DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 19.09 • APRIL 26 - MAY 9, 2012 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM
YOUR LGBT LIFE.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRIES
IT’S NOT MARRIAGE, SO...
YOU SHOULD. THAT’S WHO. DPRs are sweeping across Florida, but do they bring us closer to marriage equality?
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DEPARTMENTS
The priorities of this state need to be changed because
the issues people care about
6 // MAIL 9 // ORLANDO NEWS 13 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 16 // STATE 18 // NATION & WORLD 27 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 33 // EVENT PLANNER 35 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 37 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 44 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 45 // TRANSITIONS 47 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE 52 // CLASSIFIEDS 53 // SPORTS 54 // GALLERY W
PAGE
16
are not being addressed by the current Republican administration.
—NAN RICH
ON THE COVER
PAGE Several local governments
implemented—or 39 have are getting ready to
implement—domestic partnership registries to protect unmarried couples. What does this mean for LGBT couples in Florida? Illustration by Jake Stevens
SCAN QR CODE FOR
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Preview
PAGE
30 HIT HARD: For years Patty Schemel was known as the lesbian drummer of Hole. But now she’s the focus of Hit So Hard, a new documentary discussing her struggle with fame and drug addiction that will be screened in Sarasota May 10.
W A T E R M A R K I S S U E 1 9 . 0 9 // A P R I L 2 6 - M AY 9 , 2 0 1 2
ORLANDO NEWS
TAMPA BAY NEWS
TALKING POINTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Read it online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBT updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com
PAGE Volusia County passes
09
a domestic partnership registry; The husband of lesbian boxer Christy Martin is on trial for her attempted murder; A notorious anti-gay group plans to fly a banner around Disney World to “warn” families about Gay Days; more.
PAGE Tampa mayor Bob
13
Buckhorn signed an ordinance April 13 to create the area’s first domestic partnership registry; TIGLFF announces a plan to save money in 2012—including chopping two days off of its fall festival schedule; more.
PAGE One Million Moms is
25
offended by a photo in an Urban Outfitters catalog showing two women kissing; The once-pregnant man separates from his wife; One young man goes after his dream to wear a Denver Broncos cheerleading uniform; more.
PAGE For 10 years, the men of
Voce have brought 27 Una excellence in men’s chorale
music to Tampa Bay. Now it’s time to celebrate that milestone with a concert; The Cabin By The Woods impresses our movie critic; more.
FUNNY WOMAN KATHY GRIFFIN IS BACK ON TV AND HAS SOME NEW SWAG. VISIT WATERMARKONLINE.COM TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN WIN! APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Keep up the fight
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Your Watermark newsmagazine is great! In Los Angeles, we do not have any gay periodicals that discuss local gay rights or that even print “Letters to the Editor.” As a result, the Los Angeles Police Dept (LAPD) arrest thousands of gay men annually [in sting operations] in public parks, restrooms, adult bookstores, YMCAs, etc. If you respond in any way, you are arrested and charged with lewd conduct. Over the years, LAPD has also harassed scores of Hollywood bars and sex clubs to close. Please keep up the �ight, or history will repeat itself in Central Florida also! JACK EVANS LOS ANGELES
Bullying comes from the top Thank you for sharing the story of Bully with your readers [Issue 19.08]. I had a chance to see the �ilm when it opened in Tampa last week and was �loored at just how powerful it was! Today’s youth needs us now more than ever to survive the hateful rhetoric that is thrown at them by classmates. I can only imagine that those young bullies are mimicking the hateful diatribe that is spewed by politicians, right-wing churches and
“I hope anti-gay people in positions of power realize their ongoing disregard for LGBT people fuels the next generation of big bullies.” —GRETA GABRIEL the uneducated who are not familiar with LGBT people or their situations. I hope anti-gay people in positions of power realize their ongoing disregard for LGBT people fuels the next generation of big bullies. GRETA GABRIEL ORLANDO
Watermark discriminated In today’s economic climate, businesses struggle to stay open. One of our local TV stations likes to play on our fears and run stories about food services who received poor scores on inspections. When Hamburger Mary’s had the misfortune to be featured, Watermark decided to add to the damage in the most recent issue [Issue 19.08], and members of the community applauded you. I, however, am offended that you ran the story. Is Watermark going to continue to run stories about all restaurants? Why did you run it? Because
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APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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it’s a place we frequent? Because it considers itself a part of our community? If a straight news company ran derogatory stories only about gay businesses, we would be protesting, picket signs, the works. You ran that story due to the gay association. We would not tolerate the discrimination from anyone else, why should we accept it from you. DALE BOGGS ST. PETERSBURG
Remember the HIV/ AIDS pandemic Every year on the third Sunday in May, the world recognizes the HIV/AIDS pandemic with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. In Pinellas County, King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church will host the 29th annual Memorial at 5:30 on May 20, 2012, at the church in St. Petersburg. The Memorial is always open to the public,. DAVE COYLE CLEARWATER
CONTRIBUTORS
editor’s
Steve Blanchard EDITOR
SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com
A
Desk
T THE AGE OF 25, I AWOKE IN A
hospital bed after spending several hours of my previous evening in the emergency room. I didn’t know why I was there. I just knew I had arrived at the hospital the night before with an incapacitating headache accompanied with nausea and fatigue. When I awoke in my room, the �irst face I saw was that of my partner. We didn’t have any documentation giving him permission to be there and we were unable to be legally joined in any state. Fortunately, the hospital staff understood that we were a couple and gave him access to me—even before I was diagnosed with viral meningitis several days later. I was never forcefully separated from my partner for longer than the overnight stays in the hospital. I can’t imagine what it would have
WATERMARK STAFF
been like to know that he was out of the loop when it came to my medical condition or that my doctors refused to get his input on my care. I was incredibly lucky, and I realize that. But luck doesn’t happen very often for thousands of unmarried couples across the state, thanks to “patient privacy” laws that prevent access to loved ones in times of emergency. But things are starting to change—faster than you might think.
Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Administrative Assistant: Erik Caban • Ext. 100 • Erik@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Production Assistant: Andrés Duputel • Ext. 107 • AdProduction@WatermarkOnline.com Sales Manager: Mark Cady • Ext. 102 [Orlando] • Mark@WatermarkOnline.com Nat’l Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863
A new trend sweeping through Central Florida protects samesex and opposite-sex couples alike. Local governments are implementing Domestic Partnership Registries at an impressive rate. Orlando wasn’t the �irst city to embrace a DPR, but the initiative of its city commission late last year has sprouted infectious movements in surrounding counties and cities— most recently in the City of Tampa to the west and Volusia County to the east. Other nearby communities—St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport and Orange County—are working toward such ordinances, and it’s awe-inspiring. It shows just how far Florida has come in a few short years. Like so many in the LGBT community, I watched results roll in the night of the 2008 Presidential election with mixed feelings of surprise and disappointment when I realized Amendment 2 was going to pass with more than 60% of the vote. I just knew—knew—that an amendment to the state constitution outlawing same-sex marriage or any equivalent thereof would be rejected by at least 41% of the voters in the Sunshine State. Knowing that it would take more than half of the residents of our peninsula to pass the obnoxious amendment, I was con�ident it would fail and become a milestone in the progress for LGBT equality in Florida. But that wasn’t the case. Nearly 63% of the population voted against recognizing
committed, same-sex couples as equal to their opposite-sex counterparts. Even though samesex marriage was already outlawed in our state, the passage of Amendment 2 was a symbolic one, showcasing the narrow-mindedness of our neighbors. Fortunately, stopping progress is more dif�icult than many would hope. Four years after Amendment 2, the domestic partnership trend is in full swing. Cities are letting committed couples choose who can make medical decisions for them and who should be in charge of endof-life decisions, if tragedy strikes. The “fear” that DPRs will lead to marriage equality are unfounded; so much so that any opposition to them is incredibly minimal or—as in Tampa’s case—non-existent. Granted, local governments are pretty direct when they remind us that DPRs are in no way rede�ining marriage. But I can’t help but think it’s a step in the right direction. This is not a case of separate but equal. The registry is not based on orientation or gender identity. It is based on the commitment between two people and local governments doing what they can to protect their citizens. No longer do we have to rely on a nurse’s interpretation of a Power of Attorney document or the chances of a homophobic doctor refusing to listen to our signi�icant others. We can �inally �ind some comfort when it comes to a few basic rights concerning our most vulnerable experiences. And that’s one powerful, symbolic gesture. | |
Fortunately, stopping progress is more difficult than many would hope.
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APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
ABBY DEES
is a civil rights attorney-turnedauthor who has been in the LGBT rights trenches for 25-plus years. She lives in Los Angeles and Nashville. Page 21
KEN KUNDIS
is a Florida native and a long-time contributor to Watermark. He lives in New York City. Page 23
ANTHONY PAULL
is a columnist, author, filmmaker and community volunteer who lives in Sarasota. Page 30
Greg Burton, Erik Caban, Scottie Campbell, Amy Dees, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Anthony Paull, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Louanne Walters, Stephen Warne
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CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.
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NEWS
council chambers April 19, after the vote on a domestic partner registry. PHOTO COURTESY JOE SAUNDERS
DPR arrives in Volusia With only one ‘no’ vote, Volusia County seems on track for domestic partnership registry Staff report
D
ELAND | On April 19, the Volusia County Council took a step toward establishing a domestic partner registry. Six of the council’s seven members voted in favor of the registry, which is similar to Orlando’s and would provide
registered couples with health care and correctional facility visitation, the power to make medical treatment decisions, the power to make end-of-life decisions, noti�ication from authorities after an emergency and the right to participate in a child’s education. An earlier version considered by Volusia’s council left out education and medical decisions. Councilwoman Joie Alexander
was the “no” vote, arguing that unmarried couples already have the rights granted under the registry if they �iled the proper paperwork. If the registry passes, it will cost $50 for couples to register and the names of registered couples will be listed on a county website. According to Larry Glinzman, Communications & Campaign Director at Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, the council will vote on the ordinance may 1. He said that if the council approves it, domestic partners can register beginning on July 1. | |
Anti-gay group to “warn” families about Gay Days Staff report ORLANDO | The Florida Family Association (FFA), a notorious antigay group, is spending thousands of dollars to “warn” vacationing families that they will encounter gay people at Disney World over Gay Days weekend. On the FFA website, the group
claims it raised $4,100 to hire an airplane to �ly a banner over the parks for 10 hours, warning people about Gay Day, saying it’s the most “cost-effective manner” to make sure families don’t inadvertently “expose their children to same-sex revelry.” “How would you feel if you entered the Magic Kingdom anticipating a normal day of fun
with your family only to witness thousands of same-sex couples holding hands, hugging, kissing and wearing tee-shirts that promoted their lifestyle?” the group’s site asks visitors. “One Gay Day patron’s comments best describes their goal, ‘We need to be seen in the heart of America’s playground.’ It appears
Continued on page 10 | |
Jury hears opening remarks in Christy Martin case
orlando
CELEBRATING PROGRESS: Representatives from Equality Florida gathered with the Volusia County Council outside of
A NEW FIGHT: Professional boxer Christy Martin says that her husband brutally attacked her after she told him she was leaving him for another woman.
Staff Report
O
RLANDO | Opening arguments began April 24 in the attempted murder trial of James “Jim” Martin, who prosecutors say stabbed and shot his wife, professional boxer Christy Martin, in 2010. Christy Martin �lagged down a motorist on Nov. 23, 2010, and said her husband had brutally attacked her. Orange County deputies found James Martin a week later and charged him with attempted �irstdegree murder and aggravated battery causing bodily harm. Assistant State Attorney Ryan Vescio told jurors in his opening argument that the “violence of this attack is astounding.” He added that the situation that unfolded between the couple was “20 years in the making,” and that Christy Martin had rekindled a relationship with a woman from her past and that James Martin was unhappy to lose control of her. “During this trial, you’re going to hear about the biggest decision in Christy Martin’s life,” Vescio said. “You’ll hear about a life of being controlled, of being manipulated.” He went on to tell jurors that they will hear testimony from Christy Martin, who will tell them in detail about a brutal attack by her husband. Defense attorney William Hancock, however, questioned the credibility of the former boxer, telling the jury during his opening argument that Christy Martin had “lived a lie” for two decades. Hancock
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
Continued on page 10 | |
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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orlando NEWS
| | Gay Days Warning from pg.9 from the behavior of Gay Day patrons that they were more intent on being seen rather than seeing Disney World.” The website goes on to say that LGBT “activists” try to gain access to youthful minds by advocating for LGBT characters in video games. “They also want to impact a captured audience of tens of thousands of children during the �irst Saturday of Summer Break,” the site said The group is trying to double its fundraising to $8,400, to secure 20 hours with the banner in the air. | | | | Christy Martin from pg.9 added that Christy Martin was physically stronger than her husband, pointing out that James Martin was in his late 60s and had recently suffered a heart attack at the time of the attack. He went on to paint a picture of Christy Martin as a 40-something champion boxer training for her next bout. In a deposition, Martin said that the attack came after she informed her husband that she was leaving him for a woman. She also said that James Martin had blackmailed her into marrying him in the �irst place, holding her hostage with videotapes of sexual activities and threats to expose her sexual orientation. | |
COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY:
Mary Meeks speaks after Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association presented her with the Debbie Simmons Community Service Award. Also recognized were: Andrew Springer, Wendy Connor and Ron Legler received the New Business of the Year Award, representing Artful Events, which runs The Mezz and The Abbey; Mike Rogier and John Paonessa of Hamburger Mary’s received the Small Business of the Year award; Antonio G. Tapia of AGT Law was named Businessman of the Year; Lisa Brown of Bowled Over Promotions was named Businesswoman of the Year; The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida was named Non-Profit o the Year; and Darden Restaurants was recognized as the Corporate Ally of the Year. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN
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T
ON THE DOTTED LINE: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn signs the city’s Domestic Partnership Ordinance on April 13 while City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin looks on. PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF TAMPA
Buckhorn signs Tampa’s DPR St. Pete, Gulfport, Clearwater on track with own DPRs Steve Blanchard
EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
T
AMPA | Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn put pen to paper April 13 and signed a domestic partnership registry into law, just two weeks after it received �inal approval from the City Council. It’s a move that seems to have prompted several neighboring cities to follow suit. St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Clearwater have all begun the process of developing their own domestic partnership registries. “This is a community that treats everyone with dignity,” Buckhorn said after signing the ordinance at Tampa City Hall. “We are a city that celebrates our diversity as a strength.” Buckhorn, who told
Watermark he sees diversity as a key to improving the area’s economy, believes the new DPR will help him promote the city. “It’s a competitive advantage for me to go out and talk about relocating companies here,” he said. “It’s important because it doesn’t demonize people based on ethnicity, orientation, race or creed—it celebrates it.” Just days earlier, St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell introduced a DPR to the City Council, which voted to move forward with an ordinance of its own. St. Petersburg City staff will word the ordinance that will be presented before the council in May. Similar actions are happening in the City of Clearwater. There, Mayor George Cretekos brought up the idea during an April 16
city council work session. “I think it’s the right thing for us to do. I think it’s the decent thing for us to do,” Cretekos said. Cretekos spoke about Tampa’s registry, and encouraged council members to move forward on offering the protection to partners within the city limits. “I really don’t see any downside to this,” Clearwater council member Bill Jonson added during the workshop. Council members in the City of Gulfport expressed similar views of a DPR in their city during a workshop on April 19. There, several community members spoke to the council about the importance of creating a registry. “We’re just like any other family,” Denise Lowe told the Gulfport City Council during the workshop after introducing her wife, Jan, daughter, Amber, and two grandsons. While the two women are
Continued on page 14 | |
AMPA | It’s a tough time �inancially for �ilm festivals, and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is no exception. According to executive director Larry Biddle, one way the festival plans to save money this year is by shortening the annual October festival by two days. It will be nine days long, rather than 11. “We’re taking some corrective action,” Biddle explained. “We’re also trying to build our audience throughout the year to keep the brand of TIGLFF in front of people.” Biddle said that the festival’s monthly �ilm series will be sponsored each month, rather than paid for by the festival itself. In an e-mail, TIGLFF President Ken Hodges said that rising costs in the �ilm world are what has motivated economical changes in the organization. “Filmmakers have recently quadrupled their �ilm leasing fees,” Hodges said. “We estimate TIGLFF will pay �ilmmakers $20,000 this year just to rent the festival �ilms that you will see.” Ticket sales to the festival’s screenings cover less than half of the program expenses, and Hodges said that doubling ticket prices is out of the question. But what has changed are the spaces available for advertisers in TIGLFF’s printed program. Advertising rates won’t rise, but ads will run slightly smaller, making way for additional advertisers and sponsors in 2012. “Increasing fees isn’t what we want to do—this isn’t the economy for that,” Biddle said. “Now with more ad space, we have room to bring more sponsors onboard.” Biddle is optimistic, adding that TIGLFF has raised its sponsorship advertising goal by 25% this year. “We’re being very aggressive about sponsorships,” Biddle added. “There are a lot of businesses that would like to have our LGBT business.” So far, Biddle said that TIGLFF hasn’t received any negative feedback from past advertisers about the reduced ad space. The support of past advertisers seems to be unwavering. Hodges described the state of LGBT �ilm festivals as “at a crossroads,” citing that the nation’s two largest LGBT festivals in Los Angeles and New York have merged to maintain �inancial sustainability and operational ef�iciencies. Both Hodges and Biddle are con�ident in TIGLFF’s future, and monthly �ilm series will continue— beginning with a May 2 screening of Cloudburst, starring Olympia Dukakis, at Muvico Baywalk at 8 p.m. For more information on TIGLFF, visit TIGLFF.com. | |
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tampa bay
Steve Blanchard
NEWS
To cut costs, TIGLFF to be a 9-day festival
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tampa bay NEWS
| | Tampa Bay Partner
New York Life ‘Penny Wars’ benefit Metro Staff Report
T
AMPA | For several weeks, employees of New York Life Insurance’s Tampa of�ice played “Penny Wars”—and the spoils went Metro Wellness and Community Centers. According to Arica Love, the employees raised more than $1,680 for Metro—and all of it was donated as change. “When I picked up the donation my car was really sagging,” Love laughed. “I had to drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge at 45mph because my car was so weighed down.” In a penny war, two or more groups have a bucket for collecting coins or dollar bills. The value of any pennies collected by a group count positively toward that group’s point total, while the value of other coins or dollar bills are subtracted. New York Life plans on holding more fundraisers to bene�it Metro Wellness and Community Centers, which has locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey. | |
Registry from pg.13
legally married in Connecticut, their union is not recognized in the State of Florida, so they currently have no rights concerning their relationship. A DPR would help correct some of the discrimination Lowe said her family suffers in the Sunshine State. “This ordinance, although it would help many different kinds of families, it affects us in a very personal way,” she said. Gulfport council members seem supportive of a DPR. However, Jennifer Salmon wanted to be sure a DPR was detailed, so that everyone was protected. “The reality is, when you don’t specify, then people actually do not have protections,” Salmon said. Her fellow council member agreed, saying that adding details from Orlando’s ordinance—which Tampa used as a model—would be ultimately more bene�icial. The domestic partnership registry that has been in place
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in Key West since the late 1990s was brought up several times, but many Gulfport Council members didn’t see it as a farreaching or detailed enough. Gulfport City Attorney Andrew Salzman will draft an ordinance with details from the existing ordinances in Key West and Orlando and bring it back for �irst reading at a future regular
given to legal spouses or nextof-kin. Buckhorn was all smiles as he signed on the line—several times and with several different pens—on April 12, creating the city’s �irst registry recognizing unmarried couples. Several media outlets were on hand to record the moment, and LGBT notables Mark Bias and Carrie West were on hand to witness the historic day. Also at Buckhorn’s side was Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin, who �irst introduced the registry back in —TAMPA MAYOR BOB BUCKHORN February. The Tampa registry City Council meeting. signed by Buckhorn must take The registry in Tampa— effect within 90 days, meaning and the ones under way in partners can register by early Clearwater, Gulfport and St. July. A spokesperson for the city, Petersburg—allows unmarried however, expected the registry to same-sex or opposite-sex become available by mid-June of partners to register with the city this year. | | as next of kin. This allows for hospital visitation, health care For more on Domestic decisions, correctional facility Partnership Registries, visitation rights and funeral see Watermark’s In-Depth planning of unwed partners. coverage on Page 39. Those rights are usually only
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NEWS
Steve Blanchard
EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
S
ARASOTA | Storm weather and rainy forecasts didn’t stop participants from enjoying the fourth annual AIDS Ride in Sarasota on April 21. Participants raised more than $8,000 to assist several HIV/ AIDS programs run by Trinity Charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The biggest challenge this year was communicating to the 30 registered riders that the ride was not canceled due to the weather. “It was dif�icult
communicating that we were going ahead with it,” explained Greg Kaspar of Trinity Charities. “Even with weather reports being really bad, we were out there early to set up and decided to go ahead. Fortunately we were able to bring out several riders.” Sixteen riders took on the Legacy Trail and of those participants, two-thirds did the entire 25-mile journey. Others opted for a shorter 12-mile ride. “We had a good mix of men and women,” Kaspar said. “We also had some children and some older folks. It was a good cross-section.” The ride began at 9 a.m.
CHARITABLE CYCLISTS: Sixteen bicyclists braved the stormy weekend weather to raise money for Trinity Charities during the 4th Annual AIDS Ride in Sarasota on April 21. PHOTO COURTESY GREG KASPAR at the YMCA on Potter Park Drive and followed the trail from South Sarasota to the Venice Train Station and back. Throughout the route, volunteers handed out refreshments for the riders. Money raised during the ride bene�its several HIV/ AIDS programs, including Trinity Charities’ Healthy PWA Program. “The Healthy People With AIDS Program helps people with HIV/AIDS make healthy
nutrition choices,” Kaspar explained. “It’s particularly focused on supplement strategies and helping people obtain and understand what different supplements will help them in different aspects. It also includes lifestyle training, like how to handle stress and the importance of exercise.” Money raised at the AIDS Ride will also assist the organization’s food bank, vitamin program and educational program.
Kaspar said donations were still coming in so he is hopeful that Trinity Charities will match the 2011 ride’s $11,000 total. Those who were unable to participate in this year’s ride but want to contribute can do so through the Trinity Charities website at TrinityCharities.org. Trinity Charities’ next big fundraiser is its annual AIDS Walk, which will return to the New College campus in December to commemorate World AIDS Day. | |
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Bicyclists brave weather for charity ride
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state
White House LGBT Conference on Aging comes to Miami
NEWS
Staff Report
M
IAMI | For the �irst time in history, the White House will focus on issues facing LGBT seniors in the United States. On Monday, May 7, the White House Of�ice of Public Engagement, in partnership with the University of Miami Center on Aging, will host a day-long symposium tackling the unique needs of the aging LGBT population. The free conference will be held at the University of Miami. “We are thrilled that the President is directing attention to the inadequate services, discrimination and abuse LGBT seniors too often face,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “We have been working with a coalition of legal and advocacy organizations to identify ways to change policies, laws and attitudes to improve the daily lives of our substantial LGBT senior population.” The conference comes at a time of renewed focus on the vulnerabilities of LGBT seniors. According to the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, research shows that LGBT older adults are less likely to have children to care for them, less likely to have someone to call on in time of need, and are at much greater risk for social isolation than their heterosexual peers. Kathy Greenlee, the openly lesbian Assistant Secretary on Aging for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Raphael Bostic, the openly gay Assistant Secretary for Policy & Research Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will deliver keynote remarks. Reservations are required. For more information, visit Go.USA.gove/mGN | |
IN OTHER NEWS EQFL HONORS LOWE-MINOR AT TALLAHASSEE GALA Jessica Lowe-Minor, executive director of the League of Women Voters in Florida, was honored during the Equality Florida Gala in Tallahassee on April 17. Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith described Lowe-Minor as a “steadfast supporter of equal rights for all and a leading voice in Tallahassee for women, LGBT rights and basic fairness in public policy.” The gala was held inside the Historic Florida Capitol Museum.
WELLS NAMED ONE OF 40-UNDER-40 The Advocate named Equality Florida Public Policy Director Mallory Wells as one of its 40-under-40 leaders in its May issue. Wells, who lives in Gainesville, is 26 and helped pass an LGBT-inclusive antibullying bill. She says her next goal is helping to elect Florida’s first out legislator.
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SUNSHINE STAMPEDE: Cowboys and cowgirls from around the country descended upon Davie, Fla., April 20-22 for the ninth annual Sunshine Stampede Gay Rodeo, presented by the Florida Gay Rodeo Association. While rainy weather delayed some events, the overall rodeo went off without a hitch, packing the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds with more than 3,000 spectators and 100-plus competitors throughout the weekend. For rodeo results, visit FGRA.org. PHOTO COURTESY RANDY WITHERS
Rich eyes governor post in 2014 Wire Report
T
ALLAHASSEE | State Sen. Nan Rich said she made up her mind months ago to run for governor, but it wasn’t until a short video was posted on YouTube that people really took notice. The 1-minute, 39-second video was recorded by someone at the Broward Democratic Party’s monthly meeting April 17. It begins with the sound of people chanting “Run, Nan, Run” after a member of the audience asked about her plans to challenge Florida Gov. Rick Scott. “I am planning on running for governor in 2014,” Rich responded, eliciting more cheers and even a standing ovation from some. The Weston Democrat didn’t expect the video to bring so much attention to her pending candidacy, she said. “It was just unscripted, if you will,” said Rich, 70, known as one of the most liberal voices in the Senate and as an advocate for children, the poor and the LGBT community. She �iled several bills to lift the state’s ban on gays and lesbians adopting before the state �inally stopped enforcing the law in 2010. She said she is running for governor after becoming more and more frustrated with how state government is being run. Rich pointed out recent budget cuts to
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state universities and several years of reductions in K-12 funding that were only partially restored in the budget Scott signed into law April 17. “I think the priorities of this state need to be changed because the issues that I’m hearing from people that they care about are not being addressed by the current Republican administration,” she said. Rich said her focus for now is developing a strategic plan for the campaign and coming up with a �inancial strategy. But other prominent Democrats are also rumored to be considering a run for governor in 2014, including state party chairman Rod Smith, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and Alex Sink, who lost to Scott in 2010. Even former Gov. Charlie Crist, who dropped his Republican Party af�iliation, is rumored to be considering a bid as a Democrat. During her statement to Broward Republicans, Rich mentioned that Crist could be running as a Democrat. That elicited jeers from the crowd. Republican consultant Brian Hughes, a former spokesman for Scott, said Democrats would do well to question a run by Crist. Rich’s campaign would have credibility, he said. “Given that her constituency is the heavily Democrat portion of the
watermarkonline.com
GUBERNATORIAL INTENTIONS: (L-R) Senator Nan Rich, pictured here with actress Cynthia Nixon during an ACLU Kick-Off Campaign to end Florida’s ban on gay adoption, told the Broward Democratic Party that she intends to run for governor of Florida in 2014.
state, I don’t see how she’s anything but formidable in a Democrat primary,” he said. “Party leaders may want to embrace a chameleon like Charlie Crist, but South Florida Democrats see Rich as a �ighter for what they believe.” Rich is a popular �igure in Broward and well-liked by party activists who would work hard on her campaign, said Mitchell Ceasar, chairman of the county’s Democrats. “She’s always been a big supporter of the local party,” he said. She also has statewide connections after serving two years as Senate minority leader, he said. But the question will be who else enters the race. “I think right now we’re in what’s called the gossip phase,” Ceasar said. “I don’t think we’ll begin to see that in earnest until after the presidential election.” | |
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nation+world NEWS
IN OTHER NEWS MORMON PARENTS: ‘IT GETS BETTER’ In a video released April 21, Mormon parents defend their gay children, confronting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ disapproval of same-sex relationships. The video was released during a national conference for gay Mormons in Washington, D.C.
OHIO SCOUT GROUP PROTESTS OUSTER OF GAY DEN LEADER Members of the Bridgeport, Ohio, Boy Scout group and their parents are protesting the Ohio River Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to revoke their den leader’s membership because she is a lesbian. Jennifer Tyrrell, who has served as den leader for her son’s troop for about a year, was told April 11 that because she is gay, she does “not meet the high standards of membership that the BSA seeks.”
‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL ADVANCING IN TENN. A proposal that would ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students is once again advancing in the Tennessee House. The measure, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, passed the House Education Committee 8-7 on April 17. The legislation limits sexually related instruction to “natural human reproduction science.’’
SAUDIS BAN GAYS FROM SCHOOLS A Saudi Arabian newspaper in April reported that “gays and tom-boys” are now barred from government schools and universities. The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice will enforce the new orders. Gay and tom boy students can go back to schools and universities if they prove they have been “corrected and have stopped such practices.”
PHILLY HOUSING PLANNED FOR ELDERLY GAYS Construction is to start this fall on one of the country’s only affordable housing complexes aimed at elderly gay people after developers received what they described as critical state tax credits for the long-stalled project. The 56-unit, $19 million development is planned for a section of Philadelphia affectionately known as the Gayborhood.
OBAMA TAKES NO ACTION ON GAY DISCRIMINATION MEASURE Rejecting pressure from gay rights activists, President Barack Obama will not issue an executive order barring federal contractors from discriminating on the basis on sexual orientation, his spokesman said April 12. White House press secretary Jay Carney said the president will pursue a slower path on the issue.
WOMEN GUILTY |IN FEDERAL HATE CRIME CASE Two Kentucky women have pleaded guilty to helping kidnap and assault a gay man in a southeastern Kentucky park last April. Mable Ashley Jenkins and Alexis LeeAnn Jenkins, both 19, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the kidnapping and hate crime assault on Kevin Pennington. Prosecutors say this is the first federal case in the nation charging a violation of the sexual orientation section of the Matthew ShepardJames Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
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Iowa paper devotes front page to fighting bullying Wire Report
S
IOUX CITY, IOWA | In a rare and forceful act of advocacy, an Iowa newspaper devoted the entire front page of its Sunday edition to an anti-bullying editorial after a gay teen committed suicide. Relatives have said 14-year-old Kenneth Weishuhn Jr. suffered intense harassment, including threatening cell phone calls and nasty comments posted online, after coming out to family and friends about a month ago. Weishuhn, a freshman at South O’Brien High School in Paullina,
died April 15 from what the local sheriff’s of�ice described only as a “self-in�licted injury.” The Sioux City Journal’s frontpage opinion piece calls on the community to be pro-active in stopping bullying and urges members to learn more about the problem by seeing the acclaimed new �ilm, Bully, which documents the harassment of a Sioux City middle school student. It notes that while many students are targeted for being gay, “we have learned a bully needs no reason to strike.” The move by the Sioux City Journal is highly unusual. Editor Mitch Pugh says the newspaper
FRONT PAGE NEWS: The top
half of the front page of The Sioux City Journal’s Sunday, April 22, 2012, edition featured a full-page opinion piece decrying bullying.
has run front-page editorials before but has never devoted the entire page to one. Pugh says the newspaper has a responsibility to be a strong community advocate, and Weishuhn’s death and the opening of the movie Bully provided an opportunity. | |
Bono, Hutcherson win GLAAD Awards Wire Report LOS ANGELES, CALIF. | Chaz Bono picked up a pair of trophies at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 21. The 43-year-old transgender activist and author was honored with the outstanding documentary prize and Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 23rd annual Media Awards for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Bono won along with directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato for Becoming Chaz, the documentary that chronicled his
gender transition. Bono, who was the �irst-ever transgender contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars last year, was also given the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is given by GLAAD to a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender member of the entertainment community. Past winners have included Ellen DeGeneres, Rufus Wainwright, Wanda Sykes, John Waters and Melissa Etheridge. The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson won the Vanguard Award, which lauds efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the LGBT
community. Earlier this year, he began working with the antibullying campaign Straight But Not Narrow. The 19-year-old actor is the youngest recipient to ever win the Vanguard Award. Other honorees were ABC’s Modern Family for comedy series, Focus Features drama Beginners for wide-release �ilm, and Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva and TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland in a tie for individual TV episode. The awards salute fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives in the media. | |
voters to support Amendment 1, which would not only ban samesex marriage but also civil unions and domestic partnerships in the state. “There is an effort by radicals at every level to change who we are, to change what America is, and to change for our children
into a future that I think will be much worse,” Gringrich says in the video. He goes on to ask viewers to support Amendment 1. North Carolina voters head to the polls on May 8 to vote on Amendment 1 and in the GOP Presidential Primary. | |
Gingrich launches anti-gay video in N.C. Wire Report CHARLOTTE, N.C. | Citing that he believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, GOP presidential long-shot Newt Gingrich released a video April 23 encouraging North Carolina
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THINKING
outloud
NOM’s Marriage Strategy: The cynical art of being wholesome
Abby Dees ABBY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
I
S ANYONE REALLY SHOCKED
about the revelations from the recently released internal memorandum from the National Organization for Marriage (“NOM”)?
If you haven’t heard yet, this formerly con�idential memo from 2009 lays out NOM’s national strategy for �ighting same-sex marriage. There’s nothing in it that we didn’t already suspect, really. Mostly it serves as con�irmation that NOM and its clones are not the grassroots, churchbake-sale folks they’d like us to think they are. Instead, they’re a cynical, mean-spirited bunch of cultural manipulators who don’t give a toss about perpetuating wholesomeness and communitymindedness.If there is anything that stands out about the memo, beyond what we already knew, it’s that they say this stuff out loud to one another and then put a price tag on it. Bigotry looks especially weird all written in a peppy memo. The part of the document that’s gotten the most media attention is entitled “Not a Civil Rights Project,” which is NOM’s strategy for “fanning the hostility” between the LGBT and African-American communities. The idea is that LGBT leaders
will then be compelled to react negatively to anti-gay rhetoric by African-American leaders, and will thus be viewed universally as bigots. In other words, they want a good old-fashioned race war. Even African-American leaders who oppose same-sex marriage are, not surprisingly, declining the invitation. Another portion of the memo that’s gotten a lot of play, one that also plays the race card from a stacked deck, describes NOM’s plan to present opposition to gay marriage as a badge of Latino pride and to encourage youth rebellion against “conformist assimilation” into the dominant culture. I’m picturing NOM founder, Maggie Gallagher, in her collarless suits and pearls, fomenting youth rebellion in L.A. and it’s making me giggle. What you may not have heard is that a year’s worth of race-baiting by NOM in 2010 was projected to cost $2,000,000. And here are some more choice strategies from the memo: The “Behind Enemy Lines” project documents how gays have tyrannized those who have spoken out against gay marriage, with a special focus on states where courts have “imposed gay marriage” on the citizens. This is a favorite trope of the religious right nowadays, so stay tuned for a lot more. You saw it �irst during the federal Prop 8 trial when the Yes on 8 folks claimed that they couldn’t get any witnesses to testify against gay marriage because they were all trembling with fear of the great gay mob. I know—you’re wondering how you missed that gang dues notice. Continuing the big-bad-gays theme, is the “Face of the Victims” project. Now, this one had me scratching my head because as much as I like to try to see things from another side’s perspective, I was absolutely stumped to �igure who the victims of samesex marriage might be. A straight couple that lost the neighborhood Christmas decoration contest to the new gays next door? I’ll give you a few moments to see if you can �igure out who the tragic victims are… Did you guess homophobes? I had no idea, but apparently it takes an enormous emotional toll to maintain your opposition to samesex marriage when it becomes legal in your area. NOM planned to
videotape these stories via a rapid response team, and they were all heartbreaking, I’m sure. The “rapid response” part is also intriguing, and makes me wonder what a NOM gay crisis might look like. Do you spontaneously fall to a crying heap on the golf links because you can’t get the picture of Ellen DeGeneres out of your head? NOM also planned to hire a coordinator, at $60,000, whose sole job description was to �ind and document the stories of all those miserable children of LGBT
parents. First, I’d like to know what the hiring criteria are for such a job, and, second, how’s that’s going. I suspect that by month six, the coordinator spent most of his or her time updating Facebook at Starbucks while ostensibly out in the �ield. Remember, this is a 2009 document and presumably these projects actually got started. I dearly hope we get to see the 2010 version and learn how it all went. | |
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Bigotry looks especially weird all written in a peppy memo.
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converted
preaching to the
It’s Always Summer in India
Ken Kundis KEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
A
S PART OF MY NEW JOB, I
had the opportunity to spend three weeks in India in February. To leave New York for that length of time during my least favorite month (weather-wise) was a source of envy from friends and delight for me.
For the duration of my trip, the weather was spotless—Florida-hot in the afternoons without the humidity, and pleasantly cool in the early mornings and evenings. For those who have never visited the Subcontinent, it really is a bucket-list trip. India is a fascinating country and culture, one that operates on a completely different metaphor than ours. Everything from the ethnic homogeneity to the caste structure that permeates life in this massive country is every de�inition of our idea of ‘foreign.’ My company is based in Bangalore in southern India, with a population of 8.2 million people. This makes it approximately the same size as the city in which I live. While Bangalore is third on the list of Indian cities, Mumbai and Delhi have a combined population of 23 million people, which is more than half the population of the entire Northeast U.S. As a result, the experience of being in India is one of
never being alone. Even at 4 a.m. on a Monday, when I was in a cab going to my accommodations, the streets were �illed with people. The most striking thing for a Westerner to observe in India is the chasm that exists between the haves and the have-nots. While the upper 15% live well in an economy that we see as enormously affordable (a full breakfast of coffee, juice, eggs, and a buffet can be had for about 70 cents US), the remaining 85% live a meager existence. A Western-style meal at the nearby Crowne Plaza hotel cost the equivalent of 1/3 the monthly salary of the average Bangalorean. As I was making my way back to the Bangalore airport once my time in India was done, I began to ponder a basic concept, one that has been rolling around in my brain ever since: that of dumb luck. Back here in the States, there have been a lot of changes lately for me. Not only a new city and a new job, but the �irst truly adult relationship of my life. When I was in my late teens and 20s, I had a fantasy about how I wanted my life to go. I dreamed of a handsome and successful boyfriend who was fully my partner and equal in every way. I dreamed of a job that would allow me to use my skills to have an engaging and engaged career (and to make some money). And I dreamed of living in New York City, in a glass apartment in the sky. By my mid-30s however, I’d given up on a least a couple of those things. It wasn’t that I made a conscious decision to stop believing; life simply interceded. At 41, I had never lived as an adult anywhere but Orlando, was with the same company for 13 years, and while I had dated, life-long love eluded me. Now at the ripe old age of 46, I’ve found myself in exactly the spot I always dreamed of. I had stopped even thinking about what the 19-year-old Ken dreamed of or thought possible. And yet, here I am: I have a job I truly love, working for a company I respect, and using my skill to their best effect. I live in New York City, which I believe to be the greatest city in the world. And by the time you read this, Phil and I will have made the big leap: moving in together. While I’ve worked hard and tried to make smart choices, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve simply fallen forward into the life of which I always dreamed. What con�luence
of factors—thoroughly out of my control—allowed me to land in this place? And thinking back to my India experience, how unbelievably fortunate was I to be born at this time, in this country, with the parents I had and the opportunities I have been given? Because if being in India taught me anything, it’s that the vast majority of people in this world don’t have a life that looks very much at all like mine. Or yours, for that matter. I’m not planning on giving any of it back, mind you. But it would be truly in vain if I didn’t have a real and sincere appreciation for just how lucky I am. All this largesse comes
with a responsibility to be genuinely thankful. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a spiritual person. And I hate the idea of being called ‘blessed.’ It implies that a hand has reached down and anointed me and not the woman who sells beaded bracelets on the streets of Bangalore to feed her children. Its pure happenstance that I have the life I have. So the next time I get bad service in a restaurant, or I’m stuck in a cab in traf�ic, or I get into a stupid argument with Phil or a friend, I’ll think of Bangalore, take a deep breath, and just be thankful. | |
What I paid for that one meal was equivalent to 1/3 the monthly salary of the average Bangalorean.
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APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
watermarkonline.com
TALKING POINTS
I don’t think that watching Glee is going to suddenly make
kids want to be transgender. —JUDGE JEANINE PIRRO, DEBATING THE SHOW ON FOX NEWS’ O’REILLY FACTOR APRIL 19
7%
of the regular characters on the FOX network represent the LGBT population, making it the most inclusive network, according to GLAAD
7.5% Approximately how much more never-married lesbians earn annually compared to never-married single women, according to 2000 census data
KISS FIGHT
FORMER I PREGNANT MAN, WIFE SEPARATE
N 2007, THOMAS BEATIE MADE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES WHEN HE BECAME THE FIRST DOCUMENTED PREGNANT MAN. Beatie, who was born female, had undergone two gender reassignment surgeries and is legally a man. However, he kept his female sexual reproductive organs intact so that he and his wife—who was unable to get pregnant—could have children. Beatie has given birth to three children since he and his wife married. But now, it seems that the couple has hit a rough patch, he told The Doctors. “Like all marriages, we have our ups and downs,” he said. Beatie has completed his gender reassignment surgery and now has male genitalia. The surgeries plus the need for he and his family to live in seclusion because of death threats have forced him into bankruptcy. That may have added stress to the relationship, but Beatie is con�ident he and his wife will reconnect.
For years, H&M has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS. But this year a new initiative is bringing more attention to the fashion monolith. The 2012 Fashion Against AIDS Campaign asks for every day folks to upload photos of them kissing a significant other to its fundraising website. For each uploaded kiss, H&M will donate $1 to HIV/AIDS prevention. As of press time, nearly 8,400 photos from 96 countries showed same-sex and opposite-sex couples locking lips for charity. Visit Campaign.hm.com/ FAA2012/# to upload your own photos.
PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT WATERMARKONLINE.COM ON STEPHEN MILLER’S REVIEW OF AN ORDINARY FAMILY:
“As one of the actors in this piece, I had the beautiful experience of creating what I hope will be a conversation starter for many families, friends, and congregations struggling to reconcile identities of faith and sexuality. The goal was to depict these relationships as honest as they could be, and the improv nature of the dialog allowed some actors to bring their
own conversations with these aforementioned struggles into the characters.”
—CHAD MILLER ON THE FLORIDA FAMILY ASSOCIATION’S PLAN TO FLY A BANNER WARNING FAMILIES ABOUT GAY DAYS: “I do believe that a 3-mile radius from Cinderella’s castle is a prohibited air space, so let’s hope their $8,000 goes
toward FAA fines for breaking the law.”
—SCOTT KJEER ON EVIDENCE OF A GAY PASSENGER ABOARD THE TITANIC, PRESENTED BY JAMES GIFFORD:
“I would say that Mr. Gifford is a little bit homophobic to think that one person was the only GLBT to die on the Titanic.
—PAUL BUDROW
A NEW BREED OF BRONCO
S
ACHA HAPPELL MADE QUITE THE MEDIA SPLASH IN APRIL when he auditioned to join the Denver Broncos cheerleading squad. The former signtwirler told CNN that he was hopeful he would become the �irst male cheerleader in NFL history. He faced some tough competition—200 glamorous young women who also wanted to represent the squad. Unfortunately, Happell’s dreams were short-lived, but cheerleading directors said him being cut had nothing to do with his gender. It was his dancing moves that sank him.
OFFENDED, AGAIN
T
HE GROUP ONE MILLION MOMS IS OFENDED BY THE “CELEBRATION OF LESBIANISM” WITHIN THE PAGES of Urban Outitters’ new catalog. In it, an ad features the women, above, embraced in a passionate kiss. One Million Moms is the same group that launched a failed boycot of JC Penney earlier this year when the retail giant hired Ellen Degeneres as its spokesperson. Interestingly, Urban Out�itters isn’t known or its love of LGBTs and has been the focus of proLGBT boycotts as well.
WATERMARKONLINE.COM POLL DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRIES ARE SPREADING ACROSS FLORIDA.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
Positive:
It’s the best our local governments can do for same sex couples and I’m glad for the progress.
Negative: Domestic partner registries are an inadequate step and I’m holding out for gay marriage.
Neutral:
Domestic partnerships don’t apply to me or aren’t important to me.
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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FINAL 3 WEEKS!
Tickets start at $27.50!
OrlandoBroadway.com • 800.982.2787 Tickets also available at the Amway Center Box Office, 400 West Church St. GROUPS (15+): 407.704.6116
MUST END MAY 13 • BOB CARR PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE lionking.com Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Performance prices, dates, times and cast are subject to change without notice. Single-ticket purchases limited to 8 tickets per person. Other restrictions may apply.
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©DISNEY
88942 / WATERMARK RUN DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 26
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
MARKING A MILESTONE:
Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale, will celebrate a decade of music with a special anniversary concert at The Palladium in St. Petersburg on April 28. PHOTO COURTESY UNA VOCE
THE
Una Voce celebrates its history with a 10th anniversary concert
BIG Steve Blanchard EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
S
T. PETERSBURG | IN 2002, A SMALL
group of men decided Tampa Bay needed an ensemble focused on excellence in choral music. Ten years later, Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale is boasting its largest numbers in its history—and the men are ready to celebrate. Simply titled “10,” Una Voce’s concert celebrating a decade of music is at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 28 at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. It will capture a handful of the brightest moments in the group’s history, based on feedback rom its
members and fans. “We did a survey of all of the songs we’ve ever done and asked what the favorites were—the ones that people thought we did extremely well,” explains Tom Barker, managing director of Una Voce. “We sent it to our patrons,
our members and those who have seen our shows, and used the songs that made the biggest impression and impact to create our 10th Anniversary concert.” Barker says that Una Voce received more than 100 responses from that survey, giving an impressive cross-section of music to be performed at the April 28 concert. In all, the chorale will perform 15 songs—ranging from sacred holiday classics to upbeat numbers from ABBA. “We’ve been planning this concert for about a year and working on the music for six to eight months,” Barker says. “When putting this number of songs together and memorizing them, it
involves a lot of preparation. Una Voce’s members memorize each song, meaning they don’t read music while on stage. It’s a source of pride for the group, which has performed by memory since its �irst concert at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Tampa in December 2002.
THE FIRST DOZEN
When DJ Holt �irst organized Una Voce in 2002, he found 11 other men who wanted to celebrate men’s choral excellence. In those early days there was no board of directors—but that original mission statement is still in place today: “To express through excellence in men’s
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
choral music the inherent worth and dignity of all people in order to foster a global community that celebrates and embraces diversity.” And Una Voce not only celebrates the diversity of the community, but the diversity within the organization. According to Barker, 40 of Una Voce’s 42 performing singers are gay and span several generations. The youngest member is 22; the oldest is 78. “A lot of our members have musical backgrounds, meaning they have musical training,” Barker says. “Almost every one Continued on page 31 | |
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8PM TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10AM Tickets available by calling the Hard Rock Live Box Office at +1-407-351-5483 HARDROCKLIVE.COM Artist & Showtimes Subject to Change • No Cameras, No Backpacks, No Videos
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Make experimental impressions using potatoes, shoe treads, LEGOS and more. In the afternoon, the crew from Flying Horse Editions cranks up a steamroller to press a huge, collaborative print.
Steamroller by Aaron Ardell
Community Printmaking Festival
THE MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E. Princeton Street *MATURE CONTENT
28
watermark
UNT837OL12_wkly_AnjelahHohnson_4.82x10.3 YOUR 1LGBT
4/13/12 19.09 2:43 PM LIFE. APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE
■
Orlando, Florida
■
www.mennellomuseum.com
Held in conjuction with the exhibition “IMPRINTS: 20 Years of Flying Horse Editions,” which is sponsored by the Friends of The Mennello Museum with funding from Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. The Mennello Museum of American Art is owned and operated by the City of Orlando. MMAA-Wtrmrk (4-13-12).indd 1
watermarkonline.com
4/13/12 11:25 AM
Kristen Connolly in The Cabin in the Woods.
The new Three Stooges.
The Three Stooges Starring Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Hudson, Sofia Vergara
Alex from Sioux City, Iowa, is one of the victims in Bully.
Screened Out MOVIE REVIEWS
Monsters and Morons Bully Documentary by Lee Hirsch
M
ANY OF US WINCE WHEN WE THINK
back to our school days. There was some jerk—or several—who made every moment a living Hell. Why? It could’ve been because we were gay, or fat, or tall, or just that we were different.
Stephen Miller
STEPHEN@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
Bully director Lee Hirsch �inds �ive harrowing, heart-breaking stories, letting them get personal. He shows how parents and teachers can be blind to these secret daily wars. In one case, he even shows how community bias implicitly encourages mistreatment. Bully also questions many of the approaches we currently take to countering this problem. With teenage suicide and bullying at the national forefront, this �ilm feels like required viewing for all students. (The MPAA initially gave this �ilm an R-rating for too many F-bombs, but recently lowered it to PG-13 because of the
importance of the subject.) There are a few small snags. Hirsch doesn’t really examine the perpetrators themselves. We don’t know why or how these children became this way. I assume they learn their biases at home, and they’re too myopic to realize the danger of their parents’ prejudice turned into their own power plays. Secondly, because Hirsch only picks people in conservative areas, we could assume this is a problem the erudite, educated and cultured people on the coasts don’t have to worry about. Still—for its overwhelming emotional impact—this is a �ilm worth seeing. A second �ilm might be how bullies, after viewing such destruction, adjust their perspectives. | |
The Cabin in the Woods Starring Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anne Hitchison, Fran Kranz , Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins
Whoever thought we’d see Oscarwinner Jennifer Hudson and Sean Brilliant producer/writer Josh Hayes—Jack of Will & Grace—in a Whedon—the creator behind Buffy the �ilm by the Farrelly brothers (the pair Vampire Slayer and Fire�ly—impresses behind Dumb and Dumber)? Yet, the fanboys and critics alike. Here is original Stooges, with their slapstick his version of a scary movie. TCITW idiocy, always did inspire wild glee possesses a typical horror movie plot: in both adults and eight-year-olds. �ive prototypical young people who So does it work in 2012? If �ind themselves abandoned in the you still like elaborate bitch-slap wilderness end up �ighting for their �ights and baby pee jokes, sure! lives among some gore or Larry, Moe, and Curley grossness like zombies or are all here (Hayes, Diamantopoulos, and Sasso, RATINGS GUIDE werewolves or murderous ghosts. However, Whedon respectively). They’ve grown and writer/director friend up in Sister Lynch and Sister Drew Goddard turn this Hudson’s orphanage. The boys’ Overflowing mythology on its ear. moronic, dangerous behaviors with glittery Is TCITW too smart for its have not only left them fabulousness own good? Yes, sometimes unadopted, it’s also driven the it does seem to be entirely orphanage to bankruptcy. To Pretty damn too self-aware. However, save the only home they’ve good, but it’s no how often can we say that known, the Stooges get Sunset Boulevard a horror movie is smart? Is embroiled in a stupid murder TCITW fun? It’s a blast! plot with sexy Columbian At this cabin are the Jock, An entertaining Vergara (of Modern Family). enough flick the Brain, and the Virgin. The casting is ideal, and the with perhaps They “transgress” in ways Farrellys do understand the a few holes like having sex or drinking humor and the pacing. The �ilm or just being jerks, and is formulated in three smaller then they get slaughtered Ever so slightly segments, like the old Stooge watchable, just for their sins. Why is it this shorts used to be. Finally, for that hot actor way? This movie has a cute the slapstick is explained to explanation, a sort of “man kids, so our progeny won’t behind the curtain” answer. go poking each other in the Two hours of Whedon’s approach does your life you’ll eyes or shoving live lobsters mean he has to give away a never get back down each other’s Pull-Ups. little very early—in fact, in However, I keep feeling the �irst scene of the �ilm. It robs the it could’ve been more. Even today, �ilm of some fear but ups the comedy, it’s �ine if the Stooges are violent oddly enough. This also has the added simpletons—they always were. bonus of making a horror �ilm for However, if the plot around them had audiences who dislike horror �ilms. been cleverer—think the Marx brothers Am I being deliberately vague? in Duck Soup—this goofy comedy Yes. I want you to be as surprised would’ve also been something the and delighted as I was. | | Stooges never were: surprising. | |
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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SCHEMEL: Yeah, there were some
private moments that people in the shots might have not wanted aired. Personally, for me, everything was up for grabs. As P. David explained, ‘that’s what makes a great story.’
EBERSOLE: (Laughs) There was only one scene she wouldn’t let me use. It was where she was wearing a dress. P. DAVID, AS A POLITICAL FILMMAKER, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WORK IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FILM GENRE?
HARD-HIT: Former Hole band member Patty Schemel’s battle against depression and drugs before—and after— making a name for herself as the band’s openly lesbian drummer is documented in Hit So Hard.
Little Drummer Girl DOCUMENTARY The lesbian drummer of Hole shares her story in the documentary Hit So Hard, screening in Sarasota
R
Anthony Paull ANTHONY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
AISED IN A FARM TOWN OUTSIDE
of Seattle, openly lesbian drummer Patty Schemel never dreamed her right foot would pedal the band Hole toward international stardom, de�ining the 90s grunge era with such hits as “Doll Parts” and “Miss World.”
One minute, she was swimming in accolades from critics and fans alike, resulting in a cover shoot for Rolling Stone. The next minute fame hit like a wave, drowning the angst-rock heroine in a sea of drug addiction, where she hit rock bottom the day she realized that she was homeless, sleeping in a parking lot. Detailing her triumphant tale, the P. David Ebersole-directed
30
rockumentary Hit So Hard: The Life and Near-Death story of Patty Schemel mashes up family and colleague interviews, along with never-before-seen tour footage shot on Schemel’s Hi-8 camera, to provide viewers with a glimpse into the life of the little drummer girl who once resided with Hole’s Courtney Love and her partner Kurt Cobain. Schemel, Ebersole and producer
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Todd Hughes spoke with Watermark about the �ilm, which will screen at the 2012 Harvey Milk Festival in Sarasota on Thursday, May 10. WATERMARK: PATTY, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RELEASE THIS FOOTAGE NOW, 20 YEARS AFTER THE RELEASE OF HOLE’S FIRST ALBUM? SCHEMEL: It happened rather by
accident. Christina Soletti saw the concert footage and said, “You should preserve this.” So Christina, who is my wife and a producer of the �ilm, got a dubbing deck and we started digitizing it. She spoke with P. David and Todd, and they thought ’there’s a great story here,’ and it just unraveled.
WAS THERE ANY FOOTAGE TOO PERSONAL TO RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC?
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
EBERSOLE: I think it was the ability of Patty to be so honest about the story. I thought the story could help people, telling the tale about what it’s like to be a young musician with temptations. It showed what it’s like to make it to the other side. There are other things as well, such as the fact that Patty was early on, openly gay. Also, she’s a rare woman drummer. I come from a strong feminist background, so putting together a story where a woman can hit hard like the ’big dude’ rock musicians—that was attractive to me. IN THE EARLY 90s, WHAT KIND OF OBSTACLES IN THE INDUSTRY DID YOU FACE AS AN OPENLY GAY MUSICIAN? SCHEMEL: You
know, I felt really protected within my band. There were the typical issues, like not getting enough respect as a female drummer, but I felt really safe doing press with my gays, with my people.
SCHEMEL: I was living in the
parking lot. I had been arrested. It was a moment where I thought, “I could die if I keep doing this.” WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO LIVE? SCHEMEL: Consuming more and
more drugs, the search for the next ’hit’ that could bring me back to the feeling of the �irst one.
AS A CLOSE FRIEND OF KURT COBAIN, HOW DID HIS DEATH INFLUENCE YOUR DRUG USE AT THE TIME?
Schemel: It increased a lot. Then, our bass player Kristen (Pfaff) overdosed. And then everyone decided to get clean and focus on the music. I didn’t want to talk about Kurt. I didn’t want to talk about [his daughter] Frances.
EBERSOLE: That’s what I think is interesting about the story. Kurt was Patty’s friend. Kristen was Patty’s friend. Whereas others were looking at these people as mythical �igures, Patty had to deal with the pain of a personal loss.
HUGHES: These kids went from playing in little bands to being huge superstars. And the industry didn’t care about them. It was all about what they could do to sell more records.
“There was only one scene she wouldn’t let me use—it was where she was wearing a dress.” —DIRECTOR P. DAVID EBERSOLE, REFERRING TO LESBIAN DRUMMER PATTY SCHEMEL
ON THE FILM’S WEBSITE, YOU ASKED FANS FOR $15,000 TO HELP COMPLETE THE PROJECT. WHAT WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ASPECT OF THE FILMING PROCESS? EBERSOLE: Ultimately, it was postproduction. We edited it at home. We digitized it ourselves. Once you take what’s on your computer and go to the post-facility, that’s when it gets expensive. Obtaining the interviews was cheap.
HUGHES: Yes, Patty helped with access to people. For instance, here’s Gina Schock’s (The Go-Go’s) phone number.
PATTY, TELL US ABOUT THE ’ROCKBOTTOM’ EVENT THAT MADE YOU BOUNCE BACK?
watermarkonline.com
DID YOU AGREE WITH THE MORE RADIO-FRIENDLY SOUND OF HOLE’S THIRD ALBUM, CELEBRITY SKIN?
SCHEMEL: Not so much. There were great songs. It’s really hard to listen to it, because of the story beneath it. I wrote some of the songs, but I’ll just leave it open.
HUGHES: A lot about this question is the crux of the movie. It’s what makes it interesting. PATTY, WITH THAT SAID, HAVE YOU AND COURTNEY ENTERTAINED THE THOUGHT OF COLLABORATING AGAIN?
SCHEMEL: No—but it could happen. | |
MORE INFORMATION
WHAT: Hit So Hard WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 5:30 p.m. WHERE: The Selby Library, 1331 1st St., Sarasota TICKETS: Available at the door for a donation
| | Una Voce Anniversary from pg.27
of them has sung in high school, college, community or church choirs. Some have theater backgrounds.” Counting non-performing members, Una Voce has 54 men active in the organization from throughout Tampa Bay. Of those, �ive are original members. “Una Voce is Latin for ‘One Voice,’” Barker explains, “and that’s what the focus was—to get a group of guys together that would sing and act as one and be part of the community as one. The emphasis is on solidarity and on the single focus of being excellent in men’s choral music.” Today, Una Voce is a staple in Tampa Bay, performing charity concerts for LGBT organizations, churches, cancer research fundraisers and more. The group cherishes the community that has supported it so strongly for 10 years. “The community support is incredibly strong and we get more invitations to perform than we can actually manage,” Barker says. “Those relationships are continuing to grow.”
A NEW SPOTLIGHT
The collective members of
That’s the focus—
to get a group of guys together to sing and act as one and be part of the community as one. —TOM BARKER, UNA VOCE MANAGING DIRECTOR Una Voce are excited for April 28, according to Barker. Performing at the Palladium theater is, in itself, an exciting experience. But having a large presence in the community for a decade is a milestone—and one Barker doesn’t take lightly. What is also exciting is the nation’s new love affair with choral music, thanks to hit shows like NBC’s SMASH and FOX’s Glee. “Those two shows have helped create a broader audience than we’ve ever seen before,” Barker says. “It’s brought choral music to the forefront.” Barker is a fan of both shows and appreciates the level of detail in SMASH, which documents a production’s creation from its raw beginnings. “It gives people insight into how
much time and commitment it takes to be a performer and to be part of an ensemble,” Barker says. “It shows that choral singers are performers who are dedicated to practice and commitment.” The fabulous numbers in both shows also adds pressure to choral groups like Una Voce, Barker admits. “You see in Glee each week that these people aren’t just standing and singing with a book in their hands— they are performing,” Barker says. “That’s what we want to do and who we want to be. You have to make contact with the audience.”
PLANNING AHEAD
While Una Voce’s “10” concert is sure to be a hit and is the main focus of the group right now, it doesn’t mean the men aren’t looking further
ahead. In fact, they’re already well into rehearsals for this year’s GALA Choruses festival, which is in Denver, Colo., in July. There, Una Voce will be one of more than 240 gay and lesbian choruses from all over the world performing for each other and celebrating their love of music. “We have an arrangement of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You,’ which we’ll perform at the ’10’ concert, and a new take on N’Sync’s ‘Bye, Bye, Bye.’” The group is also already piecing together its annual holiday concert, scheduled for December, and several fundraising performances peppered throughout the year. “We’re performing at several local churches and we’re heavily involved with St. Pete Pride this year,” Barker says. “We’re doing a bene�it concert
for Metro Wellness Community Centers and we’ll once again sing the National Anthem at Tropicana Field before the Tampa Bay Rays take the �ield.” Barker says he’s con�ident in Una Voce both musically and �inancially, adding that the �inancial stability of the group makes him incredibly proud. “Productions cost about $10,000,” he says. “The sustainability of the chorus is a direct re�lection on the board’s commitment to make Una Voce a vital part of this community. There are a lot of people hanging on by shoestrings these days. It takes a lot of time, effort and energy to make sure we’re sustaining ourselves and we want to continue to grow our budget so we can continue entertaining and embracing the community.” | |
MORE INFORMATION
WHO: Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale WHAT: “10,” the 10th Anniversary Concert WHERE: The Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28 TICKETS: $25-$60 at Una-Voce.org or 855-862-8623
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O rlando
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ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT EVENT PLANNER QUICK PICKS Tampa
Bare: A Pop Opera THROUGH APRIL 29 Straz Center MADTheater.org
Orlando
The Lion King
THROUGH MAY 13 Bob Carr Center BobCarr.Orlando-Theatre.com 407-849-2577
ORLANDO
10th Annual Orlando Cabaret Festival
I
t’s a big year for the Orlando Cabaret Festival. The Mad Cow Theatre’s intimate two-theater complex in downtown Orlando features eight performers in its unique cabaret performances May 4-15. Fans of Broadway musicals and jazz
and pop music will enjoy these original productions. The one that caught our attention is A Gay Night For Singing, which looks at gay culture over the years through the world of entertainment. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time to catch the festival’s other three cabarets: It Was A
CLEARWATER
The Rocky Horror Show
Pro Shop Pub Anniversary Bash
then again, we all know the story. Bring your water guns, toilet paper and toast to the park to truly enjoy a night of campy fun along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. And the muscled Rocky is an added bonus to gay men and straight women alike. The Rocky Horror Show runs through May 13 with a special Pride Night on Saturday, April 28. For tickets and details, visit AmericanStage.org or call 727823-7529. | |
The Vibrator Play
Very Good Year: 1962; An Animated Night of Cabaret and And The Tony Goes To… All four shows feature classic songs from legendary musicals and will surely, as in year’s past, cater to a very LGBT packed audience. For tickets and a full schedule, visit OrlandoCabaret.com. | |
ST. PETERSBURG It doesn’t get much gayer than The Rocky Horror Show— and casting well known out actors in lead roles just ups the rainbow ante. That’s why fans of the classic interactive musical are so excited about the 27th Annual American Stage in the Park presentation of the creepy comedy. The show stars Matthew McGee as the cross dressing Dr. Frank’n’Furter who meets the stranded, squeaky-clean sweethearts Janet and Brad when they arrive on his doorstep after car trouble. But
St. Petersburg
For 36 years, the Pro Shop Pub has been the place for LGBTs to socialize, dance and enjoy a cocktail or two. The iconic building on Cleveland Street will celebrate its anniversary on Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29, with special events. The bar has a lot to celebrate. Not only is it considered the oldest gay bar in Pinellas County, its history has been anything but smooth. It survived an arson attempt by an anti-gay neighbor in 1980 and the
odd uproar over a rusty pipe bracket that a local church group swore was phallic. But all that is in the past, and now the Pro Shop Pub is focused on celebrating another anniversary. According to bar manager Steve Pearson, the weekend will be emceed by Natasha Richards, and male dancers and a street performer are expected on both nights. For more details, visit Pro Shop Pub on Facebook or go to ProShopPub.us. | |
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
MAY 3-20 FreeFall Theatre FreeFallTheatre.com 727498-5205
Kissimmee Hairspray
MAY 4-20 Osceola Center for the Arts OCFTA.com 407-846-4643
Sarasota Oliver!
THROUGH MAY 5 The Golden Apple TheGoldenApple.com 941-366-5454
MORE INFORMATION For more events or to submit your upcoming show, concert or performance, visit WatermarkOnline.com.
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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at Hyde Park Village Local Foods • Hand Crafts • Live Music Parking is Always Complimentary at Hyde Park Village
Pride & Passion
Apples $1
Corn $5
Lettuce $4.50
Sunday, May 6 10 am - 3 pm First Sunday of Every Month Vendor Information: TampaBayMarkets.com HydeParkVillage.net
Eggplant $3
Flowers $7
Saturday, May 19, 2012 8p - midnight
Hyde Park Village, Swann & Dakota Avenues, Tampa
We Are Pleased To Announce Three New Programs:
Mental Health Counseling Substance Abuse Counseling Department of Health Eligibility Screening for Ryan White Programs and Services
We Continue To Offer:
Proceeds from Pride & Passion support Museum exhibitions and educational programs
Tickets and information:
tampamuseum.org/events/pride-passion presenting sponsor:
Family Case Management Ryan White Case Management Project AIDS Care (PAC) Case Management Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services (CRCS) VOICES (Condom Negotiations Skills classes) Limited Emergency Financial Assistance Medical Co-Pay Assistance Program Food and Personal Needs Pantry Brighter Seasons for Children Free Rapid HIV Testing Advance Care Planning Monthly Client Dinner Social Support Group HIV Update Classes • Eligibility Requirements Apply • Visit us or call one of our three locations in Pinellas County: 3050 1st Ave South 1214 Cleveland Street 4601 34th Street South St. Petersburg Clearwater Flamingo Resort/St. Petersburg 727-328-3260 727-449-2437 727-321-7600 www.asapservices.org and LIKE us on Facebook
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ShotonSite
Tampa Bay
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1- POLITICAL PALS: (L-R) Steve Kornell, Bobby Poth, Michael Smith and Eric Hutton smile before hearing Nadine Smith’s State of the State address at the Dali Museum on April 21. PHOTO COURTESY
LAURIE ROSS
2- HISTORIC DAY: (L-R) Rich Kerin, Carrie West, Councilwoman Yolie Capin, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Mark Bias after Buckhorn signed the ordinance for Tampa’s Domestic Partnership Registry on April 12. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST
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3- TRASH TALKER: Emcee Melanie Minyon hosting the Miss Trailer Trash pageant at Gaspars Grotto on April 15. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST
4- ROCKER: Singer Tammy Hatch performs during Springfest at Christ the Cornerstone Church in Pinellas Park on April 15. PHOTO BY
STEVE BLANCHARD
5- TALKIN’ ISSUES: Nadine Smith gives her State of the State address at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg on April 21 during the Equality Florida Pinellas Gala. PHOTO COURTESY LAURIE ROSS 6- SURREAL BENEFIT: (L-R) Jacob Hamm, Chris Rudisill, Robert Laman and John-Paul Comas during the Equality Florida Pinellas Gala at the Dali Museum April 21. PHOTO COURTESY LAURIE ROSS 7- DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: (L-R) Housewives teammates Jeff Klein, DJ Iorio and Keith Gill during a softball fundraising pool party at the Gay St. Pete Guest House April 22. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 8- GIRL GROUP: Karmic Tattoo performed on the patio of the Oar House on April 22.
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OVERHEARD SAWMILL REPORTS RECORD NUMBERS Maybe it was the record high temperatures this past winter— or maybe the anticipation for RuPaul’s only stateside concert in 2012. But whatever the reason, Sawmill Campground in Dade City reported record breaking membership numbers in the �irst quarter of the year. According to President George Cressman, nearly 2,000 paid members joined Sawmill between Jan. 1 and March 31. “Our community is de�initely growing and at a rate that far exceeded our expectations for winter months,” he said. Sawmill general manager Stan Gorsky said the boom in membership is
an all-time �irst quarter record for the campground co-op, which celebrated its �irst year anniversary in early April. Sawmill brought in super drag queen RuPaul the last weekend of March to celebrate its �irst year as a co-op. The diva’s appearance sold out the campground, which was �illed to capacity.
MR. CODE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
Okay, so Steve Hedrick already took the stage to win Mr. Code on March 24—but now the handsome St. Petersburg resident is parading his leatherman title around the Flamingo Resort to raise money for his upcoming showing at IML in Chicago.
Hedrick will work as an ambassador during Dining Out For Life on April 26 and meet and greet diners at the Flamingo Resort. On May 13, an of�icial send-off party for Hedrick will feature the Tampa Leather Club, Tampa Bay Bears, the Bondage Club and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during the Flamingo’s weekly T-Dance. Jello shots, 50/50 raf�le tickets and baskets—the straw kind �illed with goodies— will be up for bid.
DRAG QUEEN BINGO ARRIVES IN LAKELAND It was only a matter of time before Arica Love arrived in Lakeland. The hostess of charity events in and around Tampa
Bay announced that she, along with Chyna Nicole and Miss Conundrum, will host Drag Queen Bingo every Wednesday at Club Karma in Lakeland. The new alternative night club is open until 2 a.m. every day but Tuesdays, and bingo begins at 7 p.m. every single Wednesday. Different charities will bene�it from patrons’ generosity and the energy of the local entertainers. The new club is within the Regal Grand Hotel and opens at 3 p.m.
GET YOUR “LIP-SCHTICK” ON!
David “Scarbie” Mitchell will bring his popular impersonation skills to the Tampa Metropolitan
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
Community Church on May 5 to raise money for Francis House. Mitchel’s Lip-Schtick features his best impersonations—from Carol Burnett’s Mama’s Family character “Eunice” to Lily Tomlin’s infamous telephone operator “Ernestine.” Mitchell was featured in Logo’s PTown Diaries and has performed in Provincetown theaters for several years. He is also a staple throughout Sarasota and Venice. Now in its sixth year, Lip-Schtick continues to gain popularity and is suited for all audiences. Tickets are available at the door and VIP tickets include a wine and cheese meet-and-greet after the show. For advance tickets, call 813239-1951. | |
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
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ShotonSite 1
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ORLANDO
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1– MAGIC MUSHROOMS: Watermark blogger Scottie Campbell (left) and artist Doug Rhodehamel planted paper mushrooms at Park Avenue Central Park for Earth Day. PHOTO BY BRENDAN O’CONNOR 2– GO WEST: Jason Fox Holstein (right and pictured with Mariruth Kennedy and Sam McClure) headed west for the Tampa Bay Business Guild’s LGBT business certification seminar at the Tampa Marriott Westshore on April 10. PHOTO COURTESY JASON HOLSTEIN 3– MILK MONEY: Jack and Margo Dixon joined state representative candidate Linda Stewart for a Harvey Milk Foundation fundraiser at the home of Gary Baron and Richard Szadek April 19. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN
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4– SAY IT AGAIN: Gala host and Watermark publisher Tom Dyer gave lessons on how to correctly pronounce MBA vice president Mikael Audebert’s name at the Pride in Business awards gala April 20 at The Mezz. PHOTO COURTESY THUNDERCLAP! PHOTOGRAPHY
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5– THE DESTINATION: On April 19, George Griffin from the ACLU spoke to the Volusia County Council about the three year journey towards Volusia’s proposed domestic partner registry. PHOTO BY JOE SAUNDERS 6– NEW CONCEPT: A team of students from UCF’s Advanced Design Lab proposed new concepts for Park Lake Presbyterian Church’s Faith Arts Village Orlando April 19–20. PHOTO BY SCOTT MCCAULEY 7– MIXING IT UP: Daniel Rencher and Linda Tice mixed and mingled at Watermark’s Third Thursday Social, April 19 at the Winter Park Fish Company. PHOTO BY SCOTT MCCAULEY 8– TRIVIAL LOVE: Hamburger Mary’s server (and Watermark contributor) Kirk Hartlage gave trivia host Doug Ba’aser a little sugar during trivia night at Hamburger Mary’s. PHOTO BY JAMIE HYMAN.
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OVERHEARD MILK MONEY On Thursday, April 19, Watermark publisher Tom Dyer and Gary Baron and Richard Szadek played host to Stuart Milk at a bene�it for the Harvey Milk Foundation. More than 50 of Orlando’s opulent gathered at the home of Baron and Szadek to hear Stuart talk about “The State of Global Equality.” As part of the fundraiser, Jack Dixon—in a �irsttime role—auctioned off Harvey Milk memorabilia. Despite guests’ fears of falling into the lavish pool that encompassed a large part of the mingling area, there were no incidents. However, just before introducing Stuart, Pride in Business Awards emcee, Tom Dyer had to make a brief exit when he realized the new suit he had just
purchased from Stein Mart still had the anti-theft device attached. The most memorable sighting of the night seemed to be the arrival of George Zimmerman attorney Mark O’Mara. The intimate gathering also included Gina Duncan, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Commissioner Daisy Lynum, Rep. Scott Randolph & Susannah Randolph, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Hon. Alex Sink, Hon. Val Demings, Hon. Jerry Demings, Hon. Alan Grayson. The Harvey Milk Foundation serves as a beacon, particularly to LGBT youth in the 80-plus countries where their existence is illegal and even dangerous. Stuart has traveled to �ive continents to spread Harvey’s message of hope, pride and inclusion to legislatures and
world leaders. For more info, visit MilkFoundation.org
LET’S HEAR IT FOR MISS P
Leigh Shannon, along with the Valencia Theater, has established a scholarship fund in order to bene�it future students. The scholarship was created in memory of Paul Wegman, aka Miss P, the legendary Orlando entertainer, actor and director who passed in 2004. The Valencia Foundation scholarship is mostly funded by members of the theater community who knew and loved Paul. Currently, they are just $1,150 shy of reaching the point where the scholarship will be endowed. In order for it to live on in perpetuity and continue
bene�iting theater students, please contact Leigh Shannon at 407897-2117 or stop by Ritzy Rags to make a donation. Besides directing, Wegman starred in many shows at the Valencia Theater. Among his most memorable roles at the college were “Salieri” in Amadeus, “Dodge” in Buried Child, and “Malvolio” in Twelfth Night.
ONE-STOP GAY SHOP
Forward-thinking, LGBT e-commerce destination, LoveAndPride.com celebrated its seventh anniversary April 24 by announcing it will donate $2,500 to openly gay political candidates supporting marriage equality. In a press release, the company said candidates will be selected
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund’s endorsements, and LoveAndPride’s donation will be made through Campaign Political Action Committees (CPACs) who support those candidates. The company has also redesigned its website, expanding beyond lesbian and gay designer jewelry collections, into full-�ledged lifestyle brand featuring street wear, beauty and home categories. Motivated by its founding principles of equality, tolerance and diversity, the company still donates a percentage of net proceeds—in some cases up to 100%—to charitable organizations bene�itting the LGBT community. LoveAndPride has donated more than $380,000 to organizations over its 7-year history.” | |
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Bipolar Disorder causes sadness, irritability, MOOD SWINGS?
REEVES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
emotional “ups” and “downs” and sleep problems.
Welcomes All LGBT’S With Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Enjoy your “Special Days” Have fun in the sun and under the stars, then join us on “Son” day June 3rd 2012 for worship at 10:00am. Reeves United Methodist Church is a vibrant faith community sharing the acceptance and love of Jesus Christ with YOU.
Having mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder. This condition is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed and can affect one's job and school performance, damage relationships, and disrupt daily life. Linda Harper, MD with CNS Healthcare is conducting a research study to test an investigational study medication for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Call 407.425.5100
Reeves United Methodist Church 1100 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 407-896-2734 • www.reevesumc.org
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©2011, Clinical Neuroscience Solutions, Inc.
watermarkonline.com
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watermark
IN DEPTH DPR
DOMESTIC PARTNER
REGISTRY
What it is, why it matters and why you should care
W
Jamie Hyman JAMIE@WATERMARKONLINE.COM
HEN SHE ENCOUNTERS CITIZENS WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY
communities need domestic partner registries, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan tells the story of her friend Henry, who hated the idea of a his body being buried in the ground. Henry expressed to his partner his desire to be cremated, but his communication about his wishes stopped there. When Henry died, his partner did not have any legal rights to end-of-life decisions, so Henry was buried. In addition to mourning the loss of his love, Henry’s partner also had to attend a funeral that he knew, intimately, was against
Henry’s wishes. It made an already gut-wrenching situation even more dif�icult. Burial decisions are just one of the rights automatically granted to heterosexual married partners. While same-sex marriage remains illegal in
the state of Florida, a growing number of gay couples now have access to domestic partner registries. Through registration, same-sex couples become entitled to a subset of the
Continued on page 41 | |
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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I AM POSITIVE. Educating. inspiring. changing pErcEption. People with HIV are fathers, grandmothers, friends and neighbors. They are people you pass on the street and people you meet. And they have one important characteristic in common with us all: they are human beings. The Faces of HIV project offers an intimate look at Florida residents living with HIV and AIDS through captivating portraits, insightful interviews and poignant journal writing. To watch their stories, read their journals and to view the mobile art exhibit schedule, visit wemakethechange.com/faces.
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002272 BPP Watermark v2.indd 1
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watermarkonline.com
2/24/12 1:10 PM
DPR TIMELINE For first time in Florida, it recognizes domestic partner families
as families.
May 22, 2011:
Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer sends a letter to Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs, encouraging the county to join the city in establishing a domestic partnership registry.
June 14, 2011:
Mayor Jacobs responds via letter, promising to review the issue but making no commitment on timing.
June 21, 2011:
Three Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee (OADO) members attend County Commission meeting to urge the commissioners to move forward on the issue.
October 2011: Dec. 5, 2011: Dec. 12, 2011: Jan. 9, 2012:
City of Orlando staff write domestic partner registry ordinance.
City of Orlando schedules first of two public hearings on domestic partnership registry.
—MARY MEEKS, ATTORNEY AND ACTIVIST
Orlando City Commission unanimously approves domestic partnership registry.
| | In Depth: DPR from pg.39
rights granted by heterosexual marriage. In Orlando, registered couples receive the following protections: hospital visitation, rights to health care decisions, correctional facility visitation, rights to funeral/burial decisions, guardianship and the right for both domestic partners to participate in the education of their children. That is the standard set of protections provided by most domestic partner registries that currently exist in the state of Florida. Attorney Mary Meeks, Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (OACO) committee member, said the registries she’s been �ighting for provide the most crucial rights and bene�its that are legally available at the local level. “We believe it signi�icantly improves the quality of people’s lives to be able to be involved in the most important life and death decisions in your partner’s and children’s’ lives, even though you have no legal connection to your family,” Meeks says. Some who have opposed registries have said they’re redundant, which Meeks says is a myth. “A lot of people still seem to think that through legal
documents, we can create the equivalent of those rights [provided by domestic partner registries] and that’s simply a very dangerous misconception that is not true,” she says. “In your own family, you shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer and spend thousands of dollars to create a stack of legal documents that may not be correct, you’d have to carry with you in every moment in your life and which can be disregarded.”
SURGE FROM THE SOUTH Florida’s �irst domestic partner registry was established in Key West in 1998. Over the next few years, several South Florida cities and counties followed suit, including Broward County, Miami Beach, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach and all of Monroe County. The domestic partner registry trend didn’t kick off in Central Florida until December 2011, when the Orlando City Council approved a registry. Since then, registries have spread like wild�ire across the region, with full approval in Tampa and pending registry ordinances in Clearwater, Gulfport, St. Petersburg and Volusia County. “The bigger message is that community leaders, elected of�icials and commissions, are stepping up to do this and see a trend in Florida,” said Joe
Saunders, Equality Florida Field Director. “This is the right thing to do and this is the smart thing to do.” Sheehan said she’s “very proud” to see an ordinance she fought for catching on in other communities. “I think what happens is when you do something like a domestic partner registry and there’s all the positive publicity and support from community, it’s easier for other communities to hop on board,” she said.
GAY RIGHTS = POLITICAL POWERHOUSE For perhaps the �irst time in history, there is evidence of real political clout to be gained by supporting gay rights issues… and consequences. Sheehan pointed out that all three Orlando commissioners who voted against proposed non-discrimination ordinances in 2002—Mayor Glenda Hood, Commissioner Vicki Vargo and Commissioner Don Ammerman—did not get reelected. Beyond personal politics, advocates argue that domestic partner registries don’t just bene�it the registered couple— they bene�it communities at large. “Every time we do something
Central Florida LGBT activists call an emergency meeting to address the issue of a countywide domestic partner registry after Mayor Jacobs proposes a form-based system that activists call a “sham.”
Jan. 12, 2012:
Orlando begins registering domestic partners. Mayor Jacobs releases statement clarifying her position on domestic partner registry, stating that she is still evaluating possible actions.
Jan. 13, 2012: Jan. 26, 2012: Feb. 21, 2012:
Mayor Jacobs tells the media she’s warming to the idea of a domestic partner ordinance. Mayor Jacobs and LGBT activists meet to discuss a countywide domestic partnership registry.
Mayor Jacobs presents domestic partnership registry plan to county commissioners, who do not hold a formal vote but decide to move forward.
Feb. 24, 2012:
Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin asks city staff to create domestic partnership registry ordinance.
March 15, 2012: April 5, 2012:
Tampa City Council gives unanimous first approval to domestic partnership registry.
Tampa City Council approves domestic partnership registry in final vote. On the same day, St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell introduces a domestic partnership registry to council.
April 12, 2012: April 16, 2012: April 19, 2012:
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn signs domestic partnership registry. Clearwater City Council requests domestic partnership registry ordinance.
Gulfport City Council considers domestic partner registry, requests ordinance from staff. Volusia Council decides to move forward on domestic partner registry.
June, 2012:
Tampa’s city clerk expects to begin registering domestic partners.
Continued on page 42 | |
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
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T H Y E B N R U P MBE D
S R
30
$
Cost to register as domestic partners in Orlando
400 10
Couples registered so far under Orlando’s domestic partner registry (AS OF PRESS TIME)
30
$
Cost to $ Expected terminate a cost to domestic partnership register as domestic in Orlando partners in Tampa
5
NUMBER OF RIGHTS THE DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRIES IN ORLANDO AND TAMPA GRANTS COUPLES
50
$
Proposed cost for domestic partner registry in Volusia County and Gulfport
30-$50
$
Proposed cost or domestic partner registry in St. Petersburg
1 200
NUMBER OF RIGHTS , AUTOMATICALLY GRANTED TO LEGALLY MARRIED COUPLES
OTHER FLORIDA CITIES AND COUNTIES THAT HAVE APPROVED DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY: Broward County
Gainesville
| | In Depth: DPR from pg.41
for equality, it makes the city look good,” said St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell. ““It says, ‘Come here, your employees will be welcome.’” Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne “Yolie” Capin said the registry “reinforces our diversity,” and Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern said the fact that the registry has not been controversial is proof that the community realizes “it’s the right thing to do.” Saunders added that the bene�its extend beyond a community’s reputation, as
42
Miami-Dade County Palm Beach County
domestic partner registries can translate into real dollars. “It’s an advantage for economic development,” he said. “These registries give [corporations] more incentive and a competitive advantage to move in. Those that don’t create registries will fall behind.”
FINALLY, SOME RECOGNITION!
While LGBT advocates mainly cite the business side of domestic partner registries, outlining why the bene�its
watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.
Miami Beach West Palm Beach
themselves are important, it’s clear that there’s a deeper, symbolic motivation in the �ight for the right to be registered with a same sex partner. On the �irst day the City of Orlando registered domestic partners, the atmosphere was decidedly matrimonial, with a wedding cake in the lobby, hired
APRIL 26-MAY 9, 2012 // ISSUE 19.09
Key West
photographers, modest �lower bouquets and a live harpist commissioned for the occasion. Those symbols hinted that for many couples, the registry is a way to declare an emotional, romantic commitment in a state where same-sex marriage remains illegal. “Symbolically, it’s hugely
watermarkonline.com
important because for �irst time in Florida, it recognizes domestic partner families as families,” Meeks said. “That’s a hugely important thing that has never happened for [gay couples] before.” A domestic partner registry is subjacent to marriage and it does not represent equality. However, while same-sex couples are legally barred from obtaining marriage certi�icates, a laminated domestic partner registry card may be the best way for gay couples to declare that they are committed, devoted and in love. | |
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tampa bay marketplace
SAYING GOODBYE: Former president of the Tampa Bay Business Guild John Dunne passed away April 15.
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CHANGE-OF-LIFE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Passings
Congratulations
Former Tampa Bay Business Guild president and Pinellas County-based attorney John Dunne passed away April 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was 77. Dunne moved to St. Petersburg in 1990, where he set up his law practice in Seminole. He is remembered for his support of many charities and the arts community. He is survived by two sons and a daughter, several grandchildren and his partner of 23 years, Ed Hayes. A memorial service took place on April 23.
Orlando attorney Mary Meeks received the Joy MCC Social Justice Award on April 17 for her ongoing commitment to social justice throughout her career. Meeks has been especially involved in Orlando’s Domestic Partnership Registry recently. Also honored during the dinner was Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Former Orlando businessman and resident Michael Baker passed away in March. Baker, 51, lived in Orlando in the early 2000s before relocating to Jacksonville, Fla., and then to Thomasville, Ga. Baker was a landscaper and gardener and owned Gecko Gardens. He is survived by his partner of 20-plus years, Jason Little.
Anniversaries Orlando’s Framing of Central Florida celebrates its 19-year business anniversary this May. Orlando partners Fern Fournier and Elliott Barber CPA celebrate 49 years together on May 6. Orlando partners Dawn Rosendahl and Cheryl Turner celebrate 25 years together April 28.
Local Birthdays Parliament House owner Don Granatstein, Hope & Help events maven Julie Noda and app whiz Randy Shepard (April 28); St. Pete hotel manager Tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor Anthony Quaglieri and UCF’s former GLBSU president and activist Jessica Osborn (April 30); Watermark account manager and fashionista Josh Evans and vegan and speed demon Jamie Shaffer (May 2); GaYbor District Coalition founder and some-time political candidate Carrie West (May 3); Tampa Crowbar owner Bonnie Plumbtree (May 4); State Rep’s better half Susannah Randolph (May 5); Talent Quest Florida founder and legal husband to Watermark editor Steve Blanchard, Phil Garris and Chainsaw-wielding derby girl Chelsea Selby (May 6); Bradenton resident and Trinity Charities Program Coordinator Bruce Fournier and Wet Nurse drummer Vanessa Brewster (May 7).
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DEAR TRUTH, y partner of 10 years and I recently decided to open up our relationship, with a few ground rules: We don’t �launt our sexual encounters in each other’s faces, we’re always safe and we never bring anyone into our home for sex. Overall, our “don’t ask don’t tell” policy has helped us avoid any kind of con�lict. Last week I met a guy from online and after we had some fun at his place, he told me that he had been with my partner a week before. He shared that he saw a picture of me and my partner at my house. I’m not real thrilled that my partner had someone else in my bed, but I don’t want to mess up our arrangement. How do I address this? Or, should I just get over it and move on? Double Dipping in Tampa —DEAR DOUBLE D The Truth has heard every possible rationalization for two men to have an open relationship. “Men are naturally sexual beings.” “My partner and I have differing sex drives.” “It’s just sex; I love my partner.” But here comes the Truth: I’ve never heard of an ongoing open relationship that lasts. I’m sure they’re out there and I’m equally sure that �loods of letters will appear in the Truth’s inbox sharing the details of one happily polyamorous relationship after another. But I’ve never actually seen one that works—as in seen it with my own two eyes. It’s simple: you’re putting sex before your relationship. No matter how ‘transparent’ the arrangement, keeping any sort of secret from your singular life partner is problematic. An open relationship feels like a door closing to me. It inevitably requires some component of sneaking around and secretkeeping. The fact that he ‘broke’ the rules (which all seem fairly arbitrary to me) indicates that the sliding has already begun. The greatest risk is this: If you’re not getting out of your relationship what you’d like sexually, when you do �ind exactly what you seek in the sack, are you really going to be able to separate that from your feelings? Particularly for men, feelings of sex and love are connected. If someone is a �irecracker in
bed, you start to see them differently out of it. That’s human nature. You ask whether you should address this with your partner or just get over it and move on. You’re leaving out an obvious, third option: Stop.
I
DEAR TRUTH, am a bisexual woman in my 30s who has a long-term man in my life. “Teddy” and I have spent the past �ive years under the same roof and we spend most of our time together. When we �irst met I was honest with him about my sexuality and he was okay with me spending some one-on-one time with other women once in awhile. Recently I asked Teddy if he would register as my domestic partner in Orlando so he can speak for me in case of a medical emergency. He declined my offer, saying he would rather get married than be in a domestic partnership. I’m not sure how to respond to this. He didn’t outright propose, but I now know that’s the only option if I want to take that next big step with him. I’m reluctant to get married. How can I convince him that registering would be in our best interest? —NOT BRIDE MATERIAL
An open relationship feels like a door closing.
Dear Run-From-It Bride, What’s the big diff? Sorry to be so blunt but I think you’re putting too �ine a point on the designation. While people in your situation now have the additional right to enter into a domestic partnership with your chosen partner, straight (or in your case bi-sexual) people in Florida also have the opportunity to become domestic partners the old fashioned way: by getting married. I don’t see why if you have a real desire to share some legal connection with Teddy, and he prefers marriage to domestic partnership, why not meet him half way and get married? You don’t have to take his name; you don’t even have to have a service or a ring. But unlike a same-sex couple in a state which prohibits marriage for them, you have alternatives. Teddy sounds like a wonderfully understanding man. If he wants to, let him put a ring on it. | |
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Tarheels join ‘It Gets Better’ crusade Staff Report
Wire Report
K
NOXVILLE, TENN. | A relaxed and smiling Pat Summitt said it’s been a “great ride” and it is the right time for her to step down after coaching the Tennessee Lady Vols for nearly four decades. “It has been a privilege,” the Hall of Fame coach said during a press conference April 19. Summitt will become head coach emeritus and longtime assistant Holly Warlick has been promoted to replace her. “I just felt like it was time for me to step down knowing that Holly was going to be in great hands,” said Summitt, who revealed in August 2011 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type. “She’s a great coach and you know I’m going to
continue to support her. You know it’s never a good time but you have to �ind the time that you think is the right time and that is now.” Summitt, who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball during her 38 years at Tennessee, discussed the decision to step aside on the court named for her after her 1,000th win. “It was really a great ride for me,” Summitt said. The ride on the coaching carousel may be over for Summitt, but there are other challenges and honors ahead. The White House says later this year Summitt will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. President Barack Obama said Summitt is an “inspiration” as the coach who has won more games than anyone else in NCAA college
Pat Summitt has handed her whistle over to her long-time assistant, Holly Warlick, after 38 years as the Lady Vols head basketball coach.
basketball history and for her willingness to “speak so openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer’s.” During the press conference, Summitt, 59, called Warlick over and handed her a whistle. “It is now time to turn over my whistle to you,” said Summitt, who hugged Warlick and the crowed gave them a standing ovation. Every Lady Vol player who has completed her eligibility at Tennessee graduated under Summitt. | |
C
hapel Hill, N.C. | Athletes from the University of North Carolina, including those from football and baseball, have join forces to make a video for the It Gets Better Project. According to OutSports.com, the video was started by out Associate Athletic Communications director, Dave Lohse, who told the site the video was not a hard sell. “The genesis of the video is that I approached Cricket Lane, one of our assistant athletic directors, last fall about doing an It Gets Better video,” Lohse told OutSports.com. From there, Lohse said, a Facebook group was formed and volunteers �looded the page. Representatives from all 28 athletic programs at the university wanted to participate, he added. “There were so many student-athletes who volunteered that we basically said ‘yes’ to whoever contacted us,” Lohse explained. “We felt it really didn’t make any difference what sport they represented.” Lohse said he does not know the sexual orientations of all the student-athletes involved. To view the video, �ind it on the It Gets Better YouTube channel. | |
sports
Summit steps aside as coach after 38 years
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