DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 19.05 • MAR. 1 - MAR. 14, 2012 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM
YOUR LGBT LIFE.
In depth: What does it mean to be a Gay Republican? Who are our GOP allies? Outed Arizona Sheriff campaigns for Congress
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We wanted to just introduce to people what this is going to be …
DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 13 // ORLANDO NEWS 17 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 20 // STATE 21 // NATION & WORLD 29 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 39 // EVENT PLANNER 49 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 51 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 52 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 53 // TRANSITIONS 55 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 60 // CLASSIFIEDS 61 // SPORTS 62 // GALLERY W
and we weren’t expecting 34 all that penis! PAGE
—SHERRY VINE
ON THE COVER
Preview
PAGE
47
GAY GOP CANDIDATE:
Fred Karger isn’t that well known, but he’s still making history as the first-ever openly gay Republican candidate for president.
W A T E R M A R K I S S U E 1 9 . 0 5 // M A R C H 1 - 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
Former punk front man Henry Rollins brings his “talking tour” to Orlando and Clearwater this month and, as always, he’s on a crusade for LGBT equality. Photo by Heidi May.
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PAGE Orange County Mayor Teresa
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Jacobs brought her proposal for a domestic partnership registry to the commission in February; Equality Florida’s State Field Director Joe Saunders announces his bid for a state position; Watermark CFO Rick Claggett celebrates 10 years with the company.
PAGE Equality Florida celebrated
17
its 15th year by raising more than $129,000 at it’s annual Tampa Gala on Feb. 25; Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin proposed a domestic partnership registry for the city at the council’s last meeting; A Taste of Pride returns to the Dali.
PAGE For many, political party
41
affiliation is as engrained as sexual orientation. But LGBT Republicans don’t believe that to be true. Log Cabin Executive Director Clarke Cooper talks about what the LCR stands for and why it’s possible to be gay and Republican this election season.
PAGE The Parliament House
the World Premiere 82 hosted event celebrating My Fair
Lidy, a locally filmed movie starring plenty of local talent. The film stars Leigh Shannon and she and her cast mates made a red carpet entrance at the Footlight Theatre—which is actually featured in the film.
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ORLANDO IMMUNOLOGY CENTER
MARCH 1-14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
GaYbor’s focus: profit When I �irst got involved in GaYbor it was because I saw a group of people wanting to make positive changes in our community. But then
2012. The party was held next door to The Honey Pot, owned by Florida Entertainment Group. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO
GaYbor Turf War A con�lict involving two Ybor promoters erupts via social media Steve Blanchard
EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
Y
BOR CITY | A dispute between two local gay promoters, Florida Entertainment Group (FEG) and JAM Promo (JAM), erupted via social media during Gasparilla Weekend. And the tension created was still on display at February’s GaYbor District Coalition meeting at Gaspar’s Grotto on Feb. 10. Toward the end of the meeting, JAM producer Jose Garboza stood up and apologized for introducing a negative topic. “Florida Entertainment Group has engaged in unethical business practices,” said Garboza, before GaYbor
Coalition president Carrie West interrupted him. “We’ve issued a response on that,” West said, and abruptly adjourned the meeting. West later explained that he was protecting the organization from legal action that could result when members attack each other publicly. “We can’t open ourselves up to that,” he said. But Garboza was merely introducing the rainbow elephant in the room: the feud that has been hanging over Ybor’s gay west end since Gasparilla. During the three-day weekend, Garboza’s JAM Promo presented its annual Gancho Tampa—a series of ambitious circuit events at different Ybor venues. At the same time, FEG worked to maintain business and divert Gancho attendees
to their successful nightclub venues: G. Bar, Honey Pot and the Ybor Social Club. Methods and motivations are at the heart of the con�lict. It comes as no surprise that JAM and FEG see things very differently.
UPROAR IN GAYBOR
While more than 400,000 revelers enjoyed Tampa’s annual Gasparilla pirate invasion the weekend of Jan. 27-29, a less joyful battle was unfolding in the way gay west end of Ybor City, dubbed “GaYbor” nearly �ive years ago. Through a �lurry of vitriolic social media, text messages and e-mails, nightlife-loving gays and lesbians bore witness to the bitter rivalry that has developed between two promoters with deep roots in the community. JAM accuses FEG of targeting their dance party, marketed as a fundraiser for Metro Wellness and Community Centers, with misleading promotions and
JUST COMPETITION?
Competing events throughout the weekend were all held in close proximity, at clubs on or near 7th Avenue. Both JAM and FEG claim their parties were a success. But LaColla said FEG’s efforts impacted Gancho’s momentum. “I noticed Friday’s crowd (at The Amphitheatre) thinning and even saw some friends leaving,” LaColla said. “I learned later that they went to Honey Pot because they got texts offering free drinks and no cover.” LaColla believes they came from Moss, and that his af�iliates did some quick reconnaissance at the Gancho event. It’s a charge Moss denies.
FEB. 16 - FEB. 29, 2012 // ISSUE 19.04
tampa bay
703 n. orange ave. | downtown orlando
CIRCUIT DANCE: Jo Jo Infiniti, right, performed with the New Century Dance Company at the Ritz Ybor during Gancho
“A friend and customer of ours said it was lame at Gancho,” Moss said. “So I texted him and said if he came back I’d buy him a drink and he could tell me about it. I don’t know how that turned into a mass text. I want to see that text I supposedly sent out on a mass scale, because I didn’t send one.” Both sides agree there was an online post the next day inviting ticket holders of Gancho to enjoy free entry to FEG’s bars on Saturday night. The post talked about the “extremely low turn-out” at Gancho. “We feel badly for those people who purchased Gancho tickets and were so disappointed,” it read. “Although we are not af�iliated in any way, we believe you should have an awesome Gasparilla weekend.” It offered free admission at both G. Bar and Honey Pot for anyone with a Gancho ticket stub. Donahue admits to posting that message, and described it as competition. “I posted one time about Gancho tickets being good with our bars,” Donahue said. “I call that good business. They say they want to compete with us, but when we compete with them they scream ‘victim.’” LaColla and Garboza say they have no problem with competition, but how an organization goes about it can raise ethical questions. “They attacked us publicly, and we have to defend ourselves,” Garboza said. “Contacting people while they’re at an event to get them to leave and come to your bar is unethical. And saying that we’re ‘pretending to be a charity’ or that Gancho ‘does nothing’ for Ybor is what bothers me the most.” Garboza clari�ied that JAM has committed a percentage of pro�its to Metro Wellness. He added that in its second year Gancho has yet to break even. “We still gave them $800 this year,” he said.
NEWS
eyeglasses contacts sunglasses
I was asked to comment in the article regarding the Gaybor Uproar [Issue 19.04] and I declined. I declined because I feared the potential fall-out to my business and my employees. After reading the article, I must speak out as this has gone unchecked for too long. In order to be a community we must be a uni�ied body of individuals. To form a coalition means to join together a group of people for a common purpose; it is therefore assumed that the Board of Directors as well as the members will help one another to grow and prosper. When businesses do not support one another, when said members make efforts to harm one another, and when Board members participate in negative activity it is damaging to everyone: business owners, their employees and most importantly, their patrons that enable them to make a living. The Board of the Gaybor Coalition did not show leadership that bene�itted the entire Coalition. If it truly is a First Amendment issue as Carrie West said in the story, then JAM’s representative would have been allowed to air their grievance, and ask the Leadership for a resolution so that they could move on. As it is, it is still the “rainbow Elephant” not just in the room, but now all throughout Tampa/St. Pete, etc.! I will continue to support the LGBT Community. However, I have resigned my membership with the The Gaybor Coalition. NIKKI TERNON, OWNER CHELSEA BAR & NIGHTCLUB TAMPA
personal attacks. FEG counters that JAM is not a 501c3 nonpro�it organization, and that so-called attacks just constitute aggressive marketing on their part. Who �ired the �irst shot? The answer depends on whom you ask. According to JAM principal Tony LaColla, who co-produced Gancho with life partner Garboza and business partner Manny Alvarez, FEG instigated the con�lict by targeting Gancho with an ad for a “Circus, not Circuit” party at Steam Fridays that appeared on The Honey Pot’s Facebook page. “It ticked me off,” the normally soft spoken LaColla said. “It was a direct attack on us. It was funny and cute, but we knew there was a message to us—about Gancho. There was no other reason to call it that other than to dig at us. That’s when it was obvious they were coming after us.” But Steve Donahue, a partner in FEG along with Steve Moss and Ernie Webb, disagrees. He said the ad was a response to attacks on social media from the Gancho organizers. “Their [Facebook] posts constantly talked about, ‘Why would you go to the same club, listen to the same music and do what you normally do on the weekend when this big event was coming in?’” FEG felt targeted, according to Webb. “It’s unfair to be criticized for doing what we do every single week,” Webb said.
ISSUE
19.04 PG.13
GETTING PERSONAL
Some say the feud boils down to personal animosity
Continued on page 15 | |
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“GaYbor members, especially board members, should not be allowed to behave this way.” —DARLENE HERRICK I saw the divisions that existed between promoters, managers, and owners just like what happened to Tampa Pride. It seems that everything is about pro�it with the GaYbor Coalition, be it Pride on 7th, or the Gancho Circuit Party. I really thought the GaYbor Coalition was going to be a organization that would be like St. Pete Pride, Equality Florida, or the Tampa Bay Business Guild. Since I was let go as a promoter in June 2011, I decided to move away and �ind a job someplace else far, far away from Tampa where I can feel welcomed, or equal. MARK FERGUSON TAMPA
I’ve see the aggression We must heighten awareness regarding what is happening right here in the GaYbor District of Ybor City. I received numerous insults and bashing from Florida Entertainment on Facebook. Remarks were directed at me and at my place of employment. The statements called me a liar and attacked Gaspar’s Grotto for hosting an event for the Olivia Cruise Pre-party. The statements were not only low-brow, but unethical. It hurts business in Ybor.
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GaYbor members, especially board members, should not be allowed to behave this way. Regardless of their attempts to sabotage others’ events, we have had successful events. But make no mistake, the damage to GaYbor’s reputation has been done. DARLENE HERRICK TAMPA
Stonewall set us back Stonewall was nowhere near the �irst, or in my opinion, the major turning point for gay rights that everyone loves to believe. Frank Kameny and many others were marching for gay rights in front of the White House wearing business suits, not dresses, four years prior to Stonewall. Stonewall probably set back our cause rather than move it forward. I believe we are doing ourselves a disservice when we so openly display fetishes and sexualize ourselves. We should stand up and be open about our orientation but slow down a bit on the open display of sexual fetishes. We are so much more than that. GARY RODMAN WINTER PARK
CONTRIBUTORS STEPHEN MILLER
editor’s
Steve Blanchard EDITOR
SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com
T
Desk
HE WAY I’VE FELT LATELY CAN ONLY
be compared to the feelings I had when I �irst questioned the existence of Santa Claus.
I suspected Santa didn’t really sneak into my house on Christmas Eve with a bag full of new toys meant just for me. I knew the big bear in the red suit couldn’t possibly accomplish in one night what I was told, yet I was fearful to question his existence—even internally—on the chance my non-belief would leave me with an empty space under the tree the next morning. I struggled to justify Santa’s existence while accepting the truth about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, both of which always sounded ridiculous to me. Today I’m facing a similar con�lict—but this time it’s with religion. Religion is in the headlines
WATERMARK STAFF
daily these days thanks to the prattling on of presidential candidates hoping to woo conservative voters. The ongoing debate over contraception, the de�inition of life and whether or not what two people do in private is the concern of the government concerns me. I’m sure my mother still has the boxes of ribbons I “won” for memorizing Bible verses for Sunday School class each week. I was even a part of Christian groups in high school and college. Even after I came out I held close to my faith. But something has changed. I �ind it more dif�icult to believe the stories I was told as a child. I no longer have that
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blind faith preventing me from challenging the story about a naked, heterosexual couple in a garden who communicated with a snake. And if God is all powerful, why did it take him six days to create everything when he obviously could have done it with a quick snap of his massive �ingers? Why are there so many beliefs out there if the “true” religion I was taught is the only one worth following? Why are there tragedies? It’s not like the allknowing and omnipotent can’t see a problem coming millennia in advance. As I’ve wrestled with these and other holes in the logic of my religious upbringing, I’m repeatedly told by selfappointed religious candidates for president that God—the same one introduced to me as a child—is opposed to me enjoying true love with another man, health care for women and any and all forms of contraception. Simply put, the Republicans on the right constantly spouting religious rhetoric have damaged my spiritual beliefs rather than strengthen them. To listen to the likes of Rick Santorum, God is more high-maintenance than I ever expected, and full of hate and contradictions that present Him as a con�licted leader, rather than as a path to glory. Each
time God is wielded as a weapon, another chunk is taken out of my religious armor. Faith, as I’ve been told, does not require proof of the unseen—only strong beliefs and convictions. But when supposed leaders present their beliefs as facts that contradict with common sense, keeping a faithful front continues to be more dif�icult. With every hateful high and mighty statement �lung to the press, these candidates are only reaching a small contingent while spiritually wounding those of us who have doubts about some of the �iner points. To many, religion is comforting, especially in times of tragedy and pain. I pray when a loved one is sick or injured or when guidance is needed in my personal or professional life. I have even asked for prayers for my sick or injured pets. I can only hope that if God is involved in this election that he’ll protect us from those who misrepresent the teachings they claim to hold so dear. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as faithful as I was in my youth or if I can align my own common sense with the spiritual teachings of my home church. But I do know I can’t let go of my faith, at least not yet—just in case. | |
Republicans on the right have damaged my spiritual beliefs rather than strengthen them.
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MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
is a long-time Watermark contributor and author of Screened Out, our movie reviews column. He is also an Orlando playwright and business consultant. Pages 9, 29
CHRIS AZZOPARDI
is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service and has interviewed a wide range of celebrities, including Cher and Lady Gaga. He lives in Canton, Mich., and can be reached via his website at Chris-Azzopardi.com.
JEAN-MANUEL ANDRIOTE
is an author, blogger and columnist who is often featured on the Huffington Post website. He can be reached at JMAndriote.com.
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INDICATION COMPLERA (emtricitabine 200 mg/rilpivirine 25 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) is a prescription HIV medicine that contains 3 medicines, EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), EDURANT™ (rilpivirine), and VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) combined in one pill. COMPLERA is used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults (age 18 and older) who have never taken HIV medicines before. ®
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COMPLERA is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. COMPLERA does not cure HIV or AIDS or help prevent passing HIV to others.
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Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney problems • have ever had a mental health problem • have bone problems • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child • are breastfeeding; women with HIV should not breast-feed because they can pass HIV through their milk to the baby Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following serious or common side effects: Serious side effects associated with COMPLERA: • New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA • Depression or mood changes can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or restless, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effect of these conditions are not known • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine
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nausea, rash, tiredness, and depression Other side effects associated with COMPLERA: • vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles), and pain Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it • Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to
help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA and see your healthcare provider regularly
Please see Patient Information for COMPLERA on the following pages.
Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com
PALIO Date: 02.15.12 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • File Name: 21208_pgitvd_journal_ad_Watermark_lo.indd MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05 watermark YOURWatermark LGBT LIFE. • Trim: 9.875” x 10.375”
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FDA-Approved Patient Labeling Patient Information COMPLERA® (kom-PLEH-rah) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets
COMPLERA may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood. This is called your “viral load”. • Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells that help fight off other infections.
Important: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with COMPLERA. For more information, see the section “What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?”
Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4+ (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).
Read this Patient Information before you start taking COMPLERA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?
COMPLERA does not cure HIV infections or AIDS. • Always practice safer sex. • Use latex or polyurethane condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. • Never re-use or share needles.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in HIV to other people. some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic Who should not take COMPLERA? acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Do not take COMPLERA if your HIV infection has been previously treated with Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like HIV medicines. symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you • Do not take COMPLERA if you are taking certain other medicines. For more get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: information about medicines that must not be taken with COMPLERA, see “What • feeling very weak or tired should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?” • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? • have stomach pain with Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: - nausea (feel sick to your stomach) • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection - vomiting • have kidney problems • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • have ever had a mental health problem • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have bone problems • have a fast or irregular heartbeat • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. Its purpose is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. The Centers for Disease Control and of liver problems: Prevention recommends that mothers with HIV not breastfeed because they can pass • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). the HIV through their milk to the baby. It is not known if COMPLERA can pass through • dark “tea-colored” urine your breast milk and harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best • light-colored bowel movements (stools) way to feed your baby. • loss of appetite for several days or longer Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription • nausea and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. • stomach pain 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take COMPLERA or similar medicines. In some cases these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis) when you take COMPLERA.
You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA or a similar affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your body may be too low and medicine containing nucleoside analogs for a long time. it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it. and you stop taking COMPLERA, your HBV infection may become worse (flare-up). A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV • COMPLERA provides a complete treatment for HIV infection. Do not take other HIV medicines with COMPLERA. therapy with your healthcare provider. • the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, • Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare TEGRETOL-XR®, TERIL®, EPITOL®), oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®), phenobarbital provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. ® ), phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN-125®, PHENYTEK®) (LUMINAL • Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider. ® ® • If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health • the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN ), rifampin (RIFATER , ® ® ® ® , RIMACTANE , RIFADIN ) and rifapentine (PRIFTIN ) RIFAMATE often and do regular blood tests to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking • a proton pump inhibitor medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems, including esomeprazole (NEXIUM®, VIMOVO®), lansoprazole (PREVACID®), omeprazole COMPLERA. (PRILOSEC®), pantoprazole sodium (PROTONIX®), rabeprazole (ACIPHEX®) • more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium What is COMPLERA? COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicine that: phosphate • is used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. HIV is the • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If you are taking COMPLERA, you should not take: • contains 3 medicines, (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) • other medicines that contain tenofovir (VIREAD®, TRUVADA®, ATRIPLA®) combined in one tablet. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency • other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (EMTRIVA®, COMBIVIR®, virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and EDURANT is an EPIVIR® or EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®) HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). • rilpivirine (EDURANT™) It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. • adefovir (HEPSERA®)
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Also tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium • trouble sleeping (insomnia) carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take • abnormal dreams COMPLERA. • headache • a histamine-2 blocker medicine, including famotidine (PEPCID®), cimetidine • dizziness (TAGAMET®), nizatidine (AXID®), or ranitidine hydrochloride (ZANTAC®). Take these • diarrhea medicines at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. • nausea • the antibiotic medicines clarithromycin (BIAXIN®), erythromycin (E-MYCIN®, ERYC®, • rash ERY-TAB®, PCE®, PEDIAZOLE®, ILOSONE®), and troleandomycin (TAO®) • tiredness • an antifungal medicine by mouth, including fluconazole (DIFLUCAN®), itraconazole ® ® ® (SPORANOX ), ketoconazole (NIZORAL ), posaconazole (NOXAFIL ), voriconazole • depression (VFEND®) Additional common side effects include: • methadone (DOLOPHINE®) • vomiting Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is • stomach pain or discomfort • skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your • pain healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Your healthcare provider and your pharmacist can tell you if you can take these medicines with COMPLERA. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that can interact with COMPLERA. How should I take COMPLERA? • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA. • Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal. • Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking COMPLERA. • If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, take your dose of COMPLERA with a meal as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. • Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. • When your COMPLERA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. It is very important not to run out of COMPLERA. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. • If you take too much COMPLERA, contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? COMPLERA may cause the following serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?” • New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: - feeling sad or hopeless - feeling anxious or restless - have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). How do I store COMPLERA? • Store COMPLERA at room temperature 77 °F (25 °C). • Keep COMPLERA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. • Do not use COMPLERA if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep COMPLERA and all other medicines out of reach of children. General information about COMPLERA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use COMPLERA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give COMPLERA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call (1-800-445-3235) or go to www.COMPLERA.com. What are the ingredients of COMPLERA? Active ingredients: emtricitabine, rilpivirine hydrochloride, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive ingredients: pregelatinized starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, polysorbate 20. The tablet film coating contains polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, triacetin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow #6 aluminum lake. This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufactured and distributed by: Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City, CA 94404 Issued: August 2011 COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, TRUVADA, VIREAD, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. 202123-GS-000 02AUG2011 CON12115 2/12
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watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE. 11 Watermark
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LGBT LIFE. MARCH 1-14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
watermarkonline.com
11/28/11 5:35:35 PM
NEWS
orlando
MAKING A PROPOSAL: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, center, presented a propsoal to the County Commission to bring a domestic partnership registry to the citizens of the county. PHOTO BY DAVID MORAN
Jacobs proposes county DPR The proposal could take effect by May David Moran
DAVID@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
O
RLANDO | The Orange County Board of Commissioners has given the green light for a countywide domestic partner registry proposal to move forward, but questions still remain about what rights the Orange County (OC) ordinance will provide and who will actually implement the registry. A sea of red-shirted supporters �looded the OCBC chambers at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting while Mayor Teresa Jacobs presented her proposal. The two-hour plus meeting also included discussion by the Board of Commissioners and a public forum for domestic partner registry supporters to address the board. Speakers included activists and community leaders, straight allies, teachers and more. “I personally am so proud of this community and the way that it is has risen up to support this issue, including elected of�icials and legislators,” attorney Mary Meeks told the board.
County citizens a choice to either execute a designated representative af�idavit with the During her presentation, county or register with the City Mayor Jacobs compared the of Orlando’s domestic partner proposed county-wide registry registry to obtain these rights. to the domestic partner registry Four of the seven rights ordinance passed by the City provided by the Orlando of Orlando in December. The registry have been vetted and Orlando registry went into effect approved. The three rights on Jan. 12. still under evaluation to be The Orlando domestic partner determined include emergency registry provides seven key noti�ication, funeral/burial rights to those couples who decisions, and public education register including health care participation. facility visitation, jail visitation, “We are very pleased that emergency noti�ication, health the county is moving forward. care decisions, funeral/burial We want to cooperate with the decisions, and public education county in every way we can,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “This is not about city and county. This is about fairness and equality.” A formal vote was not brought forward --ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER but �ive of the six participation with a partner’s commissioners voiced approval child. to proceed with Mayor Jacobs’ Jacobs said her proposal is proposal. Commissioner Fred “more inclusive” in that it would Brummer, who represents District be available to seniors, widows, 2, asked for some clari�ication friends, etc. and “less intrusive” by regarding the proposal but did not allowing registers to decide if an speak in favor of moving forward af�idavit is �iled in public record. with the registry proposal. | | Mayor Jacobs said the county proposal would give Orange
“This is not about city and county. It’s about fairness and equality.”
BRANCHING OUT: Equality Florida State Field Director
Joe Saunders will run as a Democrat. PHOTO COURTESY JOE SAUNDERS
Saunders announces bid for District 49 seat Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
O
RLANDO| Joe Saunders is hopes to be the �irst ever Florida House representative in District 49. The newly drawn district covering east Orange County is up for grabs this election season and Saunders �iled paperwork with the state this week to run as a Democrat. “I think we need to keep strong, progressive voices in Tallahassee,” Saunders said. “As an activist I have for years been talking to the legislature about things that need to happen and what shouldn’t happen. It’s time to have people actually in the legislature to have that conversation.” Saunders, 28, has never run for public of�ice but has worked as Equality Florida’s State Field Director since 2005, so he says he’s very familiar with what needs to happen in politics. “I’ve been advocating in Tallahassee even before I worked with Equality Florida,” Saunders said. “There are a number of issues coming out of Tallahassee that are way of base.” Saunders has yet to of�icially announce a platform, since he just �iled with the state, but said that he would focus on �ighting the state’s “war on women” and creating an equal and fair world for all families. Saunders said the �irst hurtle will be to raise money, and then to win the August Primary before the November election. | |
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orlando NEWS
Gay soldiers to meet at Disney Staff Report
Appreciation: 10 Years and Counting Tom Dyer TOM@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
ORLANDO | A national convention of gay military personnel on active duty will be held at an Armyoperated resort on Walt Disney World property |next fall. Convention organizers announced that the Army-operated resort, Shades of Green, will host hundreds of gay and lesbian sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen for the second annual Outserve International Leadership Conference in October. Shades of Green is located on Walt Disney World property, but it is owned and operated by the Army. Convention organizer Joshua Seefried says it’s a big step for the Army to allow the conference to be held at the resort, given that it will be just more than a year since end of the U.S. military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Seefried expects a record number of attendees this year, but did not provide an estimate | |
ORLANDO | Last week marked Rick Claggett’s 10th anniversary with Watermark. In that time we’ve endured four direct-hit hurricanes and two recessions, participated in more than two dozen Pride events throughout Tampa Bay and Orlando, and attended—and produced— countless festivals and parties. We’ve watched as gay sex was decriminalized, gay marriage was legalized, and gay characters— and channels—exploded on television. And we’ve embraced unthinkable changes in the way we now consume information. I �irst met Rick almost 20 years ago, when he attended meetings of the Delta Youth Alliance while on summer vacation from Mars
Hill College in North Carolina. I was a facilitator, and even then noticed Rick’s unique blend of dependability and ornery wit. When he applied for a part-time position as an administrative assistant I scooped him up, and he became almost immediately indispensible. His responsibilities grew to include distribution, billing, collections, equipment and physical plant maintenance, accounting, special events, ad placement and more. Rick’s current title—Chief Financial Of�icer—aptly sums up his importance to the company and to me. In ten years, I’ve asked him to assume a million different responsibilities and he’s never said “no.” In that time Rick’s also been an invaluable board member at the Metropolitan Business Association and committee chair
10 YEARS!: Watermark chief financial officer Rick Claggett celebrated his 10 year with Watermark in February.
with Come Out With Pride. And yet he’s found time to produce our monthly Movies Out Loud series and annual WAVE Award parties. He’s respected throughout the community, and most especially at Watermark. Congratulations Rick, and sincere thanks for everything you do. | |
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MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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MARCH 1-14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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NEWS
Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin
Exceeding expectations
Capin proposes Tampa domestic partnership registry
Gala at the Italian Club in Ybor City Feb. 25. PHOTO COURTESY LAURIE ROSS
$129,000 raised at Equality Florida’s Tampa Gala Steve Blanchard
EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
T
AMPA | More than 320 people attended an Equality Florida Gala at the Italian Club in Ybor City Feb. 26 and raised more than $129,000. The capacity crowd enjoyed cocktails and hor’douvres, mingled with local public �igures and recognized several organizations and individuals who were recognized by Equality Florida for their commitment to equality and LGBT advancement. “As we celebrate 15 years,” Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith told the audience, “it’s important to look back at where we came from and to see where we’ve arrived. But we have a long journey ahead of us.” Smith shared her story of being a reporter with the Tampa Tribune back in the 1990s and how covering local politics opened her eyes to how too many viewed the LGBT community. During the February gala, she thanked local leaders for their ongoing support. Some notables in attendance included Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa
Chief of Police Jane Castor, former Florida CFO Alex Sink, Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin and Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who served as emcee for the night. While the gala served as a fundraiser for Equality Florida, it also gave the organization a chance to recognize those who have in�luenced progressive thinking in the area. The �irst-ever “Equality Means Business” award was presented by Jim Harper to the
paper’s “commitment to equality in the workplace.” And �inally, Smith presented the “Voice of Equality Award” to Keith Roberts, who fought long with Smith in the early years of Equality Florida to get human rights ordinances passed in Tampa and Hillsborough County. “I am humbled and overwhelmed to accept this prestigious award,” Roberts said. “There have been a lot of struggles and �ights to get where we are today and I’m proud to have been involved from the beginning.” Since Roberts’ �irst involvement 15 years ago, Equality Florida has grown substantially, holding Galas like the one in Tampa in cities around the state. It’s a sure sign of progress, and Smith was obviously proud of the success in the Sunshine State. “Florida has come a long way,” Smith said during her state of the State address. “More than 50% of the communities in Florida have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. A majority of our schools now have supporting groups for LGBT youth. But the �ight isn’t over and your help here tonight ensures we’ll be able to continue that �ight.” | |
Florida has come a long way. —NADINE SMITH GaYbor District Coalition and was accepted by coalition president Carrie West. “Thank you for this and for recognizing that we can make a difference,” West told the crowd. “We still have more work to do.” Equality Florida board member Charlie Hounchell presented the “Corporate Voice of Equality Award” to the Tampa Bay Times and President and CEO Paul Tash accepted, promising to continue the
Steve Blanchard
tampa bay
STATE OF THE STATE: Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith addressed more than 320 people at the annual Tampa
EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
T
AMPA | The City of Tampa could follow Orlando’s example and create a domestic partnership registry for unmarried samesex and opposite-sex couples. City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin proposed the registry during the council’s Feb. 23 meeting. The council voted 5-0, with Charlie Miranda and Frank Reddick absent, to ask city attorneys to draft an ordinance similar to Orlando’s and report back on March 15. The Orlando registry lets domestic partners have hospital visitation, make health decisions for each other, make funeral arrangements and be considered each other’s next of kin by police and emergency workers. “Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as recognizing or treating a domestic partnership as a marriage,” the ordinance says. According to census estimates, Tampa has just over 9,000 unmarried-partner households. Fewer than 900 of those are same-sex couples. Tampa has a long history of being LGBT-friendly, thanks to the work of former mayor Pam Iorio and the continuing support of Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The city offers domestic partnership bene�its to its employees. But the more conservative Hillsborough County seems much cooler to the idea of inclusion. In fact, that county’s commission voted to eliminate protections for gays and lesbians in 2005—the same year former commissioner Ronda Storms led a campaign to “ban” gay Pride events from the county.
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tampa bay NEWS 18
IN OTHER NEWS
| | Tampa Bay Partner
Registry from pg.17
TASTE OF PRIDE RETURNS TO DALI The annual Taste of Pride event returns to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg on Saturday, March 10, at 7 p.m. The benefit for St. Pete Pride features cuisine from 15 area restaurants and specialty food stores. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. Each ticket includes up to 10 tastings of beer and wine selections. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StPetePride.com.
JACKSON EYES SCHOOL BOARD SEAT Pinellas County resident Jim Jackson hopes to be the newest member of the Pinellas County School Board when the primaries are held Aug. 14. The out, former professor is holding a kick off event officially announcing his bid for the District 1 at Large seat at Studio@620 in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, March 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For details, find the event on Facebook.
SUNCOAST AIDS THEATER TURNS 10 The Suncoast AIDS Theater Project will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a fundraiser featuring the songs of Barbra Streisand. “DIvas do Streisand” stars local performers Sharron Scott and Forrest Richards, among others, and is March 17 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theater. Proceeds from the concert benefit Trinity Charities in Sarasota, which assists those living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets are available at TheGoldenApple.com.
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Equality Florida state �ield director Joe Saunders is con�ident that any economic worries the city may have regarding such a registry will be eliminated upon research. “There is almost no �iscal impact,” Saunders explained. “Couples pay to register. It’s just like paying to get a marriage license. You go to city clerk, pay $30, pay for the administrative fee and the paper, and the amount a city or county has spent is extremely minimal.” Saunders added that there’s even a chance for Tampa to pro�it from domestic partnership registries. “There is an immeasurable economic impact,” Saunders said. “People want to move where they can be comfortable and happy and companies want to relocate to areas where their employees can be happy and productive.” The registry would be open to both heterosexual and homosexual couples, Capin said. She does not see it as a
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step toward legalizing same-sex marriage. The city of Gainesville and the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach also have domestic partnership registries. Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith applauded Capin’s proposal during the organization’s annual Gala in Ybor City Feb. 25. There, she
something to try and make the world a little bit better than the day before the birth.” Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn told the Tampa Bay Times that he is sympathetic to Capin’s idea, saying “people who are not married but are in committed relationships ought to have some protection in those situations.” “I’m not privy to the nuances, but it’s certainly a discussion we ought to have,” he said. “It goes to the heart of who we are as a community, how we treat people and how fair we are.” —JOE SAUNDERS OF EQUALITY FLORIDA Buckhorn agreed with Saunders that having a noted the progress that has taken registry would boost Tampa’s place since the organization economic competitiveness. formed 15 years ago and the “If we’re going to attract the motivation behind Capin’s best and the brightest, we can’t request. be demonizing each other based “She surprised us by on race, creed, orientation or any presenting this before we other factor,” he said. expected,” Smith said from the A large crowd is already podium. “But she had motivation. expected for the March 15 council She told me that her grandchild meeting and LGBTs and allies are was scheduled to be born that encouraged to attend to show day and she wanted to be able to support for the registry. | | tell that grandchild that the day it was born, its grandmother did
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moved herself and the child to Australia without telling the biological mother. That woman later located them. The 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach last year sided with the biological mother and said both women have parental rights to the child. A trial judge had earlier ruled that the biological mother had no parental rights though he disagreed with the law and hoped he would be reversed. | |
Wire report TALLAHASSEE | A custody battle between two lesbian former partners could be decided by the Florida Supreme Court. An appeal in the case was �iled with the court late Feb. 16. The women were identi�ied by initials only. One partner donated an egg that was fertilized and implanted in the other partner. The relationship ended and the birth mother
Key West Commission approves equality ordinance Staff report KEY WEST | The Key West City Commission has unanimously approved an Equal Bene�its Ordinance (EBO). The ordinance requires the city’s vendors to provide employees with domestic partners the same bene�its provided to married employees’ spouses. Bene�its could include health care plans,
bereavements and family medical leave, but the policy does not require businesses to add any new coverage that doesn’t already exist. Companies unable to provide equal bene�its to domestic partners may provide the cash equivalent instead. The measure was approved Feb. 23. Elsewhere in Florida, Miami Beach has an EBO and Broward is the �irst county to require those bene�its. | |
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Wire Report
MAINE OFFICIALS SAY GAY MARRIAGE VOTE IS ON
approved same-sex marriage in a 25 to 22 vote. The board has a week to consider the submission and if it is approved, Parrott and others will begin collecting the 55,736 signatures needed to bring the measure to the ballot. “The process is started and really the goal is to make sure the citizens of Maryland can vote on this very important bill,’’ Parrott said. Gay marriage advocates said they will �ight to make sure the law is upheld and that they think it is inappropriate to leave the issue to the discretion of voters.
“It’s sad to me that anyone would think that it’s okay to put up the rights of a minority to a popular vote,’’ said Lisa Polyak, chairwoman of the board of directors for the gay rights organization Equality Maryland. “We have children, we have lives, we have jobs and we just want to go about them with integrity.’’ Parrott would not identify other groups working on the petition drive, but religious organizations, including the Catholic Church, have pledged to help overturn the law. | |
wife is unjusti�ied. “The Court �inds that DOMA, as applied to Ms. Golinski, violates her right to equal protection of the law ... by, without substantial justi�ication or rational basis, refusing to recognize her lawful marriage to prevent provision of health insurance coverage to her spouse,’’ White wrote in a 43-page decision that marks the third time in less than two years a federal court has declared the act unconstitutional. Golinski, a staff lawyer for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, has been trying to secure spousal bene�its for her wife, Amy Cunninghis, since shortly after the
couple got married during the brief window in 2008 when same-sex marriages were legal in California. White’s decision is consistent with a letter sent by the Department of Justice to Boehner on Feb. 17 stating that the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments would not be defending the government’s laws preventing equal treatment for service members who have samesex spouses, Boehner and other GOP congressional leaders are appealing White’s decision, according to court papers �iled immediately after the ruling. | |
gay and lesbian Californians. If the groups had not sought reconsideration, the three judges could have ordered the ruling to take effect in seven days, clearing the way for same-sex marriages to resume in the state. Instead, same-sex marriages will remain on hold at least until the 9th Circuit decides to accept or reject the rehearing petition. The court does not face a deadline for doing so. Andy Pugno, legal counsel for the Protect Marriage Coalition, said the backers appealed to a bigger 9th Circuit panel instead of going directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. ``After careful consideration, we determined that asking for
reconsideration by the full Ninth Circuit is in the best interests of defending Prop. 8,”’’ said Pugno. “This gives the entire 9th Circuit a chance to correct this anomalous decision by just two judges overturning the vote of seven million Californians.” Proposition 8 amended the California Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriages �ive months after the state Supreme Court threw out a pair of statutes that limited marriage to a man and woman. The proposition was approved by voters in November 2008 with 52% of the vote. | |
Lesbian federal worker wins benefits case Wire Report SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. | A federal judge in San Francisco ruled Feb. 22 that the U.S. government cannot deny health bene�its to the wife of lesbian court employee by relying on the 1996 law that bars government recognition of same-sex unions. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White said that because the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutionally discriminates against same-sex married couples, the government’s refusal to furnish health insurance to Karen Golinski’s
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. | The backers of California’s same-sex marriage ban petitioned a federal appeals court Feb. 21 to review a split decision by three of its judges that struck down the voterapproved law known as Proposition 8. Lawyers for the religious and legal groups that quali�ied the ban for the 2008 ballot faced a deadline for asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the 2-1 decision made three weeks ago. The ruling declared Proposition 8 to be a violation of the civil rights of
GOV: HAWAII’S MARRIAGE LAW DENIES RIGHTS Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Feb. 21 told a federal court that Hawaii’s existing marriage law denies federal constitutional rights to same-sex couples. His stance on the issue came in response to a lawsuit filed last year by two women who want to marry and not simply join in a civil union. “Under current law, a heterosexual couple can choose to enter into a marriage or a civil union. A same-sex couple, however, may only elect a civil union. This is inequality, and I will not defend it,’’ he said in a statement.
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Prop. 8 backers seek review of gay marriage case Wire Report
Maine election officials are giving the go-ahead to a statewide referendum in November to restore same-sex marriage. The Secretary of State on Feb. 23 confirmed that enough voters’ signatures have been verified to place the citizens’ initiative allowing same-sex couples to receive marriage licenses on the ballot. Maine voters repealed an earlier same-sex marriage law in 2009.
Patients who take tenofovir, one of the most widely prescribed drugs to treat HIV infection, increase their risk of kidney damage by up to 34% every year they take the medication, according to a study of more than 10,000 HIVpositive veterans. The study is one of the largest to address the long-term risks of the antiretroviral drug. For many HIVinfected patients, however, the benefits of taking tenofovir and preventing full-blown AIDS far outweigh the risk of longterm kidney damage.
ODU TO OFFER DEDICATED HOUSING FOR GAY STUDENTS Old Dominion University announced Feb. 23 that it will offer dedicated on-campus housing in the fall for LGBT students and their supporters. The dedicated housing, called Lavender House, will be located in an existing residence hall on the Norfolk, Va. campus. Eighteen students have signed up so far to live in Lavender House.
state, nation+world
ANNAPOLIS, MD. | Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley will sign a bill legalizing gay marriage in a 5 p.m. ceremony March 1, making Maryland the eighth state to legalize same-sex unions. Opponents, however, have already vowed to bring the measure to referendum on the November ballot. Republican Delegate Neil Parrott said he �iled draft language for a referendum petition with the state board of elections Feb. 24, just a day after the state Senate
IN OTHER NEWS
NEWS
Md. marriage equality opponents begin referendum effort
SERBIA TO OPEN FIRST SHELTER FOR GAYS Authorities announced Feb. 21 plans to set up Serbia’s first shelter to protect gays and lesbians from harassment, threats and attacks in this conservative Balkan country. Dusica Davidovic, an official in the southern city of Nis, about 120 miles south of Belgrade, says the city needs a ``safe house’’ where gays from the area could seek protection. Young gay and lesbian Serbs are often kicked out of their homes and have nowhere to live after coming out.
BALTIMORE CO. OKS TRANSGENDER DISCRIMINATION BAN The Baltimore County Council on Feb. 21 became the fourth local government in Maryland to approve a measure protecting transgender people from discrimination. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression and sexual orientation when it comes to housing, employment, public accommodations and financing. The council’s approval comes nearly a year after a transgender woman was viciously beaten when she tried to use the restroom at a McDonald’s restaurant.
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Brett Edward Stout STOUT@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
No more tip-toeing
O
N JAN. 19, 2012, NEWT
Gingrich was politely asked if he would like to answer a direct question. His answer, simply put, was honest: “No.”
There once was a time when you could ask candidates questions and they’d give you an answer. In our current linguistic reality, all questions are redirected to prewritten talking points, and there is nothing we can really do about it. However, what can be controlled—the questions—should. So, how should we react to intentional avoidance in 21st-century politics? By cutting their dogmatic talking points off at the knees. We need to learn that their answers (or lack thereof) are not as important as our questions: we need to start asking the right ones. It is time to do away with the strategy of kindly worded questions, time to put backbone behind our beliefs and take command of the greater public conversation. Enough of asking, “Do you think gays have the right to marry?” The question should be, “Do you think the government should tax gay couples more than straight couples?” No more inquiring about gays
receiving protection at work. The question instead is, “Do you think employers should have the right to �ire people for being gay?” It’s time to throw away the question, “Should gays be allowed to adopt?” Instead, we must ask, “Do you think gays are bad parents?” And for those who’d seek a reinstatement of DADT, time to make them answer, “Do you think gays are incapable of �ighting for our country?” Enough tip-toeing around the issues, enough sitting back and letting our rights be taken or withheld from us, and enough of letting those who lead get away with avoiding what’s really at stake here. If they refuse to consider real answers, we need to make them. If they say they have “gay friends,” ask them, “How do those friends feel about your anti-gay platform?” If they won’t support ENDA, as them why they think gays are un�it employees. And if they say a “mother” and a “father” should raise children, then ask them where those abandoned children came from in the �irst place. It may seem like I’m blaming the community for not standing up for themselves. In some ways, I am. But it isn’t for lack of will, determination, or dedication on our part. Rather we have allowed our excessive cordiality to perpetuate this stagnation. No more diplomatic phrasing that allows our politicians to take the coward’s way out. Get up, get in their way, and start �ighting their evasiveness. It’s time to confront our wannabe leaders about denying gays their rights—to marry, be parents, have consensual sex in our homes, or �ight for our country. And if they say they are NOT anti-gay, we MUST ask them “Then what exactly do you think ‘anti-gay’ means?” They may complain that these are unfair question, maybe if we ask them loud and often enough they will �inally begin to understand what unfair really means. | |
Their answers are not as important as our questions— we need to start asking the right ones.
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John-Manuel Andriote
New condom law should be applauded
P
ORNOGRAPHERS ARE
aroused and growling over a new Los Angeles law that will require adult �ilm actors to wear condoms in sex acts well known to be high-risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The �ilmmakers call the new law “government overreach.” They argue that monthly HIV tests should be suf�icient to prevent the virus from slipping into the mix of �luids splashing about the set and unwittingly infecting an actor while on the job. The Los Angeles Times reported that companies are threatening to move out of the city, taking with them as many as 20,000 jobs for actors, makeup artists, camera crews, caterers, and the abundance of talent and services that makes L.A. a magnet for movie makers of all sorts. The Los Angeles City Council passed the law, which takes effect March 5, after reports of actors becoming infected with HIV while pursuing their line of work. Filmmakers argue that requiring actors to use condoms
will hurt their sales. Since the early AIDS years, HIVprevention educators have argued that porn can play an important role in modeling and eroticizing safer sex—or, to the contrary, reinforcing the idea that only “bare” sex is real sex. The L.A. public health department estimated that condoms are used in fewer than 20% of hardcore heterosexual pornography, adding that adult �ilm workers are 10 times more likely to be infected with an STD than a non-adult-�ilm worker. In the early years of AIDS, gay pornographers who wanted to sell movies understood the in�luence that their products can have in shaping the sexual fantasies and actual behavior of gay men. By the middle of the past decade, an increasing number of gay erotica producers were not only making “bareback” movies, but they felt no responsibility whatsoever to their actors—or their audience. In a 2005 meeting in San Francisco, sponsored by the city’s Gay Men’s Community Initiative, a group of 70 men discussed porn videos. Several of the men pointed to Treasure Island Media’s 2004 title Dawson’s 20-Load Weekend as an example of irresponsible gay �ilmmaking for its celebration of what most rational people would deem suicidal behavior. Treasure Island cameraman Nick Stevens defended the movie in the forum. “Our movies are for models to have sex the way they want,” he said. “Why should we not �ilm that?” Apparently Treasure Island Media—like the Los Angeles �ilmmakers squealing about the new condom law—saw nothing wrong with depicting, in the most graphic terms, what could well be the actual HIV infection of a man whose alleged craving for “cum” was obviously stronger than his lust for life. With HIV and other potentially deadly STDs continuing to spread at a shocking rate among gay men, maybe it’s time to reclaim theconviction that safe sex is hot sex—and that endangering other men’s lives for the sake of a fantasy has no place in the life of a truly proud gay man or in his erotic entertainment. | |
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TALKING POINTS
It’s kind of oxymoronic for me to perform ceremonies that can’t be performed for me, so I’m not going to do it. it
2,000 The number of Twitter followers @AngiesRightLeg had after Angelina Jolie’s odd red carpet pose before Jean Dujardin won the Best Actor Oscar Feb. 26.
20,000
The number of porn industry-related jobs that could leave the City of Los Angeles when a new law requiring condom usage in adult films takes effect March 5.
N.M. GOV. LOSES HAIR STYLIST OVER GAY MARRIAGE STANCE
—DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE TONYA PARKER WHO HAS REFUSED TO OFFICIATE ANY WEDDINGS IN HER HOME STATE OF TEXAS
WESTBORO NUTS HELPS MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL RAISE $6,000 FOR LGBT EQUALITY
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez is going to have to find a new hair stylist. Antonio Darden, who runs Antonio’s Hair Studio in Santa Fe, has cut her hair before but refuses to take the governor’s appointment again because of her stance against same-sex marriage. Darden said the governor’s aides have called to ask him to reconsider, but he’s standing strong and has so far refused.
PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT WATERMARKONLINE.COM ON CONFLICT BETWEEN TWO PROMOTERS IN YBOR: “Every second wasted attacking each other is lost on the customers heading your way.” —TODD KOTTMEIER “The USS GaYbor is going down like the Titanic.” —MARK FERGUSON
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GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE IN A ST. LOUIS, MO., suburb beat the Westboro Baptist Church at its own game. According to the Riverfront Times, Clayton High School organized a Phelps-a-thon Feb. 6 to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT-speci�ic charities. The fundraiser coincided—not so coincidentally—with a planned protest by the Westboro Baptist Church, the group known for protesting the funerals of soldiers and waving “God Hates Fags” signs outside of concert venues. For every minute that the WBC protests an imagined evil, donors could pledge money in person or through a donor website. The counter-protest raised $6,000.
ON LEATHERMEN AS FETISHISTS OR PART OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY “Who I am as a leatherman is de�ined by how I conduct myself in my life.To reduce who I am to a mere fetish that should be shamefully hidden away from the world is just as great as an injustice as it is to demand that anybody on the LGBT spectrum do the same.” —DAVID “Where do we draw the line concerning public displays?” —GARY
THE LURE OF COLD BEER
Former Houston City Councilman and current right-wing radio talk show host Michael Berry has finally admitted that it was he, in fact, who was spotted inside a popular drag bar and gay dance club on the night of Jan. 31, just before he allegedly rammed his Tahoe into a Volkswagon Passat.. But he wasn’t there for the show or for the guys. “know why I went into a bar?” he told his radio audience recently. “Let me confess. Because there was cold beer waiting inside. Is that a crime? The fact that I’m not afraid of the fact that some of the people inside may be gay makes it a bad thing? Would it have been better if I was at a strip club, or a Hooters? Well if it would then maybe you should now know, I don’t hate gays. I don’t fear gays. I don’t need to bash gays.”
A SANTORUM NAIL POLISH SURGE
J
UST AS SENATOR RICK SANTORUM’S POPULARITY SEEMS TO BE SURGING in the Republican Primary polls, so is a new nail polish marketed toward men with his name on it. Santorum NailPolish by ManGlaze INK is appropriately brown and has been a hit or sorts on Amazon.com for $13. One reviewer says:“It’s great to �inally get that frothy brown Santoum look on my �ingernails all the time. It really gains me credibility with my cellmates.”
WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL
GAY REPUBLICANS ARE... Self-hating.
They support a party that hates their sexuality, as an extension of their own hatred of their sexuality.
Progressive. They’ve transcended
single-issue politics and evolved past the need for political approval.
Selfish. Gay Republicans
value their money over the health of the LGBT community.
Ignorant. They are deluded about how dangerous Republican politics truly are to the gay community.
Valid.
Politics are a broad spectrum of ideals and gay Republicans’ ideals line up better with the GOP, across the board.
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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MARCH 1-14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
Punk rock legend Henry Rollins still stands for his LGBT fans’ rights
H
Stephen Miller STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
ANDSOME HENRY ROLLINS
is a bit of an anachronism. He’s known for being an angry punk legend, but just a few minutes with him shows that he is both �iercely intelligent and very charming. He �irst came to international attention as front man of the punk band Black Flag in the early 1980s. Then—as he does today—this straight ally revered his LGBT fans, people he knew through his growing up in D.C. and his early days onstage, loudly speaking out for equality. Continued on page 36 | |
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BROADWAY CABARET SERIES OPENS! Ticket packages available
3/22
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Broadway’s “Belle” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and the longest running “Sally Bowles” from Cabaret, and so much more! 7:30 p.m.
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Daniel Radcliffe in The Woman in Black.
REVIVED MYTHOLOGY: Dane DeHaan tests his powers in Chronicle.
Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS
From Hero to Eternity
Chronicle
Stephen Miller
STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
Starring Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell
A
S SOMEONE WHO SEES ABOUT
200 �ilms a year, I am always thankful when �ilmmakers �ind a new approach, or use an old angle in a unique way. Even if the �ilm isn’t perfect, at least it’s surprising.
DeHaan is a geeky, introverted high-schooler suffering under his dad’s abuse, as his mother lies dying. DeHaan’s only friend is popular cousin Russell. When these boys— along with a slick class president—�ind a hole in the woods, they also �ind an alien crystal that gives them superpowers: speci�ically, telekinesis. These powers warp the teenagers’ personalities; the good become heroic, the bad become villains. What makes this genesis story unique? DeHaan is obsessed with �ilming everything. So when he starts
being able to move things with his mind, the little digital camera all of the sudden can �loat anywhere. It’s a great way to explain the documentary style and motivate the story in a brand new fashion. Does this technique get old, bending its own rules at times? Yes, especially when the �ilm needs to rely on a blog-addict with another camera or closed circuit security to �ill in the story gaps. However, the simple emotions are effective; these unknown actors do a credible job. Also, this is an engaging way to revive superhero mythology. Finally, Chronicle makes one brilliant move that many other �ilms in its oeuvre miss, it follows the more interesting character—the villain, as his mind twists—instead of the bland, noble hero. | |
The Secret of Arrietty
The Woman in Black
The Secret World of Arrietty
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hind, Janet McTeer
Voices of Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie Carol Burnett, Amy Poeler, Will Arnett
Gothic horror gets an artful look Mary Norton’s classic The in this Edwardian ghost story. So it’s Borrowers is a well-loved children’s terrifying how much of the plot ends up book repeatedly adapted for �ilm and being cliché. Radcliffe’s �irst �lick after television since 1953. It’s about secret, the Harry Potter series is good only for little people who live in the walls and its camera tricks and set dressing. �loors of our houses, taking forgotten Radcliffe is a widower lawyer, things so they can survive. The Secret raising his small son, and grieving so World of Arrietty is the 2010 Japanese much that he’s about to lose his job. version recently polished up for an In order to stay employed, American audience. he has to oversee business Arrietty (Mendler) is at a creepy island mansion RATINGS GUIDE the daughter of the tiny partially separated from the borrowers. She knows she rural mainland by a marsh is to remain undetected by that �loods at high tide, humans. However, when she Overflowing unreachable by horse or the meets young Shawn (Henrie) with glittery recently invented automobile. in her cottage garden, our fabulousness Trouble is the estate is heroine bends the rules to haunted, and every time the encourage the sickly boy. Pretty damn ghost—the title character—is The problem is that Shawn’s good, but it’s no seen, a child dies. housekeeper (Burnett) once Sunset Boulevard So we have a Headless also saw the little people and Horseman-like mystery. The has been on a lifelong quest to set is fantastic: dark and An entertaining prove her sanity. enough flick eerie. That’s the good part. Arrietty was overseen by with perhaps The bad part is that so much Hayao Miazaki, the famous a few holes of this tale relies on leaps animator of Princess Mononoke of logic and plot holes. The and Oscar-winner Spirited villagers seem too stupid or Ever so slightly Away. His anime is simpli�ied watchable, just scared to tell Radcliffe that and full of weird magic. for that hot actor he’s stirring up a vengeful, People either love or hate it, child-murdering ghost. They especially for its broad, �lat also don’t move once their style and surrealistic qualities. Two hours of offspring start dying. Our This �ilm has much less of your life you’ll hero doesn’t even think for never get back Miazaki’s strangeness and himself when he sees the much more of his obsession �irst kid expire! The marsh with nature. It sometimes stops is supposedly not traversable, but to �ixate on things like a re�lection someone erected a giant cross right in in a dewdrop. In those drawn-out the middle of it. moments, the story screeches to a halt The spirit of the movie aims to scare, and shrinks to the diminutive size of and it often does. The execution of these its lead character. Mostly, Arrietty is kids is unspeakable. The execution of a colorful, fun adaptation of Norton’s the plot could be better. | | wondrous work. | |
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show, I touch on issues such as bullying and jealousy, which can easily be related to gays. I believe the more speci�ic we get, the more we separate each other. Hate doesn’t discriminate; we do. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO STEP INTO THIS ROLE?
I wanted to be Edward because he has always been a true outsider; a freak that never wanted anything but love. In a world full of instant grati�ication, Lady Gaga and constant demand for attention from brand names and material possessions, especially among the gay community, I feel a sense of identity loss from people I meet. Everyone now wants to be accepted and admired and worshipped when in reality, half the time they don’t even know how to love themselves.
HOW MUCH OF YOU IS IN THE CHARACTER OF EDWARD?
A NEW EDWARD: Orlando producer and dancer Willy Marchante stars as Edward Scissorhands in a re-imagined production of the popular 1990 film at the Footlight Theater this month. PHOTO BY KATHRYN FORD
Enacting Edward THEATER
Willy Marchante re-imagines an even more elaborate Edward Scissorhands
O
Erik Caban ERIK@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
RLANDO | SOMETIMES EVEN THE
most beloved characters and stories can bene�it from reinvention. Edward: Remixed and Retold is exactly that: a modern retelling of the 1990 Tim Burton �ilm Edward Scissorhands, which starred Johnny Depp. Unlike its predecessor, this version is set to music and dance.
Conceived by out Orlando veteran visionary/choreographer/ dancer/producer Willy Marchante, this dance cabaret features music from an eclectic array of artists and musicians and is described as a non-stop, seamless, music video-like production live on stage.
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While the story of Edward Scissorshands has no gay theme or characters within it, the story of an uncommonly kind outsider ostracized for being “different” de�initely transcends all creeds, genders and sexualities. In fact, Marchante, who also stars as
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Edward, says his strong af�inity for the character motivated his own neoteric take. Before audiences can experience Edward: Remixed and Retold, beginning March 3 at Parliament House’s Footlight Theater, Watermark caught up with Marchante amidst a grueling production schedule, to discuss his re-imagined Edward, what inspires him and how to dance in 8-inch platform boots.
WATERMARK: WHERE DID THE CONCEPT COME FROM?
WILLIAM MARCHANTE: I wish I could take credit for Edward Scissorhands, but that belongs to Tim Burton, who to me is an amazing inspiration as both an artist and a director. I can only take credit for my
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rendition. I designed and remixed everything from the music to the costumes and the choreography. My favorite concept of the show is how songs we hear all the time feel like they were speci�ically written to tell this story. I �irst got the idea from having to create a Christmas show for my children’s dance studio at Dancer’s Edge. I am not a Christmas person so I wanted to do a stage version of Edward Scissorhands since the story was about why it snows in this speci�ic town. I did some research and found that another amazing inspiration of mine, Matthew Bourne, had done a ballet based on the movie.
I can relate to his curiosity and his sadness most of all, but the hardest part for me to do is the constant feeling of awkwardness he feels. However, the costume I wear helps with that. I have 8-inch platform boots and the tightest black faux-leather unitard covered in straps and belts. It’s like extreme bondage. Dancing in those shoes and doing some of the things I do in them makes me think I have a death wish.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FANS TAKE FROM THIS PERFORMANCE?
I hope they take what they need to. We are all in different places in our lives and I believe that in this story and in this show there are many different levels of entertainment and emotions. To evoke emotion WHAT CAN PEOPLE and help someone EXPECT? escape or belong Lots of humor or simply feel and high energy —WILLY MARCHANTE is so powerful. dance. It’s campier Sometimes art than the original, is really like therapy; it can be very pokes fun at itself and is set in a healing or show us things about more modern mind-set, especially ourselves. | | when it comes to relationships. The other characters have more of a MORE INFORMATION story line as well, which adds to the craziness of the show. It is fast-paced WHAT: Edward: and should keep the audience on the Remixed and Retold edge of their seats.
“To me, the reasons why you relate isn’t what’s important; what’s important is that you relate.”
DOES IT ADDRESS GAY THEMES?
I don’t believe in addressing speci�ic themes or issues. In this
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WHEN: March 3-17 WHERE: The Footlight Theater, Orlando TICKETS: WanziePresents.com
Try our unique $8.00 Saturday & Sunday Brunch! Plus $3.00 Mimosas! 433 W. New England Ave., Winter Park • 321-972-4881 • www.miTomatina.com MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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bigger audience. I’ve been making a living performing as Sherry in larger cities for the past 15 years and it’s just been the past three years, since the invention of the YouTube, that it’s spread.
HOW DID TV VARIETY SHOW ICONS, LIKE CHER AND CAROL BURNETT, INSPIRE THE SHOW?
GOING PRO: Performer and parodist Sherry Vine made a name for herself thanks to her YouTube videos. Now she stars in her very own variety show on here!TV.
Sherry Vine’s
Drag Romance THEATER
From YouTube to TV show, the queen satirist finally makes her dream come true Chris Azzopardi CHRISAZZOPARDI@PRIDESOURCE.COM
T
HINK OF SHERRY VINE’S RISE TO THE
(�igurative) top as a fairy tale. She begrudgingly waited on people—as a server—until realizing she could dress all pretty and make a lot of money.
Next up was singing about penis, poop and boobs (hey, if the shoe �its), referencing those while spoo�ing pop icons in her outrageous YouTube takes on “Born This Way,” “Rolling in the Deep” and Madonna’s newest single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’.” Then, �inally, her happily-everafter: She got a TV series, a zany half-hour, anything-goes variety
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show called She’s Living For This on the here! network. We got Vine on the phone recently to chat about paying homage to variety show icons, her reason for doing drag and how she gets so much penis (take that, Cinderella).
WATERMARK: THE SHOW IS A MODERN TWIST ON CLASSIC TV VARIETY SHOWS—BECAUSE IF
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
THERE WAS ONE THING MISSING FROM THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW, IT WAS PENIS.
SHERRY VINE: (Laughs.) I agree! One of my favorite topics. Penis and boobs. WHERE DOES YOUR DIRTY MIND COME FROM?
I don’t know! But I remember being in high school, and we would do musicals and I would literally sit there and write dirty lyrics to all the songs and then read them or sing them to people. I have no idea where that comes from.
the dirty side. Some of my videos they love, and there are de�initely some that cross the line for them. Anything to do with �ist-fucking is really not for my parents. But the poo-poo ones, they love!
HOW DO YOU CONCEPTUALIZE THE SKETCHES?
I keep a little book that I’ve had forever, and I always write down ideas and then I might not look at it or think about it for 10 years. Sometimes other people come up with the ideas and I will write it down, but people—friends, people I work with, tweets—are always offering ideas. “You’re a Homo” came from a drag queen in Orlando who wanted a parody of “Alejandro.” THIS VARIETY SHOW’S BEEN A LONGTIME COMING, RIGHT?
Oh yeah. It’s been a lifelong dream.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET IT OFF THE GROUND?
YOUR PARENTS?
It really is like a dream come true. I’ll be there in front of the cameras and I still can’t believe its happening. I feel like I’ve been doing Sherry Vine for 20 years and it’s all been building up to this.
Well, they’re pretty silly, actually. And they have a good sense of humor and are a little on
Really the same, but YouTube clearly opened me up to a much
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WHAT WAS SHERRY VINE UP TO 10 YEARS AGO?
watermarkonline.com
Carol Burnett was the biggest in�luence. I was a little kid when Carol Burnett was on, but I remember watching it and thinking that’s what I want to do. And Cher with her out-of-control glamour, and even Donny and Marie—I remember watching them and thinking it was so much fun.
BUT THEY DIDN’T HAVE PENISES ON THEIR SHOWS. WHAT INSPIRED THE FULL FRONTAL?
We don’t have the censorship. So, right away, we wanted to just introduce to people that this is going to be different than what they’re used to seeing. And we weren’t expecting all that penis! (Laughs.)
I’VE ONLY SEEN THE FIRST EPISODE.
That’s what I mean. The one!
HOW DO YOU FIND THE PENISES FOR THIS SHOW?
Oh, honey, I love Facebook because I can put something on Facebook—“Anyone wanna have a nude walk-on?”—and I’ll get 20 responses in an hour.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU LIVE FOR BESIDES THIS SHOW?
Right now, that’s it. My focus is this right now because I want to give it everything I can possibly give. I want to make sure everything is right. Everything bigger and better than before.
DOES THAT MEAN YOU’RE PUTTING A HOLD ON VIDEO PARODIES?
No. We had a little break in January and I took advantage of the time and whipped up some videos. We did one with this medley, which was just for fun, and the Pandora Boxx one was big
because it involved a lot of people �lying in from L.A. for the day to shoot the video. I’m working on a video parody right now; we just wrote it, and we’re recording it and then we’ll shoot the video hopefully in a couple of weeks—another one with Peppermint Gummybear. So yeah, there will be more of those coming. WHAT’S THE TRICK TO SPOOFING A SONG OR VIDEO?
I feel it out depending on how big the original song is. If it’s Lady Gaga, then I go all out and do a parody of the video, not just a parody of the song. Then you take her video and, luckily, Lady Gaga just gives you so much to play with. (Laughs.) The “Telephone” one was probably my favorite in terms of what we did, if you look at her video and then ours. Every little thing— how do we make fun of her cigarette glasses?—we picked apart. And then there are some where it’s me standing in front of a green screen and it’s just meant to be silly. Those are the ones that cost, like, a dollar. (Laughs.)
Raymond James Pops
them, responded to them on her website and wrote me a really sweet email.
DO YOU AND SHE HAVE A HISTORY?
No. I met her—and I don’t know if she even remembers—before she was hugely famous in a teeny dive bar. She was walking from bar to bar performing “Just Dance” and I met her and hung out with her. But we weren’t friends, no. WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO DO DRAG?
In theater school, I was always drawn to female parts. I would read A Streetcar Named Desire and think, “Oh, Blanche is the good part; I don’t want to be Stanley, I want to be Blanche.” I was just drawn to the female parts more than the male parts because they were just more interesting to me as an actor. When I �irst started drag, the focus was not performing at bars IS THERE or clubs or singing; ANYWHERE YOU —SHERRY VINE, ON HOW the reason I �irst WON’T GO? SHE FINDS GUEST STARS started doing drag There are WILLING TO GO FULL was because I de�initely places I FRONTAL ON HER NEW wanted to be the HERE!TV SERIES won’t go, for sure. leading lady of a I wouldn’t make theater company any AIDS jokes, I helped start. And then I was like, “I obviously. Even on the TV show, if don’t want to wait tables anymore, so I’m making fun of anyone, it’s myself; let’s see if I can make money in drag.” and there aren’t lines I won’t cross in terms of scatological humor or sex DID YOU WAIT TABLES FOR A LONG jokes—but there’s de�initely places I TIME? wouldn’t go. I’d never be one who’d It felt like a long time! I waited make a 9/11 or Princess Diana joke. tables for six years. Long enough to Never, ever. hate it. Have you heard from any of the WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR LEGS? artists you’ve spoofed? Totally. Katy Perry liked the “Fire (Laughs.) It’s from wearing those Crotch” video; she actually tweeted heels. People would make fun of my it and sent it out and thought it was legs growing up as a kid—telling me funny. And I’ve gotten two messages I have skinny chicken legs—but they from Lady Gaga, one for the “Born work in heels! | | This Way” parody and the other one for a cover of “You and I.” She MORE INFORMATION responded to both of those—tweeted
“I love Facebook because I can post—‘anyone wanna have a nude walk-on?’ —and I’ll get 20 responses in an hour.”
Read the full, uncut interview at WatermarkOnline.com
ROCK ON BROADWAY
THIS WEEKEND!
It’s a rockin’ night on the Great White Way with peace, love and electric guitars…featuring music from the best rock musicals of the 70s, 80s and 90s: Rent, Chess, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Godspell. Featuring vocalists Andrea Burns and Ron Bohmer, Stuart Malina conducts.
FRI, MAR 9, 8 PM
STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
SAT, MAR 10, 8 PM
PROGRESS ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS MAHAFFEY THEATER
SUN, MAR 11, 7:30 PM RUTH ECKERD HALL
Sponsored by:
Clay Ellerbroek, Principal Flute © Thomas Bruce Studio
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Flowers $7
Hyde Park Village, Swann & Dakota Avenues, Tampa
WHO: Sherry Vine WHAT: She’s Living For This WHEN: Fridays on here!TV
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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Republicans do a good job with people like my 84-year-old dad,
who thinks
more homosexuals
in the population means the
empire is falling. But then again, my old man is a psycho. —HENRY ROLLINS
| | Henry Rollins from pg.29
“In the music scene, and in my family life beforehand, there were always gay people,” says the well-muscled, chiseled 51-year-old. Rollins went on to start The Rollins Band and discovered a latent talent for storytelling, wry observation, and the occasional colorful and entertaining rant. Having sworn off music in 2006, Rollins brings his “talking tour” back to Florida after a two-year trip touring Middle Eastern USOs, Europe and other places across the globe. The �ierce and furious Rollins drops his �irst shocker just a few minutes into the interview: “I’ve always wanted things to change quickly, but I have become more aware recently how things takes time.” Rollins has always been appreciative of his LGBT fans. He became a strong activist in the early 1990s. This he does, along
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with �ighting for the end of the Middle Eastern wars, working to free people unjustly accused, publishing his new photography, and the occasional acting—most notably two seasons on the highly acclaimed FX series Sons of Anarchy. He’s performing at the House of Blues in Orlando March 8 and at the Capitol Theater in Clearwater March 10.
WATERMARK: THE LAST TIME WE TALKED—IN EARLY 2010— YOU WERE A BIT ANGRY ABOUT OBAMA’S FIRST FEW MONTHS IN OFFICE. HENRY ROLLINS: Yeah, he went in there a peacekeeper, but the Republicans were intent— and they’re still intent—on just wrecking the place: him and everything around him. Maybe after four years, they expect that they can point �ingers and say, “Look what he did to the of�ice,” but I don’t think the American people are stupi enough to buy that. I’m impatient, and I want a
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Hollywood ending all the time. Some of the things the President does, I don’t get, but I trust him. He’s not maybe as liberal as I like, but he’s a much better choice than McCain was. I now quite admire how the President has tried to bring about change in a careful way. The truth is that Obama is a very strong incumbent, and the Republicans are saving up their big guns for 2016, and they very well may take the of�ice for 4 to 12 years. These guys know they’re going to lose to Obama, and they’re just stirring things up. And they do a good job with people like my 84-year-old dad, who thinks more homosexuals in the population means the empire is falling. But then again, my old man is a psycho. SO, NONE OF THE REPUBLICANS IMPRESS YOU?
Santorum has got the mic right now, but the less he spoke, the better off he’d be. Every time he opens his mouth, I
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think, “Wow, you’re insane!” I’m not religious, but I don’t mind if someone else is. However, Santorum—a man that’s that obsessed with gay people—has got some issues to work through. Maybe he needs to go into Craigslist or something. I think he’s a con�licted, very troubled person. I think Santorum is going to go down—especially on the birth control issue—and it’ll be Romney for the nomination. Although Max Headroom would probably be a livelier candidate than Romney. Romney is also a weird dude. Gingrich: I wrote a thing on him for Australian Rolling Stone, and I said, “Newt Gingrich, ex-speaker of the House, was charged with 84 ethics violations. All but one were dropped, but he was ordered to pay approximately $300,000 to help pay for the investigations. Basically, he was sent to the woods and told to �ind a stick to beat someone’s ass with, and then he was smacked with it. Oh,
watermarkonline.com
and then in 1998, he stepped down from his position in shame and left politics for a cashpacked life in the private sector. Gingrich also distinguishes himself by being one of the most vocal critics of President Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky while he himself was cheating on his wife with another woman. He later blamed his in�idelity on overwork and love for his country. Yep. Newt Gingrich never seems to be more than a few feet from his newest wife, the curious looking Calista. If you see any photograph of this woman, her hair seems to be a perfect helmet of hairspray and steel reinforcements. It is , however, her expression that will catch you most. At �irst, second, or however many glances you dare to make, she appears to be a woman on sedatives and antidepressants. Hers is the face of a woman who has seen Newt naked when he is in the mood for lovin’. Just writing that sentence has caused my abdominal muscles to smash together. Yet,
this mean doughboy wants to be my president.’” I’M INTERESTED IN YOUR NEW UNDERSTANDING OF CHANGE AND TIME. HAS THIS VIEWPOINT AFFECTED YOUR ACTIVISM ON THE WARS?
I wish the President had the same opinion of Afghanistan that I do. Everyone who’s ever tried to take over that country has had to leave. Afghanistan for centuries repels invaders, and I wish the President understood that. We can go home in a box or in economy class, and it’s our choice. I helped �inance a great documentary called Reconsider Afghanistan. I wish everyone took 40 minutes to watch. I want us out.
IT TOOK TIME, BUT ‘DON’T ASK DON’T TELL’ WAS FINALLY REPEALED.
I still think he should have repealed it by lunch on Day One. I bet Obama wanted it sooner, but I bet those kind of things are not as easy as just snapping your �ingers. There were probably a lot of generals asking the President to take his time. He might have said, “Okay, maybe there are some things I don’t understand,” but he did get around to it. And I still believe that maybe a majority of the actual troops did not give a goddamn. As Goldwater said, “I don’t care if a soldier is gay or straight, as long as he can shoot straight.”
YOU’VE TALKED WITH A LOT OF SOLDIERS.
Yeah, and I think there are only two things they’re concerned with each day. One is not getting blown up. Two is where the food is. That’s life in the theater of war, and it’s a very apolitical situation. It’s like this whole �ixation on the female soldier. I think that this is its own form of misogyny. The ovarycarrying human can do a soldier’s job just as good as any other human. Female soldiers are just like their male counterparts, concerned with getting the task done; it’s these misogynistic men—a lot of them, like Santorum, have never been in battle—who worry for them. And I think the men do this because they fear vagina. Me, I’ve always been appreciative of the vaginas I’ve been in close contact with, but other men fear them.
BACK TO THE SUBJECT OF CHANGE. SINCE WE LAST TALKED, A LOT MORE STATES—INCLUDING IOWA—HAVE GAY MARRIAGE.
Yeah, that’s great coming out of a place like Iowa. You might have thought it would happen before Iowa in places like Washington state or in Ben-and-Jerry’s Vermont. But it didn’t. So, it’s encouraging that Iowa was one of the �irst. I think most people don’t care who’s marrying who, as long as we, as they say, leave the kids and dogs out of it. That’s another great change that’s just taking time. I love that when you see some old farmer who looks like he might be a homophobe, but then he comes out and says, “I don’t care.”
HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE UPTURN IN GAY SUICIDES?
It’s a thing that troubles me a great deal due to youth teasing, hazing and the like. It drops me. With all the online tweeting and Facebook, young people have so much more pressure on them, on their reputations, than when you and I were kids. That’s why—in my own small way—when young people write me, I always write them back, to validate that young voice. I wish I could do more. It takes a lot of my time, but I will get up every day, and the letters come in—it’s like grass that grows and I mow it. And then it grows again and I mow it. Every day there are more emails. But I write back to every one, because it’s one small thing I can do.
I THINK YOUR DECADES OF BEING OUTSPOKEN AND SUPPORTING THE LGBT COMMUNITY WOULDN’T REALLY BE CONSIDERED A SMALL THING, ESPECIALLY WITH YOU COMING OUT OF THE PUNK ROCK ARENA.
Thank you. I want us to get to the point where it doesn’t matter. Really, your orientation is as interesting to me as laundry. The only one orientation I’m interested in is my girlfriend’s. Other than that, rumble, young man, rumble; do your thing. Be yourself; life is short. | |
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MARCH 1 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall VanWezel.org 941-953-3368
Black, who gained popularity as a “political analyst” on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show considers himself more of a pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon, but either way, he’s bound to make audiences laugh. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. Lewis yells so we don’t have to, and he is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world. Lewis has taped four specials for the Comedy Central Presents series, co-created Last Laugh with Lewis Black, presided over Lewis Black’s The Root of All Evil, and continues to perform “Back in Black” on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Fans say seeing his live performances is even better than watching his taped specials because they are spiked with the onslaught of new material provided daily by candidates, politicians and 24-hour news channels. For tickets and information, visit KingCenter.com or call 321-242-2219; or visit VanWezel.org or call 941-953-3368.
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It was almost as if John Leguizamo came from total obscurity when he captured our hearts as the “little Latin boy in a dress” in the 1990s hit, To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything, Julie Numar. Now you can see him live when he brings his successful Broadway show, Ghetto Klown, to the Bob Carr Center in Orlando on March 6 and the David Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa on March 8. Leguizamo, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of sensitive
drag queen Chi Chi Rodriguez, has been in entertainment for most of his life and continues to appear in �ilms every year. From the stage, Leguizamo shares his story of how he grew from a regular kid to a mainstream actor, which is pulled from his autobiography, Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends, which was released by Harper Collins in 2006. For tickets and information, visit BobCarrPACOrlando.com or StrazCenter.org.
If there’s one thing you should know about Avenue Q, it’s that you should leave the children at home! Venice Theater will present the musical comedy described as “Sesame Street meets South Park” March 15-April 15. The Tony Award-winning outrageous musical played Broadway for over six years and surprised audiences with songs like “The Internet is for Porn” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist.” While the story focuses on Princeton, a bright-eyed puppet
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who is a recent college graduate, it also features a diverse cast of characters, including Rod, a closeted puppet with a crush on his roommate. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to �ind jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life on the cost-ef�icient street called Avenue Q. And for those of you who haven’t seen this production before, be forewarned— there is full puppet nudity! For tickets and more information, visit VeniceStage.com or call 941-488-1115.
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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MORE INFORMATION For more events or to submit your upcoming show, concert or performance, visit WatermarkOnline.com.
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IN DEPTH
GAY REPUBLICANS
Not so mythological
The LGBT Republican is not as uncommon as some may think
S
Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
TEREOTYPES ARE PROMINENT IN ALL
areas of life—even in politics. That’s why Clarke Cooper believes so many people are surprised when he speaks of a signi�icant LGBT surge within the Republican Party. “I believe there’s an expectation in the gay community that if one is gay, that it’s predetermined their political ideology is Democrat,” says Cooper, the executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans who spoke to Watermark from his of�ice in Washington, D.C. “If they are gay are they pro labor? Does that mean they should be supportive of having a weak national defense just because they’re gay? If someone is gay are they immediately ascribed to support a government mandated health care system? Not necessarily.” Cooper is an Army Combat veteran and former diplomat elected to the role of executive director in 2010. He is also openly gay and says
the Log Cabin Republicans are the key to the advancement of LGBT rights in the United States and that the RNC is more accepting than many may believe. “It’s fair to make the broad generalization that in many cases and in many places it is much easier to be gay in conservative circles than to be conservative in gay circles,” he says. “I have found that personally to be the case.”
COMING OUT REPUBLICAN According to the Log Cabin Republican website, the organization operates chapters in 24 states, including Florida. Florida’s chapter operates four
branches—in Broward County, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. “When our members participate in Pride events,” Cooper jokes, “the punch line we apply is, ‘So, you’ve come out gay. Have you come out politically?’” And according to a 2010 CNN Exit Poll, there has been an increase in LGBTs “coming out” as Republican. That poll says that 31% of gay voters cast their ballots for Republicans during the 2010 midterm elections—a 4% increase from 2008’s similar CNN poll. In 2006, the poll reported 24% of gay voters choose the GOP, one percent more than in 2004, when 23% did so. “LGBT people are sharing that they are conservative,” says Cooper. It’s a wake up call, according to Jimmy LaSalvia, who is the Executive Director of GOProud, a conservative LGBT group that is not directly af�iliated with the GOP or with the Log Cabin Republicans. “The gay left would have you believe that gay conservatives don’t exist,” LaSalvia said in a
statement. “Now we see that almost a third of self-identi�ied gay voters cast ballots for Republican candidates for Congress in [the 2010] midterm. “This should be a wake-up call for the out-of-touch so-called leadership of Gay Inc. in Washington, D.C., which has become little more than a subsidiary of the Democrat Party.” St. Petersburg resident Aaron Norton is a Log Cabin Republican who currently supports Ron Paul. He’s quick to note it’s a personal endorsement, and not one from the LCR. “I voted for him in the Presidency 5 straw poll in Florida,” Norton says. “I have met Congressman Paul in person, and he has publicly made several pro-equality statements. Like President Obama, he does not support gay marriage. However, he does oppose the federal government affording any rights or privileges to heterosexual couples that are not available to gay couples.
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Continued on page 47 | |
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IN DEPTH
GAY REPUBLICANS
Changing Perceptions Recently outed Arizona Republican Sheriff ready to run for Congress
T
Chris Johnson WASHINGTON BLADE
HE RECENTLY OUTED GAY SHERIFF
of Pinal County, Ariz., says if he’s elected to Congress he’ll support pro-LGBT initiatives and help change perceptions lawmakers have about gay people.
In an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade, Paul Babeu, who’s running to represent Arizona’s 4th congressional district in Congress, said his election would be “very impactful and helpful” in changing “the views, perceptions, beliefs about who we are.” “If they know me �irst as a sheriff, as a police of�icer who has responded to, literally, thousands and thousands of emergencies, has fought criminals, has actually saved lives and served our country in the military for 20-plus years … and when regular people see those accomplishments and those results �irst, then understand at a later point that I am gay, it changes people’s beliefs and perceptions and understanding,” Babeu said. The Blade interview marks the �irst time Babeu has spoken to the LGBT media since he came out during a news conference in February. Babeu, elected as sheriff in 2008 and considered a rising star in the Republican Party, gained national attention after the Phoenix New Times on Feb. 17 published
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allegations that he threatened to deport his ex-boyfriend, Jose Orozco, a Mexican national and campaign volunteer, after their relationship soured. The article included seminude photos he reportedly sent to Orozco and a picture from what appears to be his Adam4Adam pro�ile. In a news conference following the article’s publication, Babeu denied the allegations against him save for one: he publicly acknowledged that he’s gay. Babeu has since accused Orozco of identity theft, which Orozco’s attorney has denied. Although his race to win the Republican nomination will likely be more dif�icult while facing these allegations, Babeu told the Blade he’s “110 percent in the race for Congress.” “It will be a harder �ight, and I never turn from a �ight,” Babeu said. “I shall stand and work harder than I ever have in my life on my accomplishments, on my service.” Babeu said he believes voters in his district will accept him because “we’re different as Americans” and
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
“we’re exceptional people.” “In America, we de�ine ourselves by the value we add in our communities,” Babeu said. “We see our differences as a strength, whether it’s our religion, our ethnicity, our gender, our [sexual] orientation. Those are the same liberties and freedoms I personally defend and fought for, and that’s why I continue to stand up and �ight.” Babeu said he’s “not ashamed” of his sexual orientation, but added, “I’m just not going to de�ine myself solely on the fact that I am gay.” If elected to Congress, Babeu said he’ll be “a strong �iscal conservative” and advocate for “spending within our means,” but also will support pro-LGBT legislative measures. Among the initiatives Babeu said
STILL SEEKING VOTES: Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu publically announced he was gay during a media conference last month and shared his commitment to continue seeking a congressional seat. thinks the anti-gay law exceeds the authority of the government under the U.S. Constitution. “I’m a strict constitutionalist as well,” Babeu said. “This has no business at the federal level. This should go to the states.” The sheriff said his opposition to DOMA is in line with his belief that the government shouldn’t tell religions which individuals they can
“If they know me first as a sheriff… then understand at a later point that I am gay, it changes people’s beliefs and perceptions and understanding.” —SHERIFF PAUL BABEU IN AN EXCLUSIVE WASHINGTON BLADE INTERVIEW
he supports is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, noting he’s “in favor of eliminating any discrimination” and adding that workers should be evaluated solely on their performance and merit. Additionally, Babeu said he would “certainly vote to repeal” the Defense of Marriage Act and said he
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or can’t marry. Babeu also said “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should remain off the books “I had to live under that,” Babeu said. “Anyone who wants to wear the uniform of our country and put their own personal safety and life on the line to protect Americans, they should be allowed to and they
watermarkonline.com
should be honored for that service.” Despite his pledge to work as an LGBT advocate, as a Republican candidate, Babeu noted he would vote for Republican leadership if elected to the House. Under the leadership of House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), pro-LGBT initiatives have seen no progress. Still, Babeu said he thinks proLGBT initiatives will be able to see movement in the 113th Congress even with Republicans in the majority if he’s elected because he’ll work to in�luence lawmakers. “This is where I can be an in�luence, the voice of reason,” Babeu said. “And I can tell you that I have far more credibility with a record of accomplishment and a record of service. I can say and can stand as a recent veteran, as somebody who has actually commanded soldiers from every nationality, every ethnic group, every faith and gender and sexual orientation.” | | For a link to Babeu’s full interview with the Washington Blade, visit WatermarkOnline.com.
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watermark
IN DEPTH
GAY REPUBLICANS
Proud hopeful
Fred Karger makes history as the first openly gay GOP presidential candidate
A
Wire Report
T PRESS TIME, GOP PRESIDENTIAL
candidate Fred Karger hoped Michigan’s primary rules would allow him to pick up a few delegates to take to the national convention in Tampa. His strategy: focus on just one congressional district in the center of the state. As better-known candidates trod the landscape and crowd the airwaves, pleading for votes in Michigan’s Republican primary, the �irst openly gay GOP presidential hopeful is plotting a minor upset. Fred Karger had hoped the state’s primary rules would land him a midMichigan miracle and a handful of delegates to the national convention. The retired California businessman has had a lot of trouble getting to share a stage with the other Republicans running. In fact, his campaign slogan is “Fred Who?” “You know, had I gotten on an earlier debate, things might be very different,” Karger says, “because there is this lack of cohesion around a certain candidate. So I’m hopeful that still as the �ield narrows that I could get into a debate, and then everything would change.” Karger has �iled complaints against Fox News for shutting him out of an early debate in Iowa and against the American Conservative Union for refusing him a spot at its
46
annual convention. Karger spent a lot of time at Michigan State University, where he tried to appeal to supporters of President Obama. As a pro-choice, openly gay Republican, Karger acknowledges he’s not in the GOP mainstream these days. And he’s not really appealing to Republicans to vote in the Republican primary. Any registered voter can cast a ballot in Michigan’s GOP contest. “I am appealing, No. 1, to Obama supporters,” Karger says. “A little unethical, a little unprecedented strategy for a Republican. But, as a moderate centrist who actually is to the left of Obama on certain social issues—like full equality, gay marriage, things like that—I am appealing to them. And my message is: Obama is unopposed, literally unopposed—vote for Fred Karger, grab a Republican ballot, make some history.” Karger believes thinks Michigan’s primary rules gave him that opening to, as he says, make history.
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Michigan’s primary is actually a bunch of smaller contests. Most of the state’s 30 national convention delegates will be determined by winner-take-all congressional district primaries. “So my focus—and this I don’t think has been done—is just in this district,” he says. That’s Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, in the center of the state—home to Michigan State University, where he’s spent a lot of time. As Karger walks through a food court on the Michigan State campus—shaking hands, passing out campaign souvenirs—Samantha Wilson is intrigued enough to do a quick check of Karger’s website on her smartphone before dashing over
GAY GOP: Fred Karger is the first-ever openly gay presidential hopeful seeking the endorsement of the Republican party. does include a TV ad, airing in a relatively affordable market. “It’s done in a very strategic way,” he says. “We do ... everything the big campaigns do, but we just do it on a much smaller scale. We’ve got the lawn signs, the bumper stickers.” Political campaigns used to be Karger’s business. His resume
“As a moderate centrist who actually is to the left of Obama on certain social issues—like full equality, gay marriage, things like that—I am appealing to voters.” —OPENLY GAY GOP CANDIDATE FRED KARGER
for a brief conversation. “First thing I read was ‘�irst openly gay Republican candidate,’” she says. Wilson is a Democrat, but now that she’s met him, she says, a primary vote for Karger is a possibility. Karger’s low-budget campaign
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includes working on Republican presidential campaigns going back to Gerald Ford’s in 1976. He supported Hillary Clinton four years ago, but could not bring himself to vote for Barack Obama in the general election. He cast his ballot for Ralph Nader. Karger says he knows he’s more
watermarkonline.com
than a long shot and acknowledges his strategy is unconventional. Other political professionals agree. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this,” says David Doyle, a campaign consultant who once served as the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. He says Karger is being vastly outspent by the other candidates and their superPACs in the one TV market where his ad is playing. “And, in this election, the overwhelming majority of voters in the Republican primary are concerned about jobs and the economy, de�icit spending and taxes. Social issues are relatively low on the list,” Doyle says. Karger plans to apply his Michigan strategy to other states that will dole out delegates by congressional district. He’s on the ballot in half a dozen states, and he’s still trying for more in hopes of picking up some delegates. He says even just a few would help him get into future debates and maybe get him some attention at
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IN DEPTH
In many cases and in many places
GAY REPUBLICANS
it is much easier to be gay in conservative circles than to be conservative in gay circles.
—CLARKE COOPER, LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
| | Gay Republicans from pg.41
And as a libertarian-leaning conservative, I appreciate his �iscal conservatism.” Cooper says that he often hears that being a gay man and a Republican is counter-intuitive or even an oxymoron—but he always welcomes that dialogue. “I’m happy to have that conversation,” Cooper says. “But what isn’t helpful is when there’s not a dialogue at all or an overly emotive conversation and negative comments are made toward myself or another staff member. Then there’s no discourse.”
IN THE TRENCHES
In the past two years, LGBT equality has reached a number of milestones—from the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell to samesex marriage becoming legal in a handful of states. And it’s the work of the Log Cabin Republicans that have helped those milestones become reality, according to Cooper. “I’m quick to remind those who are critical of us that without us there is no success, no movement and there is no progress on gay rights,” he says. “You have to have Republican support to make these things
happen. Frankly no one else is doing it and we’re the only game in town. The evidence is there.” Brian Ellner, senior strategist for the Human Rights Campaign agrees. Without support from both parties, the advancement of LGBT rights wouldn’t happen. “It was essential to send a clear signal around the country that we will support those who support equality, irrespective of party,” says Ellner. “We were able to win marriage in New York with a bipartisan coalition of fair-minded elected of�icials. We need to replicate that if we are to keep winning.” According to Cooper, many members of the U.S. House and Senate have told the Log Cabin Republican organization that it was the �irst group to approach them about the repeal of the law banning gay and lesbian members of the military from serving openly. It’s the behind-the-scenes work of the LCR that whips votes for legislation, he says. “If someone looks at the metrics of voting records and looks at where Republicans are, those that are supportive and on the tip of the spear of bringing inclusion to Republican party and advocating for rights for all Americans—that’s the space we occupy,” Cooper says. “That’s why we are necessary. No other gay organization has the
credibility to produce that kind of result. They just don’t. It takes a conservative talking with other conservatives to reach a result.
FINDING THE OBAMA ALTERNATIVE
Barack Obama will always be the president who signed the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, an act that cemented him as the most LGBT-accepting president in the minds of many LGBT voters. However, Cooper believes that the 44th President was given more credit than he was due in the measure. “The White House was on cruise control,” Cooper says. “It was not in charge of whipping those votes. That’s more of a condemnation of how they ran their legislative affairs ops. It was different for Bush—it was a priority. It didn’t matter if it was an actual authorization bill or legislation, his administration worked the phones, pounded the pavement and he had staffers who did their part to get things done.” Cooper says that from speaking to Senate and House Republicans prior to the DADT repeal, there were no offers of horse trading [political vote trading] from the White House. Orlando resident Kelly Denyse believes that the “hype” surrounding Obama’s apparent
LGBT support is overrated. “When he was a senator, he supported gay marriage,” says Denyse. “Now that he’s president, he’s ‘evolving’ on the issue. To me that means he’s pandering and doesn’t stick with his convictions. He’s not the leader so many LGBT people think he is.” Norton doesn’t plan on supporting Obama in November either. If his favorite Republican, Ron Paul, doesn’t get the GOP nomination, he’ll support Romney, despite the former Massachusetts governor’s antigay marriage position. “I don’t think that Mitt Romney would be bad for gay rights,” Norton says. “In fact, he has taken some very supportive public positions on LGBT rights issues over the years. However, I am uncertain as to what degree he would advance equality. I would consider voting for him if he is the candidate, although I would prefer a more �iscally conservative, constitutionalist candidate.” One thing most LGBT Republicans seem to agree on is that Rick Santorum would never get their vote.
NO SANTORUM
While polls currently show Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum as front-runners for the GOP
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
nomination, Norton is certain he won’t vote for Santorum. “To me he epitomizes the ‘Religious Right’ wing of the GOP, a faction within the party that conceptualizes government as an acceptable tool to impose and legislate personal theological morality onto the public,” Norton says. “Not only do I believe he will be bad for gay rights, but he also impresses me as having a dif�iculty managing his anger.” Cooper seems to think that’s a common thread among LGBT GOP voters, who are disenfranchised by the former senator’s ongoing tirade against same-sex intercourse and reproductive health. “Santorum’s perspective of governance goes beyond the role of government and he won’t get the nomination,” Cooper says. “We want a commander in chief, not a theocrat in chief.” The Log Cabin Republicans are planning to attend the GOP Convention in Tampa this August, and the organization will be represented in the delegates for three candidates—Romney, Newt Gingrich and Paul. “Santorum isn’t only anti-gay, he’s anti-conservative,” Cooper explains. “And that’s not just a concern among the Log Cabin Republicans. That’s a concern across the entire Republican party.” | |
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1- FAIR WEATHER PLAYERS: Two players with the Houston Bam Bams relax between games at Woodlawn Fields in St. Pete during the Gasparilla Softball Classic Feb. 18. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 2- DINE WITH US!: (L-R) Jay Aller and Sam Cooley advertise Dining Out for Life during the annual Grand Central Chili Cook-Off on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue Feb. 18. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD
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3- SPOTLIGHT: (L-R) Ken Hodges and Nadine Smith smile shortly before the awards presentation at the Equality Florida Tampa Gala at the Italian Club Feb. 25. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD
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4- RUH-ROH! Even Scooby-Doo brought his pet to the Gulfport Animal Rescue Festival and Fundraiser Feb. 26. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 5- RAINBOW GLOW: The iconic lights above the SunTrust building in downtown Tampa were lit with the colors of the rainbow in honor of the Equality Florida Tampa Gala Feb. 25. PHOTO COURTESY LAURIE ROSS 6- FRIENDLY GATHERING: (L-R) Nancy Fagianelli, Nadine Smith, Jacob Hamm, Chris Rudisill, Annie Hiotis and Ed Lally enjoyed each other’s company during the 2012 Equality Florida Tampa Sponsors’ Appreciation Cocktail party at the Davis Island home of Linda SaulSena and Mark Sena Feb. 23. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 7- NOW SERVING…: Joe Dobson serves chili at the King of Peace MCC booth during the Grand Central Chili Cook-Off in St. Petersburg Feb. 18. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 8- GOING GLAM: (L-R) Okie Tilo and Jocelyn Brenner at the Equality Florida Tampa Gala held at the Italian Club Feb. 25. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD
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OVERHEARD A Capitol record The Capitol Theater in downtown Clearwater has something new to brag about. The historic theater recently set an attendance record when Brandi Carlile performed there on Feb. 17. It was the 28th sold out show at the theater, which has been run by Ruth Eckerd Hall since December 2009, and is the �irst time it boasted 467 in attendance. To date, there have been 210 events and concerts at the Capitol. In 2011, 104 events were held and in 2012, 56 concerts have been held or con�irmed with 4 sell-outs. Watermark coverguy Henry Rollins will take the stage of the theater on March 10, which could
at least tie the record crowd, and 1990s favorites Wilson Phillips will perform there on March 23. Hopefully the planned renovations will increase seating capacity!
New leather bar in St. Pete?
The rumors are swirling that St. Petersburg could get a new leather bar. But nailing down any truth to those rumors has proved dif�icult. Word is that the building next to Georgie’s Alibi—the former home of the Metro Wellness and Community Center—could be converted into a large club for leathermen and the leather community. However, the building on 3rd
Let’s get nude
Avenue North is still available to lease. Fortunately for the leather The very popular and salacious community, there is still Code Bar inside the Flamingo Resort and the Nude Night returns to Tampa this weekend at 3606 5th Ave. in Ybor Eagle in Tampa. Ybor City. The popular art show inspired by the beauty of the nude form is held annually in Orlando and Tampa and hundreds of artists and performers showcase their Finally the LGBTs of Polk talents. This year should prove to County won’t have to drive to Orlando or Tampa to hit the clubs. be no exception. The three night Pistol Pete’s, a new drag show and event runs March 1-3 and is open from 6 p.m. to midnight all three night club, is slated to open its days. Tickets are $20 and are doors on March 6. The new bar is on 1330 E. Memorial Blvd and will available online at NudeNight.com offer free cover from 9-10 p.m. and or at the door. There is little doubt that this year’s celebration of free drinks from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. the nude form will be even more Opening night festivities will be handled by the very capable Chyna packed than previous years, so Nicole and Summer Alexander and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. DJ Glenn Davis will spin.
Lakeland club set to open March 6
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
First Mr. Code contest set
There aren’t many opportunities to become the �irst title holder of a new contest, so register early to become Mr. CODE 2012 at the Flamingo Resort. The �irst-ever contest at the bar is a prelim for International Mister Leather, which is held in Chicago each year. Leathermen interested in competing for the title should email Code@FlamingoFla.com to receive an application and information. The contest is Saturday, March 24 and begins at 8 p.m. | |
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1– AWARD WORTHY: Film fans partied at the annual Oscar bash doubling as a benefit GLSEN at the home of Kevin Kladakis. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN KLADAKIS
2– LONG TIME FUNDRAISING: Savoy staff members raised money during Christmas and Mardi Gras to present a $2,100 donation to The Center’s executive director Randy Stevens (left). PHOTO COURTESY THE CENTER
3– GET IN PICTURES: Leigh Shannon (right), pictured with Sassy Devine, walked the red carpet at the Parliament House premiere event for My Fair Liddy. PHOTO BY CHRIS STEPHENSON 4– IN THE WINGS: The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band & Guard lounge backstage at Hard Rock Live at the Fabulous Fringe Fundraiser Feb. 27. PHOTO BY RICK CLAGGETT
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5- LUCKY WINNERS: (L to R) John Couwels, Jon Blaeser and Keith Morrison showed off their prizes Feb. 16 at Watermark’s Third Thursday social at Armando’s in Winter Park. PHOTO BY
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SCOTT MCCAULEY
6– GET A CLUE: Bill Pease (left) greets an Amazing Race team as they stopped by his MyOptics to pick up their next clue. PHOTO BY ERIK CABAN
7– THANK YOU!: Scott Benson (left) presents an award to Harold Strait honoring his 23 years of service to The Center during Strait’s retirement party. PHOTO COURTESY RANDY STEPHENS 8– PROM TIME: Orlando Psycho City Derby Girl Jen “The Jenerator” McCormick drops off an armful of dresses for XL106.7’s “Operation Princess Project.”. PHOTO COURTESY THE ORLANDO PSYCHO CITY DERBY GIRLS
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OVERHEARD Ballplayers Burned There’s a buzz circulating throughout the Central Florida Softball League regarding Ember restaurant stepping out as sponsor of a team this season. Players were all geared up to be playing on the Ember Fury. Team members claim they were told by Ember that they “are looking to attract a more diverse crowd, ie, straight.” They went even further to claim that Ember is sponsoring a straight softball team. Feeling scorned, a number of league members are vowing to never patronize the venue. Event manager and host of the Sunday Surrender event held at the venue, the charming and openly gay Nick Smith, called the rumors completely untrue and is openly
saddened by such statements. He states the venue isn’t sponsoring any teams this year and the reason it decided not to sponsor a softball team is that it would simply like to invest that money back into the community as a whole, along with LGBT fundraisers and events. Despite speculation and apparent hurt feelings on both ends, owners of the Orlando staple Wylde’s Bar have stepped up to be the sponsor of the now titled Wylde Fury. Smith and Ember will continue to host “Sunday Surrender Ember” every Sunday geared toward their gay clientele and hopes these seemingly unfounded rumors won’t tarnish their ongoing support for the LGBT and straight community.
Dorman Gets Owned Realtor David Dorman announced last week, that he is now one of the managing owners of CENTURY 21 Professional Group, Inc. “I am thrilled and honored to be part of such an amazing group of people and look forward to the future that lies ahead,” Dorman boasted on Facebook. Dorman is also a multiple WAVEaward winner.
Brink-ing Back the Gays Firestone’s Jan Harrold returns to his roots, opening The Brink Orlando on Thursday, March 1. The event kicks off at 9 p.m. The grand opening party is said to feature free cocktails till midnight, hot go-go dancers, stateof-the-art lighting and sound, two separate outdoor patios, free parking and no cover all weekend. But not everyone is thrilled. A recent Facebook post caused quite the comment storm last week upon the announcement of The Brink’s opening. “I can’t believe Jan Harrold is actually trying to open another club in this town. I was at Firestone that night. I don’t forget. He’ll never get another penny of mine,” posted Parliament House promoter, Drew Sizemore. It seems he’s de�initely not alone in his MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
sentiments. A number of Orlando’s heavy hitters weighed in including comedian Jeff Jones, actor Doug Bowser and former MrSisters manager Jeff Munzig. The commentary centered on Harrold’s changing the concept of his club Firestone from a gay nightclub to a straight one back in the late 90s. As one commenter explained, “he wrecked it one night when he cut the music off, told the entire crowd that he would never own another gay club in this town again and that we weren’t loyal enough and he didn’t need our money.” What’s Happening’s Danny Garcia seemed to be the only posting participant with positive feedback. “Give it a chance. People learn from their mistakes. Perhaps it’ll be something good for the community,” he
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CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations Orlando restaurant wunderkind Jeremy Indomenico and Watermark ad sales rep Don Williams celebrate their 11th anniversary on March 14. Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association turns 20 on March 12 and held its first general meeting in 1992. BarCodes Orlando celebrates three years in business on March 5. The 28th anniversary of Southern Nights will be marked with a week of celebrations at Revolution March 5–10.
Local Birthdays Joy MCC pastor Lisa Heilig (March 2); Tampa Bay singer and comedian Judy B. Goode, Sarasota resident and activist Mark Kidd, Club Orlando attendant Arthur Adams and Tampa mama to twins and lactation counselor Patty Cannon (Mar. 4); Orlando playwright, actor, columnist, Bingo caller and rabble-rouser extraordinaire Michael Wanzie and Rollins College theater director Thomas Ouellette (March 6); Tampa Bay fashionista Robert
Chmura-Pappadeas, Tampa Bay political expert Randy Smith and handsome Tampa Bay bear David Sparks (March 7); psychologist and co-owner of E.M. & Voss Solutions Event and Wedding Services, Eric Muenks (March 8); St. Pete mail carrier Derek Wilkins and Sarasota woman about town Misty Smeltzer, Clearwater psychiatry practice manager and USF Economics student Jacob Hamm (March 9); Halcyon singer/songwriter Deb Hunseder and Tampa Bay licensed mental health counselor Blake Williamson (March 10); smooth-pated O-Town actor Kevin Kelly, straight-but-not-narrow Orlando WAVE-winning activist/arts supporter Margo Dixon, Orlando Sentinel art columnist Terry Hummel, Orlando hubby to Ron EllstromOliver, Jeff Ellstrom-Oliver, Tampa Bay Times account manager Don Kiciena Jr. and crafty lady by day, derby girl by night Heather Ranier; muscular Dunedin Dentist Mike Hopkins (March 11); Mr. Florida Gay Rodeo Association 2010 Todd Garrett (March 12); Tampa muscle stud and Pensacola native Danny Watson, and Orlando Hamburger Mary’s co-owner John Paonessa (March 13); Largo’s Christopher Street bartender Mitch Demmons and ConceptBait Tampa Bay director of sales and rentals Tim Thompson (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche and St. Petersburg legal assistant and partner to St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, Bobby Poth (March 15).
Are you making a Transition? Having a birthday or anniversary? Did you get a new job or promotion? See your news in Watermark! Send your Transition to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com or go to WatermarkOnline.com/Submit-a-Transition - it’s that easy!
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M
y boyfriend, Alan, and I have been living together for about two years. We’re in our 30s, have good jobs and a great circle of friends. Basically we fell in love at �irst sight, but waited a year before he moved in with me. Alan and I have always communicated well, and we rarely argue about anything, but two weeks ago we got in our �irst really heated �ight. We had been drinking (but not a lot), and I confronted Alan about a guy he had been �lirting with at the bar. Alan screamed at me to “get out of his face” and then he hit me so hard I fell over a chair. Now I’m totally freaked out and I don’t want to be around him. Alan claims he shoved (not “hit ”) me, and he was only trying to get by me so he could get out of the house and cool down. He apologized immediately and insists it was just an isolated incident, but I don’t know if I can trust him. What should I do? —Bruised in Brevard
DEAR TRUTH,
I
’ve known my best friend, Carson, since we were in high school together. Carson was the one who got me to come out. Basically, we have no secrets and I’d do anything for him. My problem is that Carson condemns me for having online hookups. He says it’s sad an desperate that I spend so much time cruising websites for sex. It especially chafes my ass because Carson likes public sex—restrooms, restaurants—with straight or closeted men. He says they’re two different things because he doesn’t plan to meet these guys, it “just happens.” I don’t feel I should have to apologize for having a healthy libido. What do you think? —Osceola Twenty-Something Dear OTS – I think that Carson is a raging hypocrite who has his head so far up his own ass that he can’t see reality. As a healthy, single, gay man in his 20s, I say that there are a lot worse ways to meet eligible men than using Internet sites. Meeting someone online is logistically preferable than meeting them in a bar even. All of these horror stories you hear about people meeting online? Well it’s always a friend of a friend, isn’t it? I said earlier that there are worse ways to meet people. Perhaps the worst, most toxic and unhealthy way is having anonymous, illegal sex in public places. Not to mention that it does our community massive reputational damage. Carson’s practically nonsensical argument that it ‘just happens’ is so much bullshit that he could fertilize all of Osceola County. He just happens to have the dumb luck of continuing to innocently stumble into cruise scenes and then trips and falls, face �irst, into someone’s lap? Please, queen. I would guarantee he is spending more time waiting and searching in various store bathrooms than you are online. | |
I think he’s a raging hypocrite who has his head so far up his own ass that he can’t see reality.
Dear Bruised, Let me begin by saying I understand why you’re freaked out. When an argument becomes physical—particularly for the �irst time in the history of a relationship—it feels that a line has been crossed. Because it has. No legitimate excuse can be given for putting your hands on anyone in anger. But look, no one deserves to be judged solely on one momentary lapse. When viewed from a reasonable distance, Alan’s outburst (and by the way, the fact that you ended up on the ground negates any discussion of “hit” versus “shoved”) seems unfortunate, but not relationship-changing. If you just can’t seem to get passed it, and I would understand that emotion, then you can’t and it’s time to move on. A relationship without trust is not a relationship at all. But my advice is to cool down, make sure Alan understands what he did was wrong and why, and move forward with what seems like an otherwise solid and mature relationship. But let’s just be clear: this isn’t baseball. He doesn’t get three strikes. He gets one and he’s used it already.
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&
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NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPERS Arie Groen’s Property Maintenance
17
funeral services
o r l a n d o
(727)505-0205 • agroen33@yahoo.com
non-profit organization
home improvement
RED is operated by MBAOrlando.org, Orlando’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce
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CARDINAL MEMORIALS Designers of Distinctive and Innovate Memorials
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BETH SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL Dedicated to Serving Our Community For Over 25 Years. Locally Owned and Operated.
James R. Cardinal Sammy Goldstein ( 407 ) 599-1180 640 Lee Road, Orlando
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1214 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 • 407-898-8101
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MARCH 1-14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
orlando marketplace
physician
real estate
WE KNOW THIS TOWN
AIDA R. MARTIN
NATALIE ROSARIO
BROKER
SALES MANAGER
CELL: (407) 222-0930 CELL: (407) 468-7465 aida@midtownrealty.com OFFICE: (407) 481-0900 aidamartin12@gmail.com natalie.rosario@gmail.com
We Specialize In: • Residential • Commercial • Development • Management
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youth group
For in-depth
info@OrlandoYouthAlliance.org
LGBT businesses listings
visit the Purple Pages on
WatermarkOnline.com
407-244-1222 Peer-to-peer support group and social activities for LGBTQ youth ages 13 – 24.
orlando marketplace
Call 407-481-2243 FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 1- 14, 2012 // ISSUE 19.05
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[CLASSIFIEDS] central florida
407-481-2243 • Deadline for classifieds is March 9, at 5:00pm. Visit WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New Listings Every Day!
real estate for sale
roommates HOUSEMATE TO SHARE - N.W. Orlando, Rosemont, 15 Min. to downtown or Universal Studios. Gay males, masculine, nudist partners, seek single, social, gay male, 35+ to be responsible housemate, sharing 3 bedroom home with all amenities. Clean, quiet(most times), cable, nude privacy gardens, sundecks. No pets, Smoker OK - outside porch. Vehicle/ references. $550Mo. Call George for appt. (407)298-5678
personal services Happy Hour Massage - 6pm - 9pm, M - F, $50/1/2hr. Good guy, great hands. Call (407)802-2455 ROAMING HANDS - Full/Partial Body Shaving and Body Rubs. Outcalls available - $20 trip charge. Call for Rates. By Appointment Only. (407)310-9906 twomen4u@embarqmail.com
professional services House Cleaning - Free estimates, Reasonable rates, No contracts. Call John at 407-592-8774. Massage Therapist accepting new clients helping you to heal, relax, repair and refresh from the everday stress. Call Joe (813)205-9913 or (407)963-6136. Ma#48236
real estate for rent Gated Estate in Sorrento, Mt.Dora area - 1/1 with w/d, quiet,
Should there be a swimsuit competition for Realtors??
Sure that may seem silly but what is your criteria for selecting an agent to represent you with the most expensive asset you will probably ever own? Although my swimsuit days are over, my real estate career is still in full force. If you are thinking of buying selling or investing in real estate; think of me first. Stan Madray–Keller Williams Realty (407)928-7791 / www. StanMadray.com My commitment to you! •Communicate Effectively - Answer calls, respond to emails and keep you informed. •Be Knowledgeable - Know the market place, follow the trends and track the numbers. •Have Fun - It’s not just about the destination; It’s also about the journey. •Keep Integrity - Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. •Seek the Win-Win - Negotiate effectively to meet our needs and our objectives. Making real estate dreams come true! *BTW… If you do require your prospective agent to compete in talent, I will be twirling a fire baton to “Half-Breed” by Cher.
very private, great kitchen and screened porch. $700/mo. + sec. Util. incld. (352)2674068.
sarasota VIZCAYA LUXURY CONDO Lakefront 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Over 1800sf located in exclusive gated community, walking distance to Sandlake Road Restaurant Row. Relaxing lake views from all windows. Incredible opportunity! SHORT SALE priced to move at $279,000. Danny Veal, Realtor Coldwell Banker (407)496-2662 / www.DannyVeal.com
Curry Ford/Crystal Lake Area
HEAD-TO-TOE BODYRUBS - Session includes: Hot oil rubdown, Great hands, $50 In only: Call Ken 941-720-1731. Sarasota/ Bradenton.
tampa bay adult clubs Tres Equis Adult Superstore & Theater - Lingerie/DVDs/Adult toys. Couples welcome. 6220 E. Adamo Dr., Tampa, Fl. 33619. (813)740-8664
TOP GAY REALTORS WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Instant Free Access to Florida and the Nation’s Top LGBT Realtors. Online WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE(6683)
***New Year’s Special $499 Moves You In***Includes deposit & first month’s rent. Quiet 1 BR community. Pool & Laundry, water included. Close to bus line and Downtown. Call Cord at 407-580-3403
personal services
personal services MAN-TO-MAN - very friendly, masculine, good looking man with solid athletic body. Total relaxation & stress reduction. Rick 813-349-6789 Everyone Needs to Be Touched - 1 - 1 1/4 hours full body workout. Also body shaving. Discount rates for students & ethnic. By appt. only - Call Jim 727-698-9505
Muscles kneaded by rugged, hairy, Italian - Well-built all over. Friendly, respectful & no attitude. All Man 4 Man. Straight/Bi welcome. Bill (727)278-5774
Danny Veal, Realtor GRI, CLHMS & CDPE - I made a
ANNOUNCE IT. RENT IT. SELL IT. POST IT.
commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation in significant areas of real estate to better serve and protect my clients. My designations: GRI - Graduate REALTOR Institute, CLHMS - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, CDPE - Certified Distressed Property Expert. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate needs. www.DannyVeal.com
professional services BODY SENSATIONS - WHERE Did you know you could be in your new home in 45 days or less? Call me to find out how! Buyer services are FREE! David@DavidDorman.com or 321-293-2240
YOUR KNOTS BECOME NOT! MASSAGE FOR MEN HEALTHY IN MIND & BODY. SLENDER WITH STRONG SOOTHING HANDS, HOT TOWEL. RELAXATION TO REJUVINATION. GREAT RATES. TIM 813*352*7814. MA-56731
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classifieds Watermark does not knowingly print advertisements for sexual services. Beyond printed content, Watermark does not inquire into the nature of personal or professional services advertising. Payment for sexual services is illegal in the State of Florida, and respondents to classified advertising should govern themselves accordingly. As required by law (Florida Statute 480.0465), Licensed Massage Therapists include their license number in all advertising.
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THINK FAST: The C-Division Fort Lauderdale Wolf Pack outrun a throw during the first day of tournament play at Woodlawn Fields in St. Petersburg Feb. 18. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD
Colorado running back arrested after alleged attack on lesbian
sports
Shane Williams
Most local teams G swept out of Gasparilla tourney
Wire Report
Staff Report
T
AMPA BAY | Only one area team managed to �inish in the top three in their division during the annual Gasparilla Softball Tournament in Tampa Bay the weekend of Feb. 17-19. The Orlando Force �inished second in B-Division after falling to the �irstplace Fort Lauderdale Noize. The Atlanta Genesis �inished
third in B-Division. With more than 70 teams participating, organizers once again utilized three different softball complexes to facilitate all three divisions. B-division play was held at the Greco Softball Complex in Tampa while the C-Division bracket was played at Woodlawn Fields in St. Petersburg. D-Division games were held at the Ed Radice Sports Complex in New Tampa. In C-Division Play, the Carolina
Thunder took the �irst-place trophy after beating the second-place �inishers, Chicago Blues. Third place went to the Fort Lauderdale Blue Crush. The Chattanooga Boogie took �irst place in D-Division after defeating the Twin Cities’ Lost Sox. The Oklahoma City Rough Riders �inished third. For more results, visit SuncoastSoftball.org. | |
“faggots” in English. The EGLSF reports that Mourinho used the word before the UEFA Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow. Co-president of the EGLSF, Louise Engle�ield has asked UEFA to take action over Mourinho’s insulting language, which was broadcast on the Spanish television channel Quatro. “Homophobia is unacceptable
from anyone in football, much less from one of the game’s most senior �igures,” Engle�ield said. “We are deeply disappointed that Mr. Mourinho is casually using homophobic terms of abuse in his workplace.” Engle�ield said that it was because of Mourinho that the “International Football vs. Homophobia week” was inspired. | |
Gay rights group upset over manager’s homophobic rant Staff Report MOSCOW, RUSSIA | The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation �iled an of�icial complaint against notorious Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho for using homophobic slurs while yelling at of�icials. The 49-year-old manager reportedly called the of�icials “maricones,” which translates to
RAND JUNCTION, COLO. | Grand Junction police have arrested a Colorado Mesa University football player accused of assault. Witnesses told police 20-year-old Shane Williams had a verbal �ight with a woman that turned into a physical �ight in which he allegedly slammed her onto the pavement early Feb. 17. The woman, Chelsea Gallagher, told KJCT-TV in Grand Junction that the �ight stemmed from her and her girlfriend, Ashley Davis, being gay. Gallagher said she was knocked out cold, and ended up with a fractured skull. “Going outside to leave...is when they started kind of making comments about us being gay and saying that Ashley looked like a boy and stuff,” said Gallagher, who is continuing her recovery in the hospital. Davis said an associate of Williams yelled homophobic slurs at the women before the assault. Davis said she and a man identi�ied as “Dakota” “ended up in a little bit of a scuf�le, some pushing and what not,” at which point Gallagher tried to break them up. Police said Williams was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, possession of a fake ID, and being a minor in possession of alcohol. CMU of�icials have yet to comment on the incident, but one of the university’s Gay Straight Alliance group members has nonetheless condemned the incident. “Unfortunately [being gay] makes you a target,” Sarah Swedberg told KJCT 8, a local television station. Police say Williams is free on bond. Formal charges have currently not been �iled. Williams declined to comment when reached by KKCO-TV. He is a redshirt freshman running back on Colorado Mesa’s football team. | |
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Actors Michele Feren (“Gloria”) and Arnie Ellis were on hand for the opener.
My Fair Lidy director Ralph A Clemente stands next to a tuxedo that was used in the film.
Executive Producer Sandi Bell was all smiles on the red carpet.
Usher Doug White greets guests at the door.
Wynn Fralix answers questions on the red carpet.
Parliament House’s own Drew Sizemore interviews Lidy star Leigh Shannon.
PHOTOPGRAPHY
Galleryw Go see more photos at
watermarkonline.com
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HE PARLIAMENT HOUSE PLAYED HOST TO THE WORLD PREMIERE OF LIDY ON FEB. 25. The �ilm was shot throughout Orlando and stars local notables Leigh Shannon, Darcel Stevens and Tom Nowicki. The opening night red-carpet event served as a fundraiser for Hope & Help and was complete with interviews with stars, producers and directors.
Photography by Chris Stephenson C@CSTEPHENSONLAW.COM
watermarkonline.com
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ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND PART 1
Mathu An
dersen
MARCH 29 – APRIL 2, 2012
Photo by Mathu Andersen
Photo by
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