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ISSUe 23.07 • APRIL 7 - APRIL 20, 2016 • WATeRMARkONLINe.cOM

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deparTmenTs 6 // mail 7 // ediTOr’s desk 8 // OrlandO news 12 // Tampa Bay news 17 // sTaTe news 19 // naTiOn & wOrld news 29 // in-depTH 37 // arTs & enTerTainmenT 43 // cOmmuniTy calendar 45 // Tampa Bay OuT+aBOuT 47 // OrlandO OuT+aBOuT 48 // Tampa Bay markeTplace 49 // TransiTiOns/wedding Bells 50 // OrlandO markeTplace 54 // uprisings

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[T]he answer should be easy. The statutory reference to ‘husband’ cannot prevent equal treatment of a same-sex spouse. so, for example, in circumstances in which the surgeon General lists on a birth certificate an opposite-sex spouse who is not a biological parent, the surgeon General must list a same-sex spouse who is not a biological parent.

—u.s. feDeral JuDGe robert hinKle

On THe cOver

PAGE iT’s a gay, gay, gay wOrld:

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lee Vandergrift’s popular homoerotic photography takes him from the beard to the rear without filters.

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The Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre broadens its horizons and goes back to high school with the musical Zanna Don’t!

waTermark i ssue 23 .07 //april 7 - april 20, 2016

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PAGE Tampa Pride exceeds expectations for the second year in a row

PAGE Tampa Bay DJ Miguel Fuller joins our Viewpoint club and makes us Facebook official!

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Read It Online!

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

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The 2016 Florida Film Festival in Orlando highlights the fringes of LGBT life

The gloves are off in the Democratic race for the presidential primary. It’s actually getting quite ridiculous.

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IT’s TIME fOR OuR MaRCh MaDnEss (In aPRIl!) “Gay ICOn” fInals aT WaTERMaRKOnlInE.COM! vOTE! watermark Your LGBT life.

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—warren rowley

waTermarkOnline.cOm On nORTh CaROlIna laW REsTRICTInG REsTROOM usE By TRans PEOPlE:

“Dear idiots who want this law: Transgenders have been using the bathrooms of their choice for years, and there has never been a case (that I know of) where someone has been sexually harassed (except for the trans). Now you have opened it up for predators to pretend to be trans to go into bathrooms and prey. Stupid people.”

—BIPPI

On MIssIssIPPI MOvInG anTI-Gay RElIGIOus OBJECTIOns BIll fORWaRD:

“I pray that none are bullied into going against the will of the people.

People should be allowed to respectfully observe their Christian faith.”

—CHI @OH_THAT_CHICK

“You’re being warned, bigots. Take heed.”

—NORMAN DOSTAL

On a fEDERal JuDGE IssuInG ThE fInal RulInG On flORIDa’s MaRRIaGE Ban:

“So glad to see my home state joining the ranks of logical states, at least on this ruling. First January 6, 2015, then June 26, 2015, now this! My 2013 marriage (out of state) has grown to be on the same footing of every other marriage here.

Feels great! Still work to do, but this kind of news

is SO sweet. I’m sure I’ll feel the same elation when AG Pam Bondi and Gov. (P)Rick Scott are put out to pasture.”

—DEAN

waTermark’s faceBOOk On GlaaD MEDIa aWaRDs hOnORInG CaITlyn JEnnER:

“Could have definitely overlooked Caitlyn. Sorry, but not a friend to the GLBT community in terms of her politics and ongoing foolish comments, etc. Still suffers from straight white man’s privilege syndrome.”

—SUSAN WALLACH

On ThE BaCKlash In nORTh CaROlIna fOR lGBT DIsCRIMInaTIOn:

“The response I received from my email to the tourism board came across that if I don’t visit I am doing harm to the innocent people who support my point of view. What a way to spin things and make it sound like the rest of us are the problem. Ugh.” —MARK CADY

“Sadly, in North Carolina and many other places, doing the right thing is not nearly as motivating as doing the right financial thing. If you think our not visiting North Carolina is hurting innocent people’s incomes, think about the GLBT families who have undue financial burdens every day because of hateful and discriminatory legislation.”

—DAVID EDWARD

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

On a fEDERal JuDGE IssuInG ThE fInal RulInG On flORIDa’s MaRRIaGE Ban:

“What bearing would that have to do with anything?

The SCOTUS ruling ended all bans regardless of lower court rulings.”

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On nEW yORK GOvERnOR BannInG TRavEl TO nORTh CaROlIna:

“More great cities will follow. This action clearly states the position of the New York government that they won’t let their state dollars support discriminatory laws, but it goes further than that. It is an employee protection measure for a huge employer in New York. The state government is simply an employer in some cases that is responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees. New York has stepped up to secure their public servant employees’ safety with this action.”

—ROBB HUDSON

“Feel sorry for the citizens of Charlotte. They did the right thing.”

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“Went too far.”

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On BaBEs In BOnnETs 2016 aT ThE PaRlIaMEnT hOusE:

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editor’s

Billy Manes EDITOR

BIlly@WatermarkOnline.com

“D

Desk

ear God, sorry to disturb

you, but I feel that I should be heard loud and clear. We all need a big reduction in amount of tears. And all the people that you made in your image, see them fighting in the street, ‘cause they can’t make opinions meet about God – I can’t believe in you.”

This lyric from XTC’s seminal call to practical atheism “Dear God” from the 1986 album Skylarking is tilting at the windmills in my mind as the news of the day drops its bird shit on my mixing of metaphors and allusions involving aging reference points. But we’re moving backward. You want religious freedom, fundies? You already have it. Stop messing with our freedom to avoid you, especially on the taxpayer dime.

It’s an April Tuesday in 2016, some 30 years after that Andy

watermark staff

Partridge tirade, and we’ve just endured yet another so-called religious freedom act making its way into the law books.

This time, in the wake of North Carolina’s cut-from-the-sameconservative-model-bill-cloth, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has made rabble-rousing headlines for himself by signing a potentially more dangerous bill into law than that which has already killed the business prospects and reputation of North Carolina over the past few weeks. On the very day that I write this missive to you, dear

reader, businesses like PayPal and Lionsgate are packing their bags and leaving Dixie for more hospitable grounds. Even Georgia had the sense to succumb to the mighty dollar and veto a similar measure after Disney, Marvel and Salesforce.com threatened to exit. It turns out that these sad wheezes of “religious” reaction to gains in LGBT culture and politics are resonating, but they may not be resonating enough. The message that is being carried and projected by state legislatures and religious groups is retaining its entitled tone, knocking down the psychological states of the kids growing up beneath these thinly veiled hate pieces and creating, is clearly one of exclusion. This is why your kids commit suicide.

How do I know? Because my former partner (husband) of 11 years did just that four years ago this week after being shamed into pretending he was something he wasn’t, all the while picking up the pieces of a southern family much less intelligent, much less resourceful, much less beautiful than he was. I blame Georgia.

I blame the south. I blame his family. When weak, I blame myself for not knowing more. I’ve perused the artifacts of his broken mind, only to find that he was never given a ground to stand on, that he was tortured by religious overstatement and the various snake dances that occupy only the most closed of minds. These clouds, Dear God, these ancient scriptures of stoning and stupidity are not the stuff of life; they are the stuff of discrimination and humiliation. You’re not helping anyone, God. And, by proxy, nor are you, religious zealots.

But these rhetorical fireworks aren’t going to fix anything. With any luck, the courts will. This is, in no uncertain terms, retaliation from the bigot brigade for what they consider to be a challenge to

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their collective purity. Vigilance is needed now more than ever.

Not everyone wants to marry, but everyone does want to be treated fairly.

It’s striking how real the quieter message was in our fight to get here over the last decade; that money and influence “disposable income,” we used to say - would provide the weight to pull society to the right side of history. And we at Watermark, as an LGBT organization, applaud the business outcry that has come in response.

All of this might sound a little heavy coming from the early innards of an issue with an actual

But these rhetorical fireworks aren’t going to fix anything. With any luck, the courts will.

male ass on its cover, but trust me when I tell you that sometimes the coincidences come just at the right time. We’re throwing shade, intentionally. Throughout this issue, you’ll find many stories of victories, precious small victories (like LGBT birth certificates and pride parades), that are here to remind you of the lightness and the heaviness of our time. You’ll see stories about films and plays that are meant to divert while simultaneously inform. You’ll catch some political invective, but nothing to match that which is being thrown in our LGBT faces every day.

What you won’t find is discrimination or any allegiance to a religious sect that seeks to have us dead, both at home and abroad. If there’s one thing we do believe in …

It’s you.

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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

Stephen Miller

is a long-time Watermark contributor and author of Screened Out, our movie reviews column. He is also an Orlando playwright and business consultant. Pages 37

Samantha Rosenthal

attended University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark editorial assistant. She is currently a freelance writer and regularly covers Wedding Bells. Page 49

Aaron Alper, Scottie Campbell, 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, Ken Carraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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7

central florida news

Orange cOunTy Tax cOllecTOr scOTT randOlpH HalTs Office Business in nOrTH carOlina Over HB2 Billy Manes

w

hen North Carolina’s conservative legislature and governor bit the bullet, signing off on a prodiscrimination bill that was inspired by just its opposite (meaning, a municipal bill in Charlotte), nobody knew how far that kind of discrimination would resonate in the political sphere. Well, now we do.

The so-called “bathroom bills” plaguing the dockets and inspiring the sneak tactics of legislative politics across the country have become this year’s wedge, and it’s not going away. Lawsuits are already pending in reference to the constitutionality of such bills and laws, and brighter minds realize that the disruption of “home rule” in municipalities – including minimum wage and various employment issues – sends a message that echoes here in Florida, where home rule was put to bed just a few years ago. That is not stopping the Orange County Tax Collector’s office from protesting North Carolina, Mississippi, and any other state that chooses to condemn its minorities.

“I think it was important for us to show solidarity here for the LGBT community,” Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph says, “and to keep up all the pressure we can on North Carolina.”

The tax collector’s office, which employs approximately 280 people, made a bold move on March 31, issuing a memo to all county department heads that the county’s most fiscally involved office would not be doing business with North Carolina in the near future, at least not until the sweeping declarations of HB2 are erased.

“As your independently elected Orange County Tax Collector, I firmly believe equal rights and equal protection under the constitution should be guaranteed to all employees of our office and every resident of the United States without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or veteran status,” the memo reads. “The recent passage of House Bill 2 in North Carolina threatens those rights.”

Randolph points to his office’s previous leadership on issues involving tax equity in domestic partnerships prior to the 2014 federal ruling on marriage equality.

“When we led the way on doing the tax equity policy from the tax collectors office, before the courts, we were out there trying to solve issues for our LGBT employees,” he says. “We’re hoping to lead that way again from Orange County.”

Randolph promises that there are other plans on the horizon, including the examination of county contracts and vendors as a means of promoting equality wherever he can, even if most of the North Carolina skirmish is symbolic. The county doesn’t have any fiscal data on its dealings with the state, which are, admittedly, minimal.

But, even though Orange County’s governance is generally conservative on social issues (and beyond), Randolph is sticking to the equality premise.

“Sometimes, we do what the county does, and sometimes, we obviously go in our own direction,” he says.

8

we are faMily:

Tatiana Quiroga (right) is in the process of adopting her second son with Jennifer West, even though the couple is legally married.

PHOTO By AMy lynn KIRSCH WITH fOUR BIRDS PhotoGRaPhy

path to parenthood Orlando attorney may have found an alternative to same-sex parents having to adopt their own children Jamie Hyman

O

rlanDo | When the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics called Jennifer West to ensure she understood the fee requirement for her newborn son’s birth certificate, she was in pain and being checked out by a nurse, so she did something very natural: she handed the phone to her wife.

Well, she tried to.

Because while marriage equality is the law of the land, Florida law has not updated the rules governing birth certificates. That means that, although West and her wife, Tatiana Quiroga, have been married since 2009, there is no requirement for the state to acknowledge that Quiroga is the mother of their child. And that is exactly what happened. The bureaucrat on the phone would not

watermark Your LGBT life.

speak to Quiroga about the fee.

“I understand the law is super gray and it’s still up in the air, but they were really insensitive about this situation,” Quiroga says. “It’s not our fault the law hasn’t caught up.”

nO lEGal RIGhTs

Instances such as that phone call are just small indignities, however.

The real issue is that in most cases, the lack of legal consistency means same-sex parents are forced to adopt their own children to have any legal rights to their care. West and Quiroga have endured that process once already, when their first son was born in 2011. They’re preparing to do it all over again with their second son who was born March 1 and are trepidatious about it, because the first adoption was difficult and expensive.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

“It was almost $5,000. It was like adopting a child off the street,” Quiroga says, adding that the requirements included a home study, background checks, fingerprints and medical evaluations. The court even required that their pets shots be up to date before finalizing the adoption.

“It’s just so frustrating,” Quiroga says. “We work so hard to create our families and all the hoops that we have to jump through to simply be validated as a family are so ridiculous and absurd. All we’re doing is creating a family just like everyone else. It’s mind-blowing that it’s so difficult.”

The drawbacks aren’t just inconvenient. There is a real danger, because while the adoption is still in process, Quiroga has no legal rights to her own son. She says it’s a huge concern when it comes to travel, pediatrician visits or should West become incapacitated.

“We’re lucky enough to have created a bubble of safety in our everyday life, but it’s totally in the back of my mind that I have no legal rights to him right now,” Quiroga says.

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9

central florida news | uu | Path to Parenthood from pg.8

requirement. She says right now they can’t force the hospital to put a same-sex parent on the birth certificate. However, under specific circumstances, Florida statutes state that when a couple conceives through artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization and the parents have signed standard consent forms, there is a presumption of paternity that has held up in court for heterosexual couples for years. McCreary tested this at the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Lake County and despite the area’s conservative reputation, was surprised that the judge quickly affirmed both women as parents simply because they are legally married and had signed the proper consent forms.

The process is there to confirm legal parenthood, because frequently heterosexual couples who have a child via these fertility treatments

use a surrogate, or donor sperm or eggs.

“If you are a hetero couple who does artificial insemination or some sort of surrogacy, let’s say they’re using a different man’s sperm to inseminate the wife, the father would have to come to this process and have his rights affirmed, because although the child was born into a marriage, [the father and the child] are not biologically related,” McCreary says. “Now we’ve got a court saying it doesn’t matter: man and wife, husband, father, paternity, maternity, if two people are married, they followed the rules, and we’re letting it go.”

The process isn’t just simpler, it’s cheaper. The filing fee is $200.

McCreary says the minimum fee for an adoption is $500, but as West and Quiroga learned, depending on how strident a judge is, it can cost much more.

McCreary says now they hope to represent a few more couples in the process to see if they can get the same results in different counties.

Changing the rules In the meantime, it looks like Florida law might move closer to equality for same-sex parents.

A legal team, led by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, filed a lawsuit in August 2015 on behalf of three lesbian couples fighting to have both parents’ names put on their children’s birth certificates.

On March 31, a federal judge issued a ruling slamming the state for not fully recognizing same-sex couples, and the legal team in the birthcertificate lawsuit says it expects a ruling in its case directly ordering the state to issue birth certificates that list both parents when a samesex couple has a child.

Even so, McCreary thinks gay and lesbian couples should have their parental status affirmed in court, simply because when it comes to same-sex couples, biology dictates there will always be a third party involved.

“The court has to make sure because right now, only two people can have rights to a child,” she says. “There needs to be some sort of proof.”

Her workaround offers that legal protection and does represent some progress.

“The courts were saying the child is automatically not [the second parent’s], because they’re not biologically related,” McCreary says. “Now courts are saying because you followed the statute, you have rights. We all want it to be assumed, but we have to start slow.”

It’s not a perfect solution.

Parental affirmation cannot be done until after the child is born, although McCreary says she’d like to see the courts find a way to expedite the process.

“It definitely is still a flawed system,” she says. “I know it sounds crazy, but if you ask our parents, one of the biggest [drawbacks] right now is that they’re having to adopt their own children. For families who went through the entire [conception] process then all of a sudden are being told have to adopt their child, this is an affirmation.

We’re hoping this is just another way for evidence to help push forward that a child born within wedlock should be presumed

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Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

[belonging to both parents].”

McCreary knows some couples will always think it’s unfair that their parenthood needs to be affirmed at all, but the third party factor might mean the legal affirmation step is simply a necessity for same-sex couples.

“I think that’s just about figuring out the process, getting it to where it at least makes you feel like an equal, then getting used to it,” she says. “I think at the beginning people will say, ‘Why do we have to do anything different?’ If you look at basic law setup and protections you would want as a same-sex couple, you want to make sure the third party can’t come back and say something.”

So far, McCreary has only tested the affirmation in cases where a couple is splitting up, but now that it’s been sanctioned in court, she hopes couples will come forward to try to affirm their children proactively.

Couples interested in doing so may contact McCreary’s firm, McCreary & Hancock P.A., at 407-680-2436.

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11

tampa bay news

sarasOTa film fesTival celeBraTes THe lgBT cOmmuniTy Krista DiTucci

S

arasota | Come out and support the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival as it features seven LGBT feature films, five short films and the free panel “Making LGBTQ Films.” Sarasota Film Festival is partnering with the 2016 Harvey Milk Festival and is receiving grant funding for LGBT series from Our Sarasota Fund.

To celebrate the festival’s LGBT presence, Sarasota’s monthly “Gay Guy Happy Hour” (G2H2) will feature special guest director/producer Jason Benjamin.

Benjamin made his directorial debut with Suited, a documentary about the Brooklyn-based tailoring company Bindle and Keep which serves the LGBTQ community. G2H2 will take place on April 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 at Aloft Sarasota, a new festival sponsor.

G2H2 director of operations Eduardo Anaya says April’s G2H2 will feature a 50/50 raffle to benefit the festival, as well as a $10 cover charge, complimentary appetizers, and a cash bar happy hour.

“This year more than any other year, I see a strong LGBT presence in the festival’s itinerary,” Anaya says.

“The LGBT nightlife in Sarasota is pretty much gone, so it’s awesome for them (the festival) to take notice and want us present.”

SFF director John Secor says this year’s festival will feature more lesbian and gender identity films than before. Secor attributes the increase to his community partnership with Anaya and Josh Beadle, event coordinator and owner of Beadle Media. He says when the SFF hosted G2H2 last year, over 80 people showed up at the office and the festival procured a film.

“I feel like, as a viewer, you want to be transported but also feel like you’re connected,” Anaya says. “Seeing strong lead roles of gay males or queer people makes you feel like you’re not alone.”

In addition to giving G2H2 members a chance to meet Jason Benjamin, the event will also help promote the “Making LGBTQ films” panel on April 9 at noon at the Florida Studio Theatre. New College professor Emily Fairchild will be the panel moderator. Participants will include Jennifer Prediger, David Hunter of the SFF film First Girl I Loved, Harvey Milk Festival director Shannon Fortner, and Jason Benjamin. The panel will discuss how to make LGBTQ-themed films that will serve the LGBTQ community while also appealing to mainstream audiences.

“I moved to Sarasota from New York City about 19 months ago,” Secor says, “and I feel like Sarasota is more cohesive as an LGBT community than New York City. We all look out for each other and help each other out. It has been a really great experience.”

Feature films include Borderline, First Girl I Loved, The Guys Next Door, Kiki, Other People, Suited and Tickled. Although some have debuted already, viewers can still see Borderline on April 9 at 1 p.m. and April 10 at 1:15 p.m., as well as First Girl I Loved on April 8 at

COnTInuED On PG. 14 | uu |

12

streets of taMpa:

7th Street was a sea of color as more than 4,000 people participated in the Tampa Pride parade.

Photo by BRUCE HARDIn

succeeding success Tampa Pride exceeds expectations for the second year in a row Jeremy Williams

T

aMpa | From the early morning breakfast buffet at Hamburger Mary’s to the late night after-parties at Ybor’s plethora of bars, Tampa Pride’s second year brought large crowds of people to every corner of the historic district March 26.

“What a great day,” says Carrie West, Tampa Pride president.

“People were here from all over the country. I am very happy and proud of the hard working Tampa Pride Directors and the hundreds of volunteers.”

Tampa Pride had a few issues to contend with for the 2016 festival and parade. One of which was matching the larger-than-expected crowds from last year.

Tampa Pride’s 2015 event had near 30,000 people attend, almost double from what was expected, in part due to the Florida State

watermark Your LGBT life.

Thespians holding their festival the same weekend.

“Last year we had lots of high school drama students from all over the country with their parents walking around the festival which we don’t have this year,” West said in an interview with Watermark prior to March 26’s celebration.

The Florida State Thespian’s festival was held the weekend before Tampa Pride this year.

Even without the Florida State Thespians, Tampa Pride had a significant increase in attendees this year.

“One told about 40,000 and another official said 50,000. Both are great numbers on a day that said there would be an 80 percent chance of rain storms. All I can say is Mother Nature looked over Tampa Pride this year,” West says.

The larger crowds may have more to do with those who helm Tampa Pride and less to do with the weather or conjoining events.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

“It took 10 months of planning and working behind the scenes for this major festival,” West says. “The festival had a great showcase of local businesses with more than 120 vendors as well as top entertainment from the Tampa Bay area.”

Tampa Pride moved the festival from 8th Street to Centennial Park, increasing the space and working alongside Ybor Saturday Market to expand the crowds.

Tampa resident Jeremy Wade Neiman volunteered to work the Budweiser beer truck as a member of Balance Tampa Bay. Neiman can’t see a better way to celebrate the local LGBT community than giving back during your own city’s Pride.

“I’m happy to travel to other cities for Pride celebrations however there is something extra special about having the opportunity to participate where you live,” Neiman says. “I spent the afternoon volunteering, raising money to benefit Metro Wellness for their LGBTQ Youth Programs.

It was a great opportunity to bring awareness to local organizations and everyone’s generosity was greatly appreciated.”

West heard from many of the attendees who all filled him in on the parts they enjoyed the most, but he had several moments during Tampa Pride that stuck out for him.

COnTInuED On PG. 14 | uu |

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tampa bay news | uu | Sarasota Film Fest fROM PG.12 4:45 p.m. and April 10 at 6:45 p.m. Feature films will be shown at the Florida Studio Theatre.

“Every time our creative director Michael Dunaway talks about First Girl I Loved, he gets tears in his eyes,” Secor says. “Our tag line is ‘find yourself in film,’ and Michael says he has found himself in this lesbian film.”

Short films include Victor XX, Pink Boy, About James, Penny and Dee, and Viktor. Future show times are as follows: Victor XX: April 8, 2:30 p.m., in Hollywood 20 Theater 11 Pink Boy: April 8, 7:45 p.m., in Hollywood 20 Theater 12 About James: April 10, 10:30 a.m., in Hollywood 20 Theater 11 Viktor: shown before First Girl I Loved, April 8 at 4:45 p.m. and April 10 at 6:45 p.m., at Florida Studio Theatre “After two years of working in the Sarasota Film Festival and being a movie buff, I think motion picture is the most effective medium for changing lives and changing the world,” Secor says. “We still have a ways to go in the LGBT world – look at what’s happening in North Carolina and Mississippi. But the pendulum will continue to swing.”

For tickets, event schedules or to support the Sarasota Film Festival, please visit SarasotaFilmFestival.com.

| uu | Tampa Pride fROM PG.12

“The historic Key West Rainbow Flag returning from Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia,” West says. “The Tampa Bay Rainbow Pride Band also gave an awesome and teary performance in the pre-parade celebration on 7th Ave.” A highlight for many in attendance was the parade down 7th Street, led by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

“We had over 130 celebrities, organizations, businesses, political leaders and candidates,” West says. “Over 4,000 people participated in the parade alone.”

With all the traditional staples of a Pride celebration in place – the parade, the drag queens, the local LGBT businesses – one thing that stuck out at Tampa Pride was the involvement of companies and businesses not traditionally LGBT. Among the usual suspects of sponsors like Hamburger Mary’s, Metro Wellness & Community

staGeD exciteMent: Tampa Pride President Carrie West (center, red shirt) thanked the crowd for attending before local performers took the stage to entertain in Centennial Park. PHOTO By BRUCE HARDIn

Centers and Watermark Publishing Group, companies like the convenience store Wawa, military bank USAA and auto group AAA joined local sports teams Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays on the list of more than 75 sponsors for Tampa Pride.

The same story applied to the local shops, bars and restaurants in Ybor.

“The party celebration wasn’t just for the gay bars and businesses,” West says. “All of them from 14th Street to 19th Street had packed and solid business.”

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Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

state news

Federal judge issues final ruling on Florida’s marriage ban Jamie Hyman

T

hat settles it.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle has issued a final ruling that Florida’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples is unconstitutional.

This ruling should end to the state’s attempts to not fully recognize the marriages of gay and lesbian couples.

Hinkle’s order is a summary judgment of Grimsley v. Scott and Brenner v. Scott, the cases that brought marriage equality to Florida.

The March 31 ruling clarifies that the plaintiffs’ claims are not moot after the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which made marriage equality the law of the land, because Florida officials continued to resist efforts to fully recognize the marriages of same-sex couples.

“Today’s decision decisively affirms the right of same-sex couples to equal treatment under the law,” ACLU of Florida LGBT rights staff attorney Daniel Tilley said in a media release.

“This is a great decision that will strengthen Florida’s families. Judge Hinkle painstakingly described how Florida has resisted compliance with the Constitution’s mandate of equal treatment every step of the way. He also noted that our Florida legislature cannot escape the mandates of the constitution simply by leaving unconstitutional laws on the books.”

According to the ACLU, Judge Hinkle declared, “It cannot be said that the state defendants have unambiguously terminated their illegal practices,” because the state had demonstrated a “history of resistance” to recognizing the marriages of samesex couples—including repeated refusals to acknowledge their legal losses, the refusal to issue birth certificates that recognize samesex parents even after the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell, and the legislature’s refusal to take action to remove the unconstitutional language from the books. “[T]he answer should be easy.

The statutory reference to ‘husband’

Health Department refutes claims over revised HIV case data

cannot prevent equal treatment of a same-sex spouse. So, for example, in circumstances in which the Surgeon General lists on a birth certificate an opposite-sex spouse who is not a biological parent, the Surgeon General must list a same-sex spouse who is not a biological parent,” Judge Hinkle’s order reads.

In a related Florida case, Chin v.

Armstrong, the Chin legal team, led by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, filed a lawsuit in August 2015 on behalf of three lesbian couples fighting to have both parents’ names put on their children’s birth certificates. The attorneys issued a statement on Judge Hinkle’s order: “We are delighted that the Court made it crystal clear that the State of Florida and the Department of Vital Statistics must issue birth certificates listing both spouses and that they should have been doing so all along. We look forward to Judge Hinkle’s ruling in Chin, which we expect based on the ruling today will directly order the Department to do so.”

Staff report

T

he Florida Department of Health is at odds with the media regarding numbers of new HIV cases in the state.

On March 26, the Tampa Bay Times published a story noting that the Health Department quietly lowered the numbers of new HIV cases logged in 2014 from 6,147 to 4,613. The original numbers put Florida at the top of the U.S. when it comes to new HIV cases and as a result, the state surgeon general was sharply criticized for cutting staff and spending as HIV cases skyrocketed.

The state health department fired back, publishing a piece titled “Setting the Record Straight: Tampa Bay Times Inaccurately Portrays HIV Data in Florida,” which refutes the Times’ claims. The statement says the critical article “cherrypicked data to fit a predetermined conclusion,” and argues that the numbers revision is common and standard practice, not just in Florida, but in all states.

The Times article refutes this, quoting an outside HIV expert who says there shouldn’t be that many differences, and claiming that the revision is the most dramatic of any data dating back to 2009.

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Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

nation+world news

in other news

CEOs, governments speak against North Carolina law Wire Report

R

ALEIGH, N.C. | Company CEOs and municipal officials are joining other government and business leaders opposing North Carolina’s new law that prevents specific anti-discrimination rules for LGBT people for public accommodations and restroom use.

The Human Rights Campaign and Equality North Carolina released April 1 the names of another 10 company executives that have signed on to a letter criticizing the law and seeking its repeal, bringing the number of names to more than 120. New executives include those from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Qualcomm and EMC Corp.

The law, approved by the Republican legislature and GOP Gov. Pat McCrory, was enacted in response to a Charlotte City Council ordinance

approved in February that would have extended protections to gays and lesbians as well as bisexual and transgender people while at hotels, restaurants and stores. Charlotte also would have allowed transgender people to use the restroom aligned with their gender identity.

The new law blocked Charlotte’s rules and prevented other local governments from approving similar ordinances. And government agencies of all kinds must now require people who use multi-stall public restrooms to use the one that corresponds with their biological sex.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Boston’s city council also this week banned governmentconnected travel to North Carolina as a sign of opposition to the law. Similar travel bans have been issued by the governors of Washington, New York and Connecticut and by other cities.

Separately, the venture capital

arm of Google’s parent corporation confirmed it won’t invest in North Carolina startup businesses while the law is in place.

NCAA President Mark Emmert says he has spoken to North Carolina’s governor about the state’s new law excluding LGBT people from antidiscrimination protections, making clear if it remains in place it will affect the state’s chances to host major college athletic events Supporters of the law say hundreds of businesses support the law and have signed on to their own letter praising McCrory and the legislature.

McCrory and a key lawmaker this week suggested some changes are possible to the law. But Senate leader Phil Berger, has no appetite for them because “an overwhelming majority of North Carolinians we’ve heard from support” the law, spokeswoman Shelly Carver said in a release. The General Assembly reconvenes April 25.

to support returning.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle says in a statement that getting enough votes “would not be achievable.”

A spokesman says House Speaker David Ralston feels a special session is “counterproductive.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that both leaders say they’re ready for a fresh start next year on a

similar measure. They also defended the bill Deal vetoed Monday and say it was a compromise.

Deal, a Republican, said Georgia shouldn’t permit discrimination to protect religious belief. Big-name companies mobilized against the bill. Some threatened to boycott if it became law.

hosted Canada in a 2018 World Cup qualifier for the CONCACAF region, the campaign didn’t stop fans at the capital’s Azteca Stadium from making the chants during the nighttime match won 2-0 by the home team. The message was played for the crowd before the game and at halftime.

In a statement, the soccer federation said the videos aim to discourage “a practice that is contrary to respect and the dignity of people.”

Fans in Mexico are known for yelling a gay slur during kicks by opposing goalkeepers, something that gained global attention during the 2014 World Cup and prompted a FIFA disciplinary probe.

Back then the world soccer body opted not to penalize the federation, saying the shouts were “not considered an insult in this specific context.”

But this January, FIFA levied $20,000 fines on the soccer federations of Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay for what it called “insulting and discriminatory” chants. Chile was hit with a $70,000 penalty.

Mexico’s fine involved a match in November when the slur was directed at El Salvador’s goalkeeper.

The chants originated among fans of the Chivas club of Guadalajara and grew in popularity after a 2004 match between the Mexican and U.S. national teams that was played in the same city.

The Mexican Soccer Federation said the ad campaign will be continuing but did not give details about any other actions it might take.

“We will keep working,” Cantu said.

“You will have more positive news in the future.”

Georgia GOP leaders say no to override of “Religious Freedom” veto Wire Report ATLANTA | Republican leaders in Georgia say they will not push for a special session to override Gov. Nathan Deal’s veto of a bill shielding gay marriage opponents.

Lawmakers adjourned March 25.

Three-fifths of members would have

Mexican Soccer Federation tries to halt anti-gay chants Wire Report MEXICO CITY | The Mexican Soccer Federation launched a campaign March 29 urging fans to refrain from anti-gay chants that drew fines from FIFA earlier this year.

It may be a tough fight, judging by the plea’s failure to deter fans at a Mexican national team game that same night.

Called “Embraced by Soccer,” the campaign consists of a couple of 30-second videos in which popular stars including forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, captain and defender Rafael Marquez and midfielder Andres Guardado ask fans not to engage in discriminatory behavior.

Announced hours before Mexico

watermark Your LGBT life.

Los Angeles father charged with killing his gay son A man accused of fatally shooting his son outside a home where his wife was found dead has been charged with one count of premeditated murder as a hate crime, with prosecutors alleging he killed his son for being gay. Shehada Issa, 69, told police he shot his son Amir in self-defense after he discovered his wife’s body in their house. An investigation into Issa’s wife’s death is ongoing. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said that Issa had previously threatened to kill his 29-year-old son for being gay. Issa was being held without bail pending his arraignment on April 11.

Trans woman sexually assaulted at historic Stonewall Inn New York City police are searching for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a transgender woman in a bathroom at the historic Stonewall Inn bar in Greenwich Village. Police said March 28 the victim was in the unisex bathroom when the unknown man entered and apparently sexually assaulted her. Police say the suspect fled the bathroom, but then returned a short time later and assaulted her a second time before leaving. Police say it happened around 11:40 p.m. Saturday. The victim was treated at an area hospital. There have been no arrests.

Colorado coach apologizes for anti-gay remark made to ex-Cardinals minor leaguer A Colorado Mesa University assistant baseball coach has apologized for using what an investigation concluded was an anti-gay remark in front of a gay player who said he eventually left the game because of homophobia. Sean McKinney apologized for the remark he made while talking about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shephard in front of players, including Tyler Dunnington. Outsports.com reported that a comment from an unnamed college coach that “we kill gay people in Wyoming” lingered with the former St. Louis Cardinals minor league pitcher the longest.

Gay parents begin legal battle against homophobic surrogate in Thailand An American-Spanish same-sex couple opened a custody battle in Thailand for a baby girl born to a surrogate mother, who decided she wanted to keep the child when she found out the couple is gay. The surrogate mother handed over the baby to the couple, who left the hospital with the infant. But they say she then changed her mind and refused to sign the documents to allow the baby to get a passport so they could leave Thailand. One of the men in the couple is the biological father of the baby. The couple’s lawyer says he is confident they will be awarded custody and take the baby with them to Spain, where they live.

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viewpoint

Miguel Fuller

HigH fideliTy Change for no one

“O

MG! MiGuel has

made his relationship status Facebook official?!”

No one wants to admit that they put stock behind being “Facebook official,” but let’s face it: What we post on social media is a record of our lives. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m one of the main offenders of living my life out on social media. I may be narcissistic, but it’s nice to look back and see the happy moments, even the mistakes, of yesteryear. That’s why it’s such a shame when sometimes we have to hide life changing moments in our lives.

Sometimes as gay people, we don’t have that luxury. We can’t always recount the nights out with the boys, or the gay brunch at Hamburger Mary’s because someone might show a boss that might not know that you are gay. What a shame.

I have changed names and locations to protect the innocent (once again – what a shame that I have to do that). I know a best friend’s cousin’s brother’s mother’s auntie’s uncle who was recently in a

crappy situation at work.

Let’s call him Mr. Prince.

Mr. Prince was called into his boss’ office.

Another employee went behind his back and snitched on Mr. Prince about his new Facebook profile picture. Because of the nature of his job, Mr. Prince has done his due diligence and has his Facebook profile on lockdown. You can only see profile and cover photos. Much to his delight, Mr. Prince has met an equally goodlooking man off of Tinder.

Things are getting serious.

So serious that Mr. Prince changed his profile picture to a perfectly good-looking black and white photo of him and his new guy.

Sitting in the boss’ corner office, wondering why he was summoned, Mr. Prince starts to think over everything he’s done recently with his job. Has he dropped the ball on a big project? Did he accidently steal Martha’s protein shake out of the community fridge? Sitting in his lush chair, the boss innocently looks at Mr. Prince and says, “An employee found this as your profile picture. I have no problem with this,” as the boss pulls out their phone and shows Mr. Prince’s Facebook profile photo to him, “but just know that if I can find your Facebook, everyone else can. Is this what you want our clients to see?’

And just like that, Mr. Prince realizes that he can’t live his life openly and honestly like everyone else at work. Martha posts pictures of her cross-fit workouts, but Mr. Prince can’t post anything about the new love of his life. This is a reality so many of us have had to live through.

You can be gay, you just can’t let us know about it.

Have we not moved past comments like that?

We have marriage equality for all. You can be open in the military. You can put a ring on it if you are

gay. Yet we have to change our Facebook profiles to make other people more comfortable? Now, I’m not advocating you lose your job over social media. You still need to feed your new pet lizard! BUT, we must begin to make other people understand that their discomfort over our lives

Please know that I’m not sitting on a high throne of being the most open gay person in the world. I am very fortunate to work in a business where my differences are celebrated. I haven’t had to stifle who I am. But it wasn’t always easy. As a radio personality, my goal

that looked at the bigger picture and realized that there are more advertisers that embrace diversity and want to be attached to the message than the small minded ones that want to run away from the future.

So with all of this, what would you tell Mr. Prince to do? Change his

will not be tolerated.

After chatting with Mr. Prince about his situation at work, it was brought to my attention that he had other co-workers who showcased their spouses in profile pictures.

Can we start to see the double standard here?

You should be able to post that cute picture of you and your boo-thang without judgment.

is to bring in listeners and, in return, give our advertisers ears to hear their message. If I don’t do that, I don’t make a living.

I have been in situations where businesses have decided not to air on the radio station I was on.

The station was pushing the scary “gay agenda” by having me talk about Kim Kardashian. Thankfully, I’ve worked for companies

Facebook profile picture to his favorite inspirational quote to appease work or keep the picture to reflect his life with his great new boyfriend? My advice: Be brave. Be a trailblazer. Let’s be the change.

This is a reality so many of us have had to live through.

You can be gay, you just can’t let us know about it.

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ho set out to MaKe

2016 the best year for themselves? By now, most people have probably already ditched their New Year’s resolutions. We all hear and say we want to eat better, make smarter choices and invest in our future.

Honestly, I’m going to work on the first two closer to swimsuit season, but for now I’m going to start looking into ways to invest in my future.

Real estate news seems like it can be complicated or out of our personal reach, so we usually tune it out. Renting just seems like the easy solution to living, so let’s envision Cher saying, “Snap out of it,” and pay attention. Here we go: Snap out of it!

Last year the housing market was the best year in almost a decade with the number of houses sold. Even in 2014, nearly five million existing homes were sold, with an additional 437,000 new builds leaving the marketplace, according to realtor.org. Experts predict that 2016 will bring an increase in sales due to housing demands, low mortgage interest rates, sustained job growth and positive economic conditions. The housing inventory is still considered low; more people are making the smart choice to become buyers. Homeowners are realizing this need and deciding to upgrade/downgrade for their personal future while the current mortgage rates are still very low.

Thirty-two percent of homebuyers are making the leap for the first time, even with a slight median household income

of $69,400.

In late November of 2012, interest rates on a 30-year mortgage hit a record low of 3.31 percent.

Let’s take into consideration that in the early 1980s, it was common for the rates to start at 18 percent. During the 1990s, a normal interest rate vacillated between seven and nine percent. It wasn’t until 2003 that rates started to range between five and six percent. The current, average interest rates for a 30-year mortgage are in the mid-four percent range, depending on credit, money down, type of loan, etc. As our economy begins to strengthen, so starts the rise of interest rates.

Knowing where the interest rates currently range, what does that mean for affordability? The National Associations of Realtors had the average single family home priced at $225,000 last quarter. Let’s take that purchase price of $225,000 with a five percent down payment and an interest rate of 4.5 percent.

If we do a guesstimate of the property taxes, mortgage insurance and property insurance, that would make your monthly mortgage payment around $1,500.

Again, everyone’s scenario will be different, but at least it offers perspective with all the information.

Economists are predicting that 2016 will see an increase in home prices around the four percent range from 2015. With a strong market around us, home sales will continue at a healthy, steady pace.

This is the market’s way

homes were in foreclosure compared to one in one in every 633 homes in Hillsborough County as of February. Florida consistently hovers toward the top of the foreclosure list. However, last year’s overall market ended strong and has shined a light toward what is ahead.

So what do all these numbers mean to me, you

ask? To start, it’s a great time to begin looking into buying or selling your house. With the current market’s rates where they are, you could be paying less for a mortgage than you are paying for rent. Take a moment to let that sink in. A $1,200 monthly rent can translate to an $800 monthly mortgage payment, easily, given some savvy

watermark Your LGBT life.

The Mills-O’Brien Real Estate Team is Bobby Mills and Paul O’Brien, both licensed Realtors® with Metro City Realty in Orlando. Combined, they have over a decade of experience in residential real estate in the Central Florida Real Estate Market. Paul also holds the designations of ABR® (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and is also a Broker-Associate.

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The past 10 years have fluctuated with abnormal trends resulting in severe effects from the housing bust. Foreclosure rates remain an issue – according to realtytrac.com, one in every 965 Orange County

negotiation. Investing in real estate is a smart option for your future. That swimsuit can wait. At least for now.

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watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

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A Boisterous

Rebirth for OPERA in

ORLANDO Mozart: The Impresario Poulenc: Les Mamelles de Tirésias Orlando Philharmonic ERIC PINDER, Stage Direction & Script Adaptation MICHAEL SAKIR, Conductor

Fri., APRIL 22 - 7:30 pm Sat., APRIL 23 - 7:30 pm • Sun., APRIL 24 - 2:00 pm DATE & TIMES:

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Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

5.5

talking points Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies,

%

and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia,

we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law.

—Disney in a stateMent releaseD after GeorGia lawMaKers passeD a “reliGious freeDoM” bill, which was later VetoeD by the state’s GoVernor.

WEnTWORTh MIllER OPEns uP On MEnTal hEalTh afTER faT-shaMInG MEME GOEs vIRal

Of WOMEn

l

AND

egends of Tomorrow actor Wentworth Miller took to Facebook March 28 to talk about his struggles with mental illness after the website The LAD Bible posted a meme with a side-by-side picture of Miller in 2006 from his hit show Prison Break on the left and a picture from 2010 on the right after Miller had put on weight.

The website posted it with a caption mocking Miller’s weight gain. “The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe,” Miller wrote on his Facebook page. He went on to write about his struggles with depression and his comfort found in eating. “Long story short, I survived. So do these pictures. I’m glad,” Miller wrote. The website later apologized and removed the meme.

2

%

Of MEn In ThE u.s.

IDENTIFY AS

BISEXUAL,

uP fROM 3.9% Of WOMEn anD 1.2% Of MEn JusT fIvE yEaRs aGO. —CDC study

JaMEs fRanCO Is fasCInaTED WITh all ThInGs Gay

J

lGBT aCTIvIsT anD aCTREss PaTTy DuKE DIEs

ames Franco is explaining his love of all things queer cinema in a new interview with Rolling Stone. Franco has starred in several LGBT themed films including Milk, I Am Michael and The Broken Tower, as well as produced and directed the documentary Interior.

Leather Bar. “We’ve told the straight, heteronormative stories ad nauseam by now, in our movies, our shows, our commercials – everywhere” Franco said. “I think it’s healthy to make work that disrupts and questions that, and shows alternative narratives. That’s what an artist should do.” Franco will add King Cobra, a movie about the murder of gay porn producer Bryan Kocis, to his list of gay-themed films when it is released April 16.

watermark Your LGBT life.

a

ctress and LGBT activist Patty Duke died March 29. She was 69. Duke has long been a supporter of LGBT rights, raising money to fight HIV/ AIDS. In 2013, Duke, alongside Meredith Baxter, guest starred as a lesbian couple on Glee. Their characters helped mentor a young gay couple on the show. In 2014, Duke revealed that she became an ordained minister online with the goal of marrying as many same-sex couples as possible. In addition to LGBT issues, Duke was a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness. As a teenager, Duke won an Oscar for The Miracle Worker and later played “identical cousins” in a TV sitcom bearing her name.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

ElTOn JOhn Is aCCusED Of sEXual haRassMEnT

M

usic legend Elton John is being sued by his former bodyguard Jeffrey Wenninger. John is accused of sexual battery and harassment, according to the lawsuit filed March 28. Wenninger accuses John of inappropriately touching him and making many sexual comments between 2002 and 2014. The lawsuit states the incidents escalated after 2010, when on more than one occasion, John would put his hands on Wenninger’s buttocks and penis, even one time putting his hands in Wenninger’s shirt and twisting his nipples. John’s attorney’s released a statement stating that the accusations against John are baseless, and the suit is just filed by a disgruntled former employee.

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In DEPTh: PhOTOGRaPhy

BOTTOMS

UP!

Lee Vandergrift’s popular homoerotic photography takes him from the beard to the rear without filters Story: Brendan O’Connor | Photography: Lee Vandergrift

O

n a recent sunDay, in the bacK

room of an unassuming, suburban home near Curry Ford and Conway, a porn star was posing on bicycle, ass in the air like he just didn’t care. Meanwhile, children played in the street and an old woman walked her fragile little dog, poop bag poised and ready.

Lee Vandergrift has made a name for himself photographing some of the hottest men in Central Florida. Straight, gay, white, black, and purple, he’s shot them all, and usually in their underwear. His Beard Envy Project made ripples in the local scene by celebrating some of the prettiest, hairy faces in town. Yet, even though his work is insanely popular in the LGBT scene, he’s only had one local show.

He’s a product of an era where social media has more clout than traditional galleries. You know he’s out there but you’ve never actually seen him; an art unicorn, if you will.

When I was asked by Watermark to have a sit with Vandergrift to talk about his latest project, From Behind—a photo series on butts—I couldn’t turn it down.

Half an hour before I strolled into Vandergrift’s home, he had finished

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

a shoot with visiting porn star Jaxton Wheeler (a man that some say inspired the new Marvel Comics Hercules design, man bun and all).

He’d managed to take a tumble and knock his shin on something while following the jock strapped Wheeler into a garage to snap a pic on a bike, because art. Vandergrift clutched an ice pack to his leg for our entire visit, when not scrolling through his phone to show me pictures of all his hot model friends.

“How do you not walk into walls all the time when you’re photographing guys like that?” I asked, while fluffing a pillow on his love seat. Vandergrift had finally relaxed on his couch and wrapped his now-swelling leg with a green ice pack while his cute pocket dogs cuddled around him for

COnTInuED On PG. 31 | uu |

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All photos by Lee Vandergrift

| uu | Lee Vandergrift from pg.29

emotional support.

“When I have the camera in my hand, I’m just focused on getting the photo. I’m not thinking, ‘Oh, this guy’s so hot,’” he says.

“At all?” I ask. I’ve seen his Instagram. Multiple times. I know what these boys look like.

“Well, yeah, but I’m just like, this is so beautiful, I must document it.

It’s not until after the process— which for me used to be in the dark room, you know, with 35mm film. I would get …” He gets dramatically silent as his eyes widen and he mimes holding up some facemelting photograph, “… it would get very sensual seeing these images, and I’d be like [fans himself] ‘Oh my gawd.’ But while it was going on, I was just really a technician and trying to make sure the lighting was right, and the composition was correct, and the model was going to look as good as possible.”

Vandergrift’s photos are notoriously clean and organic. He shoots his subjects straight on with bright, natural lighting. “Natural” is one of the best words to describe his work. The models always seem relaxed and at ease, a tribute to his gifts as a photographer. As most of his pieces deal with nude or seminude men, his work could easily be seen as soft porn or overtly sexual.

“I don’t want them to seem salacious,” he says.

The models in the photos often gaze out at the viewer in a way that invites you in. You’re looking at something that you

probably shouldn’t, but they’re daring you to look away, like in Manet’s “Luncheon on the Grass” or “Olympia.” The works play on the male gaze, usually applied toward women.

Lee started the Beard Envy Project at a time when he was growing his own beard. “A friend suggested that I start doing Beard Envy, because at the time it wasn’t coming in, it was taking forever.”

He started noticing other people’s beards and noting all the similarities and differences; long, curly, thick. A friend of his, also a photographer, suggested he do a photo essay of men with beards. “I was like oh, that’s a good idea and I’ll call it the Beard Envy Project because I have beard envy,” he says.

He started shooting friends, and then friends of friends, and then eventually it took on a life of its own. Vandergrift now sees “his beards” (what he calls men he’s photographed) everywhere he goes.

And even though he’s since ended the project, he still wishes he’d gotten a few more.

“If I could find a bearded woman, like a real bearded woman, she’d be in there,” he says. “I actually follow one on Instagram. Her name is Harkim or something like that [Harnaam Kaur] and she lives in London,” he says. She’s his actual Bigfoot, his elusive big catch.

Vandergrift’s latest project still uses handsome men as the subjects, but this time the gaze has dropped a little lower. From Behind is his latest collection of works that is calling attention to the finest asses—or posteriors—in the realm.

He started the series because he

didn’t think butts were represented enough in the art world. “We’ve got the Kardashians, we’ve got J.Lo, women booty all over the place, but I don’t think we have enough men booties.”

As anyone who went to the recent Nude Nite Orlando can attest, there was a palpable lack of the male form being represented.

That could perhaps speak to the abundance of middle-aged straight male painters and their predilection to painting naked breasts.

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

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7th annual

Mr & Ms ~CFSL~

Presented by Watermark

Chantel Reshae

Hosted by Chantel Reshae Sunday, April 17, 2016 The Parliament House Doors at 5:30, show at 6:00 Tickets $5-$15

CFSL men and women cross-dress and perform drag style acts in an annual pageant that always provides lots of laughs and eye opening numbers.

This is a fundraiser for our teams that represent Orlando at our National Women and Coed World Series tournaments. www.cfsleague.org 32

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| uu | Lee Vandergrift from pg.31

“I just went to Nude Nite. I’d never been,” he says. “For five years people have been like, ‘Oh, you need to do it, you need to do it.’ And I went, and I was disappointed. First of all, there was not a lot of male representation there. And the one photo of a male penis, when I came up to it, there were people standing around it laughing. And I was like, “Really Orlando? Really?”

Beard Envy is different from From Behind because with Beard Envy, Vandergrift could approach someone in public and say, “Hey I really like your beard,” but you can’t do that with a butt—at least, you can’t do that with a butt and not be painted as a thirsty pervert.

Up until recently the subjects were generally just people he had worked with before or that have referred to him by mutual friends. But once he launched the project on Facebook, the pictures started to come.

“So people are sending you photos of their butts?” I ask, wistfully holding up my chins with clasped fingers.

“Yes.” The focus is still on avoiding the salacious. Vandergrift’s daily struggle is to walk that line of playful beauty and admiration on one side and porn to the other.

In a world where photos of your neighbor’s junk are only a left swipe away, Vandergrift has two rules that he operates by to keep his butt work tasteful.

“I don’t want to see them winkin’ at me, and I don’t wanna see no pink. Turn to the side a little, you know?” he says.

But what’s the butt-motivation?

You love butts, you want to see butts, so you’re photographing them? Is there a deeper narrative that you want people to know about it?

“Um, well [laughs] … no? I wish there was more substance to it,” he says There really doesn’t need to be. It’s evident in the photos that Vandergrift takes that he is doing it from an appreciative stance. He really is just trying to be the best butt ambassador he can be.

“Again, I just don’t think the male butt is represented enough. Here, this is Richard, he has butt abs,” he says, holding up his Instagram.

“All I can think is, people deserve to see this.”

So what’s Vandergrift’s next step? Does he think that this will carry forward (nudge, nudge)? Will

All photos by Lee Vandergrift

I don’t want to see them winkin’ at me, and I don’t wanna see no pink.

Turn to the side a little, you know?

—Lee Vandergrift

there be an Upfront Project?

“Troy,” he says, referring to a past model, “Well, he asked if we’ll ever do an Upfront or a Penis Envy. IF, big IF, it would only be navel to midthigh. That’s it, just penis. Because, once in college [Vandergrift is a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design] I had this guy actually come to my dorm room. He was beautiful and very muscular, the composition was perfect, the lighting was gorgeous … but, I showed his penis in the photograph.

I just remember everyone was like, ‘Oh my God, his penis!’”

Even in art school?

“Yeah, even in art school,” he says. “So to me, I love looking at it, and if I see male genitalia in a movie I’m like, ‘Yay! Penis!’ But I think in American culture it’s too polarizing. “ Do people ask him all the time about whether he sleeps with his models?

“Yes.” Does he?

Clutching his ice pack like it was a purse in Parramore. “No.”

Vandergrift trickles off the record here and mentions a few potential Boogie Nights, but notes that he isn’t single and wouldn’t want to cross that tan line. All the muscles, butts and beards couldn’t break through his professional ethics, he assures.

“See, here’s the thing: I love muscles, they’re great,” he says.

“But, I’m walking around with this model and I see a tall nerdy guy and I’m like, ‘Now that’s cute.’ Muscles are great, but I’m married to a body builder.”

He is. One who looks like he’s a Tom of Finland model.

“Exactly,” Vandergrift laughs, “Men who have lots and lots of muscles are always worried about losing those muscles. It a constant struggle—the struggle is real.”

Vandergrift revealed that a large number of his models deal with some type of body dysmorphia and he has a pocketful of stories about men he worked with who have struggled in some way with their body image.

“I had a friend who had a lot of self-image issues,” he says. “He was

watermark Your LGBT life.

heavyset as a child. But he’d been working out, he’s matured, he’s a man now. We did a shoot, and he posted one on Scruff. He sends me a screen shot of his image on Scruff, and he’s like ‘I was one of the most woofed at men in 24 hours.’ And he was like, ‘You changed my life.’ And I was like, ‘You’re the one who’s done the work.’”

How does Vandergrift feel about his photos being used on gay hook-up sites?

“I’m flattered. My favorite part of this project is that people are like, ‘Oh, you did Beard Envy,’ and they started dating,” he says. “There are three couples that I know met like that. I’m bringing people together.”

Vandergrift has unwittingly created a sort of Pantheon of Gayness in Central Florida. His active curation of hot men with beards is like a stamp of approval from the hairy men in the region.

It’s as if you’ve reached a level of acceptability and coolness once you’ve been tapped for Beard Envy and From Behind. That makes you a more desirable catch.

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Vandergrift’s work is shaping the local gay scene. His illustration work sells faster than his photography and has adorned doctor’s offices and Orlando Fringe posters alike.

But he’s still not really a part of the local art scene. Most of his work that has made it into the public eye has done so through gay channels.

When asked about traveling to London on a United Arts grant to photograph the aforementioned bearded lady, Vandergrift seems baffled at the prospect of applying for grants, completely unfamiliar with the process.

“You’ve never done that? Applied for funding?” I ask.

“No.” “I guess you don’t need to, as a working artist and you haven’t had an actual ‘show’ right?”

“Well I had a show at The Center.

That’s where I got a lot of those photos,” he says, gesturing at his art-clad walls, “But I had a full-time job. I mean I have a full-time job; it just doesn’t pay enough or pay for insurance and all that rigamaroo.”

Why doesn’t he just approach a local gallery like Snap! Orlando?

“I honestly don’t know that I could,” he says. “I don’t know how. I don’t know the avenues. People are like, ‘Why don’t you do this?’ and I’m like, ‘You can do that?’ Here’s my friend Jeff, he’s straight,” he diverts, showing yet another gorgeous man on his phone to change the topic.

Vandergrift operates by relentlessly creating his art and then gently pushing it out into the world. His lack of formal middlemen representing his work has only helped it spread in a more organic way, like a plant that was fed with compost rather than Monsanto canned chemical food. The stalk is broader and stronger and has more support. His works speak for themselves. His following is growing stronger every day. His army of hot, hyper-local models grows too. Yet he still seems uncomfortable when talking about his next step.

When prompted about trying to cement something with a gallery or to gain representation, he responds by holding up his phone, “This is a guy I want to photograph. He’s Asian, huge muscles. He has the nickname ‘dickskin’ because with his muscles, when his arms are down, it’s just like veins.”

In the grand aesthetic scheme of artistic intent and its resulting audiences, it doesn’t need to be anything other than what it is: photographs of hot man butts and beards—unfiltered, unabashed, often unclothed and always unashamed.

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Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

aRTs anD EnTERTaInMEnT

THE The 2016 Florida Film Festival in Orlando highlights the fringes of LGBT life

PINK

SCREEN

T

Stephen J. Miller

his is a year of celebration

for the Florida Film Festival. For 25 years, this popular event has been committed to bringing the best in new and cutting-edge films to Central Florida. In their quarter of a century, they have also actively programmed LGBTQ films. The festival runs April 8-17.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Besides checking out new LGBTQ films, film aficionados can chat with each other, meet filmmakers and even attend events with actress Sissy Spacek and writer/ director/actor Mark Duplass (The Puffy Chair, The League).

Tickets can be purchased through FloridaFilmFestival.org Many of the feature films have shorts accompanying

them, so we arranged this schedule of LGBTQ films for easiest viewing, by date and time. Grab your popcorn and, at least in some cases, your tissues.

SAT., APRIL 9

Queer Habits DOCuMENTARy ShORT

4:30–6:10PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – drag do-

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gooders from liberal San Francisco Bay – invade the Russian River Valley, a more conservative and rural area of California.

This short precedes the documentary feature Thank You, Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon.

ALSO PLAyiNG TuES., APRiL 12, 9–10:55 PM AT REGAL CiNEMAS, WiNTER PARk

COnTInuED On PG. 39 | uu |

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watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

| uu | FL Film Festival from pg.37

Charlotte Narrative Short

4:45–6:35PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

This brief film is part of a series of short films called Shorts #1: Change. In this flick, a shy teenager Alex opens up to her new, popular friend.

Also playing Tue., April 12, 7–8:50 PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Other People’s People Narrative Short

7:15–9PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

At a gay wedding, the guests come to realize how their relationships and sexual histories cross.

This is part of the series Shorts #2: Ashes to Ashes.

Also playing Wed. April 18, 4-5:45PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

An Act of Love Documentary Feature

9:30–11PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

Reverend Frank Schaefer – a Methodist minister – challenged his church’s doctrines when he officiated his son’s gay wedding in 2000. Six years later, disgruntled congregation members work to defrock him. By then, Schaefer and his family realize how much they have at stake in LGBTQ equality.

Becoming Blair

will precede An Act of Love Documentary Short

Becoming Blair is about a transgender FTM growing up in rural Texas and struggling to maintain his relationship with his conservative parents.

Also playing Thurs., Apr. 14, 7–8:55PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Hunky Dory Narrative Feature

9:30–11PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Sydney – and aging glam rocker – now performs as a drag artist and even turns a trick or two to keep working. When his 11-year-old son is dropped

into Sydney’s life, the performer has to re-examine his dreams and lifestyle.

Also playing Thurs., April 14, 3:45–5:30PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

SUN., APRIL. 10

Tear Jerker Narrative Short

2:45–4:30PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Elliot, a trans man, tries to find new ways to express old, familiar emotions, especially now that he has changed.

This is one offering in Shorts #3: Young Americans.

Also playing Thurs., April 14, 4:15-6PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Slash Narrative Feature

4–5:45PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

A 15-year-old kid struggling with his sexual identity spends his days writing slash porn – erotic fan fiction – about his favorite hero. He soon meets a girl who leads him into “18 and over” internet forums. He also develops feelings for her.

Also playing Wed., April 13, 9:15–11:10PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

The Other Kids Narrative Feature

6:30–8:05PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Combining improvisation, documentary and fiction, The Other Kids explores six highschool kids’ lives as they head toward graduation and map out their futures. Filmmaker Chris Brown worked with the kids and other cast members to create their stories.

Also playing Fri., April 15, 2:15–3:55PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

MON., APRIL 11

Presenting Princess Shaw Documentary Feature

4:15-5:50PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Princess Shaw is a musical talent from New Orleans, struggling to make it big by recording snippets of her life on her phone and posting YouTube videos. A composer grabs her digital stuff and makes Shaw his muse in this true story of Internet fame.

Also playing Thurs., April 14, 6:30-8:20PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

The Tricks List Documentary Short

4:45-6:25PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

As part of the 6 X Reel: Where Are We Now series, this short film interviews a gay man who has been with hundreds of partners, recording it all in the margins of a book.

Also playing Sat., April 16, 2:30-4:10PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Danny Says Documentary Feature

9:15-11PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

Danny Fields was a shocking anomaly: A proud gay man living his life out loud before Stonewall. He left Harvard to write rock journalism. That led him to become Director of Publicity for Elektra Records.

Also playing Fri., April 15, 9:15-11PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

SAT., APRIL 16

Tickled

Documentary Feature

9:15-11:05PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

When they started this film about the fetish competitive endurance tickling, David Farrier and Dylan Reeve never thought they’d uncover a dark underbelly of cons, cyber-bullying, fraud and blackmail.

Also playing Sun., April 16, 2-3:45PM at Regal Cinemas, Winter Park

SUN., APRIL 17

Memories of a Penitent Heart Documentary Feature

1-2:45PM at Enzian Theater, Maitland

A quarter of a century after losing her uncle to AIDS, Cecilia Aldorondo seeks answers. In Florida, she tracks down the man’s ex-lover and starts the process of peeling back the layers of familial secrets.

Pink Boy

will precede Memories of a Penitent Heart Documentary Short

Even though he’s in rural, conservative Florida, that’s not going to stop six-year-old Jeffrey from wanting to be a princess for Halloween.

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

39

“A HILARIOUS

MUSICAL WHODUNIT!”

@

THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

FINAL WEEKS! “INGENIOUS! MUST END MAY 1. A SNAZZY DOUBLE-ACT.” JAEB THEATER

THE NEW YORK TIMES

STRAZ CENTER IT’S BROADWAY AT ITS BEST. 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Handling fees will apply.

0orida studio theatre IT’S A HIT!

“Gets audiences laughing”

Ali Reed. Photo by Matthew Holler.

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MFA VIEWPOINT

Head Writer: Rebecca Hopkins Contributing Writers: Jim Prosser, Stephan deGhelder, and Adam Ratner

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“High energy” - The Observer

941-366-9000

255 BEACH DRIVE NE, ST. PETERSBURG 727.896.2667 | mfastpete.org

0oridastudiotheatre.org

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

40

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

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

theater

It’s a gay, gay, gay world The Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre broadens its horizons and goes back to high school with the musical Zanna Don’t!

John T. Gardner is the musical director for the show and will lead a live four-piece band for the production, which features dance numbers choreographed by Keith Wilson.

Evanicki is producing and directing the show himself, the second since he took over the Footlight Theatre in January.

“I was producing Bathhouse the Musical here last October, and the job for the artistic director became available and they asked me to take over,” Evanicki says.

Evanicki hopes to expand on the kinds of shows that they typically do at the Footlight Theatre starting with more traditional musicals.

“It’s a chance [for people] to come

“This is a little, regional theater now. That’s good for Orlando, good for the community and good for the Parliament House.”

—Keith Wilson, Zanna Don’t! choreographer

(above)

High School Musical: The cast of Zanna, Don’t! experience the magical time of high school through song.

Photo by jake Stevens

I

Jeremy Williams

f you were unhappy with your high

school situation growing up, then have no fear. Tim Evanicki, the new artistic director for the Footlight Theatre at the world famous Parliament House, wants to give you a new, happier experience with the show Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairy Tale playing Fridays and Saturdays at the Footlight Theatre from April 15-30.

“See, most people think this is going to be a show on Xanadu but it’s not,” Evanicki says. “I think the original concept was to have everyone on roller skates in New York, but that didn’t go so well.”

Zanna Don’t takes place at Heartsville High, in a world where almost everyone is gay. It’s a world where gay is the norm and being straight makes you an outcast. The students of Heartsville want to put on a show (so you get a show within a show; how very meta!) called Don’t

Ask, Don’t Tell, to raise awareness for heterophobia and to highlight the atrocities that straight people in the military go through. In the course of doing the play, two of the students fall in love (one of them a boy and the other a girl! Scandalous!!!)

In order to make the world a more accepting place for them, Zanna—the guy from the show’s title who also has magical powers—casts a spell that doesn’t go quite right (Zaaaaannnnaaaaaa!). The spell is supposed to make the world more

watermark Your LGBT life.

accepting, but instead goes a bit wonky and drama and hilarity, as it often does, ensues.

“It’s really a heartwarming story about acceptance and loving who you love, and don’t worry about being accepted for it,” Evanicki says. “It also has great music that is very wordy. It’s basically dialogue on pitch.”

The show, written by Tim Acito, opened off-Broadway in 2003 and starred Jai Rodriguez as the title character of Zanna. You remember Rodriguez; he was the “culture” one from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The Footlight Theatre’s version features a cast of local performers including Alexander Browne as the magical matchmaking fairy Zanna, Matthew Walker and Noa Carmel as the closeted straight students Steve and Kate, as well as Kayla Alvarez, Luis Diaz, Adam DelMedico, Mike Van Dyke and Marissa Volpe as the gay students of Heartsville High. Fun fact: Alvarez is only 17 years old and is possibly the youngest person to perform on the Footlight stage.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

to the Parliament House and see things that they haven’t done before,” Evanicki says. “They haven’t done a lot of book musicals, and that’s something that I’m taking on as a challenge as the new artistic director and doing book musicals and bigger shows—bringing the theater community here and opening up the types of shows people can see here.”

In other words, it can’t be all about drag shows and glorious debauchery.

“This is a little, regional theater now,” Wilson says. “That’s good for Orlando, good for the community and good for the Parliament House. There have been shows here, but now we have big, legit musicals. It’s a great thing that will bring people to the Parliament House that might normally not come here. They see this show and after the show they can hang out and experience what they just saw on stage.”

And then some.

more information

What: Zanna Don’t!

When: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., April 15-30 Where: Footlight Theatre at Parliament House Tickets: $20, parliamenthouse.com or phouse.ticketleap.com

41

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watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

4/1/16 1:27 AM

EvEnT PlannER

arTs+enTerTainmenT

cOmmuniTy calendar

ORlanDO

ORlanDO

Urban nights: Woodstock, April 7, The Full Moon at Woodstock, Orlando. 407-802-2874; WoodstockOrlando.com

AIDS Walk Orlando 2016

Michelee Puppets’ 30th Anniversary Celebration, April 7, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, Orlando. 407-680-0784; AutoNation.com Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a Play!” April 7- 21, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org A Boisterous Rebirth for Opera in Orlando - Mozart’s The Impresarioand Poulenc’s Les Mamelles de Tirésias, April 22- 23, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando.

844-513-2014; OperaOrlando.org Indielens Pop-Up: Peace Officer, April 10, Winter Park Public Library, Winter Park.

407-623-3300; wppl.org ROCK! Hard Rock’s Musical Brunch, April 10, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/live2 Uncomfortable Brunch presents Welcome to the Dollhouse, April 10, Will’s Pub, Orlando.

407-748-8256; WillsPub.org Breakfast for Dinner, April 12, First Watch Mills Park, Orlando.

407-985-5857; FirstWatch.com David Cross’ “Making America Great Again!” April 14, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/live2 Get your Jazz On Spring Concert, April 15, The Alfond Inn, Winter Park. 407-998-8090; TheAlfondInn.com Meeting of Musical Minds, April 15, Pillars Martini, Winter Garden.

407-718-4365; OperaOrlando.com Zanna, Don’t! April 15- 30, Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter, April 20, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

saturDay, april 16, 7:30 p.M. laKe eola parK, orlanDo

A cROSS TO BeAR Stand-up comic and Mr. Show star David Cross brings his Trump-inspired show “Making America Great Again!” to the Hard Rock Live in Orlando April 14 and the Straz Center April 15.

Watermark’s Third Thursday, April 21, The Hammered Lamb, Orlando. 407-704-3200; HammeredLamb.com

TaMPa Bay TBGlCC Annual luncheon, April 7, The Tampa Club, Tampa.

813-229-6028; TBGLCC.org Artflix: Dali & Disney: A Date with Destino, April 7, Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg.

800-442-3254; TheDali.org Painting at the Space, April 8, The Space at 2106, Tampa. 813-575-0230; TheSpaceAt2106.com PATIO Party, April 9, Metro Wellness & Community Center Ybor, Tampa. 813-232-3808; MetroTampaBay.org Think Inside the Box, April 9-30, ArtLoft Studios, St. Petersburg.

727-481-6612; TheArtLofts.com

Songkran festival: Thai Water festivale, April 10, Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple, Clair-Mel City.

813-621-1669; watTampa.com

Billy Currington: Summer forever Tour, April 16, The RITZ Ybor, Tampa. 813-247-3729; TheRitzYbor.com

national youth HIV Awareness Day, April 11, Metro Wellness & Community Centers, St. Petersburg. 727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org

An Evening with George Takei, April 18, USF College of Arts and Sciences, Tampa. 813-974-2804; cas.usf.edu

David Cross’ “Making America Great Again!” April 15, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org fantasy fetish fest 2016, April 15- 17, Flamingo Resort, St Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com Best of Tampa Bay 2016, April 16, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

saRasOTa All the Way, Jan. 14-April 9, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org Sarasota film festival, April 1- 10, various locations, Sarasota. 941-364-9514; SarasotaFilmFestival.com Sarasota Multicultural earth festival, April 15- 17, Sarasota County Fair Grounds, Sarasota. 941-800-1794; SarasotaMulticulturalEarthFestival.com

The Hope & Help Center is now in its 21st year of the AIDS Walk Orlando, and with the rising numbers of HIV infection in the state of Florida awareness, education and funds are needed now. AIDS Walk Orlando is the second largest annual fundraiser for the Hope & Help Center of Central Florida in helping them to achieve this mission. Registration fee is $10 for individual walkers and $25 for team captains.

For more information and to get registered call 407-645-2577 or visit AIDSWalkOrlando.org.

TaMPa

Trans Community picnic saturDay, april 16, 1-5 p.M. lettuce laKe reGional parK, taMpa The Tampa Bay transgender community and allies are coming together for a picnic at Lettuce Lake Park’s Shelter # 9. It’s pot luck, so please bring your best dish, dessert or other food item. The Trans Support Network of West Central FLorida will cover water, hot dogs and hamburgers. It is $2 per car of up to 8 people to enter Lettuce Lake Park. The party kicks off at 1p.m. with lunch starting around 2p.m. No alcohol allowed in the park. Check out TransSupportNetWCF.com for more information and other upcoming events.

saRasOTa

Borderline (a film) saturDay, april 9, 1:00 p.M. & sunDay, april 10, 1:15 p.M. reGal cineMa hollywooD 20, sarasota Borderline is a documentary film being screened at the Sarasota Film Festival about a lesbian woman named Regina who is living with borderline personality disorder. Regina, who is now 45, has been living with this diagnosis since she was five years old. Join director Rebbie Ratner for the film’s screening followed by a Q&A with Ratner one making the film. For more information and to see the film’s trailer, visit BorderlineTheFilm.com.

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

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

43

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44

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // Issue 2 3.07

overheard

TaMPa Bay OuT+aBOuT

ChanGE Of PRIDE?

i

f you were out in ybor city March 26, you were able to witness some of the usual things Pride has to offer – a parade, a street festival, a lot of beautiful people running around in their underwear. One thing you may have seen that many in Tampa thought would never happen was a certain 34th Street pastor by the name of Tom Scott out and about, shaking hands and catering to the LGBT vote. Rev. Scott is running to pick up the Hillsborough County Commission District 6 seat currently held by out and proud commissioner Kevin Beckner, who after doing his time in the commissioner seat is running for the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court. What makes it a bit strange that Rev. Scott would be out at Tampa Pride is that, in 2005 he, along with then county commissioner Ronda Storms, led the charge to have Hillsborough County abstain from promoting, participating in or even acknowledging any kind of gay pride events. Now, this was more than a decade ago so views may have changed.

After all, Rev. Scott did vote in 2009 in support an ordinance that protects transgender people from discrimination. Could Rev. Scott have seen the light? Is he now on board with not only acknowledging that Tampa Pride exists, but participating and promoting it as well? He certainly was using it to promote himself.

IT’s BEEn a hOT yEaR

M

orninG raDio tenDs to follow a forMula, or at least it has for as long as we can remember. They are usually white, they are usually men and they are usually straight, and that’s the interesting and wonderful thing about what Hot 101.5 did one year ago; they decided not to do that. They brought in a gay, black man and a straight, white woman team and let them talk about themselves.

So was born “The Miguel Show.” Miguel Fuller and co-host Holly O’Connor get you up every weekday morning with music, comedy and chatter, but they also talk about boys and reality TV and dating and gay issues and women’s issues. They talk about the issues that seem to sit on the fringe of mainstream pop radio. Now this isn’t to say that there haven’t been gay people or women on the radio, but rarely do you get to hear them be there true, authentic selves. They more than likely are the set up for the lead guy or the punchline for the joke. This station has allowed Miguel and Holly to be who they are and talk about that, and it has made it a very successful show and in turn made Tampa Bay and better place. “So thankful to have a job and even more grateful to work for a company that took a chance and continues to take a chance on a morning show that’s a bit different,” Fuller wrote on his Facebook page. So thankful we are to have this show. Congratulations on a year of being different and fresh, and we look forward to many more years of the not-the-same old stuff.

1

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1

rocK ‘n roller: Christian Klimas (L) and James Watson get there roll on for Pride Skate at United Skates in Tampa March 31. Photo

By JAMARCUS MOSlEy

2

Girls niGht out: Watermark contributor Krista DiTucci (R) and lora Stahlman-Sigman get babysitters for the night as they take to the ALSO Gala at Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota April 2. Photo COURTESy Of KRISTA DITUCCI

3

prouD JuDy: Legendary Tampa Bay performer Judy B. Goode entertains the crowds at the Tampa Pride festival in Centennial Park in Tampa March 26. PHOTO By BRUCE HARDIn

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5

4

KicKin’ it for the KiDs: (L-R) Marcia Simon, Steven Gunawan and Christopher Walters join Balance Tampa Bay’s 6th annual Kickball for Kids fundraiser, benefiting Metro Wellness, at Hyde Park in Tampa April 2.

PHOTO By PAUl GOnyA

5

house that huManity built: Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith speaks at a home dedication in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Largo April 2. PHOTO COURTESy Of MICHAEl SMITH

6

Green with priDe: Florida House hopeful Mike Reedy (R), in hand with partner Doug Parton, march with supporters in the Tampa Pride parade in Ybor March 26. Photo

6

By BRUCE HARDIn

7

bears in the hooD: Tim J. Timberly (L) and Chris Hannay batten down the hatches for a NeiBEARhood Takeover at Southern Nights in Tampa April 1. PHOTO COURTESy Of nEIBEARHOOD TAKEOVER

8

sophia the first: Watermark contributor Sterling Powell (L) and film legend Sophia loren at Loren’s show at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater April 1.

8 7

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

45

Boutique. Luxury. Location.

Oceanfront Rooms | Private Cabanas | Full Service Spa | Upscale Restaurant | Heated Pool

"

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| 46

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

|

overheard

ORlanDO OuT+aBOuT

DOn’T DREaM IT, QuEER IT

T

he Rich Weirdoes join in for a little Gay Days fun! The shadow cast that performs regularly at the Universal Orlando City Walk movie theater will have a special Gay Days performance scheduled for June 4 at Gay Days Orlando! The performance promises to be a completely interactive and a fully immersive experienced. The Rich Weirdoes say that you WILL sing, you WILL dance and let your freak flag fly!

The presale ticket pricing of $15 doesn’t indicate if it will include the audience participation bag.

2

Ph annOunCEs ThEIR GD lInE uP

O

ne of the biggest weeks for LGBT and LGBTfriendly businesses in Orlando is Gay Days week, and one of the biggest clubs in town certainly outdoes itself with a massive weekend to rival the giant circuit parties down the street on I-4. This year, the Parliament House Resort has outdone themselves! As always, PI at PH returns on Gay Days Thursday on June 3, a throwback to the days of Pleasure Island where Thursdays were their unofficial Gay Night at the former Mannequins bar. Drag legend Coco Peru will be at PH both Thursday and Friday. Singer Erika Jayne, also known for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will perform on Friday. A big double header is scheduled for Saturday, with comedian and actress Sandra Bernhard and belter Deborah Cox. The weekend will close with another double header featuring Betty Who and Estelle.

4

ThE RaInBOW COnnECTIOn

e

arlier this month, The Rainbow Family and Friends group of The Villages were able to present the Humane Society of Lake and Sumter counties with a check of $6,678 from a paper shred fundraiser held at the Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital. The money raised certainly deserves a round of a-Paws. Celebrating their seventh year, this non-profit LGBT social and charitable group is very active within their communities. Visit their website for more information: www.

RainbowFamilyVillagesFL.com.

ThE BIG ThREE fOR ThEsE TWO

T

wo LGBT owned and operated businesses just celebrated their big three! Savoy Orlando celebrated its third year under the new ownership of Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn and Patrick Razzo. Since the new ownership, Savoy went on to add a dance floor and renamed the back patio. Mojoman, the “IT” place to buy your fashionable to daring bathing suits and underwear also celebrated their three-year anniversary.

Owner Lane Blackwell was offering some major discounts April 1 weekend as they were making room for the barrage of merchandise arriving for Gay Days and all the spring and summer festivities.

1

huMani-tiGers: University of Missouri students spend their spring break creating an AIDS quilt panel for The GLBT Center of Central Florida’s Older, Wiser, Learning (OWL) program.

PHOTO By KEn TERREll

3

7

4

crystal laKe caMper: Orlando horror fan barry Schmidt cozies up to amy Steel from the Friday the 13th films at the Spooky Empire Convention April 2. PHOTO By DAnny GARCIA

5

6

DouG unpluGGeD: Skip Stewart and Kevin Kelly take a time out from cracking up at Doug Ba’aser’s song and comedy show at The Abbey, part of the venue’s Monday Night Cabaret Series, March 14. PHOTO By RICK ClAGGETT

6

sticKy finGers: Herman Petras, who plays the wallet-thieving Mr. Schumacher in the stage production of Dirty Dancing, attempts to lift a wallet from Jill Powers at the afterparty following opening night of the show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. PHOTO By JAMIE HyMAn

3

5

2

charitable chapeaus: Darcel Stevens is a ray of sunshine hosting this year’s Babes In Bonnets fundraiser March 28 at Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre. The event raised $26,000 for the Orlando Youth Alliance. PHOTO By JAKE STEVEnS

1

leather anniVersary: MojoMan owner lane Blackwell (right) and employee Christian Conde celebrate the swimwear and clothing shop’s three years in business April 1. PHOTO By DAnny GARCIA

7

wife anD wife: Julie Milford (left) and Juli Textor celebrate their wedding the next morning with brunch at Sonoma April 3. PHOTO COURTESy MIlfORD

8

up up anD away: (L to R) Jeff Jones, ed Dobski, Drew Sizemore and Beau Egerer snap a selfie before they become “Characters in Flight” at Disney Springs April 4. PHOTO COURTESy EGERER

8 watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

47

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-Est. 20

announcements

WEDDInG BElls

Juli Textor, 39, and Julie Milford, 45 from Orlando, Florida

years TOgeTHer:

1.5 years

wedding daTe:

April 2, 2016

wedding venue:

Ceviche on Church Street

wedding planner:

The couple is planning their own wedding.

wedding caTerer:

Ceviche

wedding cOlOrs:

Black, white and silver

firsT sOng:

Since they’re abandoning a lot of the wedding traditions, they won’t be having a first dance, but they have incorporated many of “their songs” into the ceremony.

inTeresTing facT:

Other than a short business trip, they have not spent a single day apart since their first kiss.

Trextor and Milford with their son, Zane. PHOTO By JEnnIfER WERnETH

“e

VerythinG about her, that

is who I want to be with,” Julie Milford says. “I just knew that if we ever had an opportunity to be together one day that it would be forever – everything just seemed absolutely perfect.”

Juli Textor, an executive assistant, and Julie Milford, a creative director, met through mutual friends. They knew of each other, and they were finally introduced, and from that point forward, they had their eyes on each other. When they first met, the timing wasn’t ideal, but then everything just fell into place.

“When I was formally introduced to her, I made jokes about how cute it would be that we have the same name, not thinking she would ever be interested in me,” Juli says.

They got to know each other very quickly because of the amount of time they spent with

each other. And not only did Juli and Julie get to know each other, but Julie also got to know Zane – Juli’s then-6-year-old son.

“My son was six when we started dating, so there was a lot there that we had to get to kind of get to know about one another, because there’s a whole other level of compatibility that we needed to have,” Juli says.

She says she has learned some things along the way from dating previous people, always keeping her son in mind.

“I knew what I needed, and I knew what we needed, and I knew what he needed,” Juli says.

“And it was apparent early on,

through conversations that Julie and I had, that she possessed all the qualities that were so important to me as a mother, because dating with a child you can’t just date just for yourself anymore. You’re looking out for somebody else who is a very, very important part of that equation.”

And luckily, Julie and Zane hit it off, and the three became a close-knit unit.

Julie says that with each passing moment and as more time passed, they began discussing a wedding, but they didn’t think they needed to go down that road of a formal proposal because it was already a done deal for the both of them.

So they never did, either of them, propose to each other.

They figured they both knew what the other’s answer to the “big question” would be, so they started planning the wedding out.

They won’t be doing a lot of the “traditional” aspects of a wedding, but they will instead plan on doing things that represent them as a couple and a family.

They both said they went through a fun stage of planning the wedding, then a stressful stage and now they’re both very excited about the ceremony.

Julie says she can’t wait for the moment Juli and her son walk down the aisle. She says she’s replayed what that moment will be like in her mind a million times and cries every time she thinks about it.

“The first thing that pops into my mind is her kindness,” Juli says. “She’s got such a warm, loving heart, and she’s so kind and incredibly genuine. One thing I’ve always loved about her since the first moment I saw her is she’s got kindness in her face. She’s got kind eyes and her personality just follows that.”

cOngraTulaTiOns This month the Gay, Lesbian Alliance at Moffitt (GLAAM) Cancer Center announced that media relations coordinator (and former Watermark editor) Steve Blanchard has been selected as the new chair of the group. GLAAM is a Moffitt Employee Network for LGBT employees and their allies. The Moffitt Employee Networks are voluntary, employee-led and -created networking groups that have the cancer center’s support.

James Harrison and Robby Pigott celebrate 25 years together April 13. Harrison and Pigott were married last year

by Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer when same-sex marriage became legal in Florida. The happy couple was featured on the cover of Watermark’s Orlando edition of the wedding issue.

lOcal BirTHdays Orlando Gay Chorus treasurer and all-around finance guru Wayne Dictor, former Orlando and San Francisco-based graphic designer Jason Donnelly, Sarasota real estate e-marketing director Ken Demmons, intrepid traveler Jon Taylor, Rollins College costume studio manager Seth Schrager (April 7); former Watermark contributor Chris Crain, St. Petersburg HIV/AIDS activist Joe Dobson (April 8); Halcyon co-founder Stephanie Callahan (April 9); Orlando bobbalicious lovebird Bobby McCall, Fort Lauderdale-based muscular, sexy singer Sean Ensign, Revere bartender manager Brendan Hillebrand, chubbyfaced cutie Dexter Huertas, St. Petersburg Metro Wellness employee and Canaan Band roadie Mike Hollis (April 10); Tampa Metropolitan Community Church’s facility manager Mac Williams, HRC’s Joe Saunders, Orlando Log Cabin Republican Patrick Howell (April 12); Florida Hospital Altamonte social worker Stacy Pease, former OGC director Aubrey Connelly, St. Petersburg ROTC twirler Scott Helie, GSHRadio show host and Hamburger Mary’s Tampa performer Esme Russell (April 13); drag diva Chantel Reshae, former Flamingo Resort cast member Andromeda Strain (April 14); Ocala-based horse trainer Randy Eeckhout (April 15); Orlando The (GLBT) Center board member Will Perry (April 16); Florida Property Agent owner and realtor Maribel Camarillo, Tampa insurance specialist and community volunteer Mitchell Ryan (April 17); Orlando arts patron Jerry Baumeister, adorable former Georgie’s Alibi-St. Petersburg server John fletcher, St. Petersburg Stonewall Democrat beth fountain (April 18); Olde Town Properties realtor Patrick James, retired Tampa weatherman Andy Johnson (April 19); noted Gator-lover and Savoy bartender Scott Stowell, Publix at Colonialtown pharmacist Rob young (April 20)

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.

iT’s THaT easy!

—Samantha Rosenthal

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

watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

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watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

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watermark Your LGBT life.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

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uPRIsInGs

ThE GlOvEs aRE Off

n

it’s a priority for us.

We can’t impose religious liberty, but we have a moral and, quite frankly, a national security obligation to make sure we’re a voice on behalf of it around the world.

—DepartinG u.s. sen. Marco rubio to christian outlet WoRLD nEWS GRoUP

i

lOvE suPREME

t May not be the sexiest topic – voting rights and districting rarely are – but the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous smackdown of a Texas case brought by conservatives sent a solid signal about how important equal representation in elections really is. Evenwell v.

Abbott was already shot down by three Texas judges after it was filed in 2014 on similar principles that led to last week’s federal ruling. Effectively, those bringing the case were insisting that districts should only be drawn representing equality among already registered voters. Texas’ policy has been to use full Census data. What’s more, had the case gone the other way, conservative white Texans would bask in the glory of being more represented than Democratic minorities. Likewise, the precedent would lead to further iniquities in other gerrymandered states. “This Court need not resolve whether, as Texas now argues, States may draw districts to equalize voter eligible population rather than total population,” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg concluded in the ruling.

54

l

aBORTIOn laW aBORTED?

ast Month, floriDa GoV. ricK scott reiGniteD his relationship with cruel hyperbole when he signed into law a bill that forbade the state’s Medicaid system from funding any health services provided by clinics that also provide abortions. Most reasonable people are aware that none of said public funding is allowed to utilized for actual pregnancy terminations – it’s called the Hyde Amendment, and it has existed beneath the lies of this anti-Planned Parenthood argument for years, often just to be overlooked by those with aggressive tendencies.

On April 4, the Palm Beach Post reported that the new law isn’t likely to pass federal muster, even though it was just about enough of an inflammatory legislative volley to make Donald Trump smile (and then charge you with a crime for getting an abortion). The bill’s sponsors concede that they’ll need a federal waiver and they knew this all along.

PROhIBITIOn PRIORITIEs

f

ollowinG the huGely positiVe response to similar initiatives in Tampa and St. Pete earlier this year, Organize Now’s Racial Justice Committee launched a change.org petition drive trying to convince Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to “stop arresting thousands of folks each year for things like sleeping in public, panhandling or simple possession of marijuana.” The group hopes that the mayor will take the high overhead required for such routine arrests and funnel it back into philanthropic organizations that make the community stronger. The group estimates that decriminalization could put $2.2 million back into the city coffers. “[R]esearch shows that mass incarceration is due, in part, to thousands of new laws at the federal, state, and local levels that allow police to make a record-breaking number of arrests based on minor, non-violent offenses,” RJC argues. “This overpolicing of neighborhoods has done nothing but fill prisons and put a band-aid on the underlying causes of crime.”

watermark Your LGBT life.

Billy Manes

oboDy expects the presiDential politics of stuffy Red-Rover games in the dank hue of late-night union halls under the auspices of a “caucus” to be absolutely civil, just as nobody expects the debate exchanges rushing up to primary conventions to be a lovely little tea party, curtsies included. However, for most of this election cycle – at least on the left – the last two standing, Sen. Bernie Sanders and “establishmen” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have kept their conversations at a comfortable, respectful clip. That’s not happening anymore, as you’ve probably witnessed in either the viral YouTube Greenpeace guerilla-clip meltdown of Hillary Clinton complaining about her alleged financial embed with the fracking/fossil-fuel industry or her comments about “tone.” On the “purist” Sanders side, equal and opposing complaints have been made at an increasing pitch. Sanders’ path to victory is a bit of tiny babbling brook at this point, so the shushing and finger-wagging and Republican talking points have taken center stage.

The #bernieorbust movement is a sad apocalypse for multiple Trumping reason, and the constant nag on the superdelegate issue and speaking fees has turned a benign bumper-sticker campaign into a problem for all concerned. Also, the nonstop denial that Sanders is also taking part in the political lexicon of PAC cash and backpats is absurd. He may not be getting as much money from larger entities, but he’s certainly playing the same game. And now, just as “Shillary” has always been unflatteringly and unfairly accused of doing, he’s shouting about it.

“But what an ugly way to end a campaign that was supposed to be positive and idealistic,” New York Times columnist Paul Krugman wrote of the Sanders camp on April 4.

Granted, opinions, like assholes, are fairly widespread, and grains of salt are seemingly sparse as we approach the final blue crunch of this summer (or, hell, this week?) – also, full disclosure, Watermark, like most LGBT organizations, endorsed Clinton in advance of the Florida primary that she swept in March – but these latest shots across the bow on the issue of a New York debate in advance of that state’s crucial primary in April are pure sandbox politics.

The ridiculousness becomes even more evident when basketball’s March Madness rises to the level of an actual talking point in the lead up to a debate (which has now been scheduled for April 14). Balls.

We’re talking about balls.

There are too many signs of decaying grace to point out in this limited space – the freakout over Arizona’s voting problems is a sign of voter disenfranchisement by Republican officials, not a shady, venomous Clinton (by the way, she’s been hearing that all her life, you would imagine); the jury remains out on whether a whack-job Clark County, Nevada, voting official stacked to deck for Sanders at recent conference, though said official’s idiotic sit-in rendition of “We Shall Overcome” would indicate that something is afoot.

We sure better overcome. There’s a pretty nasty Trump card in the wings.

Apr il 7 - A pr il 20, 2016 // issue 2 3.07

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