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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

435 E. Michigan St.,Orlando, FL 32806 www.mediterraneanblue.net 407-422-2583

deparTmenTs 6 // mail 7 // ediTOr’s desk 8 // OrlandO news 12 // Tampa bay news 15 // sTaTe news, naTiOn & wOrld news 16 // valenTines 23 // in-depTh 29 // arTs & enTerTainmenT 35 // cOmmuniTy calendar 37 // Tampa bay OuT+abOuT 39 // OrlandO OuT+abOuT 40 // Tampa bay markeTplace 41 // TransiTiOns/weddinG bells 42 // OrlandO markeTplace 46 // uprisinGs

PAGE

12

Do you know what it means to be transgender?

I wasn’t born female and decided to be a male.

I was born a male; my life just requires more effort for me to be the man I am.

—seVeNteeN-year-Old pINe VIeW traNs studeNt Nate QuINN

On The cOver

PAGE

PAGE Should you marry me?: One year after Florida’s momentous marriage equality decision, there are still some questions to be answered about same-sex nuptials.

23

Illustration by Jake Stevens

scan Qr cOde fOr

waTermarkOnline.cOm

29

lOOk ma, nO panTs!: Longtime Off-Broadway sensation Naked Boys Singing lets

it all hang out at the Parliament House Footlight Theatre. It’s more poignant than you might think!

waTermark i ssue 23 .03 // february 11-24 , 2016

lOve is in The air

sOmewhere OuT There yanky panky!

rObOTic rubiO

PAGE You love them! You really love

PAGE Our traveling friend Aaron

PAGE

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

06

them! Watermark’s annual crowdsourced tug at your heartstrings is here just in time for you to leave the trail of rose petals leading up to heart-shaped box of chocolates.

17

Drake lays out some options for you and your love interest to leave your house behind and find romance against something nicer than your couch.

PAGE

The Manatee Players look to explore forbidden love in World War II with the musical Yank!

33

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio exhibits mechanical malfunction in New Hampshire, gets called out by Gov. Chris Christie and still continues to make a mess of his campaign.

46

Have you voted yet? no eXCuses. wave award finals end on feb. 19 at watermarKonline.Com watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

5

To: Nick From: Thom

Share

the

love Watermark readers share their Valentine’s greetings

W

atermark readers

are a loving bunch—at least that’s how it seems each year when we ask for your Valentine’s Day greetings at WatermarkOnline.

You delivered in a very big way again this year, and we’re happy to showcase so many happy couples in our midst.

6

To: Mary, Kem, Jen, Pauline, Tammi, Lisa, Patti, Betsy From: Nicole Dermody

Valentine’s message: You will always be in my heart.

Valentine’s message: Happy Valentine’s to the best bunch of ladies this side of the Mississippi!

Thanks for sharing your rainbow, laughs and love with me! Love Always, Nicole and Cinnamon Jones

To: Bobby From: Richard Valentine’s message: Happy Valentine’s Day to the man I have loved for 31 years.

Valentine’s message: We have it All, My Wonderful Husband!

To: Michael Better From: Frank Davis Simpson Valentine’s message: We pace upon mountains overhead

To: Troy From: Dave Valentine’s message: Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life! You are my soulmate and complete me in every way. I love you!!!!

Valentine’s message: I love you, baby!! Thank you for making all my dreams come true.

Valentine’s message: Happy 14th year together, D2! I love you as much as when we first met, and can’t wait to see what adventures the next 14+ years brings us!

Valentine’s message: I love you more than words can express. The best years are yet to come!

To: Matt From: Jamie

Valentine’s message: You are an amazing man. I love you more each day as we grow older together.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Valentine’s message: After 15 years together and 2 kids, you still drive me nutz!

Will you be my valentine?

To: Brittany M From: Ashley M

To: Roy Swails From: Ron Holmes

To: Missy From: Sondra

To: Jen West From: Tatiana Quiroga

Valentine’s message: Il mio cuore appartiene a te! Ti amo tanto tanto tanto!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s message: I’m so glad you are in my life!!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!!!!!

Valentine’s message: I love you more now than I did way back then...

To: Ron From: Jesse

To: Chris Brown From: Daniel Sergi

To: Brenda From: Ajay

Valentine’s message: Happy Valentines! You changed my life 19 years ago and gave me the gift of living each day in joy and happiness. I love you. JMS

Valentine’s message: Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you with all my heart.

To: Drew Dalire From: Alan Ostrander

And hide our faces among a crowd of stars.

To: Paul From: Geri

Valentine’s message: Can’t wait to spend another Valentine’s Day with you! Just think... this time next year...

You’ll be my wifey!

To: Robert Carner From: Ken Terrell

To: Gaetan Gravel Edwards From: Jim Edwards

To: Brian Cahill From: Mike Shaver

Valentine’s message: Roses are red, violets are blue. You are an awesome husband, now you’re an awesome dad, too. I love you as big as the sky.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Bayou Basher, Tiger Beatdown, Ivanna Crushyu, and Pumelgranite From: Slam Adams Valentine’s message: I miss your beautiful faces. Wish I was out there bruising the fine ladies of OPCDG with you!

To: Terry DeCarlo From: Bill Huelsman Valentine’s message: Happy Valentines Day and Happy 13th 1st Wedding Anniversary to the love of my life soulmate.

I Love You Baby!!!!

To: Carlos Archilla From: Mark Cady Valentine’s message: This year I marry my best friend and the most incredible man on Earth I love you more with each moment and can’t wait to become Mr. Archilla-Cady. I’m your man and you are mine.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

To: Alex From: Hank Valentine’s message: I didn’t believe I’d ever find love again and then you came along.

Thank you for being such a wonderful and big part of my life.

Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart. Love you.

To: Tiffany Wilkie From: Heather Wilkie Valentine’s message: To my beautiful, creative, loving and patient partner in crime. I am so blessed to have you in my life and to spend another year with my best friend.

I love you, my Pisces fish.

Happy Valentine’s Day! To: Betty Potts-Cerio From: Melinda PottS-Cerio Valentine’s message: Happy Valentine’s Day, my love! I’m so lucky to be able to spend my life with the woman I love.

I love you the most!!

To: Tony Mauss From: Billy Manes Valentine’s message: My blackstar, my pop star, my rock (star) and my favorite person in the world, you’ve single handedly shifted the axis of my existence, playing all of the existential parts from dissonance to an oft-surprising harmony.

Thanks for taking care of me and letting me take care of you. Happy first anniversary, and happy Valentine’s Day. “Valentine told me how he’d feel, if all the world were under his heel.” I love you.

PHOTO BY ROBERT BARTLETT

editor’s

billy manes editor

BIlly@WatermarkOnline.com

“l

desk

OVe Is real. real Is lOVe.”

Those were the terms breathily reinterpreted by new-wave breathers Dream Academy via John Lennon as I walked down the aisle at the Acre in College Park on Feb 14, 2015 with my (then) soon-to-be husband Tony Mauss.

I blubbered and my shirt came untucked and I bit my lip and I forced my way through the emotional cloud that a gathering of 300 people implies, finally arriving upon a stage—a romantic plateau if you will—face to face with my future and Orange/Osceola circuit judge Bob LeBlanc. It was on.

Marriage equality had only become the law of the land one month earlier, and, given the Google Docs and weekend meetings and vodka and online invitations and planning that are wrapped into a control freak’s idea of a wedding, we did a pretty good job. All our

waTermark sTaff

favorite dignitaries and dirtbags, family, friends and freaks were there, the sky was as clear as our right to marry and our vows were the towering beams of overstatement and poetry required signify our shift in our time. We were legal within moments; we’ve been happy every day since.

Of course, it wasn’t always that way. In my previous professional stint at Orlando Weekly, I veered into the unorthodoxy of centering the narrative of an important political issue on the terror that was befalling my own life. My partner of 11 years Alan Jordan took his own

life in front of me on April 8, 2012, Easter Sunday, setting off a series of explosions in my own perception of what our relationship meant—and what I meant—in a world that would rather keep mirroring its smoke than allow the purest of loves and direct route to legal validation.

I fought for a domestic partnership registry for two years in Tallahassee.

I went on television and radio programs trying to elicit sympathies in order to lubricate stalled political policies. A documentary was filmed about my situation and shown across the southeast, often with me presenting, even though with each appearance, my heart broke that much more.

And it wasn’t just the obvious things. Yes, I did fall into the deepest of depressions and commit myself at one point in my grieving. Yes, I did feel like I had a phantom leg (which just so happened to be my deceased partner as well as a necessary structure to hold me up); the itching, the burning, the loss. Yes, there were hotplates and casseroles and friends and garbage piles on the corner, the stuff you would expect when there’s a death in the family and concern in your personal ranks.

But there was also homophobia and acrimony, thievery and probate, court cases and lies. When our only clear protection was a Last Will and Testament, Alan’s family destroyed the copy of the will that I handed them personally and proceeded with the sort of name calling indicative of families who keep all of the shiny things—and the guns—in their Georgia closets. Add to that the crumbling of a house around me that was slipping underwater while not in my name, the unnecessary legalities surrounding all of that (and the fumbling of mortgage companies), the threatening phone calls—and there was no sign of a happy ending, not even the mildest hope of peace.

The reason I bring this up (other than, of course, Valentine’s Day and

Creative Assistant: deanndra Meno ext. 106 • adProduction@Watermarkonline.com

Founder and Guiding Light: tom dyer • tom@Watermarkonline.com Owner & Publisher: rick claggett • ext. 110 • rick@Watermarkonline.com Office Manager: kathleen harper • ext. 100 • kathleen@Watermarkonline.com Editor-in-Chief: billy Manes • ext. 101 • billy@Watermarkonline.com Online Media Director: Jamie hyman • ext. 106 • Jamie@Watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Staff Writer: Jeremy Williams • ext. 102 • Jeremy@Watermarkonline.com

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watermark Your LGBT life.

my first legal wedding anniversary) is that there are still questions coming from an LGBT community that has spent most of its collective life in the shadows or on the fringes.

Our “founder and guiding light” Tom Dyer addresses some of the lingering concerns in this week’s cover story, succinctly outlining the legalities—he is an attorney, after all—surrounding marriage equality.

all our favorite dignitaries and dirtbags, family, friends and freaks were there, the sky was as clear as our right to marry and our vows were the towering beams of overstatement and poetry required signify our shift in our time.

We were legal within moments; we’ve been happy every day since.

What about the kids? How do we handle taxes? Is real property an issue among extended families? Are we doing this for the right reasons?

And even though, given the limited space in this periodical, we can’t answer all of the unique concerns befalling couples befallen by their own exhibitionist and romantic tendencies, we can advance the conversation beyond “I do” and into the realm of the practical. Honestly, who would have thought we’d even be having this conversation two years ago, especially in Florida. Cheers to everyone involved.

“Love is you, you and me. Love is knowing that we can be,” the music builds.

Happy Valentine’s Day from your Watermark family. Love is real.

OrlandO Office 414 N. Ferncreek Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 TEL: 407-481-2243 FAX: 407-481-2246

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

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

cOnTribuTOrs krIsta dItuccI

is a freelance writer and family advocate for Manatee Children’s Services. She lives in Sarasota with her husband and children. Page 12

aarON drake is a

freelance travel correspondent for Out Traveler among other publications. Page 17

pOOr rIch WhIte lady

is a personal imaginary friend of Orlando comedian Jeff Jones. She drinks a bit. Page 19 aarOn alper, scOTTie campbell, susan clary, krisTa diTucci, kirk harTlaGe, jOseph kissel, jasOn leclerc, mary meeks, sTephen miller, david mOran, GreGG shipirO, GreG sTemm, dr. sTeve yacOvelli, , michael wanZie

phOTOGraphy brian becnel, nick cardellO, anGie fOlks, bruce hardin, julie milfOrd, Travis mOOre, chris sTephensOn, lee vanderGrifT, Tinkerfluff

disTribuTiOn lvnlif2 disTribuTinG, lisa jOrdan, jill baTes, 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.

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7

central florida news

Orlando Derby Girls’ LGBT-inclusiveness puts them on track to compete internationally

Not So Fast:

From her seat at the Palm Beach City Council dais, Michele Paccione had a clear view of council chambers packed with both supporters and opponents of her proposed LGBT protections for the city’s human rights ordinance.

Ciara Varone

O

rlando Psycho City Derby Girls are skating their way to high-stakes competition. On Jan. 22, the league was accepted alongside nine other teams—ranging in location from across the country in Hood River, Ore., to across the world in New Zealand— into an apprentice program for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the international governing body of a sport considered by many to be the fastest-growing in the world.

Completion of the apprentice program typically takes from six months to a year. If the league is then accepted into WFTDA, it will play against the best teams in the country and even the world.

“The apprentice program is opening a huge door to a different level of competition for us, and it’s something that we’ve wanted for a really long time,” says Heather Kinkade, OPCDG president.

Kinkade joined the league three years ago, and said she was immediately impressed by it.

“I was just struck by how open and welcoming they were, and how focused they were on their goal of eventually joining the WFTDA and becoming competitive athletes,” Kinkade says.

She says it took about a year to restructure the league and get it up to the standards needed to submit the application.

Starting in 2004 with just a handful of leagues, WFTDA has grown to include 355 full-member leagues and 81 apprentice leagues, according to its website.

Orlando’s league started in 2009, the same year WFTDA introduced its apprentice program. It has also seen incredible growth recently, with about 100 interested new recruits this year.

“We’re growing astronomically,” says Sara DeAvilla, recruitment coordinator.

DeAvilla said that of this initial large recruitment class, probably only 10 or so will make it into the league; but that’s still a large amount considering that some leagues only have 10 members total.

DeAvilla pointed to the sport’s inclusiveness as a reason for its continued growth.

“We’re very LGBT-friendly… I don’t see that in a lot of sports. We’re very trans-inclusive,” she says.

WFTDA monitors its leagues to ensure they’re open to transgender individuals.

“If they’re in transition from going M-F transgender, [we] don’t ask questions. It doesn’t matter if they’re finalized. It doesn’t matter what stage they are. Everyone is included,” she said.

Kinkade says the league makes a point to ensure

Continued on pg. 9 | uu |

8

Photo by Paccione, via her Facebook page

“Incredibly disappointed” Palm Bay Council rejects addition of LGBT-protections to HRO Jamie Hyman

I

n a 4-1 vote that didn’t happen until about 1:30 a.m., the Palm Bay City Council rejected a proposal that would have added LGBT protections to the city’s existing human rights ordinance.

Councilwoman Michele Paccione proposed adding the protections, which turned out to be extremely controversial. More than 500 people attended the meeting, and according to Space Coast Pride President Lexi Wright, there was a line of people snaking around the corner of the building and into the parking lot hoping to get in. The considerable overflow watched the meeting from outside in the courtyard. After about 45 minutes of regular business, the discussion began and lasted nearly six hours.

Wright says the climate was hostile toward the pro-HRO speakers from

watermark Your LGBT life.

the start. Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s transgender inclusion director, and attorney and LGBT rights activist Mary Meeks had both obtained previous permission from the council for expanded podium time, but people who came out in opposition to the HRO loudly protested, and so their time was cut.

“I’m incredibly embarrassed that they were exposed to that here in our city,” Wright says, adding that once comments were opened to the public, attendees opposed to the LGBT protections would shout interruptions during the speeches of those in support.

“The mayor had to remind people over and over again to let people speak,” she says. “The opposition was incredibly vocal.”

Much of the council said their opposition was not necessarily to the expanded HRO, but to the way it was presented, claiming it was rushed through.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

“I think as a roundtable, community and council, we could have given better directions to the city attorney to draft something everyone could have lived with,” Mayor William Capote told Watermark after the vote. “Dialogue should have happened before it was presented on the agenda to council.”

Wright says she attempted to meet with council members in the months leading up to the meeting, but they did not respond to her requests.

“I believe there was no personal responsibility taken by the council— with the exclusion of [Paccione}—to meet with people on both sides of the issue,” Wright says.

At the meeting, some council members also expressed that LGBT discrimination is not a problem in Palm Bay and, therefore, the expanded HRO isn’t needed.

“This also further illustrates the fact that they didn’t listen to the people who got up to speak out on behalf of the HRO, including myself,” Wright says. “During my speech I recounted several situations where my family felt endangered in Palm Bay.” During Mayor Capote’s conversation with Watermark, he was asked why the council members were not reassured by the fact that dozens of municipalities across Florida have expanded their HROs with no negative impact.

“One size doesn’t fit all; every Continued on pg. 9 | uu |

central florida news | uu | Orlando Derby Girls from pg.8

| uu | Palm Bay HRO from pg.8

community is not the same,” he responded.

Capote repeatedly stated that change takes time and “things come to people that have patience,” but when asked what would have been a reasonable time to consider an HRO, he said he doesn’t know.

“We would have to be in dialogue for me to understand and have the temperature of the room and the temperature of the people,” Capote says, adding that “When you start putting a timetable on something, people start feeling uncomfortable, because now you’re forcing people to do something.”

Now that the expanded HRO has been voted down, city law states that it can’t come before the council again for a full year. Wright says she and other LGBT activists will use that time to push to elect different council members and educating the people who hold the seats.

“We’ll rally our people in support of a fully inclusive HRO,” Wright says. “I’m incredibly disappointed in my city.”

OYES TO YOUTH:

Ophelia Cantley participates in a creative expression workshop at the third annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit, held Feb. 6 at Orlando City Hall. Cosponsored by the City of Orlando in partnership with GLSEN, the Orlando Youth Alliance, and Zebra Coalition, O-YES is a collaborative workshop and panel-based conference aimed at empowering Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community through dialogue and discourse. Photo by Adam Manno

beginners feel welcome.

“What makes Orlando unique is that we don’t just make people try out and already know [how to play roller derby],” DeAvilla says. “We teach you everything from the ground up… If you’ve never put on skates in your entire life, I can teach you how to skate and within a few seasons, you can be an MVP. Kinkade adds that derby is unique because it’s a fullcontact sport pioneered by women athletes.

“So many of us when we started had never played a team sport, let alone a full-contact sport, and here we are,” she says. “We get this great way of bringing this very broad spectrum of people together with one common goal.”

Psycho City Derby Girls consists of three home teams that compete against each other—the Arkham Assailants, Sunnyland Slammers and the Serial Thrillers—and one traveling all-star team, the Straight Jackettes, which would be the team competing in WFTDA tournaments upon the league’s acceptance.

The 2016 season kicks off Feb. 14 with a double header opener at Semoran Skateway in Casselberry. The Serial Thrillers will take on the Sunnyland Slammers, and the winning team will then play 2015’s reigning champs, the Arkham Assailants.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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A clinical research study is looking for adult volunteers to study an investigational combination medicationstudy for people with HIV.for Doctors studying it to if it may an effective andcombination research is looking adultarevolunteers tosee study an be investigational

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Contact CCRC Name: Email: Sharon Foust, 407-647-3960 EXT: 2133 | sfoust@oicorlando.com | www.oicorlando.com

The study is enrolling now. Contact us to learn more.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

Email:

LIVING WITH HIV AND LOOKING FOR LIVING WITH HIV AND LOOKING FOR OPTIONS? OPTIONS?

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

11

tampa bay news

sarasOTa cOunTy schOOl bOard TO discuss Trans-inclusive baThrOOm pOlicy afTer hearinG frOm cOmmuniTy Jeremy Williams

t

he Sarasota County School Board will discuss the future of transgender-inclusive bathroom policies at a board workshop Feb. 16.

This comes after a Feb. 2 school board meeting where more than 150 people attended to voice their opinions on the subject.

Protesters from at least a dozen local churches wore white as a sign of resistance to the recent change to Pine View School’s policy, adopted Jan. 14, which allows transgender students in grades 6-12 to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with regardless of what gender they were assigned at birth. The bathrooms for elementary grade students will remain the same.

Pine View is a grades 2-12 magnet school in Osprey, Fla. and became the first school in the county to adopt a transinclusive bathroom policy.

The change at Pine View came after trans student Nate Quinn made several requests to the administration to allow him to use the men’s bathroom at school.

Jared Gritton, a pastor of First Baptist Church in North Port, spoke at the meeting saying that changing the bathroom policy for trans students is “not only nonsensical but utterly opposed to God.” “What rational father will let an 18-year-old biological male follow his 14-year-old daughter into the bathroom?”

Gritton said.

Several community residents also expressed their displeasure to changing the policy, saying it would impact the safety of the other students.

“I would not suffer any child to any exposure that would put them in harm’s way — that’s physically or emotionally – especially during their formative years when they need our protection and guidance to become productive citizens in the community,” Nancy Hamlin, a North Port resident, said to the school board.

Quinn also took the opportunity to speak to the school board.

“Do you know what it means to be transgender? I wasn’t born female and decided to be a male,” Quinn said. “I was born a male; my life just requires more effort for me to be the man I am.”

ANSWER Suncoast, a coalition of anti-war and civil rights organizations, have gotten behind Quinn and attended the meeting along with many in support of the policy changes.

“At the meeting, Nate Quinn, trans students and their advocates pushed history forward despite the threatening presence of over 100 evangelical bigots,” ANSWER Suncoast’s Bryan Ellis said in a statement. “We weren’t expecting the levels of bigotry and hatred that transinclusive policy proposals would ignite in Sarasota. It shows just how important it is for the community to come together as we fight for human rights for trans students.”

The Sarasota County School Board workshop is open to the public and representatives from ANSWER Suncoast plan on attending.

12

eQual speech:

EQFL’s nadine smith, speaking at the 2015 Tampa Gala, will again address the attendees on the LGBT state of affairs in Tallahassee.

PHOTO BY laUrie ross

Gala goals Equality Florida celebrates LGBT victories with the Tampa Gala as they look at the dangerous road ahead in Tallahassee Jeremy Williams

e

quality Florida looks to celebrate with 600 of their closest friends at the 10th Annual Tampa Gala at the TPepin’s Hospitality Centre Feb. 20. “[The Tampa Gala] is one of 14 galas that Equality Florida hosts throughout the year,” says Mark Puskarich, Equality Florida’s Tampa Development Officer and Corporate Gift Manager. “These are times that we take to celebrate the progress made in LGBT equality and take a look at what’s on the horizon for the community.”

The Tampa Gala will kick off with a Sponsor’s Reception at 6:30 p.m. before the main event at 7:30 p.m. The cocktail style reception will have live music, open bars and catering by Puff ‘n Stuff, along with both live and silent auctions, proceeds from which will go back to support operations of Equality Florida.

Equality Florida will honor

watermark Your LGBT life.

Ed Lally with the 2016 Voice for Equality Award at the gala. Lally, who has been the Development Officer for Equality Florida since 2009, will be retiring this month.

“He’s passionate and just a great person and has been working for LGBT equality since the 1980s,” Puskarich says.

Lally got started as a board member of the Tampa AIDS Network in 1986 helping to raise funds during a much needed period of the epidemic. He also worked to grow the presence of the Human Rights Campaign in the Tampa Bay area making it the 14th largest HRC Federal club in the country. The HRC named Lally volunteer of the year in 2006.

For the last 15 years, Lally has chaired the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s annual launch party.

The event will also be an opportunity to let supporters know where we are as a community and what work Equality Florida is doing in Tallahassee. Equality Florida’s

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

CEO Nadine Smith, fresh off her TIME.com article calling on the Florida Legislature to move forward with the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, will give a “state of the state” address where she is expected to speak about the Workforce Act as well as the other LGBT bills before the State House and Senate, both pro- and anti-LGBT bills.

“I’m not even sure she knows what she is going to talk about yet,” Puskarich says, laughing. “I’m assuming she is going to be talking about [the Florida Competitive Workforce Act]. There might be something that happens between now and then that she might add in.

I can tell you with a fair amount of certainty she will be speaking about it, though. This bill is a decade in the making, and it has never made it this far before.”

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act would offer protection to LGBT people in the state of Florida against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

“It’s a really big deal; a lot of our folks are at the Capitol supporting this bill,” Puskarich says. “Some counties already have the protections, Hillsborough and Pinellas being two of them, but the entire state doesn’t have a blanket protection for LGBT folks, so we are looking at people in the community Continued on pg. 13 | uu |

tampa bay news | uu | Gala Goals from pg.12

possibly getting fired from their job or being denied a hotel room or denied an apartment lease, all just because you are gay. That’s the big focus for us this year.”

Two days before the Tampa Gala, Equality Florida will be in Sarasota at The Circus Arts Conservatory for the Suncoast Equality Connection.

“We host these events throughout the state; I do three of them a year in the Hillsborough County area,” Puskarich says. “These are more like member recruitment events where we go out into the community; they are usually at a local business, and we speak about Equality Florida’s work and how you can get involved.

It’s a great way to connect with people who may not be familiar with Equality Florida and get them involved and educate them about the issues.”

Puskarich hopes that

between the galas and connection events throughout the state, they will get enough support and people to stand with Equality Florida and the community as they push through a pivotal legislative session.

“The work we do is not just something that is good for the LGBT community, but it is something that is good and beneficial to the entire state,” Puskarich says. “When companies are looking to recruit the best talent to Florida or the young, bright talents are looking for a place to build and grow, they want to be in a state that is inclusive and doesn’t discriminate against anyone.”

The Tampa Gala is Feb. 20 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Suncoast Equality Connection is Feb. 18 at The Circus Arts Conservatory starting at 5:30 p.m.

Find more information on events, sponsorships and ticketing, go to EQFL.com.

Organist Cameron Carpenter to Meet with LGBT Adolescents Krista DiTucci

O

n Feb. 27, worldrenowned organist Cameron Carpenter will meet with members of Blake High School’s LGBT youth club Common Grounds for a lecture/ demonstration at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Carpenter will be meeting with 25 student members of Common Grounds to discuss his music, career and the International Touring Organ.

He will then entertain students with a brief performance of the touring organ. Carpenter’s appearance is in conjunction with his concert later in the evening at the Straz Center.

The sound and mechanics of the touring organ defy social norms and push the envelope.

Carpenter says his musical

watermark Your LGBT life.

innovation can be used as a tool to inspire freedom among all audiences including the LGBT community. The touring organ is a specially designed digital instrument consisting of five keyboards, a set of foot pedals and a bank of speakers.

Carpenter says its purpose is to create “a single great organ transportable anywhere in the world, and to keep it consistent from venue to venue.”

Suzanne Livesay, Straz Center’s vice president of education, says Carpenter takes organ performance to a new level.

“He’s lived out what he believes through his art,” Livesay says. “You have to agree with the fact that he’s not just talking the talk. He is creating a whole new paradigm on how to interpret music.”

Livesay also says Carpenter

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

is one of the few performers she has encountered who takes the time to talk to audiences before his performances.

“I get the impression that he really wants people to connect with who they believe they really are,” Livesay says. “Connecting with who you are is a critical component of how the LGBT community feels, especially adolescents.”

Carpenter will be performing in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $45 and may be purchased by phone at (813) 229-STAR, in person at the Straz Center ticket sales office, or online at www.strazcenter.org.

“I’m excited for not only the opportunity to have an outlet for reaching out to a group of students, but I’m also hoping those students will be exposed to how the arts feed into the causes they believe in,” Livesay says. “I want them to see that you can use the impact you’ve made for the greater good.”

13

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watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

state, nation+world news

Workforce protections bill barely survives, Pastor Protection Act moves forward Jamie Hyman

F

lorida’s legislative committees are taking action on several bills: some anti-gay, some supporting LGBT equality.

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBTs in the workplace, was postponed to the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee’s Feb. 9 meeting after initially failing on a tie vote. The committee did approve amendments clarifying the bill’s scope and intent, and removing the language regarding “the perception of,” as it applies to gender identity and expression.

It was the first time the bill, which has been filed and re-filed every legislative session since 2007, made it before a committee.

Dozens of supporting and opposing speakers requested to testify, but public comment was cut short due to time constraints. Eventually, the committee chair asked each speaker to simply state whether they oppose or support the bill.

After more than an hour of debate and public testimony on Feb. 4, the Florida House Judiciary committee voted to advance the so-called “Pastor Protection Act,” which purports to protect clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings. Public comment was mostly provided by members of Florida clergy, arguing passionately both for and against the bill.

The Pastor Protection Act’s next stop is the Florida House floor, where it’s expected to pass. An identical bill must clear two more Senate committee votes before it can go to a floor vote.

A bill that makes it easier for both same-sex parents to appear on their children’s birth certificate is a step closer to becoming law the Florida House Health Quality Subcommittee voted in favor Feb. 2.

HB 1151, “Parentage,” sponsored

by Rep. David Richardson, D-MiamiDade, was amended during the meeting to have the Department of Health offer options reading “mother,” “father,” and “parent,” for birth certificates, rather than just “parent.” “[The label] will be their decision,” Richardson told the committee, which quickly approved the amendment.

Florida’s 2016 Legislative Session is covered daily at WatermarkOnline.com. Visit the site for updates on these and all of the other LGBT-related bills currently being considered by the Florida Legislature.

New York moves to ban conversion therapy as it FINDS a new home in Israel Wire Report

N

ew York is taking steps to stop therapists from trying to change young people’s sexual orientation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Feb. 6, joining a number of states that have acted against what’s known as gay conversion therapy.

The Democratic governor’s move comes as gay rights advocates have campaigned state-by-state with mixed results to try to ban a practice that major mental health organizations have repudiated.

Using executive power in a state where legislative bids to ban the therapy have stalled, Cuomo announced planned regulations that would bar insurance coverage for the therapy for minors and prohibit mental health facilities under state Office of Mental Health jurisdiction from offering it to minors.

“Conversion therapy is a hateful and fundamentally flawed practice” that punishes people “for simply being who they are,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Nationwide, there are no firm figures on the extent of conversion therapy. But proponents and critics have said it is not rare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youths to undergo some sort of program aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

The American Psychological Association and other mental health groups say conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy, wrongly treats being gay as a mental illness and may make young people feel ashamed, anxious and depressed.

Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration called last year for an end to the practice.

A leading American Jewish group promoting the therapy was ordered shut by a New Jersey court, amid growing efforts in the U.S. to curb the generally discredited practice. But therapists with ties to the shuttered group say they have found a haven for their work in Israel.

Israel’s Health Ministry advises against the therapy, calling it scientifically dubious and potentially dangerous, but no law limits it. In Israel, practitioners say their services

are in demand, mostly by Orthodox Jewish men trying to reduce their same-sex attractions so they can marry women and raise a traditional family according to their conservative religious values.

Proponents in Israel say therapy does not “convert” clients, but boosts self-esteem and masculinity, which they say can reduce homosexuality.

In Israel, therapists say there is greater acceptance of their work than in the U.S. An estimated 20 to 30 licensed psychologists and social workers and 50 non-licensed therapists practice some form of conversion therapy in Israel, said Rabbi Ron Yosef of the Orthodox gay organization Hod, which calls for legislation against such therapy. Gays in Israel who contacted JONAH, or Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, were referred to some of these therapists.

Leading medical organizations in the U.S. say there is no proof sexual orientation change efforts are effective, and that therapy can reinforce self-hatred, depression and self-harm.

watermark Your LGBT life.

jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance survives motion to withdraw Jamie Hyman

A

n LGBT-inclusive Human Rights Ordinance is still alive in Jacksonville, despite a motion to withdraw.

At their Feb. 4 meeting, the Jacksonville City Council heard discussion on two proposals relating to LGBT protections. Councilman Bill Gulliford wants the expanded HRO protections be voted on through a referendum.

Councilman Tommy Hazouri wants an expanded HRO that adds sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to existing protections from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.

Gulliford and Hazouri presented their cases, and the council members debated for about two hours. Much of that debate hinged on Mayor Lenny Curry’s Jan. 29 memo stating his belief that Jacksonville should not update its HRO to include LGBT protections, though Curry has made it clear that he supports equal protections via “direct action” from the mayor’s office. Then came public comment, which was about evenly divided.

Councilwoman Lori Boyer made the motion to withdraw both proposals, which failed in an 11-8 vote.

The Feb. 4 meeting was just the first of three special meetings the council is holding to discuss the HRO. On Jan. 26, the Jax Chamber announced their support for expanding the HRO protections.

in other news Nebraska judge strikes down state’s same-sex marriage ban A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction striking down Nebraska’s now-negated constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions. The injunction, issued Feb. 4, was largely a formality because of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in late June that legalized gay marriage nationwide.

The injunction orders state officials to treat same-sex couples the same as any other legally married couple in everything from processing marriage certificates to issuing birth certificates. The ban is still written into the Nebraska Constitution, though a proposed amendment before a legislative committee asks to formally remove the ban.

French man faces prison time for anti-gay death threat Tarek Laboun, a 31-year-old French engineer, faces prison time for tweets containing an anti-gay death threat and public insults targeting a Paris city official. Laboun is accused of posting the tweets targeting Jean-Luc Romero, an openly gay deputy mayor and AIDS activist when Romero was married in 2013. Laboun denies using Twitter or writing the three contentious tweets and has described them as “unacceptable.” If convicted of a “death threat by reason of a sexual orientation,” Laboun faces up to five years in prison and a 75,000-euro ($83,200) fine.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

viewpoint

aaron Drake

arOund The wOrld Four romantic Getaways For V-Day

t

here’s sOmethINg

about arguing with your hubby while navigating the tumultuously windy backroads of Maui through a tropical forest—or clinging to each other at 3 a.m. during a downpour that rumbles like freight train on the tin roof of the cottage you’re staying in—that just spells the word “R-O-M-A-N-C-E.” I mean, it’s said that you never get to know someone better than when you travel together.

What better way to kick off the most romantic month of the year than with a trip made for two? 2016 is the year to put it to the test, or perhaps re-spark that languishing LTR.

Inspired by the wintry weather, which is making its presence felt even here in the Sunshine State, we’ve got love and warmer temps on the brain. Whether it’s time for a honeymoon or a rendezvous for you and your valentine, here are four lovely stops for your love story this year.

palm springs, California

The allure of romance in Palm Springs has attracted the gays, grays and Hollywood celebs for decades. This Southern California desert town has played as the backdrop for Rock Hudson’s closeted romances, Elvis’ honeymoon hideaway and even the infamous affair

between Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Check in at the Hacienda at Warm Sands (thehacienda. com), an intimate, gay-owned bed-and-breakfast with a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains towering over the resort’s pool. Order catered lunch while you lounge naked poolside or venture Downtown Palm Springs to the restaurant and shop-lined Palm Canyon Drive for a night on the town. The city is a mecca of mid-century-modern architecture and design, too, for the museum buffs. Top it all off with a ride up the mountainside on the Palm Springs Tramway for a kiss at the snow-covered peak.

maui, Hawaii

The once-in-a-lifetime dream escape is on the eastern side of Hawaii’s Valley Isle. Fly in to Maui’s Kahului airport and rent a car for a scenic drive on the road to Hana. The twisting road begs for travelers to stop and marvel at any number of sights along the way, be it Wailua Falls, the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o or Black Sand Beach. Once you reach the destination hotel—Travaasa Hana (travaasa.com/hana)— you’ll experience the true meaning of “Aloha” staying in one of the resort’s charming Sea Ranch cottages. The adventure continues with coastal horseback riding (across oceanfront property owned by the big “O,” Oprah herself), biking down Maui country roads, traditional hula dancing lessons or simply soaking in your own private jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bonus: Make for a little extra sexy time with the resort’s nodistraction rule—no TVs, radios, internet or alarm clocks here.

puerto vallarta, meXiCo

Without a doubt, the sexiest spot for same-sex couples south of the border is Puerto Vallarta. Stay at Costa Sur Resort & Spa (costasurpuertovallarta.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Cape Coral, florida

com), tucked between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the shimmering waters of Banderas Bay, and you can set the mood with your suite’s ocean view and all the necessary modern amenities, only with a Mexican twist.

It’s just a short cab ride away from Playa de Los Muertos,

Alas, there’s no need to hop on a plane for a romantic getaway. Right in Florida’s backyard is a host of off-the-beatenpath destinations just ripe for romance. Westin Cape Coral (westincapecoral. com) is one, welcoming gay

PV’s beautiful gay beach, and Zona Romantica, the city’s gayborhood, which is chockfull of gay nightlife, shops and cozy sidewalk cafés where you can easily snag a table for two to indulge in authentic Mexican and international cuisine. You won’t know if it’s the hormones or humidity that will have you melting to your knees.

and lesbian couples with a getaway package that invites you to relax in an oversized suite, partake in water activities at the hotel’s backdoor (like paddle boarding or kayaking), or just simply enjoy a romantic dinner for two on the marina followed by a sunset cruise on the Gulf (you might spy some dolphins getting it on, too). If it’s a night

of dancing you crave, the handful of bars and clubs in Fort Myers are a short drive away. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are also at your feet, a world-renowned spot for beachcombers to search for seashells and powdery sand beaches for catching rays.

There are plenty of spots

Inspired by the wintry weather, which is making its presence felt even here in the Sunshine State, we’ve got love and warmer temps on the brain.

along the way to escape for an intimate moment or a seaside meal (try the Orange Cake at the Bubble Room— it will be the second best sinfully delicious thing on the trip).

Where will Valentine’s Day find you and your sweetie this year? Tell us online at watermarkonline.com.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

viewpoint

Poor Rich White Lady

get out of

my kiTchen

l

Drunk for trump

IsteN, I am here tO

save you. We need to take back our country and make it great again. I don’t know who has taken it, or where they have taken it to, but it’s been taken somewhere by someone.

When something is taken, we need someone to bring it back. Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, and I am convinced that Donald J. Trump can bring our country back. Come in closer and smelly my liquor whispers.

Why Trump? Donald Trump knows how hard it has been for us over the last eight years living under a Kenyan-born Muslim president. He knows how it is to make the hard decisions every day. What Ivy League schools should I send my children to? What car should I have the driver use today to take me to the spa? Who broke my blender? Life is tough.

On top of all of this, I have to wonder what President Obama is really doing for people like me.

For instance, the other day my maid was telling me that her daughter was ill, and she couldn’t afford the medication. I told her that President Obama is the reason she cannot afford health care, because he is the reason for everything that gives me a headache. For someone who loves illegal immigrants so much, he

sure doesn’t care about my maid. Donald Trump does, though. He is willing to pay to send her home to get the medications she needs. I am referring to my maid’s daughter, of course. I would never let the maid leave.

Then who the hell would clean? Just send the kid the drugs and leave me alone.

What I’m trying to say—hold up, let me take a nip—is Obama has done nothing for any of us. He has made us more vulnerable as a country. Sure, gay people can get married in the military on the backs of pink unicorns now, but how does that make us safer?

Every time a gay soldier gets married, a broken bell rings, a queer starts to wear wings (again) and the terrorists win. That’s a fact. Michele Bachmann told me so.

Before you accuse me of being homophobic, you are totally wrong about everything. You’re always wrong. I am a proud friend of LGBTCBY community.

I think anyone should be allowed to love anyone they choose. I just don’t want to know about it. There is only one place where homosexual relationships should be discussed, and that is in a hair salon. KEEP IT IN THE HAIR SALON! I am very open-minded about things. My hairdresser is named Rafael. He’s gay and Mexican. I am the wall.

Speaking of hair salons, what I’m trying to say is that I want to bring more people to Donald Trump. You simply must support him in order for America to succeed.

Donald Trump will protect us from Chinese terrorists.

Obama won’t, and he hasn’t.

He wants to take away our guns. I think he already took mine away, actually. I used to have two very nice semi-automatic handguns in my home, but I have no idea where they are now. I’m pretty sure Obama or Hillary snuck into my home and took them when I was in a blackout. Trump would not let that happen. Blackouts are sacred.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Sure, people like other Republican candidates.

Maybe they like Ted Cruz.

Um, he’s Canadian. American is apple pie, not poutine.

There are people who like Marco Rubio. Yeah, he’s a spicy little piece of ass with an awkward hairline, but he won’t protect us like Donald

I shouldn’t like him. If you think about it, America is really is on life support right now. If there is anyone out there that won’t let Hillary or Obama pull the plug on her that would be JEB! Oh, Terri. I never knew you.

But I digress. I am reaching out to you, the

as you make Florida a red state again. I want it to be as red as a sunburnt British tourist eating a cherry popsicle. Also, I look good in a red dress. I am meeting next with a group called the Log Cabin Republicans.

I’m not sure what they do (construction?), but I think

Trump. Ben Carson is a nice guy, I’m sure, but you shouldn’t vote for someone just because they are black.

Liberals did that the last two elections, and look at the mess we are in now. Carly Fiorina seems like a nice man, but his track record of business at Hewlett Packard is a disaster. I would never vote for Chris Christie; he’s fat. Jeb Bush would probably be my second choice, even though Trump tells me that

LGBQTCBYAV community, in hopes that you will join me in supporting Donald Trump for President.

I know you want lower taxes so you can have more money to spend on clothing for your pets, tank tops and gay foam parties.

I look forward to speaking with you more and more over the next few months to bring you to the Trump table. Frankly, I don’t care whom you vote for as long

it has something to do with pancake syrup. I wouldn’t know. I don’t eat carbs. I am looking forward to having a glass of Chardonnay with their wives. I think that is enough for now, I have nothing else to say.

Plus, this bottle of gin is empty. Goodnight and God bless American.

I think anyone should be allowed to love anyone they choose. I just don’t want to know about it.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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talking points

150

Whether it’s me or the character, at the end of the day, it’s still my body, it’s still telling the story.

It’s the character and his journey, but it’s my body, my lips, my hands. There’s always going to be negativity toward anything that is a positive effort toward change.

tHere are nearly

aNTI-lGBT

BIllS IN 30 STaTeS

—NIck jONas, IN aN INterVIeW WIth COmPLeX magaZINe, aFter he Was asked tO clarIFy hIs receNt cOmmeNts that he WOuldN’t cONFIrm Or deNy Whether he’s eVer had sex WIth a maN.

rupaul’s drag raCe announCes

Queens for 8tH season

l

OgO tV released the Names OF the 12 QueeNs who will strut their stuff in the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.. All regions of the U.S.A. will be represented, including a super-sized plate of some New York sass, as three of the dozen queens—Acid Betty, Bob The Drag Queen and Thorgy Thor—are from the Big Apple. They will compete with a trio of Southerners: Chi Chi DeVayne, Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Dax Exclamationpoint.

Derrick Barry, Kim Chi, Laila McQueen, Naomi Smalls, Nysha Lopez and Robbie Turner round out the 12 queens who will compete to be America’s next great drag queen. This season will also celebrate RuPaul’s Drag Race’s 100th episode and 100th queen. The eighth season premieres March 7 on Logo TV.

aS oF FeBrUarY 1. tHis is up from

101 BIllS IN 24 STaTeS

in tHe last weeK of January, and 64 bills at tHe beginning of tHe 2016 legislative session.

—HRC.org

dolCe & gabbana release Handbags, t-sHirts Celebrating same-seX families

d

Olce & gabbaNa released haNdbags aNd t-shIrts celebrating same-sex couples and families. The designing duo released three photos on their Instagram account Jan. 29. The photos depict simple drawings of a same-sex couple, one featuring men and the other women, with several multiracial children on a handbag. A third picture features similar artwork on t-shirts. The posts are accompanied with #dgfamily. The new designs send a very different message than the one Domenico Dolce sent last year when he said he opposed gay adoptions, and the only true family is a traditional one. Dolce later apologized after a call for a boycott from celebrities like Elton John, Ricky Martin and Madonna.

watermark Your LGBT life.

c

James Corden to Host tHe 2016 tony awards

bs aNNOuNced that the Late Late SHOW hOst James Corden has been tapped to emcee the 2016 Tony Awards. Corden took over hosting duties of The Late Late Show last March from Craig Ferguson. Corden originated in theater before getting his own late night talk show, even winning a Tony in 2012 for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors and started alongside stars Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt in 2014’s film adaptation of the Tony winning musical Into the Woods.

The Nominations for the 2016 Tony Awards will be announced in May from that Paramount Hotel in New York City. The Tony Awards air June 12 on CBS.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

lgbt films among tHose enJoyed by president bill Clinton in wHite House

t

haNks tO the FreedOm OF INFOrmatION act, we are able to learn what kinds of movies the president enjoys. That’s right, the heavily guarded information of which films are played in the White House’s Family Theater has been released for the Clinton administration and it seems the Big Dog-in-Chief may have been the first U.S. president to watch some LGBT-themed films.

In 1993, Clinton watched the Tom Hanks/Denzel Washington film Philadelphia about a lawyer suing his firm for firing him because he was a gay man with AIDS. Clinton also watched the 1996 film The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane who play a gay couple who own a bar in Miami.

21

22

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

in-deptH: marriage

SHOULD YOU

MARRY ME? yes,

you can marry now.

BuT have you

considered the legal ramifications?

ouR pRimeR will aNsweR maNy oF youR QuesTioNs.

c

Tom Dyer

lIFF aNd daN Fell IN lOVe

three years ago. They were introduced by friends and had lots in common. Both were in their mid-50s and had previously been married to women; one was divorced, the other a widower. Both had supportive adult children.

Both had successful careers and substantial assets, including separate homes. When they came to see me a few months before their wedding date, their playful banter was infectious. We laughed a lot.

Zoe and Kim also consulted with me before their nuptials. Zoe had a daughter, born during a previous relationship that ended badly.

Kim was single and settled in a nice suburban home. A year after they met, Kim invited Zoe and her daughter to move in. The three of them were now a family, and their love and happiness were on full

display at my office.

Both couples had the same question: “Should we get married?”

Either way, the couples were thrilled that they now had the option. A U.S. District Court ruling made marriage between same-sex couples legal in Florida in January

Continued on pg. 24 | uu |

watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

23

| uu | Should you marry? from pg.23

2015. But marriage equality was tenuous until last June, when the U.S. Supreme Court declared all state bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Whether conducted before or after 2015, and in whatever jurisdiction, any legal marriage between same-sex couples is now recognized in Florida and throughout the nation. Good or bad, that marriage carries with it all the resulting procedural requirements, protections and responsibilities.

Marriage equality means that our most important loving relationships are now recognized and supported as a matter of law.

But because marriage was always outside our grasp, many of us are uncertain as to its ramifications.

The impact – on assets, debts, taxes, retirement, inheritance, child custody and separation – can be profound.

“Should we get married?”

At its root, it’s a question about compatibility, commitment and love. But thoughtful couples will also want to understand the legal and financial consequences. This primer will answer basic but important questions.

As with all things legal – and all things human – there are layers and exceptions to the guidance provided herein. There are many LGBT-friendly attorneys throughout Tampa Bay and Orlando who can advise you. If you’re thinking about getting married, call one. Trust me – we like working with people who are in love.

How do I get married?

You must be 18 years of age to be married in Florida. You need not be a U.S. citizen, or even resident.

But you will need a driver’s license, other valid state ID or a passport.

You can obtain a marriage license at any county clerk’s office for $93.50. It need not be the county in which you reside, nor do you have to be married in the issuing county. Both parties must be present to sign the application under oath. In Florida, marriage licenses have been changed to read ‘spouse’ and ‘spouse’ instead of ‘bride’ and ‘groom.’

The license is valid for 60 days, but you must wait three days after issuance of the license to be married, unless you complete a pre-marital course. A marriage certificate is issued within seven days after the executed license

24

has been returned to the clerk’s office for recording. There is no cost, and additional copies may be obtained for $3.

Ordained clergy, judicial officers and notaries public are qualified to solemnize marriage vows in Florida. Deputy clerks will perform ceremonies at the courthouse during normal business hours for a small fee. Clergy are not required to officiate if it violates their beliefs or the directives of their religion.

Visit hillsclerk.com, pinellasclerk.org and myorangeclerk.com for more info.

How will marriage impact me legally?

When you marry, you become the default legal representative for your spouse. If your spouse becomes incapacitated, you will have authority to make decisions regarding health care and, in most circumstances, termination of life support. And when your spouse dies, you will have default authority to make cremation or burial arrangements and administer your spouse’s estate.

Authorities granted by marriage generally trump any claim made by a member of your spouse’s family of origin. But they do not trump specific written health-care directives or estate directives that have been properly executed by your spouse. For example, your spouse could name her sister or daughter as health care surrogate or estate executor.

For clarity, it is strongly recommended that married couples execute the full range of estate documents: Last Will, Living Will, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, Pre-Need Declaration of Guardian, Durable Power of Attorney and Statement of Authority to Make Funeral Arrangements.

Because the powers granted by a Domestic Partner Registry – or a legal civil union from another state – are lesser in scope, these designations are unnecessary and legally superfluous for married couples.

If your spouse dies without a Last Will, you inherit the entire estate unless your spouse also had lineal descendants unrelated to you (e.g. children from a previous marriage), in which case you inherit 50 percent of the estate.

If your spouse disinherits you in a valid Last Will, you may claim a 30 percent “elective share” of the estate. Additional homestead protections entitle you to retain your home, furnishings, a vehicle,

Like it or not,

decoupling same-sex spouses will have to divorce. and possibly spousal support.

Importantly, this elective share can be waived in a pre- or postnuptial agreement between the spouses, and many couples marrying later in life will wish to do this.

Note that if your spouse completes a Last Will naming you as beneficiary, or a health care directive naming you as designee, either designation is presumed to be revoked upon divorce.

watermark Your LGBT life.

How will marriage impact me financially?

Contrary to popular misconception, in Florida you are not responsible for the debts of your spouse, including in bankruptcy. But there are layers to this analysis. Assets titled in your name alone are insulated from claims against your spouse.

Likewise, your jointly owned marital homestead property is protected from claims. But

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

virtually all other jointly held assets (e.g. a bank or investment account) may be vulnerable. And if you co-sign on a credit card, a loan, or at the hospital, you’re on the hook.

While undistributed, pensions and retirement accounts are also outside the grasp of creditors.

The impact of marriage on financial and retirement planning is complex and beyond the scope of this primer. Couples should consult with an accountant, attorney or financial advisor.

Medicaid claims arising from extended nursing or rehabilitative care are different. Assets of the spouse are considered in determining eligibility for a sick or disabled person, although the spouse is entitled to retain a home, car and $119,220. In Florida it may be possible for a spouse to retain additional individually owned assets by signing a “spousal refusal” to pay.

This should be accomplished in consultation with a professional.

In most cases (not all, depending on how and when the property was originally purchased), real estate owned jointly by a married couple may be owned as “tenants by the entirety.” This means that if one spouse dies, the survivor automatically acquires sole ownership. And unlike the “joint tenants with rights of survivorship” form of realestate ownership often used by unmarried gay couples, “tenants by the entirety” protects the property from creditor claims against a single spouse. And in Florida, property other than real estate may also be owned as “tenants by the entirety.”

Except in rare circumstances, cohabiting spouses with more than one home will only be able to claim one property tax homestead exemption.

Most group health insurance policies offer benefits for spouses, and policies purchased under the Affordable Care Act offer discounts for families. Spouses are also the default beneficiary for most retirement and life insurance policies.

As a married couple, you can file your income taxes jointly.

This is usually advantageous, unless one spouse has numerous itemized deductions or a significantly lower income.

If you’ve been married for at least a year, when your spouse

Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

| uu | Should you marry? from pg.24

dies you can claim their Social Security retirement benefit if it is greater than your own.

How will marriage impact my family?

When you marry, either or both spouses can request a change of name on the marriage certificate. This certificate is then used to make the change official with Social Security and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Until just recently, adoption by gays and lesbians was outlawed in Florida.

When it first became legal, if you wished to adopt your partner’s children it was necessary to petition the court and endure an expensive and time-consuming home study completed by an adoption agency.

Now that marriage is legal, you can adopt your spouse’s children by means of a much simpler step-parent adoption.

Step-parent adoption is strongly encouraged, because otherwise the nonlegal, non-biological parent is vulnerable in the event their spouse dies, or if they divorce. Documents such as a Pre-Need Declaration of Guardian for Minor, CoParenting Agreement or Pre-Nuptial Agreement can be completed to protect a non-legal parent, but that is second-best when compared to adoption.

Married same-sex couples can also adopt through agencies, and both names will be listed on the amended birth certificate as parents.

However, same-sex spouses face a troublesome vestige of discrimination when a child is born within the marriage.

When a child is born to opposite-sex spouses in Florida, the Department of Health automatically lists the husband as the father on the birth certificate unless paternity is contested. But that agency has refused to list same-sex spouses as the second parent. Equality Florida filed a lawsuit in August that is currently making its way through the court system.

What happens if the marriage ends?

Unavoidably, marriage creates the potential for divorce. This is the painful flip side of marriage equality. In past decades, when same-sex couples split they were mostly left to their own devices to work things out. When they couldn’t, court remedies were cumbersome and expensive.

Now, like it or not, decoupling same-sex spouses will have to divorce.

When the parties can agree to the division of property and there are no minor children involved, there is a “simplified dissolution of marriage” procedure that can be completed without the assistance of an attorney and for less than $500.

When there are minor children, or there

will be alimony or some other enforceable payment plan, divorce can be “uncontested” if the parties can come to an agreement.

An expensive and emotionally taxing “contested” divorce arises when the parties can’t agree on division of marital property and/or issues involving minor children.

Many same-sex couples enter marriage with an accumulation of assets. As a rule-ofthumb, each will retain those “non-marital” assets in divorce, as well as any income or exchanges derived from those assets and any non-spousal gifts or inheritances.

“Marital” property includes jointly held real and personal property, spousal gifts, and earnings or assets acquired during the marriage. As a starting point, these are apportioned evenly. But equitable claims can be made based on factors such as unequal contribution, sacrifice, waste and the best interests of minor children.

A pre-nuptial agreement should be considered, particularly by couples marrying later in life. The agreement describes the assets of each spouse, and often then renounces any marital claim to those assets upon death or dissolution of marriage. The parties can still provide for each other through joint titling, beneficiary designation or in their Last Will.

In determining child custody, Florida courts encourage consistent and meaningful involvement of both parents.

Shared custody, or an arrangement where one parent has primary residential custody and the other has substantial visitation, is most common. If one parent is deficient, contact may be limited or even forbidden.

The “best interests of the child” trump every consideration. Child support is determined formulaically based on the incomes of each parent and the time each spends with the children.

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Cliff and Dan got married in front of their families in a beautiful ceremony at a local park. Beforehand, they reconsidered their estate planning and executed a pre-nuptial agreement.

Zoe and Kim wanted no fuss. I married them at my office. Kim plans to adopt her stepdaughter. When that is finalized, they will execute new estate documents.

This primer casts a spotlight on some of the legal complexities of marriage. It is intended only as a starting place for anyone considering this important step – now or even in a distant, hopeful future. Marrying couples with children and/or separate assets are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney.

The battle for marriage equality was epic. By all means, take intelligent advantage of the rights that were won.

When there is love, commitment and maturity, marriage can be a stabilizing, sustaining legal haven.

The names in this column were changed to protect the privacy of the parties involved. Tom Dyer is an attorney and partner at Dyer & Blaisdell, PL. He practices primarily in the areas of estate planning and probate. He is the founder of Watermark.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

arts and entertainment

SPRUNG LONGTIME OFF-BROADWAY HIT LAUNCHES FULL-FRONTAL ASSAULT AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE

a

Billy Manes

Nd, they’re OFF! WIthIN

approximately five minutes of musical pleasantries and coy sideways glances, the entire cast of longtime Off-Broadway bachelor/bachelorette-party revue Naked Boys Singing sheds its clothing and reveals its combined parcels of manhood.

At the show’s Feb. 4 VIP/press engagement in advance of its Feb. 5 opening, the sound may have been a little bit quiet in the Footlight Theatre at Parliament House, but the message was writ large: Nudity isn’t just titillation;

it’s bold and honest, especially on a stage in front of a packed house.

“I think it celebrates the male anatomy, but we do it in a humorous way,” William Bruce, he of the Prince Albert affectation and the cojones to match, tells us

watermark Your LGBT life.

over an arranged lunch in advance of the performance. “It’s also really poignant.”

The bait, naturally, is the exhibitionism, as it has always been for the show. The switch comes in the story arc—or rather, pastiche— that plays on everything nude but pornography, taking a right at romance and a left at insecurity.

It’s a tricky gamut, really, but in the presentation of the show, it works well after the first few awkward giggles from an audience faced with 16 songs from seven gentlemen who are all hanging at the half-mast level of nerves and performance.

“I think the show does a really good job of recognizing, ‘OK, we know why you’re here. You saw the word ‘naked,’ and you were curious about that.’ And we get that out of

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

the way right up top, so you can focus on the content of the show later on. Which I think explores a lot of different topics about what nakedness means, outside of the obvious,” Bruce says. “Actors always try to portray dimension. And I think being naked, you’re really at your most vulnerable. And then there are also problems that would arise by being naked, like getting a boner in the locker room, which is funny, but it’s a problem that everyone has had to deal with. It’s pretty relatable.”

With subject matter ranging from circumcision (“The Bliss of a Bris”) to unrequited love to Robert Mitchum (!) to, again, locker-room insecurities and then some, Naked

Continued on pg. 30 | uu |

29

Got Mustard?

We’ve got more weiner than we can handle.

www.DareToRescue.com haNds OFF!: Naked Boys Singing while not naked. Photo by Jake stevens

| uu | Naked Boys from pg.29

Boys Singing swiftly diverts focus from below the nonexistent belt to the feelings that men hold about their “manhood.” There are no guardrails or guideposts.

Well, there are posts.

“I know for us, as performers, when you take off your clothes, it’s like a costume—you don’t think about it,” 20-year-old Mitchel Burns says.

“It presents some challenges for the actor,” Bruce adds. “You don’t have huge sets and costumes and a bunch of stuff to overshadow your performance. It’s just you. To be able to communicate the message or the emotion that’s going on at the time, you just have yourself and that’s it.

It just comes across a little more honest.”

The show isn’t so bold a move when you consider that the Footlight’s new artistic director, Tim Evanicki, is the man behind Bathhouse: The Musical, which toyed, obviously, with similar themes of stripping down to send it up.

“There’s nothing to hide behind, and the talent in the show is incredible and the singing will really just blow you away. There’s really difficult music and really difficult harmonies and really tough dance numbers in the show. And they’re really dancing up there in the nude,”

30

watermark Your LGBT life.

Evanicki says. But, cough, doesn’t that hurt a bit? “They did their dance callback nude.

They had to audition nude.

So we saw the floppage in the callback,” he laughs.

“A lot of us came from different backgrounds, some in professional theater and elsewhere, so a lot of us met for the first time at our photo shoot, where we took a bunch of pictures naked with each other,” Bruce says. “That’s literally how we introduced ourselves: ‘All right guys, take off your clothes.’”

The camaraderie between the cast members is evident in speaking with them, and even more so when watching them perform together.

You have to have a sense of humor—and, likely, a supportive personality—to stand there, balls out on stage with nothing but a smile and a voice (and a Prince Albert, in that one case).

“We’ve all become really quick at finding the joke,” Bruce says. “It’s a lot of fun during rehearsals, because the subject matter is obviously there. If someone cracks a dick joke, it just feels like another day at the office.”

But even though the show’s contractually assures “95 percent all nude” performances, according to Evanicki, it is a thoughtful musical theater exercise at its core, only without the props, elaborate stage set and the clothing. It’s possibly more than you think it is. In fact, it’s bigger than you might think.

“People come to the

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

show expecting to have a great time, and they have a great time,” Bruce says.

“They’re also going to come to the show not expecting the moments that surprise them. It’s serious, it’s honest, it’s touching, and those moments, I think, are what make the show really great.

“You come expecting a ‘funny-ha-ha’ type of show, which it is. But there are those times in the show that bring it back down to the vulnerable aspects. Really, I think it’s going to touch people in a way they’re not expecting.”

Perhaps expectedly, not everyone among the cast’s friends and family necessarily agree on the touching part.

(Evanicki jokes that the first three rows of the Footlight are backed up to avoid the “splash zone”). Or they don’t want to. Or they just don’t want to see their friend or family person’s member.

“Most of the time, you can rely on your core group of friends to support anything you do no matter how good or bad it is,” performer James Berkley says. “With this, it’s reversed. They say, ‘I love you, but I can’t come see the show.’”

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Yanky-panky

The Manatee Players look to explore forbidden love in World War II with the musical Yank!

(above)

Strip and polish: Billy Masuck (left) and Brian Craft rehearse as Mitch and Stu in The Manatee Player’s Yank!

Photos by Jeremy Williams

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Jeremy Williams

ank! is many things: A musical

that honors the song and dance of the 1940s; a play that tells the story of sending young men off to war. More importantly though, it’s a history lesson for how World War II was the frontline that created a community that would later become the movement for gay rights.

“I think with a lot of people LGBT history starts with Stonewall, but our history starts far beyond Stonewall,” Yank! director Kenn Rapczenski says.

“Many of the soldiers, especially ones who were court-martialed for being

homosexual, couldn’t go back to their small towns and farms, so they settled into big cities like San Francisco. This was the first time gays and lesbians were able to be with each other in a united way and started to form communities.”

watermark Your LGBT life.

Yank! gets its name from the title of Yank, the Army Weekly, a military magazine published during World War II, and while all the characters in the musical are fictional, the situations and events are all culled from real life accounts from both gay and straight service members of the time.

“This time period allowed people, by becoming a soldier and having the honor to serve your country, to become empowered and say, ‘I am who I am,’ and while they had to closet themselves, they weren’t afraid anymore,” Rapczenski says. “The camaraderie between the squad men was very strong, and many of them didn’t care or didn’t say anything. It was the government that was hunting them.”

Yank! starts in modern times with a guy living in San Francisco who finds the journal of Stu, a gay solider from World War II, in an old shop. As he reads the journal we are taken back to 1943, when Stu is drafted into the Army. The musical is very traditional in the sense that you get catchy tunes, show stopping dance numbers and an intimate love story told with a world changing event as the backdrop, but unlike most musicals, this is a love story between two men.

Stu meets Mitch, and the love and passion they discover with each other is the all too often untold story of gay men sent off to war.

“It’s a love story within the confines of their sexuality during a time where you didn’t have to worry about ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’; you just didn’t be,” Rapczenski says.

Yank! was written by brothers David and Joseph Zellnik in 2005. It won Best Musical at the New York Musical Theatre Festival and was later seen Off-Broadway in 2010. The Manatee Players bring it to the Manatee Performing Arts Center Feb. 18- March 6, the first time this musical has been staged in this region.

“This is a huge deal to be doing this musical in this area,” says Brian Craft, who plays Stu in The Manatee Players production. “The subscriber base here, the patrons here, and the volunteers here, this is a really big deal, so I think it’s great that it’s being done tactfully. It represents us well and realistically and

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

in a light that they haven’t seen before.”

Brandenton, and Manatee County in general, is an older, more conservative community.

Craft is joined by a collection of local actors from the Tampa Bay, Sarasota and Manatee area including Katie Eichler, Brian Finnerty, Dave Addis, Chris Hines, Phillip Morehouse, Jay Poppe, Brian Strubbe, Joseph Rebella and Joshua Roberson.

Billy Masuck plays Mitch. Masuck, an openly gay Tampa actor who has played romantic leads in some of The Manatee Players’ productions in the past, found this role to be a bit more difficult.

“It was really challenging playing a romantic lead with another guy. In theater you get so used to playing romance with a female character, and it is acting, but this was different because I was playing true to myself, and that was much harder than I thought it would be,” Masuck says.

Even with the more conservative area, only one thing has been changed from the original musical. Rapczenski says that a scene that had nudity was altered, but that nothing was changed when it comes to the violence, language or love scenes. They are all left intact to stay authentic to the musical and the time, which is a good thing according to Craft.

“I think it will help our older patrons, because it takes the story back to a time they know and are familiar with, so it isn’t like we are telling them our story set to some modern day event or style. We show them a love story they may or may not be comfortable with, but it is in a setting and style they know,” he says. “I’m excited and scared for them to see this one, because this is so much more personal to me.”

Yank! is being done as part of the Manatee Arts Center’s “Action through Acting” series. The series consists of six shows, each one done in collaboration with a nonprofit in Manatee County, as a way to build community awareness and provide socially relevant issues a voice through live theatrical presentations.

Yank! is being done in collaboration with Equality Florida, and all performances are in the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Bradenton Kiwanis Theater.

more information

What: Yank! A WWII Musical When: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Fridays- Saturdays, 8:00 p.m., Sundays, 2:00 p.m., Feb. 18 through March 6 Where: Manatee Performing Arts Center Tickets: $26, manateeperformingartscenter.com

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watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

event planner

arTs+enTerTainmenT orlando stand Up comedy: akeem Woods and Preacher lawson, Feb. 11, Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com gobearr, Feb. 11-14, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com three nights with nina Flowers!, Feb. 12-15, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Mamma Mia!, Feb. 12, The Abbey, Orlando.

407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com an exhibit of terry binion’s art collection, Feb. 12, The Gatlin Creative, Orlando. 323-420-8663; TheGatlinCreative.com

cOmmuniTy calendar orlando

laDY

Orlando’s Celebrity Bartender Night 2016 tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m. saVOy, OrlaNdO The GLBT Center of Central Florida and Savoy Orlando invite you to the annual Celebrity Bartender Night as you are served up drinks by “a carnival of characters.”

Hosted by Rupaul’s Drag Race season 7’s Ginger Minj, get your drink on with the likes of Johnny’s House’s Rae, Variatease’s Blue Star, Watermark’s own Billy Manes and Danny Garcia plus many more. Make sure to enjoy a specialty Tito Vodka cocktail. Proceeds go to The Center.

laBelle

tampa bay

Balance Tampa Bay’s February social

they’re back!, Feb. 13, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

thursday, Feb. 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. hIddeN sprINgs ale WOrks, tampa

operation Feed the homeless, Feb. 13, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Orlando.

407-422-3230; WeAreChange.org Paws in the Park, Feb. 13, Lake Eola Park, Orlando.

407-246-4484; CityOfOrlando.net 4th annual galentine’s day, Feb. 13, Redlight Redlight, Orlando. 407-893-9832; RedlightRedlightBeerParlour.com aMor -a valentine’s day circuit extravaganza, Feb. 14, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com orlando roller derby season opener, Feb. 14, Semoran Skateway, Casselberry. 407-834-9106; SemoranSkateway.com campus Movie Fest at UcF, Feb. 18, Pegasus Ballroom, Orlando. 541-263-8324; CampusMovieFest.com i love you, you’re Perfect, now change., Feb. 19, Central Christian Church, Orlando.

407-937-1800; CFCArts.com Patti labelle, Feb. 20, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org disney Princess half Marathon, Feb. 18-21, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. 407-939-5277; RunDisney.com

Patti labelle brings her soulful sound (and maybe some sweet potato pie?) to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando Feb. 20 and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Feb. 21.

Kinky Boots, Feb. 23-28, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

tampa bay disney’s The Lion King, Jan. 20-Feb. 14, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org greater Pinellas democratic club Monthly dinner, Feb. 11, Banquet Masters, Clearwater. 727-470-6524; BanquetMasters.com Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, Feb. 11-14, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org the love show -improv by the box tampa, Feb. 12-13, The Space at 2106, Tampa. 813-575-0230; TheSpaceAt2106.com

castle cosplay night, Feb. 13, The Castle, Tampa.

813-247-7547; CastleYbor.com st. Pete art Walk, Feb. 13, Morean Art Center, St. Petersburg. 813-253-5388; BalanceTampaBay.org Book of Mormon, Feb. 16-21, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.net tiglFF presents Liz in September, Feb. 17, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.

727-896-2667; Fine-Arts.org carly rae Jepsen, Feb. 17, the RITZ Ybor, Tampa. 813-247-3729; TheRitzYbor.com billy santoro hosts Man Meat, Feb. 19, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com st. Petersburg Museum of history’s cocktails on the courts, Feb. 20, Shuffleboard Club, St. Petersburg. 727-894-1052; SPMOH.org

Patti labelle, Feb. 21, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org 108 years of broadway, Feb. 22, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.net Matilda The Musical, Feb. 23-28, Straz Center for the Performing Arts,Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Joseph & The AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, Feb. 23, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.net

2016 equality Florida Tampa Gala saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30-11:00 p.m. tpepIN’s hOspItalIty ceNtre, tampa Equality Florida presents one of the largest LGBT events in Tampa with the 2016 Tampa Gala. EQFL recognizes Ed Lally as the Voice for Equality and Nadine Smith will present the status of LGBT equality in Florida. Music by Jureka, catering by Puff ‘n’ Stuff and DJ CK spinning dance tracks. The event will also feature live and silent auctions and open bar. More information is available at EQFL.org/TampaGala.

sarasota

suncoast equality Connection

sarasota All the Way, Jan. 14-April 9, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Jan. 14-Feb. 20, West Coast Black Theatre, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; WestCoastBlackTheatre.org

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

watermark Your LGBT life.

Join Balance Tampa Bay at the Hidden Springs Ale Works located in Tampa Heights just north of downtown. Enjoy great beers and drink specials as you network, mingle and get to know some of the most charitable people in the community. Complimentary appetizers will be provided by 4 Rivers Smokehouse. The event is free and open to the public so make sure to bring a friend.

For more information visit BalanceTampaBay.org.

thursday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. the cIrcus arts cONserVatOry, sarasOta Equality Florida’s first Equality Connection of 2016 is at the Circus Arts Conservatory. With the legislative session in full swing, come out and get engaged with EQFL and find out how you can get involved. Guests at the Suncoast Equality Connection can get discounted tickets for the high energy Circus Sarasota Winter Performance immediately following the event. RSVP at EqualityFlorida.wufoo.com.

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

overheard

I

orlando out+about

buH-bye bloggy?

N a receNt aNNOuNcemeNt VIa FacebOOk aNd IN theIr eNeWsletter, the eccentric Mark Baratelli sent a notice that the Daily City Blog was to be no more.

The blog was/is geared to Orlando residents as a local website connecting the residents to the cultural scene of Orlando. Mark Baratelli confirmed that he will continue to be in charge of the Food Truck Bazaars, but he is laying the blog to rest to pursue other creative opportunities. (Have you seen his Judy Garland?

It was to die for!) TheDailyCity.com started in 2007 and saw 10,491 posts, but (surprise, surprise), on February 8, the blog posted it was back up and running and it apologized for the confusion. Say what? We attempted to reach Mark to clarify the confusing post, and all we can confirm is that the blog is back and running after a 24-hour break.

I

fiZZled at tHe firestone

F yOu asked aNy OrlaNdO gay IN the late ‘90s what was the hottest bar in town, most would’ve said it was the Club At Firestone. Decadent and big, the bar boasted some top acts and, up to one point, was nationally known for its incredible parties.

As Orlando changed, so did the Club. The most recent incarnation, after the Club at Firestone and Firestone Live, has been VENUE 578. It became more of an event venue hosting anything from private parties to concerts. This past Gay Days, there was a large turnout for the WE party. Well, if you’ve got an extra $850,000 lying around and you’re looking for a business venture? You’re in luck; according to an Orlando Sentinel story, it’s up for sale (well the venue, not the property)! Jan Harrold, told the Sentinel that he’s just tired. After owning the property since 1993, he wants the potential buyers to keep it an entertainment venue. We’ll keep you posted as the story develops.

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drinK for a Cause

t’s baaaaaack! On Tuesday February 23rd, Savoy Orlando will host the Center’s Celebrity Bartender night again. The event will run from 7:00 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Listed as a Carnival of Characters, because it is, the night will be hosted by Ginger Minj, runner up from last year’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. She somehow managed to stay in town long enough from touring the world for this one! Atta girl! It will also feature an array of local celebrities and personalities ranging from XL 106.7’s Rae , Blue Star, Rob Ward as Pepe, Addison Taylor, Doug Bowser, Sue-Bee Laginess and many more.

The night will also include Watermark’s very own Billy Manes and Danny Garcia holding bottles. The money raised will benefit the Center. For more information, check out the Celebrity Bartending Night event page on Facebook.

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helpINg haNd: AmeriCorps City Year volunteers (L to R) luis elena santa-coloma, alyssa Pepio, and brian lynn usher guests into a talk about the state of transgender rights at the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit on Jan. 6. Photo by adaM Manno

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staNdINg rOOm ONly: Palm Bay city council chambers quickly reached capacity, so citizens watch the Feb. 4 meeting to discuss adding LGBT protections to the city’s HRO from an overflow area outside. PHOTO by anna vishkaee eskaMani

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church chat: gina duncan, Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Director, addresses the congregation of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church in New Smyrna Beach on Feb. 7. Photo by tiM Wilson

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heart strINgs: Jared burnett serenades guests at the Vecchioni/ Thomas wedding at Paradise Cove in Orlando Feb. 7. PHOTO

by Melissa santiago hUssein

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gaNgsta’s paradIse: lisa thomas (L) and nicole veccioni say “I do” at Paradise Cove in Orlando Feb. 7. Photo by Jessica leigh PhotograPhy

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hustle & bustle: Orlando’s Director of Multicultural Affairs luis Martinez (left) and OrlandoCares Program Coordinator hiba george spend their O-YES lunch hour making sure guests are happy and panelists know their seats. Photo by adaM Manno

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gOOdbye gIFt: Orlando City Commissioner Patty sheehan (right) presents to Jeanne Wilson artwork Sheehan painted featuring her cat Rover. Wilson retired Jan. 5 after working for the city for 17 years. Photo by bill stevens

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step aNd repeat: Keep Orlando Beautiful coordinator Jody goostree buyas and her husband, shay, smile for the camera at the Trash2Trends fashion show, where designers upcycle trash into runway looks to benefit Keep Orlando Beautiful.

Photo by tk PhotograPhy

8 watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

overheard

tampa bay out+about

leave aaron Carter alone!!!

t

ampa NatIVe aNd late ‘90s heartthrOb aarON carter (you might remember him better as Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter’s little brother) is burning up the gossip mill after some posts on Instagram that allude to his alleged coming out and possible relationship with ex-YouTuberturned-porn-star Chris Crocker. You might remember Crocker best as the “Leave Britney alone!” kid from YouTube. Both have had trouble keeping up with fame and staying in the public eye. The posts appear to be from sometime before or after Carter’s show in Birmingham, Ala., on Feb. 4. The first picture posted is of Carter and Crocker snuggled up; the other has the two cuddling and holding hands and has the caption “Aaron found his candy.” Several videos are also posted on Crocker’s Instagram. The video gaining the most attention is one that was deleted from Crocker’s Instagram shortly after being posted and cuts out just as the two are about to kiss. Is it true romance or just two old stars trying to reignite their 15 minutes?

and tHe osCar (party) goes to… tampa tHeatre

W

Ith the super bOWl OVer, it is time to focus on what some call the “Super Bowl for the Gays,” the 88th Annual Academy Awards which will air Sunday, Feb. 28. It is Hollywood’s biggest night of the year and by far the most watched award show in the world, and the Tampa Theatre is going all out to celebrate again with the Hollywood Award Night. Now in its 17th year, Tampa Theatre’s party is the longest running Oscar Party in the Bay Area. For those of us whose invitation to the Kodak Theater (home of the Academy Awards ceremony) got lost in the mail, worry not as the Hollywood Award Night will have everything the West Coast elite have: red carpet reception, fancy limo rides, fans and paparazzi. You even get announced by the only and only “Roan Jivers!” Get ready for the glitz and glamor. Oh tell me, who are you wearing?

donald trump is Heading to not-st. petersburg

r

epublIcaN presIdeNtIal hOpeFul dONald trump is coming to the Bay Area Feb. 12, but will only be visiting Tampa at the USF Sun Dome. Could that be because Trump was barred from St. Pete back in December? We all remember when Trump ran off at the mouth saying he would ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. if he was president. The response from St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman was a tongue-in-cheek tweet barring Trump “from entering St. Petersburg until we fully understand the dangerous threat posed by all Trumps.” Could The Donald himself have taken the mayor seriously? Will Trump behave himself and not try taking cheap shots at Kriseman? We all know how Trump behaves when he feels his ego was hurt; just ask Megyn Kelly. Trump should make sure to be nice to our local heroes if he is looking to sway as many bay area voters as he can before Florida’s March 15 primary. Especially since two of the Republican hopefuls (Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush) already have home-field advantage.

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ambassadOrs OF Ice: Hot 101.5 morning show crew (L-R) Jared Dey, Miguel Fuller and holly o’connor were the official Social Media Captains for the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena Feb. 3.

Photo coUrtesy oF Jared dey

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strummIN’ ON the guItar: Tampa musician Jordan eskar plays to a packed house at Punky’s Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg Feb. 6. PHOTO

coUrtesy oF erik WilloUghby

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NOt WIthOut my daughter: chelsea clinton speaks with a crowd of Hillary supporters at a reception in St. Petersburg Jan. 29. Photo coUrtesy oF ed lally

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prIde patrOl: Tampa Pride’s board, (L-R) kurt king, Mark bias, andrew bolton, carrie West and howard grater, working hard to bring an out of this world Pride in Ybor City Feb. 3.

Photo coUrtesy oF Mark bias

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t.g.I.e. (thaNk gOd It’s eNIgma): (L-R) robyn demornay, kori stevens, darnell bradley and nate taylor kick off the weekend with fun and friends at Enigma in St. Petersburg.

Photo coUrtesy oF kori stevens

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tear dOWN that rIbbON: (L-R) Councilwoman Amy elizabeth Foster, lynn deibert, John burt, Mayor rick kriseman and brian longstreth cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of Punky’s Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg Feb. 3. PHOTO

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by JereMy WilliaMs

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parrrrty tIme: (L-R) Jeremy Wade neiman, Peter Wengertsman, Jeff hartley and chuck cave celebrate Gasparilla in Tampa Jan. 30. PHOTO

coUrtesy oF JereMy Wade neiMan

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gINger pIrates: ashley brundage (L) and steve blanchard burn up the streets of Tampa at Gasparilla Jan. 30. PHOTO

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coUrtesy oF steve blanchard

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

Photography

announcements

wedding bells

cOnGraTulaTiOns

Jason Newkirk, 34, and Mark Badley, 29 from Orlando

Watermark Editor-in-Chief billy Manes and his husband, tony Mauss, celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Feb. 14. the Winter Park Playhouse, Central Florida’s only professional musical theater, was honored as “Best Live Theater” at the Ovations Awards awarded by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Jan. 29.

years TOGeTher:

freeFall theatre company celebrated five years at the Central Ave. theater Feb. 3.

4 years

enGaGemenT daTe:

lOcal birThdays

August 11, 2012

weddinG daTe:

May 28, 2016

weddinG venue:

Castle Otttis in St. Augustine, Florida

weddinG cOlOrs:

A “Royal Fantasy/ Neverland” theme for their wedding, and their colors are black and teal.

firsT sOnG:

“Only You”

by Yazzo

inTeresTinG facT: Jason and Mark have traveled to 95 percent of the Caribbean and plan on making it 100 percent by the end of 2016.

Photo by Castaldo Studio

“m

ark Is WONderFul aNd

will go along with all the crazy schemes and everything I come up with—and he’s always there beside me, loving me and supporting me no matter how crazy my little mind can go,” Jason says.

When Jason Newkirk, a writer and office manager for a production company, first met Mark Badley, a pharmacy buyer, he was at a loss for words, which isn’t like Jason, a guy who always has something to say.

“I was actually doing a benefit show for Theatre Downtown back in June of 2012,” Mark says. “I was in the show, and Jason came with some of his friends to see the production.”

Jason was working on The Real Live Brady Bunch show at the time and was tired, and he initially didn’t want to go see Mark’s show, because it was a late-night performance. He ended up going, and as he was watching the show, Mark came out shirtless, and Jason jokingly said, “You know what?

I think I’m going to marry that boy.’” A mutual friend introduced them afterward.

“We found each other on

Facebook, and we probably chatted for three, maybe four weeks on Facebook, and then we set up our first date,” Mark says.

“Our first date, we went to Mount Dora and took the nature boat, and that’s pretty much it.”

“We have not actually been a part from each other since our first date,” he adds. “We’re both very eclectic; we’re both very adventurous. We love to travel, we love to see Disney and all that razzmatazz.”

As for their engagement, they took a tour of the Ringling Brother’s mansion—also known as the Ca’ d’Zan—and its grounds in Sarasota. Mark arranged for a tour of the mansion and had the guides get prepped for the proposal. At the end of the tour on the top turret of the mansion, Mark knew that was the perfect moment he was waiting for all day.

“When they took my phone

[to take a photo], I got down on one knee and proposed to him on the turret as the tour guide took pictures and I believe some video, too,” Mark says.

Because Jason wanted to make sure Mark got a proposal and ring too, a year later on their anniversary when they were at Middleton Place in Charleston, S.C., Jason took Mark out to the gardens at the location and proposed to him there, too.

They joke about how they had a “long engagement,” because they wanted to wait until it was legal. And even once it was, Jason wanted to wait to have the wedding the two have always wanted.

Mark is excited about the venue they found in St. Augustine—Castle Otttis. They want the reception to have a fantasy or Neverland type of theme. He’s also very excited for the reception because they have a very big production planned for the reception.

“My favorite thing about Jason is he’s very caring and he’s very sweet,” Mark says. “Like I said, he’s very adventurous. He doesn’t like to sit a lot —he’s very go, go go!”

Pulse Nightclub’s event producer Julian bain, Xia Adonis from the House of Adonis, latoya little, Tampa schools media specialist and activist bart birdsall, Florida Council on Economic Education Executive Director Mike bell, Watermark’s former creative assistant Patrick o’connor, former Watermark intern Dylan Gomez (Feb. 11); MBA board member cathy Meyers-keene, USF Vegetarian Society President and St. Pete Resident Mark Weber, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia Weiss (Feb. 13); Ybor’s Honey Pot manager and straight ally ernie Webb, St. Petersburg performer Jaeda Fuentes, UCF graduating senior steven hogue, Orlando banking guru diana cox (Feb. 14); St. Petersburg’s The Queen’s Head co-owner darren conner (Feb. 15); LGBT-friendly Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, gorgeous O-Town dancer, choreographer, DJ and nightclub impresario blue star, Tampa activist chris goldsmith, Tampa Bay Bears president keenan rose (Feb. 16); beautiful St. Petersburg performer and live vocalist iman, Downtown Arts District board member ben laube, Disney entertainment guru John bearse (Feb. 17). Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant ty Williams, Orange County arts hero Terry Olsen (Feb. 18); owner of Crabtree Healthy Living toni crabtree, Stonewall Pinellas Democrat rick boylan (Feb. 19); Tampa model and web site recruiter Michael vought, Orlando realtor sam gallaher, funeral director and Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee cofounder sam odom, Tampa Bay leather entrepreneur billy seablom, Flamingo Resort regular Mikel vought, Largo resident and Lighthouse Credit Foundation founder david crow (Feb. 20); House of Adonis hottie Jose ortiz, Bowman and Co. president scott bowman (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant bart nagy, rollergirl Jessy “spikey” Wayles, TBGLCC administrator and TIGLFF superstar renee cossette, St. Pete Pride board member stanley solomons (Feb. 22); Orlando’s sexy, singing cowboy cub ciJay bailey, The Hammered Lamb’s owner Jason lambert, superstar realtor and selfless volunteer david dorman (Feb. 23); songbird and newlywed Megan Monesmith (Feb. 24)

dO yOu have an annOuncemenT? havinG a birThday Or anniversary? did yOu GeT a new jOb Or prOmOTiOn? see your news in Watermark! send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com or go to Watermarkonline.com/submit-a-transition.

—Samantha Rosenthal

iT’s ThaT easy!

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

watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

45

uprisings

not oK, Computer

O Marco [Rubio] is a talented politician. He got elected when he was 26 years old. People love him, and I do, too, but he’s not a leader.

—jeb bush, Feb. 5 ON msNbc’s mOrnInG JOe

mrs. smitH goes to TIME

W

heN FlOrIda Nabs a NatIONal headlINe, it generally involves somebody huffing bath salts off the back of snake while locked in a car that’s trapped inside a grow house on fire. Oh, or Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush. Same diff.

Last week, though, Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith made us proud with a piece published on the website of TIME magazine. EQFL is deep in the midst of its legislative battle these two months, and Smith wasn’t about to the opportunity to be reasonable pass her by. Smith centered her focus on the Competitive Workforce Act. She also touched on the so-called “Pastor Protection” bill, which wound its way through another committee and seems likely to garner some more bankable hate for the right-wing campaign coffers. “In Florida, we have a chance to take a different path,” she writes, adding that, “now it’s time for Florida to move beyond a patchwork quilt of protections and promote legislation that encourages economic growth.” It’s about time.

46

planned budget mess

u

ltImately, the legIslatIVe sessION bOIls dOWN to a missionary hair-braiding circle of budgetary concerns for an increasingly terrible Republican Party.

This year, the story is playing along as scheduled. In addition to trying to steal rights away from the LGBT community, House Republicans are making a go at Planned Parenthood, Texas-style. A House budget committee has elected to float the idea of defunding the women’s (and men’s) reproductive health organization full stop. House leaders are seeking to cock-block any funding for the organization, including the funding that is creatively pushed through county health departments.

It should be noted that no funding goes to abortion, so this is, at best, a Trojan horse. “It’s a politically derived stunt that they’re pulling against one nonprofit organization that provides health care to women,” state Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach (and our hearts) said, according to the St. Augustine Record. A senate companion to this buffoonery is only a twitch away.

sHooting blanKs

s

peakINg OF dumb FlOrIda legIslatIVe Ideas and those who spin them into inevitable reality, in spite of every bit of reason or concern floating out there among experts and the electorate, the Florida House is racing forward, guns blazing, with its open-carry legislation designed to make college kids and the people who love them seem even more terrifying. A general open-carry bill, HB 163, cleared the House 80-38 in early February. Swiftly thereafter, the campus-carry bill, HB 4001, sailed smoothly through the House of cards with a vote of 80-37. Wisely, the Senate is being a bit more circumspect on the issue, and by most accounts, the backwoods tendencies of those with explosive personalities have yet to be realized by the more realized branch of our bicameral overlords. Keep it in your pants, dickbags.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Billy Manes

h, the headlINes. Oh the damage cONtrOl. Oh, this election cycle that is whittling itself into obtuse ignominy before our very eyes. This is hell. In the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed the gloves coming off and the chandeliers swaying in an increasingly heated presidential-preference primary season, mostly because that’s what happens every four years and we should be accustomed to it. But it’s also because when manufactured candidates get closer to the truth, it’s almost like their wings melt, and the clashes of titans become more like stutters in rehearsed lexicon pools.

Case in point: the Feb. 5 Republican debate and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. It was a Saturday, and we all know that Saturday nights are all right for fighting, so the presence of playground bullies like Donald Trump and Chris Christie wasn’t a surprise. The popcorn was already burned; the rotgut already crystallized at the bottom of a red Solo cup for later tosses into regret fires. Rubio, who is loved for no reason by the Log Cabin Republicans and people who don’t like politics alike pulled a robotic Small Wonder and waivered from his fresh-faced political sprint.

“Let’s dispel once and for all with this fiction that Barack Obama doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Rubio sideswiped a double negative. “He knows exactly what he’s doing. Barack Obama is undertaking a systematic effort to change this country, to make America more like the rest of the world.”

This strained reference to homogenization naturally doesn’t play too well into Rubio’s own amorphous narrative, given that he and his family either ran away from Cuba or capitalized on the American dream in different time-space continuums, but it plays even worse when it’s repeated. Oh, and it was. Rubio dipped into the same shallow end of his rhetoric four times upon confrontation from the other Republican feral dog puppets like Christie in a sad, canonic repetition.

His circuits melted. His bottled water melted. His direct line to the Republican nomination melted.

Christie, the guy who knows how to run a bridge while still enjoying his sandwich, popped back with his bully purse. “You have not been involved in a consequential decision where you had to be held accountable. You just simply haven’t,” the belly rumbled. “That’s not leadership. That’s truancy.”

“There it is: the memorized 25-second speech.

There it is, everybody,” Christie added.

Rubio, who has been plagued by a bizarre gay narrative over the past few weeks—something about a beer in a car outside a cruising park and a Village-People-cum-Chippendales glee-club narrative that we don’t even want to know about— had been surging in the polls as if the party were directing said polls (it likely is). Now, he is buckling, rebooting, shooting off sparks and failing. Oh, and he also doesn’t like gay people.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

watermark Your LGBT life.

F eb rua ry 11 - F eb rua ry 24 , 2016 // Issue 2 3.03

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