Watermark Issue 22.08: Gay Geeks

daYtona beach • orlando • tampa • st. petersburg • sarasota • issue 22.08 •april 9 - april 22, 2015 • watermarkonline.com

GAME ON! ON! lgbt geeks find their tribe, podcast their passions and gear up to infiltrate megacon 2015

fired from a winter park school, lesbian teachers

FIGHT BACK

TAMPA PRIDE

attendance tops 35,000

BAKERY BACK IN BUSINESS after being harassed for refusing anti-gaY order

On Tuesday, April 28th, restaurants in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas will come together to fight AIDS by donating 25% or more of your bill. Go online for the current list of participating restaurants.

GULFPORT

Tuesday Fresh Market Stella’s Deli - B Backfin Blue Cafe - D Beach Haus - D Habana Cafe - D Isabelle’s at the Peninsula Inn & Spa - D La Cote Basque Winehouse - D Mangia Gourmet - B,L,D Neptune Grill - L,D O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille - D Oar House Bar Pegs Cantina and Brew Pub - D Pia’s Trattoria - D Siri’s Gourmet Burgers & Pizza - D Smokin Js BBQ - L,D Tangelo’s - D

CLEARWATER

Country Skillet - B,L,D Gulf Coast Po’ Boys - L Hamburger Mary’s - D Pro Shop Pub Quench Lounge

DUNEDIN

Casa Tina - D Kelly’s For Just About Anything - D Pan y Vino - D Hot Dogs On Main - L

TAMPA

 Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar - D  The Bourgeois Pig Restaurant / Bar OZ - D Hamburger Mary’s - D Kurdis Fresh Mediterranean Grill - D Ybor City Wine Bar - D

ST PETERSBURG

Flamingo Resort Fresh Go Wild Market & Grill - L Downtown 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House - L  The Mandarin Hide - D Gratzzi Italian Grille - D The Hangar - B Parkshore Grill - D Grand Central District  Community Cafe - D 35%  LGBT Welcome Center - Deserts 100% Cappy’s Pizza - D The Queens Head- D  Casita Taqueria - D The Burg Bar & Grill - L,D  Sazon Restaurante - D Urban Brew & BBQ - D  Old Key West Bar and Grill - L,D The Garage on Central Georgie’s Alibi - D

FOOD TRUCK RALLY

St. Petersburg - Williams Park Maggie on the Move - L  The Cheese Steak Truck - L  Cajun in a Truck - L Latin Lunch Box - L  TropicCool - L  Heavy’s Food Truck - L Pasta Bowl Food Truck - L Dunedin - Bauser’s Bar  Charlie Tulum’s Dos Tacos - D  Disco Donuts - D  Skoops Italian Ice - D  Who’s Your Dumplin? - D

 ORLANDO

Southern Moon Smokehouse - D Flippers Pizzaria - D Only: 80 West Grant Street 32806

Tako Cheena - D  = New for 2015!

Want your restaurant to be part of this list?

Contact ASAPEvents@EmpathHealth.org

This list is constantly growing. See all of the new additions online:

DineTB.org PRESENTED BY:

DineOrlando.org

SPONSORED NATIONALLY BY:

SPONSORED LOCALLY BY:

® = Registered trademark of Dining Out For Life International Association, Inc. used under license by AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, Inc. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH3696) 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.

2

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.

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

Dine out, fight AIDS.

Tuesday, April 28

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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departmentS 6 // maIl

PAGE

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8 // OrlandO neWS 12 // tampa bay neWS 16 // State

We have people stopping in, buying cupcakes and being supportive.

There’s just so much hate out there and I don’t want to support that.

—sharOn haller, cO-Owner Of cut the cake bakery in lOngwOOd, whO faced harassment after refusing tO make a cake with an anti-gay message.

17 // natIOn & WOrld neWS 35 // COmmunIty Calendar 37 // tampa bay OverHeard 39 // OrlandO OverHeard 40 // tampa bay marketplaCe 41 // tranSItIOnS 42 // OrlandO marketplaCe 46 // SpOrtS

On tHe COver

PAGE

PAGE GAY GEEKS:

23

This issue of Watermark explores geek culture and its ties to the LGBT community as Orlando is invaded Apr. 10-12 for MegaCon, Central Florida’s massive multi-genre pop culture convention.

29

lgbt ‘IdOl’:

Power pop sensation Kelly Clarkson talks about her new album Piece By Piece, her strong bond with the LGBT community and her ‘Kezbo’ following.

Watermark I SSue 22.08 // aprI l 9 - aprIl 22, 2015

OrlandO neWS

tampa bay

talkIng pOIntS

‘In SOlIdarIty’

PAGE AIDS Walk 2015 brings

PAGE After a hiatus of more

PAGE

PAGE

Illustration by Jake Stevens

SCan qr COde fOr

WatermarkOnlIne.COm

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

08

locals out to Lake Eola for the event’s 20th year; Cut The Cake bakery in Longwood asked to bake a cake with an anti-gay remark on it; Winter Park teachers allegedly fired for being gay; more.

12

than a decade, Tampa Pride brings in the masses; Metro Wellness Center Town Hall panel discusses Artiles’ ‘bathroom bill;’ 2015 grand marshals to be announced at St. Pete Pride Kickoff Party.

Glee ends its six-year run with a two-hour series finale; HBO announces it will not bring back Looking for a third season; celebrities slam Indiana governor for signing so-called “religious freedom” bill; more.

21

Professor and activist Lisa Tillman’s new academic book explores the complications of family dynamics—what it means to have a gay family member, how they discuss homosexuality and how they show support for equal rights

31

kathY griffin will perform at the lakeland center in april. win tickets to see her live at watermarkonline.com!

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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reader feedbaCk letter tO tHe edItOr:

w

here is the natiOnal cOnversatiOn on these state bills to legalize discrimination (in the name of “Religious Freedom”)? Where is the national outrage? Legalizing discrimination against any group diminishes everyone and tears at the social fabric. Rather than bringing everyone together we are tearing our society apart.

Where are the Democratic leaders on megaphones pointing out the bigotry and hatred? Why isn’t President Obama calling a press conference to call out this behavior and express how this is wrong, even illegal? Are my Republican friends not embarrassed, even mortified at what their leaders are doing in their name? They are using the same reasoning and rationale that was used to deny service to blacks, not hire blacks, keep women in their place….all lessons our society should have learned. Where are the business leaders speaking out loudly about how this will damage reputations of states, hurt economies, hurt citizens, hurt business?

Though I know this is a reaction to progress I have been cheering, I see great danger in these

“legalizing discrimination against any group diminishes everyone and tears at the social fabric.”

—tim hintOn

actions. I am shocked, dismayed, sad, angry at this desperate reaction from so-called religious folk, and I hate the potential for divisions that will grow in the future if this continues.

Remember… “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-…”

TIM HINTON ORLANDO, FL

WatermarkOnlIne.COm: on a longwood bakerY harassed after refusing to make an anti-gaY cake

Hatred will never win. That man is nothing but hatred personified. All the best to this sweet little bakery!

—EV398E

Watermark faCebOOk page: on the florida house advancing the familY discrimination bill

Over 14,000 children in foster care in Florida alone, and narrow-minded, intolerant legislators feel it appropriate to spend their

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watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

time giving license to people to discriminate. SMH. And, all based on beliefs that run completely counter to any scientific evidence.

—ANTHONY ANDREALA on “religious freedom” bill being sent to arkansas governor

I have an idea: let’s make all the sinners and people who are unacceptable to Indiana and Arkansas wear arm bands with a special symbol on them. That will make it easier for the faithful to identify other faithful and they’ll know who to serve.

These people are going down a path of irreversible consequences and harm.

—DAVE NATALE

on marco rubio backing the indiana religious freedom law

I hope the people are not stupid enough to vote this idiot into the run for Presidency. He has already been voted to the highest position of his ignorance.

—DONNIE ANDERSON

COntrIbutOrS

editor’s

Steve blanchard eDitor

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

S

desk

uddenly, i believe in miracles.

I’m not talking about the kind that turns water into wine, makes a disabled person suddenly walk or removes a disease with the simple touch of a televangelist.

I’m talking about more subdued, yet no lessspecial, miracles.

On April 2, my mother lost her five-year battle with cancer. It hurts, and that’s an understatement. But I know she is no longer in pain.

Less than 24 hours before she died—on April Fool’s Day—I found my miracle. It was a day of hurried plane flights, a torturous layover and a rushed ride from the airport to the hospital.

I hoped she was okay. Despite the texts from my sister, I remained optimistic that this stubborn woman I have known

for 38 years would be waiting for me in her room with a big smile on her face.

But that’s not what I found. She was in and out of consciousness and a little confused. She knew I was there and hugged me. She thought I was there for the Easter holiday. I didn’t correct her.

I got one more chance to tell her I loved her—and one more chance to tell her that I was happy. Hours later she slipped into a deep sleep, something that had evaded her for nearly a week. We knew she would never awaken. She died at 10:30 the next morning.

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There is nothing miraculous about that, I admit. The miracle came the night before she passed away, while immediate family and a constant onslaught of extended family and friends spent the night in an uncomfortable waiting room.

At one point, I drearily emerged from the ICU and saw my father hugging the man I love.

Both were teary eyed. Yet both were smiling.

I walked over, sat next to them both and inquisitively glanced into the eyes of both men. That’s when my dad put one hand on my knee and his other hand on the knee of my partner.

My dad told me he loved me and pointedly asked me if I loved the man sitting to my left. When I told him I did, he responded by saying, “Then I love him too.

I love both of you and you are always welcome in my home at any time.”

I typically hide my emotions. I like to think I’m rather stoic.

But no floodgate could hold back the tears and sobs that escaped from me. In the middle of the worst experience of my life, I finally found the acceptance I had searched for since I came out to my parents in 1999. My dad also confirmed that my mother approved of the man with whom I plan to spend the remainder of my days.

I see it as her final gift. Her final, miraculous gift.

When my dad walked away to go back to my mother’s bedside, my sister sat beside me and asked if the reality of what was happening had finally hit me.

I responded by telling her no, that wasn’t it. It was hearing something from our parents that

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16 years ago I never would have thought possible.

I could see my sister reconsidering some of her own positions and prejudices.

As I write this, I’m sitting at the kitchen table where my parents and my sister ate throughout my childhood. It’s the evening of Easter Sunday.

My partner is in bed, catching up on much needed rest. My dad is watching the opening night of baseball season on ESPN2.

Tomorrow, we greet relatives

The miracle came the night before she passed away while we spent the night in an uncomfortable waiting room.

and friends at the funeral home.

Two days from now, we will bury my mother in a plot my father purchased the day after she died.

I know there will be more tears and that I will rely heavily on my partner to get me through.

But I have learned that out of tragic circumstances come unexpected miracles.

My father freely admits that he doesn’t understand my “lifestyle”—his word, not mine.

But he has confirmed that he respects me and he respects my judgment with my choice of a partner.

That gives me comfort. And after searching for it for so long, it is indeed a miracle.

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

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

aarOn alPer is a

photographer and writer in St. Petersburg.

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

mimi Planas

is the president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami and was elected to the Miami-Dade County Community Council in 2012. Page 19

stePhen miller

is a long-time Watermark contributor and author of Screened Out, our movie reviews column. He is also an Orlando playwright and business consultant. Pages 23 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, angIe fOlkS, tOm eCkert, JulIe mIlfOrd, travIS mOOre, CHrIS StepHenSOn, lee vandergrIft, tInkerfluff, lOnnIe tHOmpSOn

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

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7

orlando news

teaCHerS termInated allegedly fOr beIng gay Jamie Hyman

w

inter Park | A Winter Park pre-school has fired a lesbian couple, allegedly because the women are gay.

Jaclyn Pfeiffer, 29, was a teacher at Aloma Methodist Early Childhood Learning Center and said she was let go from the school after her girlfriend, KellyBardier, began working as a substitute at the same school and rumors of their relationship began. Bardier, 33, was also released from her part-time job as a substitute teacher.

Bardier said Pfeiffer had worked at the school for two years. She said they kept their relationship quiet at work but on March 18, Pfeiffer was called into the director’s office to discuss it.

“At the end of the day, when [the couple]could finally talk, we realized neither wanted to work in a place that would give you that kind of ultimatum,” Bardier said. “They said the only way to not get fired is to not live your life this way [as a gay couple].”

Pfeiffer was terminated March 19. Bardier said when they went to the school later that day to pick up Pfeiffer’s things, they were “made to use the back door, weren’t allowed to go in the same door as the parents. [The school] didn’t want us talking to anyone.”

A week later, when they went to pick up final paychecks, Bardier said the school issued Pfeiffer a termination letter stating she was fired for not showing up for three days.

“They fired her illegally, realized they did something wrong, then attempted to try to fix it and made up a false reason to fire her legally,” she said.

The couple is working with Orlando attorney Mary Meeks on legal recourse. Meeks said the first step is a demand letter alleging that the terminations violate the Orange County Human Rights Ordinance and the federal Civil Rights Act, not to mention the Methodist Church’s own stance on LGBT discrimination.

“The terminations of Jaclyn and Kelly were nothing more than blatant acts of homophobic discrimination, proscribed even by the Methodist church’s own governing principles,” the letter reads.

Meeks said her plans include an EEOC claim and maybe a lawsuit if the school doesn’t retract the terminations, issue apologies, and compensate for their damages. “[Pfeiffer] was excellent and treated those kids like they’re her own,” Bardier said, adding that she’s read speculation online that Pfeiffer must have been fired for another reason besides her sexuality. “There was no other reason - they were like, we literally can’t have you working here if you’re gay.”

Pfeiffer said that before the controversy, the director had told her that she was one of the best teachers of two-yearolds the school had ever had.

“I don’t think about the job, but whenever I think about the kids, I still cry now, two weeks later,” Pfeiffer said. “I still miss them.”

As of press time, the Aloma Methodist Early Childhood Learning Center has not returned calls for comment.

8

let them bake cake:

Sharon Haller and Cyndol Knarr, mother/daughter owners of Cut The Cake bakery in Longwood, just want to keep baking after being ambushed in a YouTube video that put them in the middle of the “religious freedom” debate.

Photo BY PatRicK o’conneR

Cut the Crazy Central Florida bakery bounces back after anti-gay harassment Jeremy Williams

l

OngwOOd | A Central Florida bakery is getting back to business after a YouTube evangelist recorded a phone conversation of him asking for a cake with an anti-gay remark on it and posted it online.

“I never expected the phone call to change my life forever,” said Sharon Haller, co-owner of Cut The Cake bakery in Longwood.

The call came April 2 from Joshua Feuerstein, an ex-evangelist from Arizona, who asked Haller if she could make a sheet cake with the phrase “We do not support gay marriage” written on it.

“It was a very unexpected call,” said Haller. “I originally thought it was a prank.”

Minutes after she hung up the phone started ringing and threatening calls started pouring in.

“Hundreds of calls came in,” Haller said. “At first it was cake

stuff, can you write this or that [anti-gay message], but then they became hate calls and we became concerned for our safety.”

Haller saw the video on Feuerstein’s YouTube channel half an hour after the harassment calls started.

“I was shocked,” Haller said.

“We didn’t realize what was going on and we didn’t know how to respond to it. When you have something so violent come at you so quickly you just don’t know what to do.”

When the calls began with threats of burning down the bakery and their homes, Haller contacted the police.

Feuerstein removed the video later that day but Haller’s daughter, Cyndol Knarr, reposted it to her YouTube channel with the message, “Please help put a stop to people like Joshua Feuerstein.”

Haller has felt the support of the community since the video went viral, and business is the

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

same as it was before Feuerstein posted his video.

“We have people stopping in, buying cupcakes and being supportive,” said Haller. “There’s just so much hate out there and I don’t want to support that.”

Feuerstein stated in the video that he loves gay people and has nothing against them but said he called to make a point on why we need religious freedom bills. He has not responded to Watermark’s attempts to reach him for comment.

Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, also known as RFRAs, have come under scrutiny over the last few weeks after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a RFRA into law that alleges to protect businesses from conducting business that clashes with their religious beliefs. Opponents say RFRAs give business owners license to discriminate against LGBTs. According to Florida’s Wiretapping Law, it’s illegal to record a phone call in the state unless all parties are aware of the recording and consent to it. That could open Cut the Cake up to legal recourse. Watermark asked Haller whether they plan to take any legal action and she said she couldn’t discuss it and that they’re unsure what their next move would be.

A TIP ABOUT SECONDHAND

SMOKE

IF YOU WANT A SINGING CAREER, STAY AWAY FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE.

Ellie, Age 57 Her partner, Karen Florida

Ellie’s severe asthma attacks were triggered by secondhand smoke at work.

She and her partner have to live with its effects forever. If you or someone you know wants free help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. #CDCTips

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

www.cdc.gov/tips

9

orlando news

in other news Performer claims mistreatment by healthcare facility A local transgender performer, is receiving treatment at South Seminole Behavior Health after claiming mistreatment from another Orlando mental healthcare facility following her admission due to a suicide attempt.

Danielle Hunter was admitted to Lakeside Behavior Healthcare on March 24 and was allegedly told she’d have to sleep on the floor in front of the nurse’s station, or with the men. LGBT activists stepped in to help Hunter secure the transfer to the other facility, but right now say they’re allowing her to stabilize before she makes any decisions as far as filing complaints or taking legal action. For full story visit WatermarkOnline.com.

Two arrested in beating of gay man Police have tracked down two suspects and are searching for others after releasing a video of a gay man being beaten by a mob in Parramore. Orlando Police released a video of the attack - visit WatermarkOnline.com to view it - which resulted in the arrest of two suspects, one 14, and one 16, on charges including a hate crime. Police are still searching for others involved in the beating. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. The victim, 32, escaped the attack with minor injuries and refused medical attention.

Orlando AIDS Walk raises $121,000 for Hope & Help Center Kimberly Slichter

O

rlando | AIDS Walk Orlando marched around Lake Eola for its 20th year to raise money for the Hope & Help Center on March 28.

The two mile walk, a fund raiser for HIV treatment and prevention in Central Florida, brought in more than $121,000 and 1,400 walkers according to Kristine Iverson, director of development and marketing for the Hope and Help Center.

Participation was up from 2014 when the AIDS Walk had 1,200 walkers.

“It is amazing to see visually the number of people that come out and support and walk. It restores your confidence that we are moving forward,” said Iverson.

Orlando personality Madame

PeeVira and keynote speaker Dick Donato, otherwise known as Evel Dick, began the day’s events with Donato talking about his personal experience with HIV. PeeVira then performed alongside her Dirty Curty team in memory of a long lost friend.

“Anytime I go and speak publicly, it’s just to create some awareness,” said Dick. “Even being able to touch one person, to make a difference in their own life, it’s what it’s all about, bottom line.”

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence led the walk followed by 89 registered teams and individuals. Onlookers graced the sidelines, cheering and swirling their noisemakers in support.

“As a former medical case manager, I have worked with clients that have been affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Sandra Anderson from Team Sandy. “We’re out

here to educate, to communicate awareness and health. This is a wonderful cause here at the Hope and Health Center.”

Iverson announced during the closing speech that MAC Cosmetics raised the most money with a total of $6,392.

Teams weren’t the only ones to show their support. Walgreens, XL106.7 and the Parliament House were among the sponsors who turned up for the event. The latter of which has been a sponsor since the event’s birth.

“It’s just great to be a part of this big event,” said XL106.7 DJ Sondra Rae Valentino. “We just hope to raise a lot of money, of course, to show that people need to get tested and be aware of their status.”

Orlando’s AIDS Walk first started in 1995. Despite running for two decades, the event shows no signs of slowing down. Iverson is already expressing optimism about next year’s fundraiser.

“Our plan for next year is to keep growing bigger and stronger,” she said. “We had a total of 89 teams, we’ll have 100 next year.”

A warm welcome...

Thomas Rhodes, Esq.

A warm welcome...

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

celebrating Pride:

PaPers tO Pee?: Business consultant Jean David

Thousands packed the streets for the Tampa Pride street festival on March 28 in Ybor City. USAA and many other groups marched in the inaugural Tampa Pride, which was the first Pride Parade in Tampa since 2002.

Parlier, therapist tristan Byrnes, Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan and law student nathan Bruemmer discuss an anti-transgender bill at a town hall meeting at Metro Wellness Center.

tOWn Hall dISCuSSeS artIleS’ ‘batHrOOm bIll’

Photo BY Lee VanDeRGRiFt

Aaron Alper

S

t. Petersburg| There was a brief meeting at the Metro Wellness Center March 24 in opposition to the Transgender Discrimination Bill (aka the Bathroom Bill) now before the Florida Legislature.

The panelists included Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan, therapist Tristan Byrnes, business consultant Jean David Parlier and law student Nathan Bruemmer.

The tone was that of confidence and perseverance as the panelists broke down the reasons for the bill’s existence and their strategy for toppling it. The panels’s views were pragmatic and pointed; the one item they all had in common was the bill, come hell or high water, would be eliminated.

“Honestly, the chances of this bill making it to law are slim to none,” Duncan said after the town hall meeting. “But it has put a target on Florida’s transgender population.”

The “Single-Sex Public Facilities” bill (HB583) was introduced by Rep. Frank Artiles (R-Miami), allegedly as a way to protect the public from sexual deviants and sexual predators. Artiles remains adamant the bill is not intended to disenfranchise the trans community.

Duncan said after the meeting that she believes the motivation behind Artiles’ bill was the recent passage of a human rights ordinance (HRO) in MiamiDade county that offers protections based on gender identity and expression. Artiles argued against that HRO, which passed after more than seven hours of public comment.

The town hall panel presented the new bill as almost laughable if it wasn’t so steeped in bigotry. It almost single-pointedly attacks an already segregated population based on subjective physical traits.

Regardless of whether the motivations behind the bill are helpful or hurtful, the bill does little to promote actual public safety. It requires self-policing

continued on pg. 14 |  |

12

Coming Out for a Comeback Tampa Pride makes huge inaugural splash with an estimated 35,000 in attendance Steve Blanchard

t

amPa | Tampa Pride 2015 was the first time Thomas Pena was able to celebrate in his home town. The 24-year-old Hillsborough County native has experienced LGBT Pride before, but never so close to home.

“It’s actually emotional,” Pena said while standing on 8th Avenue in Ybor City March 28. “I loved St. Pete Pride last year—and the year before. But it feels a little different celebrating who I am right here at home.”

The inaugural Tampa Pride was the first Pride Parade in Tampa since 2002. While there have been other smaller Pride festivals over the years, this was the first time that a large, public LGBT Pride celebration was held in more than a decade.

“Isn’t this amazing?” said Carrie West, president of Tampa Pride, during the festival. “I’m so happy. So proud. I know we still have a lot of work to do but I’m going to break down later when it’s all over.”

lOcal lOve: Tampa Police Chief and 2015 Tampa Pride grand marshal Jane castor addresses a crowd at the opening ceremony for the inaugural Tampa Pride on March 28. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and newly elected Tampa City Council member Guido Maniscalco also spoke at the opening ceremony. Photo BY steVe BLanchaRD Original estimates put 20,00025,000 people in Ybor City on March 28, but West said at a police and city debriefing there was an estimated 35,000 people in attendance. The height of the attendance numbers seemed to be during the 1 p.m.

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

parade, which marched down 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Participants in the parade saw crowds seven or more people deep along the route.

West said that vendor spots were sold out since the beginning of February. With the addition of a performance venue to the event, there were a number of local performers lined up eager to participate. Bigname performers, like Inaya Day, drew a huge crowd for the day of the event.

“It has surpassed our expectations,” said Tom Barker, a Tampa Pride board member and an organizer of the street festival. “It’s amazing to see all of these people— and we’ve gotten amazing feedback.”

More than 80 units participate in the parade and 100 vendors packed the street festival. Before things got in full swing, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, newly elected Tampa City Council member Guido Maniscalco and Tampa Police Chief and grand marshal Jane Castor all spoke to the crowd.

“I’m thrilled to see Pride back in Tampa,” said Buckhorn.

Beckner praised his fellow commissioners who signed a proclamation recognizing Tampa Pride, adding that “next year, we’ll do what we can to get every commissioner to sign.”

Beckner was referring to newly elected commissioner Stacy White, who was the only commissioner to refuse to sign the proclamation.

continued on pg. 14 |  |

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13

tampa bay news |  | Artiles ‘Bathroom Bill’ from pg.12

|  | Tampa Pride

on the part of the bathroom users, almost universally in the women/women-identified category, and forces them into impulsive and reactionary positions. The user’s judgment is the sole basis for any and all prejudices that might arise.

“I was to the point where I felt comfortable going into the women’s restroom,” Duncan said. “Now, I don’t. Things have changed.”

The panel argued that the bill is subjective and unenforceable. It puts Florida business owners in a lose/lose position by forcing them to go to battle with their customers, no matter which side they chose.

The panel concluded that this bill to “protect everyone” actually protects no one, and does a lot of damage to everyone involved.

HB583 has been approved by two subcommittees so far: Civil Justice and Government Operations. HB583 will next go before the Judiciary Committee. The bill was referred on March 19, but as of press time, has not been placed on a meeting agenda. When it is heard and if passed, it will advance to the Florida House floor for a full vote. Visit WatemarkOnline.com for updates on the legislation as the 2015 Legislative Session continues.

Seeing that support on the stage was empowering to Pena, who said he had never met any of the officials, but respected them and thanked them for their support.

“Our mayor was here. He was here to tell me that it’s okay to be who I am and that I am a member of this community,” Pena said. “I can’t think of a better way to describe Pride than that.”

West said there will be a meeting coming up in May to discuss new avenues for 2016 Tampa Pride. They have the possibility of a new party coming up in late September/early October, but will not interfere with Orlando Pride or any other Pride events.

“The like-minded business people that put this on, and the

from pg.12

2015 grand marSHalS tO be annOunCed at St. pete prIde kICkOff party Staff Report

S sing it PrOud: Una Voce:

The Florida Men’s Chorale take center stage and raise their voices for a performance at Tampa Pride.

Photo BY BRuce haRDin

board of Tampa Pride, did a wondrous job,” West said.

West wants to work with St. Pete Pride and Orlando Pride to ensure that there is a “good I-4 corridor of Prides and for people to come and enjoy Central Florida.”

Head to watermarkonline.com for tons of incredible photo galleries from Tampa Pride.

t. Petersburg | St. Pete Pride’s grand marshals will be announced at the St. Pete Pride 2015 Kickoff Party on April 14.

The St. Pete Pride board will choose the grand marshals from the nominees announced on March 8. The list includes Larry Biddle, Nick Janovsky, Ashley Brundage, Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis, Frank Hay, Nancy Greenlees, Kevin Johnson and Frank Clemente.

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

The design of the “Making History” theme will also be revealed at the kickoff party.

This event will be free and opened to the public. Light hors d’oeuvres and drink specials will be available and door prizes will be given away.

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15

state news

flOrIda HOuSe COmmIttee advanCeS antI-gay adOptIOn bIll

aetna CHangeS pOlICy after HIv drug COmplaInt

Jeremy Williams

t

allahassee | The Florida House Judiciary Committee voted 11-4 in favor of the Conscience Protection for Private Child-Placing Agencies bill on April 2.

The Conscience Protection bill would allow private adoption agencies and family foster homes to deny placing a child with a family or couple if the agency feels placing the child would conflict with its religious beliefs or moral code.

The Judiciary Committee heard from 23 Florida citizens, most of whom opposed the bill and questioned the bill’s true intent. Carlos Smith of Equality Florida asked the Committee to consider whether this bill hurts or helps children.

“This bill will let agencies put their religion first and the children second,” said Michelle

Wire Report

t

allahassee | Aetna has agreed to change its prescription drug policy to ensure that Florida consumers with HIV and AIDS can access their medications at lower costs.

The March 27 announcement followed complaints last year alleging that Aetna and three other insurance companies were violating the Affordable Care Act by structuring their Florida insurance plans to discourage consumers with HIV and AIDS from choosing those plans.

The companies were placing drugs in special categories requiring patients to pay expensive co-insurance instead of a flat co-pay.

The HIV and AIDS drugs will be moved into a lower cost category in June. The decision also affects Aetna’s health plans sold by Coventry.

Humana, Cigna and Preferred Medical Plan announced similar changes last year.

Florida health insurance officials have been reviewing health plans and negotiating with insurance companies since receiving the complaints.

PRE GAME STREET PARTY

dOn’t adOPt discriminatiOn: nathaniel Gill, 10, testifies before the Florida House Judiciary Committee on the Indiana-style adoption bill. Gill’s father filed a lawsuit that paved the way to legalizing adoption by gays in Florida.

Photo couRtesY eQuaLitY FLoRiDa

Richardson of ACLU of Florida, echoing many arguments that this was just a way to legally discriminate against LGBT couples.

“Let us be clear what this bill really does,” said Rep. Dave

Kerner (D). “It discriminates against gay folk. We should be thanking them for adopting, not continuing an antiquated belief that gay people don’t make good parents.”

Kerner then said to all gay adoptive parents listening to the broadcast or at the proceedings, “Thank you for what you do.”

Nathan Gill, 10, testified at the hearing. He’s the son of Martin Gill, whose lawsuit paved the way to legal adoption by gays in Florida.

“Me and my brother were placed with foster kids when I was younger,” said Nathaniel. “We had two dads and we were happy.”

The bill will now move forward in the House during a legislative session that continues to advance anti-gay bills, but not pro-LGBT bills.

The bill was slated for a full House vote April 8. The state Senate does not have a companion bill at this time.

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nation+world news

Indiana success emboldens gay rights advocates in states Wire Report

I

NDIANAPOLIS | Gay rights advocates are hoping to parlay the momentum from their legislative victories in Indiana and Arkansas this week into further expanding legal protections for gays and lesbians in those states and others.

Facing widespread pressure, including from big businesses such as Apple and Wal-Mart, lawmakers in Indiana and Arkansas rolled back their states’ new religious objections laws, which critics said could be used to discriminate against gays. Amid the uproar, the Republican governors of Michigan and North Dakota urged their own legislatures to extend antidiscrimination protections to gays.

Twenty-nine states currently deny protections for gays and lesbians in their non-discrimination laws, according to the ACLU. But the Indiana and Arkansas laws, along with court rulings or legislatures legalizing same-sex marriage in 37 states and an expected U.S. Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage this year, are fueling efforts to change that as the 2016 elections approach.

“We’re not going to let any of these people off the hot seat,” said Kathy Sarris, co-founder of the gayrights group Indiana Equality Action.

“This ultimately is going to happen in Indiana.”

As public opinion has become more supportive of marriage equality

and other gay rights in recent years, many businesses say such protections factor into their decisions about expansions and help them attract top employees.

Arkansas state Rep. Warwick Sabin, a Democrat from Little Rock, said the issue isn’t going away.

“Other states are moving ahead of us and Arkansas is being left in the dust. We need to make an affirmative statement about our values as a state, and I know that the vast majority of Arkansans believe in fairness and opportunity for all of its citizens,” he said.

Indiana’s Republican-controlled Legislature took a first step by adding language to its new religious objections law stating that service providers can’t use the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide goods, services, facilities or accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and other factors. It is now the first Indiana state law that explicitly mentions sexual orientation and gender identity.

The governors of New York and Connecticut, who had imposed bans on state officials traveling to Indiana, lifted those bans in response to the changes in the law.

Arkansas’ amended law only addresses actions by the government, not by businesses or individuals. The law’s supporters say the changes would prevent businesses from using it to deny services to individuals, even though it doesn’t include specific antidiscrimination language similar to

Indiana’s law.

Gay rights proponents want Arkansas to go further, though, and are trying to build support for adding sexual orientation to the protected statuses covered by the state’s civil rights laws.

“Today, LGBT Arkansans are still unequal, and today’s battle points toward a broader struggle ahead—a fight where full and complete equality for all Arkansans that cannot be undermined is the only acceptable outcome,” Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement after Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed that state’s law.

Hutchinson, meanwhile, has left open the possibility of issuing an executive order that would prohibit workplace discrimination against LGBT people at state agencies.

Similar debates are going on elsewhere. In North Dakota on Thursday, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted down a measure that would have prohibited discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation in the areas of housing and employment. Gov. Jack Dalrymple rebuked lawmakers, saying such discrimination wasn’t acceptable.

In Michigan, Republican Gov. Rick Snyder warned legislators that he would veto a religious objections bill unless they also sent him a measure that would extend antidiscrimination protections to gays.

He cited the Indiana outcry in making his warning.

bar the institution.

In December, just weeks after North Carolina began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the state’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with its 13,000 enrolled members, updated its law to add language preventing gay couples from having marriage ceremonies performed on tribal land.

The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Navajo Nation, with about 300,000 members each, maintain decade-old laws that don’t recognize same-sex marriage. Neither tribe has shown much sign of shifting.

Alray Nelson, a gay rights activist who lives with his partner, Brennen Yonnie, on the Navajo reservation,

said the tribe’s law denies same-sex couples the right to be included in decisions on a partner’s health care, or to share in a home site lease. They could obtain a marriage license at a courthouse off the reservation, but the couple—both enrolled Navajo members—would rather wait until it’s allowed on the reservation. ``We are both planning to build a life here, and we want to raise a family,’’ Nelson said. ``So it’s not an option for us to remove ourselves from our community.’’

As with the states, opposition to gay marriage varies among tribes. At least 10 have recognized same-sex marriage, often well ahead of their surrounding states.

Holdout Native American tribes dig in against marriage equality Wire Report

R

ALEIGH | Even if a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this spring makes same-sex marriage the law, it would leave pockets of the country where it isn’t likely to be recognized any time soon: the reservations of a handful of sovereign Native American tribes, including the two largest.

Since 2011, as the number of states recognizing such unions spiked to 37, at least six tribes have revisited and let stand laws that define marriage as being between a man and a woman. In all, tribes with a total membership approaching 1 million

in other news New York Boy Scouts hire gay counselor despite national policy The Boy Scouts’ New York chapter said April 2 that it has hired the nation’s first openly gay Eagle Scout as a summer camp leader, a direct and public challenge to the national scouting organization’s ban on openly gay adult members.

The Boy Scouts’ national spokesman, Deron Smith, said there was no change in that national policy, which has been highly divisive.

AP Poll says gay Russians facing more intolerance A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that Russians’ tolerance of gays has plummeted in recent years, with 51% of those surveyed late last year saying they would not want a gay neighbor. This was up from 38% in 2012. A majority of 63% said gays should not be accepted in society, with only 20% saying they should be accepted. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

Ontario’s gay premier urges businesses to move from Indiana to Ontario Ontario’s premier, who is openly gay, is urging businesses upset by a so-called religious objections law in Indiana to set up shop in Canada’s most populous province.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said April 1 it is completely unacceptable that in the 21st century such a “discriminatory law” would be in place and would be used to divide people. She says she’ll raise the controversial law with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence if he attends this year’s meeting of Great Lakes governors and premiers.

Delta Air Lines helps LGBT employees with health care taxes Delta Air Lines became the first major carrier April 2 to make same-sex domestic partners whole for additional income taxes they owe for health care plans. Atlanta-based Delta will pay those taxes for employees retroactive to Jan. 1. The tax is only a problem for employees living in states that do not recognize their marriages, including Georgia.

Delta executives, pilots, flight attendants and other employees living there have to pay extra tax based on the value of the insurance.

N.D. governor issues memo barring LGBT discrimination North Dakota’s Republican Governor Jack Dalrymple sent a memo to 17 government departments on April 6 saying discrimination against anyone is unacceptable, just two hours before every Democrat in the Legislature delivered a letter calling on him to go further and issue an executive order prohibiting bias against gays and lesbians. Gov. Dalrymple’s chief of staff sent the letter to all agency directors appointed by the governor.

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viewpoint

Much hoopla has resulted from this supposed “antigay” legislation enacted in Indiana March 26. The LGBT community and media are up in arms and downright livid, I have questions as to why all the drama.

First, President Bill Clinton signed the federal version of this law that was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1993.

I do not recall the hate back then nor the backlash to be suffered by then-President Clinton. My question here is: what makes this Indiana legislation not okay but the

the government settled with a Sikh employee who was fired for wearing a ceremonial dagger at work. A Muslim prisoner invoked a similar law when demanding the right to grow a beard behind bars and a Jewish one used it to obtain kosher prison meals. This is religious freedom at work.

When we start forcing businesses to sell to everyone or pay a price, that is a breach of the very freedom we claim to have in the United States of America. It is very simple. If someone does not want to sell you something for whatever reason because of their religious beliefs (yes, including being gay), then take your business elsewhere. Other businesses will be happy to take your money. Also, do you really want to give your hardearned money to people who do not like you but are being forced to serve you? NO. They may or may not pay the price for it, but they have every right to exercise their First Amendment rights. I think we are confusing civil rights with religious freedom. This is why we work with state, federal and local governments, to ensure our civil rights.

Now we have states and corporations threatening to boycott Indiana. Not only is this childish, but it is also extremely hypocritical. Let’s take Apple, for example. Tim Cook, who is leading the

federal one okay? I am confused. Is it the little details? The wording? I’m not sure, but let’s move on.

Religious freedom is guaranteed in this country by our First Amendment rights. It has always been guaranteed in this country. Similar religious freedom bills have been passed in 21 other states. If states with RFRAlike provisions that have been provided by state court decisions—rather than via legislation—are included, the list contains another 11 states. That makes a total of 32 states with similar laws or court decisions already in the books. So, why the Indiana bashing?

Although these laws have not been utilized very often, last month an Apache feather dancer used an RFRA to make the federal government return some unlicensed eagle feathers it had confiscated. Last year,

corporate boycott charge, has been quoted as saying that this law “would allow people to discriminate against their neighbors.” So tell us, Mr. Cook, why are you promoting your products in countries that execute gays? Oh right, because you make a pretty penny. This is not how it works. You do not get to pick and choose according to your bank account. Then there is the Connecticut governor establishing a ban on state

Mimi planas

COnServatIve

c o r n e r Religious Freedom vs. Civil Liberties

l

ast week indiana

passed their Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Now, let’s all take a deep breath, shall we?

employees’ travel to Indiana.

Can someone please tell the governor his own state also has an RFRA-like law in the books? Sigh…

Let’s cut to the chase here.

Religious freedom and civil liberties are not the same thing. Those who believe this should look into it a little further.

I am happy to report that never in our history has the

LGBT community had as much freedom (and rightly so) than it does today and no one will take that away.

If you want to purchase a wedding cake for your marriage and the store owner says, “Sorry, it is against my religious beliefs to sell you a cake,” then you take your business elsewhere. But, you do not make people sell you something because you think

their religious beliefs are wrong or meaningless, simply because they are not yours.

This has been a blownout-of-proportion bandwagon endeavor that has nothing to do with my rights as a member of the LGBT community. Let’s move on and stay focused on marriage equality and ENDA and ensure our civil liberties!

Now, who wants to sell me a cake?

it is simple. if someone does not want to sell you something for whatever reason because of their religious beliefs (yes, including being gay), then take your business elsewhere.

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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20

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

67

talking points

This proposal not only threatens public safety, it is patently unconstitutional, utterly reprehensible, and has no place in a civil society.

%

OF

FLORIDIANS SAY

MARRIAGE

—califOrnia a.g. kamala d. harris On the “sOdOmite suPPressiOn act”

celebs slam indiana governor

w

hen indiana gOv. mike Pence signed the religiOus freedOm bill march 26, a slew of names came out against him on talk shows and social media. Among them was pop sensation Miley Cyrus, who was incredibly direct on Instagram. The 22-year-old singer wrote next to a photo of the governor, “You’re an a-hole. The only place that has more idiots than Instagram is in politics.” Harvey Fierstein called the law “shameful and disgusting” and Broadway star Audra McDonald had this to say: “On the phone w/@united so long I forgot what year it was, then saw the law Indiana Gov. Pence just signed & remembered...It’s 1950.”

EQUALITY

has had

NO IMPACT on their lives.

14%

saY it has had a positive impact, while 20% saY it has had a negative impact —Public Policy Polling

no season 3 for hbo’s looKInG

t

hree days after the seasOn twO finale aired, HBO announced it will not bring back Looking for a third season. The series about gay friends in San Francisco will get a special, though, to wrap up any plotlines and offer a final look at their journey. “We look forward to sharing this adventure with the show’s loyal fans,” HBO said in a statement. The show starred Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett.

GlEE sings into the sunset

S

Peaking Of shOws cOming tO an end, a big one bid farewell on FOX. Glee, easily the gayest and most forwardthinking show on broadcast television, closed the final chapter on its Gleeks with a special finale on March 20. The show was a powerhouse for the network and, while it struggled in the ratings when the cast shifted midway through its life, it maintained a large, loyal following. Storylines included a lesbian romance among cheerleaders, bullying, coming out, and gender identity and expression issues among students and staff.

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

100% homosexual sweater

Y

es, this sweater is made frOm the hair dOnated by mOre than 100 PeOPle. But before you gag, consider the sweater’s message.

The Gay Sweater is “the only thing that’s okay to call ‘so gay,’ because it’s made from 100% gay hair,” a campaign video explains. The project was created by the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and provides an “extreme manifestation” of the phrase “that’s so gay.” See the process behind the hand-knitted sweater at TheGaySweater.ccgsd-ccdgs.org.

21

22

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

in-depth: gaY geeks flame On!: Memebers

of the gay geek podcast Flame On! pose for a picture.Clockwise from top: Jarrod Pope, Pat o’Rourke, Bryan Pittard, oral Frier.

Not pictured: Jeff Pittard and Eric Punzone

‘GAY GEEKS’ FIND THEIR

SUPER-POWERS

l

Stephen Miller

ike milliOns Of

LGBT people before them, gay geeks have come out of the closet! They and their straight counterparts will descend on Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center Apr. 10 through 12 for MegaCon, Central Florida’s massive multi-genre convention. Expect elaborate costumes, miles of merchandise, tons of games and multitudes of meet-ups!

Professing a love of X-Men, Harry Potter, anime, or live-action-role-play may seem trivial compared to LGBT struggles, but there are several definite similarities. For years, many gay geeks had trouble admitting their love. They were shamed, teased, and even bullied.

Now, they’re out in the open, flashing their economic muscle.

“This stuff is big business,” says Bryan Pittard, a cofounder of Flame On!, a gay geeks podcast out of Orlando.

MegaCon is expected to generate $23 million for the local economy. Last year, the convention saw 80,000 attendees on its busiest day. This year looks to be even bigger, with guests like pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, actor Ron Perlman, and cast members from Fire�ly, The Walking Dead, Adventure Time and The Princess Bride, among many others.

“I love going to conventions!” says Star Trek fan Heather McClendon.

And she’s not alone.

“People show up in droves,” Pittard says. “A

continued on pg. 24 |  |

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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|  | Gay Geeks from pg.23

lot of those people are the LGBT community.”

There’s no official count on how many attendees will be LGBT; statistics would be difficult to come by.

However, the community has definitely made its presence known, growing in visibility over the years.

Facebook, YouTube, dating sites and other online services tout gay Harry Potter fans, lesbian comic book girls, and many, many more subgroups to encounter at MegaCon.

coming to terms

The term “gay geek” may seem like a double indemnity, but not to fans.

“It all comes down to differentiation and finding your tribe,” says Pittard, who loves science fiction literature, comic books, Doctor Who, and electronic music history and instruments.

It’s a more intimate way of getting to know others: “If you came up to me and said you were gay, I would greet you as I would any other individual. If you said that you were a gay geek, then I might instantly seek out your geek interests and search for a common interest that we could then dive into.”

Digging into gay geek passions is why Pittard and four others cofounded the podcast Flame On! which— with over 80 episodes— even ventures into others’ passions, like drag performers, lube inventors, geeky porn stars, makeup artists and other people who fixate on hobbies.

Within MegaConoriented geekdom, there’s a lot to discover. What once was fringe art now predominates pop culture.

The Big Bang Theory used the stereotype to make for sitcom success. Comic book movies like Christopher Nolan’s Batman series, The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy are Hollywood’s multi-billion moneymakers.

Anime has redefined children’s cartoons and

cross-marketing. Comic business is now four times larger than it was 15 years ago. Sci-fi and young adult fantasy tops book bestseller lists. Game of Thrones is a massive HBO victory, The Walking Dead revitalized the AMC channel and The Lord of the Rings’ third movie even won the Best Picture Oscar.

Even old Flash Gordon, Dungeons & Dragons gaming, ‘80s horror flicks, and Ray Harryhausen Claymation monster flicks have their fans.

“I’m big into board games,” says Adam McKercher, who also loves video games and movies.

“That’s takes up about four nights of my week…getting people to play games, even games that you haven’t played since you were a kid. You can even play some online.”

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

Technology has a heavy hand in the revitalization of those games.

“I think the Internet has definitely made it easier for anyone who is passionate about something to find others with that same interest,” Pittard says.

a league of heroes!

Geek culture—perhaps inspired to protect the underdog—is standing up for LGBT rights. On March 26, Indiana’s Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed a controversial religious freedom legislation that allows business owners to refuse services to samesex couples. Organizers of the $50-million gamers’ convention GenCon have threatened to pull its event from the state.

Similar laws are

girlfriend?’” McClendon says. “And she said yes.”

After years of dating and living together, at Atlanta’s DragonCon, Brewton proposed. She was in Star Trek garb and she presented McClendon an engagement ring in a box modeled after the Star Trek communicator. She received an affirmative when she asked McClendon “to be her Number One.”

hanDs iLLustRation BY PatRicK o’connoR

the fight’s not over Yet

PERHAPS ONCE MORE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN GEEKDOM HAS OCCURRED THERE MAY BE GREATER CHANCE FOR CHANGE. BUT THE TOLERANCE FOR [DISCRIMINATION] HAS REALLY GONE DOWN AND WOMEN AND EVEN OTHER MEN ARE STARTING TO FIGHT BACK. —Jennifer urda On the negative effects Of the “damsel in distress” female rePresentatiOn in geekdOm.

being pushed in ten other states. Atlanta’s DragonCon condemned Georgia’s legislature for discussing a “religious freedom” bill. DragonCon’s official statement reads: “Should this bill become law, we will seek written assurances from all of our business partners that they will not participate in any discriminatory behavior on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other point of identification. We have no intention now or in the future of supporting a business partner that discriminates.”

“I think that the theme of exclusion in a lot of the literature definitely speaks not to just geeks, but to gay people who’ve felt excluded,” says 37-year-old Kevin Sigman, an actor and administrator who is passionate about sci-fi/fantasy, comics and anime.

The stories of geek culture have always included outsider

struggle. Superman is an alien on Earth. The hunting down and exclusion in the X-Men series can be seen as an allegory for LGBT people. Marvel’s Northstar came out in comic books in 1992—before Ellen or Will & Grace. Since then, many other heroes have come out. Harry Potter’s Dumbledore was outed by his creator J.K. Rowling. This February even saw beloved hero/ villain Catwoman as bisexual.

combining forces

The predominant image of a geek is of a lonely person engrossed in comic books. Some of that seems valid.

“I had such a horrible upbringing,” says Harry Potter fan Adam Faircloth.

“I use the fantasy to escape real life, and I don’t want to think real life things when I escape,” says Faircloth.

Still, geek passion can build

strong relationships. Faircloth also belongs to the local convent of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, making new friends and doing good works in elaborate nun drag. Others get together to participate in roleplaying games, see the newest Marvel movies or build costumes for MegaCon. Alternately, that love can sometimes preclude relationships.

“A lot of my experiences— when I meet someone new and I’ve found that if we’re not into the same thing—I’ll still be nice,” Faircloth says. “But I’m not necessarily going to bond with them because we’re into different things.”

Some geek bonds can cross over the gay-straight barrier.

Sigman and best friend Josh Geoghagan met when Josh’s then-girlfriend was in a play with Sigman in 2010. Since then, Josh and Kevin have tightly bonded.

“Not only do Josh and I have the same interests, but we tend to

latch onto the same reasons we’re interested,” says Sigman.

“Even today, Sigman and I can corner someone at a party and talk about Blade Runner for hours,” says 36-year-old Geoghagan, a massage therapist and writer who has just released A Graveyard for Whales, his first comic book with illustrator Brian Demeter.

Love of pop culture may even fire romance.

“With gay geeks, you already have two things in common— because I’m still looking for a relationship—to possibly build on, and to get to know each other,” says McKercher.

When that spark lights, the stories are amazing.

“We met in high school,” says Star Trek and gaming fan Heather McClendon of her other half, Ada Brewton. They found they were into the same stuff, including each other.

“I finally asked one day, ‘Hey, would you please be my

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

When asked whether they feel more discriminated for being gay or for being a geek, the answer with interviewees was mixed.

“I have only ever felt excluded because of my geekdom, not my sexuality,” says Pittard.

“I’ve felt a little of both but not to the extreme of other people,” says Sigman.

“Within geek culture, it’s definitely my sexuality,” admits McClendon. “At first they say, ‘You’re a geek? Cool!’

Then, they find out I’m also a lesbian and it’s—[a sad dying trombone note].”

In fact, expressing your fandom and coming out are both difficult.

Jennifer Urda—a gaming, Harry Potter and sci-fi geek—says.

“I’ve never personally felt excluded due to my [bi]sexuality, since I am not very public about it,” Urda says. “But my geekdom has often always made me feel excluded. I have often been viewed as ‘childish,’ especially because of my age and my personal geeky interests. As I have gotten older I have cared less about what others think but I tend to keep quiet about my sexuality because, whereas society has become more progressive even in the past year, I’m still not to the point where I’m personally okay with expressing it to the world.”

Though she was willing to share her real name for this article, Urda doesn’t know if and when she’ll completely come out as bisexual.

“I think it boils down to one’s comfort zone, and I tend to feel more comfortable around geeks or those kind of like-minded people,” she says.

holY fetishes, batman!

With all this passion toward pop culture, it’s not surprising that fetishes emerge. Though

continued on pg. 27 |  |

25

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watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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|  | Gay Geeks from pg.25

they’re a subgroup of the gay geek subgroup, fetishes at MegaCon are not difficult to find. A brief search online leads to GayComicGeek. com, a NSFW website that combines MegaCon subjects, porn and even role-play.

Craigslist, Grindr and other sites sport ads for people willing to play out their fantasies with each other.

“It’s a subgroup of a subgroup,” Sigman explains, though he acknowledges fetishes are more prevalent perhaps because of the ubiquity of the Internet.

“It’s a niche market,” Pittard says. “Furry culture only started 20-30 years ago, and then there’s zentai.”

“None of the fans I know do it,” says McKercher.

Pittard then reminds him of a couple names, and McKercher

quickly amends, smiling, “Well, then, I don’t do it.”

“You’re right; these cultures have arisen,” Pittard finally says.

“When people are passionate, these things are going to emerge and cross over into their sexual lives. But they are a small group of the larger geek culture.”

It’s about where people feel accepted.

“The truth is that furries may not be welcome to walk down Park Avenue, but they are welcome at MegaCon,” says Pittard.

battling some classic villains

Gay geekdom isn’t without its own internal problems. There’s online and public shaming of some fans who may not possess an encyclopedic knowledge of culture that others think is necessary to be considered a fan.

It’s a hot-button issue.

“I do think geeks can alienate themselves,” says Pittard.

Sigman agrees.

“I guess people feel the need— even within traditionally excluded groups—to put down others to make themselves feel better,” says Sigman. “It’s snobbery. Everybody has to start somewhere and shouldn’t we be celebrating that shared love?”

A group that has suffered a lot are geek girls—both lesbian and straight—who often feel they have to prove their love of all things geek.

“This is one of the things that really gets me riled up,” says Urda. “Perhaps once more representation of women in geekdom has occurred there may be greater chance for change. But the tolerance for this has really gone down, and women and even other men are starting to fight back.”

In fact, there’s still the old argument that comics and

other geek art is sexist—with impossibly shaped women. That’s been countered in arguments since 2008 that the men are also hyper-sexualized, physical ideals.

“I hate that argument, that men are also sexualized, too, so it’s okay,” says McClendon. “You look at most of the comics or games and men are still heroes and they’re not staying home with the kids, in general. They’re not the victims. We need a new template.”

Predominantly, women are the damsels in distress, needing rescue by males.

“There is a strong desire for more equal archetypes and storylines,” says McClendon. “But there is still a strong bias that says, ‘This is what girls in comic books and video games have to look like and act like.’”

McClendon says she’s seen changes.

“It’s still not a 100% equal, but it’s a lot better than what I’ve

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

Any conversation with geeks will willingly delve into pop culture, going down a rabbit hole of odd and fun facts. Friends lose hours—like Geoghagan and Sigman with Blade Runner.

Couples bond with a secret language, as is the case with McClendon and Brewton.

Even conversations for this article stretched into hours of comparing original material to movie versions.

“Geek culture, in my experience, is far more interested in sharing references,” Pittard says. “It’s tough, because you can get excited, and that excitement will turn some people off.”

“Still, we can laugh at ourselves. Geek culture has a great sense of humor,” says McKercher. “That helps balance when we’ve gotten too enthusiastic.”

Pittard feels that geek culture is a great way to connect to both LGBT friends and the larger community.

“I believe that the gay community is best served by being subsumed by other communities [like the geek culture],” he says.

Pittard loves getting into deep conversations, both in person and in his Flame On! Podcasts. He doesn’t discriminate—whether those conversations be with lesbians, transgender people, drag performers or straight allies.

“Like every other subgroup,” Pittard says, “the more stories we hear and lives we experience can only help us understand what we otherwise find foreign and unknowable.”

27

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watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

arts and entertainment

KELLY CLARKSON

TALKS NEW EQUALITY-INSPIRED ANTHEM, GAY BARS AND HER ‘KEZBO’ FOLLOWING

b

Chris Azzopardi

efOre cataPulting tO POP

stardom, Kelly Clarkson was one of us.

In many ways, she still is.

OUR OUR LIVES OUR LIVES LIVES

WOULD WOULD

SUCK

HER HER

WITHOUT WITHOUT WITHOUT

The original American Idol, who memorably erupted into waterworks when she won the first season of the reality show in 2002, wasn’t always able to muster the willpower she’s instilled in the gay community through her uncompromising persona and liberating pop anthems, including those on her latest album, Piece by Piece.

That’s just the charm of Clarkson, who opens up in our new interview about overcoming teen inferiorities, diehard lesbian fans who call themselves “Kezbos,” driving Bette Midler to “suicide,” and that night she sipped some wine, felt “sad” for our generation and wrote a powerful song about it.

WATERMARK: tell me the moment in Your career You first knew gaY people worshipped at Your altar. kelly clarksOn: (Laughs) Oh my god—that’s amazing!

It was the Breakaway World Tour (in 2005)—the first tour for the Breakaway record— and it was so awesome. One girl on tour came up and just introduced herself and was

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

like, “I’m a Kezbo,” and I was like, “What?!” She was like, “A Kezbo—your lesbian fans.”

And I was like, “Wait—there’s enough of you to have a group?

That’s amazing! Awesome! Go me!” And she was like, “Yeah, we just love you. We’re gonna bring you to the other side.”

And I was like, “All right, well, keep trying!”

Then, on the same tour, I had this guy, and he was so funny! Because, you know I’m a huge fan of Bette Midler and have been since I saw For the Boys when I was a kid, and he’s like, “You’re our new Bette!”

(Laughs) I was like, “You need to aim higher. Bette Midler just shot herself! I’m not that cool, but I will work on gaining the respect of that compliment.” is it hard to fathom Yourself a gaY icon?

I guess it’s hard to fathom you can be an icon in general. I don’t consider myself an icon at all, but no—I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends and they like my stuff, so I guess it’s not so hard for me to think [the

continued on pg. 33 |  |

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15/16 SEASON watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

books

Conflict resolution Rollins’ Lisa Tillmann takes her research and activism to her newest book, ‘In Solidarity’

family—is very complicated.

It not only discusses how a family relates to a gay member; later they asked you to protect their identities while discussing alcoholism and other family problems. This means that we not only have undisclosed family secrets, but we also confront the editing choices you made.

LISA Tillmann: Yes, it’s a fair challenge for a reader to make: “We’re not getting the whole story.”

We never get the whole story; I don’t know the whole story. I think it was always a tightrope walk about wanting to capture an authentic experience and wanting to do right by my friends [who volunteered to help her research].

You had moments with one friend’s dad where I feared for your physical safety. It was with Gordon and his dad, Tex.

AUTHOR OF ACTIVISM:

Local professor and LGBT ally Lisa Tillmann explores family dynamics with their LGBT family member in her new book, In Solidarity: Friendship, Family, and Activism Beyond Gay and Straight.

Photos BY John Sansoucie

O

Stephen Miller

rlando | Professor and activist

Lisa Tillmann is a vital straight ally to Central Florida’s LGBT community. She has made it her life’s work to explore and balance inequality—and her new academic book explores that in intriguing, very readable ways.

Besides chairing Rollins College’s Critical Media and Cultural Studies department, Tillmann has produced films about gay rights, fat shaming, body image and disparities in the U.S. food market.

She has lectured on incarceration injustices, race and America’s class system. For years, she worked to create Orlando and Orange County anti-discrimination ordinances. Her academic work includes the 2001 book Between Gay and Straight: Understanding Friendship Across Sexual Orientation.

“To me, empathy is at the root of my activism and political commitments,” Tillmann says.

Tillmann’s newest book, In Solidarity: Friendship, Family, and

Activism Beyond Gay and Straight, is a varied collection of research, political activism and personal involvement. It starts with Tillmann’s LGBT friends interviewing families. Together, they explore complications of family dynamics—what it means to have a gay family member, how they discuss homosexuality and how they show support for equal rights. Later, the book explores Tillmann’s professional research and personal obstacles—how these aspects inform other people fighting for equal rights.

We asked Tillmann about her work both inside and outside this captivating new book:

WATERMARK: Your first chapter—

an interview with a friend’s

I feel like—on each trip we took—at least one significant thing happened.

That was one in that chapter. Tex is angry; he’s taking me and leading me by my elbow and saying, “You don’t have to live here. I have to.” And then Gordon—who has spent years keeping his family comfortable—takes his dad out into the parking lot and confronts him.

[Nervous laugh.] That was the only moment where I was...like, manhandled by someone in my research community.

I think the rest of the conflict was more on a personal and emotional level.

You use qualitative approach, narrative writing, poems and performance texts. How did you make those choices?

I’m very drawn to different forms of representation. Things that start off as prose become poems. Things that start off as poems become performance texts. Some things become film. It just sort of happens that way.

Particularly in the “Going Home” section especially, I really wanted each chapter to have its own aesthetic character. Each chapter is sort of the same context—I’m traveling to sites that are important to four of my gay male associates. Yet I wanted each family, each experience to be distinct.

At one point, you have a longform poem and then the defense after that. That could really help explain the qualitative nature of the work to the casual reader.

There was actually more explanation in my dissertation and in my 2001 book, Between Gay and Straight. I think what

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

happened in this field of study is that so much of this sort of work was being done. People quit feeling like they had to justify [qualitative work] or explain it; they could just do it.

Some of the chapters—like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” because it’s somewhat grounded in the literature of adult children of alcoholics—needed more source notation at the end. Other chapters didn’t need that; I just let the story be the story.

I think it’s another tightrope. It’s not as ethically fraught as the first chapter, but… How can you appeal to someone who —with the help of Dictionary.com for a few words—can

“It was always a tightrope walk about wanting to capture an authentic experience and wanting to do right by my friends [who volunteered to help her research].”

—Lisa Tillmann

enjoy this as a casual reader? Also, you have to appeal to students studying the methodology and faculty who need to adopt the books.

In Solidarity includes narration on an awareness workshop you and professor Kathryn Norsworthy conduct. If people attend a workshop like that, isn’t a lot of the work already done?

Yes, the audience is usually onethird LGBT+ and two-thirds families, allies and friends. I think that it can sometimes be like preaching to the choir, but you’ve probably heard the old adage, “Even the choir needs to practice from time to time.”

Both Kathryn and I have seen very strong, emotional reactions to those workshops. In the best teaching that we do, we also leave enough space for reflection. It’s really powerful stuff. That’s the sort of impact I want to have.

more information

WHAT: In Solidarity: Friendship, Family, and Activism Beyond Gay and Straight WHO: Lisa Tillmann WHERE: Amazon.com

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32

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

|  | Kelly Clarkson from pg.29

LGBT community] might like my music. But I don’t know ... I’m not an icon. I’ve only been doing this for 13 years.

You’ve gotta be doing it for a good 20 to gain that status.

how do You explain Your strong bond with the gaY communitY?

I don’t ever look at a fan as a gay fan or a lesbian fan or a straight fan—I don’t ever look at that. Fans are fans, and no matter what our lives are like, no matter what path we’re on, music is the one thing that connects us. I mean, I had so much fun at this club recently. It’s called G-A-Y—this club in London— and everybody knew all the words to every song. Even the new one! And they were gay and straight and lesbian— everybody was there. It didn’t matter, and it was just really cool. It was a cool event, and

POwer POP Princess: Kelly Clarkson released her seventh studio album, Piece By Piece, on Feb. 27. The lead single off the album “Heartbeat Song” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 37. outspoken, and, you know, my mom is too. I don’t know any other way to be. It’s just my personality.

In my sophomore year of high school, I got a little insecure about [my personality], because girls can be mean and I got the lead in this role in choir.

No sophomore was ever

it. There were no flags of any kind—of race, of who liked who. I feel like I grew up in a really incredibly good bubble.

I never experienced people hating—no hate crimes or anything like that—until well into the industry. With Idol, people would say hateful things about certain contestants on the show,

“i don’t ever look at a fan as a gay fan or a lesbian fan or a straight fan; fans are fans, and no matter what our lives are like.” —kelly clarksOn it was fun. And it’s what I love about music—that it doesn’t matter. That’s what connects us.

the song “invincible” alludes to overcoming self-doubts and insecurities. in Your own life, when did You most experience those hurdles, and when did You finallY accept Yourself for who You are?

In high school, and you know, I was having a hard time. I guess all people go through it—it’s just a different time period for all of us. When I was a sophomore in high school, it was the one time [in my life] I felt like I was insecure. It was just an awkward stage for me.

Well, as was junior high, but I just wasn’t aware of it yet. (Laughs) I’ve always been different.

I’ve never been the girl that has to feel like she has to get all dolled up every day.

I’ve always been kind of a tomboy. I’ve always been very

supposed to get it, so people were just really mean about it. And, like, mean. Worse than the movie! (Laughs)

and I was like, “What in the world?!” I, fortunately, grew up in a world where that wasn’t a huge issue.

Oh yeah. Yeah! Nobody was outspoken like they are now. I think it’s a more comfortable—well, I don’t know. A couple of friends of mine just recently came out to their parents and one was just about the most horrible situation ever. So I think that still happens, unfortunately.

But when I was a kid, I had a couple of my friends in choir with me. I think everybody knew [they were gay], but it wasn’t talked about or anything.

Honestly, I grew up in such a creative environment.

Even in our choral group— even with my friends— nobody really talked about it, nobody was against or for

At my church, whenever I did attend Sunday service, that was never talked about.

I know that is what the doctrine of Southern Baptist is, but they also said don’t drink and dance, and we drank and danced! (Laughs) I don’t think I grew up in some hardcore community where people were like that.

I grew up in a very accepting household. I was taught to accept everybody how they are, and I admire my mom for that. She’s never taught me hate.

growing up in smalltown texas, when did You get Your first taste of gaY culture? did You even know gaY people then?

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This event features more than 200 artists and their craft booths. Food trucks and local restaurateurs will be serving food throughout the event. The event is also pet-friendly and welcomes families to enjoy Lake Eola Park.

i Love the 80’s, April 11, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425 7571; ParliamentHouse.com

Babes in Bonnets mOnday, aPril 13, 7 P.m. fOOtlight theatre, Parliament hOuse

Maitland Festival of the arts, April 11 and 12, Lake Lily, Maitland. 407-644-0741; MaitlandSpringArtFestival.com central Florida Jazz society Monthly concert: the Flying horse Big Band, April 12, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com Jazmine sullivan, April 13, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando taste of Winter Park, April 15, Winter Park Farmers’ Market, Winter Park. 407-644-8281; WinterPark.org Jimmy Buffett, April 16, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com JaZZ Roots: a night in Rio with sergio Mendes, April 17, Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org The Philadelphia Story, through April 19, The Harriett Theatre, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com Bob Dylan, April 19, Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Monday night cabaret series—Melissa Vasquez, April 20, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com James & the Giant Peach, through April 26, The Margeson Theater, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

make’m

laugh Two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is making a stop in Lakeland on her latest comedy tour on April 23. For tickets, call 863-834-8111 or visit Thelakelandcenter.com.

Mad Dog, through May 3, Goldman Theater, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

tampa baY smokey Robinson, April 12, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com Pippin, April 14-19, Carol Moran Hall, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org code: 5-Year anniversary Party, April 17, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

Fiddler on the Roof, April 17-25, TECO Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org chef Robert irvine LiVe, April 19, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com First Date — Broadway’s Musical comedy, through April 19, Jaeb Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Harvey, through May 3, freeFall Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreeFallTheatre.com

sarasota Spunk, April 15-May 17, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; WestcoastBlackTheatre.org Our Betters, through April 19, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org Roberta Flack, April 22, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org Sotto Voce, through April 26, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org

A community-wide fundraiser where fabulous bonnets are created and then auctioned to benefit the Orlando Youth Alliance, a local nonprofit that provides a safe place for LGBTQ youth. In the created bonnets are a variety of gifts and prizes. Last year, the event raised more than $9,000, and they have a goal of $10,000 this year. For more information, visit ParliamentHouse.com.

Orlando White party saturday, aPril 18, 8 P.m.

Parliament hOuse, OrlandO RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 will be invading the Parliament House on April 18 for their White Party. Orlando’s Ginger Minj, along with Pearl, Kennedy Davenport, Violet Chachki and Trixie Mattel, will be at P-House keeping the party going all night long.

tampa

erOTiCA: pornivale aPril 10-12 flamingO resOrT EROTICA: Pornivale is a weeklong-long event featuring porn stars Michael Brandon and Dillon Knight as special guests. There will be meet-andgreets, erotic shows, contests and giveaways from Andrew Christian, Uberlube, Fabscout and more. For more information and information about hotel discounts, visit FlamingoFla.com.

TBGlCC April sHOWCAse MiXer thursday, aPril 16, 6:30 P.m.

Quench lOunge

Join the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for a night of networking and fun entertainment. Quench Lounge will be presenting a fashion show featuring top Tampa Bay performers and stylists from GS Boutique. This event is free, and there will be drink specials and lights bites offered as well.

For more info, visit Facebook.com/TBGLCC.

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

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

35

6thAnnual Tampa

Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo

Sunday April 12, 2015 â—? 12:30-3:30pm Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk 200 North Ashley Drive Tampa, FL 33602

- Free Tickets at SameLoveSameRights.com -

36

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

overheard

tampa baY out+about

off to the villages

i

t was a Packed crOwd at the gulfPOrt casinO as women from throughout Tampa Bay gathered to celebrate the retirement of Suzanne Noe. Noe, the founder of ProSuzy.com, stepped away from the business two years ago but still handled the financials. Now, Noe is completely out of the business and will relocate to The Villages in Central Florida later this spring. Guests were invited to sign a large banner noting Noe’s retirement and a DJ provided dance music all night. ProSuzy. com is still active, but it is now under new ownership.

tampa pride alreadY expected to expand

t

he rainbOw flags frOm the inaugural tamPa Pride haven’t even been rolled up yet, but organizers are already talking about the 2016 celebration. Word is that the entertainment stage, which was in Centro Ybor this year, will move to Centennial Park just down 8th Avenue. For those familiar with the Santa Speedo Run, that’s where the start and finish line is for that charity run each December.

One organizer also told Watermark that they expect to use more of 8th Avenue in 2016 to accommodate even more street vendors, since the festival sold out this year. Get details, as they come out, at TampaPride.org.

bears for Youth

t

he tamPa bay bears Plan tO have a sPlashing gOOd time on April 11 when they throw a pool party at the Gay St. Pete Guest House. The BYOB party will raise money for LGBT youth in the Tampa Bay area. The bears will bring the meat (insert joke here), which includes burgers, hot dogs and other refreshments.

Attendees are asked to bring a side dish and any alcohol they may want to contribute.

The club is seeking members to volunteer with set up and clean up. For details or to RSVP, contact John Metsker at John.Metsker@ gmail.com.

kicked into high gear

t

hOse great fOlks at balance tamPa bay are at it again. For the fifth year, the group will hold Kickball for Kids at the Hyde Park Softball Park on Swann Avenue in South Tampa on April 25. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and raises money for Feeding America’s Kid’s Backpack Program. The program provides free and easy-to-prepare weekend meals, and funds free or reduced-price lunch programs. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and after the games, The Lodge will host an after party. For details, find Kickball for Kids on Facebook.

1

2 3

1

hellO retirement!: Founder of ProSuzy. com suzanne noe celebrates her retirement March 27 at the Gulfport Casino. Photo

BY steVe BLanchaRD

2

b-e-a-utiful: Byron schaerr enjoys the beautiful weather during Tampa Pride on March 28.

Photo BY BRuce haRDin

3

dive in: RumFish Grill employee Bradley, right, poses with his partner above the salt water aquarium that faces the restaurant’s large dining room in St. Pete Beach on March 29.

4

5

Photo BY steVe BLanchaRD

4

hOnOrary bead thrOwer: Tampa Police Chief Jane castor hands out beads during Tampa Pride March 28, where she served as a grand marshal.

Photo BY VinnY D’iPPoLito

5

chairman Of the bOard: Tampa Pride President carrie West, holding the microphone, introduces members of the board at Hamburger Mary’s during a sponsors party March 26. Photo BY steVe BLanchaRD

6

celebrating Pride: (L-R) Greg henchar, esme Russell, Victor Lopez and iman travieaso celebrate at the Tampa Pride VIP sponsors party at Hamburger Mary’s on March 26. Photo BY steVe BLanchaRD

6

7

here fOr the Party: Women from throughout Tampa Bay gather to celebrate the retirement of Suzanne Noe, founder of ProSuzy.com.

Photo BY steVe BLanchaRD

8

bingO night: amy DeMilo, left, and Kurt King celebrate Bingo night at the Ybor City Hamburger Mary’s the week before Tampa Pride. Photo

8

couRtesY caRRie West

7 watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

37

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watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

overheard

orlando out+about

go fund Yourself

A

gOfund me accOunt was recently created fOr danielle hunter, which you may have read on WatermarkOnline.com had claimed mistreatment for being transgender after being admitted to the Lakeside Behavioral Center after a suicide attempt. She has since been moved to a new facility, but according to her GoFund me, which was created by Terry DeCarlo at The Center, Danielle’s bank account is in the negative and she doesn’t have any insurance to cover the cost of her treatment. Danielle is the Entertainment Manager for FMI (Funky Monkey & Divas). Although there has been a slew of well wishes and support, the GoFund me page had at least one very Negative Nelly who made some incredible accusations we’re not going to repeat here. The comment and a rebuttal have since been removed. The fundraising goal is set at $5,000; just over $1,200 was raised as of press time.

2

1

bibbidi-bobbidi-moneY!

w

alt disney wOrld resOrts shOwed mOre than 100 OrganiZatiOns the mOney, to the tune of $4.5 million in grants. The Zebra Coalition and the Orlando International Fringe Festival were among the recipients, allowing them to continue to positively affect families and children in Orlando.

The Mouse gave a total of $4.5 million worth of grants to 102 organizations in Central Florida at a ceremony held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on March 30. The Zebra Foundation for Youth, which funds Zebra Coalition, received $20,000, and Orlando Fringe received $5,000. Now that’s what we call some Disney Magic!

gaYmer night at plaYer 1

w

hether yOu’re intO the classic cOin-OPerated games, PlayStation, Wii, X-Box or even PC games, Player 1 Bar is now hosting a night of equality which has GayMers double-jumping for joy (No Pun Intendo).

Promoted as a meet-up event through the Facebook page “Orlando Gay Geeks,” a password is provided to allow for a discounted cover charge, and once inside you’re in, you’re greeted with a large variety of gaming options as well as a large selection of on-tap beer on and wine.

celebrities, fundraising and drinks… oh mY!

O

n aPril 21, mOre than 20 members Of the lgbt cOmmunity will invade Savoy as your bartenders for the night to raise money for a great cause—The GLBT Center of Central Florida. The guest bartender lineup includes WFTV’s Jorge Estevez, XL Morning Show’s Rae, Michael Wanzie, Doug Bauser, Blue, Nazhoni, Phish Phest’s Sue-Bee and many more, collecting tips raise dollars. Eureka Fish will host as bartenders sling plenty of Tito’s drink specials - of those, $1 from each sale will go to The Center.

4

5

1

5

FRoM aRtReach’s FaceBooK PaGe

6

Paint by numbers: Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Terry olsen (center) presents a check to the March Awesome Foundation recipients sarah Zimmer (left) and eickley Wilson of ArtReach for their mobile art truck on April 1. Photo

2

rOlling with my mOmmies: Jen West (left) and wife tatiana Quiroga, of the Family Equality Council, enjoy the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House along with their son Lukas. Photo couRtesY West anD QuiRoGa

3

full Of grace: Watermark giveaway winners Tanya (left) and angie Blasingame get ready to settle in and enjoy the March 24 Sarah McLachlan concert at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Photo BY DannY GaRcia

4

yOu get a grant and yOu get a grant: Zebra Foundation for Youth Board Chairman scott Bowman (left) and Zebra Coalition Director Dexter Foxworth represent as one of 102 organizations to receive a Disney grant from the Walt Disney World Resorts. The total amount granted was $4.5 million.

Photo couRtesY FoXWoRth

3

6

sisters fOr a cause: (L-R) Sisters sharon secrets, Donna chernobyl, starry eyed and Kenya nott march in AIDS Walk Orlando 2015 to help raise funds for the Hope & Help Center and awareness about HIV/ AIDS. Photo BY KiMBeRLY sLichteR we wear shOrt shOrts: christian conde (right) and Lane Blackwell celebrate winning a WAVE award after being voted one of Orlando’s favorite adult novelty stores and mark Mojoman Swimwear’s two year anniversary on April 1. Photo BY DannY GaRcia

7

7

Pretty in Pink: sarah and Jeremy Clark, with daughter ellen, come out to see the chic rides at Scooters 4 Hooters, an event to raise funds for Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation near Lake Eola March 28. Ellen is named after Sarah’s aunt, who died of cancer.

Photo BY KiMBeRLY sLichteR

8

are yOu ready fOr sOme fOOtball: Executive Director for the Fringe Festival George Wallace (seated) stops in to party “Prowler style” with WPRK’s Local Heroes host ilene Lieber (center) and Orlando Prowler cheerleaders (L-R) tam Pham, Brittany evans and stephanie Grajales Rizo. Photo couRtesY WPRK

8 watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

web site

PROMO CODE: WEDDING.

announcements

wedding bells

angel in the Outfield: Tampa Bay

rachel Silverman, 36, and Abby Nicholson, 30

softball player and motorcycle enthusiast Dean crislip passed away on March 21.

He was 50. Crislip died from injuries sustained form a motorcycle accident on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

He is survived by his partner, Aaron Davis. A memorial was held at Skinny’s Sports Bar in Wesley Chapel on March 28.

from Orlando

WeddIng date:

Photo by Tina Craig

Feb. 21, 2015

WeddIng venue:

birthday bOy: Human

The Acre in Orlando

Rights Campaign’s Southern Regional Field Director Joe saunders celebrates his birthday on April 12. Saunders is a former Florida House representative from the 49th district.

WeddIng planner:

Abby planned a lot of the wedding, plus there was a day-of coordinator who helped.

WeddIng Caterer:

4Rivers Smokehouse

WeddIng flOrISt:

Porch Therapy from East End Market

WeddIng tHeme/ COlOrS:

“Old Southern Chic”

IntereStIng faCt: Rachel’s brother, Matthew, married them.

COngratulatIOnS

MBA Orlando has added a new category-exclusive Referral Exchange Development Group—ReD Group Winter Park. The new group will be holding its first meeting April 23 and is going to be a more retail-focused group.

n

ewlyweds abby nichOlsOn,

the preventative director for Hope & Help of Central Florida, and Rachel Silverman, an assistant professor at Embry Riddle, recently tied the knot after six years together. They met in Tampa while Rachel was finishing her PhD.

“We met at a Halcyon concert, and we had mutual friends,” says Abby Nicholson. “I proceeded to very politely stalk Rachel and convince her she should give me the time of day.”

The two blushing brides tried to keep their big day as in-touch with their Jewish roots as possible.

“We did do a pretty traditional Jewish ceremony with a few tweaks, obviously, built in,” Abby says. “It was actually kind of fun because as a result, we got to write our own ceremony...

We wanted a huppah, to do the circling, we wanted to do the seven blessings, smash the glasses and do all these traditional

things, but everything was so ‘bride-groom’ whenever we researched it.

“So we kind of got to design it ourselves. We both smashed the glass at the end of the ceremony.

Instead of one person circling the other, we each circled each other three times and then did a final circle together. And the wording, we did our own rendition of the seven blessings, which our sisters—we each have a sister— got up and read for us.”

Both say their favorite part of their wedding was being able to have a sweetheart table, because they were able see all their wedding guests and watch how much fun they were having.

lOCal bIrtHday

The couple did the Horah, and both were lifted up on chairs by exuberant, dancing guests.

“Prior to the ceremony, we signed our ketubah… We scrolled through a lot of the language to find the language that we liked and requested that it be ‘bride and bride.’ It was very much a very traditional Jewish wedding,” Rachel says.

Both women agreed that it wasn’t just their wedding day that they enjoyed and loved, but the entire weekend.

“It was a whole weekend thing,” Rachel says. “We had friends over for dinner Thursday night. We had a rehearsal dinner Friday night. There was a brunch on Sunday. It just felt like a whole weekend full of people that we love.”

So what’s next for Abby and Rachel?

This summer the happy couple will keep the romance going on their honeymoon in Italy.

Halcyon co-founder stephanie callahan (April 9); Orlando bobbalicious lovebird Bobby Mccall, Fort Lauderdalebased muscular, sexy singer sean ensign, St. Petersburg Metro Wellness employee and Canaan Band roadie Mike hollis (April 10); Tampa Metropolitan Community Church’s facility manager Mac Williams, southern regional field director for HRC, Joe saunders, handsome Orlando Log Cabin Republican Patrick howell (April 12): Florida Hospital Altamonte social worker stacy Pease, former OGC director aubrey connelly, derby girl Becca “tBex” Fisher; St. Petersburg ROTC twirler scott helie, GSHRadio show host and Hamburger Mary’s Tampa performer esme Russell (April 13); former Flamingo Resort cast member andromeda strain (April 14); muscular, Ocala-based horse trainer Randy eeckhout (April 15); Orlando The (GLBT) Center board member Will Perry (April 16); sexy Tampa insurance specialist and community volunteer Mitchell Ryan, Serial Thriller and swing dancer Kalyn Rushing (April 17); Orlando arts patron Jerry Baumeister, adorable former Georgie’s Alibi-St. Petersburg server John Fletcher, St. Petersburg Stonewall Democrat Beth Fountain (April 18); Olde Town Properties Realtor Patrick James, retired Tampa weatherman andy Johnson (April 19); Publix at Colonialtown pharmacist Rob Young (April 20); real estate guru, scott Penyak, local LGBT advocate Randy stephens, handsome former St. Pete DJ chad Pitt (April 21); young bear and Tampa business owner Michael Dicamillo, Orlando fashion plate Jamesson Beane, Rollins College director of dance Bob sherry, former Watermark intern steven Jones (April 22)

—Samantha Rosenthal

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. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

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watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

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45

sports

mICHael Sam: gay nfl playerS Have reaCHed Out tO HIm Wire Report

d

allas | Michael Sam says there are “a lot’’ of gay players in the NFL and some have reached out to him.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Sam gave a speech Thursday at the Dallas Holocaust Museum and took questions from the audience.

Sam said: “I’m just saying there are a lot of us.’’ He added he’d never out a player who confided in him, but “there’s some famous people.’’

Sam came out before last year’s NFL draft. The defensive end from Missouri was selected in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams and cut in training camp. The Dallas Cowboys signed him to their practice squad but released him in October.

He’s currently a free agent.

Sam revealed he has not talked to his father since Michael Sam Sr. criticized his son’s sexuality shortly after he came out.

Oakland a’S pItCHer, gIrlfrIend fIll StadIum On lgbt prIde nIgHt Staff Report

O

akland | Oakland A’s pitcher Sean Doolittle and his girlfriend, Eireann Dolan, decided to turn lemons into lemonade after negative responses surfaced on social media about the Oakland A’s first ever LGBT Pride night.

Some season ticket holders wanted to sell their tickets because they didn’t support the June 17 LGBT Pride night game against the San

Diego Padres, so Dolan and Doolittle offered to buy them. All of them.

Dolan was raised by two mothers, both of whom are huge fans of the A’s. Dolan wrote on her blog that she was “disheartened to see a handful of responses on social media from people who, for whatever reason, do not support this night of inclusion and community.”

Dolan plans to donate the tickets to the Our Space LGBTQI Community Center for teens and young adults.

A GoFundMe page was setup to

raise money to purchase tickets from season holders that did not wish to attend, and donate overflow funds to other local LGBT groups to fill the rest of the stadium. The set goal of $6,000 was reached within the first day.

“We are hopeful that the support that has been expressed for the event in the past few days will make it an even more successful first-year event and demonstrate that the A’s organization welcomes and supports the inclusion of all fans,” said a statement released by the A’s.

younger brother.

Patrick Burke will receive the Thomas A. Dooley Award on April 10 in South Bend. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated personal courage, compassion and commitment to advance the human and civil rights of lesbian and gay Americans.

Burke helped found You Can Play, which seeks to combat anti-gay prejudice in sports. Burke started the organization in honor of his brother, Brendan, who revealed he was gay to his family in 2007 and died in a car accident in Indiana in 2010.

Patrick Burke is director of player safety for the NHL.

nOtre dame gay grOup tO gIve aWard tO nHl eXeCutIve burke Wire Report

S

Outh bend, ind. | The Gay and Lesbian Alumni/ae of the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College plan to honor an NHL executive who helped launch the You Can Play Project in honor of his

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Orlando, FL 32806

407.835.9200

*The Dog Day Afternoon App is here!

www.DogDayAfternoon.com

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All American Marine “Florida’s Finest Custom Marine Services for 27 Years”

(407) 855-9988 . 7024 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // issue 22.0 8

DYER&BLAISDELL, P .L. DYER&BLAISDELL, P .L. Attorneys at Law

benefitting

Attorneys at Law

Experienced, Experienced, understanding understanding counsel on counsel on matters related matters related to family, estate, to family, estate, and beneficiary and beneficiary planning, including: planning, including: Wills Wills Trusts Trusts Probate Probate Healthcare Healthcare Partnership Partnership and Parenting and Parenting Agreements Agreements • Real Estate • Real Estate

1st Annual “Swinging for the Girls”

Charity Tournament Charity GolfGolf Tournament ClubStart MetroWest MetroWest Golf ClubGolfShotgun Scramble Format

• • • • • • • • • •

W. Thomas Dyer W. Thomas Dyer TDyer@DyerBlaisdell.com TDyer@DyerBlaisdell.com

Edward P. Blaisdell Edward P. Blaisdell EBlaisdell@DyerBlaisdell.com EBlaisdell@DyerBlaisdell.com

414 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 414 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 407-648-1153 • DyerBlaisdell.com 407-648-1153 • DyerBlaisdell.com

THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE DECIDE,ISASK TO SEND DECISION YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR AND EXPERIENCE. THE HIRING OFYOU A LAWYER AN US IMPORTANT THAT SHOULD NOT BEQUALIFICATIONS BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

Orlando, FL Closet to theShotgun Pin Start Orlando, FL $400.00 Entry Fee Scramble Format May 23rd, 2015 Longest Drives for Team of 4 Closet to the Pin May $125.00 23rd, Individual2015 Registration 7:00 am Longest Drives Entry Fee Tee Off amfor Team of 4 Registration 7:00 am8:30$400.00 $125.00 Individual Tee Off 8:30 am Sponsorship Opportunities What do players get,

All Prize and Donationsfor appreciated Besides a great time!?! to enter more information Sponsored by go to www.menopausethetournament.com/events Individual Hole Sponsor $150 Open Eye Opener Bar from 7:00 am - 8:15 am Logo’d sign at Designated Hole - Mention early Bird registration on Website and Banner Breakfast Bites & Awards Luncheon Register your team

by April 18th and get $40 off Team Hole Sponsorship $600 Includes Golf for 4, Logo’d sign at Sponsor Hole

Golfers Goodie Bag

Free Range Balls Lisa Brown 407-924-8739 or Cindy Allison 407-394-5720

Mentioned at Luncheon, on Website and Banner

Bar Sponsors $250 - Includes Banner for

Eye Opener Bar, Mentioned at Luncheon, on Website and Tourney Banner - Bring Marketing Materials to Tourney

Putting Contest Prize* “7 Day Cruise” *with qualifying putt

2015 Chevy Malibu “Hole in One” Prize Given to 1st Hole in One on designated Hole.

If you would like to be a sponsor and/or donate prizes contact Cindy Allison at 407-394-5720 or CJallison25@yahoo.com

watermark Your lgbt life. Apr il 9 - A pr il 22, 2015 // Issue 22.0 8

Available Side Games

Super Tourney Kits

Includes Mulligans and more!

50/50 Team Birdie Chips Raffles

Early Birdie Sign Up before April 18th, 2015 and save $40.00 per team!

To Register you or your Team go to MenopauseTheTournament.com/events or call Lisa Brown @ 407-924-8739.

Sign up before April 18th and save!

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