Watermark Issue 22.09: Religious Discrimination

I’m sorry.

It’s goes aginst my sincerely held religous beliefs to serve you.

A MATCH

MISSED

IN HEAVEN

Religious freedom bills are discrimination in disguise. Is this the next great civil rights battle?

fired

ORLANDO TEACHERS file suit

KEVIN BECKNER

launChes CaMPaiGn to Be ClerK of Court

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JORDAN WOODS-ROBINSON dishes on his Gay WALKING DEAD role

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

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

Dine out, fight AIDS.

Tuesday, April 28 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.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

Confidence builds from walking around in a 49 body you identify with.

departments 6 // mail

PAGE

8 // orlando neWs 12 // tampa bay neWs

—aydian dowLing, a trans man vying for a sPot on men’s heaLth’s cover

16 // state 18 // nation & World neWs 41 // Community Calendar 43 // tampa bay overheard 45 // orlando overheard 48 // tampa bay marketplaCe 49 // transitions 50 // orlando marketplaCe 54 // gallery W

on the Cover

PAGE

PAGE

Religious Freedom bills are the new argument against LGBT equality.

Can these stand a constitutional challenge and how big of a black eye are they giving religion?

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gay for pay: Jordan Woods-Robinson plays “Eric” on The Walking Dead, one of the series’ first out characters.

The Orlando resident talks about playing gay, living in Orlando and his upcoming projects for the big screen.

Watermark i ssue 22.09 // april 23 - may 6, 2015

orlando neWs

tampa bay

love is the Cure

gallery W

PAGE Two teachers fired by

PAGE Hillsborough County

PAGE

PAGE

Illustration by Patrick O’Connor

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

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their school because they are gay secure an attorney and threaten a lawsuit; a man accused of murdering a gay coworker in North Carolina is found in Daytona Beach; more.

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Commissioner Kevin Beckner launches a new campaign to become the clerk of court, challenging Pat Frank; St. Pete Pride announces its 2015 grand marshals and unveils this year’s headliner; more.

The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is back with another fundraiser, this time with a focus on love.

Love is the Cure is a concert of love songs from musical theater.

More than 15 local stars are participating in the fundraiser at freeFall Theatre on April 27.

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The traditional Babes in Bonnets returned to the Parliament House this month and our photographers were there to catch every fabulous and outrageous piece of art. The fundraiser raised awareness and funds for the Orlando Youth Alliance.

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the leGislative session in tallahassee Will CoMe to a Close May 1. visit WaterMarKonline.CoM for the sPeCifiCs on several lGBt Bills.

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

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The Healing Well Jennifer Torres-Ordinas, AP 407-535-6574 Mobile Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine…

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top web comments Conversion therapy is a quiet killer

L

eelah Alcorn, after being subjected to constant bullying and harassment, was then subjected to so called “conversion therapy” by her own family. Soon thereafter, Leelah, a 17 year-old transgender woman, took her own life by stepping in front of an oncoming truck.

The conscious and perilous act of choosing to transition, to finally be your authentic self, is one that most of us cannot control.

We take the step to live our truth because we can no longer live a lie. We can no longer look in that mirror each day and despise the face that looks back at us in disgust.

So, with our hearts in our hands we reach out to those who supposedly love us and plead for support and for understanding. In Leelah’s case she found only blind ignorance and distain.

Subjecting her to conversion therapy was the lethal blow. This dismissed Leelah’s lifelong belief that she could be truly happy if she could just be her authentic self.

The White House announced the “administration supports efforts to ban the

“Let’s not allow our path forward to stray with the petty issues that are sure to pop up during the fight for equality.”

—Kenneth Blunk

use of conversion therapy for minors” Equality Florida applauds the Obama administration for taking such a visible and decisive stand against this “quiet killer.” Trans Lives Matter.

Gina L. Duncan

Equality Florida Transgender Inclusion Director

An emotional read

I

just read Steve Blanchard’s Editor’s Desk [Issue 22.08] online about his recent experience with his parents. It has to be such an emotional time to have experienced an extreme low and an extreme high all at the same time.

I’m so glad that he was able to see his mother that one last time, a treasure that I didn’t have. I’m equally happy that it means so much to Steve to have those words from his dad. How totally amazing.

Bob Groves St. Petersburg

YES,

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

On WatermarkOnline.com On Mimi Planas’ Conservative Corner column about religious freedom:

Mimi, as always, you have made a very valid point. Hopefully, we as a group can keep our perspective focused on the objective ahead.

Let’s not allow our path forward to stray with the petty issues that are sure to pop up during the fight for equality.

Kenneth Blunk From Watermark’s Facebook page

If you want to be a journalist, before writing the lazy GOP mantra, “I’m not a scientist,” or “I don’t know what the fuss is” and other statements of chosen igornance, do your job and find out. Shameful.

Dave Natale

editor’s

Steve blanchard eDitor

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

h

desk

eaLthy comPetition is good.

It motivates both parties to reach new goals and allows benchmarks to be celebrated together.

But there seems to be an unhealthy competition brewing in Tampa Bay, and I hope the LGBT community will stand together to stop it.

There is a ridiculous competition between the long-lasting St. Pete Pride and the brand new Tampa Pride.

At events for both celebrations, remarks have been made to mock the other. During Tampa Pride’s VIP reception at Hamburger Mary’s, a grand marshal suggested Tampa Pride would show St. Pete Pride how to throw a party. That’s silly, considering St. Pete Pride is the largest LGBT celebration south of Atlanta.

At the St. Pete Pride kick-off

celebration at Enigma, an elected official made a similar statement trying to downplay Tampa Pride’s inaugural success, which surpassed everyone’s expectations on March 28.

And a board member of St. Pete Pride even posted on social media that the 35,000 attendance numbers at Tampa Pride provided to media by the Tampa Police are somehow inaccurate. I believe the phrase used was “Watermark math”— whatever that means.

Isn’t the point of LGBT Pride to move equality forward together as one community? Aren’t these celebrations supposed to highlight the LGBT community in a positive light while celebrating who we are

Watermark staff Founder and Senior Contributor: tom dyer • Ext. 305 • tom@Watermarkonline.com Publisher: rick claggett • Ext. 108 • rick@Watermarkonline.com Admin. Assistant: Kathleen harper • Ext. 100 • Kathleen@Watermarkonline.com Editor-in-Chief: steve blanchard • 813-470-0899 • steveb@Watermarkonline.com Online Media Director: Jamie hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@Watermarkonline.com Asst. Media Director: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 • Jeremy@Watermarkonline.com Proofreading: Ed blaisdell

as individuals and families?

I thought our message was a united one that strives to show LGBTs are no different than our heterosexual counterparts.

Why then are these organizations showing so much bitterness toward each other?

For years, St. Pete Pride and Come Out With Pride had an unofficial competition that was done admirably and correctly. Both organizations challenged each other every year to see who could attract a larger audience.

For years one would barely outdo the other. And each year those numbers motivated each to improve its celebration and reach out more to the LGBT community and the community at large. Both organizations accomplished some amazing things and threw spectacular events.

But something has changed— and it’s hurting our cause. Pride organizations are busy tearing down what they perceive as “competition” rather than applauding the successes of neighboring cities, governments and volunteer groups. There’s a new “nice try, but we do it better” mentality that has turned what should be a community effort into a conflict akin to a gladiator battle.

Enough!

I admit. The success of the inaugural Tampa Pride surprised me. The numbers were double what I expected—and several board members have told me they were happily surprised as well.

The energy in Ybor City that day was positive and electric. It was the same familiar energy that is felt on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue every June when St. Pete Pride commemorates the Stonewall Riots and each October around Lake Eola when Come Out With Pride shows it’s rainbow colors.

How are such positive energies and large messages of acceptance a bad thing?

Sales Manager: Mark cady Ext. 102 • Mark@Watermarkonline.com

Pride organizations are busy tearing down what they perceive as ‘competition’ rather than applauding successes. communities so strong and why equality measures are passing on a local level, despite challenges on the state level in Tallahassee.

Victories are coming every day and in various forms. Legislation now protects us in most of the state, same-sex couples can legally marry here and the transgender community is finally getting the attention and protections it deserves after too many years of silence.

Pride celebrations are a big part of why these victories are happening—and it isn’t just one Pride organization delivering these amazing messages for LGBTs in Florida. It’s every single one of them.

We’re a community that’s used to challenges and one that thrives on healthy competition. Let’s get back to that way of thinking.

I promise, we’ll all be better off because of it.

orlando offiCe

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Why would it be seen as a threatening gesture to other LGBTs and LGBT organizations?

It shouldn’t and it doesn’t.

Pride season is here, and like the Christmas season it seems to arrive earlier and earlier each year.

With new regional celebrations added to the list, LGBT Pride has turned into a quarterly—if not year-round—event.

Central Florida’s LGBT community has a unique opportunity that many other metropolitan areas of the country lack. We have multiple chances to celebrate who we are in a very public way. That’s what makes our

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

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

Contributors greg stemm

lives in Gulfport, Fla., and has worked as a freelance writer for several local publications. He is a founding member of St. Pete Pride and active politically in Tampa Bay. Page 23

jiLL shargaa

is a seasoned comedian and founder of the all-female comedy revue, ‘Evening of Estrogen.’ She is also an illustrator and designer who brings pulp sensibility to her work. Page 21

aaron aLPer is a

photographer and writer in St. Petersburg.

He holds a Masters in English Education from the University of South Florida. Page 35 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

distribution rJ publishing, lisa Jordan, ken CaraWay, david krauss CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

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

Watermark Media inc. est. 1994

7

orlando news

north Carolina man arrested in daytona after killing gay man Staff Report

d

aytona beach | The man picked up by police on Daytona Beach for killing a print shop employee at a North Carolina community college says he’s a neo-Nazi who hates gay people.

Kenneth Morgan Stancil III told Raleigh’s WRALTV he killed Ron Lane because Lane had made sexual advances to Stancil’s 16-year-old brother.

Lane’s cousin, Steven Smith, told that TV station that Lane never made sexual advances toward children or anyone he worked with.

The suspect’s mother, Debbie Stancil, said she knows the relative in question was not molested by Lane, because he and Lane had never met. She believed her son was making the accusation because he is “rattled and confused”.

“He just snapped.

That is not my son,” charged: Kenneth Debbie Stancil said.

Morgan stancill III is charged “He’s probably out of his with killing a gay co-worker in mind. I think he needs North Carolina before fleeing mental help.” to Daytona Beach.

Debbie Stancil said her son was angry over being dismissed from his work-study job for excessive absenteeism. She also said Lane made sexually laced comments to Kenneth Stancil, her son.

“He was verbally inappropriate at school. Very much verbally inappropriate,” she said. “He would tell him to stop and he kept on.”

Stancil was found sleeping on Daytona Beach after travelling more than 500 miles. When officers approached him he pulled a knife but dropped it when an officer drew his gun. He was arrested without incident, according to the police report.

During an appearance in a Goldsboro, N.C., courtroom April 16 to face a pending murder charge, Stancil again accused the victim, who was gay, of improperly approaching minors.

Superior Court Judge Arnold O. Jones II told Stancil he could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.

Continued on PG. 10 | uu |

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fired for being gay:

Winter Park teachers Kelly bardier, left, and Jaclyn Pfeiffer were fired by the Aloma Methodist Early Childhood Learning Center when administrators learned the two women were dating.

Photo courtEsy JacLyn PFEIFFEr

Seeking legal action Gay teachers take legal action after being fired Jamie Hyman

w

inter Park | An attorney is demanding that a lesbian couple fired from a Winter Park pre-school allegedly for being gay get their jobs back and an apology and compensation for damages.

Mary Meeks, an Orlando attorney, is working with the couple 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 [the couple] were nothing more than blatant acts of homophobic

watermark Your lgbt life.

discrimination, proscribed even by the Methodist church’s own governing principles,” the letter reads.

The letter was sent to Barbara Twachtman, director of Aloma Methodist Early Childhood Learning Center.

Jaclyn Pfeiffer, 29, was a teacher at Aloma Methodist ECLC and said she was let go from the school after her girlfriend, Kelly Bardier, 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.

“Termination of Jaclyn and Kelly for simply acknowledging their God-given identities was particularly egregious, given your admission to Jaclyn that she was ‘one of the best two teachers you

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

have ever had at the school’,” the letter stated.

Pfeiffer, after two years with the school, was terminated March19 and Bardier said they received a number of phone calls that morning because the school sent a letter to parents and teachers announcing Pfeiffer’s firing.

“It has become apparent that many of your students’ parents are upset about Jaclyn and Kelly’s terminations,” the letter continued, “and are voicing their concerns about the school’s discriminatory actions and about the school’s apparent lack of concern for their children’s welfare by depriving them of established relationships with such qualified and wellrespected teachers.”

When the couple 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.

According to the United Methodist Church website, the church opposes “all forms of Continued on PG. 10 | uu |

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You can quit.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

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HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck.

Smoking with HIV did.

Brian, age 45, California

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Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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orlando news | uu | North Carolina Man from pg.8 “I know that. But I knew what I had to do and I knew when I got caught, I knew in my mind I could get life. I could get the death penalty,” Stancil said, punctuating his response with an expletive. Jones told him to watch his language and when Stancil repeated the word the judge ordered law officers to hustle him from the courtroom.

Stancil returned several minutes later and was much more subdued, answering “Yes, sir” and “OK” to the judge.

In a telephone interview April 15 from a Daytona Beach, Fla., jail, Stancil said Lane tried to take advantage of his brother.

“He ain’t physically touched him, but he was in the proposal to try to and I wasn’t going to let that happen,” Stancil said.

Stancil said Lane was looking for Stancil on Facebook and found his brother. A Goldsboro police spokesman did not return a phone message April 16 about that allegation. There were no criminal complaints filed by Stancil family members with either the Wayne County sheriff or Goldsboro police, Wayne County investigations clerk Ellen Grice said. There were no workplace complaints filed against Lane, according to Wayne Community College human resources director Ina Rawlinson.

Stancil said he has no regrets about the shooting.

“I did what I did, and I’ve got to live with it,” Stancil said. “If I get life, I just get life. I’m a murderer, you know, what the hell do I got to care? I don’t give a damn if I go back to society.”

Stancil said he is a neo-Nazi who is concerned about the future of white children.

Stancil gave himself a facial tattoo that included the number “88” on his left cheek. Experts who track hate groups said the number is a neo-Nazi code for praising Adolf Hitler.

“I try to look out for my fellow white people,” he said. “I don’t believe in race mixing.”

He was asked if he hates gays.

“Yes, I do, with a passion,” he replied, though he said that was only one of the reasons he killed Lane, who had been his supervisor in a work study program at the college before Stancil was fired for absenteeism.

Lane was shy, loving, energetic and dedicated to his family and friends, Smith said.

“Yes, Ron was gay. But people need to get over it,” Smith said.

Stancil’s grandparents told WRAL.com that the person described in the news does not sound like their grandchild.

“I have not looked at any news. I have cut my radio in my car off,”Joyce Edwards said. “I don’t want to hear it. What people have told me, that is not my grandson.”

Stancil also told the television station he had killed three other people, including two in the Wayne County area. But the sheriff’s department told the station it has no report of any unsolved homicides that match Stancil’s account.

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OYA celebrates 25 years of helping young adults in Central Florida Dylan Drobet

O

rlando | The Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA), notable for supporting the young LGBT community, is celebrating 25 years this month.

Michael Slaymaker became president of OYA in 2007 and has built on a legacy started 25 years ago.

“In 1990 Jeff Horn noticed a need in the community. Needs weren’t being served. He started meeting individually with different LGBT youth and came up with idea of a weekly support group and made sure that there was strict confidentiality,” Slaymaker said.

OYA has continued to be a safe space for LGBT youth since its inception and over 1,300 young people have been a part of the program. Not a single one has committed suicide and for Slaymaker that is an incredible victory.

“That is the main reason we adults do this,” Slaymaker said. “We can’t fathom that someone could feel so alone. If they do feel alone then we are not doing our jobs.”

Patrick Howell, board member since 2004, emphasized the importance of this kind of

| uu | Teachers Fired from pg.8

violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice, or sexual orientation,” and “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.”

However, a statement released

by Gretchen Hastings, the director of communications for Florida Conference UMC, does not underscore the national UMC principles.

“We want to respect the need for personnel matters to be handled with confidentiality, but

watermark Your lgbt life.

safe-haven.

“Having a safe place that youth can come and speak with other youth like them in a safe environment has proved to be an amazing addition to their lives.

More mainstream youth take this for granted and it’s as simple as being able to talk with people who have similar interests and backgrounds,” Howell said.

In addition to a safe space to talk freely, OYA has annual events ranging from taking the youth to Gay Day at Disney and attending movie nights to an LGBT prom in a non-judgmental environment.

The 25th anniversary is a milestone Slaymaker is thrilled to see and plans to grow even more over the next 25 years.

“For 25 years to see a group of volunteers make this work and thrive and grow is amazing and now we’re branching out into Lake County,” Slaymaker said.

Tentative plans for the future include a scholarship process, becoming staffed, finding their own “house” and targeting specific schools, many of which don’t have a gay-straight alliance, according to Slaymaker.

There is also a possible reception or gathering in the works to bring alumni, donors and youth

together sometime in July.

Howell insists this is a place for everyone to feel welcome and that OYA expands far beyond safe conversation.

“OYA has acted as a safety net for countless youth. Whether it’s a 19-year-old that needs extra money to pay rent or a student has been kicked out of their house we facilitate a place for them to stay,” Howell said. “We have literally provided [for] youth that doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. We have been able to help them eat. Some of it is actually life or death. Any youth that has issues and needs help to definitely contact us.”

Interested youth or volunteers can find out more information at OrlandoYouthAlliance. org or by e-mail at Info@ OrlandoYouthAlliance.org.

Slaymaker can’t wait to see what the next 25 years has in store for OYA. “It’s okay to be gay at OYA,” Slaymaker said. “There are other organizations. There is no rainbow flag at other organizations but there is at ours. These are formative years for these kids and it’s exciting to see them go out to do great things. These are the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Decisions regarding their employment involve long standing policies intended to the reflect the beliefs and values of this congregation.”

— Gretchen Hastings, Florida Conference UMC we can say decisions regarding their employment involve long standing policies intended to the reflect the beliefs and values of this congregation,” Hastings’ statement reads. “These are policies applicable to all employees.”

Meeks said her plans include an EEOC claim and a lawsuit if the school doesn’t retract the terminations, issue apologies, and compensate for their damages.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

“Jaclyn and Kelly have suffered compensatory damages, including extreme emotional distress, as a result of these alleged unlawful actions,” reads the letter. The letter concludes advising the school to respond or “my clients will proceed with legal actions to enforce their legal rights and defend against these attacks on their human dignity.”

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tampa bay news

eying a new Post:

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin beckner, pictured at Tampa Pride March 28, will run for Hillsborough clerk of court in 2016.

marshaLing Pride: St. Pete Pride executive director

Eric skains, center, is flanked by the festival’s 2015 grand marshals (L-R) susan McGrath of the stonewall democrats, ashley brundage, nick Janovsky and Larry biddle at Enigma night club April 14. Photo by stEVE bLanchard

st. pete pride marshals, headliner unveiled at kiCk-off event Steve Blanchard

s

t. Petersburg | As a near capacity crowd at Enigma night club watched the television screens, it was revealed that St. Pete Pride’s big-name entertainer for 2015 is Alex Newell, who played “Unique” on the FOX hit Glee.

The transgender character was a first for the show, which was recognized throughout its run for promoting diversity among LGBT students and the overall community.

St. Pete Pride executive director Eric Skains unveiled the video from the stage April 14 while also unveiling this year’s grand marshals.

Marshal candidates were selected by the St. Pete Pride board and then the community voted for three individuals and one organization through an online poll. Voting for the marshals closed on March 27.

Grand Marshals for 2015 are Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce President Ashley Brundage, political campaign manager Nick Javonsky and LGBT Welcome Center director Larry Biddle. The organizational grand marshal is the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County.

“The ‘T’ is no longer silent,” Brundage said from the stage after learning of her win. “I thank everyone who has stood with me and supported the transgender community. We’re in this together.”

Janovsky talked politics from the stage, encouraging those in attendance who enjoyed domestic partnership recognitions and marriage equality to return to the polls during the next election cycle to ensure their rights are protected.

Stonewall Democrat President Susan McGrath echoed Janovsky’s sentiments.

All of the grand marshals will appear in St. Pete Pride’s night parade on June 27 as well as appear at official St. Pete Pride events.

Newell will perform at the 27/82 concert on June 26 at a location to be determined later.

For more information and details on the rest of the St. Pete Pride festivities for 2015, visit StPetePride.com.

12

Photo by brucE hardIn

Looking ahead Kevin Beckner launches campaign against Pat Frank to become Hillsborough’s Clerk of Court Greg Stemm

t

amPa | Two-term Hillsborough County commissioner Kevin Beckner has announced that he will be running for Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. Beckner was elected to the county commission in 2008 as the first openly gay elected official in Hillsborough County. He easily won re-election in 2012 and has reached his term limit.

His filing challenges current clerk of court and fellow Democrat Pat Frank, who said she will seek re-election in 2016.

“The clerk of the court acts as the chief financial officer for the county,” said Beckner. “He manages the county’s investment portfolio and serves as both auditor and recorder. My 16 years as a certified financial planner will be a great asset to bring this to this position.”

Beckner, 44, said the second area of responsibility for the clerk is maintaining all the county court

watermark Your lgbt life.

records. He said his expertise in technology will be helpful in that regard. He helped integrate several differing computing platforms for the juvenile welfare system, allowing the systems to seamlessly communicate with each other where there had been problems in the past.

Frank, 85, is a former county commissioner and state legislator.

She was first elected clerk of the circuit court in 2004 and was re-elected without opposition in 2008 and 2012.

During his tenure as county commissioner, Beckner distinguished himself as a champion of human rights.

Among his accomplishments were the passage of a human rights ordinance, the passage of a domestic partner registry and being instrumental in repealing the county’s ban on recognizing LGBT Pride events.

He was also instrumental in championing several public safety initiatives, including founding

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

the Juvenile Justice Task Force that led to the expansion of the Civil Citation program for firsttime misdemeanor offenders, introducing and passing ordinances that shut down pill mills and reduced epidemic insurance fraud related to staged auto accidents and forming a countywide violence prevention initiative to reduce the frequency and severity of violence in our communities.

In addition to public safety and human rights issues, Beckner espouses fiscal responsibility and transparency in government, sustainable growth with respect for the environment and the importance of investing in a multimodal transportation system.

The post of clerk of the court will require travel to Tallahassee, Beckner said, and he hopes to use that opportunity to further human rights issues by talking to legislators when he is in the capitol.

Beckner said that when he first considered running for county commissions there were political consultants that told him not to reveal his sexual orientation. For him that wasn’t an option.

“I ran openly and honestly about who and what I am and I believe the voters responded the way they did because they want political representatives who have integrity and will be honest with them,” said Beckner.

Beckner went on to say that in

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tampa bay news

seeking re-eLection: Current Hillsborough clerk of court Pat Frank, pictured in January at a mass same-sex wedding ceremony in downtown Tampa, will seek re-election next year. Photo by stEVE bLanchard

| uu | Kevin Beckner froM PG.12 today’s world the only problem he sees with openly gay candidates running for any office is if they aren’t honest with the public about themselves and try to run for office “in the closet.”

“Voters want someone they can trust,” he said. “If you are lying to them about who you are then how can you expect them to trust you in the role you are seeking?”

Is the clerk of court position a political stepping stone for Beckner? Will we be seeing a run for higher office such as mayor, governor or a role in Congress?

“My philosophy has always been to take a look at my talents and areas of expertise and see where they could best be put to use to help the public I serve,” said Beckner. “I’ve never been about seeking certain titles or positions for their prestige or political gain. I want to be able to serve where I can make the most difference.”

That message is very similar to his two successful commission campaigns.

“I got into politics to make a difference and I have a proven record of being able to get things done,” said Beckner. “But there is a high level of burnout with people in public office. You are virtually always on the job. I talk politics with people in line at the grocery store who recognize me.

“That can be tough, but as long as I feel like what I bring to the table can help- people I’ll probably stay in public life. If I start to feel otherwise is when I might go back to the private sector.”

The burnout factor can be an issue at home, but Beckner says his spouse, Gil Sainz, a Tampa Police officer, has been very supportive of his political life.

“It can be tough because the job often requires you to be away from your spouse more than either of you would like,” Beckner said. “It’s critical to have the support at home or it doesn’t work. Gil has been wonderful and very supportive of everything I do. I couldn’t do it without that.”

A native of Michigan City, Indiana, Becker graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1990 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Business and Psychology from Indiana University in 1993. He attended Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Leadership program in 2013.

Kevin has been a Certified Financial Planner for more than 16 years.

For more information about Beckner’s run for clerk of the court visit KevinBeckner.com. Frank has yet to set up a campaign website.

14

different Paths: Tiger Orange tells the story of two gay brothers who take very different paths in life. It’s part of the 2015 Harvey Milk Festival.

harvey milk festival sets 2015 entertainment lineup Greg Stemm

s

arasota | Harvey Milk Festival founder and president Shannon Fortner shares a birthday with the famed activist. She also shares a similar passion for supporting activism and equality for members of the LGBT community and is doing it through music, art and cinema.

The sixth annual Harvey Milk Festival is scheduled for May 14, 15 and 16 in a number of locations in and near downtown Sarasota. The mission of the Harvey Milk Festival is to honor the life of one of the first openly gay Americans elected to public office. It does so by fostering emerging talent in musicians and artists who support diversity and reject discrimination, the festival’s mission statement reads.

“My motivation for starting the festival was my own experience with LGBTQ discrimination,’ said Fortner.

“I was involved in a relationship with a woman from the United Kingdom.

While the laws have recently changed so it’s better, at the time immigration laws were not favorable to gay people at all.”

Milk was an American politician who became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Politics and gay activism were not his early interests; he was not open about his homosexuality and did not participate in civic matters until around age 40, after his experiences in the counterculture of the 1960s.

Milk served 11 months in office

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and was responsible for passing a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city. On Nov. 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, another supervisor who had recently resigned but wanted his job back.

Milk’s election was made possible by—and was a key component of—a shift in San Francisco politics.

The assassinations and the ensuing events were the result of continuing ideological conflicts in the city.

The first day of the 2015 festival in Sarasota features a film by Wade Gasque entitled Tiger Orange. It serves up a poignant depiction of family dynamics and small town life through the tale of two gay brothers who take very different life paths, but both end up back in the small town where they grew up. The film stars Mark Strano (Out To Kill) and Frankie Valenti (former adult star Johnny Hazzard).

The film is scheduled for screening at the Burns Court Cinema.

Tickets are $10 and are available online at HarveyMilkFestival.org.

The second day of the festival is devoted to art. At press time, artists were still submitting portfolios for consideration. The art show will be held at the MillerBrady Gallery and admission is free.

The core of the festival is the music which is featured on the third and final day of the event.

There are 10 bands/groups slated to perform with styles ranging from indie-synth-electro-pop-rock to Southern Goth blues.

“We had 56 submissions to consider so we had a lot of great

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bands to chose from this year,” said Fortner. “While we have groups from as far away as the United Kingdom, we always try to leave four or five slots open to feature local or regional artists.”

The music festival is scheduled to take place in Five Points Park.

Admission to the full day musical entertainment is free.

“While we do pay the bands for their performances, all of our expenses are covered by the participation of our wonderful sponsors and that lets us keep our admission free to the public,” explained Fortner. “We’ve been blessed, the festival has never been in the red.

“We’re also showcasing the ‘I Am Harvey Milk’ project again that I started in 2010,” said Fortner. “A patron can go into a tent, and first they’ll listen to audio of Harvey Milk giving a speech, then they can step onto the soapbox where there will be an outline of Harvey Milk’s shoes and they’ll be able to embrace their inner activist.”

The patron will then be able to take the influence of Milk’s words and speak their own.

“We’ll film and record it and make a short compilation video of everyone’s best quote and it will just show how people embrace moving forward and continuing Harvey Milk’s work,” Fortner said. “And maybe inspire people to even take action themselves.”

Fortner notes that The Harvey Milk Festival supports the mission of ALSO Out Youth to end all forms of violence, harassment and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. ALSO Out Youth’s mission is to enhance selfesteem, promote healthy dialogue, and increase awareness of sexual minority issues.

Last year the festival donated a $1,000 scholarship to ALSO. She hopes it will be even more this year.

“With the coming of marriage equality at long last to Florida, this is definitely a year of celebration,” said Fortner. “I hope that the festival will be a showcase of the values Harvey espoused which were that we need to all recognize and appreciate our differences and work together for the common good. I think Harvey would be proud of this event.”

For an updated schedule for the Harvey Milk Festival visit HarveyMilkFestival.org.

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15

state news

Florida removes gay adoption ban, bill giving agencies a right to discriminate dies Jeremy Williams

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allahassee | The Florida Legislature has moved two gay adoption bills through the 2015 session—one pro-LGBT, the other anti-LGBT—and both are racing to get to the governor’s desk and become law before the session ends.

On April 14, the Florida Senate passed the first of these bills, the Adoption and Foster Care bill (CS/ HB 7013), by a vote of 27-11. The bill strikes outdated statutory language that bans gay people from adopting in the state of Florida.

The ban has been obsolete and unenforced since 2010, when it was ruled unconstitutional. The move to scrub the gay adoption ban language is part of a larger adoption bill that provides adoption benefits to state employees and incentive payments to community-based care groups.

Of the 20 pages of bill language, just a single line applies to deleting

the ban on adoption by gays.

Sen. Tom Lee (R-Brandon) focused his debate on this single line of language, saying the removal of the language “ought to stand alone.”

“We have hijacked a piece of legislature that was supposed to be a feel good moment,” said Lee. “We are dividing folks with this legislation.”

Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Destin), the bill’s sponsor, said he understood the “hijacked” feel of the bill but said that not passing this bill because of “a phrase which is now meaningless in law” doesn’t help the children.

“I’m a person of faith,” Gaetz said. “I’m a Lutheran and I asked my church ‘What’s your attitude on this?’ and I was told ‘Lutherans follow the law; we will follow the law.’”

The Senate currently faces another bill involving same-sex adoption. The anti-gay Conscience Protection bill (CS/HB 7111) was proposed, and passed, in the Florida House on April 9 as a reaction to the House’s prior approval of HB 7013,

the pro-gay adoption bill.

HB 7111 gives child-placement agencies the right to deny adoptions for a couple or individual if it violates that agency’s religious or moral convictions.

David Richardson (D-MiamiDade) spoke from the House floor comparing the vote on HB 7111 to civil rights issues that faced the nation more than 50 years ago.

“If you are open to the public, then you are open to the public,” Richardson said. “If the lunch counter is open, it is open to everyone.”

Richardson contended that HB 7111 was proposed as a direct response to the passage of the Adoption and Foster Care bill. His claims appeared validated by Rep. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) and Rep. Larry Ahern (R-Seminole), who both said they regretted supporting the removal of the gay adoption ban and saw this bill as their way to make good with their religious conflict.

“I care deeply that we show

fairness and equality to everyone, but as people of faith we should care deeply about our convictions,” Baxley said.

Michelle Richardson, ACLU Director of Florida Public Policy, responded quickly after the Florida House voted to pass the anti-gay Conscience Protection bill.

“Like the Indiana law that caused such a backlash, this bill would authorize State sanctioned discrimination, but here, children would be the ones who bear the brunt of discrimination and taxpayers would foot the bill,” Richardson said in a statement.

The Adoption and Foster Care bill, having pased both the House and Senate, will now move on to Gov. Rick Scott for signing, while the Conscience Protection bill remains in the State Senate, confusing and upsetting some Senators.

“We should be voting on the [Conscience Protection bill] first,” said Lee. “It’s a bit of putting the cart before the horse.”

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The committee chair, Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs), along with the 13 member committee, heard more than two hours of testimony. The committee went to the end of the session without a vote and postponed the rest of the hearing.

With the Conscience Protection bill “temporarily postponed” and less than two weeks left in the 2015 session, it is likely that the law against gay adoption will be struck down and there will be no conscience clause added to it.

“With the clock running out, it is very likely the end of the line for this bad bill,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of LGBT-rights group Equality Florida. “The bottom line is the bill is unconstitutional. It would have allowed state-funded discrimination and in doing so threatened hundreds of millions of federal dollars for foster care and adoption. It was written in way to allow a broad range of discrimination at taxpayer expense.”

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17

nation+world news

in other news Colorado GOP invites snubbed gay group to summit The Colorado Republican Party has invited a gay GOP group that was barred from setting up a table at the Western Conservative Summit to share its booth. The Denver Post reports party Chairman Steve House announced the decision the day after the Log Cabin Republicans were snubbed by summit organizers. Summit chairman John Andrews said that because the group advocates for gay marriage, it cannot have an official presence at an event that promotes traditional family structure. The summit will be held in Denver from June 26-28.

Houston rejection of anti-equal rights law petition upheld A judge has knocked down a conservative court challenge to new protections Houston officials granted gay and transgender residents. State District Judge Robert Schaffer ruled that the city of Houston was within its rights to reject a petition circulated by conservative activists that would have referred the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance to city voters. Schaffer agreed with city officials that the petition bore insufficient valid signatures to compel a referendum.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who is gay, hailed the ruling as “a great day for civil rights in Houston.’’

El Salvador approves measures banning same-sex marriage A bill that would ban same-sex marriage in El Salvador has won preliminary approval from the legislature. A package of constitutional reforms approved April 16 also would bar same-sex couples from adopting children. The reforms will not take effect unless they are ratified by a two-thirds majority in the next legislative session, which will open on May 1.

LGBT Uber riders unprotected in Oklahoma A bill that sets up a regulatory framework in Oklahoma for ridesharing programs such as Uber and Lyft passed the state Senate, but not before a provision protecting gay and transgender passengers from discrimination was removed. The “Oklahoma Transportation Network Company Services Act’’ passed the Republican-controlled Senate on a 35-11 vote. Sen. Jason Smalley said he rewrote the bill to allow private businesses to establish their own policies regarding discrimination.

Activists urge lawmakers to ramp up AIDS fight Boston activists are urging state lawmakers to increase spending on the fight against AIDS. AIDS Action Committee Executive Director Carl Sciortino said that while Massachusetts has made great strides in battling the disease, the number of new infections has leveled off at about 700 each year. Sciortino said new breakthroughs in treatment and prevention of HIV means the state can potentially break through that plateau in HIV diagnoses and get to zero new infections.

18

GOP candidates respond to hypothetical gay wedding invitation Staff Report

W

hen it comes to attending a gay wedding, not all presidential aspirants say “I do.”

It sounded at first like a simple, if unusual, question to ask a potential leader of the free world: Would you go to a same-sex wedding?

But it is fast becoming a kind of conservative litmus test for potential GOP presidential candidates.

Most Republican hopefuls stand squarely in the traditional camp of defining marriage as between a man and a woman, and they oppose efforts, such as the one looming before the Supreme Court, to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

They differ, however, on whether they would personally attend the wedding of a gay friend or family member.

Sen. Marco Rubio, once seen as front-runner, has some catching up to do.

The question was first posed to Rubio, the Florida Republican, after the 43-year-old launched his presidential campaign as the party’s face of a new generation.

“If it’s somebody in my life that I care for, of course I would,” Rubio told Jorge Ramos of the Fusion cable TV channel.

“I’m not going to hurt them simply because I disagree with a choice they’ve made,” he said. “You respect that because you love them.”

Not so fast, said Republican former Sen. Rick Santorum. The Catholic evangelical, who hopes his conservative values will attract a wide following if he jumps into the race, drew the line at celebrating gay marriages.

“No, I would not,” Santorum told radio host Hugh Hewitt. “That would be something that would be a violation of my faith. I would love them and support them, but I would not participate in that ceremony.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) seemed to wriggle out of the question, saying he had not yet been invited to any gay weddings so had not considered whether he would attend such a bash.

“Well, I will tell you, I haven’t faced that circumstance,” Cruz told Hewitt, blaming the media for muddying what he called a straightforward constitutional question over marriage.

“They routinely say, ‘Well, gosh, any conservative must hate people who are gay.’ And as you know, that has nothing to do with the operative legal question,” said Cruz, a former Texas solicitor general. “Marriage has been a question for the states.”

Public attitudes toward gay marriage have been among the most rapidly changing of any social issue in modern times as polls show voters have essentially flipped in recent years to support it.

As recently as 2009, 54% of Americans opposed samesex marriage, according to Pew Research, with 37% in favor. Today

support is broaching 60%, in some surveys.

The swift and unexpected shift has forced Democratic and Republican candidates to scramble to adjust — or evolve, as many say — with the times.

President Obama acknowledged his own evolution on the issue and now supports same-sex marriage.

A spokeswoman for the Democratic front-runner, Hillary Rodham Clinton, said the former secretary of State would like to see the Supreme Court clear the way for same-sex couples to marry.

Younger voters have increasingly more open attitudes toward gay marriage, polling shows, but the partisan divide remains strong.

Just 30% of Republican voters support same-sex marriage, according to Pew. Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, does not yet appear to have been asked how he would RSVP for a gay wedding.

He joined other Republican hopefuls in voicing support for a recent Indiana religious-liberty measure that gay rights advocates feared would allow businesses to refuse services to gays and lesbians.

But he also spoke out against using such laws to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

The Human Rights Campaign, the large gay rights advocacy organization, praised Clinton for taking a stance that all “committed and loving couples should be able to marry,” said Fred Sainz, vice president of communications.

“It’s unfortunate that all of the Republican candidates have chosen to be on the wrong side of history.”

N.C. police: Man made threat calls to college after killing Wire Report

G

oldsboro, N.C. | A North Carolina community college closed Friday and was closed through Monday after receiving threatening telephone calls that followed a shooting death involving a self-avowed neo-Nazi.

Goldsboro police say they charged a 31-year-old man with a felony for allegedly phoning in a false report Friday threatening a shooting at Wayne Community College. Kentrell Lamont Chadwick was charged with

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making a false report concerning mass violence on educational property.

Officials closed the campus April 17 and canceled weekend classes and activities after receiving ``several threatening phone calls over the last two days,’’ college President Kay Albertson said in a statement on the school’s website. After local officials opted to cancel classes Friday for a high school operating on the campus, college officials did likewise to lessen confusion, she said.

But a police statement said: ``There has been no further indication of any additional threats made towards the

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

college, college employee or students.’’

Messages asking the college and police department to clarify the seeming discrepancy were not returned.

The college was previously evacuated April 13 after an employee was killed.

Welding student Kenneth Morgan Stancil III is charged with killing shop teacher Ron Lane. Stancil says he’s a neo-Nazi who hates gay people. Lane was gay and fired Stancil last month.

Police said there is no indication that Friday’s threat was connected to the Stancil case.

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Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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viewpoint

Photo by Judy Watson Tracy

Jill Shargaa

My View:

From A Broad

R

Left Out aise your right

hand if you’re left-handed!

I’m a lefty and those that are can tell you, it’s not easy.

When I was in first grade, I vividly remember that when it rained during recess my teacher would break out the record player and we’d have to square dance or get up and move. Every time that happened I would break into a sweat. Not because of my dancing skills, but because it took me a long time to distinguish left from right.

“Start on your right foot!” I would naturally start on my left foot, reach with my left hand, turn the faucet toward the right hoping the water would come out…

Being left-handed required that I sat in a different desk from the others. It was curved and supported the left arm for writing. If there was one lefty desk in the entire room, that was mine. It felt different being left-handed—and not in a good way. I’m sure my chubby, little left hand was curled in such a way that it looked mangled.

Being left-handed while using scissors meant that the handle was molded to fit comfortably on the left thumb and fingers. To be specific, the blades are reversed so that the left blade is on top. Remember how much paper cutting was going on in first grade?

My lefty scissors were green too.

They were ostracized from the others. I felt sorry for them.

I learned to play guitar “upside down”—or lefthanded. I switched to right-handed after a couple years. I noticed that Jimi Hendrix was better at it than I was. So was Paul McCartney. Whatever, Jimi.

Whatever, Paul.

When I was taking typography at the University of Florida I struggled with using ink pens and lettering. I had to draw everything in pencil first, Then ink it “backwards.”

Otherwise, when you write naturally from left to right, it would smear.

Neatness counts. This took me hours to do. I would’ve failed that class, not graduate and ended up being homeless if I hadn’t taken the time.

Wait here while I get the statistics on that.

Lefties wear their wrist watch on their right arm.

And if you want to change the time while wearing your watch, you can’t pull out the stem because it’s on the far right side. So you have to take your watch off, change the time by hand and put it back on. Time flies when you’re left-handed.

Through the ages, “left” has evolved into being wrong or bad. Take the word “sinister.” The origin of sinister is Middle English, from Anglo-French is senestre on the left, from Latin sinistr-. Sinister, on the left side, unlucky, inauspicious. The MerriamWebster Dictionary defines sinister as “having an evil appearance; looking likely to cause something bad, harmful, or dangerous to happen.”

Hoo-boy. Raise your left hand if you feel horrible.

If you’re right-handed, I’d say by now you’re thinking, “Who cares, Jill?” But wait, there’s more.

A “left-handed compliment” is when an insult is disguised as a compliment or an inadvertent criticism meant to be an expression of praise.

We’ve given them. We’ve received them.

“Wow, she is beautiful, considering her age.”

We all have a friend or relative who is gauche.

Defined as “lacking social experience or grace; not tactful; crude.”

The origin is French, literally, left. Thanks a lot,

you snail-eating bastards.

On the other hand (preferably the left), La Rive Gauche—or The Left Bank— is named for the River Seine in Paris. The river cuts the city in two. The southern bank is to the left, and the northern bank is to the right. Centuries ago, the

become right-handed.”

I was stunned. How was my left-handedness harming him? Am I not doing my job correctly? Was he expecting me to answer him, “Gee, I would love to have been your daughter. Being lefthanded is killin’ me!”

I’m sure I wanted to flip

them. Someone saw a niche market and answered the call. (Hello, lefty manual canopeners! Where’ve you been all my life?)

When you notice someone else shares a similar characteristic as you, there’s a sense of pride in that. LGBT Pride,

artists, musicians, writers, beatniks and wackos preferred to live on The Left Bank. It was known for the counterculture, creativity and bohemianism. Yay, team!

When I was 17, I worked as a cashier at Walgreens. I dreaded working with the pharmacist who was the crankiest man on earth. He noticed I was left-handed and actually said to me, “If you were my daughter, I would’ve forced you to

him the bird, using my left hand, of course.

Famous left handers include Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush (41), Gerald Ford, Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman. Tina Fey, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Babe Ruth, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates are also lefties.

Nowadays, there are lots of left-handed products available to make our lives easier. I’m grateful for

Black History Month, St. Patrick’s Day Parade—all these events celebrate their commonality. Many times people can feel the opposite and experience shame like I did when I was a kid.

Minorities usually catch the brunt of it because their voices haven’t been heard.

Try to see their point of view and don’t let them feel…wait for it—“left” out.

The origin is French, literally, left. Thanks a lot, you snail-eating bastards.

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viewpoint

D’Anne Witkowski

Guest column Creep of the Week: Ted Cruz

B

efore I begin this

column I’d like to first offer an apology.

You see, I have a bad habit of referring to anti-gay politicians and talking heads using pejorative terms like “ass,” “asshole,” “dick” and “dickhead.” I’ve done some soul-searching and realized that I can no longer do this in good conscience and I sincerely apologize.

After all, butts and penises serve a legitimate purpose in the lives of so many people. In other words: there are plenty of people, straight and gay alike, who like backsides and wieners. Not only for the sexing, mind you, but also for the very essential bodily functions for which they allow. I hope that each and every booty and schlong and the people who love them can forgive me.

Which leads me to this week’s Creep: United States Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the first Republican to throw his hate in the ring (no, I did not spell “hat” wrong) to run for president.

On April 9, Cruz spoke in Iowa to a gathering of The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators and—

dislike and distrust in Muslims in order to make them even more mad at those “dern homosexers.”

And while the definition of “jihad” is open to some debate, no doubt Cruz and his ilk believe that it means “gay married terrorists killing Jesus lovers for sport.” And since he’s speaking to a group of homeschoolers, said gay married terrorists were clearly trained in the public schools.

Because Cruz is apparently unaware of irony, after he laments the fact that LGBT people are kicking up a fuss over being singled out for discrimination, he then issues a call for unity— against gay people.

“We need to bring people together to the religious liberty values that built this country. It wasn’t long ago when this was an area of bipartisan agreement,” he said. “It used to be Democrats and Republicans, when it came to the First Amendment, we all stood together and said, ‘Of course every one of us has a God-given right to seek out and worship God and to live according to our faith and our conscience and our belief.’”

Mind you, when he’s talking about the First Amendment, he means the right to the free exercise of religion, which specifically means the right to discriminate against icky LGBT people because Jesus said so.

He’s claiming discrimination as a God given right.

And this is where the old me

He then issues a call for unity—against gay people

surprise!—said something anti-gay.

More specifically, he expressed his support for the so-called “religious liberty” laws being passed across the country, the most notably in Indiana. He also expressed his frustration that anyone would dare challenge such laws just because they can be used to discriminate against LGBT people in states where there are no antidiscrimination protections for LGBTs (like in Indiana).

“We look at the jihad that is being waged right now, in Indiana, and Arkansas,” he said, “going after people of faith who respect the biblical teaching that marriage is the union of one man and one woman.”

It is, of course, a mischaracterization, at best, to describe the opposition to so-called religious freedom laws as “jihad.” But there’s no reason to give Cruz the benefit of the doubt here. He’s clearly using “jihad” intentionally in order to arouse his audience’s inherent

would have called Cruz a dick.

But the new me will not stoop so low. The new me declares that Cruz is a cancer. He is a tumor in the asshole of America, full of shit and recklessly multiplying and growing without regard to his host’s life or well-being. The good news is that he’s been detected fairly early. The bad news is that he’s convinced a lot of Americans, for whom religion trumps science, that he’s actually good for them.

And so he grows.

D’Anne Witkowski writes a weekly column titled ‘Creep of the Week’ for Qsyndicate.com.

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Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

talking points

54

Transgender people know who they are. We don’t need to be told and coached how to be someone else.

IN A RECENT REUTERS/IPSOS POLL,

%

said it is WronG for Businesses to refuse serviCes Based on reliGious Grounds.

55

%

Believe Businesses should not have the riGht to refuse eMPloyMent to PeoPle Based on reliGious Beliefs.

—Reuters/Ipsos poll

— jay davis, one of severaL Lgbt white house staffers in a video seeking an end to conversion theraPy

Gay CouPle in hillary video have set WeddinG date

w

hen hiLLary cLinton reLeased a video officiaLLy kicking off her PresidentiaL camPaign, the big talking point was the gay couple featured. That couple, Jared Milrad, 31, and Nathan Johnson, 30, live in Chicago and plan to get married in July. The couple said a friend who works for the campaign approached them about appearing in a video for Clinton. They didn’t know, however, that it would be for an ad launching her campaign. Both are thrilled and plan to support Clinton in 2016.

vaGue, But We KnoW it’s aPril 24

a

recent teaser traiLer for diane sawyer’s interview with bruce jenner teLLs us, weLL, very LittLe. The blurry images and a shot of the back of what we assume is Bruce Jenner’s head confirms that the ABC personality landed an interview with somebody with long hair. What we do know is that the network will air the interview on April 24 and will no doubt finally lift the veil on what Bruce Jenner sees for himself in the future—whether he is transitioning or not.

watermark Your lgbt life.

hiP ChiCKs Get on the food netWorK

s

an francisco farmers serafina PaLandech and her Partner, jennifer johnson, were featured on the Food Network this month. The married couple, who have a child, appeared on Food Fortunes April 13, in an episode titled “Meal or No Deal.”

Hip Chick Farms, a groundbreaking organic, frozen poultry product company, provides easy meal solutions for families. The couple pitched their brands to celebrity investors. The results? Well, find the show on-demand. We don’t want to put any spoilers here.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

CoMiCs to Get Gay MorMon suPerhero

L

gbts are everywhere in the comic book universe.

But now there’s a new twist on the genre—a gay Mormon superhero.

The new book from So Super Duper Comics tells the story of Stripling Warrior, who’s alter ego is Sam Shepard, a happily newly married gay man visited by an angel on his wedding night. His role, according to a press release, is to be the hand of God on earth. The project is underway, but needs funding. Hence, the Kickstarter campaign. Search “Stripling Warrior” on Kickstarter. com for the promo pitch.

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

in-dePth: reliGious disCriMination

THE NEXT f BIG BATTLE

Jamie Hyman

ew combative issues have

raised eyebrows as much as the recent string of legislation promoting “religious freedom.”

WITH SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ALL BUT A DONE DEAL, THE NEXT FIGHT FOR LGBT EQUALITY IS DISCRIMINATION DISGUISED AS RELIGION. watermark Your lgbt life.

A recent push to create bills designed to protect business owners from having to engage in services that are against their religious beliefs has surfaced in more than half of our country’s states. The problem is that these Religious Freedom Restoration Acts—also known as RFRAs—are frequently wielded as a weapon allowing business owners to deny service to LGBTs. It’s no surprise RFRAs, and the various ways they’ve been

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

deployed in recent months, have made headlines and sparked untold numbers of heated online, political and personal arguments.

The concept strikes at the soft underbelly of who people love and what they believe. Damaging either aspect of a person’s identity is guaranteed to wound deeply, which is why we defend these rights so passionately.

Continued on PG. 30 | uu |

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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In order to fully understand RFRAs, we must first take a glance at their history. It might be surprising to discover that they actually began as a liberal cause.

The American Civil Liberties Union initiated the federal Religious Freedon Restoration Act that President Bill Clinton signed in 1993. That law—and the 20 or so state RFRAs passed since then, including in Florida—means the government can’t “substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion.”

Previous to 2015, RFRAs were primarily used to decide issues like Native American sacred land use disputes, or whether a Muslim woman has to take off a veil for a driver’s license photo, or whether federal inmates have to shave their facial hair if it violates their religion.

The 2015 versions, however, are a very different type of legislation.

Several states have proposed these measures and Indiana’s went far enough for Gov. Mike Pence to sign, which earned the state an onslaught of national attention.

First, these bills expand beyond individuals to cover businesses and non-profit organizations. Under section 9 of the Indiana state law it says a “person” (which under the law includes not only an individual but also any organization, partnership, LLC, corporation, company, firm, church, religious society, or other entity) whose “exercise of religion has been substantially burdened, or is likely to be substantially burdened” can use the law as “a claim or defense regardless of whether the state or any other governmental entity is a party to the proceeding.”

The federal RFRA that supporters of the “religious freedom” laws and Gov. Pence refer to only applies to disputes between private citizens and a government.

Secondly, according to Orlando attorney and LGBT activist Mary Meeks, the new bills explicitly allow for discrimination by allowing people and businesses to use the law as defense if they’re sued for refusing to serve LGBTs—even in areas where specific LGBT protections exist.

“So ostensibly, the way those religious laws were written, they could be used as a defense, to say you cannot enforce that Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) against me Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

because it infringes on my religious liberty,” Meeks says.

Supporters of the RFRAs say that just isn’t the case. Gov. Pence defended signing the bill stating “we’ve got a perception problem” when he spoke to George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s This Week. “The things that have been said about our state law have been at times deeply offensive to me,” said Pence. While still stating the law could not be used to discriminate against members of the LGBT community, he has moved forward to have the law amended to include wording that prohibits service providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations.

It also bars discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or U.S. military service.

But the question is, does this help?

“The federal one and most of the existing ones before the current ones didn’t have that much more wide ranging provisions.

And that’s actually the real fear,” Meeks says. “So, once these two in Indiana and Arkansas supposedly got fixed, that didn’t really change anything because in those states, as in Florida, it’s already legal to deny services to gay people. So it wasn’t a question of whether you can do it or not, it’s just a question of whether you’re going to pass a law that definitively in the face tells people yes, you can do it and the government will support you. But it hasn’t changed the fact that it’s still legal to do it.”

Why Would you Want an anti-Gay CaKe?

So why should gay people even care if religious people don’t want to serve them? Since the introduction of the expanded RFRAs, people on both sides have argued that if a vendor says it’s against their religion to serve LGBTs, gay customers should spend their dollars elsewhere.

Frequently. the brand of LGBT discrimination is inflicted by wedding vendors who do not want to provide service for a same-sex wedding. and a recent AP poll stated 57% of Americans think wedding-related businesses should be allowed to refuse services to gay and lesbian couples because of religious objections. So, let’s use this as our example.

First, it exhibits a strong urban

What if there’s only three in town?

Two of them are already booked, the third one says’ I ain’t gonna do it because I don’t believe in it.’ So the next closest wedding planner is 700 miles away.

—attorney mary meeks

bias, that is, an assumption that everyone lives in areas where there are a plethora of services from which to choose. Even in small towns, where there are likely several photographers, it’s far more likely that there are very limited wedding planners. What if the one or two wedding planners geographically acceptable say that providing the service to same-sex couples violates their religion?

The couple is out of luck, and it shouldn’t be that way.

“What if there’s only three in town?” Meeks asks. “Two of them are already booked, the third one says’ I ain’t gonna do it because I don’t believe in it.’ So the next closest wedding planner they can get is 700 miles away.”

That’s the practical reason.

But there is a principled reason as well: businesses simply shouldn’t be allowed to discriminate against LGBTs any more than they’re allowed to discriminate against black people or women or the elderly.

“It’s the same argument for when people say if you live in a bad part of the state where there are no protections for gays, ‘Well just move,’” said Meeks. “I would hope most people see that as counter-intuitive. You shouldn’t have to move just because you’re gay or whatever you happen to be.

You should have the right to get whatever services are offered to the public. Period.”

the doCtor Won’t see you noW

Much of the focus for these RFRAs are put on wedding services, but what stops any business or service provider from doing the same thing.

What if a lawyer or pharmacist or doctor refuses to see an individual or couple because their “lifestyle” conflicts with their religious conscience, regardless of the professional oath they have taken.

Jami and Krista Contreras have been together for four

years, married for two. They live in Michigan, a state that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages.

The Contreras have a six-day-old baby girl, Bay, and just like any new parents they wanted to visit a pediatrician.

“We researched pediatricians,” says Krista. “[Vesna Roi] came recommended to us by our midwife.

We really liked her and two months before Bay was born, we booked the appointment.”

When the Contreras family showed up at Eastlake Pediatrics, they were placed in a room and waited for who they thought would be Dr. Roi when another doctor walked in.

“The doctor told us Dr. Roi prayed on it and decided she wouldn’t be able to take Bay on as a patient,” says Krista. Bay was seen by the doctor that broke the news to the Contreras and finished the appointment.

“We were humiliated and dumbfounded,” Krista says. “We had done our research to prevent

watermark Your lgbt life.

this from happening. I think we were frustrated and hurt more than anything. This was our first child.

Any new parent can attest you just want reassurance. You’re scared, you’re adjusting, life is crazy. It was our first time out of the house with a newborn.”

That feeling didn’t go away for Krista. She was uneasy and humiliated and that is what opponents of RFRAs say is wrong with them. They do not allow certain groups of citizens to have the same access to resources that all citizens do.

“I remember last year sharing something on Facebook on how an EMT could refuse service to a patient,” Krista says. “The opposition said it would never be used for that, that’s ridiculous, no one in the medical field would ever do that. I remember that so vividly and here we are with a six-day-old and it’s happening, it happened to us.”

adoption agencies, whether they receive state funds or not, to deny a couple or individual from adopting based on religious or moral convictions. This bill creates a RFRA specifically for adoption agencies that could open the floodgates for a broad sweeping bill like the ones we see moving through Indiana and Arkansas.

“I would not be surprised if [a RFRA] was brought before the state House tomorrow,” says Meeks.

“Maybe they are waiting to see what happens with the adoption bill, maybe that’s the test balloon.”

The adoption debate in Florida mirrors the larger debate on RFRAs going on where as “religious freedom” bills are coming up as a result of gay marriage being legalized. Simply, the Conscience Protection bill is a direct result of the State Legislature voting to remove the 38-year-old ban on gay adoption. It’s the religious right wanting to stick it to the liberal left because they feel they got a victory.

So with the federal RFRA being adopted into law in 1993, why this surge to bring new RFRAs to the state legislatures? The timing is a bit fortuitous with many states recognizing same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court preparing to hear arguments to make it legal across all 50 states.

“There’s always a purpose or a reason, something that prompts a new law,” Meeks says. “Usually, it’s in the legislative history. Well, what is it? What were the infringements of people’s religious rights in Indiana that prompted them to pass this law in 2015? I’ll bet you there’s nothing.

You already have constitutional protections to exercise your religion.

Why do you need an extra law? This had to do with gay marriage. It’s all symbolic, it’s all chest-thumping.”

In 1998, Florida passed its own RFRA, but unlike the one in Indiana, it is closely modeled after the 1993 federal RFRA. That doesn’t mean the legislature here isn’t looking at how they can incorporate more “religious freedom.”

Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) sponsored The Conscience Protection for Actions of Private Child-Placing Agencies. The bill would allow privately owned

With supporters of RFRAs saying they want the freedom to exercise their religion and opponents saying, “Fine, exercise them, just don’t discriminate while doing so,” what is the right answer?

“Very simply, you cannot pass a law that takes away someone’s constitutional rights,” says Meeks.

“In Florida, unless you’re in a city or a county that has an HRO, you can do just about anything to gay people. There are no protections whatsoever from discrimination.

You can fire a gay person, you can not rent them a house, you can not serve them in a restaurant. All of those things, perfectly legal.”

Florida, along with many states that still have no laws protecting based on sexual orientation, need to address the elephant in the room— why the LGBT community is not a protected class.

“This is bigger than just wedding cakes and flowers,” says Krista, who has now settled Bay in with a pediatrician who is accepting of all children. “I just made a dentist appointment the other day and now I am worried if I will be turned away.”

your freedoM of reliGion is just a red herrinG

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

Where do We Go froM here?

Jeremy Williams contributed to this article.

31

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32

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

THEATRE FESTIVAL

arts and entertainMent

the aCtor Who plays one of the first gay CharaCters on the Walking dead talks about the role and his Career as an aCtor and musiCian in Central florida

o

Aaron Alper

rLando | jordan woods-

Robinson’s career is at an upswing.

He currently plays “Eric” on AMC’s blockbuster series The Walking Dead (one of the first gay male characters ever portrayed on the show) and co-stars in the upcoming Solace with Colin Ferrell and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

A full list of his credits and links to his other projects can be found at JordanWoodsRobinson.com.

The actor, who lives in

Orlando with his wife and children, recently sat down with Watermark to discuss his role on the record-breaking show and what it’s like to be

watermark Your lgbt life.

breaking the moLd: Orlando actor Jordan Woods-Robinson plays “Eric” on AMC’s The Walking Dead, one of the first openly gay characters on the blockbuster series.

LGBT-identified. He also talks about his role in the Blue Man Group and his blossoming role as entrepreneur in music production.

WATERMARK: the

auditioninG ProCess for THE WALKING DEAD—hoW did that CoMe aBout?

jordan WoodsroBinson: It was done through video. There are more and more projects being done that way.

It means that rather than going into a room with a casting director and driving for hours, I

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

actually booked the role of Eric without having to set foot out of my own house. What is also cool about the audition is that because the show is so under lock and key, they send out fake scenes and character names, so as an actor you have no idea how you’re going to fit in the show.

It wasn’t until I was cast did I go “Oh! That’s who I am!” And then I got the call that said “Ok, we need you up here by the next day.” It was a whirlwind to get out of my day job with (the Blue Man Group). Normally we have enough Continued on PG. 39 | uu |

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Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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live MusiC

All you need is love Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project hosts Love is the Cure concert to raise money for PWAs

(left)

finding the taLent: Garry breul brings talent together for the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project’s newest concert, “Love is the Cure.”

Photo by brucE hardIn

(riGht)

bringing the fLair:

Tampa Bay performer Matthew McGee will emcee the fundraiser Photo by stEVE bLanchard

36

s

Steve Blanchard

t. Petersburg | fifteen taLented

musical performers will donate their time and talents to the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project’s newest fundraiser on April 27. The show, Love is the Cure, is a showcase of love songs from the musical theater stage.

SATP creator Garry Breul has made it his life’s work to raise money for people suffering with HIV and AIDS, and he remains committed to raising money that goes directly to those individuals, not organizations.

“Years ago we did Divas in Concert— Divas do Garland, Divas do Streisand, etc.,” Breul explains. “It’s concertized.

I read Elton John’s book, Love is the Cure, and that’s where I got this idea and this title. He talks about how he’s seen everything from the Ryan White years to today. The Elton John Foundation does amazing work all over the world and I wanted to bring that to people’s attention.”

Each performer will sing at least one song from a musical theater production. Performers are both local and national—but all have a tie to St. Petersburg and, especially, to Breul.

“We do this because we love Garry,” explains Jorge Acosta, who lives in New York but is in Tampa Bay as part of the cast of American Stage in the Park’s In the Heights. “I’ve done a number of these and they are always different— it’s never the same material. This one is a concert about love songs.”

Initially, a concert of love songs may sound low key—if not depressing.

But Breul guarantees that’s not what the audience will get when the

watermark Your lgbt life.

concert happens at freeFall Theater in St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. on April 27.

“There are all types of songs in this,” Breul explains. “We have songs ranging from happy to sad and it all builds up to ‘Seasons of Love’ from RENT.” Acosta says that while the reason behind the concert is a noble one, it’s also about the music.

“This gives people a chance to hear performers do things they may not normally do,” Acosta says. “It’s pulled out of the narrative and just gives talented people with amazing voices a chance to show what they can do.”

Acosta plans to sing two songs in the concert—”What More Can I Say” from Falsettoland and “Dos Gardenias” by Ibrahim Ferrer.

The evening will be emceed by Watermark Award for Variety and Excellence winner Matthew McGee, who is a staple at almost every SATP show. McGee says he is excited to take part in the experience and may offer up a musical number or two himself.

“I’ll be hosting and introducing acts,” McGee says, “and I may do something from Mame—I’m trying to get the right arrangement.”

Like Acosta, McGee is passionate about the reason behind the concert, but is committed to helping the cause started by his friend Garry Breul.

“I have to say, Garry is tireless,” McGee said. “Even when facing his own health issues, he’s still always working for people, working to help raise awareness.”

In the spring of 2014, Breul learned he had cancer, and he has been battling it ever since.

“A very interesting thing has happened—we don’t all see HIV as a death sentence anymore. There’s a bit of complacency,” McGee says. “It’s a great thing to have Garry around to remind people about these things, about the stuff people are sitll dealing with today. It’s very smart to continue to call attention to the struggle.”

And struggle is the same word Breul uses to describe the people with HIV/ AIDS he hopes to help.

“Someone has to fight for the little guy,” Breul says. “People can live with HIV and have long, wonderful lives.

But there are still those who truly

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

struggle—financially, emotionally.

Those are the people who need our help and the reason behind doing things like this concert.”

Breul makes it clear that the money raised by SATP events like this is to go directly to individuals who need it— not an organization’s overhead. That’s why Breul says he partners with Metro Wellness and Community Centers.

“I tell them every time that I know the money will go directly to those who need it, not to the mortgage or to a salary,” Breul says.

Tickets are $20 for the concert, and Acosta is confident that those who attend will be rewarded with amazing talent and an evening of fun.

“This is by no means a downer,” Acosta says. “It’s a night to hear some incredible singing by some amazingly remarkable people.”

Breul is thankful to freeFall theater for donating the space for the concert and lauds Artistic Director Eric Davis for his continuing support of SATP. McGee, who is the Community

“It’s pulled out of the narrative and just gives talented people with amazing voices a chance to show what they can do.”

—jorge acosta

Outreach Director for freeFall, says events like this not only help a praiseworthy cause, but boosts the theater community as a whole.

“We feel that we have this great complex here and a lot of the time it’s good for us to lend some space to other non-profits,” McGee says.

Both Acosta and McGee admit that while they are donating their time for the concert, they selfishly look forward to reconnecting with friends in the theater world that they rarely get to see.

“We live in this theater community that’s very close knit, but sometimes we’re not all together,” McGee says.

“Garry has a knack of pulling us together and it’s a nice, fun reunion— plus you have all that talent.”

more information

what: Love is the Cure Concert when: 7:30 p.m., April 27 where: FreeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg tickets: $20 at FreeFallTheatre.com

The Florida Orchestr a T a m pa , S t. P e t e & C l e a rwat er

Raymond James Pops

Hilary Kole Pays Tribute to

Judy Garland

Vocalist Hilary Kole will take you

“Over the Rainbow” and beyond in a night of Judy Garland’s favorite songs. The Florida Orchestra Principal Guest Conductor Stuart Malina conducts.

Fri, Apr 24, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Apr 25, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Apr 26, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Media Sponsor:

Tickets Start at $15!

727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286 www.FloridaOrchestr a.org

The Florida Men’s Chorale

Presents the Florida premiere of an original song cycle with orchestra and guest soloists celebrating the life of an American hero.

I AM HARVEY MILK Words and Music by ANDREW LIPPA

FRIDAY • JUNE 12th • 8:00 PM • THE PALLADIUM • 253 5th Avenue North, St Petersburg 33701 SATURDAY • JUNE 13th • 8:00 PM • USF CONCERT HALL • 3755 USF Holly Dr., Tampa 33620 Tickets: $25 & $40 available at

With the Support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners.

www.Una-Voce.org

$5 Student Tickets available on our Website.

Requires valid Student ID at the door. watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

37

CURRENTLY ON VIEW AT THE MFA

Got Mustard?

We’ve got more weiner than we can handle.

On view now through May 31, 2015

www.DareToRescue.com

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Figures on the Beach (detail) 1890, Oil on canvas, Robert Lehman Collection Metropolitan Museum of Art

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE MFA

Paul Binnie, Scottish (born 1967), Yoshitoshi’s Ghosts, 2004 from the series A 100 SHADES OF INK OF EDO, Japanese color woodblock print, Gift of Dr. John E. Schloder in honor of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary 2014.29.17

FIVE DECADES OF PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS FEATURING THE DANDREW-DRAPKIN COLLECTION JUNE 20 THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2015

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

$5 AFTER 5 P.M. ADMISSION EVERY THURSDAY

38

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

| uu | Jordan

Woods-Robinson froM PG.33

guys in town so we can trade off, but it just so happened one guy was out of town and one guy had just had an emergency surgery.

I thought “I am going to have to turn down the largest opportunity that has come up in my career.” I called actors all over and it wasn’t happening, but at the last minute the guy who was out of town agreed to come back. It came down to the last minute—the last three minutes—to accept the role. hoW did you handle neGative reaCtions froM fans Who didn’t Want a Gay CharaCter?

My onscreen partner Ross Marquand, who plays Aaron, we only had about 24 hours to get to know each other before we filmed our first scene.

We are both straight men playing gay characters but we immediately [agreed] that this story is so crucial

surviving the season: Jordan Woods-Robinson’s

character survived the recent season of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Now he’s talking up his upcoming films.

comments because he was getting a glimpse into what some (LGBT) people might go through in their personal lives. I don’t want to speak for him, but that’s the impression I got from the conversations we’ve had.

Also, because I have a wife and children, I made sure to remove my personal life from my social media.

is PlayinG Gay different than it Was 20 years aGo?

I hope so. But taking all of the personal stuff aside, let’s just look at the

to pull you out of school because if it doesn’t work out, you’ve shot yourself in the foot. Finish up and we’ll have a spot for you.” And that’s what they did. you’re also a MusiCian and you’re an entrePreneur?

I am. I run SOS Studios, which is an online recording studio utilizing professional musicians around the world who don’t have their own studios. We provide custom tracks and mixing as well as a blog and podcast for

“This is a show about relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, gender or race. Everyone understands love.”

—jordan woods-robinson to the show and to life in general. They are a strong and powerful couple who is bringing hope and love to a world that is devoid of that. This is a show about relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, gender or race. Everyone understands love.

But it is a large fan base.

There are 17 million people following and people are going to have opinions they can’t keep to themselves.

Some people won’t like certain things. But the amount of support I’ve gotten is incredible. i had read (Co-star ross MarQuand) tooK to heart a lot of the nasty stuff said via tWitter.

Ross has seen a lot more opinions come his way because he is more prominently featured in it. He was upset by the

paycheck. What kind of roles can I book? They’re based on my looks—how I present myself—so most of the roles I book have been gay characters. Am I worried about type-casting? No. All I care about is bringing a level of honor and truth to the characters I play. But yes, I do hope things are being refocused in the right direction.

We have to include everyone in order to survive. hoW did you Get involved With the Blue Man GrouP?

My girlfriend, who is my wife now and went to college with me, saw a sign that said they were holding auditions.

So I skipped class and showed up for auditions.

I got a callback and they said, “We like you. We want to bring you into training but you still have a year and half of school. We don’t want

the business side of being a recording artist.

We want to teach people to maximize their own selfpromotion, branding and networking so they can have that knowledge in their back pocket. so you Create an online CoMMunity of artists?

Yes. In fact, SOS Studios has a session this summer where all of our musicians, vocalists and mixers get together and write, record and post 14 songs in 14 weeks!

more information

• Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut To Your Speciications • Specialty Frames Available in Oval, Circle and Shadowbox

Dan Fiorini

2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete • (727) 344-1000

who: Jordan Woods-Robinson where: AMC’s The Walking Dead info: JordanWoodsRobinson.com

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

39

wandasykes.com

APRIL 25 AT 8PM TICKETS ON SALE NOW Tickets available by calling the Hard Rock Live Box Office at +1-407-351-5483 HARDROCKLIVE.COM Artist & Showtimes Subject to Change.

No Cameras, No Backpacks, No Videos

join hardrockrewards.com

40

Š2015 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

event Planner

arts+entertainment orlando

Central florida

al Jarreau, April 23, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.com.

Dining Out For Life

Jamey Johnson, April 23, House of Blues at Downtown Disney, Kissimmee. 407-934-2583; HOB.com. bianca del rio, April 23, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com .

Mythbusters, April 24, Bob Carr Theater, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org.

Power chords, April 24, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com.

Kevin hart, through April 24, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com.

Wanda sykes, April 25, Hard Rock Live, Orlando.

407-351-5483; HardRock.com.

I am brave, April 25, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com.

Guys and Dolls, through April 25, Annie Russell Theatre, Winter Park. 407-646-2145; Rollins.edu/Annie-RussellTheatre.

Pippin, through April 26, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org sammy hagar & the circle, April 27, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com. robert & andrea stack, April 27, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com tyler, the creator, April 28, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.com. orlando ballet: Coppelia, May 1-3, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org.

Joan armatrading, May 2, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.com.

Sara Jones, May 4, Abbey Theater, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com.

Community Calendar

tuesday, aPriL 28 restaurants in tamPa bay and orLando

you ouGhta KnoW her alanis Morissette provided the soundtrack to our 1990s and she’s back with a new tour. The sultry songstress stops by St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater on April 28 before performing at Hard Rock Live in Orlando on April 29. For tickets, visit TheMahaffey.com and HardRock.com.

Eat, drink and raise money for HIV charities on Tuesday, April 28, by simply eating at one of your favorite restaurants. Different establishments in Tampa Bay and Orlando will donate a portion of their proceeds from that day to the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas or Hope and Help of Central Florida. For details, visit DiningOutForLife.com and search your city.

orlando

Black & White Bash sunday, aPriL 26, 6:30 P.m. kres choPhouse Celebrate the future of MadCow Theatre by attending the first-ever Black & White Bash that will raise funds for the organization’s future. After 18 seasons, the theater finds itself looking for a new location and this party will feature food, cocktails and lively musical performances. For tickets, visit MadCowTheatre.com or call 407-297-8788.

taMPa

Kickball for Kids saturday, aPriL 25, 10 a.m. hyde Park softbaLL Park

Putting It together, through May 9, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.com

taMPa Mythbusters, April 23, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

In the Heights, April 23-May 17, American Stage Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org. retro beach bash, April 24, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667; Fine-Arts.org.

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy, April 24-26, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org. celtic Woman, April 25, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Fiddler on the Roof, through April 25, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Life’s a beach, through April 26, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667; Fine-arts.org.

Love is the cure, April 27, freeFall Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreefallTheatre.com.

Jerry seinfeld, April 30 and May 1, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com. the Planets – the Florida orchestra, May 1, Carol Morsani Hall, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Late Night Catechism, May 1-3, Jaeb Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Darren McCracken’s Big Bad Birthday Party, April 28 and 29, Studio@620, St. Petersburg.

727-895-6620; Studio620.org.

riverfest, May 2-3 Straz Riverwalk, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Zeppelin usa, April 29, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com

Harvey, through May 3, freeFall Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreefallTheatre.com.

Annapurna, April 29-May 24, Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 5-10, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org.

Kickball for Kids is back for its fifth year. Just like last year, this is a donate-what-you-can event for a day of kickball fun, a catered lunch from Ciccio Cali, drinks from Pepsi and other surprises. Money raised benefits Feeding America’s Kid’s Backpack Program. For details and to register, visit BalanceTampaBay.org.

sarasota

Suncoast Equality Connection friday, may 1, 6 P.m. the PLayers theatre The first Suncoast Equality Connection of the year arrives at The Players Theatre and gives supporters of equality a chance to learn more about Equality Florida. The free event offers light bites and a cash bar. Guests are invited to stay for a live stage performance of You Should Be So Lucky in the theater. For details, visit EQFL.org.

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

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

41

watermarkmedia is

HIRING! Start a new career as an

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

H PRIDE 4 YOUTN LESLIE JORDAPARK PRIDE IN THE PRIDE TALKS DARK PRIDE AFTER H PRIDE IN FAIT

overheard

taMPa Bay out+aBout

BuCKhorn urGes nCaa to return in 2016

t

he ncaa women’s tournament has come and gone through tamPa (it was held April 3-5) but Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn saw an opportunity to keep it another year. The LGBT friendly mayor addressed a letter to NCAA president Mark Emmert on April 2 encouraging the organization to pull the 2016 tournament out of Indiana and return it to Tampa. “A championship host city should reflect that spirit of sport. Championship games held in the state of Indiana with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in effect can no longer do so. I encourage you to relocate the 2016 Women’s Final Four to Tampa from Indianapolis.” Tampa is already slated to host the 2019 tournament. No word on if the NCAA will take Buckhorn up on his 2016 offer.

leslie jordan BooKed for PolK Pride

h

e goes by many names—Beverly Leslie, Brother Boy. But the Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan rarely needs an introduction to LGBTs. Jordan will launch Polk Pride 2015 on June 19 with a performance at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland. The openly gay actor has been a staple on the comedy circuit for years and an icon ever since his “Brother Boy” role in the film Sordid Lives. Tickets start at $32.50 and are available through PolkTheatre.org.

taMPa triBune hiGhliGhts MC filM

t

HE TAMPA TRIBUNE and TBO.COM on aPriL 3 ran an articLe on mark bias and carrie west, owners of MC Film Festival. The long-time couple are no stranger to press, but the story was a bittersweet one for the pair. The “pioneer gay pride couple” announced earlier this year that they would be closing their popular novelty shop in Ybor City. The pair told Watermark in March that they hope to relocate to a new storefront in Ybor City in the near future, but they have not yet unveiled a location.

fashion joins netWorKinG

t

he worLds of Lgbt fashion and business coLLided at Quench Lounge April 16 as 15 performers took to the runway for the 6S Boutique Fashion Show. The show was part of the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer, which allows members to network and see various aspects of the community. The celebration was pulled together by 6S owners Andy and Sasha Citino, Quench Lounge manager Jeff Beadle and TBGLCC president Ashley Brundange, all of whom were present. The night was a huge success and was complete with a 50/50 raffle and light bites provided by the bar.

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Passing the baton: 2014 St. Pete Pride grand marshals, John and nancy desmond of PFLAG, speak at Enigma April 14 before announcing the Stonewall Democrats as the 2015 organizational grand marshal.

Photo by stEVE bLanchard

2

the success of 6s: 6S Boutique owners andrew and sasha citino walk the runway following their fashion show at Quench Lounge during the TBGLCC monthly mixer April 16. Photo by stEVE bLanchard

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3

hey stretch: A performer mingles with the crowd at Centennial Park in Ybor City during the Festa Italiana event in Ybor City on April 12. Photo

courtEsy carrIE WEst

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eagerLy awaiting: Friends gather at Enigma bar in St. Petersburg April 14 for the announcement of St. Pete Pride’s 2015 grand marshals and this year’s headliner.

Photo by stEVE bLanchard

5

everyone’s itaLian: Workers from Hamburger Mary’s Ybor participate in the annual Festa Italiana celebration in Ybor City’s Centennial Park April 12. Photo

6

courtEsy carrIE WEst

6

dinner and a view: A group of friends enjoy a late dinner on the Hamburger Mary’s balcony overlooking Ybor Citiy’s 7th Avenue on April 18. Photo courtEsy carrIE WEst

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nice assets!: Bartenders and dancers at G.Bar flex their best assets during the April 17 weekend.

Photo courtEsy carrIE WEst

8

showing fLair: Performer Mayven Missbehavin walks the runway at Quench Lounge during the 6S Boutique fashion show held during the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer April 16. Photo by stEVE bLanchard

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7 watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

43

Orlando’s hottest ticket this Spring!

present

WeddingShow TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!

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watermark Your lgbt life.

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

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

overheard

orlando out+aBout

triP, ride, roCKet

o

n may 2, sPace coast Pride invites sPace coast residents to take a ride on the Night Train to Orlando. As part of a fundraiser to their upcoming festival and first ever Pride Parade, this BYOB ride into the City Beautiful (after a few of those Bs we all look beautiful) will only cost the riders $40 for the round trip transportation. Space Coast Pride will also supply the ice and cups. The Night Train will make stops in Orlando popular hot spots like Howl at the Moon and the World Famous Parliament House Resort. This beats Uber and you can drink while you’re on the road! Visit SpaceCoastPride.org for more information.

2

Where do GayBies CoMe froM?

f

irst comes Love, then comes LegaL same-sex marriage, then comes two people who may need to register for a baby carriage! With Florida legalizing marriage equality earlier this year, many couples who have taken the big plunge are now looking at the next, natural step. Baby, oh baby! Have you ever considered being a parent? Adopting, surrogacy or fostering? Which will be the right choice?

What designer cloth diapers will best match my designer shoes? All the questions potential parents will face will be asked and answered by the Family Equality Council at the first ever local “Maybe Baby” workshop on May 30. The 10 a.m. event is free, but get there early because we’ve learned that space is limited.

hoMeCoMinG Queens

o

n aPriL 15, LocaL drag Performer chanteL reshea took the crown as miss continentaL eLite 2015. A birthday/victory party was hosted in her honor the night of Babes and Bonnets and despite all the fun had that night we’re told Chantel was still very much a lady. That’s no surprise, honestly.

Speaking of ladies, despite the threat of rain, Parliament House’s White Party wasn’t a white wash—with well over 3,000 people attending. The crowd went wild for RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 7 stars Trixie Mattel, who performed on Friday, and Pearl and Violet Chachki, Kennedy Davenport and local and crowd favorite Ginger Minj, who graced the footlight theater and outdoor stage on Saturday night.

CaterinG to 20 years

f

or two decades, john michaeL weddings and sPeciaL events has made Lives fabuLous—LiteraLLy! On April 19 the company celebrated 20 years in Orlando with a celebration at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The outdoor event featured women serving champagne in glasses held up by their hoop skirts. It was all done in true Southern fashion. Congratulations on 20 years of success!

4

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WILLIaMs

6

i’LL take that shaken, not stirred: Bartenders Kyle shadrick, Jesus Perez and richard Jarrell (L-R) mix drinks and pour cocktails at the grand re-opening of the nightclub Brink on April 17. Photo by JErEMy

2

siLence is not goLden: Morgan Laisch (L) and Gina duncan of Equality Florida speak at the Break the Silence event at Rollins College for the national Day of Silence on April 17. Photo courtEsy GIna duncan

3

members of the ‘community’: Contest winner’s tyrell Givens (L) and bill dean catch their breath after laughing out loud at Community star Joel McHale at Universal CityWalk’s Hard Rock Live on April 18. Photo by danny GarcIa

4

feed me seymour: The Zebra Coalition’s Kristen r. Weick takes in the once-a-decade moment as the corpse plant begins its rare 36hour blooming cycle at the Rollins Greenhouse on April 20. Photo

courtEsy KrIstEn r. WEIcK

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babes in bonnetLand: blue star (L) and darcel stevens introduce and auction off bonnets at the annual Babes in Bonnets fundraiser for the Orlando Youth Alliance at Parliament House on April 13. Photo by JaKE stEVEns hoLy gay geeks, batman!: “Gay Comic Geek” Paul charles (L) and richard Zak cosplay as superheroes at MegaCon 2015, the Orange County Convention Center’s largest Spring convention, on April 12.

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Photo courtEsy brIan bEcnEL

7

why can’t i quit you?: david burleson holds up stage partner Franco colon during their wild west performance at the Fringe Show Preview at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre on April 13.

Photo courtEsy brIan bEcnEL

8

they were runnin’: Paolo baldovini, Patty sheehan and brandy Lea Futrell (L-R) lace up their running shoes for the annual IOA Corporate 5K, the largest 5K in the state of Florida, to encourage health and wellness in the corporate culture at Lake Eola on April 16. Photo

courtEsy brandy LEa FutrELL

8 watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

45

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watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

announcements

WeddinG Bells

Matthew Riha, 32, and Brian Smith 33 from Winter Park, Fla.

years together:

15 years

Photo by Yvette Waters Photography

Wedding date:

time to ceLebrate: Michael thomas

of John Michael Weddings and Special Events celebrated 20 years in business with an event at Leu Gardens April 19.

March 7, 2015

Wedding venue:

Quantum Leap Winery

Wedding planner:

Matthew and John put together their entire wedding.

Wedding Caterer:

John Michael Events

Wedding theme/ Colors:

They called it “Wedding 2.0,” and had a rustic theme. They asked guests to wear navy, gray or khaki.

interesting faCt:

They are both board members for Orlando’s Come Out With Pride.

b

wedded bLiss: Orlando couple dawn

oth originaLLy from the

Windy City, Matthew and Brian have known each other for 15 years. In 2009, they moved to Winter Park, met a new group of friends and finally decided to officially tie the knot.

“I think that both Brian and I have been very lucky to live in a space where we spent most of our lives and we’ve always felt accepted—by our family members, by our friends, by our co-workers and by our employers,” Matthew says.

Matthew, a branch manager for Robert Half, and Brian, the owner and executive producer of 82 South, had a commitment ceremony in 2008 for family and friends. Seven years later, they made it official when marriage equality arrived in Florida.

“We wanted to share this moment with our Florida friends and family who we had an opportunity to gain a friendship with,” Brian says. “As far as the ceremony went, we really just wanted to throw a party to

celebrate. We did have an area where people sat down and we shared our vows.”

They called their March 7 ceremony “Wedding 2.0”; they wanted it to be more intimate and also a social event for their closest family and friends. Both of their parents and siblings were there, along with 100 of their closest family and friends.

They put together a compilation of photos and stories that show their similarities and differences since childhood.

“That took us through our journey of our 15 years of knowing each other, and it was kind of fun to share that with everyone before the wedding,” Brian says.

Both Brian and Matthew agreed that saying their vows in

front of people that were closest to them was their favorite part of Wedding 2.0 because it involved more than the two grooms.

“My favorite thing about Brian is he’s incredibly creative, and he is literally my anchor,” Matthew says. “I’m an outspoken and very demanding. I am always looking for ways to make things better, and Brian kind of helps to anchor that and guide me in directions and keep me under control.”

The couple are wine fans, which is why they picked Quantum Leap Winery as the venue for their wedding. Matthew said the rustic feeling and being “surrounded by wine barrels and very intimate lighting” was the perfect way to share their love for each other.

With the two being wine lovers, it’s no surprise they will spend their honeymoon this summer in Napa Valley. They travel to there every year for vacation, but plan to stay for an extended time—with a special reason to raise a glass.

rosendahl, left, and cheryl turner celebrate 28 years together April 28. They were legally married on Jan. 6.

anniversaries

Orlando’s Framing of central Florida celebrates 22 years of business this May.

loCal birthdays

Tampa Leather Club member and Brandon Office Depot manager Joseph Mastrapasqua, Sunnyland Slammer and artist amanda Vickers, former Tampabased actor now residing in New York christian Maier (April 23); St. Petersburg actor and theologian Tom campbell, plant whisperer scott Mccauley, artist and set designer Paul horan, former Tampa resident and current Fort Lauderdale actor Larry buzzeo, O-Town textbook editor and mom sara Lyna, former St. Pete Pride president scott turner, handsome Tampa daddy bear bill Vincent (April 24); Parliament House owner don Granatstein; app whiz randy shepard (April 28); St. Pete hotel manager Tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor anthony Quaglieri, UCF’s former GLBSU president and activist Jessica osborn (April 30); owner of Luckeyboi Photography Josh Evans, vegan and speed demon Jamie shaffer (May 2); GaYbor District Coalition founder and MC Film Fest co-owner carrie West (May 3); Tampa Crowbar owner bonnie Plumbtree (May 4); Congressman Alan Grayson’s District Director susannah randolph (May 5); chainsaw-wielding derby girl chelsea selby (May 6).

—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.

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

47

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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!

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Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

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PROMO CODE: WEDDING.

sports

trans man leads Contest to be on men’s health Cover Staff Report

M

en’s Health magazine’s next cover boy may be a transgender fitness model.

Aydian Dowling, a YouTube star and transgender activist, is currently ranked number one in The Ultimate Guy Search, a contest to find Men’s Health magazine’s November 2015 cover model.

“The Ultimate Guy Search is a nationwide search for the guy who possesses all of the qualities that make up today’s well rounded, active, health conscious and thoughtful guy,” says the contest’s website. “Our judges are looking for a guy who is fit and fearless; a doer who gives back and leads by example.”

Dowling currently has in excess of 13,000 votes, more than double the closest competitor.

“I woke up today and we are number one. This is amazing people,” Dowling wrote on his Facebook page April 14. “Seriously, if we keep this up

a new benchmark:

aydian dowling could be the first trans man to appear on the cover of Men’s Health this November.

we will have the first trans man on the cover of a mainstream magazine.”

The contest entry period ends June 21 and readers can vote for their favorite contestant.

There will be a total of four phases in the competition with the final round being decided by a group of celebrity judges.

His confidence is strong

enough now that he’ll pose shirtless, exposing the scars of his double mastectomy.

“It reminds me of where I came from,” Dowling told the Daily News.

“Confidence builds from walking around in a body you identify with.

It sounds so simple and basic but it’s the best feeling ever.”

Readers may not recognize Dowling’s name right away, but they will recall the last time he stripped down for a camera.

Earlier this year he recreated the famous Adam Levine pose where he stood naked with hands reaching over his crotch. The shoot was to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.

The Eugene, Ore., resident is an athlete and bodybuilder and is married to his wife, Jenilee.

The contest judges include Men’s Health Editor-In-Chief Bill Phillips, designer Kenneth Cole and Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara. The winner will be picked by the judges on August 2.

huCkabee: obama’s outreaCh to sam part of u.s. ‘utter Collapse’ Staff Report

P

resident Barack Obama made headlines last year when he reached out to NFL prospect Michael Sam, who became the first openly gay man drafted by an NFL franchise. He did the same when the NBA’s Jason Collins came out.

At a recent speech in Iowa, perennial presidential candidate Mike Huckabee proclaimed this as a sign of America’s “utter collapse.” According to Right Wing Watch, Huckabee said these men did nothing to deserve the admiration of the President.

“The values that so many of us hold dear are under assault today. I never believed that in such a short period of time, the culture in America would go into utter collapse,” Huckabee said. “If you told me just a few years ago that the President of the United States would use his precious time to call people up simply to congratulate them for being gay, I would say, ‘No, surely he’ll call a veteran and thank them for their service, for losing a limb or a leg.’ But even when Chris Kyle was murdered, his widow didn’t get a phone call, but a gay football player who came out did.”

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54

b

abes in bonnets raised over $12,000 for the orLando youth aLLiance at the Parliament House Resort on April 13. Darcel Stevens hosted the event and Blue Star was the evening’s auctioneer. Babes in Bonnets is an annual fundraiser event that allows people in attendance to bid on elaborate bonnets provided by local businesses.

Bonnets were donated by Orlando Youth Alliance, Pulse, D2 Productions, Costume Couture, Embellish FX and The Center, Hamburger Mary’s Jacksonville, Stonewall Bar, Funky Monkey at Point Orlando, Southern Nights, Jackie Siegel, Gucci, Dr. Pyle Dental Group and Parliament House.

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M Ay 6 , 2015 // issue 22.0 9

Babes in Bonnets Monday, aPril 13, 2015

Photography

by Jake Stevens

watermark Your lgbt life.

Apr il 2 3 - M ay 6 , 2015 // Issue 22.0 9

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