Watermark Issue 18.23: WAVE Awards by Watermark Publishing Group

ORLANDO EDITION

ISSUE 18.23 | NOv. 10 - NOv. 23, 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

yOUR LGBT LIFE.

Making

WAVEs in 2011

Readers recognize their community favorites

Orlando closer to

doMEsTiC PArTnEr rEGisTrY D AY T O N A B E A C H

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We created special edition covers! As we have for the past three years, we created featured two separate covers for our WAVE Awards issue, (an Orlando edition and a Tampa Bay edition) each featuring features winners from their areas.

TAMPA BAY EDITION

ISSUE 18.23 | NOv. 10 - NOv. 23, 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

yOUR LGBT LIFE.

Making

WAVEs in 2011

ForGE refocuses its future D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

Readers recognize their community favorites

Michael Smith, Largo's

FirsT ouT CoMMissionEr

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| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

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watermark | preview

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

issue 18.23

on the

COME OUT WITh PRIDE

SPECIAL SECTION The rescheduled Come Out With Pride celebration is upon us and on Sunday, Nov. 13, crowds will gather at Lake Eola Park to celebrate diversity in downtown Orlando. In this issue, check out our special COWP Pullout section to get the updated calendar of events and entertainers scheduled all weekend long.

ORLANDO

cover

(L-R) Orlando WAVE Award winners Mikael Audebert, Jack and Margo Dixon, Ginger Minj, Mark Baratelli and Dale Dees celebrate their win at Lake Eola Park. Photo by Jake Stevens

TAMPA BAy

(L-R) Tampa Bay WAVE Award winners Brian Winfield, Kevin Beckner, Candace Shultis, Ken Hodges and Jeff Klein celebrate their wins at Demens Landing overlooking the Pier in St. Petersburg. Photo by Nick Cardello

8 | Orlando News The City of Orlando continues its push for a domestic partner registry partnership with Orange County; The Center has worked out a way to resolve an IRS lean against its building; Equality Florida’s Orlando

ORLANDO NEWS

Gala breaks the $100,000 mark; more.

10 | Tampa News

12 / NATION + WORLD NEWS 13 / TAMPA BAy MARKETPLACE

The new Metro Wellness and Community Center in St. Petersburg opened to crowds and fanfare on Nov. 4; Michael Smith is elected as

15 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

Largo’s first out City Commissioner; a lesbian couple learns firsthand

TAMPA BAy NEWS

the impacts of Amendment 2 when they try to change their licences.

20 / MAIL

23 | Scene+heard

29 / EvENT PLANNER

For two years, Michael Keefe has worked as the executive director of

30 / TAMPA BAy OvERhEARD

FORGE. On his second anniversary of service, we sit down with him to discuss the organization’s increasing visibility throughout Tampa

31 / ORLANDO OvERhEARD

Bay and his ultimate vision to bring transgender advocacy to the

SCENE+hEARD

entire state of Florida.

48 / TRANSITIONS

33 | WAvE Awards

50 / SPORTS

The ballots have been counted and the awards have been created. Now we can announce our readers’ favorites in our annual WAVE Awards issue. Readers from Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota voted online in categories ranging from Favorite Politician to Best

Restaurant, and we took the time to speak with a few of the winners

KNOW+TELL

to offer a glimpse into why our readers chose them as their favorite.

51 / CLASSIFIEDS 52 / GOSSIP 54 / GALLERy W

watermark | preview

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

editor’sdesk F

or 93 years, the United States has celebrated Veterans Day—or at least gym for both his physical and mental health. He was determined to stay a form of it—with parades, speeches and celebrations commemorating active despite his injury and never once seemed deterred by his medical situation. the sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces. Nov. 11 is I didn’t pry, but the former soldier in his late 20s motioned to the set aside to recognize those who have experienced firsthand the tragedies silver titanium leg when he mentioned that he served in Afghanistan. I and triumphs of war—both abroad and domestically. can only guess as to the cause of his injury—a roadside bomb or maybe a This year, Veterans Day holds a special significance for the LGBT vehicle accident in the desert. All he shared was that he lost his leg in the community because it is the first time in the history of our Armed Forces Afghanistan war. that soldiers in all branches can serve openly. The repeal of “Don’t Ask After wrapping up my set, I shook his hand, wished him luck with his Don’t Tell” was a major human rights victory in 2011 and its end rightly workout and thanked him for serving in the military. I don’t know in which deserves to be celebrated. It’s a historic milestone we can’t take lightly. branch of the military he served, if he’s a Florida native, or if he has a wife Seeing gay and lesbian soldiers celebrating with their partners is and children or a partner/husband. inspiring, and Americans should be proud that It doesn’t—and shouldn’t—matter. He the most powerful military in the world finally volunteered to fight in a war representing America’s recognizes the contributions of all its soldiers. Whether he prefers interests. That is what is truly important. Whether Any controversy surrounding the repeal is already he prefers the company of men or women in the dissipating as the military consistently reports “no Steve Blanchard the company of men bedroom doesn’t lessen his sacrifice. issues” among its ranks related to the updated policy. EDITOR or women in the SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com It’s no secret that the United States has its fair LGBT veterans groups have planned special share of problems. The economy is still on the celebrations this year and LGBT organizations bedroom doesn’t mend, political candidates sling mud like children are stepping up to make those events parties to lessen his sacrifice. throwing snowballs in a snowstorm, and marriage remember. equality and sexuality continue to make headlines in But we can’t let the victory of DADT’s repeal newspapers and on news shows across the country. overshadow the meaning of Veterans Day. The 11th We’re divided on many things, but we should not be divided when it day in the 11th month, marking the end of World War I in 1918, is and comes to recognizing the contributions of our veterans. DADT is history always will be about those men and women in uniform—gay and straight— and celebrating its defeat is the right thing to do, and so is celebrating all who made us safer in the past and continue to protect our future. veterans. The week before this issue of Watermark went to press, I met a young If you see a soldier or a veteran this Nov. 11—or any day after that— man working out at the gym. We struck up a casual conversation while smile, acknowledge, or even shake their hand in appreciation of their sharing nearby equipment and I couldn’t help but notice the scarring on the service. Whether their sexuality is the same as yours isn’t the point; it is that back of his left calf and the titanium leg supporting his weight where his their combined sacrifices have helped us reach the milestone that is Veterans right calf used to be. Day 2011. | l | As we chatted idly about the efforts involved with keeping in shape and wondered aloud why a nearby flat screen television wasn’t showing ESPN’s latest broadcast, he shared that his trip to the gym was part of his therapy. His military doctor at nearby Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital suggested the

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yOUR LGBT LIFE.

ISSUE 18.22 | OCT. O 27-NOV. 10 , 2011 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

focus on

PETS

Citing discrimination, Pinellas Schools

rejects Boy Scouts grant

Florida’s pet theft problem Picking the right pet for your life Become an animal advocate

Orlando says goodbye to

John “Tweeka” Barber

Florida resident Scott Lope has made exotic animal advocacy his mission—both on and off camera D AY T O N A B E A C H

ISSUE 18.20

ISSUE 18.21

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ORLANDO

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ISSUE 18.22

S A R A S O TA

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watermark | orlando news

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

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EQFL Orlando Gala Tops $100,000 Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith, center, gave a rousing State-of-the-State speech during the organization's Orlando Gala Nov. 5 at the Orlando Museum of Art. More than $100,000 was raised that evening and Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell, at left, and Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, at right, were presented 2011 Voice for Equality awards. | Photo by Tom Dyer

The Center resolves IRS lien jamie hyman Orlando | After discovering more than $10,000 in unpaid taxes, The Center has worked out a deal with the IRS that resolves a lien placed on the property. Randy Stephens, executive director of The Center, said staff discovered a year of unpaid payroll taxes which created the issue. “All of this came about from the audit we had done, and that’s when we found out taxes had not been paid in 2009,” Stephens said. “[The IRS] found about it from us instead of the other way around.” Stephens said the error was limited to that single year, before he came on board with The Center in 2010. “It’s one of those things that happened in the past and we have to deal with it and not concern ourselves with who to blame,”

Stephens said. The Center’s treasurer, Will Perry, said the exact total owed is $10,618.20 and that amount includes all penalties. “We have a payment arrangement and set up a special bank account to pay the IRS $500 a month until it’s paid off,” he said. “We’re working through it and we’d love donations.” Stephens said if the organization misses a payment, the lien will attach again. Perry said it’s a big deal but not life-threatening. “We’re not going to close our doors over this,” Perry said. “It would certainly be nicer to spend that 500 on other stuff but it’s a true tax obligation.” Stephens said the budget hit won’t likely shut down any programs but it might keep The Center from expanding as quickly as he’d like. He said the audit also uncovered $2,000 in unpaid state taxes from the same time period, but those were paid off last month. | l |

Steinem Celebrates Activism at Rollins tom dyer Winter Park | There was a buzz in the Alfond Sports Center at Rollins College as hundreds of students, faculty and locals waited for cultural icon Gloria Steinem to appear. The founder of Ms. Magazine was at Rollins participating in events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the National Organization for Women. She reassured those in the adoring crowd that attaining full civil rights takes time, and that advantage is not relinquished easily. “They’re scared to death we’ll turn their triangle—where the masses are at the bottom and the privileged few are at the top—into a circle,” she said, speaking of a lingering power structure that is predominantly wealthy, white,

male and heterosexual. The 77-year-old drew laughs with a related observation about the relationship between religion and power. “When images of god reflect the ruling class, you know you’re in deep shit,” she said with a chuckle. Steinem also shared that she married South African activist David Bale, father of actor Christian Bale, late in life because the onceoppressive institution had changed. She noted that because they were married, her husband no longer faced deportation and had access to health care benefits. “I gained a real understanding of the disadvantages faced by gays and lesbians, and why it’s so important for everyone to have access to marriage,” she said. | l |

watermark | orlando news

City pushing for domestic partner registry partnership jamie hyman Orlando | Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his staff are taking big steps toward establishing a domestic partner registry, and they want Orange County officials to walk alongside them. City staff wrote an ordinance establishing the registry which defines domestic partnership, outlines the registration process and provides an overview of protections provided within a domestic partnership that has been recognized by the city of Orlando. Those protections include hospital visitation, rights to health care decisions, correctional facility visitation, rights to funeral/burial decisions, guardianship and the right for both domestic partners to participate in the education of their children. In May of this year, Dyer reached out to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, encouraging her to lead the county in pursuing domestic partner registry at the same time as the city. The ordinance language has been sent to Mayor Jacobs’ office, along with a memo describing the research steps taken by Chief Assistant City Attorney Amy Iennaco with the purpose of creating an ordinance that would satisfy the needs of both the city and the county. The memo includes a recommendation for joint administration of the registry, stating that “addresses the needs of the greatest number of people while avoiding costly or inefficient processes or staffing, as well as duplicative and potentially conflicting substantive provisions.” The memo also states that should the county pass on the ordinance at this time, the city will move forward with the registry anyway. It also addresses cost concerns, stating, “Any costs, administrative or otherwise, would be completely offset by revenues received from the registrations,” and legal concerns, stating, “The City’s research and evaluation of the proposed registry determined that there were no legal impediments to implementing the registry as proposed.” It concludes by asserting, “This partnership would provide protections to thousands of families and demonstrate our shared commitment to building a region that is competitive and innovative when it comes to attracting jobs,” and

requesting that the county provide a response by Nov. 11, because the city plans to put the ordinance before the Orlando City Council in December. County chief of staff Graciela Noriega Jacoby said the city’s ordinance has been passed onto their legal department “to do the due diligence,” and “after that vetting process, the legal department will provide a briefing and recommendations to Mayor Jacobs.” | l |

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

First Presbyterian Orlando leaving denomination over LGBT rights staff report Orlando | The First Presbyterian Church of Orlando is breaking away from the national denomination (PCUSA) after PCUSA voted last year to allow the ordination of LGBT ministers, deacons and elders. The new denomination is called Fellowship of Presbyterians and is made

up of five conservative congregations. According to the Orlando Sentinel, other central Florida churches may also be planning to join the new denomination. Trinity Presbyterian in Satellite Beach told reporters it intends to join and College Park Presbyterian is said to be considering the change. First Presbyterian of Orlando has 4,900 members and is the fourth largest church in the United States. | l |

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

watermark | tampa bay news

Crowd celebrates Metro Center’s new location steve blanchard St. Petersburg | Lorraine Langlois couldn’t stop smiling on Nov. 4. That’s the day the executive director of Metro Wellness and Community Centers, along with her staff, hosted the grand opening of its newest facility in St. Petersburg. More than 150 people attended the event to celebrate the new location at 3251 3rd Ave. N. The new location is across the street from its old building next to Georgie’s Alibi. “There was just a lot of support and that really impressed me,” Langlois said following the open house. “The people we really wanted to make sure were there attended and we celebrated with the heads of other agencies. As we move forward we can cooperate and service the people in our community.” The celebration was centered in the community room of the renovated 15,000-square-foot building, where appetizers and wine were provided by Metro Center staff. Other members of the staff offered tours of the offices, meeting spaces and clinic rooms stretching from one end of the site to the other. “There was a lot of excitement about the community center aspect of our location,” Langlois said. “We’ve tried to have one before

but the social services part of our organization grew like crazy and we ran out of space. Now, with the new building, we’re able to dedicate space for a community center and we are hopeful that it’ll be used. It’s here for the community.” The St. Petersburg Metro Wellness and Community Center is just one of three servicing the Tampa Bay area. Ybor City and New Port Richey both offer similar programs and nearly 90 employees are stretched throughout the three locations. “We serve somewhere between 8,000 and 10,000 people with or at risk of HIV,” Langlois said. “One thing people may not know about us is that all of our programs are ‘linkage to life’ programs. We have programs for families and for changing HIV and HIV prevention risk and behaviors in those families.” That includes same-gendered and oppositegendered households, Langlois points out. The funding Metro receives can be used for all at-risk or HIV-infected individuals, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. But the new location does give the organization a chance to focus directly on the LGBT community. Langlois said that new GLBT Program Coordinator Adam Jahr, who has been with Metro for two months, is developing programs specific to the LGBT

(L-R) Sister Monica Mdiver, Lorraine Langlois, Adam Jahr and Sister Gunza Blazin celebrate the grand opening of the new Metro Wellness and Community Center in St. Petersburg Nov. 4. | Photo by Steve Blanchard

community. “He’s been out there meeting folks, getting to know other agency heads and forming better relationships,” Langlois said. “So he’s doing everything related to the LGBT community.” The massive expansion and growth of Metro surprises even Langlois herself, who admits she never had such a large group of programs in mind when she started with the organization nearly 20 years ago. “All we knew was there was a need and we needed to go do it,” Langlois said of Metro’s humble beginnings. “That’s what we do. It was HIV needs and the LGBT community through the King of Peace Church, so we were LGBT focused from the beginning. As the needs and focus changed, so did we. It was a matter of going where the needs were.” And more changes and needs are on the

way. With healthcare reform fast approaching, Langlois said she and her staff have worked hard to align themselves with the “next generation of healthcare.” That means Metro will expand even more and include other services along with its HIV programs. “If all you do is HIV treatment or programs then you’re going to be out of luck because it’s based on primary care, “ Langlois explained. “So we’re going to offer clinical care and we’ll be able to provide those services.” Clinical rooms are already available at the new Metro Wellness and Community Center and Langlois is certain its modern feel will not diminish the grassroots spirit behind it. “I have an incredible staff and five of the greatest senior staff leaders,” Langlois said. “Everyone is involved and dedicated to people, and that makes all the difference.” Entry into the new location is on 33rd Street near the corner of 3rd Avenue North between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., entry is on 3rd Avenue North. Metro Wellness and Community Center began at the King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church in 1984 and has continuously serviced the HIV/AIDS population of Tampa Bay ever since. Metro’s Tampa and New Port Richey offices will remain in their current locations. For more information on the new St. Petersburg Metro Wellness and Community Center, call 727-321-3854 or visit MetroTampaBay.org. | l |

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watermark | tampa bay news

Michael Smith becomes Largo’s first openly gay commissioner steve blanchard Largo | On Nov. 8, Michael Smith became Largo’s newest City Commissioner with nearly 54% of the vote, defeating Seat 1 incumbent Mary Gray Black. Smith becomes the city’s first openly gay commissioner and ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and a focus on public safety. Calls to reach him at his election night party were unsuccessful, but he was hopeful before the election that he would secure the seat on the commission. He said he focused on the issues and voters soon learned he was not pushing some kind of gay agenda. “I just explained that I’m running to improve the city and that I want what’s best for this community,” he said. “Like with most cities, Largo’s biggest issue is its budget.” But instead of slashing wildly at spending, Smith said he wanted to use a scalpel rather than an ax when slashing spending. “I think right now people think you have to cut left and right,” he said. “But I’m a big supporter of public safety and I think you have to take care of that because it branches out into so many areas. If we have fewer firefighters or police, insurance rates go up and crime goes up…and that leads to other issues.” Smith rarely talked about his sexuality or his year-long relationship with his partner. The only time his sexuality was discussed at any length was when Black brought it

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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Michael Smith became Largo’s first openly gay City Commissioner with 54% of the vote Nov. 8.

up during an October town hall meeting, a tactic that may have backfired. More than one person in attendance expressed disappointment. “I think that actually worked in our favor,” Smith said during North Pinellas Pride in Dunedin a few days after the incident. “People are focused on real issues.” Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, had one simple statement about Black in an e-mail she sent to Watermark. “We sent an extremist packing,” she wrote, “and elected a champion.” In another unrelated Pinellas County race, out St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell held onto his District 5 seat with nearly 80% of the vote. He was unchallenged. | l |

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Couple’s attempt to change names on licenses show Amendment 2 effects wire report Pinellas Park | A visit to the DMV is rarely a pleasant experience for anyone, but now, a Tampa Bay-based lesbian couple says they are humiliated by their driver’s license application “nightmare.” Their nightmare can be directly linked to Amendment 2, which bans same-sex marriage “or any equivalent” in the state. The lesbian couple wanted to change their license to reflect their new hyphenated last name following their Connecticut marriage. But ultimately, they were denited. Rachel and Charlotte Lambert-Jolley said the confusion started with Rachel’s mom calling the DMV to find out if a same-sex couple would be allowed to get a new ID. “He said pretty much, ‘If they have a valid marriage license, we honor it,’” Rachel told Tampa Bay’s local CBS affiliate. Though the Lambert-Jolleys came armed with the standard documents, including a marriage license from Connecticut and updated social security cards with their

new, hyphenated names, DMV officials say additional materials were needed. A passport and a court order are necessary for LGBT couples to change their names in Florida, since same-sex marriage licenses are not recognized. “The out-of-state marriage certificate is a piece of paper that means nothing to the state of Florida,” Ann Howard, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said in a statement. “The law is very clear. It doesn’t recognize any document related to same-sex marriage, because it is not recognized under the Florida Constitution.” Howard said she wasn’t sure why DMV employees were confused about what documentation was required and that without knowing with whom the two women spoke, finding the error and miscommunication could be difficult. “The possibility does exist that it may not have been explained to them that it was a same-sex marriage from out of state,” she said. | l |

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watermark | sarasota

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ALSO gears up for second Turkey Trot

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staff report Sarasota | More than 500 running enthusiasts are expected to descend upon downtown Sarasota in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day to raise money for ALSO Out Youth. The Second annual Turkey Trot offers both a 5K and 10K run over the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. Registration for both races is $25 before Nov. 21. Same-day registration is $30 and proceeds benefit ALSO Out Youth, which strives to end discrimination among LGBT youth. “We have faced many challenges the last few years, and with [the community’s] help we have made it through and are now seeing a record number of youth at our drop-in center, expanded programs, and a new sense of accomplishment in making our community a better place for our LGBTIQ youth and their families and friends,” ALSO Board President Greg Taylor said in a statement. Both races begin at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Sarasota and registration

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includes a commemorative t-shirt and breakfast. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, according to organizers. The Top 3 finishers in each division will receive a prize. According Taylor, the organization’s increased visibility in the community is thanks to a revamped vision and funding. “Our executive director Sue Westcott and our Board of Directors have really stepped up to promote our renewed message and vision,” Taylor said in a letter. “With a reduction in grants and business donations, we have expanded our events and have found innovative ways to fund our programs. But community support is needed now more than ever.” Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Hotel. Start time for the race is 8:00 a.m. Several improvements are expected at this year’s race, including vendors and specific lane closures for participants. To register in advance for the Second Annual Turkey Trot, visit AlsoYouth.org and click on the Turkey Trot link. | l |

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Broward County passes Equal Benefits Ordinance staff report Fort Lauderdale | The Broward County Commission voted Nov. 8 to approve a new rule that requires companies doing business with the county to treat domestic partners and married couples equally. The Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO) means the county’s vendors must provide domestic partners with benefits equal to those offered to spouses of married employees. The ordinance applies to companies that are in contracts of $100,000 or more with the county and who have five or more employees. Companies that do not currently provide benefits to the spouses of

their employees are not required to provide benefits to those employees’ domestic partners. If companies are not able to provide benefits to domestic partners, they may provide the cash equivalent to the employee and still meet the requirements of the new ordinance. Broward is the first county in Florida to adopt this type of ordinance. In 2005, Miami Beach became the first city in the state to approve an EBO. Since then, the city reports no negative fiscal effects. The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Sue Gunzburger, co-sponsored by all members of the commission and passed unanimously. | l |

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“Swinging Richards” strip club name creates controversy staff report North Miami Beach | North Miami Beach residents are protesting a new gay strip club. Apparently, the problem isn’t with the club’s existence but with it’s name: “Swinging Richard’s.” Residents have complained to local media

and at least one city councilwoman has confirmed that complaints have been called into her office over the issue. The club’s attorney has responded that the club owners have complied with all state and local rules while boosting the local tax base. Plus, the attorney said the club has provided security work for off-duty North Miami Beach police after recent cuts to the police force. | l |

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HIV scammers on most wanted list wire report Miami | Federal health officials have added the director of two Miami health clinics to their most wanted list for allegedly billing Medicare for $26 million in bogus claims. Enrique Gonzalez was indicted in May 2008 on several charges. Gonzalez is charged with paying kickbacks to patients to con them into saying they received treatments. Authorities said he worked with Carlos,

Luis, and Jose Benitez. The brothers owned a string of medical clinics that allegedly scammed Medicare out of $119 million by billing for costly HIV drugs that patients never received. Authorities say they bought hotels, helicopters and boats before fleeing to Cuba. The Benitez brothers are the most wanted fugitives on the list compiled by the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general. | l |

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briefs Bishops’ aide resigns over gay devil column The author of a newspaper column suggesting the devil may be responsible for homosexuality has resigned from his job with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Daniel Avila resigned Nov. 4. after writing that there’s evidence suggesting that Satan is responsible for same-sex attraction. Avila’s column appeared in The Pilot, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston.

WV aiming to protect LGBT students from bullies A proposed anti-bullying policy for West Virginia schools acknowledges that sexual orientation and gender identity are common reasons for harassment. If approved, changes that specifically acknowledge the targeting of LGBT students would go into effect July 1, 2012. The policy effectively provides political and legal cover to teachers and others who might hesitate to help a student.

Gay Hall of Fame holds 20th anniversary ceremony Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is set to induct 11 individuals and four organizations at its 20th anniversary induction ceremony on Nov. 9 at the Chicago History Museum. The individuals honored this year include a pioneer in early-20th-century popular music, a promoter of LGBT sports teams and an expert on promoting the health of gay youth.

Boy accepted into the Girl Scouts A seven-year-old Colorado boy who identifies as a girl has been accepted into the Girl Scouts of Colorado. The mother of Bobby Montoya was initially told by a troop leader that despite Bobby’s feminine appearance and mannerisms, “he has boy parts, he can’t be in Girl Scouts.” The organization later stated the troop had made a mistake by not letting Bobby join, saying “If a child identifies as a girl and the child’s family presents her as a girl, [we] welcome her as a Girl Scout.”

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Gay and lesbian service members sue U.S. wire report Boston, Mass. | A group of married gay current and former military personnel sued the U.S. government on Oct. 27, seeking equal recognition, benefits and the same support as married heterosexual couples who serve in the military. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston says the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates their constitutional rights and asks the military to recognize their legal marriages. Under DOMA, the Pentagon is required to ignore same-sex marriages, which are legal in six states and Washington D.C. and were legal for a time in California. “This case is about one thing, plain and simple,’’ said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which filed the suit. “It’s about justice for gay and lesbian service members and their families in our armed forces rendering the same military service, making the same sacrifices, and taking the same risks to keep our nation secure at home and abroad.’’ The lawsuit comes about a month after the military officially ended its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy (DADT), which forbade gays from serving openly. Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, which opposed the repeal of DADT, says

the lawsuit is an attempt to impose throughout the military a definition of marriage that’s accepted in just a handful of states. Donnelly claims it’s all designed to undermine DOMA, which protects one state from having to abide by other states’ marriage laws and wasn’t supposed to be affected by the DADT repea. “What you have here is an attempt to impose a minority view on the majority,’’ she said. The plaintiffs say they don’t believe the government will contest the lawsuit, quoting an Oct. 1 statement from President Obama about DOMA in which he said, “I believe the law runs counter to the Constitution, and it’s time for it to end, once and for all.’’ In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby said the Pentagon will evaluate the complaint and consult with the Justice Department, while at the same time continuing to follow the law. Kirby pointed out that service members can already designate some benefits to people of their choosing regardless of sexual orientation, but other benefits are restricted by law. “In connection with DADT repeal, the Defense Department is engaged in a careful and deliberate review of the possibility of extending eligibility for benefits, when legally permitted, to other individuals including same-sex partners,’’ Kirby said. | l |

Senate panel likely to OK repeal of DOMA wire report Washington, D.C. | A U.S. Senate committee on Nov. 10 is expected to vote on a bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the 1996 law that bars federal agencies and the military from recognizing the legal marriages of gay and lesbian couples. The law also allows states to ignore marriages of gay couples performed in other states. A majority of the members on the Senate Judiciary Committee support the bill, including its chairman, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, making passage an almost foregone conclusion. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, sponsored the bill in the Senate. But the issue is a non-starter in the House, where its speaker, John Boehner, a Republican from Ohio, has approved a budget of up to $1.5 million to defend the law in court. Supporters of the law say its repeal

would lead to the erosion of religious liberty for people who oppose gay unions. “Marriage is critically important because the marriage-based family is the original and best Department of Health, Education and Welfare,” said Robert P. George, the founder of the American Principles Project and chairman emeritus of the National Organization for Marriage, in an Oct. 28 interview with Catholic News Agency. “There can be no doubt that the repression of religious liberty is coming because there is no doubt that the repression of religious liberty is already taking place,” he added. George argued that gay activists would not stop at marriage and are already planning to open up the institution to “households in which there is more than one conjugal partner.” | l |

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had never agonized over anything in his life as he did the decision to send his son away. He privately promised his son he would send him money until he found a way to see him again. Days later his son was dead. For years following his son’s suicide, Carter wanted to die, too. That’s when he explained “the gang” that traveled with him was his attempt to make sure no one would ever again commit suicide on his watch. After our introduction weekend, Carter returned home and came out of his own closet. Paying tribute He picked up the phone and called everyone to Bishop he could find from his past, came out to them, Michael Carter and apologized for hypocrisy. Immediately afterwards his organization cut off his pension and left him penniless. However, doors quickly opened for full-time ministry in the LGBT Rev. Scott affirming churches. Manning Every time we spoke it seemed we never ended our original conversation. We became each other’s ministerial sounding boards. I was able to introduce him to two national LGBT religious organizations. I saw people clamoring for his attention. I saw experienced pastors grow jealous of his accomplishments. And what was most incredible to me, I saw people’s lives change just by knowing him. Just after his 76th birthday, we both attended a regional conference for the “Fellowship of Affirming Ministries” in North Carolina. The last day of the conference, my husband and I were able to go out to eat with him and “the gang.” He took me by the hand and we went outside. When Carter spoke to me, he spoke about my present—what was escribing the impact someone had on happening in the now. This time he spoke to your journey is never as meaningful my future. He mapped out what he felt was to the reader as it is to the author. going to happen next in my life. Understanding that, I’ll do my best. I first A month later, I awoke one morning and met Bishop Michael Carter; known to the checked my voicemail. I heard Carter’s partner “children” as Carter, in 2008. After years of trying to speak through weeping. The first few trying to connect, our paths finally crossed one words were enough to know that my friend weekend when I was conducting a talent night was gone. I won’t bore you with my grief. If at a church in the Bay Area. Carter agreed to you’ve lost a friend you know. come during the festivities and arrived with This month is the first anniversary of his his entourage. I invited him to the microphone. death, and his words are just as alive to me To say that “talent night” quickly turned into as they were then. His innumerable stories a church service would be putting it lightly. are thriving in me. His impact on me has He was immediately given me strength to invited to preach the journey forward. He next morning. was the grandfather He was the Afterwards, friends everybody wants, grandfather everybody and I, along with the pastor everybody Carter and “the gang” deserves, and the wants, the pastor all went to Ybor. He friend everybody everybody deserves, recounted his tale needs. to me and won my From his life, I and the friend affection forever. In could tell you that it’s everybody needs. one night, this 75-yearnever too late to live old man became my authentically. I could confidant and the only tell you that you, spiritual father I have ever known. too, can make a difference in your world, like That night he spoke of his son. When his Carter made in mine. All those things would be son was just a teen, Carter was a church planter true, and I hope you’re inspired. for a church organization. He would travel the But mostly I just wanted to introduce you to country, start a church, grow its size, move to my friend, Bishop Michael Carter. May he rest the next area, and begin again. Upon returning in peace. | l | from an assignment, his organization had Scott Manning is the founder of Last Child Ministries in discovered his son was gay. They demanded Tampa. that Carter disown his own son. He said he

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watermark | viewpoint

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

It will pass both the House and Senate and the President will sign the repeal into law. It will pass the Senate but die in the House.

On 18.22 cover story’s subject, Discovery channel host and animal activist Scott Lope:

It won’t get the Senate votes needed and will die there. The repeal won’t even get through the committee phase.

top web comments

38% 37%

“I cannot believe how many people actually believe you are ‘in it’ for the animals! What a tall tale! Animal Repo was cancelled due to the fact that it was discovered that your socalled rescues were staged.”

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“I have known Scott for many years and he is a man of integrity. I am glad to see that there are real heroes such as him out there fighting for the lives of animals. His voice deserves to be heard.”

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13%

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At WatermarkOnline.com, we asked you: A Senate committee is voting on the repeal of DOMA Nov. 10.

What will happen next? A new poll will be posted to the homepage this week. Be sure to visit WatermarkOnline.com and let us know what YOU think!

On Orlando’s decision to move forward on domestic partner registry:

“I currently live in upstate NY and my partner and I are getting married here this Saturday. We plan on spending a permanent honeymoon in the Orlando area. The economy is affected in a positive way because with these new marriages people are buying dresses, tuxes, and everything else associated with a marriage.”

—Kat Longworthy

Don’t be left out of the community conversation! Head over to WatermarkOnline.com, register and start telling us what YOU think!

mail Animal Activism Thank you for profiling Scott Lope in the Pet issue of Watermark (Issue 18.22). It’s so great to see a local member of our community doing so much good for animal welfare. His ongoing dedication to protecting wildlife and exotic animals should be commended and he’s a handsome cover model to boot. Thanks for sharing his story.

Alan Glennis Tampa

Catholic Bishops views are dangerous Mr. Avila’s dangerous view presented in the Boston Pilot that Satan causes people to become gay has no place in any credible news publication, whether it be mainstream or religious press. He ignored not only the widely accepted science that same-sex attraction is normal, but also the modern thinking of many religions. I am pleased the Conference of Catholic Bishops accepted his resignation and I ask them to speak up and denounce his dangerous rhetoric.

Dr. Sharon Groves HRC Religion and Faith Program

Celebrate adoption month With so many children in foster care in this country, it is irresponsible to treat

“He ignored not only the widely accepted science that same-sex attraction is normal, but also the modern thinking of many religions.” —Dr. Sharon Groves

adoption as a political issue. During National Adoption Month, we will up our efforts to offer resources to the loving LGBT individuals and couples who are ready to open their hearts and their homes to children who deserve nothing less. This month serves as a reminder that our work to provide loving homes for children is not done. We are working with adoption agencies and child welfare organizations across the country to increase the pool of qualified parents and forever homes. LGBT parents are a valuable resource for children and youth.

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Send all correspondence to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Opinions expressed in reader mail do not reflect those of Watermark’s staff.

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watermark | viewpoint than Republicans. Yet we are represented in Congress and the state legislature by 45 Republicans and 13 Democrats. As large and spirited Occupy demonstrations in Tampa and Orlando demonstrate, a critical mass of people is fed up with the results. Hopefully, they'll see where the immediate fix lies, making the pivotal I-4 corridor a harbinger of a 2012 Democratic rebound to power. With recent gains hanging in the balance, the LGBT community has a greater stake than most. 2012 is not a year to sit out. In the meantime, some emerging electoral sci-fi suggests that a merger of grassroots activism and new technology could turn the whole process upside down. Imagine registering to be part of a massive voting

block online, engage in an orderly and civilized dialogue to identify and prioritize issues, allow candidates to address them in video presentations before online voting narrows the field, and then require finalists to name a running mate from a different party to underline the importance of cooperation toward results. AmericansElect.org will select a candidate for President in this manner in April. Futurist Thomas Friedman describes it this way: “What iPod did to music, AmericansElect.org plans to do to the two-party duopoly that has dominated American political life—remove the barriers to competition, flatten the incumbents and let people in.” Like I said: 2012—fascinating. | l |

publisher’s

perspective

change the dynamic altogether? Whatever the outcome, it’s going to be simultaneously fascinating… and ugly. In Orlando last week, feminist icon Gloria Steinem cautioned that the entrenched ruling class—wealthy, white, male and heterosexual—won’t give up leadership without a fight. “They’re scared to death we’ll turn their triangle, where the masses are at the bottom and the privileged few are at the top, into a circle,” she said. Perhaps that explains their high stakes bluff Election 2012: game. “Republicans have, in effect, taken America Last of an hostage,” wrote Nobel Prize-wining economist Ugly Breed? Paul Krugman in a New York Times opinion piece during the debt ceiling standoff. “They’re Tom Dyer threatening to undermine the economy and Tom@WatermarkOnline.com disrupt the essential business of government unless they get policy concessions they would never be able to enact through legislation.” What is astonishing is how unabashed they are about it, and how willing they are to ignore facts—and public opinion—to promote their deluded and self-serving trickle-down theory of social justice. Consider: • Republicans deride President Obama for huge budget deficits, but more than 75% of those deficits are the direct result of tax cuts and other policies enacted by his Republican predecessor, the free-spending President Bush. • The 400 wealthiest Americans now have a greater combined net worth then the bottom 150 million Americans. • The top 1% of Americans possess more he next election is exactly one year wealth than the entire bottom 90 percent. away. It’s difficult to overstate the • During the Bush years, 65% of economic significance. The economy remains gains went to the richest 1% of Americans. stagnant. Unemployment remains punishingly • The number of Americans living below high, particularly amongst youth and poverty level is now a record 49 million, or minorities. Housing, the greatest source of one in six. net worth for most households, has cratered. The world is more • A recent CBS/ unstable than it’s New York Times poll been in decades, both showed that just The entrenched economically and 9%—9 percent—of ruling class—wealthy, politically. voters approve of the We’re at a tipping job the U.S. Congress white, male and point, where bad is doing. heterosexual—won’t decisions—including In Florida, where the unwillingness to give up leadership Republicans control take needed action— the Governor’s without a fight. could affect the mansion and superquality of our lives majorities in both for years and even branches of the decades to come. legislature, they’re going for the jugular. New November 2012 will be on us before we laws designed to dilute Democratic turnout know it. Will we once again install a divided will restrict voter registration, prohibit voters government too dysfunctional to meaningfully from changing their address at the polls and address our urgent needs? Will we elect a limit early voting. And with 600,000 more Republican President and Congress despite registered Democrats in the state, Republicans clear intent to reboot the same shortsighted have become champions of minority policies that brought us to the brink three years representation as a means to thwart the recently ago? Will we empower Democrats—including passed constitutional amendment requiring our centrist incumbent President—to steer us more compact and competitive voting districts. out of rough waters. But this craven abuse of the system may Or will the Occupy movement and backfire, particularly along the I-4 corridor. other grassroots initiatives, all fueled by In Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, unprecedented frustration with economic Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties, inequality and a dysfunctional election system, there are 200,000 more registered Democrats

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watermark | organizations

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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FORGE-ing his path Michael Keefe is determined to unite Florida’s trans community through FORGE steve blanchard

t. Petersburg | Michael Keefe is recognized on the street more than he ever thought he would be. With appearances at Pride events and other LGBT functions, the executive director of FORGE (Florida Organization Regarding Gender Equality) has made a name for himself while reintroducing the decade-old organization. “It’s personal,” he says of his role in the organization focused on transgender issues. “I don’t want someone else to have to wait until they are 43, homeless and battling addiction before they can get the guidance they deserve.” Keefe, now 45, was raised in Tampa and says he struggled with his self-identity most of his life. He battled depression, addiction and isolation while searching for his true self. He finally found solace in the trans community and is now focused on helping other young transmen and transwomen find their way to happiness through FORGE. On Nov. 13, the Second Annual FTM (female-to-male) Fund Fundraiser returns to the Gulfport Casino where transgender models will present, “Diversity on the Runway.” Money raised goes toward a charity that helps transmen with the cost of breast augmentation surgery. From Butch to Male Keefe was raised in Tampa from the age of two and says he always saw himself as male—even as a young child. In fact, he remembers the first time it was pointed out to him that he was different than the other boys he was playing with outside. “My dad came home and I didn’t have a shirt on,” Keefe recalls. “He yelled, ‘Your tits are showing.’ I had no idea what he was talking about and I just kept doing what I was doing. I hated wearing shirts

Continued on page 26 | uu |

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

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people by their credit card spending, a system that seems lost to the future. However, this set-up is so fascinating, and everyone commits with emotion and dignity. And you cannot ignore that the themes are certainly corollary to our own times.

The Rum Diary

| (Starring Johnny Depp, Richard Jenkins, Michael Rispoli, Giovanni Ribisi, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard)

The Rum Diary is one of Hunter S. Thompson’s lost novels, unpublished for nearly 30 years. The movie version is enjoyable—funny and well acted—but seems to confuse fiction with the author’s life. The drug-loving Thompson went to Puerto Rico in 1960 to be a journalist after failing for years as a novelist. And—like Depp’s fictional character Paul Kemp—he probably Luminous Elizabeth Olsen gets some help from sister Sarah Paulson in Martha Marcy May Marlene. did a lot of drinking and took his first hit of acid. The island itself suffered under crooked stop aging at 25. Time is health and beauty and land deals, civil unrest, colorful characters, security. The rich live forever, stealing time cockfights, poverty, and a burgeoning tourist from the overpopulated. The poor live day-totrade. Thompson revels in all the backstabbing day, minute-to-minute, dying when time runs and debauchery with glee. But there’s a reason out. the outspoken Thompson called this story Timberlake is a noble young man fiction. mental torture, but also the love and belonging. who is gifted over a century of life That’s not to say the movie However, it’s weird how her educated sister from a rich man who is tired of isn’t often hilarious. The and brother-in-law can never ask her the right living, sick of his own moral performances are phenomenal, question, or even sense when something is complicity in a system that and the art direction is horribly wrong. kills some so that others can polished—Mad Men meets Films become transcendent when they can live forever. Seyfried is the Che. Minor characters from do away with a lot of dialogue to portray a daughter of a rich, heartless the novel—like Ribisi’s gripping, character-driven story. However, tycoon with all the time in Moburg—are given more it’s frustrating when seemingly intelligent the world. Together these two time, just because Depp and characters never ask the obvious questions. make a fascinating Bonnie and the other producers know Furthermore, the actual plot often becomes Dashing Johnny Depp Clyde. They plan to steal time they’re fun to watch. very limp, colored like an old, faded Polaroid. in The Rum Diary. and give it to the poor; cop Thompson was an The whole endeavor is only saved because Murphy is tracking them. inveterate drug-lover who Olsen and Hawkes’ acting shows us truths The acting and art direction also took “the bastards of this world” to task. about something of which many of us have are nifty, even as the story turns a bit cliché. This entertaining fiction just cannot sort out his limited understanding. Because of commitment to emotion, the recklessness from his higher calling, confusing soapbox theme is more palatable. The bigger the author with his creation. Both ideas are left In Time problems here are the many small plot holes. half-baked. Thompson was never half-baked; | (Starring Justin Timberlake, Technology is used to find the criminals but he baked the whole way. | l | Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy) not to track them. Even today, we can track

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watermark | organizations

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

| uu | FORGE from p.23

that he has heard words like “angry” and “overly aggressive” to describe those who came before him. “In the early stages of FORGE, activism was much more in your face,” Keefe admits. “Within the trans community it was essentially a one-woman show and there was no one to help. Now we’re focused throughout Tampa Bay and we’re testing ideas and offering more services.” Those services include case management, acting as an advocate and serving as a conduit for resources specifically for transgender individuals.” “We are not an all-boys club,” Keefe explains, sharing that too many view his role as the leader of FORGE as a transmenonly move. “In fact, nearly 80% of those we serve are maleto-female (MTF) clients. We’re for all transgender people.”

and I never wore dresses.” By the time puberty hit and sexual urges took center stage, Keefe says he knew he was attracted to females. He researched sexuality in the local library and he concluded he was a lesbian, since no other label seemed to fit. “Everything was either straight or gay,” he recalls. “I remember reading about transsexuals but the information said that they were rare and that it was hard to prove if they even existed.” For years, Keefe presented as a “butch lesbian,” and assumed every butch lesbian had the same thoughts and feelings. “Then one day I was sitting with a bunch of my butch friends and the subject of sex came up,” Keefe recalls. “I remember saying, ‘I just wish I had a penis.’ Everyone looked so surprised and I realized that Focused on the not every butch wanted to be a future man.” It wasn’t until his 30s that In order for the Keefe first met a transman, who new FORGE to was in the beginning stages of succeed, it has to his transition. Keefe’s girlfriend focus on its financial at the time lamented that she sustainability. To do couldn’t imagine what it would that, the organization be like to have a partner who needs the help of the wanted to transition. LGBT and straight “That’s when I told her, communities alike. you better imagine it,” Keefe “We have been laughs. endorsed by St. Eventually Keefe found Pete Pride, Metro Dr. Kathleen Ferrell, who Wellness and —MICHAEL KEEFE specializes in transgender Community Centers counseling and related issues. and Equality Soon, Keefe was in a group Florida,” Keefe says. setting, where he found out he “We want to provide wasn’t alone. sustainable programs “At first I thought I was across the state for in a room of biologically born males,” FTMs and MTFs.” Keefe says. “I had no idea how successful Programs would include job placement transition could be.” programs for trans people and transitional housing. Keefe would also like FORGE Forging a new path to assist trans people with getting new state identification cards and securing their In 2009, former FORGE Director Janice Carney handed the role of executive economic future. “It’s a difficult thing to transition,” director to Keefe. Since then he has made says Keefe, whose own transition appearances at churches, community essentially cost him his work history as functions and events to represent the a lab technician. “I finally have my true transgender community. He has also identity, but my past work experience helped galvanize the LGBT community to is under another name. So I’ve seen the participate in everything from town hall discrimination personally.” discussions about transgender issues to For more information on FORGE, visit fundraisers benefitting the FTM Fund, a ForgeFL.org. | l | charity that helps recipients with the cost of breast augmentation surgery. “So far people seem pretty comfortable working with me,” says Keefe. “Gay men love me and are comfortable with me. I WhAT: Diversity on the Runway think that’s because I present as a male.” WhEN: Monday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. His growing success may also be WhERE: Gulfport Casino linked to his calm nature. Keefe says his TICKETS: $30 per person, $50 per leadership style for FORGE is different couple at the door than some of his predecessors, adding

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Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section uu

tt Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special pullout Section

A Proud Return

Come Out With Pride’s rescheduled event is ready for Nov. 13 Steve Blanchard

rlando | Come Out With Pride Redux, COWP2 or just Come Out With Pride. Whatever you call it, Pride is back in Orlando on Sunday, Nov. 13, with a street festival, parade and entertainment around Lake Eola. The 2011 festival was rescheduled after its original October date was rained out. Strong winds, lightning and on-again-off-again heavy rains proved to be just too dangerous to carry on with plans. But thanks to quick thinking by COWP’s organizers, the event was quickly back on track and should go off without a hitch Nov. 13, with a few noticeable differences. “The major difference is that it will get darker much sooner,” says COWP Executive Director Mikael Audebert, referring to the recent “falling back” of daylight savings time. “It will start getting dark by the time the parade ends, which will create a party atmosphere by the stage.” Fireworks will also start earlier than planned—at 7:30 p.m.—since it will be plenty dark by then. Once again, Jonathan D. Lovitz of LOGO’s Set Up Squad is on hand as grand marshal and emcee at the main stage. In this special section of Watermark, we’ve

compiled the weekend’s list of Pride events, attractions and entertainment surrounding Central Florida’s largest Pride celebration to help you navigate your way to a proud and successful weekend. Typically, COWP coincides with the weekend of Oct. 11, or National Coming Out Day. Mother Nature had other plans, however. COWP chose the Nov. 13 date specifically because of its availability, according to organizers. “This was the first date that Lake Eola Park was available for us,” read a statement released by COWP last month. “We would like to thank the City of Orlando, and especially the Parks Department and OPD for being so supportive.” And that support has also been felt within the LGBT community. Clubs, bars and organizations have held fundraising events over the last month to help COWP recoup most of its money on the soggy, cancelled October event. But for this weekend, it looks like sunny skies for COWP 2011—literally. According to the Weather Channel, Orlando is forecast to see partly cloudy skies and an accompanying high temperature of 75 degrees and a low near 60.

Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special pullout Section uu

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tt Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section

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Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section uu

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ome Out With Pride weekend is here—again—and there is no shortage of things to do in

Orlando Nov. 10-13. From Broadway style shows, celebrity DJs and sexy

reality stars, you’re bound to find something to keep you busy while you wait for Sunday’s Street Festival and Parade around Lake Eola to get underway.

Here’s our look at the weekend chocked full of events, and remember, some acts and appearances are subject to change.

Thursday, Nov. 10 Altar Boyz: Special Show for Pride

7 p.m., The Abbey 100 S. Eola Dr., Orlando On Thursday, Nov. 10, the critically acclaimed play Altar Boyz will double as a benefit for Come Out With Pride. $10 of every ticket sold will be donated to COWP during a special Pride presentation at The Abbey. To purchase benefit tickets, visit ComeOutWithPride. com and use the promo code “PRIDE.” Showtime is at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception and meet and greet following the show.

Nov. 10-14 Mad Cow Theatre presents: The Drowsy Chaperone

Sunday Brunch 10A-4P

19.95

$ 6

All You Can Eat

includes unlimited orange and cranberry mimosas!

7:30 p.m., Mad Cow Theatre 105 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando Enjoy special Pride performances of the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone presented by Mad Cow Theatre. The

play follows a stage enthusiast who’s unspoken sexuality and flare for musicals makes him very relatable to Broadway buffs. The show-within a show discusses infidelity, marriage and what it means to find true happiness in love— and showbusiness. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1014. For tickets, visit MadCowTheatre.com.

Friday, Nov. 11 Pride at the Penthouse 5:30-10 p.m., The Vue 150 E. Robinson St., Orlando Mingle with Pride grand marshal Jonathan Lovitz, Miss Pride 2011 Kimora Santi and Pride designer Russell Reynolds on the 35th floor of The Vue. There is a $10 suggested donation to benefit COWP and it includes your first drink ticket. Cash bar, hors d’ouvres and a silent auction will also be available throughout the evening.

tt Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section

Saturday, Nov. 12 Pulsate Saturday

9 p.m.-2 a.m., Pulse 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando Come party with Derek Saathoff from LOGO’s The A List: New York at Pulse from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. DJ Scott Robert will present “The Official Night of House Music” hosted by Roxxxy Andrews and Blade Mathews with Tyra Sanchez, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2. Drink specials and no cover until 11 p.m. should make this a great way to celebrate pre-Pride. Ages 18 and up are welcome.

Pride 2.0 Revolution Nightclub 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando Revolution Nightclub presents Pride 2.0 from 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Ladies of the Majestic Theatre, hosted by Baby Blue and featuring Maya Andrews, Sheena Devine Hawkins and Sierra Foxx, will perform at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., with a Les Vixens burlesque show at midnight. DJ Joanie, DJ Infinite and DJ Rob will spin all night long. There is no cover for 21-andup until 11 p.m., and

d CalendaR revelers 18-and-up are welcome. Come early for the $1 drinks from 9-10 p.m.

Stage Entertainment

Sunday, Nov. 13 Halo: An Elevated Brunch

What is a Pride event without some major entertainment? Come Out With Pride 2011 has plenty to keep revelers dancing and in high spirits throughout the day—and most of the booked acts are the same ones that were expected on the original October date. Join DJ David Nicoll and emcee, actor, LOGO star and COWP Grand Marshal Jonathan D. Lovitz from noon to 8 p.m. at the Clamshell at Lake Eola.

10 a.m., Terrace 390 390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando Come Out With Pride will be a long day outdoors, so why not kick it off with a brunch, complete with $20 unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys at Terrace 390. Terrace 390’s brunch menu will feature all items less than $10. DJ GRE3NMNKY will bring an energizing yet seductive musical vibe out on the terrace and the RÖKK guys will offer samples in their bold flavors. It’s the right way to get energized before a full day of Pride.

Come Out With Pride Festival Lake Eola Noon-7:30 p.m. Rain may postpone Pride, but it can’t cancel it. Come Out With Pride descends upon Lake Eola with a free, daylong event showcasing the businesses and organizations of Orlando. There are VIP areas that require tickets, and those can be purchased in advanced at ComeOutWithPride.com. Stroll, sample, tryout and discover Orlando’s proud LGBT community all day long. To see a full list of vendors, visit ComeOutWithPride.com.

2 p.m. Breakthrough Production presents: Breaking Down the Barriers

3 p.m. Rally with dignitaries and special guest speaker Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel

4 p.m. Parade Experience a vast array of colorful floats and marching groups as they parade around Lake Eola. This year, Come Out With Pride has enlisted the assistance of Disney employees to oversee, advise and operate some aspects of the parade.

6 p.m. Mainstage Entertainment The Abbey Presents: Alta Boyz Chris Leavy and Janine Klein A Fashion Cabaret hosted by Andrea Canney Pride Fashion 2011’s Winning Designer

7:30 p.m. Fireworks in the Sky presented by The Vue at Lake Eola

Come and Enjoy the fireworks around the park shortly after dusk and feel free to sip on a cocktail, since the COWP bars are open until 8 p.m. The fireworks show is expected to last nearly 15 minutes.

6 p.m.–2 a.m. Pride After Party Parliament House 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando Parliament House is the host of the official Pride after party, with a post-parade free courtyard BBQ from 6–9 p.m. The resort offers free parking and shuttle to the parade from 3 p.m.–8 p.m. Late night entertainment includes Footlight Players shows at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight. DJ Oren Nizri and resident DJ Brianna Lee will spin all night and there is no cover.

The Orlando Gay Chorus

Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section uu

tt Come Out With Pride 2011 Remix: Special Pullout Section

watermark | event planner

Cyon Flaire

Jessica Kirson

The Crack Rock Opera lands at the Footlight Theatre on Nov. 12 and 19.

Cyon flare is just one of several entertainers on tap for Tampa Bay Leather N Fetish Pride Weekend at the Flamingo Nov. 11-13. | Photo by Chris Blaski

[SARASOTA]

Jessica Kirson Church of the Trinity MCC will host Comedy Central’s Jessica Kirson at the church on Saturday, Nov. 19. The comedienne has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in a Showtime comedy special. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. For info and tickets, visit TrinityMCC. com and follow “events.”

music [ST. PETERSBURG]

Famous Opera Moms The St. Petersburg Opera will present a special show, Mommie Dearest: Famous Opera Moms, for one night only on Thursday, Nov. 17. The performance will showcase some of the more notable—and outrageous—characters to grace the opera stage. For details and ticket information, visit StPeteOpera.org or call 727-822-3590

film [ORLANDO]

Movies Out Loud: The Towering Inferno Oh no… so many “flaming” jokes! Watermark’s signature, monthly film event, Movies Out Loud, takes on The Towering Inferno for November. Hosts Miss Sammy, drag legend, and Jeff Jones, comedian, will send up the fiery skyscraper, providing their hilarious commentary over the cult classic film. Showtime is 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Plaza Cinema Café, with happy hour at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at WatermarkOnline. com.

Crack Rock Opera

Comedienne Jessica Kirson will tell it like it is at Trinity MCC in Sarasota on Nov. 19.

comedy

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

theater [TAMPA]

A Rocky Horror-esque Murder Mystery Halloween has come and gone and so has the lip-synching hilarity of the Rocky Horror Picture Show—or so you think. The Gorilla Theatre presents A Rocky Horror-esque Murder Mystery for one night only on Saturday, Nov. 12. Dr. Frank-n-weiner has invited guests to the Annual Transylvania Convention/Fundraiser Party and several familiar characters will be on hand to take care of all your needs. A costume contest, raffles, food and drinks will also be incorporated into the mayhem. For tickets and information, visit GorillaTheatre.com [ST. PETERSBURG]

An Ideal Husband American Stage presents Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, An Ideal Husband, Nov. 18-Dec. 24. The classic tale shares the story of politician Sir Robert Chiltern and fate catching up to him when a mysterious woman presents a letter revealing a past misdeed. Suddenly a choice must be made between public scandal and private shame. It’s the ageless story of scandal in politics in a 116-year-old script. For tickets and more information, visit AmericanStage.org or call the box office at 727-823-7529. [ORLANDO]

Gem of the Ocean “What good is freedom if you can’t do nothing with it?” is the soul-searching question asked in Gem of the Ocean, August

Wilson’s influential and inspirational first installment of his famous Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicles the African-American experience in the twentieth century. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for students at Theatre.UCF.edu or by calling the box office, 407-823-1500. The show runs Nov. 17–20 and Dec. 1–4 at UCF’s Black Box Theatre.

The Crack Rock Opera A 59-minute rock-n-roll musical, scored with psychedelic garage punk tunes will take the stage at Footlight Theatre for two more nights. The Crack Rock Opera kicks off 8 p.m. sharp on Nov. 12 and 19. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, with advance tickets available by calling 1-800691-5131.

art [ORLANDO]

Free Friday The Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College is offering free admission! Free Friday runs from 4–8 p.m. Nov. 11.

special events [ORLANDO]

veterans Day Ceremony Join Out & Proud Veterans of America and The Center on Veterans Day to honor U.S. Military veterans at Florida’s first LGBT Veterans Memorial. The wreath laying ceremony begins at 6 p.m. friday, Nov. 11, at The Center. Orlando Circle of Friends

will perform and Rev. Lisa Heilig of Joy Metropolitan Community Church will provide the blessing. Admission is free.

Jacquelin Francis Lecture and Book Signing Senior Lecturer, Visual and Critical Studies at the California College of the Arts, Dr. Jackie Francis is an African-American art historian who is a leading expert on American art of the twentieth century. She will speak on the subject of “difference” (within the context of the exhibitions on art by women and by the LGBTQ artists on view) in American art and culture on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at The Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College. The lecture is free and begins at 6 p.m. [ST. PETERSBURG]

Tampa Bay Leather-nFetish Pride The first ever Leather/Fetish/Kink/BDSM/ SM event will arrive at the Flamingo Resort on the weekend of Nov. 11. The celebration of all things leather is a partnership with the Tampa Sir n boy 2012 contest and benefits several charities, including Francis House, MCC Tampa and ASAP. Several vendors will display their products throughout the weekend and on Sunday, Nov. 13, a special concert featuring DJ Phil will incorporate a “Salute to our Vets.” For details visit TampaBayLeathernFetishPride.com.

Diversity on the Runway For the second year in a row, the FTMFund will hold a fundraiser to assist femaleto-male transgender men with chest

reconstruction surgery at the Gulfport Casino on Monday, Nov. 14. This year’s theme is fashion and transgender models from throughout the area will showcase styles in four categories. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the L Train at 900 MLK Blvd. in downtown St. Petersburg.

Burlesque Fundraiser The best female impersonators from across Florida will donate their talent for one night as they perform and entertain with numbers from Burlesque at Michael’s on East in Sarasota on Monday, Nov. 14. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Community AIDS Network’s Emergency Relief Fund. Tickets are $100 and available by calling 931-365-6922. Dinner begins at 6:30 and the show begins at 8 p.m. [ORLANDO]

Serial Thrillers vs. Arkham Assailants The Arkham Assailants will be looking for redemption from a tough, close loss at September’s season opener when they take on the undefeated Serial Thrillers on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Semoran Skateway. The Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls league game starts at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 at the door, or $10 in advance at BrownPaperTickets.com or from your favorite derby girl.

yoga Benefit for hope and help Karma Yoga is offering an outdoor yoga class—suggested donation $10—to benefit Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with class at 10 a.m. on the lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Visit HopeAndHelp. org for more information.

Got an event you’d like to see listed in Watermark? At least two to four weeks in advance, send all pertinent info—date, time, place, cost, contact information for readers to get more details, and what the event is about—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com, and we will feature it in the paper on a space-available basis.

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

1-(L-R) Larry Biddle and Garry Bruell were both on hand to tour the new Metro Wellness and Community Center in St. Petersburg on Nov. 4. 2- Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and members of the force were guests of honor at the Nov. 4. GaYbor District Coalition meeting at Hamburger Mary’s

watermark | tampa bay out+about

shot on site

Photography | Steve Blanchard, ProSuzy.com and Carrie West

4 5 6

3- Popular dancer Logan performs as “Wolverine” during Steam Friday at the Honey Pot Oct. 28. 4- Members of “Divas do Barbra in Concert” performed at St. Petersburg’s Freefall Theatre to benefit the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project on Oct. 30. 5-Gouls of all kinds were out in Gulfport to support a haunted house that raised money for Suncoast Hospice the weekend of Halloween. 6-(L-R) Andrew Schmidt, Mark Mann and Sam Cooley attended the grand opening of Metro Wellness and Community Center’s new St. Petersburg home Nov. 4.

tampa bay overheard ‘Tis the season—already Halloween has blown past us and we’re eyeballing Thanksgiving—so it’s not too early to get into the giving spirit of the Holidays. Participants in ASAP’s Second Annual Santa Speedo Run are already actively campaigning for sponsorship dollars on Facebook and Twitter. A few others are more old-fashioned and hitting up friends—in person—for cash donations. Regardless of how the money is collected, it goes to an important cause, to benefit ASAP’s Brighter Seasons for Children program. This year’s run returns to Gulfport on Saturday, Dec. 17, and is once again a mile-long fun run. A larger crowd of speedo-clad men and women is expected this year, so if you’re not participating, sponsor a runner and come see the eye candy and decorative swimwear for this amazing community event. For details visit ASAPServices.org.

Speaking of running… Time is quickly running out to register for the Tampa Bay Red Ribbon Run at Lowry Park Zoo. The run is actually three activities in one—a 3K fun run, a onemile run and virtual run—raises money to

support Metro Wellness and Community Centers and The AIDS Institute. This year’s run is on Dec. 1, which is World AIDS Day, at 6:30. Opening ceremonies will be hosted by Hillsborough County Commissioner and WAVE-winning politician Kevin Beckner and emceed by Fox 13 meteorologist Andy Johnson. Visit TampaBayRedRibbonRun.org or details.

That crazy preacher is… wait, that’s not h im Every weekend the crowds that descend upon Ybor City are verbally assaulted by a street preacher who warns of eternal damnation. Think of the St. Pete Pride protestors but without the heat and the bright sun overhead. During this year’s Halloween weekend, however, Ybor City was turned on its heel when one of GaYbor’s own went out dressed as the aforementioned preacher—complete with signage and bullhorn. Ryan Clements of The Bricks had locals fooled for awhile with his spot-on imitation. If you want to see it for yourself, check out the YouTube video linked on our friends’ Mark Bias and Carrie West’s website, MCFilmFest.com.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

watermark | orlando out+about

shot on site

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

Photography | Mark Cady, Tom Dyer, Jamie Hyman

1- Brendan O’Connor and Mark Baratelli show off some of O’Connor’s mustache-themed paintings on sale at the Movember Kickoff to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. 2- Gloria Steinem (right) mingled with students and community members after speaking to a packed house at Rollins College for the 45th anniversary of the National Organization for Women. 3- Josh Groban’s powerful voice filled Amway Arena during his concert Oct. 29. 4- Orlando activist and attorney Mary Meeks punctuated a point while speaking at the Equality Florida Gala Orlando Nov. 5. 5- (L-R) Watermark blogger Scottie Campbell, Patrick O’Connor, John Babshaw and Kate Kollmansberger sipped beers from Mother Falcon during the Movember Kickoff event Nov. 3. 6- HRC board member Greg Mason highlights an especially fetching light fixture at Level, a designer showcase benefiting Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc., held at The VUE at Lake Eola Nov. 5–6.

orlando overheard Wanzie’s Crack Wanzie Presents offers up the first-ever musical group of its kind to appear at the acclaimed Parliament House Footlight Theater. The brainchild of Danny Feedback, The Crack Rock Opera is not just a hitand-run rock and roll set. This theatrical piece has spent years in development and is considerable in scope. It involves sets, props, lasers, fog machines and costumes. In addition to the live music, the cast— comprised of Feedback himself and notable local musicians Evan Shafran, Jim Ivy and Jeff Nowlin—also handles the entirety of the acting. Feedback is synonymous with vulgarity and shock performance. His blistering concerts are reliable for their absurdity, nudity and material destruction. But the provocateur is now looking beyond the traditional rock show. This latest grand production is said to be far different from anything he’s ever done. For more information, visit WanziePresents.com

Simply Sedaris Openly gay humorist and author David Sedaris performed to a capacity crowd of Orlando’s movers and shakers at Bob Carr Oct. 30. According to Watermark publisher Tom Dyer, amongst the many NPR types

CLUB ORLANDO

were a lot of gays. Local attorney Jack Lord and his partner were situated front row. Along with his unique brand of selfdepreciating humor, Sedaris discussed his life with his partner, Hugh, in London and Paris. The night of off-color comedy was capped off with an audience Q & A, where Dyer asked if he was a fan of The Real Housewives of Bordeaux. Although, not a fan of the “Housewive”-hype, Sedaris did admit to being obsessed with Hoarders and Toddlers & Tiaras. “It was amazing to see so many people come out to see a gay man read excerpts from his book,” says Dyer. “It was definitely an event!”

COME OUT TO PLAY!

To Infiniti and Beyond

On Nov. 9, Orlando resident and Father of the Orlando chapter of the House of Infiniti Christopher McIntyre aka Morph Infiniti competed for Mr. Gay USofA in Houston, Tex. McIntyre is the only contestant from Florida but the current title is held by Orlando’s own David “Freklz” Hunter. McIntyre’s unique brand of entertainment recently won him the spot as the first boy to appear at UCF’s Diva Invasion Nov. 4. “My performance is very much theatre meets nightclub meets male character impersonation,” McIntyre says.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

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watermark | wave awards

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

Waving

success

Record voting bring recognition to Watermark readers’ 2011 favorites compiled by anthony barros, rick claggett, erik caban and tom dyer

nce again, we asked Watermark readers to tell us about their favorite—well, whatever—and in 2011 you responded with more enthusiasm than in years past. The 2011 WAVEs (Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence) brought incredible campaigning on Facebook and Twitter unlike years before, along with a few unsolicited and surprising wins. Our readers once again let us know who their favorite people are involved with the LGBT community. We’ve sorted through the votes, corrected the spellings and laughed at a few of the nominations. All of the results are on the lists spanning the next several pages. This year, the most votes came out of Tampa

Bay, but that’s not to say that Orlando and Sarasota readers weren’t enthusiastic. In fact, the numbers were even more impressive than last year. Voters weren’t shy in letting us know their thoughts—even about small changes we made to the categories this year. In fact, one reader called us a “wuss” for changing our “Favorite Spiritual Leader” to “Favorite Clergy.” You can’t make everybody happy, but there will be plenty of happy winners this weekend as news spreads about who was voted into which categories. Voting is serious business, but we’re allowed to have some fun too. That’s why we included “Local I’d Like to see in Drag” as the last question on this year’s ballot, and it seems our readers would really like to see our politicians, newsmen and comedians slip on a pair of

heels and get their noses powdered. Along with a few laughs and congratulations, the Annual WAVEs also give us an opportunity to learn a little more about some of the people that make their respective LGBT communities so unique. Profiles of random winners are included again this year to offer a glimpse into what makes them tick and explains why our readers selected them for the 2011 honor. Admittedly, the lists are long, but they are worthy of your attention. So get comfortable, enjoy the results and feel free to offer your congratulations to those walking away with the recognition you, our readers, bestowed upon them. Continued on page 35 | uu |

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

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watermark | wave awards It seems that Orlando’s social calendar gets more packed each year,

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

notable

results:

but the three events listed here seem to take the cake every cycle. Despite Come Out With Pride’s postponement due to bad weather this fall, the downtown celebration took top honors. Let’s hope the rescheduled event brings out record numbers Nov. 13.

Favorite Local LGBT Annual Event 1. Come Out With Pride

spotlight

2. Gay Days 3. Headdress Ball

Orlando

Favorite Local Writer/Journalist

Favorite Politician

1. Billy Manes, Orlando Weekly 2. Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel 3. Michael Wanzie, Wanzie.com

1. Patty Sheehan, Orlando City Commissioner 2. Linda Stewart, former Orange County Commissioner 3. Daisy Lynum, Orlando City Commissioner

Greatest Straight Ally to the Local LGBT Community 1. Mack and Margo Dixon, LGBT advocates 2. Buddy Dyer, Orlando Mayor 3. Linda Stewart, former Orange County Commissioner

Most Effective Local LGBT Organization 1. The Center 2. Hope and Health 3. Orlando Gay Youth Alliance

Favorite Local Clergy Leader 1. Michael Wanzie 2. James P. Martin 3. Rev. Lisa Heilig, Joy Metropolitan Community Church

Favorite Local LGBT Sports League/ Organization 1. Central Florida Softball League 2. Gay and Lesbian Bowling League 3. Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls

Favorite Local LGBT blog 1. Daily City 2. Fire Down Below, Erik Caban 3. Scottie Saves the World

Favorite Local LGBT Website 1. WatermarkOnline.com 2. Wanzie.com 3. DailyCity.com

Favorite Place to Impress a Date 1. Orlando Ballet 2. Funky Monkey 3. Stonewall

Favorite Local Movie Theater 1. Cobb Cinema Café 2. Enzian 3. AMC Dine In Downtown Disney

Favorite New LGBT Business 1. Prickly Pear 2. Bananas Diner 3. Mr. Sisters

O Favorite Local Health Care Professional 1. Dr. Rafael Pinero, Preventive Medical Care 2. Dr. Dan Giaquinto, Chiropractic Care 3. Dr. Roberto Ortiz, Orlando Immunology Center

Favorite Local Personal Trainer/ Fitness Instructor 1. Tony Edge 2. Frank Boyce and Jessica Todd 3. Blake McEntyre and Greg Duke

Favorite Local Massage Therapist 1. Holly Lynn, Bodyscape Massage and Skin Studio 2. Wayne McKay, Spa Thornton Park 3. Dea Toscano, EO Inn

Favorite Local Gym/Fitness Center 1. LA Fitness, E. Colonial location 2. 24-Hour Fitness 3. Planet Fitness Continued on page 36 | uu |

Greatest Straight Ally to the LGBT Community:

Jack&Margo Dixon

rlando | Jack and Margo Dixon are a staple at almost every Central Florida LGBT fundraising event throughout the year. Orlando’s Greatest Allies to the LGBT Community have been married 40 years and became involved with LGBT advocacy thanks to their love of the live theater. “A few years ago we decided to start going to more plays,” says Margo, who jokingly adds in a whisper, “there are gays in the theater.” The couple met the actors, directors and others involved in local productions and soon found themselves among friends at cast parties and other events. Those relationships spawned more friendships and soon the Dixons were encompassed by local LGBTs. When the pair worked on Al Gore’s presidential campaign in 2000, they found even more LGBTs with similar political views “We developed another circle of friends,” Margo adds. “As it turned out, there were a substantial number of volunteers from the LGBT community supporting the various campaigns, many of whom also overlapped with the theater circle. So, again, as a result of common interests, we gained more friends and they just happened to be gay.” The Dixons initially just attended fundraising events in the LGBT community, but soon took more active roles in specific fundraisers for the St. Francis House, Hope & Health, Genesis and more. Their connection to the theater community just strengthened their bonds to the charities because of the entertainment tie-in. “There is an amazing core group of people who unselfishly donate their time and talents to these fundraisers, and we are proud to support them and work with them in an effort to raise money for good causes, many of which serve the LGBT community, or the Orlando community in general,” Margo says. The Orange Blossom Tennis Association has benefitted from the Dixon’s generosity as has the Headdress Ball, which raises funds for Hope & Help. They also partnered with Michael Wanzie and David Dorman this year to replicate “The Stork Club” and raise even more money for local charities. “We work with a lot of great people doing things that benefit the LGBT community and the community at large,” Margo says. “We try to do a lot, we try to support everyone, and we hope those things help to make us good allies.” For the Dixons, rights aren’t a gay or a straight issue—it’s a human issue. Margo quotes Harvey Milk when asked what others in the community can do to advance equality. “Harvey Milk said, ‘You are the medicine the world needs. It’s your individuality that the world needs and that is very powerful medicine,’” Margo says. “That sums it up nicely and we must fight to protect that human right to be different, to be ourselves and to let others be themselves.” Even though 2011 is winding down and will soon be history, don’t expect the Dixons to fade away just yet. Both plan to stay very active in 2012, especially since it’s a presidential election year. “We plan to continue to support the LGBT community whenever we can in whatever way we can,” Margo says.—Steve Blanchard

watermark | wave awards

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

notable If you’ve never had a chance to hear

results:

any of these hosts or hostesses behind the microphone, do yourself a favor and check them out. It’s entertainment unlike anything you’ve experienced and

spotlight O

you’re sure to leave in a good mood, whether you walk away with a Bingo, Trivia or karaoke prize or not.

Ginger Minj

1. Doug Ba’asar 2. Pat O’Rourke

Favorite Performer: Drag

rlando | Ginger Minj’s alter ego Joshua Eads-Brown has been involved in theatre since the age of four, taking on both male and female roles. So, where did the larger than life persona Ginger Minj come from? “I dabbled in drag throughout my entire life, often playing roles in plays and musicals that required it,” says Minj, who was named this year’s Favorite Drag Performer. It’s her first win. “I started taking the art form seriously about six years ago after a successful venture with boys, boys, boys! at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, and have enjoyed it as a career for half a decade since.” Minj is currently a full time cast member of the FMI Restaurant Group, starring alongside Danielle Hunter in “Danielle’s Las Vegas Revue” on Fridays, “The Wagon Wheel Revue” on Saturdays, “Gospel Brunch” on Sundays and “Broadway at Bananas” on Tuesdays. Minj is no one-drag pony, however. She also works for Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Shows rotating 14 roles (both male and female) and co-hosts “Out and About Radio” on WPRK 91.5FM with Jeremy Seghers, Fridays from 4-5 p.m. After growing up in Lake County, at the age of 18, Minj moved to New York City with nothing but a backpack and $5,000. She eventually landed a job as a cast member with the Broadway company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. “Three years later, my time in NYC came to an end. I met the man who would become my husband and we decided to move back to the Central Florida area to start a new life together,” dotes Minj. Since returning, she has worked as a costumer, singer, actor, medical office manager, wedding planner, radio personality, waiter-ess, and as a drag artist. When not pairing food and entertainment between Funky Monkey, Bananas, Prickly Pear and Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Minj keeps busy amongst Orlando’s theatre scene, often playing drag queens, gay men, and roles traditionally played by women. She says she has enjoyed runs as Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Mama Rose in Gypsy, Jake in Evil Dead and the Lion in The Wiz. The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She recently won a Best Actor award for playing Arnold in Torch Song Trilogy. “As much as I enjoy plays, musicals and drag shows, my creative heart lies in pageantry,” Minj says. Past titles she’s won include Miss Twisters of Central Florida, Miss Sawmill, Miss Metropolitan Continental Plus, Miss Missouri Continental Plus, Miss Minnesota Continental Plus and Miss Florida International Plus. “My ultimate goal is to be crowned the national Miss Continental Plus,” says Minj. “Having been awarded 2nd runner-up this past April, I hope that with the help of our community I can pull a spectacular package together and bring the crown back to Orlando this coming Easter!” In December, Minj will take to the stage sans wig and make-up as the title character in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, alongside fellow thespian Janine Klein at The Studio Theatre. —Erik Caban

Favorite Host for Karaoke, Trivia or Bingo 3. Miss Sammy and Carol Lee

| uu | Waves from p.35

Favorite Local Spa 1. EO Inn 2. Spa at Thornton Park 3. Bodyscape Massage and Skin Studio

Favorite Local Veterinarian 1. Dr. Jim Martin, Loch Haven Veterinary Clinic 2. Rob Weigle, retired 3. Animal Medical Clinic

Favorite Place to Pamper Your Pet 1. Rangers Outpost 2. Dandi Doggie Do’s 3. Pookie’s

Favorite Local Realtor 1. David Dorman 2. Jack Mathews 3. Michael Gonick

Favorite Local Auto Salesperson 1. Fred Berliner, Don Reid Ford 2. David Maus, David Maus Toyota 3. Russ Fowler, Fields BMW

Favorite Local Clothing Retailer/ Boutique 1. Macy’s 2. Dechoes 3. Ritzy Rags

Favorite Local Hair Stylist

Favorite Restaurant: Upscale

1. Dale Dees, The Salon 2. Gary Lambert, Aveda 3. John Barber (Tweeka), formerly of Vamp Hair Salon

1. Funky Monkey 2. Prickly Pear 3. Mi Tomatina

Favorite Local Florist 1. Lee James Floral Designs 2. Forever Florist 3. Publix

Favorite Area Museum or Gallery 1. Orlando Museum of Art 2. Orlando Science Center 3. Morse Museum

Favorite Framing Shop 1. Central Florida Framing 2. Great Escape 3. Michael’s

Favorite Place to Buy Art 1. Winter Park Art Festival 2. Fringe Festival 3. Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria

Favorite Place to Buy Wine/Spirits (non-bar) 1. Total Wine 2. Funky Monkey Vault 3. Nora’s Lake Ivanhoe Wine & Cigars

Favorite Restaurant: Casual 1. Bananas 2. Hamburger Mary’s 3. Pom Poms

Favorite Restaurant: Breakfast/Brunch 1. Bananas 2. First Watch 3. Brian’s Restaurant

Favorite Local Hotel/B&B 1. EO Inn 2. Parliament House 3. Grand Bohemian

Favorite LGBT Club/Bar 1. Stonewall 2. Parliament House 3. Mr. Sisters

Favorite LGBT Happy Hour 1. Stonewall 2. Parliament House 3. Sip Continued on page 38 | uu |

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

For 5 Years-In-a-Row, You Have Voted

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A W A R D

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watermark | wave awards

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

Thank you to my great congregation and this great community for your votes for “Favorite Local Clergy Leader” ~Rev. Lisa Heilig

Who says all politicians are bad? Tampa Bay voters have a lot of LGBT-friendly politicos to choose from these days and we’re happy that Beckner and Kornell, who are

notable

results:

both out and proud, made the list. We’re also thrilled to see West on the list, who ran a vibrant campaign for Tampa City Council earlier

2011

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| uu | Waves from p.36

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1. Stonewall 2. Pulse 3. Savoy

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Favorite Local Performer: DJ 1. DJ Brianna Lee 2. DJ Scott Robert 3. DJ B

Favorite Local Photographer 1. Julie Milford 2. Eric Babcock 3. Chris Reynolds

Favorite Local TV/ Radio Personality

1. Ginger Minj 2. Miss Sammy 3. Darcel Stephens

1. Jim Philips, Real Radio, 104.1 2. Doug Ba’asar, Philips Phile, on Real Radio 3. DJ Justice, Outloud Orlando, the Homo Happy Hour

Favorite Local Performer: Stage

Favorite Local Music Venue

Favorite Local Performer: Drag

1. Doug Ba’aser 2. Joshua Eads-Brown 3. Michael Wanzie and Baby Blue

Favorite Local Performer: Musician 1. Spencer Crosswell 2. Kelly Dewayne Richards 3. Andrea Canney and Tod Kimbro

Which Local (nondrag performer) Would You Most Like to See in Drag? 1. Steven Watkins,Stonewall owner 2. Randy Stephens, The Center Executive Director 3. Alan Miller, owner of Sip

Tampa Bay Favorite LGBT Ally 1. Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative 2. Jen Greenfield, former State Senate candidate 3. Pam Iorio, former Tampa Mayor and Florida Rep. Rick Kriseman

Most effective LGBT organization

1. Hard Rock 2. House of Blues 3. The Abbey

1. Equality Florida 2. GaYbor District Coalition 3. Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale

Favorite Hook-Up Web site

Favorite Local Clergy Leader

1. Adam4Adam 2. Grindr 3. Scruff

Favorite Adult Novelty Store 1. Fairvilla Megastore 2. Bar Codes 3. Back Room

1. Candace Shultis, King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg 2. Phyllis Hunt, Tampa Metropolitan Community Church 3. Scott Welch, Fresh Start Church, Tampa Continued on page 41 | uu |

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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David Bohnett Cyber Center · Support · www.thecenterorlando.org · Tai Chi · Advocacy · Coffee Club · Created in 1978 · Adoption · Veteran’s Day Parade · HIV Testing 7 Days a Week · Pride Ride · Education · Zebra House · Black and Latino LGBTs · Yard Sales · 1400 Monthly Visitors · WAVE Award Winner · Same Sex Domestic Abuse · Gay Days · Town Hall Meetings · Living and Thriving · Yoga · Health and Wellness · GBT Men · 33 Monthly Groups · Gallery Q · Trans Central Station · Recognition by White House · Adoption Seminars · Flambé Cooking Club · Latina Lesbians · Motorcycle Club · QUACK · Botox The Center · The NAMES Project · Centerlink · Coming Out · 12 Step Programs · Trans Women Support · LGBT Veteran’s Memorial · Pride Athletic Assn. · MBA Red · Miss P Memorial Library · Sisters · 200+ Volunteers · Dinner and a Movie · Adopt-A-Highway Program · GLBT History Center of Central Florida · Open Seven Days a Week · Full Time Trans · The Qiew · Pride of the Seas · Art Receptions · HIV Educational Series · STD Testing · Free Legal Seminars · Softball Concessions · Come Out With Pride · Interfaith Council · Transgender Wellness and Career Fair · A Night on Broadway · Karaoke Christmas · Asst. Secretary of HHS Round Table Discussion · Flag Pole · Centerfold · 3200 Book Lending Library · One of 12 LGBT Centers with Art Gallery · Orlando Gay Chorus · Oldest Continuous LGBT Organization in Florida · WiFi · Paws Care The Center wants to express gratitude to everyone for naming us the

MOST EFFECTIVE LGBT ORGANIZATION But we mostly want to thank our volunteers, without whom we could not open our doors.

242

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

“Exceeding Expectations Everyday!”

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Realtor, e-Pro, CNMS Marketing & Relocation Specialist

813-966-8525 cell Ask for your Free neighborhood market report or buyer & seller analysis!

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Featuring the nation’s finest, newest and most exciting American craft artists Artists Demonstrations, Interactive Activities, Craft Beer Tastings and Delicious Food

Visit www.floridacraftsmen.net for information. New This Year: St. Petersburg ArtScapes, an adjacent fine art festival! Florida Craftsmen, Inc. 501 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 821-7391

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watermark’s

A W A R D

2011

Thank you to all my friends and clients for your votes for favorite realtor!

Film Festival Board President & Krewe of Cavaliers Member 813-253-2444 x126

Florida Craftsmen presents

Thank you Watermark!

Each year the numbers are close between Tampa Bay’s bowlers and

notable

results:

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

Photo by Nick Cardello

watermark | wave awards

softballers. Monday Mixed Classic bowling league took top honors after a successful year and an impressive GAGME Bowl this spring. There has also seemed to be a focus on bowling fundraisers in 2011, which may have contributed to the numbers as well.

Favorite LGBT Sports Organization 1. Monday Mixed Classic

spotlight

2. Suncoast Softball League 3. Advantage Tampa Bay Tennis League

| uu | Waves from p.41

Favorite Writer 1. Steve Blanchard, editor of Watermark 2. Mark Bias and Carrie West of Dishing with Mark and Carrie 3. Tom Dyer, publisher of Watermark

Favorite LGBT blog 1. Dishing with Mark and Carrie 2. Shout Out Tampa Bay 3. Rainbow 411

Favorite Local LGBT Website 1. WatermarkOnline.com 2. Una-Voce.org 3. MyQmunity.com

Favorite Movie Theater 1. AMC Veterans 2. Westshore AMC 3. Cinebistro

Favorite Local Healthcare Professional 1. Mike Hopkins, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry, Dunedin 2. Nick Okelson, family practitioner, Largo 3. Michael Dunn, infections diseases, Tampa

Favorite Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor 1. Chip Wright, Seminole 2. Sandi Lundin, St. Petersburg 3. Chris Albert, Tampa

Favorite Massage Therapist 1. Cory Jeffries, Tampa Pro Massage 2. Jeremy Couture, ENSO, and Roger Medrano, Bodyworks 3. Russell Fox, Foxton Therapeutics

Favorite Local Veterinarian 1. Brett Finkelstein, Dunedin 2. Connechusett Animal Hospital, Tampa 3. Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, Seminole

Favorite Place to Pamper Your Pet 1. Bark Place Hotel, Largo 2. Barks by the Bay & Meows Too, Tampa 3. Two Poodles and a Mutt, St. Petersburg, and Fort DeSoto Dog Park

Favorite Local Realtor 1. Ken Hodges, Tampa 2. Brian Longstreth, St. Petersburg 3. Elsa Knouse, Tampa

Favorite Local Clothing Store

Favorite Gym/ Fitness Center

1. Urban Body, Tampa 2. 6S Boutique, St. Petersburg 3. Macy’s

Favorite LGBT annual event

1. Lifestyle Family Fitness 2. You Fit 3. Gold’s Gym and L.A. Fitness

Favorite Local Auto Salesperson

1. St. Pete Pride 3. Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 3. Una Voce concerts

Favorite Local Spa 1. Bodyworks Massage 2. Don Cesar 3. Advanced Aesthetics

1. Sonny Gonzales, Tyrone Mazda 2. Keith Roberts, Reeves Imports 3. Steve Bednar, Crown Hyundai Continued on page 42| uu |

Favorite Clergy Leader:

Candace Shultis

t. Petersburg | Candace Shultis relishes a challenge. Speaking with the senior pastor of King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church, you’d never know about her diverse and challenging background. But then again, that may be partly why she’s Tampa Bay’s Favorite Clergy Leader in this year’s WAVE Awards. “I’ve always done things that were considered ‘not ordinary,’” Shultis says. “I enjoy seeing things change and I’ve learned that it doesn’t happen overnight.” Shultis’ own journey to St. Petersburg wasn't exactly an overnight trip either. Before she took the helm of King of Peace in January 2008, Shultis served nearly 25 years with an MCC in Washington, D.C., which, surprisingly, was never her goal growing up. In fact, Shultis, who was raised Methodist, didn’t know until she was in college that she wanted to work in the ministry. “All I knew is that I wanted to be in the service,” Shultis says—pointing out that she wanted in the Marines. “In my high school I knew we had a great recruiter, that it was really hard to get into the Marines and that I liked the uniforms.” After the New York State native took the test and scored the highest her recruiter had ever seen, he surprisingly urged her to attend college and come back later as an officer in the Marines. So that’s exactly what she did after earning an accounting degree. She also went to seminary and sought a Master in Theological Studies. But that’s when her path changed. “It was almost like someone was saying, ‘that’s the wrong degree,’” she laughs. In 1979 and in 1981 she was ordained as a Methodist minister. At that same time she was dealing with her own sexuality—something she couldn’t share openly with her denomination. “My congregation didn’t know I was a lesbian and at one point we went to a retreat and they told us they want everyone to be honest,” Shultis says. But she wasn’t, and didn’t share her sexuality until she returned her credentials in 1983, the same year she earned her credentials with MCC. “It’s rarely an easy journey but I wouldn’t change anything,” says Shultis, who married her long-time partner Barbara, in New York, earlier this year. The pair have been a couple for 19 years. It was Barbara, in fact, who wanted to move to St. Petersburg, so when the position at King of Peace presented itself, Shultis jumped at the opportunity. “There’s a lot of excitement in our congregation and in this community,” Shultis says. “I’m going to keep going as long as I have ideas and there’s a challenge. I don’t feel 60—there are still a lot of years ahead of me.”—Steve Blanchard

King of Peace MCC

watermark | wave awards

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

In an economy as bad as our current one, it’s nice to see so successful and well-liked businesses in our community. 6S Boutique exploded onto the scene this spring and has developed

noTABLE

rEsuLTs:

into the one-stop shop for all things performance and drag related in Tampa Bay. Premier Events has plenty to be proud of as well, considering their focus on LGBT commitment ceremonies and weddings have earned them mad respect from our readers. And, of course, Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City is constantly bringing in

spotlight T

special events and entertainers to keep the bustling historic district full of surprises.

Favorite new LGBT business 1. 6S Boutique 2. Premier Events of Tampa Bay 3. Bradley’s on 7th

Favorite Framing Shop

Michael Murphy Gallery

AMPA | While Kristen Blake is honored that the Michael Murphy Gallery in Hyde Park was voted as this year’s Favorite Framing Shop in Tampa Bay, the gallery director isn’t surprised. “Michael has 30-plus years in the business and he really knows his stuff,” Blake says while workers prepare the 5,000-square-foot gallery for the current Bernie Taupin event. “We have great pride in art here and Michael always thinks outside of the box when it comes to framing.” The gallery has been at its current 2701 S. MacDill Ave. location for more than five years, but it began in a storefront across the street, which still houses the gallery’s production studio. That’s where the actual framing happens, but most art enthusiasts are more familiar with the gallery itself. “We have a display of frame possibilities here and when the client makes a decision, we do the work across the street,” Blake explains. “And we do more than just frame paintings and photos.” Some of the more memorable projects that come to Blake’s mind is a historic postcard a customer brought in that needed to be seen from both sides. “The postcard was from an ancestor of the client’s and it had these amazing old stamps on one side and a photo on the other,” Blake recalls. “So we used two pieces of glass so that it could be protected, but still viewed.” The Michael Murphy Gallery has also created glass boxes for sculptures and other three-dimensional art pieces. When not framing art, the staff of the Michael Murphy Gallery works to bring nationally renowned artists to Tampa to display their work and to meet local art lovers. Bernie Taupin—Elton John’s popular lyricist—will be in the gallery on Saturday, Nov. 12, and Sunday, Nov. 13. “We do a handful of exhibits throughout the year,” Blake says. “While we feature mostly national artists, we do have a few local artists displayed in-house.” And the displayed art and the open space of the gallery lends themselves to the perfect venue for business and social functions. In fact, the space is rented for several holiday events this winter. “We’ve had socials and even bands perform here,” Blake says. “And the location is fantastic because we’re close to everything. Plus, where else can you have a party with such amazing artwork on the walls?” For more information on the Michael Murphy Gallery, visit MichaelMurphyGallery.com or call 813-902-1414.—Steve Blanchard

| uu | Waves from p.41

Favorite Local hairstylist 1. Linda Militello, Salon 2510 2. Stephen Chappellie, Stephen Chappellie Salon 3. Ross McCulley, Dollylocks Hair Studio

Favorite Florist 1. Bay Area Florist 2. Nature’s Patch 3. Bay Boutique of Hyde Park

Favorite Framing Shop 1. Michael Murphy Gallery, Hyde Park 2. Tyrone Frame and Mirror, St. Petersburg 3. Image Creations of Florida, St. Petersburg

Favorite Place to Buy Art 1. Beak’s Old Florida, St. Petersburg 2. Z Gallerie, Tampa 3. Michael Murphy Gallery, Hyde Park

Favorite Place to Buy Wine/Spirits (Non-Bar) 1. Total Wine 2. West Palm Wine in Ybor 3. ABC Liquor

Favorite Upscale Restaurant 1. Bern’s 2. Roy’s 3. Side Bern’s and Mise en Place

Favorite Casual Restaurant 1. Ranch House 2. Miguel’s 3. Hamburger Mary’s and J. Alexander’s

Favorite Place for Breakfast/Brunch 1. IHOP 2. The Brunchery, Tampa 3. First Watch, Tampa

Favorite host for Karaoke, Trivia or Bingo 1. Amy DeMilo 2. Melanie Minyon 3. Trixie the Trivial Tranny

Favorite Cruise Bar with the Choiciest Eye Candy 1. Georgie’s Alibi 2. Flamingo Resort 3. G. Bar

Favorite Bartender/Server

Favorite Local hotel/B&B

1. Jeff Klein, Beak’s Old Florida 2. Stephen Hair, Queen’s Head 3. Shane Cullinan, Georgie’s Alibi

1. Gay St. Pete House 2. Flamingo Resort 3. Hampton Inn Ybor and Pier Hotel

Favorite Local Performer: Drag

Favorite LGBT Club 1. Georgie’s Alibi 2. Flamingo Resort 3. The Honey Pot

Favorite LGBT happy hour 1. Georgie’s Alibi 2. Flamingo Resort 3. Hamburger Mary’s

1. Amy DeMilo 2. Alexis Mateo 3. Melanie Minyon

Favorite Local Performer: Stage 1. D.J. Holt 2. Judy B. Goode 3. Iman Continued on page 44 | uu |

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

Feast Your Eyes

THANK YOU FOR VOTING YOUR FAVORITE LMT 4 YEARS IN A ROW

2008, wave 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2011

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A W A R D

Wm. Cory Jeffries, LMT TAMPAPROMASSAGE.com 4503 N. Armenia Ave #101 Tampa, FL 33603

(813) 368-0532

MA22480 MM22769

Thank you Tampa Bay for Voting The Dalí Museum

Favorite Museum SCAN HERE.

The Suncoast Hospice Foundation and ASAP invite you to

The World AIDS Day Luncheon

Thursday December 1st, 2011 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Gathering Place at Suncoast Hospice 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida

Please join us for a time of reflection and renewal as we share a special preview of the upcoming documentary SCARLETT: Our Positive Youth by Director Charlie David Also at the luncheon: The AIDS Memorial Bells Tickets: $20.00 per person or $125.00 per table of 8. R.S.V.P. online at www.ASAPServices.org/WAD or call Tim Beams at 727-523-3395

watermark | wave awards

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

Last fall, the Dali Museum opened its brand new, multi-million dollar facility to incredible mainstream

notable

results:

fanfare all while embracing

Weekday Wipeout The weekend isn’t the only time the sun shines at Postcard Inn. At the Postcard Inn we suggest you say goodbye to your desk, and say hello to the beach! Come see what the sun looks like mid-week. The beverages are flowing, the waves are crashing, and the Postcard Inn Weekday Wipeout is here!

Stay Sunday - Thursday for as low as $90 a night! We’re hoping a deal like this is enough to put down your laptop and pick up the sunscreen.

6300 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 Phone: 1-800.237.8918 www.postcardinn.com

Peace, love, and sunshine, The Postcard Inn

BOO K NOW !

LGBT causes. It partnered with St. Pete Pride for a fundraiser in 2010 and in 2011, it played host to one of the most successful Equality Florida fundraisers in the state. If you’re in downtown St. Petersburg, check it out— they are huge supporters of the community and the tours are fascinating.

Favorite Museum or Gallery 1. Dali Museum 2. Tampa Museum of Art 3. Tampa History Museum

| uu | Waves from p.42

Favorite Local Performer: Musician 1. Una Voce: The Florida’s Men Chorale 2. Judy B. Goode & Paul Thomas 3. Phil Garris

Favorite Local Performer: DJ 1. DJ Craig Dirty 2. DJ Don Lamb 3. DJ Greg Anderson

Favorite Local Photographer 1. Michael Landry 2. Nick Cardello 3. David A. Deitz

Favorite Local TV/ Radio Personality 1. Rod Carter, WFLA, NBC Channel 8 morning news anchor 2. Russell Rhodes, Fox 13 morning news anchor 3. Chuck Henson, Bay News 9 morning traffic reporter

Favorite Local Music Venue 1. Ritz Ybor 2. Jannus Landing, St. Pete 3. Crowbar, Ybor

Favorite Hook-Up Site 1. Scruff 2. Grindr 3. Adam4Adam

Favorite Adult Novelty Store

Favorite Local Realtor

1. Buddies of Largo 2. MC Film Fest 3. XTC

1. Jim Jablonski 2. Donald Geike and Felix Power 3. Mary Hock

Which Local (NonDrag Performer) Would You Like to See in Drag? 1. Governor Rick Scott 2. Rod Carter, WFLA morning news anchor 3. Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner

Sarasota Favorite Politician 1. Ken Shelin, former City Commissioner 2. Suzanne Atwell, Sarasota Mayor 3. Kelly Kirchner, former Sarasota Mayor

Most Effective LGBT Organization 1. ALSO Out Youth 2. Step Out Sarasota 3. Harvey Milk Festival

Favorite Spiritual Leader 1. David Phillips 2. Nancy Wilson, Metropolitan Community Church Moderator 3., Charles Tigard, Trinity Metropolitan Community Church

Favorite Auto Salesperson 1. Lenny D’Amelio, Venice Nissan 2. Randy Santos, Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge 3. Missi DeCarlo, Sunset Mitsubishi

Favorite Home Furnishing Retailer 1. American Signature 2. August Third and Furniture Warehouse 3. Copenhagen Imports

Favorite Area Museum/Gallery 1. Ringling Museum of Art 2. Art Center Sarasota 3. Southwest Florida Museum of History

Favorite Restaurant 1. Pepper Mill 2. Station 400 3. Brasserie Beige and Bijou Cafe | l |

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

Walk for the Cure!

Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the New College of Florida Register Online www.TrinityCharities.org Call 941.355.0847 for information Funds raised at the Walk are used to support the HIV/AIDS Programs of Trinity Charities Inc., in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

watermark | wave awards

2011 WAVE Awards

Honorable Mentions

he previous pages show the Top Three in every category of this year’s WAVE Awards. While those people, organizations and locations earned the right to be in the Top Three, that doesn’t mean that numerous others went unnoticed by our readers this year. With so many votes coming at us from Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota, the balloting list was pages upon pages long. But there were plenty of people who made appearances on the lists that we thought should get some recognition. So, in honor of recognizing all who deserve praise, here are our 2011 WAVE Award Honorable Mentions:

Favorite Politician:

Favorite Writer/ Journalist:

Favorite Server/ Bartender

orLAndo: Mayor Buddy Dyer, Rep Scott Randolph, Teresa Jacobs

orLAndo: Watermark’s Director of Online Media Jamie Hyman and Watermark freelancer and blogger Erik Caban

orLAndo: Amy Runyan at Sip, Dixie Todd at Revolution

TAMPA BAY: St. Petersburg Times arts critic John Fleming

TAMPA BAY: Duffy Iorio at Georgie’s, Mama Carol Stern at Resevoir, Mitch Demmons at Christopher Street, Tea Cup at Liquid Lounge, Kevin Thornton at Flamingo

orLAndo: Don and Susan Granatstein, Daisy Lynum, Jim Philips and Marcy Singhaus

Favorite Fitness Center:

Favorite Photographer

TAMPA BAY: The Tampa Bay Rays, Bob Buckhorn, karaoke hostess Normie Dunn

orLAndo: Downtown YMCA and Club Orlando

orLAndo: Dixie Lee Photography, Ashland Thomas

Favorite Trainer/ Fitness instructor

TAMPA BAY: Leyden Photography, Kaje Housman, Amanda Vagianos

TAMPA BAY: Mayor Bob Buckhorn

Straight LGBT Ally:

Most Effective LGBT Organization: orLAndo: Equality Florida, Human Rights Campaign and the Metropolitan Business Assocation TAMPA BAY: Tampa Bay Business Guild, St. Pete Pride, GaYbor District Coalition, AIDS Service Association of Pinellas

Favorite hook-Up Site ProSuzy, Recon, Boyfriend. tv, CougarLife, OK Cupid

TAMPA BAY: Jared Burgess, Mike Hammonds

Favorite Restaurant orLAndo: Hue, Ravenous Pig, Season 52, Hillstone, Capital Grill, Kres TAMPA BAY: Queens Head, Frog’s Pond, St. Pete Diner and Pink Flamingo

Local I’d Like to See in Drag:

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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orLAndo: Mayor Buddy Dyer TAMPA BAY: Watermark editor Steve Blanchard, Gay St. Pete House owner Brian Longstreth, Queen’s Head Pub owner Darren Conner, St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell

For nearly 20 years Watermark Media has been Central Florida’s Source for LGBT News, Art & Entertainment. Join our team.

Favorite Realtor TAMPA BAY: Debbie Trujillo, Albert Burruezo, Larry Mee, Bill Knect and Mike Pino

Share the 2011 WAVE results with your friends! Our complete list of winners is available at

Watermarkonline.com

watermarkmedia YOUR LGBT LIFE.

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

watermark | transitions

Jay Aller, seated and pictured with partner Sam Cooley during the TIGLFF Gala in October, celebrates his birthday Nov. 13. | Photo by Nick Cardello

transitions Local Birthdays

Park Avenue salon owner Gary Lambert (Nov. 10); Margate, Fla. video gamer Scott Keener, former Tampa resident and book author/activist Steven Reigns, Tampa leatherbear Brooks Davis, (Nov. 11); top zebra Chad Cason (Nov. 12); TIGLFF volunteer, ASAP star and owner of 7HL Studios Jonathan Aller, Sarasota opera singer Ron Rispoli, Tampa networking guru Vincent Papaleo, Orlando performer Miss Aiysia Black, DJ Joanie Stanco (Nov. 13); Orlando Wylde’s bartender Christopher Torge, Ritz Ybor Marketing Director Okie Tilo, Jessa “Slayor Moon” Hartzell; paper bag mushroom artist Doug Rhodehamel; Tampa-based but world-renowned flutist Joseph Rose, Disney application developer Dan Peters (Nov. 14); Sarasota activist and GAIN member Bart Coyle, Tampa-based Serious Satellite’s Out Q news freelancer Mike Wells (Nov. 15); The Closing Agent main man, Orlando Youth Alliance supporter, and godfather of the Orlando International Fringe Festival, Barry Miller (Nov. 16); Ray Sickles, AKA Sarasota diva Angelique Monet (Nov. 17); Lithia equestrian expert James Meeks, Orlando Gay Chorus tenor and sky hostess Todd Michael Hayes (Nov. 18); Orlando Gay Chorus belter Pattie Noah (Nov. 19); hair artist and WAVE Award winner Dale Dees, Tampa’s Urban Body Men’s Creative Director Todd Richardson, make-up artist Timothy Spivey, Honey Pot show director Toby Brees (Nov. 20); newlywed activist Nicki Drumb,

Keller-Williams Realtor Steve Glose, Clearwater entertainer and Tampa Bay performer Natasha Richards, Tampa swimwear designer La’Daska Mechelle, muscle-bound hunk and charitydriven Tampa resident Mike Hammonds, Tampa Hospice’s admissions manager Peter Shute (Nov. 22); Tampa actress and St. Pete Times editorial assistant Lauren Clark, Tampa Bay Sisters member John Miller, former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, (Nov. 23).

Congratulations Revolution Nightclub celebrates its third business anniversary on Nov. 14. The Florida Mavericks, Ybor-based country western gay line dance team, marks six years of two-stepping on Nov. 18. Sarasota residents and activists Bart Coyle and Jim Jablonski celebrate 42 years together on Nov. 15. What’s Happening publishers Peter AguasGarcia and Frank Aguas-Garcia celebrate 19 years together on Nov. 17. Orlando’s Nick Massoni and Mark Pierpont celebrate the anniversary of their commitment ceremony on Nov. 20.

Send news about birthdays, passings, anniversaries, promotions, commitment ceremonies—and whatever you commemorate—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com.

watermark | advice

dothis!

Looks aren’t always deceiving ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

address the ‘narcissism’ in a moment) is their ticket to easing into middle age. Others focus on the ‘graceful’ component and try to evolve their look and style to something more age appropriate. Part of that is a little bit of fear of looking like an ‘old fool,’ but there’s nothing wrong with that. It seems that your other half is having none of that, clearly. If it’s all in fun, and it’s not affecting his career or your friendships or other associations, I’d say leave him be. However, if all his ‘postings’ are making a fool out of him, and by extension, you, I would sit him down and have a more serious conversation about how you feel. Here comes the Truth: in the grand scheme of things, this is small potatoes. Is he caring? Thoughtful? Loving? These are the things that really matter, so be careful pulling these sort of threads.

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Dear Truth, My girlfriend is very pretty and lots of fun but she’s an incredible flirt. She’s one of those people who thinks everyone is attracted to her—a sizable number probably are—and she has a lot of fun with that. She doesn’t drink and doesn’t cheat. When we go out together she always ends up back with me, and I’ve never caught her in a compromising position. But in my opinion, the flirting goes a little too far. I see it being misconstrued by people who then continue to pursue her online, etc. She admits she’s a flirt, but swears its just harmless fun. I want her to enjoy her looks and charisma. But on the other hand, it’s not fun for me when we’re out. How should I handle it? —Bride of Narcissa

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Dear Truth, ’ve been in a relationship for the past ﬁve years. We’re both in our 50s and my boyfriend—how can I say this—isn’t aging gracefully. He wears his hair in a platinum blonde faux hawk, sports large hoop earrings, and wears skinny jeans and t-shirts a size too small. Dear Bride, He’s a great looking guy but when I Flirting is not necessarily indicative try to tell him to just be his handsome of greater intent. I’m with your girlfriend self without on that score. But if looking like a it really is all in fun, 20-year-old gay then it shouldn’t be heavy metal that difficult to put I try to tell him to just rocker, it falls on away. Clearly she’s be his handsome self deaf ears. In fact, getting something he spends a lot out of the attention, without looking like of time playing and she probably a 20-year-old gay with his look, has developed habits and it seems to around flirting for heavy metal rocker. be getting more that very reason. It extreme as we doesn’t paint the get older. His picture of a mature favorite thing to do is take pictures of adult if it’s causing issues and she still himself and post them on Facebook. continues batting her eyes at people other Should I give up trying to play Prof. than her girlfriend. If she continues to do Higgins and just love him for his it even though you’ve told her it bothers narcissistic exuberance? you, I’m not impressed. It’s thoughtless —My Not-So-Fair Baby to continue to engage in behaviors that you’ve been informed are hurting your Dear Henry Higgins, partner. Here comes the Truth: she needs How to age ‘gracefully’ is a different to grow up a bit and put your feelings equation for everyone. For some, before her need for affirmation. | l | retaining their youthful exuberance (let’s

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watermark | sports

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

Iranian soccer stars face 74 lashings for ‘butt-grope’ wire report In a matter of seconds, a victory celebration of a game-winning soccer goal turned into a crime punishable by a public lashing for two Iranian soccer stars. Mohammad Nosrati and Sheys Rezaei, who played with the Tehran club “Persepolis,” jumped on a pile of their teammates following the winning goal Oct. 29 at the Sardar Jangal Stadium in Rasht, a town to the northwest of Tehran. But then the players engaged in what Iranian authorities called “immoral acts,” as Nosrati groped Rezaei’s butt as Rezaei balanced in the air. Now, members of parliament, sports officials and judges have called for punishment for Nosrati and Rezaei, according to the Fars News Agency. Iran’s football federation suspended both players and fined them nearly $40,000 each, Fars reported. But public officials have tried to take it further, calling for the players to end their careers forever. A judiciary official told Fars that Nosrati and Rezaei could also face public lashings, to be carried out on the soccer

field where the behavior occurred. According to an Iranian judge, the offending action “can be considered a violation of public chastity,” the news agency reported. “The punishment of this crime is prison up to two months and 74 lashes.” However, Hadi Ghaemi, director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, told ABC News that the players would likely only be fined. The head coach and members of the international team defended the players, whom Ghaemi said were joking with one another in what has become a common gesture among players. Ghaemi said there is no law in the Iranian penal code that suggests lashings for the specific crime of men groping one another’s butts. However, if the crime was deemed “inappropriate behavior,” akin to “what boyfriends and girlfriends do,” then lashings could be ordered. Many Muslim countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, still allow crimes to be punished by such measures as lashing with bamboo rods and stoning criminals. | l |

UFC Owner: Gay fighters should come out wire report Las Vegas, Nev. | If the Ultimate Fighting Championship has gay fighters, their boss believes they should emerge from the closet and not worry about it. “I’ll tell you right now, if there was a gay fighter in UFC, I wish he would come out,” UFC President Dana White said in late October. “I could care less if there’s a gay fighter in the UFC. There probably is and there’s probably more than one.” White was responding to criticisms levied by the Las Vegas chapter of the Culinary Union and other groups who accuse UFC of being an anti-gay organization. In a letter to Anheuser-Busch and an online petition to Fox Network, the union and its allies cited statements by White and fighters such as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira as proof that UFC has “a history of tolerating homophobic conduct.” Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light brand sponsors UFC. Fox recently signed a sevenyear deal to air UFC events. The most notable instance of White’s use of harsh language came in April 2009, during a video tirade directed at reporter Loretta Hunt and sources she cited

anonymously for a Sherdog.com story. In one of the only times he has expressed regret about his language, White quickly issued a video apology about his use of a term frequently associated UFC owner Dana White with anti-gay encouraged gay fighters sentiments, to come out in his although he did organization because he “could care less.” not apologize for other portions of his rant. “If you guys look at all the stuff that I’ve said over the last 10 years—some of it stupid, some of it whatever—that’s the one that bothers me,” White said. “That’s the only one that bothers me—the fact that these losers from the Culinary Union can go out and say that I’m a homophobe and things like that—because it’s the furthest thing from the truth.” Controversial statements from individuals shouldn’t be used to indict an organization as a whole, White said. | l |

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watermark | gossip

| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

billymasters

“I had never worn a thong before. So the first time I tried it, I put it on wrong and my junk didn’t fit in it. I had to call a wardrobe person in and go, ‘Something’s wrong with my thong, you guys. I think we’re going to have to figure this out.’ And they go, ‘Yeah, your legs are in the wrong holes!’” —Matt Bomer discusses shooting his stripping scenes for “Magic Mike”. Do you really need to include instructions with a thong?

E The good and bad of equality Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

quality. We say we want it. But do we? Really? Because if we want real equality, we must take all of it. We can’t pick when we want to be treated like everyone else and when we don’t—it’s an all-or-nothing proposition. When I came out in the late 80s, being gay wasn’t quite the taboo it had been. There were lots of gay bars where we could socialize, many gay newspapers to keep us informed, and a handful of gay bookstores. Now, 20 years later, most of those clubs have closed, newspapers are in danger of extinction, and we can buy anything we want on Amazon.com. While some of these changes are a sign of the times, we are in danger of losing our community. What’s replaced these gay businesses is integration into the general population. So, yay, let’s hear it for equality. This also affects gossip. Recently, many people ran photos of Taylor Lautner having dinner with Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant. Many of us questioned if these two powerful gay men had designs on the fetching Taylor—one of the most visible places this rumor was printed was in GQ. This prompted Mr. Black to write (in part), “Really Mr. GQ writer? I’m curious, will you be asking all of the handsome actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with or meeting if I made

passes at them as well? I’d love to be there when you ask Sean Penn that same question. Or, Mr. GQ writer, were you projecting your own unprofessional desires onto me and Gus? Perhaps? Or worse still, are you a homophobe?” He ends his letter by saying, “Leaning on lies, myths and stereotypes about gay people is hateful, harmful and outdated. It’s not the 1950s anymore GQ, it’s 2011 and it’s time to grow up.” First, let’s not start brandishing the word “homophobe,” Lance. My God, girl, get a grip. Second, I most certainly would ask Sean Penn or anyone else those questions. Has Lance ever picked up a tabloid or watched any of the hours of television devoted to such speculation? George Clooney is seen out with a younger woman—we ask, “Is something going on there?” That’s life in today’s world. I don’t wish to cast aspersions on Mr. Black, who I respect artistically, but suffice it to say he’s not maintained his personal life above reproach. True equality comes in all shapes and sizes. You’re right, Lance—it’s not the 1950s. It is 2011. And when a mainstream publication like GQ (albeit the Aussie edition) starts gossiping about gay movers and shakers possibly sleeping with hot young men the way they have about straight men and starlets for eons, then there’s some real equality. Period. This was all going on at the same time that actor Zachary Quinto came out. Although there was much fanfare after the announcement, Zach made it rather quietly and matterof-factly. Back when he was appearing in the offBroadway production of Angels in America, the New York Times asked if he’d comment on the speculation about his sexuality (maybe DLB has a problem with that question, too). Zach said he’d “prefer not to feed the rumor mill with either substantiation or dismissal. This year, he told New York Magazine that being in the play opened his eyes: “At the same time, as a gay man, it made me feel like there’s still so much work to be done.” But what really prompted

Zachary Quinto says that he was inspired to come out publicly after the recent rash of LGBT suicides and following his role in Angels in America

his coming out was the rash of gay teens committing suicide: “And again, as a gay man I look at that and say there’s a hopelessness that surrounds it, but as a human being I look at it and say ‘Why? Where’s this disparity coming from, and why can’t we as a culture and society dig deeper to examine that?’ We’re terrified of facing ourselves.” And yet in saying so, Zachary faced himself quite bravely. Bravo. Our “Ask Billy” query comes from Tom in Florida: “Have you ever written anything about Charlie Hunnam? He was a hot young guy on the original Queer As Folk, and is an even hotter adult on Sons of Anarchy.” He is indeed. Little Charlie has matured quite nicely. I don’t know how many of my readers realize he originated the role of Nathan in the U.K. version of Queer As Folk, which became Justin in the U.S. version and was played by Randy Harrison. Since you’re interested, he is straight and was married for a few years. On Sons of Anarchy, he plays a biker who enjoys walking around naked. When I’m challenging gay heavy hitters, it’s time to end another column. Drop me a note at Billy@BillyMasters. com and I promise to get back to you before DLB calls me a homophobe! Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l |

Taylor Lautner’s recent dinner with Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant has raised eyebrows when it comes to equality in gossip.

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| Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011

watermark | photography

galleryw Photography | Gary Smith+Eric Babcock

Halloween All Hallows Ball, Oct. 29 | Tampa Convention Center Halloween Night, Oct. 31 | Parliament House, Orlando

Nov. 10 - Nov. 23, 2011 |

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