVIA - DOUG #2 - STAGE - DOUG

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING FAIRVILLA AS ORLANDO’S BEST ADULT NOVELTY STORE SINCE 2001

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A W A R D

2015 WINNER

407-425-6005 www.fairvilla.com

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| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.28

Favorite restaurant for late night dining 1. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 2. Tako Cheena 3. IHOP

Bar with the hottest eye candy 1. Southern Nights 2. Stonewall 3. Savoy

2. Sushi & Seoul On The Roll

Favorite local bartender/ server

3. Croutons Food Truck

1. Taylor Bulloch at Stonewall

Favorite local food truck 1. Yum Yum Cupcake Truck

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) chef or caterer

2. Gabrielle Shullruff at Southern Nights 3. Timi Hedrich at Stonewall

2. John Michael Weddings & Special Events

Favorite local drag performer

3. Robyn Butsko

1. Miss Sammy

Favorite local hotel/B&B

3. Lacie Browning

1. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria

2. Darcel Stevens

1. Parliament House 2. Grand Bohemian Hotel 3. EO Inn

Favorite LGBT club/bar 1. Parliament House 2. Stonewall 3. Southern Nights

Favorite LGBT happy hour 1. The Hammered Lamb 2. Savoy 3. Southern Nights

Favorite host for karaoke, trivia or bingo

Favorite local stage performer 1. Blue Starr 2. Doug Ba’aser 3. Michael Wanzie

Favorite local musician 1. Taylor Bulloch 2. Todd Kimbro 3. Bourbon Soul

Favorite local DJ 1. DJ Skinner 2. Brianna Lee 3. Scott Robert

1. doug Ba’aser at Hamburger Mary’s 2. Julian Bain at Stonewall 3. Scott Carter at Stonewall

Photo by Lee Vandergrift

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

Favorite LGBT bartender; Favorite LGBT musician

TAYLOR BULLOCH

W

ATErMArK readers love

Taylor Bulloch both behind the bar and on a stage, as they voted him “Favorite LGBT bartender” and “Favorite LGBT musician” in this year’s WAVE Awards.

Bulloch has developed his music throughout his life, but he intensified his musical efforts after moving to Orlando and signing with Crown Records in 1996.

“I do all kinds of stuff, but the majority of my career I’ve focused on electronic dance music,” Bulloch says. “Some of it would fall in the category of electronica some of it is kind of industrial dance music.”

Bulloch compares his music to The Presets meets Scissor Sisters meets Nine Inch Nails.

He says millions of artists have inspired him, but he is most inspired by the British electronic group Underworld.

“They did things when they first started recording that were

watermark Your lgbt life.

not very typical for music,” he says. “They broke barriers as far as strong construction was concerned and they weren’t necessarily worried about a typical format.”

Bulloch also works as a bartender at Stonewall on Church Street, Ember on West Central Boulevard, and Southern Nights on Bumby Avenue. He said he likes all three venues because all three of them offer completely different atmospheres.

“At Stonewall, I do more happy hours and it’s more of a bear bar; it’s a fun crowd,” Bulloch says. “I have a completely different clientele at Ember on Sunday afternoons.

I get more of a downtown

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crowd and young professionals and whatnot. Friday nights at Southern Nights is a young crowd, well, it kind of goes across the board. It’s fun to see today’s youth bopping to the music.”

He says he loves the social aspect of bartending.

“You get to hear great music in an atmosphere where all of your friends are hanging out and enjoying themselves,” Bulloch says. “What’s a better way to make money?”

He strives to be genuine, he says, which is what has made him an enduringly popular bartender.

“I’m really friendly with my clientele,” Bulloch says. “I can honestly say that I’m genuinely friends with the majority of the people who spend time at my bar. I’m fortunate I’m in an industry that applauds it.”

To hear Bulloch’s music, visit SoundCloud.com/ Taylor-s-k-m.

—Alyssa Merwin

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A W A R D

2015 Winner See Ryan at MuscleService.com

CELEBRATE SPRING at the MORSE Live Music, Tours and More Fridays, March 27 – April 24 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All events are free

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Open House Friday, March 20, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 22, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Easter Weekend Open House Friday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 5, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

www.morsemuseum.org follow us on

445 north park avenue winter park, florida 32789 (407) 645-5311 just a 5-minute walk from the sunrail station.

MOR 091 Spring 2015 Ad-Watermark.indd 1

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thankYou to Watermark’s readers for votInG for us!

Favorite Local Bartender/Server - taylor Bulloch - 1st Place Favorite Local Bartender/Server - timi hedrich - 3rd Place Favorite Local Performer: DJ - dJ skinner - 1st Place Favorite Host: Karaoke, Triva or Bingo - Julian Bain - 2nd Place Favorite Host: Karaoke, Triva or Bingo - scott Carter - 3rd Place Favorite Place for a Date Night - 2nd Place Favorite LGBT Business more than one year old - 2nd place Favorite LGBT Club/Bar - 2rd Place Bar with the Hottest Eye Candy - 2nd Place Favorite Local Performer, Drag - Lacie Browning - 3rd Place

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3/10/15 3:18 PM

| uu | WAVE Awards from pg.31

Favorite local photographer 1. Lee Vandergrift 2. Melody Maia Monet 3. James Bennett

Favorite local radio station 1. XL 106.7 2. 1041.1 Real Radio 3. 91.5 FM Rollins

Favorite local TV station 1. WESH 2. WFTV 3. Fox 35

Favorite local performing arts venue

Thank You For Making

1. Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center 2. The Venue 3. The Abbey

What’s your go-to website or app for hooking up

Your Favorite TV Station.

1. Grindr 2. Scruff 3. Growlr

Favorite adult novelty store 1. Fairvilla 2. Mojoman Swimwear 3. Barcodes

TAMPA BAY Favorite local politician/activist 1. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman 2. Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith 3. Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner

Greatest straight ally to the local LGBT community 1. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman

Favorite local LGBT-affirming faith community

Schlegel Law Group joins Watermark in celebrating Marriage Equality.

1.King of Peace MCC 2. MCC Tampa 3. First Unity Church

Favorite local LGBT sports league/ organization

2. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn

1. Suncoast Softball League

3. Hillsborough Clerk of the Court Pat Frank

3. Tampa LGBT Bowling League

Most effective local LGBT organization

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) writer/journalist

For 15 years, SLG has served the central Florida community in these areas of Family Law:

• Prenuptial agreements • Child support & child custody matters • Providing advice on marital rights in Florida and other states.

2. SMART Ride

1. ASAP

1. Steve Blanchard

2. Equality Florida

2. Tiffany Razzano

3. Metro Wellness & Community Centers

3. David Borman Continued on pg. 35 | uu |

watermark Your lgbt life.

4 offices to serve you from Hillsborough County to Volusia County along the I-4 corridor.

Main office in Downtown Orlando.

Free 15 minute consultation, by phone: 407-953-9726

www.divorcelawyersorlando.com

SLG accepts all forms of payment and payment plans.

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| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.33

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) website 1. WatermarkOnline.com 2. StPetePride.com 3. TampaBayGay.com

Favorite local healthcare professional 1. Dr. Scott Barry 2. dr. Michael Dunn 3. Dr. Roy Finely

3. Rainbow411.com

3. Dr. Kush Patel

Favorite place for a date night

Favorite local massage therapist

1. St. Pete Downtown Waterfront 2. Georgie’s Alibi 3. The Queens Head

Favorite charitable event 1. AIDS Walk Tampa Bay 2. Red and Green

1. Cory Jeffries 2. Michael Scranton 3. Jeremy Couture

1. Essentials 2. Ybor Resort & Spa 3. The Message Spa

Gayest local event

Favorite local veterinarian

2. Santa Speedo Run 3. Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Favorite new LGBT business less than one year old 1. Enigma 2. Dachshunds Bar & Grill 3. Edge of 9

1. Dr. Taylor Ohman at Gulfport Vet 2. Carmen Saladino at Connechusett Animal Hospital 3. Dr. Karen Tyndall at Oakhurst Vet

Favorite place to pamper your pet 1. Two Poodles and a Mutt 2. Pampered Pets 3. The Barker Shop

Favorite LGBT business more than one year old

Favorite local realtor

1. Georgie’s Alibi

3. Meagan Somers

2. 6S Boutique

Favorite LGBT musician

Favorite local spa

3. Strike Out for AIDS

1. St. Pete Pride

Photo by Nick Cardello

1. Brian Longstreth 2. Bill Knecht

3. Edison Continued on pg. 36 | uu |

t

LISA NOE

hroughout most of her 49

years, Lisa Noe has been musical. She jokes that her mother says she was singing the moment she came out of the womb.

While that may not be exactly right, it explains why readers voted Noe as their “Favorite local LGBT musician” in this year’s WAVEs. “Around 2 or 3 I used to stand with a hairbrush and sing to the radio,” Noe says.

“When I was 4, I picked up my father’s guitar and picked out ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and things like that.”

Noe’s mother spotted her daughter’s musical gift and taught her how to play the organ. When her hands were big enough to fully handle a guitar, Noe’s mother taught her three chords.

“I didn’t take lessons until college,” says Noe, who performs solo and in the popular band Karmic Tattoo. “I remember my parents got me a Roy Clark Big Note Songbook with all the chords in it for Christmas one year. So I taught myself.”

watermark Your lgbt life.

Maybe it was her Louisville, Ky., roots, but early on Noe was attracted to country music.

Which is surprising to hear since her style is more Folk and Rock.

“I adore the Indigo Girls and when I grow up I want to play the guitar like Emily,” Noe laughs. “I really like Adele and her writing style. And growing up, Barbara Mandrel was my idol. She had a voice that never quit.”

Perhaps not so surprising is Noe’s respect for Mary Chapin Carpenter. She says that artist’s lyrics and style lend itself to a storytelling aspect that Noe likes to emulate.

When asked if she prefers to perform solo or with Karmic Tattoo, Noe was very direct with her answer.

“It depends on the setting,” the Gulfport resident says. “I love doing solo stuff because I get to control everything that

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goes on around me. With the band you have to take into consideration if the other people know the song. We get asked to do a lot of impromptu things, and that stresses people out sometimes.”

That’s the most difficult thing about her job as a performer, Noe says, adding that the rewards far outweigh any struggles.

“I love the way music touches people,” she says. “I have had people walk up to me and say my music is uplifting and exactly what they needed to hear to get over whatever funk they were going through. I love it when material touches people on a soul level.”

And it’s with all of her soul that Noe thanks Watermark readers for this recognition.

“Thank you, thank you,” she says. “Bless you readers, bless you fans and bless you family.

I’m very excited.”

To learn more about Noe or to find her next concert, visit ReverbNation.com/LisaNoe.

—Steve Blanchard

35

| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.35

Favorite local auto salesperson

Photo by Steve Blanchard

1. Sonny Gonzales at Tyrone Square Mazda 2. Gary Neeld of Wesley Chapel Mini 3. John Crapper at Ferman Mini

Favorite local auto dealership

Favorite local stage performer

1. Tyrone Square Mazda 2. Maher Chevrolet 3. Wesley Chapel Mini

MATTHEW MCGEE

I

f a crowd of people Is seen

exiting a Tampa Bay-area theater with smiles on their faces, there’s a very good chance they just saw a performance featuring Matthew McGee. Since 2001, McGee has taken on roles—mostly comedic—at theaters on both sides of Tampa Bay and this year, Watermark readers voted him their “Favorite local stage performer.”

“Thank you so much to everyone in this amazing community,” he says. “Your friendship, loyalty, support and attendance mean so much to me. It has been a real honor to make all of you laugh for the past 14 years.”

And the laughter will continue.

This summer, the soonto-be-40-year-old will star in freeFall Theatre’s production of Mame as the title character.

It’s a role that surprises McGee, even though he’s known for his comedic portrayal of female characters on stage.

“I had said that at 40, I wouldn’t appear in drag

36

anymore,” McGee laughs. “That happens to be during the run of Mame. So I guess that’s out the door—for now.”

Comedy is the actor’s favorite genre of theater, he says, adding that making people laugh is good for his soul. But so is the experience of escaping reality.

“I love being able to inhabit new characters,” he says. “I can get away from all of my stress and be a different person in a different place.”

Speaking of which, his mother, who McGee describes as a “classic stage mother,” always wanted her son to be a talk show host rather than a performer.

“She always says, ‘Did you see Ellen today?’” he laughs. “’That could’ve been you!’”

McGee admits that being an actor is a difficult job, especially with the schedule he

keeps. When he’s not on stage he’s the outreach/marketing director for freeFall, which keeps him busy.

“I find that I don’t have much time for a personal life,” he admits. “But I love to be recognized on the street and told I made someone laugh or that they loved a certain show.

That’s really the best.”

McGee has won several awards for his acting—and one of his most recognized roles remains his favorite. In 2012, he played Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in American Stage in the Park’s production of The Rocky Horror Show.

“A bald, middle-aged man rarely gets to feel like a rock star,” McGee says. “That’s why Rocky Horror Show will always be my favorite in Tampa Bay.” McGee is also well-known for his role as “Patti Melt” in the faux mother/son comedy “The Scott and Patti Show,” which also stars Scott Daniel.

“I love living here and I’m lucky to be able to work in numerous venues,” he says.

—Steve Blanchard

watermark Your lgbt life.

Favorite local mall 1. International Plaza 2. Tyrone Square Mall 3. Countryside Mall

Favorite local hair stylist 1. Chris Kiss 2. Ross McCauley 3. Anne at Dolphin Village Hairstylists

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) artist 1. James Michael McCracken 2. Spathose 3. Jim Buresch

Favorite upscale restaurant 1. Bella Brava 2. Birch and Vine 3. Roux South Tampa

Favorite casual restaurant 1. Queen’s Head 2. Georgie’s Alibi 3. Mad dogs & englishmen

Favorite restaurant for breakfast/ brunch 1. Frog Pond

Favorite local florist 1. Island Flowers 2. Apple Blossom 3. Carters

Favorite area museum or gallery 1. Salvador dali Museum 2. St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts 2. Tampa Museum of Art

Favorite local framing shop 1. Tyrone Frame and Mirror 2. Grand Central Stained Glass

2. The Queens Head 3. First Watch

Favorite restaurant for late-night dining 1. Taco Bus 2. Georgie’s Alibi 3. new York Pizza

Favorite local food truck 1. Taco Bus 2. Maggie on the Move 3. Zoinks

3. Davidson’s Frame Continued on pg. 39 | uu |

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

THANKS WATERMARK READERS! WHAT AN HONOR!!

• Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut To Your Speciications

2015 WINNER

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THANK YOU

for wearing condoms, getting tested, knowing your status, playing safe, talking about HIV, sharing your status with partners, ‘Walking’ with us, working to end the stigma, learning, accepting and supporting positive individuals, allowing us to support the Tampa Bay Community for 27 years and voting AIDS Serivce Association of Pinellas as Most Effective Tampa Bay LGBT Organization & AIDS Walk Tampa Bay as Favorite Tampa Bay Charitable Event.

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MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

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For the past two years, Tauber has worked at Quench Lounge, and this year, readers selected him as “Favorite Bartender” in the Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence.

“I enjoy my job and the clientele that comes into Quench,” Tauber says. “I hope that’s what they see.

I always try to be a part of the party and treat people how I like to be treated.”

Like so many of us, Tauber moved to Tampa Bay for the weather—which is much better this time of year than in Wisconsin, where he lived before relocating to Clearwater. The 39-yearold says he’s surprised at how quickly time seems to move in the Sunshine State, but he’s thrilled at the memories he’s already made.

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“Every year Quench Lounge hosts an event on the last weekend of April called Half-O-Ween,” Tauber says when asked about his favorite memory at the bar.

The costume contest is a way to celebrate the halfway point to Halloween.

“Last year Daphne Ferraro hosted with guest stars Yvonne Divina and Kathryn Nevets. They did a Hocus Pocus skit from the movie and the bar crowd stopped everything they were doing just to watch.

No one was drinking and people came in from outside. When it was over the crowd went wild.

I’ve never seen such an amazing performance anywhere and it will be something I’ll never forget.

It was just brilliant.”

While the job of

10/10/14 3:45 PM

watermark Your lgbt life.

10/10/14 3:45 PM

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

QUENCH LOUNGE

bartender is a fun one for Tauber, he admits it does have its challenges— especially when it comes to remembering people’s names. But the location of Quench adds to that problem, which is a good thing.

“We have a great clientele and I would say we have a real Cheers bar where everyone is welcome,” he says. “I love the people I’ve met.

We’re centrally located between Clearwater and St. Pete and Tampa. So we get people from all around the bay.”

And with his job, Tauber is always excited to welcome newcomers to the bar and to the area.

“Being fairly new to the Bay area myself, everyone was so welcoming,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Quench Lounge is at 13284 66th St. N., at the intersection of 66th Street and Ulmerton. The bar opens at 2 p.m. daily.

—Steve Blanchard

| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.36

Favorite local LGBT (friendly) chef or caterer 1. Orange Blossom Catering 2. Sarasota Catering 3. Chef Jeff Jew at Bella Brava

Favorite local hotel/B&B 1. Flamingo Resort

Favorite local bartender/ server 1. CJay Tauber at Quench Lounge 2. Brad Cullipher at Bradleys on 7th 3. Jeff Beadle at Quench Lounge

1. Kori Stevens 2. Amy deMilo

3. Hollander Hotel

3. Matthew McGee

Favorite LGBT club/bar

Favorite local stage performer

2. Enigma 3. Quench Lounge

Favorite LGBT happy hour 1. Georgie’s Alibi

2. Jennifer Real 3. Joey Panek

Favorite local musician 1. Lisa Noe 2. Paul Thomas

3. Quench Lounge

3. Jami Gee

Favorite host for karaoke, trivia or bingo

Favorite local DJ 1. dJ l. Mo 2. Bruce Devery 3. DJ Reagan

2. dJ l. Mo at Georgie’s Alibi

Favorite local photographer

3. Tori Michaels at Queens Head

2. Nick Cardello

1. Jeff Klein 3. Belinda Livengood

Bar with the hottest eye candy 1. GBar 2. Enigma 3. Quench Lounge

DJ L. MO

1. Matthew McGee

2. Enigma

1. Amy deMilo at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor

Favorite local DJ

Favorite local drag performer

2. Gay St. Pete House

1. Georgie’s Alibi

Photo by Nick Cardello

Favorite local radio station 1. FLZ 2. 97X 3. WUSF

Continued on pg. 41 | uu |

F

or the second year In a

row, Watermark readers selected DJ L. Mo as their “Favorite local DJ.” And the Indian Rocks Beach native couldn’t be happier with the recognition or his career.

“I’ve had a passion for music since elementary school,” DJ L. Mo says.

“Everything I did while growing up had something to do with music—dancing, choir, owning a dance studio.

All of that led me to the passion of making my own creations and mixes.

The 38-year-old most often spins at Georgie’s Alibi in St. Petersburg. He says he’s an approachable DJ that uses an open format.

“That means I’m not stuck in one style of music,” he says.

“I’m catering to the needs of a club or venue each night. I’m not afraid to try new things during an open set or to drop in a song that no one expects.”

And when it works—which is most of the time—he can see

watermark Your lgbt life.

it in the club.

“I love packing the dance floor and looking around to see people dancing around the bars,” DJ L. Mo says. “That’s what makes me love my job.”

And his fans clearly love him. He says that could be because his DJ persona is no different than his dayto-day persona, and people appreciate that.

“I’m a people person in both environments and I love interactions with all people,” he says. “I live by the motto, ‘Treat people how you want to be treated.’ Me behind the music scene in a club or venue makes me no different.”

DJ L. Mo has varied music tastes, but he says his favorite artists currently are Bruno Mars and Pharrel Williams.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

“Call me a sellout for music-play radio, but these two continue to adapt and change the music industry,” he says. “Bruno Mars is the current day Michael Jackson, catering to most genres.”

Adapting and changing is what DJ L. Mo continues to do, and he has plenty of influences locally to help him do just that.

“I am a huge fan of some of the great local DJs in the Tampa Bay area,” he says. “Tampa Bay has some serious DJ talent. I like to blend different styles of lots of different DJs to produce what I bring to the table.”

He says his goal is simple—to make people happy.

“Today’s society has shifted to make people believe it’s always about them,” he says. “I try to find a way to satisfy them as well as the other 250-300 people in the bar.”

—Steve Blanchard

39

40

watermark Your lgbt life.

Ma rch 12 - M a rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

Photo by Nick Cardello

MCC Welcomes You!

Favorite local LGBT artist

JAMES MICHAEL MCCRACKEN

F

or years, James mIchael

McCracken put his art second.

Instead, he did what he says was expected of him—he went to college and then worked for two decades as a nurse.

It wasn’t until he rediscovered his childhood love years later that he decided to focus full-time on his craft, which earned him the title of “Favorite local LGBT artist” by Watermark readers this year.

“I started in grammar school and I got something published in a newspaper there,” McCracken says of his early inspiration.

“In high school, I took art classes and won some contests. But my parents weren’t supportive of my art or me being gay, which is why I ended up in college.”

The Virginia native spent a majority of his adulthood in Atlanta, but moved to Tampa Bay in 2000, where he reconnected with his love of art.

“I went back to the kid I was before I let everyone else decide what I should do,” he says. “I’d say I do traditional fine art. I paint a lot like the 1500s.

I also love watercolors.

But I try to get involved in all aspects.”

McCracken says he really enjoys still life— especially the anatomy of the human body. But he also realizes that

| uu | WAVE Awards From pg.39

Favorite local TV station 1. Bay News 9 2. Fox 13 3. WFLA

Favorite local performing arts venue 1. Straz Center for the Performing Arts 2. freeFall Theater 3. American Stage

it’s his job to make his clients happy.

“The most challenging part is all of the hours you have to put into it, from learning your skill set to promoting yourself to pleasing your clients or different galleries,” he says. “It’s very difficult to make a living as an artist.

But it’s a love.”

The 52-year-old was surprised to learn he was nominated in this year’s WAVE ballot, and admits he was shocked when he learned he won.

“I was so shocked and so happy,” he says. “Thank you to Watermark’s readers for nominating and voting for me. It was a complete surprise. Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to the future.”

To learn more about McCracken and his art, search for StPeteArtisan on Google to find links to his works in galleries.

He also says that anyone interested in his artwork is free to find him on Facebook to learn more.

Join us for joyful worship, Sundays at 10 am

2015 WINNER

Thank you for voting us #1

3150 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 727-323-5857 www.churchstpetersburg.org

—Steve Blanchard

Favorite go-to website or app for hooking up 1. Grindr 2. Craigslist 3. Scruff

Favorite adult novelty store 1. XTC 2. MC Film Festival 3. The Todd

watermark Your lgbt life.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

41

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watermark Your lgbt life.

(407) 650-9558 • Events@HistoricDubsdread.com www.HistoricDubsdread.com

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

artS and entertainment

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH—

AGAIN! ComiC CHristine o’leary Brings Her Beloved stand-up BaCk to st. pete for a metro HealtH fundraiser.

W

Stephen J. Miller

Ildly popular lesBIan comedIan

Christine O’Leary just wants to make people laugh. And she’ll surely do just that when she returns to St. Petersburg on March 13 and 14.

“I am codependent enough to have the perfect work ethic for stand-up. I will do whatever it takes till I make you like me!” says O’Leary.

O’Leary is a favorite among the Tampa Bay/St. Pete community. She first appeared at Laughter in Paradise in 2008. In 2010, O’Leary returned to open for famous drag performer Varla Jean Merman. For St. Pete Pride in 2012, O’Leary and was named Mistress of Ceremonies.

However, stand-up isn’t her only goal—O’Leary has a long history of social activism.

“Comedy is a way to tell the truth, and comedy is a way to solve a problem.

And everybody has a little of both,” says O’Leary.

She acknowledges that gays can still be fired from jobs, kids are still bullied for coming out, and transgender people

watermark Your lgbt life.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

are still mistreated. Her newest shows will benefit LGBT programming at Metro Wellness & Community Centers (MetroTampaBay.org).

We called her at her Connecticut home—as feet and feet of snow surrounded her. We caught up on her life and her expectations for the St. Pete shows. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm, though, immediately got us diving through current pop culture: CHriStine o’leary: Have you seen Transparent?

WATERMARK: yeS, tHiS iS weird; i JuSt

Started binge-watCHing it laSt weeK!

CHriStine o’leary: Excellent! My friend, Ian Harvey, is the love interest in episode five, named Dale. He’s a trans comic who I started my career with.

Continued on pg. 47 | uu |

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Ma rch 12 - M a rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

film

Focused on ‘The Grind’

Local filmmaker’s flick about Grindr wins shorts competition didn’t actually meet until that night.

WILSON: None of the dialogue was written down. We were improvising... and I thought, okay, Drew’s cute, and I’d actually go on a date with him. We actually started getting to know each other on camera.

Was that a little nerve wracking?

ALDRICH: I’d never done anything like this before. Usually, my sexuality is pretty close to vest. Even though a few friends and family know about it, this is more of a way of shocking the hell out of them. I couldn’t think of a better way to do it, to bring more awareness to this aspect of the culture.

WILSON: Once it started happening, I really wanted to commit to it.

I did the things I’d do anyway [meeting someone].

DOOBAY: Having them meet that night really worked for the film.

about the hook up: (L-R) Drew Aldrich, director Robert Doobay, and Gordon Hirsch Wilson plan to accompany their awardwinning film in Hollywood.

Photo by Jake Stevens

O

What about the perception that this is negative toward Grindr?

Stephen J. Miller

rlando | The Grind is a concise,

emotional film about one man’s experience on the gay dating app Grindr. Only five minutes long, it was created in a week. Constructed by University of Central Florida student Robert Doobay, The Grind won the jury prize in the Campus Movie Fest on Feb. 19.

Now Doobay and his two actors— UCF student Gordon Hirsch Wilson and Stetson’s Drew Aldrich—are looking forward to the national finals in Hollywood this summer.

The film is available free at CampusMovieFest.com/ movies/37685-The-Grind.

Through three separate interviews, Watermark got the lowdown: WATERMARK: How did you get

into this?

ROBERT DOBAY: I started doing film competitions in high school. My most common award is always for Best Editing. My cousin says I won’t eat or sleep or take restroom breaks or regard my personal hygiene; I’ll just edit. It takes 110% of my focus.

GORDON HIRSCH WILSON: Robert

has a very visual view of the world. I agreed to do this project as a sort of favor. And then he came over one night with Drew, and I’d even made other plans that I had to cancel to do the filming. And then later, when I saw it all done, I thought, “Oh my God, Robert’s really talented at this!”

DOOBAY: I’ve known Drew for about a month now. We mashed on Tindr. [Laughs] WILSON: And Robert and I met through Tindr. In fact, this wouldn’t have happened without social apps.

How much was scripted?

DOOBAY: I had ideas. I told [the actors] what I wanted to happen, and they brought it out themselves by relating to it. I didn’t want it to be too scripted.

DREW ALDRICH: In fact, Gordon and I

watermark Your lgbt life.

DOOBAY: I didn’t want the film to condemn Grindr or other apps, because they are convenient ways to meet gay people. But men will be men, and they’ll let their other head think for them.

WILSON: I’ve been on Scruff and Grindr, and I’ve had these experiences, these horror stories. But I’ve also had good ones, too.

DOOBAY: There’s a whole spectrum of discourse about how men conduct their online relationships, and this [film] is a part of that.

WILSON: Social apps are a totally new territory where people allow themselves to act in a way they’d never act in real life. I worry that some of the reception of the film will sound like we’re taking Grindr and Scruff to task. But the vast majority of people I’ve met—and the longest relationship I’ve had—were started online. It’s the way it is now.

There are a lot of Orlando locations:

DOOBAY: We started at Gordon’s house [in Colonialtown], where a majority of the film takes place.

WILSON: At 8 p.m., he arrived, and Robert wanted to make it look like I lived there myself, like I was lonely and seeking connection. Robert came in and

Ma rch 12 - M a rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

moved things around.

DOOBAY: [The art on the walls] are all Gordon’s grandpa’s paintings, which was sort of added production value. We also went to BART and Lil’ Indies.

WILSON: I love how the film shows a side of Orlando that a lot of people outside of Florida don’t know about.

Besides the excellent editing, there’s a lot of cool use of focus in the film.

DOOBAY: Thank you! I used the 50mm Canon EF lens. It gives you a very shallow depth of field. When Randy [the character played by Wilson] was alone, I wanted the shots on a tripod—staid and static, like his life. When he starts talking to Mike [Aldrich], the color goes to warmer, the

“I didn’t want the film to condemn Grindr or other apps, because they are convenient ways to meet gay people.

But men will be men, and they’ll let their other head think for them.”

—Robert Doobay

shots get more life. I go to handheld on the date, because it’s a more dynamic feel.

How did you feel about the film’s chances going into the competition?

DOOBAY: When people started talking about it—how natural it looked—I loved that.

ALDRICH: It had won four sets of competitions a week prior.

WILSON: I was amazed when Robert first shared it with me, because he’s really talented. But as we were watching it in the competition, I could tell it was really special.

Are you looking forward to the national competition?

DOOBAY: Yes, definitely.

ALDRICH: Gordon, Robert and I were talking about it immediately when it won.

WILSON: When else do we have an opportunity to do something like this?

45

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Sponsors: Helen Torres Foundation • Dr. Zena Lansky & Mr. Warren Rodgers • Greenberg Traurig, P.A. • Florida Health Care News/Dr. Barry Levine & Gina d’ Angelo Raymond James • Neiman Marcus • Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners & Tourist Development Council Media Sponsor: WEDU.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

| uu | Christine O’Leary From pg.43

It’s so funny, I just love Transparent, and I still sort of waited at first to watch it.

So, Ian’s telling me over and over I have to, and I was, “I will, I will!”

After I started, I had to keep reminding myself that there were only 15 episodes.

It was like the most delicious plate of dessert, and I was worried because it kept getting smaller and smaller as I consumed it.

So as Watermark’s film reviewer, did you have to see Fifty Shades of Grey? yeS, it’S prinCeSS porn.

Ha, princess porn! And, come on, there’s such hotter lesbian erotica—Susie Bright, 1993. It’s the hottest shit there is. 50 Shades is so boring next to that!

People make a lot of assumptions when you are doing stand-up. I address those. Sometimes I can get people to laughing quicker.

More in stand-up is not necessarily better—quicker is better. Stand-up is about economizing. My experience has been that young comics try to fill time. If you have 15 minutes, and you only have five minutes of material, I say do four and half minutes, kill, and get out.

How’d you get into training otHer ComiCS?

I love stand-up and I’ll do that for the rest of my life… I get high on making people happy Teaching makes me happy.

It’s like freebasing joy.

I am a happiness junky. you Had a FamouS inCident onCe in St. pete...

So I got booked for another Pride. I was grand marshaling the whole time on this

and he and a bunch of other people I now consider dear friends talked me into going to the hospital.

Now I’d sold out that night’s show! Earlier that day, I’d done a fashion show with [gay comic] Alec Mapa, and I asked him to take over my sold-out show. He said, “I didn’t sell out the show, Christine, you did. You have to do it.”

They got a wheelchair, and these two lovely gay boys wheeled me on and got me into a recliner, and I did my show. I mean, foot up, no shower, just put on extra lipstick, do the Pocahontas twist with the hair, in a recliner on stage. And I killed it!

you Seem to remember every name you run into!

I think it’s one of those borderline idiot-savant skills that don’t exactly yield anything useful to society

I think it’s one of those borderline idiot-savant skills that don’t exactly yield anything useful to society as a whole…but there are weird things I remember forever!

—chrIstIne o’leary tHiS iS a blaSt! do you want to Start tHe aCtual interview?

Sure!

you Have a loving relationSHip witH St. pete. How’d tHat Start?

I really do! Here’s the thing— my friend, Cate Colgan [of Cate.tv], introduced me to St. Pete about a million years ago—we’ll have to figure out how long ago. I remember it was for St. Pete Pride, and then I did a show at the Nova 535. They were just opening, and I did very well, I got a standing ovation; that was exciting!

you do a lot oF improviSation and FreeForm StuFF, witH quiCK-Fire JoKe aFter JoKe. How did you Create tHat Style?

Segue, did a whole show that way. Yeah, Bette Midler and her wheelchair have nothing on me!

After about an hour and a half on the Segue, in a big pink, floppy hat and a pink prom dress, I went to park it—it’s like a flashback, I swear!

I had to get off of it and quick, because that machine started having a mind of its own, going back and forth and back and forth. I ended up face down; it was a good thing I didn’t bust out all of my teeth! Face down in a dress with a hat!

Then the left front toe of my shoe basically gets pulled into the motor of the Segue, and the machine is bucking, and the corner of my dress is about to be ripped away.

Out of nowhere came this man—who I now know as Cecil Warf—who helped me,

To read bonus content from this interview, go to

watermarkonline.com

PUCCINI “One of the best productions to be found anywhere.” —Herald-Tribune “Kara Shay Thomson IS Tosca. From the moment she sings her first notes ... the night is hers.” —Observer Group Showing through March 28. Next performances: Saturday, March 14 | Tuesday, March 17 Also in the 2015 Winter Opera Festival: Don Carlos The Marriage of Figaro | The Golden Cockerel Seats start at $19— see all 4 operas for just $69!

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as a whole… It’s helpful to me, personally, but there are weird things I remember forever! I remember energy, the sort of energy people put off. I don’t remember dates, but I remember people.

I’ve been to people’s houses. I met a lot of people and then I snuck out of a window in St. Pete at Naked Yoga. I get treated very well at all the restaurants down there. You’ve got trans folks who are very welcoming. I don’t know how you do it, but you have great church communities, who are very kind. They just shine on me. They’re worth remembering!

SUN • MAR 29 • 7PM FERGUSON HALL

more information who: Christine O’Leary when: March 13 & 14 where: Metro Wellness, St. Petersburg tIckets: MetroTampaBay.org

watermark Your lgbt life.

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Join the cast for a post post-show show milonga milonga.

Experience the passion of live dancing, music, and more!

STRAZ CENTER

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SHOW.

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1018

Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Handling fees will apply.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Ma rch 12 - M a rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

event planner

arts+entertainment

Community Calendar

orlando

orlando

varieTEASE: Carnies, through March 14, March 19-21, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org.

rainbow run dr. phIllIps communIty park sunday, march 15, 6:30 a.m.

Motown The Musical, through March 15, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org.

The third annual Rainbow Run 5K and 1-Mile Walk for Wellness and Equality is back and this year proceeds benefit the Zebra Coalition. The run is held at Dr. Phillips Community Park and the starting pistol fires promptly at 7 a.m. For details, email algbticrainbowrun2@gmail.com.

Kevin Kelly, March 12, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.com.

tampa

Ron White, March 13, Hard Rock Live, Orlando.

407-351-5483; HardRock.com.

FAME Orlando, March 14, 21, Hard Rock Live, Orlando.

407-351-5483; HardRock.com.

The Life and Mind of Mark DeFriest, March 16, Enzian, Orlando. 407-629-0054; Enzian.org.

Paul Anthony, March 16, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com.

The Philadelphia Story, March 18-April 19, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com.

Dangerous Liaisons, March 20-April 12, Moonlight Players Theater, Clermont. 352-243-5875; MoonlightPlayers.com.

Monty Python’s Spamalot, March 20-21, 26-29 and April 3-5, Daytona Playhouse, Daytona Beach. 386-255-2431; DaytonaPlayhouse.org.

Leonard Nimoy’s Vincent, March 20, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com.

One Night of Queen, March 22, The King Center, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com.

Fleetwood Mac, March 23, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com. orlando Ballet: Uncorked, March 24, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org.

SHining ON Sarah McLachlan brings her Shine On tour to Florida this month with stops at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando on March 24, the Van Wezel in Sarasota on March 27, and at Ruth Eckerd Hall on March 29. For tickets, visit TicketMaster.com.

tampa bay Bright Lights, Big City, through March 22, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreeFallTheatre.com. virginia Woolf’s Orlando, through March 29, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

First Date, through April 19, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Gutenberg! The Musical!, March 11-12, March 13-April 5, American Stage Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org.

Art in Bloom, March 12-16, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667; Fine-Arts.org

Madama Butterfly, March 13-15, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Lip-Schtick, March 1415, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com.

Lewis Black, March 14, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Motown The Musical, March 17-22, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Boy Meets Girl, March 18, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreeFallTheatre.com. one Night of Queen, March 19, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5798; TheMahaffey.com.

SaraSota Jersey Boys, through March 15, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org.

The Matchmaker, through April 11, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-9010; AsoloRep.org.

Both Your Houses, through April 12, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-9010; AsoloRep.org.

7th avenue, yBor cIty saturday, march 14, 5 p.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the annual Rough Riders’ night parade celebrating Irish heritage. The parade route goes right down 7th Avenue in the historic Tampa neighborhood and includes the GaYbor District Coalition float. Get there early for prime parking!

St. peterSburg

Taste of Pride salvador dalI museum saturday, march 21, 7-10 p.m.

See your friends from St. Pete Pride at the annual Taste of Pride celebration held at the amazing Dali Museum. This annual tradition features food and drinks from area restaurants as well as a chance to catch up with what’s new with Florida’s largest LGBT Pride festival. Get tickets at StPetePride.com.

Gay Marriage and Finances hangar restaurant thursday, march 19, 6 p.m.

Marriage equality has arrived in Florida, but what does that mean from a financial standpoint? Join lawyers and financial advisors as they discuss the pros and cons of legal marriage for same-sex couples.

bradenton

Our Betters, through April 19, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-9010; AsoloRep.org.

Anything Goes, March 16, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org.

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

watermark Your lgbt life.

2015 rough riders Parade

Manatee Pride Bradenton rIverwalk saturday, march 21, 12-5 p.m.

Come celebrate the second annual Manatee Pride celebration held at the Bradenton Riverwalk and created by Prism Youth. The young festival boasted well over 1,000 attendees in 2014 and more are expected this year. Entry is free and so is the entertainment. For details visit PrismYouth.org.

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Announcing the Second Annual

Saturday March 21st, 2015

from 12-5 at the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk Featuring live entertainment, great music, local vendors, fine food and craft beer.

Admission is free and all proceeds will benefit Prism Youth Initiative, which provides services to the LGBTQ youth of Manatee County

For more info please visit www.manateepride.com or call 941-357-0111

FEATURING:

SPONSORED BY:

SERENA CHACHA 50

watermark Your lgbt life.

Ma rch 12 - M a rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

overheard

tampa bay out+about

Finally re-opened

e

verythIng was set for the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Baxter’s Lounge the last weekend of February— except that construction wasn’t quite finished.

These things happen, and fortunately dates for celebrations can be changed. So the new date to celebrate the re-grand opening of Baxter’s Lounge was shifted to March 5, and it was a success. The newly renovated and historic club is now owned

by Kurt King, who also owns the area’s two Hamburger Mary’s restaurants. The club on Dale Mabry has been part of Tampa’s LGBT community for more than three decades, and on the grand opening night, 100% of the proceeds benefited the upcoming Tampa Pride.

big time wedding

o

n feB. 18, yBor cIty was turned Into a weddIng receptIon when Chou Chou Guilder and Tiffany Erica tied the knot in properties owned by Radiant Oil Company. Each woman had 12 attendees and each bride wore a matching Vera Wang wedding dress.

After the vows, the party moved into The Honey Pot for a massive reception. The location made sense, since Guilder has tended bar at the popular club for nearly eight years. The couple say more than 600 people were invited to the celebration and at least 400 made it to the actual party.

top loCal CHeF FeatureS lgbtS

t

op local chef 2015 Is comIng to gulfport, and this year there are few very familiar names to LGBTs: Maggie Loflin of Maggie on the Move Food Truck and Rene Valenzuela of Taco Bus are both in the top six! The two will face off against the other finalists at a star-studded event at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom on April 26. The contest begins at 5 p.m. and each finalist will have to create a dish using a brand new sauce called “Must Thai,” an all natural Thai blended mustard sauce. Tickets for the event—and VIP access—are available through TopLocalChef.com. Judges include local food experts and journalists from throughout Tampa Bay.

Countdown to polK pride

p

rIde In polk county doesn’t offIcIally arrIve untIl June 20, but there’s so much excitement about this year’s celebration that a countdown is already in the works. On March 21, from 6-10 p.m., Countdown to Polk Pride will hold a fundraiser at Hurricane Alley. The celebration is in partnership with PFLAG of Polk County and the Lakeland Youth Alliance and the $10 cover goes directly to the organizing costs of Polk Pride. For details on the Countdown to Pride celebration and the June event, visit PolkPrideFL.com.

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new toy: Madeira Beach couple Rogerio Neves, left, and Allen yergovich celebrate their newest passage to weekend fun—The Dolphin, their new boat. PHoto COURTESY ROGERIO nEvES

2

makIng a poInt: Amy DeMilo stands near a sign explaining the importance of gender neutral restrooms at the American College Personnel Association convention held at the Tampa Convention Center the weekend of March 7.

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PHOTO COURTESY AMY DEMILO

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after work networkIng: Stephanie Nichols, left, and Ashley Brundage wait for the first raffle of the night to start at Watermark Wednesday held at City Side Lounge in Tampa Feb. 25. PHOTO BY STEvE BLAnCHARD

4

happIly ever after: Newlyweds tiffany Erica, left, and Chou Chou Guilder celebrate their wedding day—in Vera Wang gowns!—at The Honey Pot in Ybor City on Feb. 18. PHoto COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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chat and cocktaIls: (L-R) George Algozzina, Tom Barker, Joy Winheim and tony Miranda spend time together on the City Side Lounge patio during Watermark Wednesday Feb. 25.

PHOTO BY STEvE BLAnCHARD

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guys nIght out: This group of friends celebrates a night out at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City the first weekend in March.

PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

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laugh a mInute: Funny girl Margaret Cho performs at the Tampa Improv on Feb. 28.

PHOTO BY DAnnY GARCIA

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yBor ready: Watermark sales rep Danny Garcia, left, and buddy Chris Hannay spend time together at Bradley’s on 7th after the Margaret Cho concert. PHoto

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COURTESY CARRIE WEST

7 watermark Your lgbt life.

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MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

overheard

orlando out+about

minJ and minx taKe over mary’S

o

n march 2, fans of rUPAUL’S drAG rACE and gInger mInJ flocked to Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando where Minj was joined on stage by The Minx. The LOGO show’s Season 7 premiere introduced a gaggle of gals, including our local favorite. The audience quietly watched the show and were entertained

by Minj and The Minx during the commercial breaks. Minj provided some fun stories, none of which unfortunately revealed the final outcome, The second showing was just as packed and featured former contestant Detox, who is now based in Los Angeles. We definitely suggest booking your tables in advance each week.

2

Feeling luCKy

W

hen the BrInk suddenly Brunk’ed and closed Its doors, many wondered what would happen to the popular location. But it seems there’s word of a new guy in town who will resurrect Brink and add Lucky’s Lounge to the mix. Lucky’s Lounge will be the happy hour bar and is also known as the front bar. It’s scheduled to open sometime in late April. New GM Brian “Lucky” Smith says Brink will reintroduce its Friday and Saturday nights with themes. Smith recently returned to Orlando but promises to tell us more on the new venture as soon as he can. With a nickname like “Lucky,” certainly things will go smoothly.

1

Can you Feel tHe love tonigHt?

m

emBers of the mBa who helped organIze the mass vowed and proud weddIng ceremony in downtown Orlando Jan. 6 received a special invitation from Mayor Buddy Dyer recently. The Orlando Mayor asked those movers and shakers to join him at the Elton John concert held at the Amway Center earlier this month. The show lasted more than two hours and the performer literally played all of his hits, we hear.

‘WERQUE’ tHe nunway!

t

he orlando sIsters have made a haBIt of throwIng some great fundraIsers. So it should come as no surprise that the upcoming Project Nunway: The Sisters Grimm, will certainly deliver. The show is a twist on classic fairy tales and we’re sure they’ll be just naughty enough to be hilarious.

This is the second Project Nunway but this incarnation has been three years in the making.

This show will benefit the Zebra Coalition and feature performances by Skill Focus Burlesque and Divine Grace. Project Nunway is scheduled for 7 p.m., March 20, at the Parliament House.

This also happens to be the same weekend as Nunstoppable!, the annual conclave for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

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ROSEnTHAL

WILSOn

smIlIng faces: The host committee for the Zebra Coalition’s Jeff R. Voss Scholarship Fund gatheres to kickoff the Education Launch event that raised $21,671. PHOTO BY SAMAnTHA

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puttIng the ‘t’ In talk: C.O.O. of Earl of Sandwich Marisa Sandin (center) speaks in late February to the T-Network, a social group of the Metropolitan Business Association for the transgender and allied community.

PHOTO BY CHRIS STEPHEnSOn

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martIal ‘artIst’: Local photographer Lee Vandergrift (center) was evaluated on his second section on the road to getting his black belt at the Martial Arts Center for Health by instructors Scott orcutt (left) and Matt Mitchell. PHOTO COURTESY LEE vAnDERGRIFt

4

communIty leader: Local anchor Jorge Estevez (center) chats with attendees at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando’s 25 Influential Hispanics in Central Florida on Feb. 26. PHOTO COURTESY JUSTIn

DIGIOvAnnI PHOTOGRAPHY

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good musIc and good frIends: (L-R) Eric Rollings, Patty Sheehan, Daniel Wilson and Regina Hill enjoy the Elton John concert on March 7. PHOTO COURTESY DAnIEL

6

purple prIde: Rick Merrifield and Mike Fried of Ranger’s Pet Outpost join a crowd of 62,000 at the Orlando City Lions inaugural MLS match March 8 at the Citrus Bowl. PHOTO COURTESY

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RICK MERRIFIELD

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talk of the town: Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks (center) to appears on the set of “Know Your Rights,” a program on LGBT issues sponsored by the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association with hosts Camila Pachon Silva (left) and financial planner Ana Fernandez.

PHOTO COURTESY ASHLEY BRAvO OF ALLGEn FInAnCIAL

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mInJ dynasty: RuPaul Drag Race star Ginger Minj hosts a viewing party for Season 7 at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando on March 2. PHoto By

DAnnY GARCIA

8 watermark Your lgbt life.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

53

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MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

announcements

wedding bellS

Deborah Mace & April Tonchuk Both 29 and from Winter Park

engagement date:

Jan. 31, 2015 at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Wedding date:

March 11, 2016

Wedding venue:

The Veranda in Thornton Park

Wedding planner:

Jennie Maretti, director of special events for The Veranda at Thornton Park

Wedding Caterer:

John Michael Events

Wedding tHeme/Colors:

“Vintage Spring” with an eclectic combination of navy, mint, muted corals and stone gray

interesting faCt:

They have two dogs—Muffin and Teddy.

Photo by Moments by Mateo Photography & Videography

“h

er Beauty melts my soul,” says Deborah Mace about her soonto-be bride April Tonchuk.

Though the big day for these two ladies is a year away, April and Deb are looking forward to their March 2016 wedding, especially because they were the lucky winners of The Veranda at Thornton Park’s Marriage Equality Wedding Giveaway.

The two won an entire wedding for 50 people with the venue, tables and chairs provided

by The Veranda, a cake from Say It with Cake, floral decorations from Pixies and Petals, catering provided by John Michael Events, and photography for the day of by Rachel Doyle Photography.

“I think the biggest thing that

we got out of it—whether we won or not—was so much love and support,” says April.

Deb and April met through April’s sister. When Deb first started hanging out with her sister, she didn’t even know she “had an amazing older sister” until a couple months after they met.

“My sister was always at Lake Mary every weekend and hanging out with this new group of people that I had no idea who they were, so every time I would try to hang out with her she’d say ‘I’m in Lake Mary,’” says April, age 29. ”And I’d be like ‘What is so damn

special at Lake Mary?’ So then she introduced me to Deborah, and we started off as friends and we got to know each other more.”

Four and half years later, they are now engaged and ready to tie the knot. Deb, also 29, says she planned for a year how she was going to propose to April, starting off with asking her parents for her hand in marriage.

“April is a super amazing person,” Deb says. “When I first met her, of course her sense of family is definitely an attraction. She’s a beautiful person, and she’s so smart. I would even say that she’s smarter than I am. I think my most favorite thing about her is she really completes me. She’s everything I’m not, and what we bring together is just amazing.”

April and Deb say they are going to spend the next year planning their wedding and discussing details. They will also see what options are available since their wedding will have two blushing brides instead of one.

“I think there are going to be other things that we’re are going to kind of go untraditional, and I mean it’s a little bit different having two brides,” April says. ”I like the idea of some tradition, but I also like the idea of being untraditional.”

The Veranda has a bridal cottage that can be rented, and Deb says that’s one tradition they will follow. April will use the cottage the day of the wedding for getting ready and having pictures taken. Deb says she’s more excited for long-term goals—buying a house and having kids.

“I’m just thankful for my relationship,” Deb says. ”Things just kind of come together sometimes, and I just can’t be more thankful how everything is coming together.”

—Samantha Rosenthal

BIrthday duo: (L-R) St. Petersburg partners Bobby Poth and Steve Kornell both celebrate birthdays this month. Poth’s birthday is March 14, Kornell’s birthday is March 17.

congratulatIons: David Dorman (right) and Scott Penyak traveled to Washington D.C. for a Century 21 event on Feb. 23. Out of 65,000 C21 agents in the U.S., David was No. 51.

Congratulations

Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association turns 23 on March 12 and held its first general meeting in 1992.

Orlando restaurant wunderkind Jeremy Indomenico and Orlando dog-walker Don Williams celebrate their anniversary on March 14.

Winter Park couple Steve Roberts and Gary Lowe celebrated 18 years together on March 7.

loCal BirtHdays

The Florida/Georgia Gay Rodeo Association’s todd Garrett (March 12); Tampa muscle man and Pensacola native Danny Watson, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s co-owner John Paonessa (March 13); Largo bartender Mitch Demmons, Tampa event planner tim thompson (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche, St. Petersburg legal assistant and partner to St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, Bobby Poth (March 15); Out and proud St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, skincare genius Tabor Winstead (March 17); Associate Director of Admissions for Stetson Law School in Gulfport Darren Kettles (March 18); St. Petersburg massage therapist Terrell Ray, Tampa boot-scootin’ Florida Mavericks dancer and St. Pete Pride volunteer Dale Crocker (March 19); former Tampa resident and exotic animal expert Scott Lope, Sarasota County Health Department’s Sue Westcott, Tampa icon and “Hey Everybody!”-coining performer Stephanie Shippae, Hyde Park Antiques owner Randy Strebing (March 20); derby girl and inspirational speaker Emily “The EmPaleHer” Easterly, Homosassa hotelier Robert Bruno (March 21); fratboy Adam Conrad, St. Petersburg-based Rightously Outrageous Twirling Corps board member Eric Peak (March 24); derby girl and plant whisperer Jennifer “venus Deathtrap” Parrish, Tampa’s todd Brown (March 25);

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your lgbt life.

MA rch 12 - M A rch 25 , 2015 // Issue 2 2.0 6

55

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Residential • Commercial

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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice

Laws do not make families.

Love makes families, and your family is welcome here.

-Rev. Khleber Van Zandt Worship Service and Youth Religious Education Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Minister: Rev. Khleber Van Zandt

A LGBT Welcoming Congregation 1971 Pinebrook Rd. Venice, FL 34292

Read It Online!

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

Call 813-655-9890 For more inFormation

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Super Bowl, World Series champs back marriage equality Wire Report

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ashington | The New England Patriots are for same-sex marriage.

So are the San Francisco Giants.

The reigning football and baseball champions, along with baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, are among the thousands of businesses, religious groups, advocacy organizations and politicians who are filing legal briefs at the Supreme Court in support of

marriage equality.

The cases from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee will be argued April 28, and a decision is expected by early summer. Roughly six dozen briefs backing pro-gay rights plaintiffs in the four states were expected by the deadline.

Included is a ‘’people’s brief’’ filed by the Human Rights Campaign with the signatures of 207,551 people.

The Super Bowl champion Patriots, the World Series-winning Giants and the Rays are part of a brief from hundreds of U.S. businesses.

Rays president Brian Auld said it was important that his team stand up, as well. ‘’We’re a small but visible business and I actually think it’s important that we send this signal of inclusion to the entire region,’’ Auld said in a telephone interview.

Four couples from California and Virginia who had wanted the court to use their cases to settle the issue of same-sex marriage nationwide also are calling on the justices to strike down state marriage bans everywhere.

out after retiring and is MLB’s first ambassador for inclusion, to talk at spring training.

“I disagree with his lifestyle,” he told NJ.com. “I do disagree with the fact that Billy is a homosexual.”

He said he feels that way because he is “trying to surrender to Christ in my own life.”

Murphy said Christians may not have been articulate enough in describing their stance on homosexuality.

He said: “We love the people.

We disagree (with) the lifestyle.”

A Mets spokesman said Murphy would no longer discuss the issue with reporters.

Mets player disagrees with gay ‘lifestyle’ Wire Report

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ewark, N.J. | Mets infielder Daniel Murphy says he disagrees with the “lifestyle” of people who are gay.

The Mets hosted Billy Bean, a former major leaguer who came

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S.C. college condemns gays Staff Report

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ue West, S.C. | A college in South Carolina with at least two openly gay athletes has issued a statement condemning homosexuality.

Erskine College, a Division II school in the small town of Due West, S.C., issued a statement saying all students are expected to follow the Bible’s teachings about sexuality.

“We believe the Bible teaches that all sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage is sinful and therefore ultimately destructive to the parties involved,” the school said in its statement. “As a Christian academic community, and in light of our institutional mission, members of the Erskine community are expected to follow the teachings of scripture concerning matters of human sexuality and institutional decisions will be made in light of this position... Sexual relations outside of marriage or between persons of the same sex are spoken of in scripture as sin and contrary to the will of the Creator.”

In March 2014, Outsports.com profiled two gay men’s volleyball players at the school. One of the players, Drew Davis, told the website that he believed he had helped change his teammates’ views on homosexuality.

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he thIrd annual frInge at hard rock celeBratIon raIsed $9,000 on march 2.

This year’s theme was “Dancing With the Fringe Stars”—and those stars did not disappoint. Seven dance groups competed and five other acts performed. The prize included VIP passes to the 2015 Fringe Festival and some impressive bragging rights. This year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival is May 13-25.

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Dancing with the Fringe Stars tHurSday, marCH 2, 2015

Photography by Jake Stevens

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