Watermark issue 13.20 by Watermark Publishing Group

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contents Issue 13.20

5 | Editor’s Desk

15 | State News

We’re here, we’re queer, we’re … you know that already.

Rep. Mark Foley resigns – less than a month before his term ends.

7 | The Big Story

35 | Viewpoint

Does Clearwater-based Scientology embrace gays?

Georgia Jenkins, the Rev. Robert Morgan, your mail, and Tom Dyer returns.

8 | Orlando News Previews of Bear Bust and Come Out with Pride events.

Fundraising for a favorite girlfriend, and an MCC candidate’s forum.

Sexy Shortbus is a late arrival at TIGLFF, and Jim J. Bullock makes Come Out with Pride even gayer. Also: new columns, new profiles, new gossip (we hope) and new photos.

12 | Sarasota News

61 | Know+Tell

New School lands on the nation’s Top 100 schools for GLBT students.

Our Fall Real Estate Guide: The appeal of small spaces, home improvement nightmares, and the new buyer’s market. Also: new profiles, new advice (we hope) and more new photos.

10 | Tampa Bay News

40 | Scene+Heard

Departments 18 / Health

44 / Theatre

63 / Speed Date

21 / Tampa Bay Real Estate

46 / Books

70 / Advice

48 / Television and Media

72 / Astrology

23 / Tampa Bay Business 49 / Music

73 / Transitions

24 / Tampa Bay Marketplace

50 / Calendar

74 / Sports

28 / Orlando Real Estate

52 / Organizations

75 / Classified

30 / Orlando Business

54 / Orlando Photos and Gossip

76 / Billy Masters

31 / Orlando Marketplace 43 / Movies

78 / Gallery W 56 / Tampa Bay Photos and Gossip

On the cover Unlocking Scientology. Cover and logo design by Charlie Carballo.

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editor’sdesk ood evening from over here – or good afternoon, right? After months of discussing this proposed reconfiguration of Watermark, we finally put our heads down and moved along with the task, our publisher, Tom Dyer, firmly at the lead. As he stated politely and firmly several months ago, this is his publication – and he gets to play “publisher’s prerogative” now and then. You’ll see more about his comments on page 38. In the meantime, sit back and relax with this issue. For a time of the year that should be more low-key than others, we’ve managed to find more news than we really know what to do with. Take, for example, Tom’s story about the role of Scientology in Clearwater. Sure, it’s a dirty little secret to everyone who has come within 50 miles of this rather beautiful city on the west coast – and one that manages to raise its wanton head whenever someone from the GLBT community manages to encounter the organization. One of the first stories started for this issue, it was also one of the last to be completed. We’ve gone out of our way to make sure that each “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed; after all, the Scientologists have attorneys. (That’s just like Watermark. We even had our own attorney write the story!) And we do have our requisite number of previews with this issue. Stories look at the upcoming Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Bears of Central Florida’s Bear Bust, and the Come Out with Pride parade and street festival in Orlando. But one of the most interesting features about this new design comes in the most innocuous of places: in the middle of what we were calling Watercolors until, well, last Monday. We’ve come full-circle, adding a movie column, a music column, a theatrical column, a books column and an electronics/TV column to the mix. David Almeida returns with his movie column after seven years. His column is lively, giddy and fun, just like David himself. Kirk Hartlage is thrilled to be part of the edition with his musical column, and as soon as I’m able to pawn off – er, re-assign – the theatrical column, I’ll do so in a heartbeat. (Interested? Drop a line to me at editor@watermarkonline.com.) It’s not so hard coming up with ideas, mind you – it’s just more difficult to come up with something more complicated than what you end

G Dave Wiethop editor

staff

up writing. Trust me on this one: I wanted to write about RuPaul, but got caught up in the Into the Woods frenzy at UCF-Shakespeare Center in Orlando. This wasn’t hard to do, and it’s been on my mind a lot more than I realized. Take a great show, hire about half of a cast’s worth of Actors Equity union performers and produce … what? A show that really fails to live up to the promise that Stephen Sondheim can bring. At the same time, Almeida’s youthful exuberance pointed out just as quickly that you really need to get rid of the udders if you’re going to be a boy-singing-as-a-cow. That’s my sense, actually. He could have been making up all kinds of nonsense that I’d never have gotten about Barnyard, but I’m grateful for his own very personal two-word review.

announcements

atermark seeks fresh voices, eyes and ears. We’re looking for a talented theater critic, and someone to keep us abreast of GLBT developments in new electronic media. Email editor@watermarkonline.com. We also want your photos (shotonsite@watermarkonline.com) and gossip (overheard@watermarkonline.com). Finally, please join us at our Wave Award parties on Thursday, Oct. 19.

watermark

Publisher Tom Dyer • Ext. 40 • Tom@watermarkonline.com Editor Dave Wiethop • Ext. 13 • Dave@watermarkonline.com Orlando Staff Writer Kirk Hartlage • Ext. 20 • Kirk@watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Staff Writer Steve Blanchard • Ext. 21 • SteveB@watermarkonline.com Art Director Charlie Carballo • Ext. 15 • Charlie@watermarkonline.com Graphic Designer Jason Donnelly • Ext. 12 • Jason@watermarkonline.com Business Manager Rick Claggett • Ext. 11 • Rick@watermarkonline.com Advertising Sales Manager Don Williams • Ext. 24 • Don@watermarkonline.com

Orlando Office P. O. Box 533655 • Orlando, FL 32853-3655 TEL 407.481.2243 FAX 407.481.2246

Tampa Bay Office TEL 813.655.9890 FAX 813.849.2986 www.watermarkonline.com

Contributing Writers David Almeida, Greg Burton, Jim Crescitelli, Dr. Edwin DeJesus, Georgia Jenkins, Ken Kundis, Billy Masters, Bryan L. Middour, Karen S. Murray-Parker, Margaret Nolan, Anthony Paull, Bob Roehr, Greg Triggs, Jayelle Wiggins, Diane Wilde

Photographers & Illustrators Alison Bechdel, Rex Maniscalco, Travis Moore, Tom Eckert Proofreader Steve Davis Distribution Debbie Oliver, John Granstrand, Jonathan Sexauer

Advertising Sales Kevin Thornton [Orlando] • Ext. 14 • Kevin@watermarkonline.com Advertising Sales Trina Gregory-Hodge [Orlando] • Ext. 25 • Trina@watermarkonline.com Advertising Sales Jim Nixon [Tampa Bay] • Ext. 17 / 727-692-8599 Jim@watermarkonline.com Administrative Assistant Nick Smith • Ext. 10 • Nick@watermarkonline.com Sarasota Liaison Misty Smeltzer • 941.284.8006 • Misty@watermarkonline.com National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Inc. • 212.242.6863

subscribe Watermark is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). Call Nick Smith (407) 481.2243, Ext. 10, to subscribe or order back issues. ISSUE 13.17

ISSUE 13.18

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26

(standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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ISSUE 13.19

the big story Clearwater is poised to become “the Salt Lake City of Scientology.” But local gays and lesbians have only the vaguest notions of the burgeoning religion in their backyard. Is it a church? A business? A cult? Conversion therapy for gay celebrities? Or a misunderstood, gayembracing path to fulfillment? The answers may surprise you.

Watermark | Tom Dyer

The Church of Scientology owns 21 buildings in Clearwater, like this one in the heart of downtown.

Unlocking Scientology tom dyer

tom@watermarkonline.com Clearwater | Two buildings dominate Clearwater’s southern skyline. The stately Fort Harrison Hotel is the current headquarters of the Church of Scientology. Across the street, the massive 380,000 square foot Flag Building – under construction since 1998 – will be the worldwide spirituality headquarters for the controversial church. They are anchors in a growth strategy designed to make Clearwater “the Salt Lake City of Scientology.” Less than a mile away, the buildings are easily visible from the parking lot of the Pro Shop Pub. On a sweltering Saturday afternoon, a handful of patrons inside nurse beers and silently watch a football game. But when I bring up the topic of Scientology, heads turn and barstools swivel. “I worked for a woman doing construction clean-up,” says one man in his 50s. “She was a Scientologist – nice woman. Every time I’d get sick or hurt myself she’d offer to cure me. But she stopped using me – wanted her whole crew to be Scientologists.” “They don’t like gays,” says another man, about the same age. “Think we’re sick or something. Maybe we got

beamed here from the wrong planet.” “Not true,” chimes in a younger man. “I know a gay guy who’s a Scientologist… really into it.” “I here Tom Cruise bought a big condo here so that he could be close to the mother ship,” says his partner, laughing. “Not that he’s gay.” Bar talk. But most of the misconceptions about Scientology — and a kernel of the complex truth – can be found therein. Action is louder than words Few religions are more derided or misunderstood than Scientology. Ask, and many gays and lesbians will tell you that their entire understanding of the church is derived from stories about Cruise and an Emmy-nominated South Park. Riddled with sci-fi references to an ominous alien race, the episode has Cruise convinced that South Park character Stan is the reincarnation of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. When Stan

compares his acting to Leonardo di Caprio, Cruise locks himself in a closet. Ex-wife Nicole Kidman pleads with him. Fellow celebrity Scientologist John Travolta joins him, and soon neither will “come out.” It’s hilarious – and a gross distortion of how Scientology works or what it means to its members. The basics of Scientology were outlined by Hubbard in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, a book first published in 1950 in Astounding Science Fiction magazine. Those origins, and futuristic concepts like “Thetan” (an immortal soul-like manifestation), “E-meter” (a device for measuring emotional truth) and “tone scale” (a predictor of behavior) have encouraged a fantastical interpretation of Scientology. But at its core, it is more of a self-help program – an “applied

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The Scientology cross is an eight-pointed cross which represents the eight parts or dynamics of life. The Scientology cross, which was first conceived in 1954, symbolizes the ability to live happily across all eight dynamics.

orlando Bear Bust 15 breaks tradition with new dates, hotel, themes kirk hartlage

kirk@watermarkonline.com orlando | It’s a year of change for the annual gathering of the ursine community in Florida. The 15th annual Bear Bust will see a new host hotel, a new approach to the weekend and most significantly, a new weekend in October that breaks tradition. Typically held on the third weekend of October each year, this year’s “Bears in Space”-themed Bear Bust will instead be held Oct. 12-15. Event planners say the change was made by last year’s organizing committee to better accommodate the newly popular Bear Voyage cruise, sponsored by BearFilms.com. The producers of bear-themed adult entertainment are also one of the primary sponsors of Bear Bust and will hold a model search 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Full Moon Saloon. While this is the first time the event has been moved, it also appears to be the last according to Jimmie Rice, spokesman for the 2006 Bear Bust organizing committee. Rice said that though the group has worked hard to make this year’s event the best possible given the cards it was dealt, it has also made assurances that the weekend will not be relocated on the calendar again. “It’s going into the bylaws that the date of Bear Bust will never be changed again,” Rice said. “Starting next year, we’re going back to the third weekend of October.” The host hotel has also been moved to the newly opened Lexington at Orlando City Place. Last year’s host hotel, the Ivanhoe Plaza Hotel, is now under renovations to become a Sheraton. Organizers anticipate returning to that hotel next year. This year’s gathering also falls on the same weekend as Orlando’s pride event, held Sunday, Oct. 15. While about half of the expected 600 officially registered attendees are scheduled to depart that morning to board the Bear Voyage cruise, remaining participants will be encouraged to march in that afternoon’s pride parade. Beyond those registering, organizers expect nearly twice that many to participate in an unofficial capacity during the weekend’s open-to-the-public events at the Full Moon. But only those purchasing the $115 run package will have access to other official Bear Bust services and activities. Shuttle service between the venues is provided nearly around the clock for official visitors who will attend cocktail, pool and after-hours parties, as well as various day trips, including one to Kennedy Space Center. An entire schedule of Bear Bust

File Photo | Tom Dyer

This sculpted man drew plenty of stares during Bear Bust 2005.

events is available at BearBust.org. Rice said that when more attendees purchase an official run package, he and the other organizers are able to make larger donations to the event’s designated charities. Plans call for the group to donate several thousand dollars to Orlando’s Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center, Hope and Help, and the Make-a-Wish foundation. “Many people don’t realize that Bear Bust is actually a fund-raising event, one that just happens to be a great big party,” Rice said. As the man responsible for many of the weekend’s decorative elements, Rice has been busy creating celestial themed designs, schedules and the weekend’s centerpiece, the stage backdrop used at the Full Moon for the annual “best of” contests and awards ceremony. “I created a whole universe this week,” Rice said, “Hopefully, I get to rest on Sunday.” Rice joked that after 15 years of the event, many of the masculine stereotypes often associated with bears have been exhausted as themes. “Someone told us that next year’s theme should involve construction, and that way we’ll have covered all of the Village People,” Rice said. Instead, the group is already anticipating a Hawaiian luau theme for Bear Bust 2007. | n |

orlando Pride anticipates more participation, attendance kirk hartlage

kirk@watermarkonline.com Orlando | In only its second year, organizers of Come Out with Pride Central Florida say the event already holds two superlative titles: local and national. “This is going to be the single largest traditional GLBT pride gathering in Orlando’s history,” said Jason Lowe, spokesman for the group organizing the event. “Come Out with Pride is also the largest National Coming Out Day event in the country.” Last year, members of Orlando’s gay chamber of commerce, the Metropolitan Business Association, and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union at the University of Central Florida teamed to give the area’s annual pride celebration a much-needed makeover. Chief among the many changes made was moving the annual celebration from June to October in honor of National Coming Out Day. Held each Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day commemorates the day in 1987 when 500,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., for GLBT equality. Capitalizing on the success of last year’s inaugural fall pride celebration in Orlando, organizers are keeping most of last year’s schedule intact. Only small adjustments have been made for a better flow of activities, while several new events have been added to the overall celebration. Kicking off the week-long list of pride events will be the Out and Loud Cocktail party at the Verandah Bed and Breakfast in Thornton Park Thursday, Oct. 12. Replacing the more traditional cocktail kick-off receptions previously held, Lowe said this event will feature a cool vibe, lounge-style atmosphere. “The Verandah courtyard will be recreated into an indoor lounge outdoors, complete with fabric panels and leather sofas,” Lowe said. DJ Robby Clark, a fixture in Orlando’s club scene, will provide cool atmospheric beats. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided in addition to a cash bar.

Tickets are $25 per person. The official after-party takes place later that evening at Pulse nightclub. The Parliament House Resort hosts their pride party on Saturday, Oct. 14, with RuPaul in concert. The drag icon will also be signing copies of her latest CD, RuPaul ReWorked, after the show in the resort’s courtyard. Tickets are $10. Sunday, Oct. 15, is the centerpiece day of events and includes a fundraiser brunch, expo fair, history project, parade and other entertainment. Central Florida’s chapter of the Human Rights Campaign will host a disco brunch at the Orange County Regional History Center at 10:30 a.m. HRC National Coming Out Day project director Mark Shields will be the featured guest speaker. Tickets are $55 or $500 for a table of 10. Opening at noon is the Come Out with Pride GLBT History Project, exhibited on the first floor of the History Center. Sponsored by Darden Restaurants, Lowe described the collection of memories and mementos of GLBT life in Central Florida over the past 30 years as the beginning of a museum-caliber exhibit. Heritage Square park activities and vendor booths also open at noon. Changes this year will include a food court on East Central Boulevard near North Orange Avenue and an expanded cocktail courtyard on the east side of Heritage Square. Several guest speakers and light entertainment offerings, including comedienne Bear, will be presented on the park’s main stage prior to the parade. Organizers realized after last year’s event that the best way to continue the festive party atmosphere generated by the parade would be to move the pride rally to earlier in the day and focus on up-beat entertainment in the afternoon. Also new this year will be a familyfriendly KidZone sponsored by Walt Disney World’s GLBT employee group. Returning will be numerous community expo booths providing information about their activities. Those will be located throughout Heritage

potential protesters,” Lowe said. “We are permitting the sidewalks and streets this year along the parade route.” Jim J. Bullock will serve as the parade grand marshal and Moira and Jana from Real Radio will provide parade commentary from their emcee booth on Central Avenue. Post-parade afternoon entertainment will be hosted by Miss Sammy and will Image courtesty of Come Out with Pride feature performances Heritage Square will be cordoned off into separate areas for food, entertainment by Bullock, Nuñez, and relaxing. Formula Redux and Lisa M. Nationally Square. known drag Tupperware Lady Dixie The pride parade steps off at 3 p.m. Longate is also scheduled to appear. Dance from the corner of Summerlin Avenue and music will be provided by G.I.R.L., Gay Robinson Street, traveling through Internet Radio Live. Thornton Park, ending at Heritage Square. Tickets will be sold throughout the Lowe said the committee is estimating day for a mega-prize raffle and winners will upwards of 800 people will participate in be chosen at 6:30 p.m. Only 800 tickets will the parade. The committee is also taking a be available and tickets are $20. Among the lesson from last year’s Orlando event, as prizes available are a round-trip ticket to a well as from this summer’s pride European destination on Icelandair, and a celebration in St. Pete, where protestors dinner and show package to the Pet Shop disrupted each day’s activities. Boys concert at Hard Rock, “Plans are in place to deal with any Continued on page 13 | uu |

briefs Playfest reading offers Tying the Knot Oct. 16

Gallery to host seminar on collecting artwork

Gay, award-winning playwright David Rush will offer his new piece, Tying the Knot, for a 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16, open reading at the OrlandoUCF Shakespeare Festival. The house opens at 6:30 p.m. The play provides a poignant look at the issues surrounding gay marriage. The 70-minute play does not have an intermission. After the reading, directed by Chad Lewis, the PlayFest Monthly Reading Series will serve wedding cake and punch.

The Comma Gallery at 813 Virginia Drive in Orlando will offer an evening focused on the theme of Why Collect Art? on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by talks by Maitland Art Center director Gerry Shepp, Lifestyles Magazine editor and Milennia Gallery publicist Josh Garrick and former gallery owner Louise Peterson. The panel will be moderated by Les Jarvela, president of the MAC Associates Board. Visit CommaGallery.com or call 407-376-1400.

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tampa bay Community to raise money for ailing former music critic steve blanchard

steveb@watermarkonline.com St. Petersburg | Gina Vivinetto has supported the arts scene in St. Petersburg for a decade and a half. Now, it’s time for that same arts community to support her. The openly lesbian Vivinetto, the owner of the Bombshell Gallery on Central Avenue, worked as a music critic for the St. Petersburg Times before leaving her position in May. That was about the time she went in for a minor surgery that turned into a very big and a very expensive problem. According to Stacy Mathis, a good friend of Vivinetto’s, a minor 11/2-hour surgery to remove a tumor from her adrenal gland turned into a major surgery lasting more than seven hours. “She’s had many complications, infections and other problems since then,” Mathis said. “She’s been to the hospital six times, the ICU more than that and has spent many nights in the emergency room. What was supposed to be a one-day recovery period has turned into a five-month nightmare.” With medical bills piling up to more than $30,000, Mathis and other friends of Vivinetto’s decided to stage a benefit for the much loved music critic. The arts scene and the Tampa Bay community have responded with full force. On Oct. 14, Vivinetto’s Bombshell Gallery at 2536 Central Avenue will be packed with items donated for a silent auction, door prizes and eight bands that have donated their time and talents to raise money to help pay for Vivinetto’s expenses. “We’ve reached out to area businesses and the response has been incredible,” Mathis said. “This is such a loving community and everyone is behind this fund-raiser 100%. We also have some incredible music planned for that night.” Bands range from folksy sounding duos to heavier alternative rock groups.

Mathis is convinced there is a sound for everybody. Among the lineup: GiddyUp, Helicopter!, Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets, James Fans and friends will turn out McParland, to help former St. Petersburg Crippled Times pop music critic Gina Vivenetto on Oct. 14. Masters, Natty Moss Bond and Sam Bond, Zanesville, Nessie and Geri X. “Everyone’s tastes will be covered with their kind of music, their kind of auction items and their kind of door prizes,” Mathis said. “We have everything from restaurant gift certificates to Yoga classes available.” Entry to Viva La Gina is $7, and the gallery will offer drink specials that evening. All proceeds go to assist with Vivinetto’s medical expenses. Although this will be the first time Vivinetto has been on the receiving end of a benefit, she is not a stranger to such events. According to Mathis, Vivinetto has planned benefits for worthy causes in the past and was humbled to hear that so many people were supporting her this time around. “Gina is very loved in the community, and a group of us were sitting around one day saying we should hold a benefit for her,” Mathis said. “She said no at first, but when her debt kept increasing we decided that was it. We didn’t ask for her permission and everyone jumped on the bandwagon.” The group spent only three weeks organizing the event and is ecstatic over the response from the community so far. However, Viva La Gina is still accepting donations up until the actual event. While Vivinetto wasn’t available to comment on the story, she did release a prepared statement. “The local arts community here is unbelievable,” Vivinetto said. “I wouldn’t trade it for any arts or music scene in the world.” For more information on Viva La Gina, visit the gallery’s Web site at Bombshellgallery.com or the event’s MySpace page at MySpace.com/VivalaGinaBenefit. Doors open at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 and the music starts at 7 p.m. The event will run until the venue closes at 2 a.m. All ages are invited to attend. | n |

tampa bay Candidate forum packs Tampa MCC Filmmaker unveils his backgrounds and also responded to blanchard Hillsborough Co. documentary steve questions that were posted on the forum’s steveb@watermarkonline.com

steve blanchard

steveb@watermarkonline.com Tampa | Mark Ferguson has been waiting for this moment for almost five months. The Brandon Pride president and his team of supporters have produced a documentary they say unveils the corruption of the Hillsborough County Commission. Unbanned will become available to the public at the Tampa Bay Business Guild Expo on Sunday, Oct. 8, across from the Tampa Theatre. DVDs of the production are only $5. “This is just an exciting project and I’m so thrilled to see it finally come fullcircle,” Ferguson said. “What started as a small library project has turned into something huge and something very significant.” Ferguson helped organize a Brandon Pride event in May where volunteers read aloud from books that were part of a gay pride display at the John F. Germany Library in Downtown Tampa in 2005. The display prompted commissioners to prohibit county support of any gay pride function, which revitalized Tampa’s GLBT community and brought national attention to the area. The May book reading was recorded by volunteers and eventually evolved into what became Unbanned. “We have so many talented people working on this production and I am just so excited to see it,” Ferguson said. “It’s all completely true and it really shows some local politicians in their true light.” Ferguson said comparing Unbanned to the popular Michael Moore documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 isn’t proper. He said many discrepancies could be found in Moore’s film, which attacks President George W. Bush’s handling of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Unbanned, he said, is 100% truthful and really can’t be disputed. “Most of the film contains viewpoints and decisions directly from the politicians’ mouths,” Ferguson said. “The team has researched it tirelessly and has put in so many volunteer hours on this thing. It’s a great product.” The film profiles former District 4 Commissioner Ronda Storms, who spearheaded the commission’s decision to ban the recognition of gay pride and whom many say overreacted to only a few complaints concerning the gay pride book display. But Ferguson was quick to point out that other commissioners are investigated in the film as well. While the film didn’t finish production in time to be included in the upcoming Tampa International Gay and

Lesbian Film Festival, Ferguson said the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival as expressed interest as well as several festivals in Europe. The mission, Ferguson said, is to spread the word about corruption in Hillsborough County politics. Film festivals have provided that outlet. “There’s just so much that we uncovered that it’s hard to talk about it in an interview,” Ferguson said. “But we want everyone to see it so we’re offering free screenings up until Election Day.” Besides the film running on a loop at the Brandon Pride booth at the TBBG Expo Oct. 8, it will also be shown at libraries throughout the Tampa Bay region. “This is what I’m talking about coming full-circle,” Ferguson said. “The libraries are excited to show this film and it was the library that was the site of the initial ruling by the commissioners.” On Sunday, Oct. 15, Unbanned shows at 2 p.m. inside the John F. Germany Library Auditorium at 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa. It returns to the library Tuesday, Oct. 17, for two showings – 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and again Thursday, Nov. 2, at the same show times. The film will be screened at the Seminole Heights Library meeting room at 4711 Central Ave. in Tampa on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the same times. The Charles Findig Library meeting room at 3909 W. Neptune St. in Tampa plays host to the movie on Monday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the same show times. “Every library we’ve approached has said they wanted to show this film,” Ferguson said. “It’s a way to use the media in a way to relay a political message and to show the power available to average citizens like us.” On Wednesday, Oct. 25, Unbanned will show at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at the Port Tampa Library at 4902 W. Commerce St. in Tampa. It returns to Port Tampa Library on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 4. The Plant City Burton Library will show the film at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29. For more information on the film, visit Unbanned.org. | n |

Tampa | Topics ranged from gay adoption to transportation on Sept. 28, and more than 200 people heard the positions directly from several mid-term election candidates. Organizers invited candidates from local and state races in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to participate in the political forum at Tampa MCC in Seminole Heights. A majority of the participants were candidates for the Hillsborough County Commission, although one Pinellas County Commission candidate participated. No incumbents appeared at the forum. Kevin Beckner organized and hosted You Decide Tampa Bay and said all candidates representing the Tampa Bay area were invited to attend. Candidates for judge, county commission, school board, Florida House of Representatives and Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and Senate all took the stage. “Tonight, I hope you in the audience and our candidates strive to rid our country of discrimination of any kind,” Beckner said in his opening remarks. “The number of people in the audience and the number of candidates participating with us tonight shows me that change is on the way.” Each candidate fielded questions from three moderators, all with different

Web site from the public. While most questions centered on the candidates’ views concerning GLBT issues like marriage rights, human rights ordinances and gays in the military, other more mainstream questions were posed. District 6 Hillsborough County School Board candidate April Griffin was asked about the county’s school calendar, which gained national attention last year. “I don’t think that situation was handled correctly and right now I think our calendar is OK as it stands,” the lone school board participant said. “I support a nonsecular calendar that allows for families to utilize appropriate days without punishment from schools.” Beckner asked Griffin whether or not she believes religion should be taught in public schools. She said she did. “But in a historical context,” she explained. “Religion is part of who we are as a nation and is a big part of the world. But it does not have a place in the science class.” County commission candidates took up a much larger portion of the event since the group had the most candidates participating. Candidates participating included Pinellas County District 6 candidate Leonard Dramesi, Hillsborough

Continued on page 13 | uu |

sarasota New School named as one of state’s top GLBT universities dave wiethop

editor@watermarkonline.com Sarasota | Nestled deep within the 150 or so pages of The Advocate’s Guide to LGBT Schools lays a two-page spread devoted to The New School of Sarasota. This school is among the 100 singled out by the author for its superlative influences for its GLBT students. And frankly, school officials said that they knew this would be the case – someday. According to Jake Hartvegsen, the director of public affairs at the small, publicly funded college, “our programs have been set up to give students the independence within the college as well as throughout college life. Our philosophy is to empower students. “If they feel like they’re being forced to feel the conformist pressure, well, that isn’t this sort of place.” New College was founded in the 1960s as a private liberal arts school and became part of the University of South Florida facility in the early 2000s. Right

now, the college boasts a student-faculty rate of about 11 to 1. It’s also important to note that there are no letter grades given out – only letters to the students and the parents. Brian Oberlander, who’s a third-year student at New College, said he’s adjusted to the relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. “It’s an amazingly positive place,” Oberlander said. “I really feel as if this is home for me. This is a very warm, accepting place where sexuality is not even an issue.” Oberlander and others attend pride meetings on campus, if only to remind themselves that life outside of New School isn’t as tolerant. The first meeting that he attended included about 37 people from the 600-person student population; since then, it’s been fairly consistent. He pointed out that the “wall” parties aren’t just for certain groups – such as GLBT students. “There’s no real separate social scene for gay kids,” Oberlander said. Still, it’s a campus that thrives on what it apparently holds close. | n |

briefs Dignity to celebrate fifth anniversary on Nov. 4 Dignity Sarasota will be celebrating its fifth anniversary celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The celebration will include a special guest speaker, and Dignity’s Ubi Caritas Award ceremony. In addition there will be a showing of a documentary on Sister Jeannine Grammick, In Good Conscience. The public is invited but is asked to call 941-359-3236 to reserve a seat.

Kate Clinton returns to Sarasota Openly lesbian comedienne Kate Clinton will headline a benefit concert for ALSO Out Youth on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Flanzer Community Center in Sarasota. The musical group Backstage

will perform as Clinton’s opening act. Tickets for general seating are $40 per person, with a special $60 package for reserved seating and an after-show part with the performer. Call the ALSO office at 941-951-2576.

Trinity College to cochair AIDS walk Oct. 14 Trinity Charities and the New College of Florida are co-chairing the inaugural AIDS Walk for Sarasota and Manatee counties on Saturday, Oct. 14. The walk will begin at 8 a.m. on the college campus on Tamiami Trail, with food, raffles, music and prizes available. So far, the planning group has included representatives of the Manatee County Health Department, the Michael Bach Health Center of Manatee County, the Rural Health Services, Temple Sinai and the Comprehensive Care Clinic. For details, visit TrinityMCC.com. | n |

VISIT US ONLINE! www.watermarkonline.com

| uu | PRIDE from page 9

Having relocated to Atlanta last year, event planner Mark Baker returns home to host a post-pride party at Icon nightclub, which is located across Central Boulevard from Heritage Square. National circuit DJ David Knapp will spin. Times and prices are yet to be announced. Hard Rock Live will present the final event of pride week activities on Wednesday, Oct. 18, with an 8 p.m. concert by the Pet Shop Boys. Tickets start at $45. Lowe said an important part of the mission for Come Out with Pride is to reinvest in the local GLBT community. The group has established two initiatives in that effort, including an annual $1,000 UCFGLBSU scholarship fund, as well as an annual $1,000 gift to the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center of Orlando that will fund coming out programs. “These initiatives absolutely accomplish our goals to unite the GLBT community in the Orlando area, to display our city as one that is inclusive and diverse, and to highlight the positive achievements of the GLBT community,” said MBA president Debbie Simmons. As Come Out with Pride grows, so will our contributions to the community we love to call home.” Tickets and further information on all events are available at ComeOutWithPrideCFL.org. | n |

| uu | CANDIDATE FORUM from page 11

County District 1 candidate Mary Mulhern, Hillsborough County District 4 candidate Jean Batronie, Hillsborough County District 4 candidate Lisa Rodriguez, and Hillsborough County District 5 candidates Yamel Christina Arronte and Joe Redner. While each candidate had varied responses to questions posed by moderators, all seemed to support one main objective – to remove incumbents from their current positions. “I think that everyone up here is a qualified candidate to represent you in the upcoming years,” Batronie told the audience. “We have to hold the proper people accountable for the state of our county and in order to do that we need your votes.” State and federal candidates closed the forum at the church and Samm Simpson, the only U.S. House (District 10) candidate participating, received a standing ovation after her closing remarks. “We have to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Simpson said. “What’s going on in Washington is scary and we must demand truth, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law. Let’s turn home to protect our ports, nuclear plants and borders and let’s … fix Medicare D, rebuild public education and begin to heal from the fear and terror this administration has wrought. “We’ll say no to lobbyists and yes to the people.” | n | | preview | feature | orlando | tampa_bay | sarasota | state | nation | health | real estate | business | viewpoint | art_culture_events_ | lifestyle | October 5-18, 2006 | Watermark | 13

state Foley resigns from Congress, Pair arrested for trying to defraud Medicare In their latest string of arrests, the pair staff reports apologizes to family, voters face charges of racketeering, wire fraud, editor@watermarkonline.com wire reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Palm Beach Gardens | Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., resigned from Congress in the wake of questions about e-mails he wrote a former male page. “I am deeply sorry and I apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent,” he said in a statement issued by his office. The two-sentence statement did not refer to the e-mails and gave no reason for Foley’s decision to abruptly abandon a flourishing career in Congress. Foley, 52, had been a shoo-in for a new term until the e-mail correspondence surfaced in recent days. His resignation comes less than six weeks before the elections. It was not clear how Republicans would fill his spot on the November ballot. Campaign aides had previously acknowledged that the Republican congressman e-mailed the former Capitol page five times, but had said there was nothing inappropriate about the exchange. The page was 16 at the time of the e-mail correspondence. It was not clear what

prompted Foley to abruptly decide to give up a successful career in the House. Foley, who represents an area around Palm Beach County, eRep. Mark Foley resigned mailed the page over questionable e-maiils he sent to congressional pages. in August 2005. The page had worked for Rep. Rodney Alexander, RLa., and Foley asked him how he was doing after Hurricane Katrina and what he wanted for his birthday. The congressman also asked the boy to send a photo of himself. Foley’s aides initially blamed Democratic rival Tim Mahoney and Democrats with attempting to smear the congressman before the election. The emails were posted on Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s Web site after ABC News reported their existence. The group asked the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate the exchange Foley had with the boy. | n |

Miami | A pair of men from Miami-Dade County were busted for allegedly trying to defraud Medicare out of $1.4 million. Their goal: alter the blood samples of HIV patients to make it appear that they needed expensive medications. The Express Gay News reported that Luis Modesto de la Vega and Roy Canizares have both been accused of recruiting HIV patients to provide blood samples, with Publix gift cards and cash serving as the incentives. When the blood work arrived at the labs, co-conspirators allegedly altered the samples, making it look like the patients were seriously ill. Medicare sent the drugs to de la Vega and Canizares, but the pair gave the HIV patients vitamins instead. “They stole money that could have been used to help people who need medical treatment,” said JoAnn Carrin, a spokesperson for the Florida Attorney General’s office. She said the defendants kept “enough medicine in the clinic to make it appear that it was well-stocked.” De la Vega’s attorney wouldn’t return phone calls, and a number for the defendant reached a woman who described herself as his daughter-in-law. Canizares has an unlisted phone number.

grand theft and patient brokering – all stemming from a joint state and federal investigation. If convicted on all the charges, de la Vega and Canizares could each face 135 years in prison. | n |

state briefs Monroe County tops list of HIV, AIDS infections Monroe County ranks first in the state for HIV and AIDS infections among white and Hispanic people, and sixth in the state for infections among blacks, according to a report released by the Florida Department of Health. The report focused on the crisis of HIV/AIDS in Florida’s black communities, but also pointed out that the keys have the highest infection rate in the white and Hispanic communities. One out of every 119 white people, one out of every 179 Hispanic people and one out of every 60 black people are living with HIV or AIDS.

Man from Internet leaves with wallet, cash staff reports

Phillip’s description

editor@watermarkonline.com Fort Lauderdale | A Fort Lauderdale man says that his one-time new friend from Manhunt.net apparently departed with his wallet and $2,600 from his checking account. According to the Express Gay News, Ron Bast said the perpetrator came over twice for sex. The third time was a little different: This time, “Phillip” came over to Bast’s apartment after noon and stayed three hours before leaving with the older man’s wallet. By the time Bast realized that his wallet was gone, Phillip had already used his debit card to withdraw money from a bank near Bast’s home. Police reports stated that $500 had been taken from one account, and then Phillip persuaded a teller to give him another

If you’re looking for “Phillip,” here is how Ron Bast described him: • White male, with shoulder-length hair. The hair was cut to be shoulderlength in the back, yet above the ears on the sides. • He’s 5-foot-11 and “very tanned.” • While his Manhunt.net profile described him as 27, Bast said he

$1,400 by presenting Bast’s driver’s license. The bank eventually credited $2,400 back to the account, Bast told the Express Gay News in Fort Lauderdale. Phillip’s profile, HotBoy79, has since been deleted from the Manhunt Web site. | n |

nation+world briefs McGreevey’s new memoir sells briskly during first weeks The new memoir by former New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, who left office amid a gay sex scandal, recorded strong sales following the first of several television appearances to promote his tell-all book. The Confession ranked No. 5 on both Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com. The former politico has been all over the airwaves lately, beginning with Oprah Winfrey’s talk show, followed by Today, The View and Hannity & Colmes on Fox News. McGreevey, 49, is still in the process of divorcing his second wife.

Judge tosses two-yearold case about gay man’s attack A court in northern France has thrown out a case involving an attack on a gay man that drew nationwide attention and helped lead to a law penalizing homophobic statements, judicial officials said. Attackers allegedly doused Sebastien Nouchet with gasoline in his garden and set him ablaze in the January 2004 incident. He was hospitalized for several weeks with severe burns. He told investigators that the aggressors used anti-gay epithets during the attack. After two years, the judge in Bethune, France,

offered no reason for dropping the case.

Haters deface coservative student magazine’s racks Vandals trashed 1,200 copies of a student-run conservative magazine at the University of Georgia and wrote derogatory comments on the publication’s racks. Copies of the Georgia GuardDawg were taken from racks across campus and dumped into trash cans Thursday night, student publisher David Kirby said. Racks were marked with remarks such as “communist,” “gay” and “too liberal,” he said.

Indians split on decision to repeal anti-gay law A campaign to repeal an Indian law that makes homosexuality a crime has split young people in New Delhi and Mumbai, with about half of them in favor of scrapping the legislation, according to a survey. The poll, published in The Hindustan Times newspaper and conducted by the firm C fore, found that 52% of those surveyed in New Delhi, believe the anti-homosexuality law should be repealed. Another 31% wanted to keep the law.

Senators: Federal employees must have domestic benefits

staff reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Washington | Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn. and Gordon Smith, ROre., introduced legislation last week to extend domestic partner benefits to federal employees. Under the proposed Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act, a federal employee and same-sex domestic partner unrelated by blood and living together in a committed intimate relationship would be eligible to participate in federal retirement benefits, life insurance, health benefits. In addition, they would also be eligible to receive workers’ compensation, long term care insurance, the Family and Medical Leave program, as well as dental and vision benefits. Such employees and their domestic partners would also assume the same obligations that apply to married employees and their spouses, such as anti-nepotism rules and financial disclosure requirements long-term care insurance, and enhanced dental and vision benefits. Based on the experience of private companies and state and local governments, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that offering benefits for same-

sex domestic partners of federal employees would increase the cost of those programs by less than one half of one percent. “This bill is very Sen. Joe Lieberman says that affordable but the federal government should more lead the way with domestic partnership benefits. importantly, it is the right thing to do,” Lieberman said. “Many leading employers, including my home state of Connecticut provide benefits to domestic partners. It’s time for the federal government to catch up as extending benefits to domestic partners is fair and will help federal agencies compete for the most qualified personnel.” Smith added that “federal workers should be able to extend their benefits to loved ones. It’s a matter of fairness and I think the government should be leading the way rather than following.” More than 8,000 private-sector companies make benefits available to employees’ domestic partners, as do several hundred state and local governments. | n |

nation+world Judge: Gay couples from R.I. can marry in Massachusetts wire reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Boston | A gay couple from Rhode Island has the right to marry in Massachusetts because laws in their home state do not expressly prohibit same-sex marriage, a judge ruled recently. Wendy Becker and Mary Norton of Providence argued that a 1913 law that forbids out-of-state residents from marrying in Massachusetts if their marriage would not be permitted in their home state did not apply to them because Rhode Island does not specifically ban gay marriage. Superior Court Judge Thomas Connolly agreed. “No evidence was introduced before this court of a constitutional amendment, statute, or controlling appellate decision from Rhode Island that explicitly deems void or otherwise expressly forbids samesex marriage,” he ruled. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, which represented the couples, hailed the decision “as another step toward marriage equality.” Becker and Norton said they were thrilled. “There shouldn’t be restrictions on people who love each other and want to get married,” said Becker. “We should want more of those couples to be married, not less.” Although the ruling allows same-sex couples from Rhode Island to get married in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts court has no power to ensure that Rhode Island recognizes such marriages. No other states are affected. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch said only his state’s Legislature or courts could decide whether same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts were valid in Rhode Island. Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly agreed and said he would not appeal Connolly’s ruling. “There’s simply no reason to further burden Massachusetts courts with an issue that is for Rhode Island to decide,” said

Reilly’s spokeswoman, Meredith Baumann. But Gov. Mitt Romney, who opposes samesex marriage, sent Reilly a letter asking him to reconsider and appoint a special assistant attorney general to handle an appeal. “Same-sex couples are not currently being married in Rhode Island, and the ruling has the effect of exporting same-sex marriage from Massachusetts to Rhode Island,” Romney said in his letter. Reilly’s office had argued that Rhode Island laws’ use of gender-specific terms such as “bride” and “groom” make it clear that their intent was to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Prompted by a ruling from its highest court, Massachusetts legalized gay marriage in 2004 and remains the only state to have done so. Couples from many other states began lining up to get marriage licenses, but Romney directed municipal clerks not to give licenses to out-of-state couples, citing the 1913 law. Eight couples from six nearby states challenged the law. In March, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Massachusetts could use the 1913 law to bar gay couples from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont from marrying here. But the court said the law was unclear in New York and Rhode Island, and sent that part of the case back to a lower court for clarification. In July, New York State’s highest court said that its state law limits marriage to between a man and a woman. Connolly cited the New York court’s decision in his ruling, saying that state expressly prohibits gay marriage. That left only the Rhode Island couples free to marry in Massachusetts. Kris Mineau – president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which opposes gay marriage – predicted that people in other parts of the country will see Massachusetts as “the Las Vegas of gay marriage.” | n |

Clinton offers Prime Minister warm wishes wire reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Manchester, England | Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was finally able to offer Tony Blair some advice on life after running a country when he addressed the Labour Party’s annual conference. The former president, a huge celebrity among the Labour faithful, will speak as part of a panel on poverty and global warming, two issues he has championed since leaving the White House. Clinton and Blair were friends and

political soul mates while the former was in office, an alliance that created far less trouble at home for Blair than his current close relationship with U.S. President George W. Bush. Blair – who gave his last speech to an annual Labour gathering as leader just recently – may model his years after leaving office on Clinton’s active postpresidency, using his fame and contacts to advance a few carefully chosen issues, such as the fight against African poverty or global warming. | n |

health Panel: Curb GLBT smoking bob roehr

bob@watermarkonline.com Washington | Gays and lesbians are about twice as likely to smoke as heterosexuals, according to most research – and that has to stop, said participants at the Fourth National LGBT Anti-Tobacco Summit in Washington, D.C. Barbara Warren, director of planning and research at the LGBT Center in New York, said she believes there is a great potential in “connecting the dots between civil liberties, gay-inclusion, justice issues, and tobacco – it can be a powerful organizing tool.” She compared it with HIV in that it is both a GLBT health issue “but it also brought up a lot of issues about (gay) inclusion in our society. We were able to use it as a leveraging tool and a doorway to other things.” In posing these questions to a panel of national GLBT leaders she said, “We really are hungry for and looking to our national leaders to be more involved in the tobacco work we are doing.” Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said, “We are trying to build the infrastructure of our movement at the grassroots level by leveraging money. If you look at places where we have political power, much of that flows from solid,

strong organizations with professional staff doing meaningful programming.” He sees anti-tobacco funding from state and federal agencies as Gay Victory Fund exec Matt helping to build Foreman says that power that comes from groups doing infrastructure in meaningful work. much the same way that HIV prevention, counseling and testing funding did in the 1990s. It also helps build the credibility of those organizations among the broader public. Jennifer Woodard, from the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, said that is what is happening in the Rocky Mountain State. The state has funded them with tobacco money to coordinate stop smoking programs among seven different GLBT groups there. Woodard said they are leveraging the money to help build capacity. Foreman also pointed to another political tool, that of “earmarking” appropriations. “Most of our ‘friendly’ members of Congress have never lifted a finger to earmark funds for us,” he said. Specifying

line item funding for a GLBT organization on tobacco prevention or other health related bill “would be a very safe thing for them to do.” Jeremy Bishop, executive director of Pride at Work through the AFL-CIO, acknowledged that the group “hasn’t done any work on anti-smoking efforts” – and that should change. He said he sees state and local ordinances restricting smoking as “a workers’ rights issue.” If it is not okay for people to smoke in his office, then it is not okay for people to smoke in bars or restaurants where others must work. More controversial was his call “for the whole (GLBT) movement to come together as national signatories saying, we are not going to accept tobacco money, we are not going to accept alcohol money for any of our events or operations. Ultimately, this is blood money. It is time to say, enough is enough, you are not going to prey on us any more.” Bishop said they will be pushing that resolution at the Pride at Work annual meeting in San Diego later this year. Earl Fowlkes, president of the International Federation of Black Prides, said, “We decided very early that we weren’t taking tobacco money. There was no debate on it. When I explained how (the tobacco industry) had exploited our weaknesses (as an African-American community), it was a no-brainer. But I’m not ready to take on liquor.” “We also have adopted, to the extent that we can, that there is not to be smoking at our private events. We’re not ready to go to (a ban on smoking at) outdoor events yet.” The federation also is hoping to launch “an awareness campaign that smoking is an addiction.” Almost everyone who smokes started in their teens. Anti-smoking campaigns face tough going among youth, said Craig Bowman, executive director of the GLBToriented National Youth Advocacy Coalition. “Big tobacco is offering young people the opportunity to make a choice and have some control in their lives. We, as adults, don’t give young people that many places where they have control in their lives,” The average young person is coming out now at 13, according to Bowman. “They are having the most radicalizing experience of their lives and they are looking for any place where they can grab on and take some control.” Cigarettes are easier to get than alcohol or drugs. He called abstinence from tobacco a hard sell to youth because of the issues of control. To shape anti-tobacco messages that will be effective among gay youth, he said, “We need to ask them. They are the best experts on their own lives. There are not too many places where we are doing that.” Bowman acknowledged that it is not easy but he pointed to an HIV testing project created by young AfricanAmericans that has proven to be successful. | n |

Dems derail Ryan White reauthorization

bob roehr

bob@watermarkonline.com Washington | Objections from a handful of Democratic senators stalled reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act when the latest version of the legislation was brought to the floor for immediate action, late in the day on Sept. 26. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, tried to move the bill, which had been developed through an arduous series of bipartisan, bicameral meetings between congressional staffers and AIDS Advocates. Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., objected on behalf of some Democratic senators opposed to the legislation because their states would lose funding. That group includes New Yorkers Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer, Californians Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Bob Menendez and Frank Lautenberg from New Jersey. They have proposed extending the current funding formula for one year while negotiations continue. “I’m sorry to hear the objection,” Enzi responded. “If they truly have the HIV numbers they will get the money. If the don’t have the HIV numbers, yes, they will lose the money.” The opposition was undercut by Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., the ranking Democratic member of the committee, who has played a leading role in crafting the legislation. Kennedy said, “There are few more urgent responsibilities for Congress this week than to pass this bipartisan legislation.” “Sen. Clinton and her five Democratic colleagues should stop playing politics with this life-saving program,” said Log Cabin Republicans executive vice president Patrick Sammon. “Failure to pass this law by Oct. 1 (would) have a devastating impact on tens of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS.” Enzi and Kennedy are considering other options to passing Ryan White. The most likely one is attaching it as an amendment to another piece of legislation, perhaps the spending bill for the Department of Defense. Some AIDS advocacy organizations support that bill. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s David Munar called it “A vast improvement over the proposal submitted last year by the Bush Administration.” | n |

tampa bay real estate New residences mark progress on Franklin Street tom dyer

tom@watermarkonline.com Tampa | Once called “Tampa’s Black Eye,” North Franklin Street is finally displaying evidence that it will become the residential, commercial – and gay-friendly – area long-envisioned by city leaders. Homeowners will begin moving into the 40-unit Residences of Franklin Street this week, where all but five units have been sold. Moving trucks will also be outside The Arlington, a sold-out 21-unit condo conversion across and up the street. A few blocks away, the 32-story SkyPoint residential tower is under construction, already casting a late-afternoon shadow on the Tampa Theatre marquee. A recent study commissioned by the Tampa Downtown Partnership noted that Franklin Street has been resistant to improvements. “Abandoned retail and hotel properties have become an eyesore and a daily reminder that time has passed by this area many years ago,” the study notes before offering that revitalization of Franklin Street “has potentially the single greatest impact on perceptions of downtown.” “The empty buildings have a psychological impact,” said Paul Ayres, director of marketing and business development for TDP. He also suggested a community that should be cultivated to help

Watermark | Tom Dyer

The 32-story SkyPoint is sold out. Residents will begin moving in next spring.

fix the problem. “Gays and lesbians played a huge role in the transformation of Hyde Park, and then Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights,” he said. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a developer who doesn’t know they are a prime market for downtown.” Although real estate agents are constricted from releasing demographic information, Smith & Assoc.’s Dallas Coffield, an agent for the Residences at Franklin, The Arlington and SkyPoint, says his experience reflects that assessment. “There will be more than a good handful of gays and lesbians living in those buildings,” he said. Price may be part of the attraction. All three buildings offer a downtown lifestyle for less than $200,000. But with 380 units, the sold-out SkyPoint will likely have the most noticeable impact when residents begin moving in next spring. | n |

• Property: The Magdalena, 210 22nd Ave. NE., St. Petersburg. • Location: Olde Northeast, one block south of Coffee Pot Bayou, three blocks west of Tampa Bay. • Size: 1,100 to 1,250 square feet, each with two beds/two baths. • Price: 7 units, from $275,500 to $334,300. • Fees: $226/month HOA fee includes trash, water, cable, insurance, maintenance. • Agent: Ginny Nierenburg, ginnyn@tampabay.rr.com.

• Features: Stunning Spanish-style complex was built in 1925, converted to apartments in 1983, just updated for condo conversion by the developers of The Beacon. First floor includes five flats, second and third floors house 10 two-story town homes. All feature heart-of-pine floors, new kitchen/baths. Spacious, bright units must be experienced. Comfortable but dramatic. This is a glorious Old St. Petersburg property in a prime location.

Watermark | Tom Dyer

Expect to see moving vans in front of The Residences of Franklin Street this week.

briefs Kenwood named top 10 cottage community

South Tampa is one of the wealthiest zip codes

The July/August issue of Cottage Living named Historic Kenwood to their list of Top 10 Cottage Communities. The magazine cited the area’s Craftsman-style bungalows, hexagon-block sidewalks, brick streets, diversity and regular social gatherings. Although Kenwood was the only Florida pick, Tampa’s Hyde Park was considered but rejected because home sizes were too large to qualify as “cottages.” Property values in Kenwood have quadrupled in the past 10 years, fueled largely by an influx of industrious gays and lesbians.

Based on average home value, the wealthiest local zip codes are in the Sarasota area. Homes in Longboat Key (34228) average $705,000, and $640,000 in Siesta Key (34242). Next is Belleair Beach (33786) in Clearwater at $475,000. Hyde Park/Davis Islands/S. Tampa (33606) is fourth, with an average home value of $470,000.

tampa bay busines Pinellas will reach out to GLBT travelers staff reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Clearwater | The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau received the go-ahead to market the area to gay and lesbian travelers – but don’t expect a tagline describing the area as “gay friendly.” Ads in gay publications will use the popular “Florida’s Beach” pitch that is now used to attract traditional couples and families. Carole Ketterhagen, executive director of the bureau, believes GLBT travelers are an untapped market the area has yet to pursue. “Studies show gays and lesbians travel more than straight families,” Ketterhagen said. “We want to welcome them to our area, and expose them to the diverse community here. We do have the largest gay pride celebration in the state now.” The 2006 St. Pete Pride celebration attracted 50,000 visitors in June – about the time Ketterhagan began researching the plausibility of marketing to GLBT travelers. On Sept. 13, Pinellas County Commissioners voted 6-1 to proceed with a limited marketing program in GLBT print publications. They also clarified that they would not support any offensive or unlawful actions, such as creating clothingoptional beaches. Chairman Kenneth Welch was the only dissenting vote. He argued that marketing to a “specific sexual orientation or practice” was not the role of a government entity. The CVB will now implement a $40,000 marketing plan recommended by Community Marketing Inc. of San Francisco. In March, the San Franciscobased company surveyed 1,730 gay and lesbian consumers nationwide about their perceptions of St. Petersburg/Clear-water. Hotel representatives affiliated with the CVB strongly supported marketing to

gays and lesbians, and said retreating from it would amount to discrimination. Many pointed to similar “niche marketing” targeting AfricanAmerican and Hispanic visitors. Pinellas County Commission “I don’t Chair Kenneth Welch was the want to be lone vote against the known as a campaign. county where we’re opposed to any group,” said Timothy Bogott of the TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach. “I feel we’ve only gotten focused on gays and lesbian marketing.” That focus is shared by the statewide marketing agency, Visit Florida, which also recently announced plans to lure GLBT travelers to the Sunshine State. Visit Florida will help pay for a nationwide survey on the travel preferences of gays and lesbians, joining forces with the Florida Keys and Key West and the American Association for Nude Recreation. In total, the groups will spend $7,500 to include Florida-specific questions on the survey. “This is too big and lucrative a travel market to ignore,” said Kerri Post, vice president of new product development at Visit Florida. The timing for marketing couldn’t be better. GLBT travelers – who comprise 5% of the travel market and generally have more disposable income – take more trips during the off-season fall and spring months. Research by Community Marketing also reveals that 72 percent of GLBT travelers are more likely to visit destinations where the government tourism office has marketed specifically to them. And a full third said they would “reward” those destinations by staying longer and spending more. | n |

briefs Business Expo joins film fest Once again, the Tampa Bay Business Guild will hold its annual Business Expo on the first weekend of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. This year’s expo will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. More than 50 exhibitors are anticipated. For more information, visit TBBG.org. Business Guild elects new directors The Tampa Bay Business Guild recently elected new members to its board of directors. Brian Feist, editor and publisher of The Gazette, is president. Other board members include Tom Barker (vice president), Erick Thacher (treasurer), Michael L. Silas (secretary), Dr. Scott

Barry (directory/web chairman), Pat (The Plumber) Ditto (member information), Ian Stanislaus Gomez (member retention), Ron O’Connor (dinner programs), Dr. Karen Reese (membership), Ethan Tran (socials), Joe Soska and Steven Page. The alternative name game According to the St. Petersburg Times, Tarpon Springs-based Alternative Yellow Pages Inc. recently sued a company providing similar services in a different market for trademark infringement. Last month, the identically named Phoenix business changed its web site to TheGayPagesinc.com. Both companies publish directories for use by local gay and lesbian consumers.

tampa bay marketplace attorney

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the big story shadow the church. In 1980 the St. Petersburg Times won a Pulitzer Prize for its unflattering 12-part series on Scientology. In 2004 it published a followup on the church’s expansion in Clearwater. This past June, the Times printed a lengthy report on Scientology’s practice of socially ostracizing so-called “suppressive persons,” perceived as damaging to the church or church members. Interview subjects said the practice is ruthless and divides families. Scientology spokesperson Ben Shaw characterized the story as unfair, claiming that the sources were unreliable and that other religions have similar policies. “That is the problem with the media who write about this,” said Shaw. “They don’t understand it.”

Watermark | Tom Dyer

The 380,000 square foot Flag Building will open next year, attracting 15,000 Scientologists to Clearwater each year. | uu | SCIENTOLOGY from page 7

have more profound issues. Scientology, route to wealth and fame. with its high-tech trappings, ascending goalAs the church grew it became more religious philosophy” in Hubbard’s words. orientation and structured support system, ostentatious, acquiring a yacht and several Indeed, Scientology is not a seems like a fit for a good number of high-profile properties like the Celebrity metaphysical space for contemplation. seekers. Center International in Hollywood. This Anything but. Through a process called “Scientology is very individualistic,” attracted the attention of the Internal “auditing,” members are encouraged to said Ohio State religious studies Professor Revenue Service, which began investigating erase their fear-based “reactive mind” – Hugh B. Urban on beliefnet.com. “It claims Scientology in the 1960s. It stripped the acquired in this and previous lives. Freedom to give you ultimate power over your own church of its tax-exempt status in 1967 and and spiritual awareness result; material and accused Hubbard of skimming millions. He relationship success are a logical, inevitable mind, self, destiny, so I think it fits well with certain personalities… actors, for was never prosecuted, and died in 1986. byproduct. The most proficient achieve Then a 1991 Time “Clear” status. The magazine cover story ultimate goal of characterized the Scientology is to “Clear organization as a greedy the planet,” creating a cult, manipulating world of happiness, vulnerable members harmony and startling with false claims and productivity. costly non-counseling. Informal Sunday Former members morning services are described being held at most Scientology ruthlessly pressured into centers, but they ever more expensive resemble meetings more therapies, with little or than calls to worship. no benefit. Scientology They are de-emphasized Watermark | Tom Dyer sued for libel. The case in deference to more was eventually Scientology members rush through the streets of Downtown Clearwater to their next appointment. practical applications. dismissed in 2001. Members must pay for Significantly, auditing and other Scientology’s religious course studies – the more advanced the example.” tax-exempt status was reinstated in 1993. more costly. So why the bad rap? The church now has more than 4,000 “Scientology is a route, a way, rather Much of it was created by Hubbard churches, missions and groups in 155 than a dissertation or an assertive body of himself, a larger-than life character countries. Worldwide, more than 100 drug knowledge,” wrote Hubbard. “The distinguished by high-energy brilliance, but and alcohol treatment centers utilize technology is not expounded as something also arrogance and a propensity for cutting Scientology techniques. And a growing to believe, but something to do.” legal corners and stretching the truth about collection of celebrities – Cruise, Travolta, his background. Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley, Mimi Rogers, Bad press A successful science-fiction writer, Anne Archer and Jenna Elfman to name a Most everyone has psychic pain Hubbard established the first Church of few – put a high-profile face on Scientology they’d like to alleviate, and a yearning for Scientology in Los Angeles in 1954. It with their stardom. greater connection and fulfillment. Many became his mission, his passion, and his But negative publicity continues to

Mixed message for gays After watching an introductory DVD at the Church of Scientology Mission on Belcher Rd., a perky greeter named Kelly asks if I would like to fill out a questionnaire and talk. (Sample questions: “Is your voice monotonous rather than varied in pitch?” and “Are you perturbed at the idea of loss of dignity?”). I defer, describing myself truthfully as a middleaged gay man looking for different spiritual resources. After a pregnant pause, I ask if being gay would be a problem for me in Scientology. “Oh no,” she says quickly. “We have no problem with that. As long as something is not illegal, we make no judgments.” Befuddled, I share that there are several legal restrictions based on homosexuality, and that sex itself is considered “lewd and lascivious” and thus illegal for gays and lesbians in Florida. Knowing that it’s unfair to ask Kelly to function as church spokesmodel, I press on by asking if Scientology agrees with all laws. “Well, we have to live in society,” she says. A phone rings in the empty lobby and Kelly picks it up. “No,” she says to someone I’ve not met. “He bought a book and a DVD, but he can’t stay. He might come back on Sunday.” Possibly no aspect of Scientology is as misunderstood as its approach toward homosexuality. Seemingly every tabloid story about Cruise or Travolta mentions Scientology while simultaneously questioning their sexuality. For this reason alone, gays and lesbians are suspicious of the church and its motives. In the original Dianetics, Hubbard’s statements left little room for doubt: “The sexual pervert – and this includes any and all forms of deviation … such as homosexuality, lesbianism, sexual sadism, etc. — is actually quite ill physically.” A year later, in Science of Survival: Prediction of Human Behavior, he wrote: “Such people should be taken from Continued on page 26 | uu |

the big story | uu | SCIENTOLOGY from page 25

the society as rapidly as possible and uniformly institutionalized; for here is the level of contagion of immorality. No social order will survive which does not remove these people from its midst.” Case closed? It shouldn’t be. While shocking, Hubbard’s pronouncements reflect prevailing attitudes regarding homosexuality in the 1950s, and now seem contorted to fit into his all-encompassing world view. In a 1967 Policy Letter addressing the topic, Hubbard updated his beliefs. “It has never been any part of my plans to regulate or attempt to regulate the private lives of individuals. Whenever this has occurred it has not resulted in any improved condition. All I have been interested in, so far as Scientology law was concerned, was in removing retarding elements or practices from the path of progress toward freedom.” Nothing Hubbard wrote after that is contradictory, despite the 1976 suicide of a son rumored to by gay. The church defines marriage as between a man and a woman, but current Scientology literature is otherwise silent on the topic of homosexuality. Sexual orientation is apparently an issue only if it serves to impede the pathway to “Clear” status. Michael Pattinson apparently felt that it did. In 1998 he sued the Church of Scientology, claiming that he was falsely imprisoned and that church leaders told him that Travolta was proof that Scientology can convert gay men to heterosexuality. In his 166-page complaint, Pattinson said he spent $500,000 and 25 years – much of it in Clearwater – trying unsuccessfully to become straight. Scientology has denied the charges and prevailed thus far in court. The case remains on appeal. Keith Relkin offers a different point of view. The West Hollywood author published an article in 2000 entitled “I’m Here, I’m Queer, I’m a Scientologist” in which he said that Scientology helped him come out, get off drugs, reestablish ties with family and friends, and improve his sex life. “There are quite a few of us happy Scientologists here,” Relkin wrote. “And considering that this community is confronted by the same problems — drugs, unhappy relationships, the stress of living – Scientology will likely continue to catch on here… because those are the things Scientology addresses and has answers to.” There are several groups for gay Scientologists, including Affinity (Affinity –International.org) and ClearRainbow, a Yahoo! e-mail list. Building boom Inside Starbucks at the corner of Fort Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street, I gaze out at a steady stream of purposeful pedestrians – mostly young, and mostly dressed in black, green or khaki pants and short-sleeved white shirts. Men and women, they walk rapidly and travel in small groups, talking with each other and rarely

acknowledging passersby. It is a common site in Downtown Clearwater. “Yeah… they seem pretty focused. You can tell what level they are by the color of the pants,” says one Starbucks attendant, responding to my query. The Church of Scientology moved its worldwide spiritual headquarters to Clearwater in 1976, and has since become the largest property owner downtown. In 2004, the St. Petersburg Times reported that the church owned 21 buildings and a dozen vacant lots in Clearwater. Valued at $46 million, they make Scientology the largest taxpayer in the city. But the church is also in the midst of an unprecedented building boom. The $50 million Flag Building, scheduled to open next year, will attract an estimated 15,000 Scientologists to Clearwater each year. In response, as many as 900 downtown condos and townhouses are being developed – mostly by Scientologists. According to the Times, more than 1,000 church members move to the city each year. As many as 200 own businesses in or near Clearwater’s once-distressed downtown. “You can’t separate Salt Lake City and the Mormons, and you can’t separate Clearwater and Scientology,” developer and Scientologist Ray Cassano told the Times. “We may be a bigger presence here because Clearwater is a smaller city.” Attorney Lou Kwall, a nonScientologist with offices downtown, agreed. “It’s their town,” he said. “The reality is Scientology is much more in charge of Downtown Clearwater than anyone ever anticipated it would be.” The Scientology saturation may prevent Clearwater from experiencing the same gay-fueled urban renaissance currently taking place in St. Petersburg and Tampa. Would outreach to gays be useful? The Affinity web site suggests that the possibility is unlikely. “We’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t,” the posting said. “If we don’t reach out to the gay community, the lie spreads that we exclude gays from our churches. If we reach out to the gay community, the lie spreads that we ‘target gays.’ Neither of them is true.” | n | Local churches of Scientology Church of Scientology of Tampa 3102 N. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33607 813-872-0722 Scientology-tampa.org Church of Scientology of Seminole 902 E. Louisiana Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 Church of Scientology of Plant City 102 N. Collins St. Plant City, FL 33567 Church of Scientology of Orlando 1830 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 407-895-9917 Scientology-orlando.org

| preview | feature | orlando | tampa_bay | sarasota | state | nation | health | real estate | business | viewpoint | art_culture_events_ | lifestyle || October 5-18, 2006 | Watermark | 27

orlando real estate

Watermark | Tom Dyer

The Mills & Nebraska Lumber site is being demolished to make way for a development featuring 564 condominiums.

ViMi District facelift begins kirk hartlage

kirk@watermarkonline.com Property: 14 Lawsona Blvd. Location: Lake Lawsona Historic District/Thornton Park Size: 1,200 square feet, with three beds/one bath. Price: $434,900. Agent: Troy Bryant, OldeTownBrokers.com. Features: If you want done, this charming contemporary bungalow has been completely updated in one of the most desirable gayborhoods in town.

Features include refinished wood floors, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, slate tile, inviting front porch and backyard party deck. Perfection – if you can make do with one bath.

Realtors or sellers who want to have a striking home or other real estate news to share with our 40,000-plus readers, email realestate@watermarkonline.com.

Orlando | The bad news: ViMi District residents and businesses have an estimated three years of construction and traffic snarls to endure. The good news: once redevelopment of the property stretching several blocks north from the corner of Mills Avenue and Virginia Drive is complete, it will be yet another trendy urban destination for Orlando. And nearby homeowners, including scores of gays and lesbians, will likely see their property appreciate even further. Several contiguous buildings and properties, including the old Mills & Nebraska Lumber site, have been purchased by Pelloni Development of Lake Mary at a cost of $44.2 million. Demolition has begun on the site, and Pelloni will revitalize the choice 15-acre parcel with several mixeduse buildings. Included will be 300,000 square feet of general and medical office space; 90,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space; two parking garages; a performing arts venue; a public plaza for community gatherings – and a whopping 564 residential units. Announcement of commercial tenants remains at least a year away. But at least one signature restaurant, similar to Thornton Park’s Hue and Church Street Station’s Kres, is planned for the project. The state and city will make road improvements, but changes like widened sidewalks, landscaping and distinctive traffic and street lights will be paid for by the developer. The overall plan also includes pedestrian access, bicycle lanes, beefed up bus service, and sensitivity to onstreet parking concerns for area small businesses. City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said these are all part of the mixed land use blueprint for the busy corridor that serves as the city’s northern gateway, connecting Orlando to Winter Park. “Improvements are happening as far as the long term vision is concerned,” said Sheehan, who lives just a stone’s throw from the Pelloni project. “Progress may

seem slow, but we’ve moved forward as we’ve been able to get funding.” Sheehan is especially eager for the bike trail along the old Dinky Line railroad corridor. From Pelloni’s development it will continue into Loch Haven Park, then into Orwin Manor and back along the rail line through the old OUC property, ending behind Antique Row near Lava Lounge on Orange Avenue. FDOT grants will be used to improve several crossroads along Mills, including Park Lake Street, Marks Street and Lake Highland Drive. Local residents have expressed concern about increased cut-through traffic. Sheehan said they have been addressed. “Good redevelopment doesn’t mean closing off neighborhoods, turning them into suburban-style gated communities,” she said. “What’s proposed is a win-win for everyone. I’m very happy.” But demolition, and the prospect of increased rents, has forced some businesses out of the area. GayDays.com has rented space on Virginia Avenue for the past eight years. The organization’s vice president for sales and marketing, Chris AlexanderManley, recently announced it will relocate to Kirkman Road, where they can be closer to the attractions where Gay Days Weekend events are staged. That move, and the planned relocation of the GLBCC, suggests that the area may never become a gay commercial epicenter like Wilton Drive near Fort Lauderdale. But several gay-owned businesses remain, including Lee James Floral Designs, Palm Properties, Blue Bistro, Ritzy Rags, John Michael Catering, House of Flowers, Studz and Friends Restaurant. Sheehan noted that many Vietnamese business owners along Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive have strengthened their ties with the neighborhood by investing in it. “My suggestion to any small business in the area is to try to purchase property while you can,” Sheehan said. “Or, get a good long-term lease.” | n |

orlando business Orlando Gay Yellow Pages hits the streets kirk hartlage

Parker shared that the main source for sales was referrals from local gays and kirk@watermarkonline.com lesbians who had found certain businesses to be gay friendly. Orlando | Central Florida consumers “We hit a few stumbling blocks,” looking for gay and gay-friendly business Parker said, “but we’ve been really referrals now have an additional source for surprised at how well the community has information. The Orlando Gay Yellow accepted us. We’re incredibly thankful for Pages is a new phone book and web site that, and happy to see how many gayfeaturing businesses reaching out to the friendly businesses with an open mind are GLBT community. The online version has out there. The number of business owners been available since June. After production looking for ways to reach the gay delays, the 200-page print book was community is just incredible.” distributed last The first of two printings month. totaling 80,000 copies was OGYP owners recently mailed to advertisers Shelbi Parker and and distributed to 50 locations, Stephen Bloss including high-traffic GLBT patterned their establishments like The guide after similar Parliament House, Southern resource Nights and the Gay, Lesbian publications in and Bisexual Community other major Center. The print book was first metropolitan areas. touted as being available in The two longJuly, but production issues time friends from delayed the debut for two Oklahoma moved months. Parker said that OGYP to the Fort maintained contact with Lauderdale area to advertisers, and that none work on a gay The 2006 Orlando Gay Yellow Pages expressed concern or regret for yellow pages contains 200 pages of listings and ads. advertising. book. Last year “This was our first time they relocated to publishing our own yellow pages. Frankly, Orlando, and set out to introduce the we didn’t know exactly how long it would concept to Central Florida. take between seeing the final proofs and the “We saw a need for this publication in actual product,” said Parker. the area,” said Parker. “There’s not another The book’s second printing will be publication here like it.” available in January 2007, and advertising The company’s web site states that for that publication closes at the end of the product is designed to provide the October. Ad rates range from $595 for a text GLBT community with a directory of listing to $2,995 for a full-color full page. product and service providers that are open At $8,000 and $6,500, the front and back to alternative lifestyles and do not judge covers are already sold. Parker expects the people based on their sexual orientation. next edition to grow to between 300 to 350 Also, the directory hopes to bridge the gap pages, including listings in Orange, between the mainstream and GLBT Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler and communities. Lake Counties. Parker credits the staff of 10 with Copies of OGYP, as well as OGYP’s success out of the blocks. advertising information, can be obtained at Businesses listed in the book range from 877-GAY –MEDIA, or at acupuncturists to massage therapists to www.OrlandoGayYellowPages.com. |n| veterinarians.

briefs Hamburger Mary’s planned Hamburger Mary’s, the campy burger franchise with locations in some of the gayest neighborhoods in the nation, is headed for Orlando. The likely location is the corner of Orange Blossom Trail and Amelia Street across from the Parliament House, where owners Don Granatstein and Susan Unger have been quietly buying surrounding properties. The plan? To turn the surrounding neighborhood – mostly warehouses at present – into a Wilton Manors-type GLBT enclave. Stay tuned.

HRC holds estate planning seminar Estate planning tools and the recently enacted Pension Bill were the topics at a Sept. 27 seminar sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign. The organization’s director for estate planning, Timothy L. Mahoney, joined with local financial and estate planning professionals to provide information and answer questions from two dozen attendees at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Downtown Orlando.

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viewpoint

You’ll Find Hope Amid the Doom, Destruction Georgia Jenkins

t’s a nasty little fact of human nature that most of us have an innate ability to justify even the most abhorrent behavior or belief when it’s ourselves who commit the deed. Stealing is wrong – until I am hungry. Violence is uncalled for – until I am attacked. Torture is unconscionable – until my loved ones are threatened by what you know. Crises that become personal tend to induce a sudden review of your ethics. If you look closely at the photos from the shuttle doing trazillion-dollar backflips in space, you can just make out that sign sticking out of the Earth below that reads, “Where am I going? And, why am I in this handbasket?” It’s a little hard to read through the toxic fog of both industry and intolerance spewing from all the places in which humans dwell and desire. The planet seems to be having a zillion crises, all personal to some. Here we are in America, with our leaders insisting we’re tripping breezily along the yellow brick road to democracy in Iraq, while the ideals of democracy become ever more distorted and deranged here at home. The head of our land of the free is trying to quietly get himself pardoned for his illegal spying on American citizens (learn more at Moveon.org), and trying to justify the secret foreign interrogation sites he first swore we didn’t have and now swears are necessary. Why? Because he says so,

that’s why. Not that we’re torturing people, of course. We are interrogating them effectively, something that apparently cannot be accomplished within the geographical domain of the U.S. Why? Because he says so, that’s why. Closer to our Florida shores, the oilmen’s bitch, the U.S. Department of the Interior is busy gutting former environmental protections and restrictions to pave the way for the oil companies to drill hundreds more holes in the Gulf of Mexico in search of the industrial-age narcotic, petroleum. This is being done even though that same Department of the Interior admits it would somehow not extend our supply beyond 10 years. Much of that supply is located in sensitive marine and coastal regions not meant to be disturbed unless dire crisis arises. Can we really claim it’s a crisis when it’s been foreseen and forewarned for years and years? Meanwhile, the head of the Catholic Church has managed to offend about five gazillion militant Muslims with his suggestion that dialogue and enlightenment might go further toward awakening the world to the power and beauty of Islam than, say, beheadings and bombings. The jihadists’ “revolutionary” response: More promises of more beheadings and bombings. Are these people for real? Do they have a clue how many people are on this planet these days, and how fast more are coming? The pope, for his part, seems not to have noticed that the extremist concept of “forgiveness” apparently went the way of their sense of humor. A lot of the crises going on – crises of all political, social and environmental stripes – seem to be spawned and connected by a common thread of shortsightedness. And so far our institutional responses to our crises have exhibited this stunning myopia as well. From not thinking the New Orleans levees could fail to not thinking people could run out of things like water or gas or arable land, the institutions of nations including our own have suffered from a remarkable lack of imagination. Like addicts, we humans seldom

change our bad old ways without resources in innovative ways that don’t convulsions of protest, attempts at assume the two concepts are mutually deception and intermittent relapses. It’s exclusive. We’re speaking up for the easy to despair over the state of things, voiceless and speaking to each other but progress is from across oceans, rarely linear. across cultures. We’re Much more teaching. We’re Not that we’re torturing challenging is learning. people, of course. We the effort to look It’s a slow beneath the process, and we’re are interrogating them surface to learn barely pulling a “C-.” effectively, something what’s We probably should germinating have been sent to that apparently cannot there, to allow detention by now, but be accomplished within change to occur we’re learning. And in the geographical organically as a the grand scale of product of Earth’s history, domain of the U.S. growth – not humans, after all, are force, to allow only kindergartners. If transformation, in fact, at all. we apply ourselves (like your report card And beneath the surface of all the which always said you didn’t), we might things smoldering on our little blue-green still make it to senior year without orb, millions of positive transformations getting expelled. are occurring. Renewable energy Georgia Jenkins is a Daytona sources, sustainable forestry and farming Beach writer, paramedic and massage and fishing methods, education and therapist who can be reached at communication reaching into the remote georgia@watermark-online.com. | n | corners of the world … beyond religion or sexuality or ethnicity, we human animals are bound by our need for these things, and only we can give them to each other. We’re doing it, sometimes one individual at a time. We’re sharing knowledge and ideas, the currency of the future. We’re working together to employ and protect people and natural

viewpoint midst the tools, fertilizer and carwashing implements on my garage shelves sits a deflated beach ball in all the bright colors one would expect. I think God sent it to me with an apology to the gay community. I lunched with my friend Mark one day. Mark had once been involved in charismatic ministry but left it to come out. He partnered with a nice Jewish fellow and was no longer involved in a church of any kind. He, like so many gay men and women with deep roots in a faith culture, chucked it all and tried to forget. It had been very painful, and he hadn’t forgotten. Mark sat across the table and told me an unforgettable story. It was a beautiful Sunday at the beach with his partner. All the Christians from his past were tucked away neatly in their ivory tower for a couple hours – or, so he thought. The waves lapped the shore line and the sun warmed the sand where their toes touched playfully. While sunscreen screened and seagulls did what seagulls do, the laughter of a little girl playing with her daddy drew Mark’s attention. All of a sudden, the girl’s beach ball rolled with the breeze to where my friend lay and bumped his foot. The ball had something it needed to say. The father and little girl followed the ball to engage Mark and his partner in small talk. Mark knew it was rather apparent that they were a couple. The dad turned to leave with daughter and ball in hand but abruptly turned around and

signposts

A That beach ball has something on its mind the Rev. Robert Morgan

requested permission to ask Mark a man delivered his word from the Lord: question. My friend said, “Sure, ask away.” “I’m sorry for everything the church has The man’s words froze Mark in the done to hurt you.” hot sand. Mark punctuated the story with As I replayed those words in my an editorial comment. head, I saw something in my peripheral “Robert, I had no idea how much vision. I couldn’t believe my eyes. There, repressed anger I had toward the church blowing across the green grass on my right until he asked me his question,” he was a beach ball! No kids. No pools. No interjected over lunch. The man turned to one was playing in the grass – just a lone Mark and asked, “Do you know the way to beach ball shouting out its message from Heaven?” God. “I’m sorry for Anger rose everything the church up inside Mark. has done to hurt you.” He couldn’t help but He believed the I pulled over and remember the church’s man had retrieved the ball. God determined they sent it to me. Its left foot of fellowship were gay and message was loud and kicking him to the curb prepared for clear. I called Mark on once before. attack. The stern my cell phone. “Mark, answer came you won’t believe back with bitter what’s sitting beside me restraint as Mark braced for the man’s in my car,” I said. I was trembling. He assault. could hardly believe it. The ball sits on my “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about garage shelf but the message lives on in it,” Mark remarked. The dad dropped his my heart. head and again started to walk away. Still Some of you may need to embrace the beach ball was on a mission and still the message the beach ball brought from had something it needed to say. God. As a minister, I say to you personally, Boldly but with deep sensitivity, the “I’m so very sorry for the wounds inflicted man looked Mark in the eye and said, “I upon you by the religious system you came have a word from the Lord for you.” Mark out of.” Fear and ignorance make people held his breath and thought, “Hmm, here it do terrible things, sometimes in the Name comes: Leviticus or Romans?” He couldn’t of God. If you can understand, you can help but remember the church’s left foot of forgive. If you can forgive, you can heal. If fellowship kicking him to the curb once you heal, you can help others do the same. before. You can rise above your religious abuse The man’s words hit Mark squarely and move on to healthy spirituality thanks between the eyes – and also in that wellin part to the message of the beach ball. walled place of his heart where he still Don’t hold your breath waiting for secretly missed the spiritual reality he once the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Rev. Pat enjoyed. The beach ball’s mission came Robertson or Dr. James Dobson to down to this “word from the Lord”: “I’m apologize. It ain’t gonna happen! sorry for everything the church has done to Accepting that God Himself would hurt you,” the man said. actually apologize for what His people Pow! With the ball’s message from have done is a powerful thought to me and God delivered, he walked away. Mark sat I hope, a help to you. in stunned silence a long time. “I’m sorry for what the church has “You OK?” his partner asked. He done to hurt you.” wasn’t. Now it’s your turn to pass the beach I was equally stunned listening to ball on to someone else. | n | Mark’s story. An apology from God? I left our lunch and thought about it as I drove to pick up my kids for the weekend. I replayed every word of the story over again in my head so I would not forget a single detail. I got to the part where the

viewpoint

mailbox Birdsall Campaigned for Many Reasons ow that the election is over, I that despicable. She has never put her wanted to explain my reasons for money where her mouth is. seeking a seat on the 4. On another level, I wanted to do Hillsborough County School Board. my tiny part in fighting against Ronda 1. I ran as an openly gay candidate Storms’ ridiculous pride policy by to be an example to GLBT youth and making “gay” something positive instead even GLBT adults. I wanted them to see of the negative connotation it has in someone who isn’t afraid for his job or Hillsborough County politics. Brad what people think, so it would encourage Swanson attempted to insinuate that Rose others to do the same. One of the main Ferlita was “pro-gay” in letters this past things gay election, using the gay youth tell me is card negatively. I want that they to do my part to If one person follows “know” a counteract that my lead, that teacher is gay, nonsense. It is but the teacher important to point out particular person is not out and is that I did not receive might do a better job worried about one single hate letter, running for office and hate e-mail or hate his/her job. That teacher phone call. be a better example. will not help 5. I campaigned the students to force the school form a gay-straight alliance by signing on district to deal with the harassment of gay as a sponsor. I want them to see an adult youth by speaking about it. This issue who is not afraid so that they feel will come up again, and it is not supported. something it can ignore. 2. I campaigned hoping other I ran to put myself out there as a gift openly gay people might decide to run for to the GLBT community – and what the public office. If one person follows my community does with that is up to them. lead, that particular person might do a better job running for office and be a Bart Birdsall better example. via e-mail 3. I wanted to expose Candy Olson as the non-ally to the GLBT community. Letters to the editor are always She has told me many times she is on the welcome, but they may be edited for same page as I am. However, she has not length and clarity. Send them to done anything to help the gay community Watermark via e-mail at publicly. I believe she could very well be editor@watermarkonline.com, or to pro-gay on a personal level, but she cares Letters, P.O. Box 533655, Orlando, FL more about her political career than 32803. | n | whether gay kids are bullied or not. I find

viewpoint

publisher’s desk n Watermark’s twelve year history, many people have asked me about the challenges involved in publishing a newspaper. The biggest, by far, is dealing with the awareness that it can always be better. There are always stories that don’t get told — particularly true when you’re trying to cover several markets. The ones we get to could always be researched better, written better and displayed better. And the newspaper as a whole could always do a better job of portraying the richness and diversity of the GLBT experience in some very exciting metropolitan areas. So it’s occasionally worthwhile to step back and look at how well you’re accomplishing your goals. We did that at Watermark recently, and this issue reflects that process. It’s a first stab at a redefinition and evolution that we hope you’ll respond to in coming months and years. We decided that instead of just summarizing the news, we want to tell our readers things they may not know. My look at the Clearwater-based Church of Scientology and how it addresses gays and lesbians is the first in a series of “big stories.” In coming issues, watch for the most candid interview ever with Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, an investigation into the relationship between gays and their local police departments, and an expose on the troubling crystal meth explosion. We also know that many of you are hungry

Tom Dyer PUBLISHER

sections for contact info. As Watermark has grown from three fulltime employees to 11, I’ve also learned – yet seem always to forget — that it’s about the process as much as the product. With limited for practical news about business, financial and resources, the staff here continually achieves real estate matters. So we’ve expanded those excellence with a grace that eludes me. Because sections, and throughout the newspaper clearly it can always be better. distinguished between items from Tampa Bay This issue gives me an opportunity to thank and Orlando. each of them in front of you, our readers — Cultural interests play a huge role in particularly editor Dave Wiethop, sales manager defining our GLBT lives. In regular columns, Don Williams, business manager Rick Claggett, we’ll now cover movies, theatre, television, new and creative director Charlie Carbollo… who is electronic media, now on his 26th straight hour music and books. trying to get this issue to the And a rotating third printer on time. I reclaimed this section of the paper And finally a special nod column because will address a to Keith Baber and Jim different lifestyle there’s more to talk Crescitelli, who have been part topic in depth. In this of Watermark since its about than I can issue, its our inception. After 12 years, their ambitious annual Fall repress. respective columns have been Real Estate Guide retired, but I look forward to looks. Next time, energetic, expansive contributions from both in we’ll announce our WAVEs (Watermark Awards coming issues. for Variety and Excellence), and after that we’ll I reclaimed this column because there’s look at food and restaurants just in time for the more to talk about than I can repress. Next issue holidays. I’ll weigh on in Foleygate or the like. But in the Finally, you’ll see a little gossip… and lots meantime, let us know. Did we get better? Share more pictures. Leafing through the current issue your ideas and let us know what you think.. | n | of Watermark, we want you to feel like you’re browsing through a GLBT scrapbook of the previous two weeks. We’ve already discovered that there is no shortage of photo opportunities. And we want you to send us your news and photos. See our “Shot On Site” and “Overheard”

THE TAMPA INT’L GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS IN A LAST-MINUTE TREAT – ONE THAT’S MAYBE A LITTLE RACIER THAN USUAL lawrence ferber ovie directors have gone to extraordinary, unexpected lengths to gain their cast and crew’s trust or coax performances. Add actor/writer/director John Cameron Mitchell to that ever-growing list of auteurs. While shooting Shortbus, his dramedy about a group of New Yorkers who intersect at a progressive underground salon/sex party – which features explicit, very real sex – one of the lead actors felt that Mitchell should show solidarity by going to the same lengths he expected his cast to. “She was like, ‘If we have to have sex, you should do something,’” he recalls. “I said, ‘alright, I’ll do something I haven’t done – I’ll eat pussy.’ So I eat pussy for the first time in one shot. I didn’t get turned on, but I realized that from that angle I could see the actors and could continue to direct them from down there, so that was fun.” The long-awaited follow-up to 2001’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Mitchell’s second feature as director, Shortbus begins as a gay couple, depressed former hustler James (Paul Dawson) and extroverted former child actor Jamie (PJ DeBoy), seek relationship help from a couples counselor/sex therapist, Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee). But Sofia is dealing with her own relationship problem – she’s never had an orgasm with her husband, Rob (Raphael Barker). So her new clients take her to Shortbus, a modern-day underground salon where art, discussion, music and sex intermingle. At Shortbus, Sofia meets Severin (Lindsay Beamish), an emotionally jaded dominatrix who may hold the key to her G-spot. Meanwhile, James and Jamie welcome a third lover, youthful Ceth (Jay Brannan), into their relationship, much to the chagrin of an acrossthe-street stalker, Caleb (Peter Stickles), who obsessively spies on them. Can this diverse group of individuals reconcile their love and sex lives. Or must they ultimately exist apart?

Such a brain slam Sprinkled amongst the cast are some of New York’s best-loved queer and underground performers, including Justin Bond (of Kiki and Herb), drag king Murray Hill, film guru Stephen Kent Jusick (whose real-life event, dubbed Cinesalon, served as an inspiration), and musician Scott Matthew. Gorgeous animation sequences by John Bair – an amalgamation of CGI and miniatures depicting the

city and its outer boroughs – bridge the film together, which is ultimately a celebration of and valentine to the city and its omnisexual denizens. It’s a place, scene and population where Mitchell himself came of age, explored his sexuality and developed as an artist and person. “In the film, a character talks about New York being the place everyone comes to get fucked, metaphorically or literally,” Mitchell says. “To bend over and see what life has got to give you. It’s the where I came of age, where I first was sexually active. “But it was also a place where I had to prove myself. It’s a brusque, direct city. And that was new to me because I came from a very conservative, uncommunicative environment. Very Catholic, military. There was directness but not a lot of honesty and the city requires honesty to get by. New York is Walt Whitman – I sing the body electric, f—k the world, f—k me. It taught me a directness I didn’t have.” The story and characters would be developed through improvisational workshops, a la the films of Mike Leigh, and the actors playing couples and sexual partners would need to have genuine sexual chemistry together. Mitchell dubbed this ambitious undertaking the “Sex Film Project” and, in early 2003, he, producer Howard Gertler, and casting director Susan Shopmaker held an “open call” via the internet and trade ads, soliciting audition videos from thespians and would-be thespians willing to have real sex onscreen. Nearly 500 tapes arrived. Mitchell says that few full-time or professional actors submitted tapes – most maintained other artistic endeavors or careers. “Sook-Yin is a journalist and musician and filmmaker,” he notes. “PJ is a musician. Paul is a writer.” Aside from chemistry, Mitchell says practical concerns included STDs (everyone who made it to the workshop stage was extensively tested, while background actors who had sex – dubbed “Sextras” – were all pre-existing sexual partners) and representing a wide variety of different body types (on the de facto lack of small penises onscreen: “You know, there are a couple of average penises but you have to look. I didn’t really check size when I cast, it kind of turned out that way. And of course the screen does add 10 pounds.”). Whoops – tried too soon Once filming began, Mitchell admits a few unforeseen sex-related complications arose, resulting in the occasional comedy of errors. “Some people tried Viagra and took it too early,” he recalls, “so they were on Viagra during some dialogue scene and had to take it again. Some people came by accident, or the camera missed them and we had to do it again.”

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scene+heard Other times, the sex was as good at it gets for both the filmmaker and the actors. “The female orgasms, I think we counted seven orgasms – real orgasms – onscreen,” he adds. “Only one is simulated. I’m not telling which one.” During the extensive improvisational workshops, Mitchell encouraged his omnisexual cast (none of whom, refreshingly, are sheepish about their reallife queerness) to incorporate elements of their own lives into the story and characters. Yet DeBoy and Dawson, close friends who became a bona fide couple over the course of the film’s making, stress that it was equally important to not simply play who they really were. “The reason John wanted us to dig around in our own sexual and emotional baggage was to get the authenticity of the character you see,” says Dawson. “He wanted us to be playing things that were important to us and that we were especially equipped to play. But also he was clear from the beginning this wasn’t a reality entertainment project and in order to do this process we were going to have to distinguish ourselves.” “It was very important to have the characters not be us at all,” DeBoy adds. “That’s why it was such a great experience creatively.” Dawson and DeBoy shared some pretty intimate experiences with co-star Jay Brannan – famously, a riotous three-way scene during which they sing The Star Spangled Banner.

me it was as big or bigger of a challenge and fear to do the acting stuff as sex stuff. Because I’m self-conscious and insecure I’m not that comfortable in front of the camera. But doing this project helped me work through some of that.” Like Brannan, the Los Angeles-based Beamish (one of the few cast members who identifies as heterosexual – although she’s open to same-sex possibilities) had also grown frustrated with acting in Hollywood. Yet when referred to Mitchell by her friend Miranda July, Beamish flew to New York and joined the in-progress improvisational sessions

(she was replacing an actress who dropped culture. But not all of those elements and out). scenes made it to the final cut. One cut “I loved and trusted John right away sequence saw Ceth masturbating while and wanted to help cruising online porn ads, text him make his vision messaging and instant come true,” messaging at the same time “I THINK WE Beamish says. “And when, just as he ejaculates, his it was very mother calls. COUNTED affirming to me as “It’s a bit of a satire on SEVEN an actress. It’s hard, this multitasking thing that as Jay was saying, overwhelms us and we end up ORGASMS – to live in LA and not being able to audition for shitty at all,” Mitchell REAL ORGASMS communicate TV commercials. says. And a subplot in which But it was definitely the character of Caleb was – ONSCREEN. like I finally felt working as the Bush twins’ ONLY ONE IS like I got to personal assistant, constantly accomplish what I with President SIMULATED. I’M communicating always thought I Bush via a wireless headset could do and was (which he’s still seen wearing NOT TELLING given the in the final cut), was excised. WHICH ONE.” opportunity to “We found that it called too realize my much attention to this potential.” character,” Mitchell explains. Beamish also had an opportunity to “It was an editing decision, but it’ll all be do a little bit of method research for her in the DVD.” | n | role, learning the ins and outs of the dominatrix arts. “As soon as I learned all the whip techniques I had a huge desire to beat up every man I saw,” she laughs. “It What: Shortbus at TIGLFF unleashed some latent thing in me!” When: 9:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13. All of the actors praise Mitchell and Who: Written and directed by John Cameron the creative atmosphere that allowed them Mitchell. Where: Channelside Cinemas. to journey down sometimes outrageous, Tickets: $9 for single tickets; discounts provocative directions and come up with also available. Visit TIGLFF.com for details. some very funny riffs on pop and political

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Started – and then stopped Singer/songwriter Brannan moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting but became disenchanted and quit. Then a friend spotted a Sex Film Project ad in a trade magazine and thought Brannan, by that point working as a receptionist, might be interested. Brannan was intrigued, albeit intimidated by the real sex aspect. “I thought I’ll send in the audition tape and take it one step at a time,” he recalls. “I believed in what John was trying to do and if it is something I believe in why not. He’s so good at creating an environment that’s safe and comfortable and it’s very validating. For 42 | Watermark | October 5-18, 2006 | preview | feature | orlando | tampa_bay | sarasota | state | nation | health | real estate | business | viewpoint | art_culture_events_ | lifestyle |

movies Brokeback crushed by early bloomer Crash. review fter a seven year absence, there’s a lot to catch up on – from the good (Hollywoodland), the bad (the Star Wars latest trilogy) and the ugly. And speaking of ugly, there’s Crash. When I was watching this film, I turned to my friend and said, “You know what? Racism is bad.” To give credit where it’s due, I didn’t mind the direction and I thought the David Almeida performances were quite good. (That scene where Matt Dillon rescues Thandie Newton: gutwrenching.) It was the dialogue that bothered me – I just had a tough time buying all of those characters spewing such negative racist stuff openly to anyone listening. We gay folk know all too well that most people don’t wear their prejudices on their sleeves. Dialogue that drives the theme home with the subtlety of a sledgehammer is not Oscar material in my book. Let’s just say my review of this film is one word that rhymes with its title. Now immediately you’re going to think, “Oh the bitter queen wanted Brokeback Mountain to win.” Well to be honest, I really thought it would be the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, but it didn’t even get a Best Pic nom. So what happened? Well Brokeback, if you’ll excuse the expression, blew its wad in the limited release preceding its mass opening. By the time the smaller markets got to see it, the film couldn’t live up to its own hype. Also, Crash was filmed in Los Angeles, employing about 100 actors and extras. Brokeback, on the other hand, employed 11 Hollywood actors, and was shot on location in Canada and Wyoming. The real biggie is that Crash’s

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distributor sent more than 130,000 DVDs of the film to the entire membership of the actors’ and writers’ guilds during the pre-award season – about 10 times as many as is typical. That’s Hollywood: It’s all about marketing and employment opportunities. (Though I would love to think that it was a really close race – you know, like a popular-vote-vs.-electoralvote thing?) Comedy Central goes to the movies Another treat this summer was the big screen version of Strangers with Candy which had a brief run at area art theatres. If you’re a fan of the TV show, a spoof of Afterschool Specials that brings new meaning to the word wrong, you will love being reunited with Amy Sedaris’ omnisexual 48-year-old high school freshman Jerri Blank. The supporting cast (including Stephen Colbert, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker) keep the laughs coming that will entertain the die-hard SWC fans (myself included) as well as newcomers unfamiliar with the TV show. It is not on the level of South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut as far as taking the original and catapulting it to astronomic levels of hilarity and delight. But it isn’t anything close to the disappointment that was Jiminy Glick in La-La Wood, a sadly convoluted and rarely funny big-screen adventure of Martin Short’s hilariously clueless Hollywood reporter. Short is at his best when he is improvising his disastrous celebrity interviews; there’s none of that in the film, so don’t even bother to rent it. Up next – get ready for Reno 911!: Miami next year. Ben “Junior” Garant and Thomas “Dangle” Lennon are writing and directing – considering their last joint big-screen venture was the unexpectedly enjoyable Herbie: Fully Loaded, my hopes are high.

Toni Collette (from left), Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Steve Carell and Greg Kinnear in a scene from Little Miss Sunshine. Little Miss Sunshine Hands down, this is the most delightful film of the year so far. A family (parents Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear, uncle Steve Carell and grandpa Alan Arkin) find themselves on a road trip to take darling tyke Abigail Breslin to compete in a junior beauty pageant. This atypical story with quirky but likable characters is heartwarming, funny, and

dramatic, and it builds to a finale that is touching and hilarious at the same time. (Interesting fact: Breslin was shielded from Arkin’s potty-mouth lines by having real music piped into her earphones while shooting the car scenes.) Few films capture the essence of family – warts and all – as well as this one. (****)

theater

Anne Hering (left) as Jack’s Mother and Heather Lea Charles as the Baker’s Wife stand at attention as the woods become less and less friendly in Into the Woods.

Woods offers so much, yet left me so cold et’s get the over-the-top adjectives out of the way at the beginning: It’s “remaaaark-able” and “a-maaaze-ing” and “sen-saaaat-ional” that Orlando has two Stephen Sondheim shows playing at the same time. So, they’re not his most recent – or even his gay-friendliest – pieces, but they’re here if we want to see them. The Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival presents the openly gay Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods through Oct. 8, with every Dave Wiethop justifiably super-imposed performance put into place. It’s actually quite a good show, but it does remind some of us how much we quietly enjoyed dreck like South Pacific or My Fair Lady much more than this. (The other Sondheim show, Sweeney Todd, plays at the Mad Cow Theatre Stage Left through Oct. 22.) Let’s look at Into the Woods. With one exception – and I’ll get to that one soon – the roles are nearly perfectly cast. You get to meet a lot of characters from our childhood fairy tales very quickly, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and his Mother, and the Baker and his Wife. Later on, you’ll meet the wicked witch (at least one of them), Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and an assortment of husbands, boyfriends and children. This is one very populated area of Germany. And it’s important to understand that the first act is long – at least that’s what my bladder told me. There is a lot of exposition to move through, quite a bit of action to describe and a lot of characters to reintroduce (or, in my case, introduce. Who was the Baker, anyway?). It’s fun to see them all interact too. Rapunzel, we learn, is the sister of the baker, and not many people offer Little Red Riding Hood the regard she believes she has earned. Pity. Yet by the end of the second act, the bodies have piled up in a very not-so-fairytale but very-Stephen-Sondheim sort of way. I hate to say it, but I had lost most of my interest by this time. Was Jack’s giant

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dead? I think so – but I really wasn’t sure. How about the Baker’s Wife? Again, not so sure – but probably. The Wicked Witch (incredibly cast as Thursday Farrar in full witch makeup, poorly cast as a noble woman)? I think she was gone. So, what’s the problem with Into the Woods? Several things, actually: For one, I wasn’t my usual jovial self the night I attended and a little nap here and there just felt so damned good. And, the show seemed to be slow enough that I’d be able to catch up without a lot of questions during the intermission. I was wrong – so, so wrong! By the time that the Baker finally talked the rather high-strung Little Red Riding Hood out of her crimson cape, she threw such a hissie-fit that he gave it back. Good riddance, I thought. Here’s your cape because there must be another one somewhere in these woods. Now, stop shrieking! I can offer so much praise to the performers, about half of whom are members of Actors Equity. Robby Sharpe excels as Jack, and Anne Hering hits her notes as his mother. Equity’s David Kelley is remarkable as Cinderella’s prince, while non-union performer Ariel Heller shines as Rapunzel’s beau in the evening’s best number, Agony. And, Heather Lea Charles is ebullient as the torn and wise-beyondher-years Baker’s Wife. But is it enough? I wish it had been. One of the nicest things about fairy tales is that they almost always end happily – after all, that’s what is meant by the “and lived happily ever after.” But Into the Woods takes that marvelous pastiche and turns it head over heels for us. That basic premise simply does not sit right with me – and I’m so upset that I didn’t recognize this years ago. It’s not that I didn’t like Into the Woods, because I do. It’s that I didn’t love Into the Woods, despite its attention to detail, rich and heart-felt performances, delicate scenarios and resplendent madness. And that’s more of an internal and personal problem than one that can be fixed on the stage.

books Andrew Holleran’s latest novel, Grief, is a gorgeous exploration of sobering themes. here are only a handful of novelists whose new books I buy and read with eager immediacy: John Irving, Don DeLillo, and J.K. Rowling (of course) come immediately to mind. Andrew Holleran is Raymond A. Bach also on the short list, and the only one who writes gay fiction. Holleran’s slender new book, Grief (Hyperion, 160 pp.), does not disappoint. Like his other novels (most famously Dancer at the Dance and Nights in Aruba), Grief is achingly autobiographical. A sad professor travels from Gainesville to our nation’s capital, where he’s come to teach a seminar on literature and AIDS and to recuperate after the recent death of his invalid mother. What he finds there – in his repressed, lonely landlord, and in the city’s mood and architecture – shows him new, poignant truths about America, yearning, loneliness and mourning itself. The rudderless teacher consoles himself with long walks through the history-haunted streets of the capital. In Holleran’s gifted hands, this government city takes on the rich shadings of London or Paris. Back in his rented room, the narrator finds an old copy of Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters, and discovers an affinity with the tragic first lady who never recovered from her husband’s assassination. And as he examines his grief more closely over the course of the novel, he comes to understand Mrs. Lincoln’s refusal to “get over it.” The subject matter sounds

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unendurably melancholy, but an old friend with keen powers of observation provides a droll counterpoint for the narrator. Ultimately, Holleran’s gorgeous prose makes this unflinching look at loss paradoxically uplifting. Consider this amusing snapshot of the hopeless longing of an aging gay man: …My landlord came down with [his dog] Biscuit. Though he pulled vigorously on the leash, keeping her close to him, the minute we sat down on a bench in Dupont Circle, she began keening at the sight of another dog passing through the park. “She never does that,” my landlord said. The sustained sound was not a bark but something so full of longing and frustrated desire it seemed cruel that she could not pursue her desire for this other dog because she was on a leash, a leash kept firmly in hand by a man no more free to pursue what he wanted than she was, I could not help thinking, though he did no emit a keening sound deep in his throat, he simply said: “I want that,” when someone his type (stocky, muscular) walked by. Or imagine this description of simultaneously shared intimacy and distance: Lying upstairs in that house, we were like spiders on the same web; I was aware of the slightest nuance of the stillness in the air between us. For a gay novel, Grief is refreshingly post-sex. It is instead about more eternal truths. The slender size seems to reinforce its central point; that connection is precious, love is everlasting, and life is exquisite but brief. | n |

October 5-18, 2006 | Watermark | 47

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I want my gay tv! or most of us locally, the closest thing to Gay TV is likely Bravo … and maybe HGTV. But for a significant chunk of the country, there are more – and gayer – options. Logo and here! are cable Kirk Hartlage networks that broadcast exclusively GLBT content. Both are available to over 50 million homes – but very few locally. Bright House Networks is the

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predominant cable provider in Tampa Bay and Orlando. It does not offer either channel. Oddly, the only market where they do is Birmingham, Ala. Like most things in life, if you want something you have to ask for it. Both Logo and here! broadcast enough original series, movies and specials to make it worth shouting “I want my gay TV!” to your cable provider. Each offers predictable reruns of shows like Queer as Folk and Xena: Warrior Princess, as well as specials from the likes of Kate Clinton, Margaret Cho, Erasure and the Pet Shop

Boys. There are lots of GLBT film the imagination for most local cable festival favorites, many never screened subscribers. A spokesperson for Bright locally. But both House said that both networks also channels are broadcast currently being ambitious original considered along series that you with other may not want to programming miss. options, and that Logo was those decisions are in launched in June negotiations. 2005 by the MTV Officials at both Networks, the Logo and here! said folks behind MTV, the best way to VH1, TV Land convince Bright and Spike TV. House is through eLike most basic mails, phone calls cable channels, and letters – all are Logo has a set of constantly monitored standards and to ensure the area’s practices, so Noah’s Ark on LOGO follows four gay African-American viewers are wellsome shows first friends in West Hollywood. represented. | n | broadcast on HBO and Showtime (e.g. Angels in America and Queer as Folk) are edited Dante’s Cove follows residents and visitors for broadcast. in a mysterious coastal town. Logo is distinguished by its original programming, Lines are delivered with There’s an endless most also available online at just enough over-the-top supply of a hallucinogenic bravado to make the show drug called “The Saint,” as LogoOnline.com. U.S. of Ant quickly addictive, and it well as full-frontal flesh and follows the out-and-proud helps that this mostly laughable dialogue. comedian as he explores occurs without benefit of People in the Cove run small town gay life in and pants. Still, much of the a lot. They’re either looking across the heartland. Coming Goth-driven plot flies by, for something or afraid of Out Stories features missing its mark. something – perhaps their interviews with celebs “What do you think dignity. being an heiress of Tresum And all the male cast discussing their own coming is all about?” Scoggins says members have first name out experiences, then to Van, her young female last names. Run Charlie presents real people coming David, Gregory Michael and apprentice. “It’s about out to their loved ones. William Gregory Lee, run! obeying your avatar until it’s But the show that’s Thea Gill (Queer as finally your time to be gained the most notoriety for obeyed.” Folk’s Lindsay) is once “That’s f—ed up,” Van again typecast as a strongthe network is Noah’s Arc, a replies. willed lesbian. She battles half-hour dramedy that’s a Girl, you couldn’t have her witch of a sister, played blend of Sex and the City, said it any better. | n | by soap legend Tracy The Golden Girls and 227. Scoggins. Four African-American gay men live and love in West Hollywood, Calif., juggling boyfriends, careers and each other. Established in 2002, here! is available primarily as a video-on-demand service. (There’s no fullfledged schedule. You choose what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.) There’s an emphasis on GLBT movies, including current releases like The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green How to get your gay tv and Hellbent. Information about offerings is available • Log onto either CFL.MyBrightHouse.com or at HereTV.com. TampaBay.MyBrightHouse.com and click on the “Contact Us” link to send an e-mail. But here! also presents some original programs, • Call 407-291-2500 in Orlando, and 727-329-2000 in most notably Dante’s Cove. Tampa Bay. And unlike Logo’s shows, • E-mail CFL.CustomerCare@MyBrightHouse.com in the sexy Goth drama leaves Orlando, TampaBay.CustomerCare@MyBrightHouse.com in very little to the imagination. Tampa Bay. Of course, it’s all left to

review: dante’s cove

music The DJ is in da house! Wiki-wiki-wiki. btaining music in this millennium can be a daunting task. Taking a trip through an online download site, walking down the aisles of the closest mega-lo mart or browsing the racks of a local record store – a dying breed, to be sure – can leave a consumer in an audio spin cycle. As part of Watermark’s extreme makeover, resident music expert I – a musician turned DJ who boasts a 2,000plus vinyl record collection (and who knows how many CDs) that spans every musical genre – clear By Kirk Hartlage up the static. Each column will feature a glance into local notables’ music collections, occasional commentary on the local club and live music scene, and new album reviews – some by gay and lesbian artists, some not. Those music store racks, virtual or otherwise, are filled with a diverse range of singers, musicians and performers … and Spin Cycle will too. Elaine Elias is by no means is a new voice: Her latest, Around the City

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(RCA Victor), is her 18th album. It’s an urban, metropolitan vibe with pianodriven cool jazzy overtones accented by Latin rhythms. There’s a hypnotic quality present throughout the 13 tracks, transporting the listener to energetic locales. Nothing beats world travel when you don’t have to leave the comfort of home – or more than $20 – behind. Elias is a Brazilian-born pianist and composer whose first 15 albums were primarily instrumentals. But around this City she effortlessly glides from song to song in both Portuguese and English. Still, it’s her often-recognized improvisational skills as a musician that lends an airy light breeze throughout the journey. There’s a fearless playfulness to her delivery, whether it’s a cover of the Tito Puente penned-Santana hit Oye Como Va, or an inspired version of Bob Marley’s Jammin’ that makes you forget it was once a reggae tune. Rock artist Beck is also covered in Tropicalia, which, interestingly enough, was his 1998 homage to the Brazilian Tropicalia bossa nova rhythms. And how can you not love an album with a buoyant romp called Chiclete com Banana, or Chewing Gum with Bananas. It’s based on Chiclete, an old Brazilian favorite that in Elias’ hands gets a fresh coat of paint. Sort of like what’s happening with Watermark. | n |

What i’m listening to: John Ruffier, 28 HRC Central Florida Co-Chair Basement Jaxx, Crazy Itch Radio Indigo Girls, Despite Our Differences Justin Timberlake, Futuresex/Lovesounds

soundbites • Heard a few snippets of Janet Jackson’s upcoming CD and sounds like it’s time to finally get that sex-kitten purr of hers de-clawed and spayed. • You heard it here first: Black Eye Peas’ Fergie will conquer radio and dance charts with her next single Fergalicious. • Paris Hilton’s debut album is a well-produced serving of dance pop. Consider it the McDonald’s of the music charts: sure, it may not be good for you and clog your arteries, but damn, is it tasty.

Paris Hilton’s debut album sold a lackluster 75,000 copies.

eventplanner C’Mere, Boys! Seeing the PET SHOP BOYS at Hard Rock Live should be Fundamental for any good gay or lesbian.

Ladies … Part 3 Michael Wanzie’s latest wraps up this month at Orlando’s Parliament House Resort.

Ol’ Red Hair’s Back KATHY GRIFFIN brings her bon mots to Melbourne and Clearwater later this month.

art [ORLANDO] Gumbo Ya Ya Jan Schindler and Keith Theriot, two Louisiana expatriates, expose themselves in an exhibition of their artwork throughout the month of October at Gallery Q @ The Center. Their collaborative brew has been described as spicy eye gumbo. An artists’ reception will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Center, 946 N. Mills Ave. For details call 407-228-8272.

concerts [ORLANDO] RuPaul As part of Orlando’s pride weekend, the Parliament House resort presents drag icon RuPaul in concert at 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. The singer will perform tracks from her latest release, RuPaul Reworked. Tickets available at the door and at ParliamentHouse.com. Pet Shop Boys The last time the Boys came to town, they brought along a state-ofthe-art visual production that accompanied their long list of hits. Expect more of the same Wednesday, Oct. 18, when they return to Hard Rock Live promoting their best album in years, Fundamental. Tickets available at HardRock.com and 407-351-LIVE.

[SPACECOAST] Kathy Griffin When the D-Lister played Lakeland earlier this summer, she broadcast a cell phone call to an unknowing Lance Bass. Who will she call from Melbourne’s King Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in

Clearwater on Thursday, Oct. 12? Rosie O’Donnell? Caroline Rhea? Her ex-husband, Matt? Find out by buying tickets at KingCenter.com or 321-242-2219 and/or RuthEckerdHall.com or 727-791-7400 or 800-875-8682.

specialevents

First AIDS Walk You know the drill, sign up your team, raise money for AIDS patients and get some much-needed exercise. It all happens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the New College of Florida campus on Tamiami Trail. It’s cosponsored by Trinity Charities and the New College. Visit TrinityCharities.org for details.

[ORLANDO] Bear Bust It’s the 15th anniversary of the annual gathering of bears and admirers in Orlando, one of the largest events of its kind. This year’s theme of “Bears in Space” should see launches of a wide assortment. For a complete schedule of events, visit BearBust.org. Pride Weekend Last year’s makeover of Central Florida’s pride event was so successful that it looks as if an Orlando October pride celebration is here to stay. Various activities lead up to the main event, the Sunday, Oct. 15, parade through Thornton Park and festival at Heritage Square outside the Orange County Regional History Center. Visit – take a breath – ComeOutWithPrideCFL.org.

[SARASOTA] All-Women’s Dance The party returns on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 8 p.m. until midnight with Dykes in Denim at the Cradle Tavern, at the Bobby Jones Golf Complex, 1000 Circus Blvd. in Sarasota. The $20 ticket includes a barbecue feast, cash bar, prizes, a raffle and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance from several Suncoast Pride members or from SuncoastPride, 935 N. Beneva Road, Suite 609-47, Sarasota, FL 34232 or by visiting SuncoastPride.org.

[TAMPA BAY] 14th All Florida Juried Exhibition Drawings, historic photographs and the works of children are a great way to occupy your time at this annual event at the Florida Arts Center. The exhibit runs through Oct. 29. Details? Visit TheArtsCenter.org.

theater [ORLANDO] Court-Ordered Therapy: Ladies of Eola Heights – Part 3 Michael Wanzie and the boys present their first-ever matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2:30 p.m., but then wraps up its Saturdays at 8 p.m. run on Oct. 14. The latest Ladies saga show plays at the Footlight Theater at The Parliament House. For tickets and info, visit Wanzie.com. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A murderous barber kills his clients for cash while his accomplice uses the victims’ meat for her pies – and then they sing about it. The show plays at the Mad Cow through Oct. 22. Mad Cow is located at 105 S. Magnolia Ave., and the show runs through Oct. 22. Tickets are available at 407-297-8788 and at MadCowTheatre.com.

All Hallows 10 Four the Fringe It’s like the real Orlando International Fringe Festival, but it’s compressed into one evening and one space – a space that also isn’t downtown and therefore still ineligible for downtown arts grant money! With acts written by Tod Kimbro, David Lee, Scottie Campbell and Michael Wanzie, it’s a not-to-be-missed theatrical extravaganza at The Parliament House on Oct. 20-21 and 27-28. Tickets are available at 407648-0077 and OrlandoFringe.org.

[TAMPA BAY] Twilight of the Golds If your mother knew you were gay when you were still in the womb, would she have carried you to term? That’s an ethical and moral question put to task in Gypsy Productions’ newest offering at the Suncoast Theatre Oct. 13-Nov.5.

television Project Runway The highest-rated series ever on Bravo (the accessible gay network) wraps up with a two-part season finale over two consecutive Wednesdays, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, at 10 p.m. each night. Part one shows the finalists piecing together their lines for New York Fashion Week, with at-home visits by Tim Gunn. Part 2 will show just how well they’ve “made it work” when the winner is revealed. | n |

E-mail your events to: Kirk@watermarkonline.com

organizations

organizations + meetings daytona | spacecoast

http://home.earthlink.net/~countrysaturdaynight/.

Breakthrough Networking organization for gays and lesbians in Seminole and Volusia. (407) 668-6112.

Flamingo Auto Group Central Florida Central Florida Chapter of the Lambda Car Club International. FlamingoAutoGroupCentral.com

Brevard Lesbians Lesbian social group. penny@digital.net. or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrevardLesbians.

GBT Men Support for gay, bisexual and transgendered men. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. GLBCC.

Community Planning Partnership Member of HIV/AIDS Florida Community Planning Group. Meets at Volusia County Health Department. (904) 238-4727.

GLBCC-The Center Hosts various social groups and offers programs assisting the GLBT community. (407) 228-8272. GLBCC.org. GLBT Dem. Caucus of Seminole County Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m. GLBCC. kenkaz@cfl.rr.com.

Daytona Beach Regional Bears Association daytonabeachbearsfl.tripod.com. GALBA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student GLBT group. (904) 226-7222. www.db.erau.edu/campus/student/clubs/galba/inde x.html. Gay/Bi Married Men Rap Group Peer counseling and support group. Last Mondays. (407) 777-9833. Greater Daytona Business Guild Gay-friendly business group. Third Mondays, 7 p.m. (386) 322-8003. GayDaytona.com. Outreach Inc. HIV/AIDS service organization. Testing, counseling and support groups. (904) 255-5569. Outreachinc.org. Over the River Social group for those in Volusia and Seminole counties. Second Fridays. (407) 400-2879; http://hometown.aol.com/nolikehypocrites/index.ht ml. PFLAG Daytona Meets third Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Hope MCC, 500 S. Ridgewood Ave. (U.S. 1). (386) 322-4169; support@pflagdaytona.org. PFLAGdaytona.org. Spectrum Social group for GLBT and supporters. Meets every other Thursday. (904) 228-8187; rapunzel69@hotmail.com.

orlando AA Wake Up Call-Friday 12-step AA group geared towards diversity and fellowship. Fridays, 7 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 2288272. GLBCC.org. AA Wake Up Call-Saturday 12-step AA group. Saturdays, 7 p.m.; GLBCC. (407) 228-8272. GLBCC.org. AA Wake Up Call-Sunday 12-step AA group. Sundays, 10 a.m.; GLBCC. (407) 228-8272; GLBCC.org. Bears of Central Florida Social group for bears and their admirers. Sundays, 4 p.m. Full Moon Saloon. (407) 8960239; BOCF.org. Booklovers American Association of University Women social group for those who love to read. Meets first Tuesdays. (407) 677-1186. Centaur Central Florida AIDS United Resources. C, support groups, educational programs and HIV testing. (407) 849-1452. Hotline: (407) 835-4130. Central Florida Gay & Lesbian Networking GLBT legal professionals, Second Sundays. Contact Larry Smith (407) 838-4052; LSmith@Cabaniss.net. CODA 12-step program dealing with codependency. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 228-8272. Children of Lesbians & Gays Everywhere Youth support group for ages 13-20. (407) 8972266. BardMerlin@aol.com. Country Saturday Nights GLBT country music, dancing, refreshments.

Crystal Clear Crystal Meth Anonymous. Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 228-8272.

GLBT Teachers Group Support mechanism for GLBT teachers and educators in any level of education, grade school through collegiate. First Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Urban Think. Contact Clinton at MCCRACC@ocps.net GLBT Yacht Club Meet other GLBT boat owners for day trips to Disappearing Island and other destinations. Call John (407) 353-5529. GNOMES Gay Naturist Orlando Males Evolving Socially. (407) 540-9391. NaturalMales.org/gnomes. Good Shepherd HIV-AIDS Support Group Nondenominational support group. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 5900 Oleander Drive. (407) 2773939. Greater Orlando Couples A social group for same-gender couples. Call (407) 246-4726. GreaterOrlandcouples.org. FLA-LEGAL Gay and Lesbian Law Enforcement professionals. Contact Deputy Tom Woodard (407) 451-5705 or Officer Jim Young (407) 383-2171. FLALEGAL.com Harbour House Orange County Center Against Domestic Violence. Crisis line, (407) 886-2856. Community outreach, (407) 895-6099. Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline, (800) 500-1119. Human Rights Campaign Socials fourth Tuesday of the month, location varies. HRC-Orlando@cfl.rr.com. Lambda Camping Gay and lesbian campers. Camping rallies once a month. (407) 831-4926. Log Cabin Republicans of Orlando Inclusive, diverse Republicans. First Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Orange County Republican Headquarters, Royal Oak Village Shopping Center, 148 S. Semoran Blvd. (407) 896-7745; LCRorlando.com. Long Yang Club Orlando Social group for single men and couples of Asian and various ethnic backgrounds. (407) 9081122.LongYangcClub.org. orlando@longyangclub.org. Metropolitan Business Association Central Florida's GLBT chamber of commerce. Meets First Thursdays, Socials Third Tuesdays. (407) 420-2182. MBAOrlando.org. Narcotic Anonymous Rainbow Recovery 12-step program geared toward GLBT community. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church, 142 E. Jackson. (407) 228-8272. GLBCC.org. Orlando Gay Chorus Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.. John and Rita Lowndes Building, UCF-Shakespeare Festival. (407) 841SING. OrlandoGayChorus.org. Orlando Gay Parents Group Play groups, social events, networking for parents. First Saturdays. (407) 420-9955. jetbabies@cfl.rr.com. Orlando Front Runners & Walkers Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. Meet at the Red Pagoda at the northeast corner of Lake Eola Park. OrlandoFrontRunners.org.

Orlando Ladies of Dazzle Dinner/social group meets monthly at random dinner locations. Contact Carrie SingleDingle2003@yahoo.com. MouthOfTheSouthChronicles.bravehost.com. (407) 7609278. Orlando Queer Academics Social/resources group for GLBT academics and intellectuals. cschippe@mail.ucf.edu; tpugh@mail.ucf.edu. Orlando Youth Alliance Central Florida’s GLBTQ youth group. Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. (321) 279-8041. PFLAG Orlando Third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church. (407) 236-9177. Poly-Central For the polyamorous, poly-curious, poly-friendly. (321) 984-8463. Polycentralfl.com. polycentral@mail.com. Positively Sober 12-step recovery group for people living clean and sober with HIV. Sundays, 7 p.m. GLBCC. PozSoberOrlando@aol.com. Pozitive Friends & Family Social/support group for men living with HIV and their supporters. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Contact Christian at cbertedor@HopeandHelp.org. Prime Timers of Central Florida Social/support group for gay and bisexual men over 50 and younger men who admire them. Last Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. Parliament House Footlight Theatre. (407) 884-9834. PrimetimeCFL@aol.com. Rainbow Democratic Club GLBT group of Democrats and independents. Fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 2288272. GLBCC.org. Rainbow Spirit Discussion group for gay, bisexual men about lifestyle choice and spiritual development.Center of Light Church & Spiritual Center. (407) 228-0101. Reflections Social/support group for men and women of any gender or orientation ages 20-30. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 228-8272. GLBCC.org. Sistahood of Ebony Lesbians Social/support group of African-American women. First Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. GLBCC. http\\lesbianlit.meetup.com\85\. Trans Central Station Discussion group for transgenders, transexuals, transvestites, cross-dressers and gender-benders. First Tuesdays, 7 p.m.. GLBCC. (407) 228-8272. Transgender of Central Florida Support group providing education, self-help and discussion for those in transition. Third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., GLBCC. Trident International Central Florida Levi/leather/uniform social group. First Sunday, 3:30 pm, Studz, 1300 N. Mills Ave. (386) 931-5653 TridentCFL.org UCF GLBSU University of Central Florida Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Union. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Student Union Building on Main Campus. ucfglbsu@ucf.edu. Womyn’s Exchange Social/support group for all womyn of all orientations. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. GLBCC. (407) 228-8272. GLBCC.org. Willow Social group for Lake County women. Second Sundays, 4 p.m. Tangerine Improvement Society Building, 7101 Wright Ave., Tangerine. FloridaWillow1@aol.com. Women Here & There Lesbians and gay-friendly women. WHATorlando.com. Women Riders of Orlando Women’s motorcycle riding club. WomenRidersOfOrlando.com Zen Sitting Group Second and fourth Tuesdays 7 p.m. Avalon on Hillcrest.

lakeland | winter haven Four Corners Rainbow Family Social Dining out, meditation, movies and more. For more info, visit: www.geocities.com/caulhunter_98/BNAS.html. Polk County Gay Lesbian Alliance Social group for Polk’s GLBT community. PCGLA.org. Info line, (863) 229-8126. Polk County HIV/AIDS Support Group Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. The Mission, 180 E. Central Ave., Winter Haven. Gary at (863) 401-3204 or Merry at (863) 606-9288.

sarasota | bradenton A League of Our Own Weekly bowling. Gulfgate Lanes. Jimphl@aol.com. http://hometown.aol.com/srqgaybowling. ALSO Out Youth GLBTIQ group for youth between the ages of 1321. Drop-In Center. (941) 951-ALSO (2576). Youth crisis pager (941) 952-ALSO (2576). ALSOYouth.org. Bethesda House (941) 366-1886. bethesdahouse@excite.com Community AIDS Network (941) 366-0461. haroldyoung@cccsrq.org. CCCSrq.org. Ellen Party Social dinners, monthly at various restaurants. (941) 358-1917. dolphinwahini@aol.com. Forty Plus or Minus Women’s social club. (941) 798-8872. KMcFarland@webtv.net. Gulf Coast Men’s Chorus Mondays, 7 p.m. Universalist Unitarian Church, Sarasota. (941) 377-9043. Gulfcoastmenschorus.org. HRC Federal Club of the West Coast (941) -952-155. info.westcoastfl@hrc.org. Kaffee Klatch Every other Tuesday. Various members’ homes. srq@earthlink.net. Lesbian Spirituality/Potluck First Tuesdays. Palms of Manasota. (941) 7236554. Like-A-Chick Happy Hour First Wednesdays. Lik-a-chichappyhour@myway.com. Manasota GLBT Virtual Community Center GaySarasota.com. PFLAG Sarasota Third Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Church. (941) 378-3536. Primetimers Sarasota Social group for mature gay and bisexual men and those men who admire them. (941) 359-8212. ptimes@tampabay.rr.com. http://home.tampabay.rr.com/ehurley/ehurley/ .

organizations Reading Group Gay men’s reading group. Fourth Wednesdays. (941) 359-8212. Retired Old Men Eating Out Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Various restaurants. See GaySarasota.com for details. Sarasota AIDS Theatre Project Produce Staged Play Readings by people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to benefit organizations. (941) 365-6348. garallan@msn.com. Sarasota Equality Project Michael Shelton, (941) 953-3474. michaeljshelton@aol.com. Sarasota Pride Inc. Year-round events culminating in a yearly festival. SarasotaPride.com. Service Academy Gay & Lesbian Alumni Local chapter that serves as social organization and advocacy group for GLBT issues relating to military service. midn88@aol.com. AcademyGALA.org. Southwest Florida Business Guild Meetings, second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Networking, fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. (941) 953-8419. SWFLBG.com. Suncoast Stonewall Democrats (941) 953-8484. Suncoast Pride Year-round events by the GLBT and straight community. SuncoastPride.org. Sunset Beach Walk Meet Wednesdays by 6:30 p.m. (daylight savings hours only) at the Siesta Beach Pavilion. SWYFT GLBT boaters, sailors and yachters. You do not have to own a boat to join. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWYFT/. Trinity Charities Inc. HIV/AIDS service organization. (941) 355-0847. Trinitycharities.org.

tampa bay Adventurer’s Club Leather/Levi’s club. Second Saturdays, 8 p.m. The Platform. Adventurersfl.com. Boat & Scuba West of Tampa Bay A social and recreational club of GLBT outdoor enthusiasts. First Wednesdays. BoatandScubawest.com. Brothas Speak Discussion group for same-gender-loving men of color. Second Sundays, 5 p.m. Equality Florida Offices. (813) 236-8809. Chick Happy Hour Women get together for cocktails and socializing. Second Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. (813) 389-8136; ChickHappyHour@aol.com Crescendo: Tampa Bay Women’s Chorus Lesbian, feminist chorus. Sundays, 6:15 p.m. MCC Tampa. (813) 679-7585; CrescendoSings@aol.com. Equality Florida Statewide GLBT rights group. 3150 Fifth Ave. N., Suite 325, St. Petersburg. (813) 870-3735) 727-490-5061 EZRA Group Support group for GLBT persons who have experienced a recent death or loss. Second Saturdays. (813) 932-4359. FACT HIV/AIDS Support Group Second, third and fourth Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. at 136 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. (727) 895-4439. FACT Spanish-Speaking HIV/AIDS Group First and third Fridays at 136 4th St., N., St. Petersburg. (727) 895-4439. Face to Face Youth Group Youth group for GLBT and their supporters ages 14-21. Sundays, 7 p.m. (813) 935-4101; Fce2FceYouth2aol.com. Family Bridge Club (813) 832-2999. Flamingo Auto Group West Florida West Florida Chapter of the Lambda Car Club International. FlamingoAutoGroup.com Florida Golf Coast Couples Social group for same gender couples. P.O. Box 7925Tampa, FL 33679-7925.

chaircouple@fgcc.com FGCcouples.com. Freedom Rings Alcoholics Anonymous Pasco County’s only AA meeting for GLBT individuals. Sundays, 7 p.m. Spirit of Life MCC. (727) 849-6962. Friends Club for Gay Men Gay men’s social club. (813) 960-1664. Front Runners of Tampa Bay Not-for-runners only GLBT club. Saturdays, 9 a.m. Old Hyde Park Village, and Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., Fred Ball Park. (813) 891-7098. Game Nights Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Metro Center Tampa. metrocharities.org/TampaMetroCenter.htm. Gay & Bisexual Men’s Support Group Third Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Tampa Hillsborough Action Inc., 712 W. Ross Ave., Tampa. For more information contact Ken (813) 623-6661. Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous Meets every evening; 8:15 p.m. 3644-A Henderson Blvd. (813) 273-8933.

11-7 p.m. (727) 586-4297. Line Dancing Thursdays, 7 p.m., Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. Log Cabin Republicans of Tampa Bay Third Wednesdays of each month, 7 p.m. at HoHo’s Restaurant. (727) 455-9866, lcrtampabay.com. Lesbians Look Out Association Social club for womyn. pianolez@aol.com. Metropolitan Charities/Metro Center A community services organization offering HIV/AIDS case management, counseling services, referrals. 3170 Third Ave. N., St. Pete. (727) 3213854. metrocharities.org. Metro Charities’ Thrift Store Free household goods, clothing and other items for those living with AIDS/HIV. 2235 Central Ave., St. Pete. (727) 321-7212. Money Matters 7 p.m., Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org.

Gay Fun Club Movies, amusement parks, dining out, water parks, beaches, picnics, etc. 18 and up. Steve at (727). 344-0512. Gay Men’s Discussion Group Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. Metro Center Tampa. metrocharities.org/TampaMetroCenter.htm. Gay Men’s Outdoor Club Biking, hiking, canoeing, diving. (813) 961-6871 Gay Skate Tue. 9 p.m. United Skates of America. (813) 8765826; members.aol.com/tampagayskate. GLBT Parents of Tampa Bay Social group for GLBT parents (custodial and non) and their children. Cathy_James@yahoo.com. GLSEN Tampa Bay Organization working to end anti-gay bias in Hillsborough County schools. Third Fridays. (813) 258-8817. GLSENTB@aol.com. Healing Drum 7 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays. Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. HIV Tampa Bay A Web site devoted to helped those living with HIV and AIDS. HIVTampabay.net. Kappa Xi Omega Sorority Nationwide community-based sorority for professional adult lesbians headquartered in Tampa. Every other Monday, 9 p.m. KappaXiOmega.org. L.I.G.H.T./FACT Free dinner on the first Tuesday of the month. 140 Fourth St. N. at the St. Petersburg Cathedral Parish Hall. (727) 895-4439. The Line Gay & Lesbian Crisis/Service of Tampa Bay Inc. Phone volunteers 7-11 p.m.; computerized system

Prime Timers of Tampa Bay Social group for mature gay and bisexual men and those younger men who admire them. (813) 2318817/ Primetimersww.org/tampabay. PWA Coalition of Tampa Bay (813) 238-2887. PWACtampa.homestead.com. Rainbow Readers Second Mondays, 7:30 p.m. (813) 221-1423. Rainbow Travel Club Florida’s largest gay and lesbian travel organization. (813) 414-9933. (800) 881-3600. ROTC – Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps Rehearses Sundays, 2-5 p.m. at Suncoast Resort. Frank at (727) 822-6982 or rotcstpete@verizon.net. Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (727) 896-SLAA or www.tampabayslaa.com . Southern Exposure Gay male non-sexual nudist group. Meets monthly. (813) 237-2436.

Flamingo Auto Group: Really, all about the cars Tampa | If you’re a car lover, then the Flamingo Auto Group is the organization for you. According to officers with the group, members are car lovers of all types – whether they are classic cars, new cars, luxury cars, muscle cars or cars that are a little out of the ordinary. And you don’t have to be a car owner to join. The Flamingo Auto Group is a member of Lambda Car Club International, which boasts more than 1,500 members in 29 local chapters throughout the continental United States. The group’s next event is Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Lake Fairview Park in Orlando.

every Thursdays the rest of the year, 8 p.m. USF Marchall Center. (813) 974-4297.

St. Pete Pride For updates on upcoming events, StPetePride.com. Starburst of Pinellas Park Support group for cross-dressing and transgendered persons. Third Saturdays, 7 p.m. Call Georgia (727) 523-8760. Suncoast Squares Tampa Bay GLBT square-dancing. Classes Tuesday evenings at the Suncoast Resort, Room C-104. John and Leo at (727) 343-8466. suncoastsquares@yahoo.com.

The Flamingo Auto Group in Tampa Bay is comprised of car fans and car lovers alike.

The event runs throughout the day while teams from Central Florida Softball League battle it out on the diamond. For more information in Orlando call 407-898-9824. Along Florida’s Suncoast, call 941-629-0005 or e-mail LincmanDD@juno.com. | n |

Movie Nights/Movie Matinees Fridays, 7 p.m., Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. Movie Nights Fridays, 7 p.m. Metro Center Tampa. metrocharities.org/TampaMetroCenter.htm. Narcotics Anonymous Open meeting for gays and lesbians. Meets Thurs.; 8:15 p.m.; GALAA Club. ecg@tampabay.rr.com. Operation H.O.P.E. of Pinellas AIDS organization dedicated to the needs minorities. (727) 822-2437. POCAS@aol.com. Out of the Closet Thrift Stores All proceeds benefit AIDS and breast cancer patients in Tampa Bay. 631 Fourth St. North, St. Pete. (813) 250-1959. PFLAG Tampa Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m. MCC Tampa, 408 E. Cayuga St, Tampa. (813) 239-2070. Geocities.com/pflagw. PFLAG Pinellas Fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m. at Saffron’s Restaurant, 1700 Park St. N., St. Pete. (727) 345-7688. Pflag@tampabay.rr.com. Justmark.com/pflag/ Posconn Tampa Bay Monthly roaming social events throughout the Bay area for those affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Third weekend of the month. For info, email PosConnTampaBay@aol.com. Positive Connections Social group for HIV positive community. (727) 458-1249, Romeo8Juliette@aol.com Pride AL ANON Family Group Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30 p.m. King of Peace MCC. (727) 323-5857.

Tampa Bay Bears Second Fridays, 7:30 p.m.. Suncoast Eagle Bar. TampaBayBears.com. Tampa Bay Business Guild Second Tuesdays. (813) 237-3751. TBBG.org. Tampa Chaveroi Jewish lesbians and their partners. tampachaverot@hotmail.com. Tampa Bay Lesbians Social, sporting, cultural activities. http://escape.to/TBL Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Committees work on the October film festival – and the monthly film series. (813) 879-4220. TIGLFF.com. Tampa Metro Center 6421 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. (813) 232-3808. Metrocharities.org/TampaMetroCenter.htm. Tango Lessons Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. for women, 8:30 p.m. for men. Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. Trianges Social 7:30 p.m., Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. Tropical Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf Socials for both hearing and non-hearing gays. (813) 236-3123. Two-Stepping 7 p.m., Wednesdays. Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. UNA-VOCE: The Florida Men’s Chorale Thursdays, 7 to 10 p.m. at MCC Tampa, 408 Cayuga St. Una-Voce.com. Westcare Transgender Self-Awareness Educational group. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 1735 MLK St. S. in St. Pete. (727) 502-0188. West Florida Growlers First Sundays, 7:30 p.m., The Platform. (727) 8247810. Westfloridagrowlers.com. Women’s Writing Our Way Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Metro Center, St. Pete. metrocharities.org. YES (Youth Education Services) Provides free HIV testing. In Pinellas, at WestCare Florida, 1735 MLK St. S., St. Pete. (727) 5020188. In Hillsborough, at THAP, at 712 W. Ross Ave., Tampa. (813) 226-2141.

Pride Alliance Second and fourth Thursdays during the summer;

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shot on site ORLANDO 1- Blue and gang get down at Headdress Ball on Sept. 9. Photo by Tom Ecker 2- Darcel Stevens is a superhero at Headdress Ball. Photo by Tom Eckert 3- The cast of Court Ordered Therapy: Ladies of Eola Heights caught backstage: (L-R) Miss Sammy, Frank McLain, Wanzie, Tommy Wooten, Doug. Photo by Tom Dyer 4- (L-R) Peter Aguas, Kevin Thorton, Eddie Cooper and Jody Goostree celebrated birthdays on Sept. 29 at The Veranda. Photo by Tom Dyer 6- Tommy Wooten gets a last coat backstage at the Parliament House Footlight Theater. Photo by Tom Dyer 5- At a Sept. 30 party, the HRC Orlando Federal Club increased its membership to 75. Photo by Tom Dyer

orlando gossip Overheard: Orlando Relax: it’s only an OCA parody! It wasn’t a court order, but... Court Ordered Therapy: The Ladies of Eola Heights, Part 3, is another hit for actor/playwright Michael Wanzie. Despite a snarky review by the Orlando Sentinel’s Elizabeth Maupin, the play is once again filling the Parliament House Footlight Theater with laughter – and lots of straight people. But the curtain almost didn’t rise this past week after Wanzie received a notice asking him to “cease and desist” using two songs from a certain current Broadway hit. It was all a misunderstanding over ASCAP rights, and Wanzie ultimately charmed the producers – and most importantly, their highpowered New York lawyer – into a limited use during the play’s run through October. Go. Despite some political lecturing, the show is hilarious, touching, and the wonderfully talented cast revels in their showy roles. Visit Wanzie.com for tix. Bathhouse bright lights Thanks to a recent preview organized by Parliament House owners Don Granatstein and Susan Unger, Bathhouse: The Musical may be headed for brighter lights and bigger cities. More

than two dozen out-of-town types saw the show, and producers from Atlanta, New York and London have expressed serious interest. With a cast of four, doors for props and towels for costumes, the musical about a man’s first trip to a bathhouse is easy to stage. Written by Esther Daack and Tim Evanicki, it premiered at last spring’s Orlando International Fringe Festival, and followed up with a 12-week run at the Parliament House. Partying with a purpose At a packed party at the striking Orwin Manor home of Angelyn Conklin and Susan Summar, HRC’s Orlando Federal Club signed up a dozen new members, bringing the local total to 75. Each Federal Club member donates a minimum of $1,200 per year to the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying organization. Impressed with the success of the fledgling Orlando group – just three years old – HRC sent two representatives to offer a pep talk from the home office. But that didn’t prevent the party from being friendly, dishy and flirty – in other words, fun – into the wee hours.

paparazzi

shot on site TAMPA BAY 1- Ed Cassidy (left) surprised Robert Danielson on his 40th birthday at The Pier in St. Pete. 2- Producer Patricia Petruff 3- (L-R) TIGLFF board president Mariruth Kennedy with friends at the Sept. 16 Plunge Party at the Florida Aquarium. 4- Comedian Amy Boyd maintaining hygiene backstage at the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Bank fundraiser. 5- The Fallopian Tubes at King of Peace MCC: (L-R) Lori Keegan, Toffer Ross, Nechamah Singer, Lynn Weigand, Slim Ryan, Mickey King. 6- The Krewe of Cavaliers at the Florida Aquarium.

tampa bay gossip Overheard: Tampa Bay You can touch my playthings this year Toys in the attic: Creative juices are flowing now that the theme for this year’s All Hallow’s Masquerade Ball has been announced. On Saturday, Oct. 21, hundreds of invitees (this is one of the most coveted tickets in town) will descend on the Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall dressed as toys. The invitation offers this imagery: “Toy soldiers queue and march on raid; Ken dressed like Barbie tries to get laid; Erector Set Man, eager for lovin’; Bangs on the Doors of an Easy Bake Oven.” The theme, chosen by the event’s 16 organizers, is inspired. And if the 30 previous balls are any indication, the costumes won’t disappoint. As the invitation suggests, “Things will go wild when toys leave the closet.” For info – or to beg for an invite – visit Allhallowsball.org. Rain on my red parade: Hillsborough County voted red in the 2004 presidential election, and bid to host the 2008 Republican Convention. So it should come as no surprise that Barbra Streisand overlooked the St. Pete Times Forum as a venue for her upcoming concert tour, instead booking two late-

October shows at the BankAtlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale, followed by a Nov. 2 concert at Atlanta’s Phillips Arena. According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, “an entertainment industry source speculated that the decision might be political … since Streisand is a staunch Democrat.” The Forum has sold out numerous top acts in recent years, including Cher, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones. Best of the gay: As usual, Creative Loafing’s “Best of the Bay” issue had plenty to offer GLBT readers. But three side-by-side entries were notable. The Emerald Bar in Downtown St. Pete was named “Best Straight Bar for Lesbians,” largely owing to the gender-neutral charms of bartender Linda. Further west on Central Avenue, the Bombshell Gallery (owned by former St. Pete Times writer Gina Vivinetto and her partner Lea Iadoarola) was cited as “Best Lesbian Coffeehouse for Straights.” And to the south, way-gay Roser Park was dubbed “Best Mom’s-In-Town Scenic Drive.” The Weekly Planet is now and once again calling itself Creative Loafing.

scene+heard Jim J. Bullock says that the bottom line with an awkward situation – say, the phone banks blow out – is to have a great time, right?

COME OUT WITH PRIDE GRAND MARSHAL JIM J. BULLOCK SAYS IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME – RIGHT? dave wiethop dave@watermarkonline.com

im J. Bullock is back, but then again, sitcom as one of the gayest characters ever he never really considered himself to on television – Too Close for Comfort – be “gone.” then as a “personality” on such shows as But his latest big foray into pop one of the incarnations of Hollywood culture was a disastrous one: As part of the Squares and Jim J. and Tammy Faye. Midnight Money Game on TBS or TNT or Bullock spent about 20 months with one of those other image-free basic cable the Broadway cast of Hairspray before channels, Bullock and the show’s hosts ending the first national run in June in stood there as the phone bank went dead. Portland, Ore. Clad in a bright-pink “I mean, when the phones don’t ring, checked tuxedo and bowtie, he played there’s nuttin’ to do!” he Wilbur Turnblad – laughed recently from his Edna’s husband and California home. “On live Tracy’s dad – in what television, you’re screwed. is clearly a supporting “I DON’T KNOW You work and work and role. work to get to that point … “I, of course, WHY THAT IS, and then nothing.” tried out for Edna,” he EITHER. IT’S Bullock was said. “I gave a killer surprised to hear that audition too.” NOT LIKE anyone had heard or seen Surprisingly, his appearance on the Bullock found that he THEY’RE NOT show – only the second had a lot more in ASKING ME episode of the series. It’s common with Wilbur been a busy couple of than he thought: Both BECAUSE THEY years for the emotive are sympathetic men Bullock, who heads to who would have hung THINK I’M … Orlando on Oct. 15 to the moon and stars for grand marshal his first-ever his wife and daughter. TOO BUSY.” pride parade. “It was definitely “Isn’t that a supporting role to something? I don’t know those two,” he said why that is, either. It’s not like they’re not now. “You’re not invested with any major asking me because they think I’m … too chunk of the show, then in the second act, busy,” he dead-panned. you come out with a great song and that satisfies you.” All singing, all dancing Would he go back to the show? He Bullock has dropped in and out of our thought about his answer for a moment and collective consciousness for years. First, as shot back with, “Oh, hell, yes. Hell, yes!” a supporting player in the 1970s-1980s At the same time, he would simply

not repeat a production of Moonshine, based on a script that he called, “horrible, horrible! It was so stupid!” Directed by a former 1970s sitcom star, the show was a fight the entire time. Finally, the cast agreed to leave their brains in the dressing rooms and go out and have a good time. “And you know what? The audiences were happy. That’s what matters, right?” Bullock said. Riiiiight. His big vowel movement So, let’s get to that name: Is it JM J. Bullock or Jim J. Bullock? This has copy editors in a quandary. “When I was going after my Screen Actors Guild card in the 1970s, I thought, ‘Why not try it without the ‘I’ in my first name? That will make casting directors say, ‘Oh, my, God!’ and call me in and hire me. They didn’t. I also did it because there was already a Jim Bullock in the SAG (membership),” he said. Bullock fretted over it during his entire run in the 1980s sitcom, Too Close for Comfort, “so I finally put the ‘I’ back into my name. I tell people that I had a vowel movement in 1990.” Bullock has been HIV-positive for 21 years – and he’s taken no medication. “Not once!” he said. “And it’s not due to clean living, by any extent either – I’ve had my time out there. I mean, I’ve washed my hands and things like that, but I haven’t done much more than that.” He’s also become the more durable of his Too Close co-stars. Ted Knight died as the newly rechristened Ted Knight Show

had been renewed for a second season (this time, after a six-month hiatus and reappearance in syndication), and Deborah Van Valkenburgh and Lynda Cornell slipped away quietly into the show biz milieu. Nancy Dussault has all but retired, except for commentaries on episodes of Too Close and such things. “I mean, that show was just a blessing to come when I was young-er,” he dug. “I was still struggling with homosexuality – they’re still Southern Baptists, so they don’t embrace it,” he said. “But I ended up getting diagnosed with HIV at that time, and it made me choose. Either I could have self-hatred because of my family’s views on gays, or I could go the route of self-love.” And while many people on the Too Close set recognized and appreciated Bullock’s sexuality, he would be called into the producers’ offices now and then and told that “You need to do something about it. You’re coming across as too homosexual. I mean, give me a girlfriend or something! But people could see right thought it.” By the time he booked Hollywood Squares in the mid-1980s, Bullock was free to be whoever he chose. “I mean, I’m not an activist or anything like that,” Bullock said. “But I didn’t hide things either by that point.” | n |

info What: 2006 Come Out with Pride Parade. When: 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. Where: Downtown Orlando, starting in Thornton Park. Who: A bevy of area GLBT and gay-friendly groups and individuals, led by grand marshal Jim J. Bullock. Tickets: It’s free. Just show up. | n |

LIVE IN THE THICK OF THINGS…IF YOU’RE WILLING TO START SMALL. tom dyer tom@watermarkonline.com

This floor plan for a 480 square foot condo at BayVilla in Downtown St. Petersburg (above) suggests some of the challenges of small space living. Ikea (right) offers products and tips.

ith McMansions going up everywhere, it may seem that local real estate is trending bigger and bigger. But developers throughout Tampa Bay and Orlando have also discovered a market for small properties. In some cases, very small. Residents of Tokyo, London, Paris and New York learned long ago that there is a tradeoff. If you want to be within walking distance of the best theaters, museums, restaurants and bars, you’re looking at one of two things: expensive or small. For most, it will very likely be both. Downtown Orlando, Tampa and St. Petersburg are coming alive, and all three cities now harbor small, appealing properties right in the thick of things. And at prices starting at $120,000, many are enticingly affordable, particularly for

Continued on page 68 | uu |

real estate

o one knows Gulfport real estate like Michele King. In the past decade sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sold hundreds of homes to lesbians, gay men and anyone else looking for a relaxed, artistic, progressive waterfront community.

In 2004 she was elected to Gulportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Council, and five months later helped pass a GLBT-friendly human rights ordinance. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also brought dog parks, osprey nests and biodiesel fuel to the city.

real estate

home sweet home improvement he common wisdom is that when lesbians buy a home, they want to nest. Gay men, on the other hand, want to remodel. The impulse is straightforward enough — to make that 12x12 concrete block living room with jalousie windows look just like the 50th floor Manhattan glass loft featured in last month’s Metropolitan Home. The potential reward is just as simple — increased property value, and digs that will be the envy of friends. But for most, remodeling will turn into a complex odyssey featuring daunting challenges, unexpected detours and nefarious villains. And like the best Greek tragedies, it will be endless.

REMODELING CAN BE EXCITING. IT CAN ALSO BE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE. kirk hartlage + tom dyer kirk@watermarkonline.com tom@watermarkonline.com

residence. When completed, they would move into a striking home in an historic neighborhood just blocks from trendy Thornton Park and Lake Eola. By spring 2004, Orlando’s historical preservation board had okayed plans, but the first setback occurred when the duplex suffered significant damage during Hurricane Charley. In early fall the couple hired a contractor who took two draws of $33,000 each from the insurance money. He skipped town after completing just $15,000 worth of work. Barton and Cochrane say the contractor claimed he had a license, but they later learned this was bogus. A felony warrant is currently out for his arrest.

Gas filled containers were thrown into the remodeled dining room.

Worst-case scenario In the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 27, Neal Barton and Howard Cochrane were awakened by a phone call. “Your house is on fire,” a neighbor yelped. The couple was relieved to learn that it was not their current residence. Instead, it was the 3,200-square-foot home nearby that the men had been renovating. Cochrane, owner of Desmond Lily Salon in Winter Park, and Barton, general manager of Hue Restaurant in Thornton Park, believe they know what happened. “I’m 99.9% convinced who did it, or knows who did it,” Barton said. Trouble with the house actually began almost three years ago – when the couple decided to convert Cochrane’s duplex at 26 S. Lawsona Blvd. into a single-family

Barton and Cochrane then hired another contractor, this one with good references and touting an affiliation with a respected local construction company. In late 2004 the new contractor got to work, drawing the last of the insurance money. His bid was to complete the work by July 2005 at a cost of $180,000. With the insurance money spent, the couple took out a home equity loan to fund ongoing – and oft-delayed — renovation. In May 2006, while inspecting progress, Barton and Cochrane discovered water pouring through a ceiling fan on the back patio, an area of the house where repairs had reportedly been completed. Concerned, they investigated and learned that their second contractor also had no license, and that required city inspections had not been completed. By this time, they had paid him

more than $255,000. “He kept asking for more,” Barton said. “Before we fired him, his estimates had ballooned to more than $400,000.” The couple was forced to shell out an additional $65,000 to repair plumbing work and prepare the house for occupancy inspections. They filed lawsuits against the contractor and construction company. But the worst was yet to come. No time to be sheepish Like Barton and Cochrane, Ken Kundis started adding a master bed and bath onto his 1,300 sq. ft. Audubon Park home more than two years ago. It is just now being completed. And although there were no fires, he also ran into problems with a succession of disappointing contractors. The first had assisted on some smaller renovations at Kundis’ home and came in with the lowest bid, claiming he was ready to take on bigger projects. When he ran into difficulties he stopped working. The second was the step-father of a former partner. He made the job a low priority, and stopped altogether after a falling out between the two gay men. The third was someone Kundis met and was impressed with socially, who sought advances on his draw and then stopped working when Kundis stopped paying. Kundis recommends hiring a general

tile workers get $50/hour.” He also recommends measuring carefully, and having plans drawn. “When you just ‘talk’ about what you want with your contractor, their interpretation and execution may be very different from your vision,” Dowling said. Finally, he encourages those undertaking a remodeling project to follow through with their plans. “Don’t defer something you really want until later, because the project will feel incomplete and the follow-up will cost more,” Dowling said. “And don’t leave things undone. Living with unfinished work defeats your purpose, and it’ll likely remain that way until you decide to sell.” Up in smoke This summer, with work almost completed, Barton and Cochrane’s remodeled house was appraised at more than $1 million. Two days before the fire, and just a month before moving in, Barton was shopping at a local home improvement store when he ran into the second contractor. They argued. Barton claims the contractor said, “You don’t want to start any trouble, do you?” and “I hope you have pictures of the ‘crappy’ work I’ve done.” “And then my house goes up in flames,” Barton said. “It just seems very coincidental.” The fire started in the dining area,

Renovations on this Lawsona-area home were delayed by hurricanes, bad contractors and a fire.

contractor, even with smaller jobs. “It will increase your costs, but it will give you ‘one throat to choke’ so to speak,” he said. “Don’t hire friends, don’t hire people because you like them, check references, stay involved in the permitting, keep receipts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand adherence to deadlines. This is not the time to be sheepish.” Naples interior designer Michael Dowling is also two-and-a-half years into a major remodel, initially budgeted at $80,000 but that will ultimately crack six figures. As owner/designer/general contractor, he offers a different perspective. “It may take a while to find qualified people to do the work you want,” he said. “And then, when you do, be prepared to pay. Electricians today are $75/hour, and

where the couple had stored new furniture. A $5,000 leather sectional melted, and two other large pieces were destroyed. According to Barton, fire marshals have concluded that a rock was used to break a dining room window, followed by plastic containers filled with gasoline and ignited like a Molotov cocktail. The investigation is ongoing, and at this time no charges have been filed. Meanwhile, the couple is cleaning up the fire damage and waiting for a second round of insurance assessments to fund repairs. “After all of the trouble we’ve had, I’m convinced this house was built on an Indian burial ground,” Barton said. “It’s not so much the money, but the time – over two years we’ve put in to this house. It’s so disheartening.” | n |

real estate

shift happens

WITH CHANGES IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUYERS ARE BACK IN CONTROL. bill anderson jr. bill@billandersonjr.com

he news is filled with dire predictions allowed sellers to ask for just about about a crashing real estate market. anything – a higher price, limited repairs, Rapidly appreciating real estate even a quick closing. values are leveling off, and forecast growth Working with buyers and sellers both, rates are uninspiring. I watched as many homes – ranging in price So you may think you’ve missed the from under $200,000 to over $1 million — boat when it comes to owning your own sold in 24 to 72 hours. Closing often took home, particularly as an investment. Well place in less then 30 days. think again – just more realistically. Sixty Needless to say, this was a windfall for seven percent of American families own the sellers, but it put a lot of stress on their own homes, creating one of the best buyers making one of the most important social policies imaginable. People get a financial decisions of their lives. Budgets sense of identity from were stretched and their homes, as well as needs were security and a reusable compromised due to financial source. limited inventory and I WATCHED AS But the real estate high demand. market is consistently But the real estate MANY HOMES shifting, and in Florida bubble has not burst in there are recurring annual 2006. Instead, we are RANGING IN and multi-year cycles. seeing what I call an PRICE FROM Unless you’re buying or adjustment back to selling, these changes go reality. In coming years, UNDER $200,000 largely unnoticed. appreciation of home At the beginning of values will likely level TO OVER $1 each year the market is off at a more normal 3slower, but then from 7% per year. But most MILLION around Easter through importantly for buyers, SOLD IN 24 TO Labor Day the market the supply of available heats up. This is caused homes is way up — 72 HOURS. by families who want or nearly three times that need to move, but who of last year! also hope to disrupt their This change in the school-age children as little as possible. market has put many buyers in the driver’s In September and October the market seat. Sellers now have to compete, and cools down again, but by late October it is somehow distinguish their property from once again on the upswing. This end-of-the- others for sale in the same price range. The year surge is fueled by snowbirds, and result? In addition to dropping prices, some people who want to be in their new sellers are offering to pay closing costs, residence by Dec. 31 to take advantage of insurance premiums and homeowner’s Florida’s $25,000 homestead exemption. association fees as incentive. Most The recent shift in the real estate creatively, some are willing to fund a market is national in scale, but particularly permanent interest rate buy-down. This not applies to areas like Tampa Bay and only helps the buyer qualify for a home Orlando, where property values have purchase, but also allows them to save recently skyrocketed. From 2001 to 2005, thousands over the life of the mortgage. the value of the average home increased by With such creativity, and with 36% in Orlando, 30% in Tampa/St. Pete, thousands still moving into the area, there is and a whopping 40% in Sarasota/Bradenton. no reason for pessimism in the foreseeable In coming years this appreciation will likely future. Lawrence Yun, a senior economist level off at a more normal 3% per year. But for the National Association of Realtors, with the number of homes for sale currently says that instead there is every reason to be way up, buyers have a unique opportunity. optimistic. He believes that the market has Twelve months ago, a seller would simply returned to more earthly figures after place their property on the market and a period of unsustainable growth. within days an offer — if not multiple offers “Any decline (in real estate values) – would be received. Buyers were forced to will be very short-lived,” he said. “By the make decisions on the spot to avoid being spring of 2007, the market will begin to see bid out of a home they wanted. And this increased sales and strengthening in home

Watermark | Tom Dyer

Sellers of some units at the Palladium Flats in downtown St. Petersburg recently dropped their asking price by 10%.

prices.” What does all this mean? If you are a seller with options, it may be best to wait until the correction has played out a little. But if you are a buyer, the large inventory and numbers of motivated sellers can likely work to your advantage. There are no fire sales, but there are many sellers out there with properties that have been on the market too long. They will negotiate. You should too. No one truly knows when things will

shift again, but for now buyers are back in the driver’s seat here in Florida. | n | Bill Anderson Jr., is a real estate consultant with Keller Williams Realty in South Tampa. Contact him at BillAndersonJr.com.

real estate CONDOS from page 61 | u |

• Use small pieces where necessary. If young, single, first-time buyers. At that a sofa or table doesn’t fit comfortably, it price, monthly mortgage payments will may need to be sacrificed for something come in well under $1,000 – less than many smaller, like a loveseat or a café or droppay in ever-rising rent. (Although with leaf table. “The biggest mistake people condos, taxes and association fees must be make is trying to make the furniture they factored in.) The appeal for upwardly have work when it is simply the wrong mobile gays and lesbians is obvious. scale for their space,” says Tanner. “These smaller places have always • Match furniture to wall color. “If existed, but only recently have they been you want to make a room seem larger, promoted as desirable,” says Orlando real select soft and monochromatic colors,” says estate agent John Tanner. “And it’s all Ferguson. Lighter colors create a feeling of because local downtowns are becoming space, but don’t be afraid of bold colors or such great places to live. If you’re going to accents that add drama and coziness. “Even be out and about enjoying the city, you large chests and armoires melt into the don’t need lots of background when finished square footage.” in a color that’s close to the Good thing. wall tone.” Most affordably • Use mirrors. “IF YOU’RE priced downtown “They’re a tried and true condos are lofts, way to open up space,” says GOING TO BE studios or onedesigner Susan Zises Green. bedrooms ranging “They almost always help a OUT AND from 400 to 750 small room.” Ferguson square feet. ABOUT suggests oversize mirrors Roommates (who placed on the floor, or as a ENJOYING THE are not also table topper. bunkmates) will • Center the living CITY, YOU DON’T likely be out of the area. A sociable triangle or question. Pets quadrangle usually works NEED LOTS OF should be best, with larger pieces SQUARE considered placed against the wall. seriously. • Pay careful attention FOOTAGE.” “Really, you to lighting, window know if your treatments. “Use soft, even lifestyle is suitable light and eliminate shadows for a small place,” says Tanner. “The people which tend to slice a room up into smaller who buy these small places are excited spaces,” says Ferguson. about them, and often don’t see them as • Keep floors continuous. Rugs seem compromises at all.” like obvious choices, particularly on One plus is that a smaller space means hardwood, concrete or terrazzo floors, but limited furniture costs – a real advantage they cut up the space and make it feel for first-time buyers. In fact, a whole smaller. “Maintaining the same flooring industry has developed to address the material throughout the house imparts a challenges of furnishing small living spaces sense of continuity,” says Ferguson. – further evidence that the trend that is here • Control clutter. “Nothing makes a to stay. West Elm, Ikea, Crate & Barrel, space feel smaller,” says Tanner. “After Pier 1 and Storehouse all carry full lines of accessorizing a room, most people should downsized furniture, often designed for eliminate half of the things they’ve set out.” multi-tasking. Pier 1, for example, offers a Store things not on open shelves, but in a mobile “project desk” with cubby holes for trunk or armoire, in the closet or under the CDs that can also be used as a kitchen bed. Watch for pileup of magazines and island. newspapers. And keep the kitchen spotless “We absolutely, positively have scale– particularly if it’s open to the living area. sensitive furniture,” says Dixon Bartlett, With property values climbing, the senior vice-president of Storehouse. appeal of small spaces will likely grow in Some tips from the experts: urban-and-exciting cities like Sarasota, St. • Use double-duty furniture. For Pete, Tampa and Orlando. Is there a limit? example, a sofa can also be a guest bed. A A recently announced 250-unit trunk can be both coffee table and storage. development in downtown Seattle will offer An ottoman can be coffee table and extra condos as small as 296 square feet starting seating. Dining chairs that match décor can at $149,950. They include a bathroom, provide extra seating for guests. “The walk-in closet, kitchen area, eating counter, challenge of these spaces is a reward itself,” and room for a desk, table, foldaway bed. says Tanner, who is also trained in interior Otherwise, it’s the bare necessities. Lighting design. is mostly recessed. Doors slide. One buyer • Eliminate obstructions. Unobstructed explained the appeal. views create an illusion of space, notes “I like having everything in just one small space design expert David Ferguson. room,” Debra Smith told the Seattle Post“Whenever possible, arrange furnishings to Intelligencer. “I just think it’s a waste of open up areas of floor and avoid blocking money to have all this space that you don’t views to windows and doors. Low benches, really need.” | n | ottomans and armless chairs all do this nicely.”

13 affordable downtown condos. by tom dyer THE ARLINGTON (Tampa) Location: Franklin St. Size: 660 sq. ft. and up. Price: $147,000 and up. Units: 1 unit currently available. Merits: Loft in historic building. 15 ft. ceilings. Franklin St. has a ways to go before it beckons. Contact: www.smithandassociates.com. 3325 BAYSHORE (Tampa) Location: Bayshore Drive, South Tampa. Size: 730 sq. ft. and up. Price: $185,000 and up. Units: Large complex, at least 2 units currently available. Merits: Bayshore frontage, well-maintained, lots of trees. Contact: Your Realtor. BAY VILLA (St. Pete) Location: Downtown. Size: 480 sq. ft. Price: $129,900 (just reduced). Units:18, several available. Merits: Remodeled, charming. Walk to Pier, Baywalk, Central Ave., Tropicana. Contact: Bayvilladowntown.com. BROADWAY MARQUEE (Orlando) Location: Eola Heights, Downtown. Size: 750 sq. ft. and up. Price: $195,000 and up. Units: 12, 2 currently available. Merits: Remodeled. Beautiful, quiet street three blocks from Lake Eola. Balconies. Contact: sandyfredrick@bellsouth.net. GRAND CENTRAL SQUARE (Orlando) Location: Colonialtown/Bumby, east of Downtown. Size: 550 sq. ft. Price: $129,000 and up. Units: 44, currently sold out. Merits: Charming, but noisy. Mile from Lake Eola. Contact: Greatspaceplace.com. THE GRANDE (Orlando) Location: Downtown Orlando South. Size: 660 sq. ft. and up. Price: $188,000 and up. Units: Large complex, several units available. Merits: Walk to proposed new arts center, Lake Eola. Bit of a honeycomb. Contact: Your Realtor. MADISON AT SOHO (Tampa) Location: SoHo, South Tampa. Size: 790 sq. ft. and up. Price: $190,000 and up. Units: Large complex, at least 5 units currently available.

Merits: Stylish, trendy, lots of amenities. Contact: sales@madisonsohocondos.com THE METROPOLITAN (Orlando) Location: Lake Eola. Size: 556 sq. ft. and up. Price: $175,000 and up. Units: Large complex, several units available. Merits: Stunning location, not all units have lake view. Contact: Your Realtor. PARK NORTH AT CHENEY PLACE (Orlando) Location: Downtown Orlando North. Size: 411 sq. ft. and up. Price: $144,900 and up, likely negotiable. Units: Large complex, many available. Merits: Location, but North Downtown is less active. Next to railroad tracks. Contact: CondoHQ.com. THE PENN (Orlando) Location: Winter Park. Size: 550 sq. ft. and up. Price: Est. $185,000 and up. Units: 10, most available. Merits: Nice remodel. Walk to Park Ave., Rollins College, Mead Gardens. Contact: Your Realtor. Available in 2007. 428 ROSER PARK DR. (St. Pete) Location: Roser Park, South Downtown. Size: Approx. 450 sq. ft. Price: $149,900. Units: 10 units, several available. Merits: Remodeled. Charming, rapidly improving area near Dali, Marina. Contact: David Liddle, dbl555@hotmail.com. SKYPOINT (Tampa) Location: Downtown. Size: 670 sq. ft. and up. Price: $170,000 and up. Units: 380 units, sold out. Merits: Striking architecture and views for downtown urban pioneers. Contact: SkyPointCondos.com 1301 SOHO (Tampa) Location: SoHo, South Tampa. Size: 540 sq. ft. and up. Price: $142,500 and up. Units: 72, at least 2 currently available. Merits: Walk to Bayshore, Extreme Fitness, SoHo restaurants and clubs. Dated but wellmaintained. Contact: Your Realtor.

advice

Do this! Loneliness and those soapy digits

advice from the truth truth@watermarkonline.com

Dear Truth, I started a business several years ago, and broke up with my girlfriend last year. After an overwhelmingly busy time, I made it my mission to simplify. I dropped some activities and friends and started saying no to social commitments. I succeeded, but now I find myself feeling detached, drifting, more than a little lonely ... and having a very difficult time getting reconnected. Any suggestions?

Lost Girl

party that you had to throw for yourself. Oops, sorry. Even The Truth needs to vent sometimes.

Dear Truth, My boyfriend is a hard-charging top and I love it, but he insists that I be cleaner than an operating room before sex. I never know when he’ll be in the mood, so I spend too much time cleaning down there. And if he surprises me, we have to stop in our tracks while I get ready. What should I do?

Clean But Not Whistling Dear Lost, We all go through periods where we Dear Clean, feel less-connected. Much of life is Suggestions? I have several, cyclical, with ebbs and flows in the current. including some for your boyfriend. First, a The fact that you’ve identified these quick anatomy lesson. It’s ass sex, and feelings indicates you are a thoughtful while I’m loathe to quote my mother in this person and probably the product of at least context, “If you’re going to make a pie, you some psychoanalysis. Mazel tov. However, have to get your hands dirty.” Grow up. If if you are feeling you don’t like it, this city lonely and offers a wide variety of detached enough You’ll find yourself vaginas. Pick one. to ask a stranger My first thought surrounded by likefor advice, for you is dietary. Make you’ve likely minded types, and sure you eat plain, fulldrifted too far strength (not fat-free, soon you’ll have a toward isolation. queen) yogurt after softball team’s worth The good you’ve swabbed the news: Everyone deck, so to speak. This of ladies to bum is still out there. won’t ensure that you’ll around with. Every week, pick be clean enough for your a friend with boyfriend, but it will whom you’ve help you use the orifice in lost touch and call them. You’ll be question for its intended non-sexual surprised how much fun it is to catch up, purpose by replenishing necessary bacteria. and before you know it you’ll be back at Common sense also dictates that sufficient square one with a full Dayminder and too roughage will make cleaning easier. (With little time for yourself. salads, fat-free dressing is recommended.) Since you didn’t say you’re seeking a Finally, it’s not necessary to do an relationship, choose something you like to entire spring cleaning every day. do (running, bowling, pottery) and search Sometimes a shower shot or a soapy digit out opportunities to enjoy that. You’ll find or two is all you need. And it can be fun! yourself surrounded by like-minded types, Even a moist towelette in the nightstand can and soon you’ll have a softball team’s do the trick. It depends (no pun intended) worth of ladies to bum around with. on what you’ve been eating, how regular Most importantly though, live in the you’ve been, how endowed your boyfriend moment. You may feel pangs of loneliness is and the vigor of the sex. now. It’s easy to focus on what you don’t Bottom line: If the man is packing and have. But don’t forget to enjoy the silence the sex is slamming, stop whining and (to quote Depeche Mode). Sit naked with clean your ass. It’s the least you your feet up and eat frosting with a spoon can do. | n | out of the container. Listen to music that you’d be embarrassed to admit owning. Send your questions and conundrums And don’t forget the flip side: Those to truth@watermarkonline.com. people you miss now may re-enter your life, eat all your birthday cake and back into your car as they leave your house after a 70 | Watermark | October 5-18, 2006 | preview | feature | orlando | tampa_bay | sarasota | state | nation | health | real estate | business | viewpoint | art_culture_events_ | lifestyle |

transitions Orlando's Luis Oliveira and pup Zen recently won major awards at several dog shows throughout the Southeast.

transitions O

ne bit of tweaking we’re doing with our redesign is to provide a increase of personal achievements such as promotions and board appointments, reasons for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries, and other announcements. But we need your help. If you’re reading this now, we’d like to know about your achievements and celebrations to share with the community. Contact us at the addresses listed below and help us share your proudest moments!

Local birthdays: The Club at Firestone’s Brian “Lucky” Smith, white trash party event coordinator and partner of Watermark business manager Rick Claggett Nathan Schifflett, Showboyz lead male dancer Skyler Cross, and Watermark Orlando ad sales rep and Lava Lounge “honorary” mayor Kevin Thornton (9/25); EO Inn and Urban Spa’s general manager and likely still celebrating his birthday Eddie Cooper (9/26); local People person Jeff Truesdell (10/2); Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance committee founder Michael Slaymaker and Orlando City Council District 4 Patty Sheehan partner and cultural arts coordinator for the Orlando After School All Stars program Jocelyn White (10/7). Kudos: After a mini-circuit of dog shows throughout the Southeast, dog handler Luis Oliveira picked up several awards for his Chinese Crested puppy Zen, including winners dog in Nashville.

Anniversaries: HRC PR/G&G Advertising guy Carlos Carbonnell and partner Adam Hunter celebrated their 10th anniversary on Sept. 21. Watermark business manager Rick Claggett and partner Nathan Schifflett celebrate their fourth anniversary on Oct. 15. Celebrity birthdays: Her heart still goes on Kate Winslet (10/5); Idol who fended off a McPhee-ver Taylor Hicks (10/6); From chart topper to Broadway, now a Vegas headliner Toni Braxton (10/7); He is and you’re not Chevy Chase (10/8); The other bat Ozzy’s likely bitten Sharon Osbourne (10/9); Nobel prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter (10/10); hilariously stood up at the alter in In & Out Joan Cusack (10/11); Fiddlin’ Dixie Chick Martie Seidel (10/12); Getting great reviews for Borat: Kakazhstan movie Sasha Baron Cohen (10/13); Very vocal Dixie Chick vocalist Natalie Maines (10/14); Once shilled for K-Mart with Rosie O’Donnell Penny Marshall (10/15); Out-there gay playwright and poet Oscar Wilde (10/16); Closeted From Here to Eternity Montgomery Clift (10/17); and Right Wing senator and gay-hatah Jesse Helms (10/18). W

Send news about birthdays, anniversaries, civil unions — and whatever else you celebrate to Transitions, Watermark, P.O. Box 533655, Orlando, FL 32853, to Kirk@WatermarkOnline.com (Orlando and Daytona/Spacecoast) or SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com (Tampa Bay and Sarasota).

sports

Watermark | Tom Dyer

So far, the Sarasota Strokers have a winning record.

Sarasota brings its first team to Suncoast Softball League staff reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Tampa | The Sarasota Strokers is more than just a softball team. It is a group of friends who found they had a broader love of sports than their original activity – bowling in A League of Their Own’s Monday night league. The Strokers are the first Sarasotabased softball team to enter the Suncoast Softball League. The D Division team had initially wanted to start a GLBT softball league in its own backyard, but found that might have been too ambitious for its first

year. So the Strokers make the drive each Sunday to Tampa to play at the Greco Softball Complex behind the Museum of Science and Industry. The 16-member team is as diverse as the league itself. The team consists of business owners, doctors, retirees and college students – and just like the SSL, team membership does not require a gay sexual orientation. So far the Strokers have a winning record and were in second place after the first two weeks of play – not bad for a team that began practicing in June of this year. The Strokers practice at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday night at Fruitville Park. | n |

Telluride announces winter’s gay ski weekend staff reports

editor@watermarkonline.com Mountain Village, Colo. | Are you tired of all the Florida sunshine? Do you miss the cooler temperatures and winter sports? If so, the town of Mountain Village, Colo., is the place for you. The Fourth Annual Telluride Gay Ski Week 2007 has been set for Sunday, Feb. 24, 2007, to Sunday, March 4, 2007. Since its first year, the week has played host to thousands of guests with net proceeds going to the Telluride AIDS Benefit. That program is a grassroots organization committed to raising awareness about the HIV and AIDS

pandemic for more than 12 years. Designed as an alternative to other gay ski events, it combines a blend of top skiing and unpretentious activities with the spirited but laid-back charm of a Europeanstyle ski town. Telluride Gay Ski Week boasts a full schedule of events in addition to its acclaimed skiing. This year’s event will open on Sunday, Feb. 4, with its annual signature event, an Academy Awards watching party. Also returning will be two popular events, the White Night Powder Party and the Blue Ball Pool Party. For more information, visit TellurideGaySkiWeek.com. | n |

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gossip he thing about this story may not have panned out for him, but he and she didn’t disappoint. With a about the (ex-) boyfriend is definitely made some fans with the brass powerful voice that is ideally suited for that he put him in as at Smallville. He’s just been cast as The both Broadway and pop, she segued Homeland Security supervisor or Green Arrow, a superhero who comes to through a number of covers to an whatever. Why that particular job? unprepared a cappella version of Seasons Smallville to lure Clark into becoming a Unless Osama Bin Laden is hanging out of Love from Rent. (She’s still in the member of the Justice League. at the Ramrod, I don’t see the This leads perfectly into our Ask Broadway company of the hit musical.) connection.” – Joy Behar questions the Billy question from Carl in Norfolk, Va.: However, the highlight of the night was former New Jersey governor Thomas “Billy, did you watch Who Wants to Be a the phenomenal rendition of And I Am McGreevey’s decision to hire sex partner Telling You from Dreamgirls. You can Superhero? Do you know anything about Golan Cipel. With all due respect, I Maj. Victory? I hear he used to be a male watch that at BillyMasters.com. think a gay man might be the very person stripper – so I’m sure that you can track Speaking of divas, the sensational to track down a 6-footSheryl Lee Ralph down some nude photos of this hot 5 Muslim man wearing hunk.” is once again a dress and a towel on I have to admit that not only producing Divas: Yes, I know that his head. have I never watched this show, I never Simply Singing on Cher is slated to take Oct. 7 at the I may be back in even heard of it until your letter. This over once Celine is Los Angeles, but I’ve was a Sci-Fi Channel competition for Wilshire Ebell been spending more people to create a superhero character Theatre. This will gone, but you don’t and more time in Fort be her 16th annual which would be developed by comic think she’ll be able to event, which Lauderdale (and from book legend Stan Lee. One of the the e-mails I’m contestants was, indeed, Maj. Victory, a raises money for stay awake for long, getting, the SoFla fans character created by actor Chris various AIDS do you? are keeping tabs on Watters. organizations. me). Although I am Before you ask, he’s straight, Confirmed: always thrilled to bask in the pleasures of Stephanie Mills, Tramaine Hawkins, married and a father. The good news is Villa Venice, that’s only part of the that Chris was, in fact, a male stripper, Regina Belle and Sheryl’s Dreamgirls reason for my visits. I’ve also been dancing in Vegas and working with co-star Loretta Devine. I pray that the spending a lot of time with John at Robe fabulous Jennifer Lewis will also be on Hollywood Men as a DJ and lighting Rose Real Estate. While nothing is technician. His stripping days may be in hand because her appearances routinely certain, it’s entirely possible that the the past, but we’ve uncovered some nude steal the show right out from under even Filth2Go Beach House may relocate in photos that show Sheryl’s feet. But this is 2007. off a physique that all about giving, sharing Last weekend, I was here in WeHo was quite fabulous. and celebrating. Tickets? with the former American Idol contestant Info? Get more at Find him at Frenchie Davis at The Factory. I can’t BillyMasters.com. DivasSimplySinging.com. tell you how excited the capacity Could it be Here’s my dilemma: audience was to see Miss Diva in action, that a certain On the same night as socialite is in hot Divas, Jennifer Hudson water? So say the will perform at Kingdom folks at Disney, during the huge Gay Days who tell us that the Anaheim bash at the mischievous minx House of Blues at misbehaved during Downtown Disney. What a VIP visit to the to do? While I’m trying to happiest place on make this decision, check Earth (West Coast out version). GayDaysAnaheim.com. According to We’re just chock full cast members, the of divas in this column. accommodating The Divine Miss M will “actress” lit up a host her annual Hulaween doobie and refused Ball Oct. 31 at the The married and straight former stripper Chris to put it out. The Waldorf-Astoria. This is Watters was, in fact, a contestant on the Sci-Fi bigwigs decided to Bette’s annual fund-raiser Channel’s reality show, Who Wants to Be a Superhero? teach a lesson. As for the New York the Anaheim police Restoration Project. That sirens drew near, the poseur put the pot witchy woman herself, Stevie Nicks, is in a most ingenious hiding place. If only the headliner while funny gal Joy Behar it weren’t a view we were all so familiar will be the celebrity auctioneer. with. What’s next on Midler’s plate? On that note, feel free to drop a line With daughter Sophie off to college, she to me at Billy@BillyMasters.com and I has some time on her hands and I hear promise to get back to you before our that she’s talking with the folks at rich reality kid hits EPCOT (where she’d Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas about an feel right at home). So until next time, extended run at The Coliseum. Yes, I remember that one man’s filth is another know that Cher is slated to take over man’s bible. | n | once that Celine is gone, but you don’t think she’ll be able to stay awake for long, do you? Justin Hartley plays Aquaman in the Smallville spinoff (the entire episode airs on BillyMasters.com for a bit longer). Playing the aquatic superhero

“T Oh, Too Many Divas – and Too Little Time Billy Masters

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