Watemark Issue 21.14: St. Pete Pride Post Coverage by Watermark Publishing Group

NIGHT PARADE OR WHATEVER THIS WOULD BE A SUB HEAD ABOUT THE

ST. PETE PRIDE

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • ISSUE 21.14 • JULY 3 - JULY 16, 2014 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

AT NIGHT!

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

FLORIDA COURT HEARS MARRIAGE

EQUALITY CASE

OUTFEST TO CELEBRATE THE MODERN FAMILY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

C M EQU

PRIDE AT NIGHT ST. PETE PRIDE BOASTS 200,000 WEEKEND ATTENDANCE WITH ITS FIRST NIGHT PARADE AND SEPARATE STREET FESTIVAL

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DEPARTMENTS 6 // MAIL 8 // ORLANDO NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 17 // STATE 20 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 27 // IN DEPTH 33 // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 39 // COMMUNITY CALENDAR 41 // TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 43 // ORLANDO OVERHEARD 45 // TRANSITIONS 46 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 47 // SPORTS 48 // ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

PAGE

Although we are happy that Gay Days is expanding into South Florida, we are disappointed about your choice of dates. — RICK SICLARI, CARE RESOURCE CEO

ON THE COVER

PAGE

PAGE Members of St. Petersburg’s

on Bikes lead off 12 Dykes the first-ever St. Pete

Pride night parade on June 28. The women’s group traditionally clears the way for the parade every year. Photo by Carl Clay Photography

Preview

33 STAYIN’ CLASSY:

(L-R) Blue Starr, Peg O’Keef, Sam Singhaus and Beth Marshall star in an updated version of The Ladies of Eola Heights at The Abbey. PHOTO COURTESY THE ABBEY

WATERMARK ISSUE 21.14 //J ULY 3 - J ULY 16, 2014

ORLANDO NEWS

TAMPA BAY NEWS

PAGE Orlando Center’s executive

PAGE St. Pete Pride brought in

MARRIAGE RULING

LOOKING BACK

Read it online!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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

director Randy Stephens resigned his position after five years with the non-profit; Family Outfest celebrates the modern family throughout the July 4 weekend; Transgender prote ctions a step closer to reality; more.

a record 200,000 people to the city’s Grand Central District during its newly expanded celebration; St. Petersburg assistant police chief Melanie Bevan is in the running to become the head of her department.

PAGE On July 3, a Miami court

heard arguments on the constitutionality of Florida’s ban on marriage equality in the state. We offer a new marriage map that shows where same-sex marriages are legal and where litigation is pending throughout the 50 states.

PAGE In 2005, Steven Lorenzo was

of conspiring with 53 convicted Scott Schweickert to drug

and rape Tampa area men. And in 2006, the marriage equality battle was heating up in the wake of Massachusetts’ decision to issue same-sex marriage licenses two years prior.

S E E I F Y O U W E R E C A U G H T BY O U R C A M E R A S D U R I N G T H I S Y E A R ’ S S T . P E T E P R I D E AT WAT E R M A R K O N L I N E . C O M . JULY 3 - JULY 16, 2014 // ISSUE 21.14

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GAYS BEFORE GRAND

I 2304

ALOMA & ST. ANDREWS

AS OF JULY 3RD WE ARE CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS. I‘M GOING ON TO NEW PROJECTS IN LIFE -Bill

YOU CAN STILL REACH ME AT MYOPTICFL@AOL.COM

ENJOYED THE ARTICLE WITH DOLLY PARTON. The article “Knocking Down Walls” about Steve Grand being quickly dubbed country’s �irst gay artist is not only incorrect, but it ignores the true �irst gay country music recording artist: Patrick Haggerty and his very �irst gay-themed album Lavender Country, released in 1973. He is one of the 12 gay songwriter/recording artists on the album Strong Love with his song “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears.” If you Google “Lavender Country” you will note this album was recognized in 2000 in The Journal Of Country Music as the �irst gay-themed album in history... Lavender Country is a story in itself for those concerned with the pioneers of the early gay movement. CONAN DUNHAM TAMPA

TOP WEB COMMENTS ON THE TIMING OF RULINGS IN FLORIDA’S MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAWSUITS:

“I am a plaintiff in the federal case that was �iled here in Tallahassee—Brenner et al vs. Scott et al, and we basically had the closing of document submission (which in this case

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JULY 3 - JULY 16, 2014 // ISSUE 21.14

“Steve Grand being quickly dubbed country’s first gay artist is not only incorrect, but it ignores the true first gay country music recording artist, Patrick Haggerty.” —CONAN DUNHAM

amounts to the same thing as the hearing judge Zabel has set for July 2) on May 27. We are now waiting for Judge Hinkle to make a decision, it could happen today, or it could happen a month from now. Our attorneys say they think it will happen before July 4. Maybe, maybe not—no one knows.” —FIREMAN452A

ON GAY DAYS ORGANIZERS SCHEDULING GAY DAYS FT. LAUDERDALE AT THE SAME TIME AS WHITE PARTY:

“What Chris and Tommy Manley create with Gay Days is nothing more than a trumped up business expo that sells lube, swimsuits and magazines. They have shown time and time again over the years they care nothing for the gay community and are out to only make a buck…All anyone in South Florida has to see is how lame this Gay Days activity is, not support it, and it will go away like a rodent. Any success they have

watermarkonline.com

had in Las Vegas is clearly the result of attaching themselves directly on Las Vegas Pride.” —OTOWN GUY

“So one circuit party organization that raises money for AIDS—White Party—is upset that the organizers of another circuit party organization—Gay Days—is having a event at the same time as their event? Have the Gay Days organizers lost their focus over Equality and Pride and focused on money instead, and do they still care about the community like the organizers of the White Party? You decide.” —MARK FERGUSON

“An HIV non-pro�it like Care Resources has no business being in the business of all night dance parties that promote the use of crystal meth and other party drugs that directly lead to new cases of HIV—thus creating new clients for their organization.” —JIM BURESCH

editor’s

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

’M GAY, AND I WAS NEVER ABUSED—

sexually or physically—by any member of my family or any adult in a position of power.

There was never a little league coach or of�icial who touched me inappropriately and the leaders of my church always let me keep my clothes on! I never had massive disagreements with my ever-present father. And my mother, while a loving woman, never shielded me from the realities of the world. She protected me, yes, but she never lied to me or hovered too much to make me a “mama’s boy.” It’s true that my coming out to them was dif�icult and put a big strain on our relationship for a few years. But today, we’re closer than ever, despite our opposing views on sexual orientation. It’s a topic we simply don’t discuss for the sake of

WATERMARK STAFF

our relationship. So when I read about the June 30 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to not hear a case challenging California’s ban on ex-gay therapy for minors, I was thrilled, but not surprised by the reaction of the religious right. What that decision means is, the ban stays in place and minors are shielded from the inhumane “guilt therapy” that so many in our community have experienced over the years. I read a lot of blogs and websites that are on the socially conservative side of the spectrum and subscribe to a few e-newsmagazines that are so far removed from reality that they enact my involuntary eye-roll the

Publisher: Tom Dyer • Ext. 305 • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Chief Financial Officer: Rick Claggett • Ext. 108 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Admin. Assistant: Kathleen Harper • Ext. 100 • Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Steve Blanchard • 813-470-0899 • SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com Reporter: Samantha Rosenthal • 104 • Samantha@WatermarkOnline.com Online Media Director: Jamie Hyman • Ext. 106 • Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Assistant: Patrick O’Connor • Ext. 109 • AdProduction@WatermarkOnline.com

minute the land in my inbox. But it’s a “know thy enemy” mentality. So I wasn’t surprised that Mat Staver of the Liberty Council said he was “deeply saddened” for the children who will be denied treatment. “Many of whom,” he said, “developed these unwanted attractions because of abuse of a pedophile.” Wait, what? Science can be so inconsiderate of some people’s illusions! Let’s not forget that the American Psychological Association found in 2007 that exgay therapy—or conversion therapy, as some call it— is ineffective. Why? Because sexual orientation cannot be manipulated! Have people wanted to change their sexual orientation? De�initely! But not because they wanted to casually “try the other team.” But because they were terri�ied. Before I came out, I wanted desperately to be attracted to women in the same way I was attracted to men. Like so many others, my hopes for conversion were rooted in guilt and the anticipation of the disapproving opinions of those close to me who had “wished for so much more.” Last fall I had the opportunity to interview several survivors of conversion therapy, and the mental anguish they experienced sounds worse than almost any horror

movie. To put it simply, shame is not therapy. Surprisingly, Staver’s case that pedophiles recruit gays is so crazy that even the nut jobs at Focus on the Family have distanced themselves from his statement. You know you’ve driven your crazy bus off the sanity cliff when your thinking is too far right for Focus on the Family. But expressing anger, rather than facts, is the way religious people try to make their points. Okay, so maybe not all religious types. But the ones who cry for attention certainly don’t seem to be the kind of folks you’d want to invite over for a barbecue or bring with you on a casual night out at the movies. That thought came to me after St. Pete Pride. The festival had a “free speech zone” of hate where a small contingent of self-righteous Christians spewed angry messages through a bullhorn in hilariously stereotypical Southern Baptist accents. “You have to repent-ah,” I heard a male voice shout at one point. “For to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven-ah, a man must not lie with another man-ah.” I later heard a woman’s voice quoting verses from the Old Testament. Ironically, she skipped any mention of the passages in that same book preventing women from preaching. Arguments like the ones made by Staver are loud, but that doesn’t make them strong. And as the country continues to embrace equality, it’s becoming more obvious that those loud arguments are simply death wails of an outdated way of thinking. |  |

You know you’ve driven your crazy bus off the sanity cliff when your thinking is too far right for Focus on the Family.

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CONTRIBUTORS MARY MEEKS

is an Orlandobased attorney who is also an LGBT activist. She is a long-time contributor to Watermark. Page 23

ZACH CARUSO

is a musician and journalist from New Jersey who now lives in St. Petersburg. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and an MA in writing. Page 27

Greg Burton, Scottie Campbell, Zach Caruso, Susan Clary, Amy Dees, Kirk Hartlage, Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Joseph Kissel, Ken Kundis, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, Brett Stout, Jim Walker

PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HARDIN

is a Tampa Baybased freelance photographer who shoots portraits and events for the LGBT community. He is often seen ‘shooting’ leather events. pg.12

Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, Tom Eckert, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift, Tinkerfluff, Lonnie Thompson

DISTRIBUTION Debbie Oliver, Phil Garris, Ken Caraway

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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orlando NEWS 8

Stephens resigns position at Center Jamie Hyman

RLANDO | The GLBT Center of Central Florida, Inc. needs a new leader. Randy Stephens, who was executive director of the organization for about �ive years, resigned his post June 30. Randy Stephens “Change is inevitable, especially in the non-pro�it world. There is a need for new blood and new visions,” Stephens said. “I am excited for the future of The Center. My only hope is that I left The Center in a better position than when I started �ive years ago.” Timothy Vargas, president of The Center’s Board of directors, credited Stephens with establishing a �irm foundation for the organization in a media release. “We recognize Randy’s contributions to The Center, including a major effort to save the Center from the brink of closure in the early half of the decade, overseeing the development and growth of the Board of Directors, and overseeing a series of successful initiatives focused on organizational realignment, cost reduction and process effectiveness,” Vargas said. “These changes have helped establish a solid foundation for The Center and we thank Randy for his dedication and years of service to the organization.” When looking back over his tenure, Stephens said he’s most proud of his volunteers, noting that they logged 9,000 volunteer hours in 2013. The Center also administered more than 5,000 HIV tests last year. “We could not have done all this without our volunteers,” he said. “They are the soul of The Center.” When asked about his favorite moments during his time at The Center, Stephens remembered the marriage equality rally at Lake Eola almost exactly one year ago, right after the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act. He said he was standing to the side with local performer Blue Starr, looking over the huge crowd that formed a sea of red shirts. “There were tears in both of our eyes, seeing the community come together as one,” Stephens said. Vargas said the search for The Center’s next executive director is already underway. “While the search continues, we have hired an assistant executive director, Russell Walker, to handle the day to day operations of the organization,” he said. “Russell has served on the Board of Directors for two years, so his experience and knowledge of The Center will be key as we continue on through the transition between Executive Directors.” |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: Scandal actor Dan Bucatinsky, left, his husband Don Roos and their two children, Eliza and Jonah, will participate in the inaugural Family Outfest July 2-5 in Orlando. PHOTO COURTESY FAMILYOUTFEST.COM

Celebrating family Orlando Outfest mixes July 4 with America’s modern families Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Converge Orlando and the Family Equality Council are heating up the Fourth of July weekend in Orlando with the �irst ever Family Outfest, a four-day, family-focused festival of events for the LGBT community and their allies July 2-5. “We have observed that LGBTQ families are growing,” said Tatiana Quiroga, Family Equality Council’s southern regional manager. “More and more people are following their dreams of becoming parents and creating families.” Outfest is all about fun, according to Quiroga, who added that “it’s a Pride event to celebrate all families—single parents, two moms, two dads, foster parents, adoptive parents, gay, straight, trans gendered, bi, multiracial, everyone.” The kick-off event is July

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2 at Fun Spot, a Converge Orlando sponsor. “They have always been seen in the community as quite conservative and we talked to the team over there and they are very excited to be welcoming LGBT families into Fun Spot,” explained Mikael Audebert, Converge’s executive director. Family Outfest is about families, of course, but organizers realize the need for parents to have alone time. Nick After Dark is a kidsonly event at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort that will let the little ones play. At the same time, the adults get Parents Night Out at Kings Bowl, where they can mingle over a night of bowling. The Family Outfest’s Fourth of July event is at Magic Kingdom, and organizers plan to keep up the red shirt tradition of Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom. The main event is the July 5 Red, Out and Equal Festival at Gaston Edwards Park at

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Lake Ivanhoe. Attractions there include bounc houses, slids, the Zebra Coalition Kidz Zone and a volleyball tournament. Red, Out and Equal is free and runs from 12-9 p.m. This year will also be the �irst time Lake Ivanhoe puts on a night-time �ireworks show. “We wanted to do a nice outdoor event for the families,” said Audebert. “There will be food trucks, cash bars and live music.” Emmy award-winning actor and producer Dan Bucantinsky of ABC’s Scandal will be Family Outfest’s guest of honor and will attend with his husband and their two children. Parking is available at Lake Highland High School in the school parking lot. For those who can bike to the event, Ivanhoe Village has their bike valet service. “We are here to showcase the families that bring this community together,” said Brian Gouthro, Converge’s events director. Visit FamilyOutfest.com for more details. |  |

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orlando NEWS

Orlando mayor signs brief Board votes in favor of transgender protections supporting marriage equality Samantha Rosenthal Jamie Hyman

RLANDO | City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has the support he needs from the City Council to co-sign an amicus brief in support of marriage equality. The brief was �iled the moment the measure got the required amount of yes votes. The brief allows Orlando to join other Florida cities in supporting those seeking marriage equality in the state. The brief mentions four pending lawsuits in the state challenging the ban and says that lifting the ban is “good for the health and welfare of our citizens and employees to live in a nondiscriminatory environment and that lifting the ban is positive for economic

development and tourism.” Two Council members opposed brief. Jim Gray said it’s an important issue but one that should not be dealt with at the city level. Tony Ortiz said he’s “voting no based on philosophical ideas [sic]” and informed the council chambers that he has “gay friends.” Councilwoman Patty Sheehan spoke passionately in favor of the motion. “Personally, I am distressed in this day and age that there would be any dissent in protecting our citizens,” Sheehan said, She went on to address Ortiz’s comment. “It’s not enough to say you have gay friends,” Sheehan told Ortiz. “Equality is for everyone.” Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. |  |

Alliance. June 19, Duncan went before the seven-member Chapter 57 Review Board, RLANDO | A Review which consists of all non-elected Board will recommend of�icials who advocate for the that the Orlando City citizens of Orlando in the areas of Commission add gender identity human and civil rights. and expression to its antiAt the meeting, the city discrimination ordinance. attorney spoke to the board Gina Duncan, transgender about the proposal. Duncan, inclusion director for Equality joined by civil rights attorney Florida, has been at the forefront Mary Meeks and statewide of the push for the changes. If director for Equality Florida the City Commission approves Michael Farmer, then presented the policy, it would protect the proposal to the board. Before transgender individuals from voting, each board member was discrimination in housing, at able to make comments on the the workplace, at �inancial proposed changes. institutions or when using public “The comments that were accommodations. made by the advisory board were “It really has been a great both heartfelt and compassionate experience, and it’s really great in support for the measure,” to see how far we’ve come Duncan said. for gender awareness and The �irst City Council public inclusiveness,” Duncan said. reading is scheduled July 28. adding that the board voted A second reading is Aug. 11, unanimously. where the city council will vote The changes were originally on the amendment. There will introduced two years ago by the be a period of time where the 03_OrlandoLublin_05.14:Layout 1 5/15/14 11:38 Orlando Anti-Discrimination city commissioners will meet

03_OrlandoLublin_05.14:Layout 1

5/15/14

11:38 AM

with representatives from the LGBT community to answer any questions or concerns. Michael Slaymaker, founder of Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee, has asked LGBT community leaders and residents to email the mayor and city commissioners to show support for adding gender identity and expression to Chapter 57 of Orlando’s city code. Commission contact information is available at WatermarkOnline. com and CityOfOrlando.net. “Over the years, the social climate of transgender understanding has changed,” Duncan said. “We’ve evolved from a time of knowing we could not get legislation passed, which included gender identity, to a time now where a measure that has gender identity and expression is approved unanimously. It strongly speaks to an increased education and understanding of the transgender community and an increasingly inclusive social AM Page 1 environment.” |  |

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tampa bay NEWS

FINALIST: St. Petersburg assistant police chief Melanie

Bevan, pictured with her sons at the Metro Wellness LGBT Welcome Center reception June 26, is a finalist for Police Chief.

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

Bevan in running for top Police post Steve Blanchard

T. PETERSBURG | Assistant Police Chief Melanie Bevan is just days away from learning if she’ll take the top post in the department. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman has hinted that he will name one of four candidates as St. Petersburg Police Chief on July 7. Bevan, who has been with the department for 25 years, is the only local �inalist in the running for the post. She is also a member of the LGBT community. Bevan spoke brie�ly about the position as police chief at the LGBT Welcome Center reception on June 26, but didn’t go into much detail. “I’m waiting like everyone else,” she said. “We’ll know soon.” Bevan is the former partner of Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and the two women are raising two teenage boys together. The other �inalists are Jerry Geier, chief of the Goodyear Police Department in Arizona, Montgomery County (Md.) Police Captain Terrence Pierce and New Haven (Conn.) Police Chief Thaddeus Reddish. On June 19, the four �inalists met with city leaders as well as the public during an open forum at the Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg. There, the candidates were questioned by residents and encouraged to email the mayor with their thoughts on their choice for the next police chief. A Facebook page dedicated to Bevan’s career has encouraged supporters to contact Kriseman as well to ensure Bevan’s appointment. Bevan, who was appointed as assistant police chief in 2012, said she is not behind that page and is not actively campaigning for the position. Whoever Kriseman chooses for the position will replace former chief Chuck Harmon, who retired in January. He held the position for 12 years. When Harmon announced his retirement, more than 40 applications rolled into City Hall for his position. When Watermark asked him about the search prior to St. Pete Pride, he simply said that he’s excited about making an announcement soon. |  |

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

MESSAGES OF PRIDE: An estimated 175,000 people lined the streets of St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District to celebrate St. Pete Pride’s first-ever night parade. PHOTO BY BRUCE HARDIN

History is made at night 200,000-plus attend St. Pete Pride’s weekend of festivities Steve Blanchard

T. PETERSBURG | St. Pete Pride’s Saturday night parade and Sunday street festival helped set new records as 200,000 people descended upon the city’s Grand Central District the last weekend in June. A light evening breeze helped keep parade revelers cool and comfortable June 28 as more than 100 lighted �loats made their way down Third Avenue North and Central Avenue. Saturday alone brought in an estimated 175,000 people to watch the LGBT community put on its �irst-ever night parade. The street festival the following day brought in another 40,000, at least, according to Eric Skains, executive director of St. Pete Pride. And sunny skies lack of rain kept people out in the street throughout the afternoon. “I never thought it would have gotten so big in just one year,” said Skains, who has been in his position for two years. “We all knew the parade would be up in attendance,

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but the size of the festival is just over the top.” And so is the economic impact of the extended festival. “An event of this scale is huge for the area,” Skains said. “We saw the $10.5 million economic impact with a one-day event. This should easily nearly double that total, and that’s huge for local businesses and the city.” Restaurants, bars and clubs were packed before and after the Saturday night parade. And some locations were overwhelmed with revelers. Georgie’s Alibi, which was the home of the of�icial St. Pete Pride after party on Saturday night, was �illed to capacity and a crowd had to wait outside the parking lot for a chance to enter the bar as others exited.

CHANGED FOR GOOD

Change can be scary, especially when it directly impacts a popular event like St. Pete Pride, which began in 2003. But those who attended the night parade seemed thrilled with the new schedule. Largo couple Rebecca Simmons and Sheryl Combs attended the parade

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and the festival, were excited about the night parade, which brought cooler temperatures. “We could enjoy ourselves because we weren’t overheated and the creativity of some of these organizations was just incredible!” Simmons said. “It brought a whole new personality and perspective to Pride. I loved it!” Besides the parade taking place at night, another big, noticeable difference was the absence of the traditional, long Pride �lag that ended the parade in almost every year prior. The explanation for its absence is simple, said Skains. “The barricade prevented it,” Skains explained. “It always relied on attendees to carry it, and that just couldn’t happen. We did have a large rainbow �lag lead the parade this year, which isn’t quite the same but still signi�icant as it was the same �lag that hung in the City Council Chamber in June.” It’s also important to note, Skains said, that there were no Pride-related arrests during the weekend of celebration. “This is huge as it debunked the notion that the night time aspect would draw a rowdier crowd that was unsafe for families and seniors,” Skains said.

Continued on page 14 |  |

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tampa bay NEWS

|  | St. Pete Pride from pg.12

There were no reports of emergencies during the parade or street festival, and police reports say only a few people expressed discomfort or minor health issues. No one was sent to area hospitals because of heat exhaustion either day, according to St. Petersburg EMS. The success of St. Pete Pride 2014 can be contributed to many things, but Skains points at his board of directors and the large team of volunteers as major factors. “Nearly 400 volunteer shifts and 2,500 volunteer hours went into this one weekend,” Skains explained.

REMAINING A NIGHT THING St. Pete Pride will stick with the new night parade/day time festival format again in 2015. “We’ll de�initely keep this format,” Skains said. “As with anything new, there were some growing pains. The good part is it was nothing major that can’t be �ixed.” One critique shared by many revelers who visited the Watermark Media booth during the festival concerned the lighting of the parade. Several who attended the night parade said some �loats were dif�icult to see, as were the people on the �loats. “I wish there had been spotlights or something,” said Greg Hampton, of St. Petersburg. “I didn’t even know the mayor had walked past us. It was just too dark to see him.” Hampton added that he realized many organizations had never participated in a night parade before, and he’s optimistic about the future events. “Things will get better with time,” he said. “You experience something new, you learn what you need to do to improve. I’ll de�initely be back next year and I know it’ll just keep getting better.”

OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION

And speaking of the mayor, this was the �irst year St. Petersburg’s sitting mayor actively participated in and promoted St. Pete Pride. Mayor Rick Kriseman

LATE ARRIVAL: Former governor Charlie Crist spoke briefly at the end of St. Pete Pride’s Stonewalll Reception at the St. Petersburg Museum of Art June 26. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD walked in the parade and greeted revelers along both sides of Central Avenue. He was accompanied by a large contingent of St. Petersburg employees—many of whom were police of�icers. Of�icers weren’t allowed to march in uniform but, according to St. Petersburg Police LGBT liaison Lt. Markus Hughes, volunteer police participation was impressive. “The mayor was with a good group,” he said. “If I had to guess I’d say about 50 to 60 employees marched with him.” On Thursday, June 26, Kriseman hoisted a rainbow pride �lag over City Hall. “I am proud to do something here today that hasn’t been done at City Hall in the past,” Kriseman said to a crowd of about 50 on that morning. “As we like to say, the sun shines here and in particular on the opportunities that exist in this community for everyone. That’s what I believe makes this community so special.” He was joined at the �lag pole June 26 by City Council member and St. Pete Pride grand marshal Darden Rice, deputy mayor Kanika Tomalin, LGBT liaison to the mayor’s of�ice Robert Danielson and Lt. Hughes. The two liaison positions are new to the City of St. Petersburg, and Kriseman

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

LOVING LAMBERT: Mary Lambert brought more than 500 fans to the State Theatre for the second 27/82 Benefit Concert on Friday, June 27. PHOTO BY VINNY D’IPPOLITO

announced those roles earlier in the month. “It’s important to note these positions weren’t just created as namesakes,” Kriseman said before raising the pride �lag. Kriseman also made an appearance at the annual Stonewall Reception held at the St. Petersburg Museum of

Sunday, and shaking hands with supporters throughout the day.

A BRIEF, CRIST APPEARANCE

The highlight for many who attended the Stonewall Reception was an appearance by former Florida governor Charlie Crist, who is running for of�ice again in 2014 as a Democrat. While he arrived late because of a plane delay, he did arrive in time to address the crowd, which had already —ERIC SKAINS, ST. PETE PRIDE EXECUTIVE DIR. begun to thin. “I have to give credit to how quickly this Fine Arts on the evening of June whole movement has progressed 26. He spoke brie�ly about the lately to our great president diversity of the city before a Barack Obama,” Crist said in his Macy’s fashion show kept the short speech. capacity crowd entertained. The former governor talked The support from Kriseman about Obama’s spring 2012 had a major impact on interview with Robin Roberts this year’s St. Pete Pride, where he outlined how he came Skains said. to understand the need for “It de�initely helped garner marriage equality. some additional exposure for “He said, ‘I have come to the the event, all in a positive way,” conclusion, and Michelle has Skains said. “It means a lot for come to the conclusion, who am I LGBT people who have been to tell anyone who to love?’” Crist ignored by City Hall for so quoted Obama. many years to see their mayor Crist added that he feels walking side by side with the same way, and credited his them, during both the parade parents, with raising him and his and festival.” three sisters to respect others Kriseman was spotted “I can tell you they raised several times browsing booths myself and my three sisters to along Central Avenue on

“We all knew the parade would be up in attendance, but the size of the festival is just over the top.”

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follow one important rule—do unto others,” Crist said. “It’s such an important rule that in our society we call it the Golden Rule.” The comments elicited cheers and applause from those still in attendance, and Crist went on to discuss the Catholic Church’s evolution on LGBT equality. After speaking, Crist mingled with the crowd and posed for photos. Crist and Kriseman weren’t the only VIPs in attendance at the reception. St. Petersburg City Council members Steve Kornell and Darden Rice were also there. Rice, who is a grand marshal this year, was accompanied by fellow grand marshals John and Nancy Desmond of PFLAG Tampa and Jay Aller of ASAP. Largo commissioner Michael Smith also made an apperance. While the fashion show isn’t a new contingent of St. Pete Pride, this is the �irst time it was held during the Stonewall Reception and not at the Tyrone Mall store. The portable runway also played host to performances by Miss St. Pete Pride Stephanie Stewart, Mister St. Pete Pride Aaron Phoenix and Mr. St. Pete Pride Isaiah Sanchez Hilton. The show was emceed by St. Pete Pride board member and entertainment chair Kori Stevens.

LAMBERT, HUNTER VALENTINE WOW AUDIENCE

More than 500 people attended the second annual 27/82 Bene�it Concert at the State Theatre on Thursday, June 28. Mary Lambert, who helped write the hit “Same Love” headlined the show and girl-group Hunter Valentine of Showtime’s The Real L Word kicked off the high-energy show. St. Pete Pride board president Aaron Horcha attended the concert, and said he was happy with ticket sales. “It’s growing,” he said outside the theater. “I’m pleased with the response and I think it’ll continue to get better each year.” Also spotted at the concert were Rice and fellow City Council member Amy Foster, who is a former board member of St. Pete Pride. |  | To read bonus content from this interview and more photos go to watermarkonline.com.

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ORT LAUDERDALE | As Gay Days in Orlando revved up for its 24th year, organizers announced that it would expand in the fall to create a Gay Days event in Fort Lauderdale over Thanksgiving weekend. While that expansion is expected to bring an economic boost to the area, the timing of the expansion is poor, according to Care Resource, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization In a letter addressed to Gay Days president Chris AlexanderManley and received by Watermark on June 18, Care Resource Chief Executive Of�icer Rick Siclari expressed disappointment in the timing of the Gay Days expansion to South Florida Nov. 25-Dec. 1 because it directly con�licts with the 30-year-old White Party, which serves as a fundraiser for the HIV/ AIDS organization. “For 30 years, during Thanksgiving weekend, individuals, businesses, various nonpro�it and LGBT organizations in South Florida have been playing an integral role in our agency’s fundraising efforts by sponsoring, promoting and supporting the world’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, the crown jewel of HIV/AIDS fundraiser’s ‘White Party Week,’”

Siclari wrote. “Although we are happy that Gay Days is expanding into South Florida, we are disappointed about your choice of dates… as this is another time our community suffers from someone arriving in town and capitalizing off what our not-for-pro�it agency has spent years building to bene�it our HIV positive community.” Siclari says in his letter that several individuals and party organizers have capitalized on White Party Week in the past, which pulls away from the fundraising efforts of the three-decades-old celebration bene�itting the outreach and services Care Resource provides to more than 10,000 people in South Florida. “Well known DJs have produced their own parties at the same time,” Siclari said. “The pro�its did not go back into the community and they bene�ited nobody but the DJs themselves.” White Party Week includes some of Miami’s best venues and has national sponsors, internationally renowned DJs and entertainers that also encompasses the Muscle Beach Party on Miami Beach each year. That party ends with a �ireworks �inale spectacular. Siclari says several times in his letter that he welcomes Gay Days’ expansion to South Florida, but expresses hopes that a noncon�licting time could be used in

the future. He highlights several other organizations and events that use other times of years to prevent direct con�licting events. “Aqua Girl, Gay Spring Break, the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Pridefest , Tropical Heat, Gay Pride, Fantasy Fest and Winter Party Festival are examples of events in South Florida that are held on different dates as a way for the LGBT community to collaborate and not compete,” Sinclari wrote. “When the LGBT community collaborates and moves forward together, then the success of an event takes care of itself. We are saddened by the non-inclusiveness of the South Florida LGBT business and nonpro�it community in determining your event dates.” The White Party was conceived by Frank Wager and is not a corporate venture, Siclari adds. “White Party is not about business enterprise, it is about people, friends, those we care for, and those whose memories we will continue to honor, by helping those we still can,” Siclari wrote. “We hope that moving forward you consult with the South Florida LGBT businesses and nonpro�it community in determining a more appropriate date. Alexander-Manley did not respond to phone calls and emails from Watermark requesting comment about the con�lict. |  |

Fort Myers transgender woman burned to death Staff Report FORT MYERS | A transgender woman was burned to death then left behind a garbage bin when Fort Meyer’s Police found her on June 20. The woman was identi�ied as 31-year-old Yaz’min Shancez. Police said that she was discovered behind a garbage bin at a rental facility in Fort Myers. Of�icers identi�ied the victim as Eddie James Owen, which is Shancez’s legal name. After talking to her family, they were informed Owen now identi�ied as a woman

and had been going by a different alias since 2004, according to police reports. Police have not yet ruled this homicide as a hate crime. Ross Murray, a spokesman from GLAAD, told Naples News that he didn’t know if this was a hate crime but said “no one deserves to be violently murdered and set on fire and put behind a dumpster.” When the victim’s father, Harvey Loggins, arrived to the crime scene, the ground was still charred and bloody, he told the Naples News. Loggins said he didn’t hate his child for living as a woman. “Still to this day I love him. I

wish he was here right now,” said Loggins, who still refers to the victim as a male. On June 22, about 200 people came out to Centennial Park in Fort Meyers to hold a vigil for Shancez. Family and friends told said that it meant a lot to celebrate her this way. It means so much to me because I never knew so many people could love a person like that,” said Tasha Furlow, Shancez’s aunt. Police are still looking for suspects in this case. Anyone with information should call Crimeline at 407-423-8477. |  |

For Lauderdale approves marriage equality resolution 3-2 Samantha Rosenthal

ORT LAUDERDALE | By a narrow margin, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners approved a resolution supporting marriage equality and urging Florida state leaders to take action to legalize same-sex marriages. The resolution passed with a 3-2 vote on June 17. Commissioners Dean Trantalis, Bobby DuBose and Bruce Roberts voted in favor, while Mayor Jack Seiler and Vice Mayor Romney Rogers voted in opposition. There was concern that there weren’t enough votes to pass the resolution, so residents, professionals, clergy and business owners of the City of Fort Lauderdale showed up at City Hall to speak. Of the more than 40 people who spoke at the meeting, only two were against the resolution for religious reasons. The resolution was introduced by openly gay commissioner Trantalis, a long-time supporter for human rights and equality, especially in Broward County. In January 1999, he co-wrote and pushed the Broward County domestic partnership law, which extended spousal-like bene�its not only to county employees, but to all employees of entities doing business within the county. Fort Lauderdale is currently home to 150 LGBTowned businesses in Broward County, where 1.2 million visitors spent $1.4 billion dollars—most of that in Fort Lauderdale—in 2013 alone. There was concern that if the resolution failed, it would impact the economy of the city, especially the money brought in by LGBT-owned businesses. Despite Florida’s ban on same-sex marriages, similar resolutions supporting marriage equality have been passed in a number of cities throughout the state. |  |

state news

South Florida group disappointed in Gay Days expansion dates

IN OTHER NEWS ATLANTIC BEACH HRO GETS DATE SET FOR FIRST READING The Atlantic Beach Human Rights Ordinance will appear on the City Commission’s July 14 regular meeting agenda for its first reading. At the first reading, the commission will decide whether to pass it onto a second and final reading Aug. 11, where it may vote to enact the ordinance. The ordinance will ban discrimination against people based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression within the city limits.

PEMBROKE PINES PASSES DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS ORDINANCE The City of Pembroke Pines will officially extend employee benefits similar to those offered to spouses of married employees to qualifying domestic partners. The Pembroke Pines Domestic Partner Act passed on its second and final reading on June 18 with a 4 to 1 vote. The ordinance will take effect Oct. 1.

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nation+world NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS SUPREME COURT REJECTS CHALLENGE TO CONVERSION THERAPY BAN The U.S. Supreme Court on June 30 rejected a challenge to California’s law that bars mental counseling aimed at turning gay minors straight. The justices let stand an appeals court ruling that said the state’s ban on so-called conversion therapy for minors doesn’t violate the free speech rights of licensed counselors and patients seeking treatment.

SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE CHIEF REINSTATED AFTER FIRING The Latta (S.C.) City Council voted on June 27 to reinstate former police chief Crystal Moore, who had claimed she was fired because she is gay. Mayor Earl Bullard, who was not present at the meeting, fired Moore in April after she refused to sign seven unexplained reprimands issued by Bullard.

SINGAPORE LGBTS RALLY TO COUNTER OPPOSITION Thousands of gay rights activists gathered in downtown Singapore on June 28 for the annual Pink Dot rally that came under unprecedented criticism from religious conservatives, with one influential Christian pastor calling on the government to ban the event. Organizers said a record 26,000 people attended the rally.

COURT GRANTS STAY OF INDIANA MARRIAGE RULING A federal appeals court has put on hold a judge’s order striking down Indiana’s same-sex marriage ban. The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals issued the stay order June 27. A judge had struck down Indiana’s prohibition on same-sex marriage on June 25, saying it’s unconstitutional. The court’s order leaves the status of those couples already married in limbo.

COLORADO: BOULDER ISSUING MORE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LICENSES Same-sex couples lined up to get married in Boulder County in June despite warnings that same-sex marriage remains illegal in Colorado. Clerk Hillary Hall began issuing licenses June 25 after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes Colorado, ruled that Utah’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers says Hall’s actions aren’t legal because the ruling is on hold in case of a possible appeal.

ST. LOUIS CHALLENGES MISSOURI BAN ON GAY MARRIAGE Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said June 26 that he personally supports marriage equality but will defend a state constitutional ban against it after St. Louis officials issued marriage licenses to four same-sex couples. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said the four same-sex marriage licenses were issued with the intent of triggering a legal test of Missouri’s constitutional prohibition adopted by voters a decade ago.

TRANSGENDER WOMAN ADVANCES IN OKLAHOMA HOUSE RACE A transgender candidate who is a former Oklahoma City police officer has advanced to a runoff for a state House seat. Democrat Paula Sophia will face businessman and former pastor Jason Dunnington in the Aug. 26 runoff. The winner will take a seat at the Legislature as there is no Republican in the race.

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Gay pride parades across U.S. draw large crowds Wire Report

EW YORK | Gay pride parades held around the U.S. Sunday drew huge crowds of LGBT people and their supporters who celebrated after a year of numerous same-sex marriage victories. As many as 1 million people packed the streets of the Chicago’s North Side for the �irst gay pride parade since Illinois legalized marriage equality last month. ``I think there is de�initely like an even more sense of pride now knowing that in Illinois you can legally get married now,’’ said Charlie Gurion, who with David Wilk

in February became the �irst couple in Cook County to get a same-sex marriage license. New York’s Fifth Avenue became one giant rainbow as thousands of participants waved multicolored �lags while making their way down the street. The parade marked the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the 1969 uprising against police raids that were a catalyst for the gay rights movement. In San Francisco, hundreds of motorcyclists of the lesbian group Dykes on Bikes took their traditional spot at the head of the 44th annual parade and loudly kicked off the festivities with a combined roar. Apple Inc. had one of the largest corporate presences, and chief

executive Tim Cook greeted the estimated 4,000 employees and family members who participated. The parade drew more than 100,000 spectators and participants. In Seattle, thousands of people attended the city’s 40th annual Pride Parade downtown. This year’s theme, ``Generations of Pride,’’ honors civil rights battles in the city that elected its �irst openly gay mayor last November. Other parades were held Sunday across the U.S., including in Minneapolis and Houston. Humbler celebrations were held in smaller towns and cities, such as Augusta, Ga., while festivals were held Saturday in France, Spain, Mexico and Peru. |  |

``I don’t care what your culture is,’’ Biden told about 100 guests at the Naval Observatory’s vice presidential mansion. ``Inhumanity is inhumanity is inhumanity. Prejudice is prejudice is prejudice.’’ With anti-gay laws taking root in nearly 80 countries, Biden and other top White House of�icials met with religious, human rights and HIV health care advocates in a forum dedicated to promoting gay rights internationally. White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice cast the protection of gays from global discrimination, abuse and even death as one of the most challenging

international human rights issue facing the United States. ``To achieve lasting global change, we need everyone’s shoulder at the wheel,’’ she said. ``With more voices to enrich and amplify the message— the message that gay rights are straight-up human rights—we can open more minds.’’ Rice emphasized that cultural differences do not excuse human rights violations. ``Governments are responsible for protecting the rights of all citizens, and it is incumbent upon the state, and on each of us, to foster tolerance and to reverse the tide of discrimination,’’ Rice said. |  |

to gays and lesbians even though more than half of the states don’t recognize marriage equality. That effort has been confounded by laws that say some bene�its should be conferred only to couples whose marriages are recognized by the states where they live, rather than the states where they were married. Aiming to circumvent that issue, the Veterans Affairs Department will start letting gay people who tell the government they are married to a veteran to be buried alongside them in a national cemetery, drawing on the VA’s authority to waive the usual marriage requirement. In a similar move, the Social

Security Administration will start processing some survivor and death bene�its for those in same-sex relationships who live in states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage. The Labor Department said it would start drafting rules making clear that the Family and Medical Leave Act applies to same-sex couples, ensuring that gay and lesbian workers can take unpaid leave to care for a sick spouse. Obama also recently announced he will sign an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |  |

Biden: Gay rights take precedence over culture Wire Report WASHINGTON | Vice President Joe Biden on June 24 declared that protecting gay rights is a de�ining mark of a civilized nation and must trump national cultures as the Obama administration sought to mobilize a global front against antigay violence and discrimination. Biden told a gathering of U.S. and international gay rights advocates that President Barack Obama has directed that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote the rights of LGBT men and women around the world.

Obama expands government benefits for same-sex couples Wire Report WASHINGTON | A year after the Supreme Court struck down a law barring federal recognition of same-sex marriages, the Obama administration on June 20 granted an array of new bene�its to same-sex couples, including those who live in states where same-sex marriage is against the law. The new measures range from Social Security and veterans bene�its to work leave for caring for sick spouses. They are part of President Barack Obama’s efforts to expand whatever protections he can offer

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History Awaits… And A Day Of Reckoning

Mary Meeks MEEKS@WATERMARKONLINE.COM

OPES ARE HIGH THAT

Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage will soon go down in �lames, as the historic lawsuit (Pareto v. Ruvin) challenging Florida’s reprehensible ban takes center stage on July 2 in a courtroom in the MiamiDade Circuit Court.

My legal colleagues and I, and our clients—six amazing couples and the Equality Florida Institute— walk into that courtroom with momentum, and justice, on our side. Marriage equality currently exists in 19 states and the District of Columbia, covering nearly 44 percent of the United States population, and is legal pending appeals in another 13 states. Court decisions in three other states require recognition of out-of-state marriages. There have been 22 straight court victories in favor of marriage equality, including the �irst appeals court af�irmation in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Florida will hopefully soon join the ranks of those states that fully acknowledge and embrace their LGBT families. Did you ever think you would see that day? As we sit on the precipice of achieving marriage equality, that achievement foretells a day of reckoning. Once a Florida court rules (in Pareto or one of the other pending cases challenging Florida’s ban) and marriage

equality is a reality here in Florida, the battle lines will be frozen in time. There will be those who fought for our equality, and those who opposed it. Those who fought with us will be exalted for their leadership; those who fought against us will forever be enshrined as contemptible bigots. The fact that those people actively contributed to the oppression of their fellow citizens until the bitter end will never be forgotten. And those apologists who tried to “whitewash” the vile prejudice of those elected bigots, for sel�ish personal or political reasons, will also be condemned in history for their betrayal of their community. History will condemn the leaders of the Republican Party, who even today write legislation grounded in the 19th Century beliefs of despicable anti-gay organizations like Family Research Council and the Southern Baptist Convention. Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi will be condemned for cynically taking their marching orders from hateful extremists like John Stemberger and his Florida Family Policy Council. Our Republican state legislature will be condemned for having summarily killed every gay rights bill ever introduced in Tallahassee. So-called Republican “moderates” like Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, who has whispered sweet nothings in our ear while stabbing us in the back, will rightfully be condemned for her cruel indifference. And history will especially condemn Florida’s of�icially-designated anti-gay “hate groups,” like Mat Staver’s Liberty Counsel. Because of the people above, Florida’s LGBT families (real live human beings) have suffered horribly when faced with real life situations where they lacked the rights that would have protected them had they been allowed to marry. Those people af�irmatively supported the discriminatory laws that treat us like second class citizens, and compel us to suffer in times of crisis and grief. And they have done so with no apologies, and oftentimes with glee. In the words of George Clooney (a man both gorgeous and wise): “At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won’t be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black.” Our oppressors, likewise, have stood on the steps of county courthouses and kept us from entering into marriages with our chosen loved ones, only because we are gay. It is not coincidental to me that this amazing year of LGBT progress has coincided with our celebration of the

50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. The heroes from that monumental �ight are rightfully celebrated and honored still today. Many of them, like Coretta Scott King and U.S. Congressman John Lewis, looked beyond their own �ight and became heroes in our cause as well. They understood, as so eloquently stated by President Obama, that “when all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.” At this historic moment in Florida, let’s pause to honor and thank some of the heroes who helped to change the course of history for LGBT citizens, and to bring us to this brink of victory. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have transformed the political landscape for LGBT Americans; legal/advocacy groups like Freedom to Marry, the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and National Center for Lesbian Rights (headed by my brilliant Pareto co-counsel Shannon Minter) have tirelessly spearheaded the legal �ight across all 50 states; revered celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey, gay and straight, have used their public platforms (and

their considerable bank accounts) to raise awareness and encourage human connection. Here in Florida, heroic mayors like Orlando’s Buddy Dyer, Miami Beach’s Philip Levine, and St. Petersburg’s Rick Kriseman, took it upon themselves to lead their communities toward fairness and equality; committed and visionary advocacy organizations like Equality Florida and SAVE have educated and rallied for fairness across the entire state; all the lawyers and law �irms, including my Pareto cocounsels Elizabeth Schwartz and a whole cadre of �ine lawyers at Carlton Fields Jordan Burt, did the necessary and important legal work at no cost; and most certainly the courageous plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, who bravely put themselves and their families on public display on behalf of us all. History awaits us in Florida and the Day of Reckoning is almost here. Thank you to the heroes who have brought us to this moment in time. And to the despicable oppressors among us, I am happy to toss you into the trash heap of history—with no apologies. |  |

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DEMI LOVATO TALKS ABOUT HER GAY GRANDFATHER

SPECIAL TRAILBLAZERS EVENT honoring LGBT civil rights pioneers in New York City gave pop singer Demi Lovato a chance to talk about her gay grandfather. “He was brave enough to come out in the 1960s, and I feel a lot of my spirit has come from him,” Lovato said before discussing Orange is the New Black. “He passed away a few years later, and I only wish he could have seen all the progress that has been made. It’s such an honor to be welcomed and embraced by the LGBT community.” The June 26 event was held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the �irst church to perform same-sex marriages in New York. This is the �irst time Lovato has spoken publicly about her grandfather. |  |

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER COMES OUT AS UNDOCUMENTED AND GAY

N JUNE 29, CNN AIRED DOCUMENTED, which chronicles Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas’ journey to America from the Philippines as a child and how he went from being a Washington Post reporter to an immigration reform activist/ provocateur. In the �ilm, Vargas talks about how he was in two closets—the immigration closet and the gay closet. He said it was easier to come out as an undocumented immigrant �irst than it was to admit he was gay. Vargas started his own production company and employed 30 people to put this �ilm together. Documented will air again at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, on CNN. |  |

CELEBRITY ESTHETICIAN TRIES TO HIRE SOMEONE TO KILL GAY COMPETITOR

EAL CRIME STORIES ARE OFTEN BETTER THAN FICTION—especially in Hollywood. An esthetician to the stars will face trial in California after she tried to hire a white supremacist group to kill a business rival who she described as a “double minority”—Mexican and gay. Dawn Melody DaLuise, 55, the owner of Skin Re�inery, hatched the murder-for-hire plot after Gabriel Suarez opened his competing business, Smooth Cheeks, in the same business complex. Detectives said DaLuise believed Suarez’s status as both a Latino and a gay man made him a solid target for the KKK. DaLuise is being held on a $1 million bond. If convicted, she faces up to nine years in prison. She is due back in court July 7. |  |

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ANDERSON COOPER SAYS HE’S NO EXPERT ON VAGINAS

AY CNN ANCHOR ANDERSON COOPER found himself blushing during a news report recently when he tried to explain how an American exchange student became entangled in a giant sculpture of a vagina in Germany. “I’m certainly no expert on the topic of vaginas,” Anderson said giggling. “They really aren’t my wheelhouse, so to speak. But I know enough to know that you are not supposed to go in feet �irst.” The student became trapped in the giant marble sculpture at Tubingen University after his classmates dared him to climb inside. The local newspaper, Schwabisches Tagblatt, reported emergency services received a call to say a young man was “stuck in a stone vulva.” More than two-dozen �ire�ighters and paramedics with �ive �ire engines arrived to rescue him. |  |

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PERFECT TIMING: Diane Boule, left, and Cindy

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Bonsigniore are photographed outside their Treasure Island home. The Pinellas County couple held their wedding ceremony on July 2, which was not only their eighth anniversary, but the day a Florida court heard arguments challenging the state’s ban on marriage equality.

IN DEPTH MARRIAGE RULING

PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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FLORIDA’S BAN ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES HEADS TO COURT

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LORIDA’S PATH TO MARRIAGE

equality could overcome a major hurdle this month. As this issue of Watermark was being printed, a state trial court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the state’s 2008 constitutional amendment banning same-sex unions.

The Miami-Dade Circuit Court on July 2 heard oral arguments on a motion �iled in May by six same-sex couples and the Equality Florida Institute challenging Florida laws barring same-sex

couples from marrying. The couples are asking the court to strike down the state’s marriage ban and order the state to allow same-sex couples to wed. The plaintiffs argue that

Florida’s ban on marriage equality cannot stand in light of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2013 that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates the federal constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process. The plaintiffs’ motion notes that every court to consider these federal constitutional claims since last summer’s DOMA decision has ruled in favor of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, including federal courts in Utah, Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. While no one can predict with

100 percent certainty which way the court will rule, supporters of marriage equality are hopeful Florida judges will follow the lead of 20 other states who have ruled their respective marriage bans as unconstitutional. (Follow the breaking news story on WatermarkOnline.com.) Since the Supreme Court’s DOMA decision, states across the country have embraced marriage equality. And while many of those decisions included a stay, which prevents gay couples from marrying right away, the path is clearing for full marriage recognition across the country.

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Several governors and attorneys general of both political parties have decided not to �ight the rulings. And Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist �iled a brief June 27 asking the court to overturn the ban. “Our society has evolved and moved past the prejudices rooted in our past,” Crist wrote in the brief. “Science has uniformly reached the conclusion that heterosexual marriages are just as valued and revered as they have ever been...and children raised by gay and lesbian parents Continued on page 30 |  |

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from pg.27

fare just as well as kids raised in straight families.” Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, however, has a different opinion. She has vowed to defend the ban on marriage equality in her state. Bondi �iled two separate motions to intervene—one in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court and the other against a lawsuit in the Monroe County Circuit Court—on June 24, which is in addition to her already representing Florida in a federal lawsuit �iled in North Florida. Bondi has been under heavy criticism lately for �ighting marriage equality. In an early motion, her of�ice said that overturning the state’s ban would signi�icantly affect already existing laws on marriage and cause “public harm.” In her motions to intervene, Bondi argues that the state has a legitimate interest in both cases because both lawsuits challenge the 2008 constitutional amendment that bans recognition of same-sex marriages, which was voted on and approved by a large majority. While Bondi’s opposition to marriage equality isn’t news to those �ighting for it, her stance to vigorously defend Florida’s position is unfortunate. “It is disappointing that at a time when attorneys general and governors across the country are refusing to defend these discriminatory marriage bans, Bondi has decided to pour state resources into defending the indefensible,” said Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith in a statement. “In decisions by judges appointed by both Democrats and Republicans, court after court has determined that barring loving same sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional, and we look forward to hearing from Florida’s courts in the near future. This latest development shows just how out of touch Pam Bondi and the Rick Scott administration are with the majority of Florida voters.” Other conservatives are also dismayed by the possibility of same-sex couples �inally gaining marriage equality in Florida. On June 3, a judge ruled that anti-gay groups Florida Family Action Inc., Florida Democratic League and People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality—all who support the state’s ban on marriage equality and were represented by the

STATE OF

The State of Gay Marriage in the U.S.

|  | FL Marriage Ruling

MARRIAGE EQUALITY The State of Gay Marriage in the U.S. BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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IN THE U.S.

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District of Columbia

Bans onBans Marriage on Marriage EqualityEquality ruled ruled Unconstitutional Unconstitutional Arkansas Arkansas Indiana Indiana Michigan Michigan Wisconsin Wisconsin Utah Utah

Liberty Counsel—cannot intervene in Pareto v. Ruvin, the Miami-Dade case. However, they were permitted to �ile amicus curiae briefs. Amicus curiae, which literally translates to “friend of the court,” describes a brief from someone who is not party to a court case but who wishes to offer information. The anti-gay groups �iled an amicus curiae brief in June, which argues that the plaintiffs have not provided suf�icient arguments to demonstrate that the marriage equality ban approved by voters in 2008 is unconstitutional. It argues that marriage, as de�ined by the union of one man and one woman, is optimal for children, fosters true equality and recognizes the “inherent value of the sexes.” The brief also claims that “physical and psychological harms caused by homosexual conduct provide more than rational basis for not condoning such conduct in law.” Despite Bondi’s plan to defend the ban and the conservative opposition to it being overturned, supporters of equality are optimistic. And if Florida’s ruling follows those of other states, it could have a signi�icant impact on one St. Petersburg couple. Cindy Bonsigniore and Diane

watermark YOUR LGBT LIFE.

Boule held their wedding ceremony on July 2. The date marks their eighth anniversary. The couple, who own The Massage Spa on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, were legally married in New York last December. Their union has a very real possibility of getting legal recognition in their home state, which is another example of the planets aligning in their favor.

A COSMIC COUPLING

The idea of “the planets lining up” is an often-quoted cliché. But one would be hard-pressed to �ind a more compelling example of the concept than Bonsigniore and Boule. As the couple’s story unfolds, it becomes clear that for these two, it’s more than cliché. Consider the facts: both Bonsigniore and Boule are New York natives; Bonsigniore was born in Brooklyn, and Boule in West Point. Both ended up moving to Florida, albeit nearly 20 years apart. Bonsigniore landed in Orlando, while Boule found herself in Cape Canaveral working for NASA’s space program. “One of my roommates at the time was dating a friend of Diane’s,”

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explains Bonsigniore. “So these two groups of friends started hanging out, and we ended up meeting 14 years before we actually ended up together.” For more than a decade, Boule and Bonsigniore spent time in each other’s company, building a friendship. But things eventually took a romantic turn. “I was getting ready to move to the west coast of Florida, and a mutual friend of ours invited us both over for drinks to celebrate my last night there. It was the �irst time that Diane and I were single at the same time in the 14 years that we knew each other,” says Bonsigniore. “I was just looking to get lucky for the night.” Their relationship of�icially took root July 2, 2006, and almost immediately the couple shook things up and relocated to Tampa Bay. “My grandparents were getting older and couldn’t really take care of themselves, so we were looking for a continuing care facility for them,” says Bonsigniore. “I was already in that process when Diane and I started seeing each other, and she was coming over this way to visit me on the weekends. About four months into the relationship,

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Civil Unions/ Domestic Partnerships Nevada Civil Unions/ Colorado Domestic

Partnerships Nevada

Same-Sex Colorado Marriage is Prohibited

Same-Sex

Alaska Marriage is Prohibited Alabama Arizona Alaska Alabama Kansas Arizona Florida Kansas Georgia Florida Idaho Georgia Kentucky Idaho Louisiana Kentucky Mississippi Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Missouri Montana Montana Nebraska Nebraska North Carolina North Carolina North Dakota North Dakota OhioOhio Oklahoma Oklahoma South Carolina South Carolina South Dakota South Dakota Tennessee Tennessee Texas Texas Virginia Virginia West Virginia WestWyoming Virginia Wyoming

she said ‘I can’t do this long distance thing with you anymore,’ and I said, ‘I understand.’” That’s when Boule announced she was quitting her job and moving across the state with Bonsigniore, who admits she was surprised the woman she loved was quitting her 20-year career with NASA. “She said, ‘I’m a big girl, I can handle it,’ and she made the leap of faith and came over here,” Bonsigniore recalls. Together they opened a business and began a life in St. Petersburg, and after more than 20 years of friendship and nearly a decade in love, they decided to tie the knot. “We were legally married in New York in December; we kind of eloped,” says Bonsigniore. “But we always knew we were going to have the actual ceremony here in July so our friends and family could be here and celebrate with us.” Little did they know the planets were once again about to line up to give that date added importance. The couple just learned about the date of oral arguments against the state’s gay marriage ban a month ago. The news was a pleasant surprise. “We’ve been planning the wedding for almost a year now, and

when we found out [it was on the same day], we were both so excited, we were over the moon,” Bonsigniore says. “We didn’t realize it was going to be pushed through as quickly as it was in Florida. We thought it was going to be two or three years before this came about here.” Bonsigniore is pretty optimistic about the outcome of the hearings, especially considering the conservative nature of the Sunshine State. “I think it really is a 50/50 situation,” she says. “But there are so many states that are passing it through so quickly—I believe 20 in a row now—that I can’t see them denying it here, I can’t see it happening.” The couple admits that the

the day the decision is made. That’s pretty cool.”

COUNTIES COULD ISSUE LICENSES IMMEDIATELY If Florida’s ban on marriage equality is ruled unconstitutional, some counties could start issuing marriage licenses to samesex couples immediately. “Clerks in the state of Florida are ministerial. In other words, we don’t make decisions. We only follow the statutory laws or rules of the court,” explains Richard Shore, Manatee County Clerk of Court. “I’m perfectly willing to and have no objection to it, but I would have to wait to see what the forms are like. Now if we get a ruling from the

to reach the clerk’s of�ices of Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pasco and Volusia counties, but emails and messages seeking comment were not returned. Seminole County Clerk Maryanne Morse responded testily to Watermark’s question of whether her of�ice would issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. “I follow the law, whatever the law is we will follow it,” Morse said. She then requested that Watermark not call again and abruptly hung up. In the days leading up to the July 2 hearing, conservative groups gathered on the steps of the Miami-Dade County Courthouse to speak about

There are so many states that are passing it through so quickly that I can’t see them denying it here; I can’t see it happening. —CINDY BONSIGNIORE

circumstances of the day are constantly at the forefront of their minds, but they take it in stride. “It is weighing on us, we’ve talked about it, and it would certainly make it an even better experience if there is a ruling and samesex marriage is made legal,” says Bonsigniore. In the end, Bonsigniore and Boule are focusing on their celebration, and letting the chips fall where they may regarding the court hearings. “We’re getting married on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island, and we’re having over 100 people at the wedding,” Bonsigniore says. “This is a full-blown ordeal with the reception, the band, the sit-down dinner. It’s more meaningful when you get to share it with the people you love.” And maybe, just maybe, the planets will line up once again for Bonsigniore and Boule. “Who knows,” Bonsigniore says.“We could be the �irst couple to have a wedding on

Supreme Court saying to do it immediately, I’d do it immediately.” Nicky Bradley said the Polk County Clerk’s of�ice simply follows the law. “We would follow the Florida statute and law, so whatever is enacted in statute we will follow,” said Bradley. Pinellas County, however, would wait for more information before moving forward with those licenses. “We would want to wait for legal clari�ication,” explains Ken Burke, clerk of Pinellas County courts. Burke said that cases like this are often looked at for direction, and the problem with that is that the case might be limited to just the individuals involved under certain circumstances. Orange County Clerk of Court Eddie Fernandez offered a similar perspective. “We would follow the law,” Fernandez says. “If [the ruling] is ambiguous then we would seek council on it.” Watermark attempted

the lawsuit �iled by the Equality Florida Institute. They argued that the ban is a matter of democracy and not their disapproval of homosexuality. Christian Family Coalition’s Anthony Verdugo verbally attacked MiamiDade Clerk of Court Harvey Ruvin on June 30. “Mr. Ruvin, and this is just a question, does that mean that you will sell fake homosexual marriage licenses? Don’t you care about creating chaos and confusion among the public, Mr. Ruvin?” Verdugo asked. Ruvin, who was named as a defendant in the marriage equality case after he refused to issue a marriage license to a samesex couple, responded to the conservative groups’ protest by saying, “In all cases I’m to comply with the court order. It’s inappropriate to talk about a pending case.” |  |

Samantha Rosenthal, Jamie Hyman, Cristal Hayes and Steve Blanchard contributed to this article.

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EOLA BOUND: (L-R): Blue Starr, Peg O’Keef, Sam Singhaus and Beth Marshall star in The Ladies of Eola Heights at The Abbey. PHOTO COURTESY THE ABBEY

ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

ClassyLadies THE LADIES OF EOLA HEIGHTS PUT ON THEIR HIGH HEELS AT THE ABBEY

Veronica Brezina

RLANDO | TEN YEARS AFTER IT WAS

originally staged at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House, Michael Wanzie’s The Ladies of Eola Heights gets a chance to show its dysfunction and madness at The Abbey.

Director Kenny Howard is the new artistic director at The Abbey and this will be his �irst production in that position. But it’s not the �irst time Howard has worked with Wanzie. He directed this very show before and brings

popular local actors Peg O’Keef (“Opal”), Beth Marshall (“Pearl”) and Blue Starr (“Ruby”) alongside original cast member Sam “Miss Sammy” Singhaus (“June/ Jackson”) in this story of sisterhood, which runs July 10-28.

“The original production ran for a record-breaking nine months of Saturday night performances, failing to sell out only two shows in that entire time, making it then, and still now, the longest running, most attended show in the 38 year history of the Parliament House,” says Wanzie, who penned the play. If you’re not familiar with Ladies of Eola Heights, here’s a synopsis. The estranged Locksdale sisters reunite at their family home, situated on Cathcart Street in downtown Orlando—right in the middle of The Eola Heights Historical Continued on page 37 |  |

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for about a year, she sees the gig a collection of fun pop/dance as a major accomplishment and is tracks, but also write about hopeful her performance will help real-world experiences. launch her career. “I did a song called ‘Without As excited as the New Jersey Makeup On’ after I had a guynative is for what lies ahead, she friend say to me ‘You’re pretty is taking stock in the journey she with or without makeup on,’ took to get where she is today. and I never thought I would “Last year I tried to make an hear that from a guy,” she says. album and the songs I was doing “Some people are so super�icial just didn’t �it; it just didn’t come and don’t take the time to see together,” Hailey says. “I told who is behind the makeup and people I would have an album what’s inside, and this guy did. coming out and it didn’t pan It hit something in me, and I out so people thought I was just wrote that song. It deals with blowing smoke. But this time I insecurities, and not always did it. It’s overwhelming, I didn’t feeling comfortable with know if I would get here.” yourself and then someone Although this is her debut fullcomes along and sees something length album, she has been in the that you don’t see.” music world for more The 16-track disc than 10 years, writing would be at home music by age 15, on shelves next and recording music to the likes of when she was 18. But Britney Spears the circumstances or Christina were different, and Aguilera, and she struggled to Hailey was �ind her niche. excited to take “I was trying a the show on the more R&B style when road this summer. I was starting off. Her Pride Fest I was performing Tour kicked off on as ‘Kenny,’ and it March 2 in Fort just never felt right, Lauderdale, and it never fell into she planned and —ALYSSA HAILEY place,” she says. shot a half-dozen But when she music videos to began her transition to become accompany her album release. Alyssa, she says things began to But there is a bigger message fall into place. she wants her listeners and fans “When I started moving to take away from her music. forward as Alyssa, that’s when “You can be who you are,” things started to feel right,” she says. “Some people have the Hailey says. “I feel 100 percent idea that if you’re transgender, comfortable in my own skin you have to do this or have to for the �irst time in my life; it do that, and that’s not the case. feels so right.” I think LGBT artists can bring Hailey says the songwriting something new to the table, and process for the album was an I want people to know that you inspired experience, aided by can do whatever you want if you friends and fellow artists in the put your mind to it.” LGBT community. For more information on “The writing process was Alyssa, her new album, and her pretty awesome,” she says. “I tour schedule, visit her fan site wrote every song but I also at Facebook.com/Alyssa.The. worked with some co-writers Fan.Site. You can also follow her [including local LGBT artists on Myspace.com/alyssa.hailey. Ashley Childs, Quarnelius, Flash And to support her ongoing Gotti, and Izzi] because when Pride Fest Tour, visit TeeSpring. you’re writing a full album, com/TeamAlyssa for of�icial you start to get writer’s block Alyssa Hailey apparel and because you have so much merchandise. |  | going on in your head. I was just inspired, the �irst song MORE INFORMATION I recorded in the studio was ‘Settle for Less’ and it just hit WHO: Alyssa Hailey something in me and it took off WHAT: Alter-Ego from there.” INFO: Facebook.com/ Hailey says that she wanted to Alyssa.The.Fan.Site make the album more than just

“When I was starting off I was performing as ‘Kenny,’ and it just never felt right, it never fell into place.”

TRUE TO HER VOICE: Alyssa Hailey has always been musically inclined, but it wasn’t until she began her transition that she found her message—and her voice. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

Alter-Ego MUSIC

Singer and songwriter Alyssa Hailey discovered her voice after transitioning

Zach Caruso

T. PETERSBURG | ALYSSA HAILEY

wants you to get to know her Alter-Ego. The 28-year-old transgender pop singer/ songwriter (who simply goes by “Alyssa”) recently released her debut album, Alter-Ego, and since it dropped in January, she has been on the go.

“I’m shooting six music videos with some great directors and I’m doing a Pride Fest Tour,” says the Largo resident. “I’ve contacted every city that has a Pride event, and I’ll be performing and promoting my album.” Most recently, she performed on the main stage at St. Pete Pride. That’s the big one, she says, and after only living in Pinellas County

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|  | Ladies of Eola

Heights from pg.33

District. The sisters gather to plan their father’s funeral and, of course, the sisters are all big-time drama queens. Ruby has taken to loose living and drinking, while older sister Opal has become a born-again Christian. Matriarch Pearl has gained weight and now has an oxygen tank as an accessory to her Home Shopping Club addiction. With addictions and secrets surfacing, the women discover that their brother Jackson is living his life as a woman named June. “Opal moved to Buckhead, joined society and tried to forget her simple roots and instead found religion, snobbery and judgment,” Howard explains. “Pearl stayed home with Jackson to take care of daddy. She is the nurturing caregiver. Ruby also left home and is the wild child of the bunch. Jackson has some very strange habits—he is stuck in 1964 mentally and thinks he’s June Cleaver.” Singhaus, who was in the original production, relates to the character of June/Jackson.

In a broad way, Ladies of Eola Heights at The Abbey qualifies as a site-specific theater. —MICHAEL WANZIE

“I am lucky to relate to June/ Jackson because of what I do as the character Miss Sammy,” Singhaus says. “In the play, June gets to interject happiness into the household by doing musical numbers, thus breaking tensions and helping make dif�icult topics easier to deal with. I feel a lot of the same things when doing Miss Sammy. She makes people laugh and forget about troubles for a while.” Jackson reveals to each one of the sisters how she has been living as June. Each sister has a different reaction, but Opal’s reaction is negative and she believes something is mentally wrong with her brother. Wanzie explains the process of writing Singhaus’ role: “The characters portrayed by everyone other than Sam (June/ Jackson) are actually females,” he

says. “We played the women as male actors in drag. Sam’s role is actually written to be a man who, in response to a crisis, begins dressing as a woman. “As I wrote the play, I tried very carefully to not write any lines or jokes that would pander to the fact that men would be playing the female roles, but rather to be careful to write every line with the thought that these were indeed actual women so the play could later be produced utilizing actual female actors. From the onset it was my desire that Ladies of Eola Heights would eventually be published and produced with women in the women’s roles.” Wanzie says there are only two differences in this production of play from the original. One is that the majority of female characters are being portrayed by real women, and secondly, the play was written

to take place in the present. Since the play is 10 years old, there’s a reference shift to set it in present day. Wanzie knew he wanted Howard to direct the play. When he pitched it to him, everyone at The Abbey supported the project. “I thought it would be uniquely noteworthy for people to have the opportunity to enjoy the play in a venue that is located within a few blocks of the neighborhood in which the play takes place,” Wanzie says. “The Abbey is situated within walking distance of many of the downtown locales referenced in the play. In a broad way, Ladies of Eola Heights at The Abbey quali�ies as a sitespeci�ic theater.” Wanzie says what makes the play so appealing is that it’s relatable to everyone in the audience.

“The speci�ic issues may not be exactly those of you or the next person, but the concept of how we communicate, or fail to communicate, within the family dynamic, is universal,” Wanzie says. “Seeing how other people deal or don’t deal with the demons in their lives is something with which everyone can identify. And �inding the ability to laugh at terribly hurtful situations is a concept we all long to latch on to.” Wanzie, of course, is more than a writer. He has appeared in many shows over the years and played Pearl in the original Ladies of Eola Heights. Howard directed the original production 10 years ago and during its run at FringeNYC. Singhaus says his favorite part of the play is at the end. “Everyone leaves the theatre with a great big smile on their face and with their heart absolutely beaming,” he says. |  |

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT: The Ladies of Eola Heights WHERE: The Abbey WHEN: July 10-28 TICKETS: $30 at AbbeyOrlando.com

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Return to the Forbidden Planet, Through July 6, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; JobSiteTheater.org

Comedy Rush

4th of July Celebration, July 4th, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727.822.1032; Fine-arts.org

Funny man Chris Tucker will no-doubt tell it like it is at the Hard Rock Orlando on July 11.

Hot Summer Show, through July 19, Clayton Galleries, Tampa. 813-831-3753; ClaytonGalleries.net Hawk & Wayne’s IT’S A LIVING! , through Aug. 31; American Stage Theatre Company, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529); AmericanStage.org Available Cupholders, July 13, American Stage Theatre Company, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org Culture, July 3, State Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-895.3045; StateTheatreConcerts.com RX Bandits/ The Dear Hunter, July 11, St. Petersburg. 727-895.3045; StateTheatreConcerts.com Trapt, July 12, St. Petersburg. 727-895.3045; StateTheatreConcerts.com

Event Planner

SARASOTA Knowing Me, Knowing You: The Hits of ABBA, July 10 to July 20, The Players Theatre, Sarasota. 941-365-2494; ThePlayers.org

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ORLANDO Viewpoints and Creative Composition with Aradhana Tiwari, July 2 to July 14, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com Ladies of Eola Heights, July 10 to July 28, Thursday through Sunday, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; Abbeyorlando.com Shout! The Mod Musical, July 10 to July 19, The Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterparkPlayhouse.org

Villains of Broadway, July 7-18, Osceola Center for the Arts, Kissimmee. 407-846-7902; OCFTA.com

Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute, July 13 to July 19, Epcot, Orlando.

Corey Smith, July 3, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

Ray LaMontagne, July 11, Bob Car Performing Arts Center, Orlando. 800-4308903; Orlando-Theatre.com

Orlando Rocks Country!, July 5, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

Chris Tucker, July 11, Hard Rock, Orlando. 407-351-LIVE (5483); Hardrock.com/live/ locations/Orlando

Trapt, July 11, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

Prevailing Winds! July 7, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-770-0071; OrlandoPhil.org

Moe, July 8, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-770-0071; OrlandoPhil.org

TAMPA BAY

Patriotic Spectacular, June 27, First United Methodist Church, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

The Delicious Beats, July 12, FreeFall Theatre, Tampa. 727-498-5205; FreefallTheatre.com

Michelle Harrington, July 2-6, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, Sarasota. 941-925-3869; MccurdysComedy.com

Morris Day & The Time, July 11, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com

Darrell Hammond, July 11-12, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, Sarasota. 941-925-3869; MccurdysComedy.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ORLANDO

Fireworks at the Fountain 4-10 P.M. FRIDAY, JULY 4 LAKE EOLA PARK 195 N ROSALIND AVENUE, ORLANDO Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Orlando. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. with music at the Lake Eola Amphitheatre. At 8:30 p.m., the Orlando Concert Band and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play and the night will conclude with a firework display at 9:10 p.m. accompanied by a performance from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit Cityoforlando.net or call 407-246-2121 for more information.

KISSIMMEE

Inaugural Family Outfest THROUGH JULY 7 WALT DISNEY WORLD LAKE BUENA VISTA, ORLANDO Celebrate diverse love and see what all families look like with Family Outfest. \Get tickets at FamilyOutfest.com or call the Walt Disney World Resort at 407-939-5277.

ST. PETERSBURG West Side Story

SUNDAY, JUNE 27- JULY 6 ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY 2145 FIRST AVE. N, ST. PETERSBURG West Side Story, of course, is Leonard Berstein and Stephen Sondheim’s version of Romeo and Juliet that takes place in 1950s New York City. Tickets are available at StPeteOpera.org or 727-823-2040.

Joan Jett at the Rays game GAME STARTS AT 4:10 P.M., SATURDAY, JULY 12 TROPICANA FIELD ONE TROPICANA DR., ST. PETERSBURG See the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball. Following the game, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform. Concert included with Rays ticket. Buy tickets at Tampabay.Rays.MLB.com or call 727-825-3137.

SARASOTA

2014 Sarasota IMPROV Festival JULY 11-12 FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 1241 N PALM AVE, SARASOTA FST’s Sarasota Improv Festival brings two-nights of comedy to downtown Sarasota with acts from all over the country. The festival will also feature Improv workshops taught by the professional Improvisers attending the festival. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org or call 941-366-9000 for details and tickets.

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TAMPA BAY

1- BIRTHDAY BASH: Studio at 620 co-founder Bob Devin Jones welcomes guests to the art space’s 10th birthday party on June 21. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

2- PRE-PARADE DINNER: Friends gather for the Una Voce Spaghetti Dinner at St. Petersburg’s King of Peace MCC prior to the St .Pete Pride nighttime parade on June 28. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA ROSENTHAL

3- PASSIONATE THANKS: Pride & Passion 2014 chair Kevin Reder thanks sponsors at a special reception at the Tampa Museum of Art on June 25. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 4- HOLLYWOOD LIVING: Mother and son team “Scott & Patti” (Scott Daniel, left, and Matthew McGee) entertain the crowd at St. Pete Pride during the June 29 street festival. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD 5- MAN OF THE HOUR: Garry Breul welcomes the audience to the first showing of the Suncoast AIDS Theater Project’s presentation of All About Steve at American Stage Theater June 23. PHOTO COURTESY CINDY BARNES 6- MORE THAN CHILD’S PLAY: Members of Balance Tampa Bay donate $1,000 to the Tampa non-profit group The ToyMakers after painting more than 1,200 wooden toys. PHOTO COURTESY BALANCE TAMPA BAY 7- ALL-STARS: (L-R) Joey Brooks, Esme Russell and Monica Moore take a pre-show photo at Bradley’s on 7th June 21. PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE WEST

8- FAMILY FIRST: St. Petersburg City Council member Darden Rice was accompanied by her nephew, Gabriel, to the St. Petersburg LGBT Welcome Center Reception on June 26. PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHARD

OVERHEARD ALMOST LIKE CHRISTMAS

HE IMPRESSIVE GUYS AND GIRLS OF BALANCE TAMPA BAY donated their time and energy to help out a worthy cause on June 21. More than 60 volunteers painted 1,200 wooden toys for The ToyMakers and donated $1,000 to the nonpro�it. That money will help the charity rebuild after a �ire destroyed a workshop, equipment and supplies in April. This is the second time Balance Tampa Bay has helped out the ToyMakers and president Scott Kligmann said this year the group painted nearly twice as many toys as in 2013. The ToyMakers provide painted, wooden toys to children in physical or emotional distress

and have done so since 1982. Balance Tampa Bay, founded in 2011, will be the charity of choice at the next Watermark Wednesday social, scheduled for July 23 at Stageworks Theatre in Channelside.

ALL ABOUT FUN!

F YOU MISSED THE TWO SHOWS of the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project’s All About Steve at American Stage the last week of June, you missed a laughriot. The hilarious, musical spin on the classic Bette Davis �ilm All About Eve starred Matthew McGee and Scott Daniel (actors who also portray the hilarious Scott & Patti) and helped raise money

for local residents battling HIV. In this version of the story, Steve, played by Daniel, is an up and coming drag queen who idolizes, then eclipses, Margo Channing, played by McGee. Musical numbers lampoon current events and, with very little rehearsal, screw-ups had sold-out audiences rolling during both performances on June 23 and 29. Garry Breul, who started Suncoast AIDS Theater Project, welcomed guests both nights and thanked them for their generosity as he explained the importance of helping those living with the disease. Talk about mixed emotions! Next year, rumor has it they’ll skewer Male�icent. Let’s hope that holds true!

10 YEARS ALREADY

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT IT WAS ONLY 10 YEARS AGO that Bob Devin Jones and Dave Ellis opened an artistic space in St. Petersburg that allowed upand-coming artists a chance to be seen. On June 21, Studio620 celebrated its 10th anniversary with a birthday bash, that included a parade of cakes! Volunteers and board members marched through the packed venue with cakes of all types after a video showing locals applauding the anniversary showed on the big screen. Included in that video were St. Petersburg Rick Kriseman and former council member Leslie Curran—among many, many others. Congrats to Studio620! Here’s to 10 more

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years and beyond!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

HE ORGANIZERS OF PRIDE & PASSION held a special reception to thank sponsors at the Tampa Museum of Art on June 25. Nearly 50 people attended the special cocktail reception and enjoyed access to the museum’s two newest exhibits, Poseidon and Chinese Artists. Event chair Kevin Reder noted that more than $70,000 was raised and more than 300 annual memberships were secured for the museum. With that kind of momentum, he said the community can bet Pride & Passion will continue to grow and be more ambitions in 2015! |  |

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ORLANDO

1- SUMMER MIXER: (L-R) Scott Joseph, Gina Duncan and Rick Schell attend Equality Florida’s Summer Mixer at the Winter Park home of Dr. Carol Bresnahan and Dr. Michelle Stecker, where State Rep. Joe Saunders spoke June 25 to a crowd of more than 100. PHOTO BY TOM DYER 2- JOYEAUX ANNIVERSAIRE: Miss Sammy emcees the show for MBA president Mikael Audebert’s birthday June 30 at The Venue. PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL THOMAS 3- FUNDS FOR YOUTH: On June 27, Lu Mueller-Kaul, left, and Deb Ofsowitz, the owners of Balance Orlando, present to Zebra Coalition executive director Dexter Foxworth more than $700 they raised via a yard sale. PHOTO COURTESY JASON DOLL

7 4

4- DTO MOVES FORWARD: (L-R) Joan Carragher, Jessica Burns and Deanna Kotch encourage Orlando residents to sign their initials to the word they identify with downtown Orlando the most as one of Project DTO’s the nine interactive stations, which is a part of the effort to expand and rebrand the city. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LENA ROSENTHAL 5- THIRD THURSDAY AT THE THEATRE: Daved Tabin, left, and Jon Blitch enjoy drinks and good company at Watermark’s Third Thursday June Social at Mad Cow Theatre in Downtown Orlando. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LENA ROSENTHAL 6- BASKET OF GOODIES: Hope & Help volunteer Charles Gilliland, left, picks up a gift basket from Orlando Museum of Art’s marketing director Randy Ross to auction off at the 2014 Headdress Ball. PHOTO COURTESY MERIKA CHILDERS 7- HO’OMAIKA’I ‘ANA!: Rev. Terri Steed, right, Pastor of Joy MCC and her wife Kim Pierce tie the knot in Hawaii June 28. PHOTO COURTESY REV. STEED

8- CELEBRATING 45 YEARS: Watermark editorial assistant Samantha Rosenthal enjoys Stonewall Pride in Wilton Manors June 21. The event featured local vendors, the Twilight Street Parade and a concert by drummer Sheila E. PHOTO BY CARMELA ROSENTHAL

OVERHEARD COCK OF THE WALK

HE PEACOCK LOUNGE OPENED AS ONE OF THE FIRST AMBIGUOUS UNOFFICIAL GAY BARS in town followed by Lava, Sip, the Hammered Lamb and now St. Matthews Pub. Never really claiming to be an LGBT establishment, the lounge originally had a primarily large Gay following with its original drink menu consisting of trendy martinis and lots of great art on the walls, It certainly brought a different vibe to the Orlando nightlife. Now, after 14 years of hard work, David Rich sold his share of the bar to his business partner Carmen. The Peacock Lounge still offers great drinks, fabulous art but certainly a more

diversi�ied crowd that in its early years. No feathers were ruf�led in the transition and we wish David all the best in his future endeavors.

LIQUOR STORE AT IVANHOE, A GO?

HE OWNERS OF SAVOY ORLANDO HAVE THEIR FINGERS CROSSED as they wait for two �inal inspections to pass so they can to open the Ivanhoe Wine and Spirits. The new venture will be a fully stocked liquor store in the heart of the Ivanhoe district that promises competitive pricing on a very good selection of beers, wine and liquor. If all goes as planned a grand opening will be set for some time mid-July.

MAN OF THE HOUR

IKAEL AUDEBERT WEARS MANY HATS, among them President of the MBA and executive director of Come Out with Pride. On June 30 he wore a different kind of hat, a party hat, as he celebrated his birthday at the Venue. The party was packed with a wild assortment of entertainment and a who’s who of Orlando, including Miss Sammy, Blue Star and a French-speaking Mime! Mikael requested his guests donate to the Barber Fund, which was created in the memory of John “Tweeka” Barber. More than $1,500 was raised to assist those living with cancer.

RIDE WITH PRIDE

HE FOLKS AT COME OUT WITH PRIDE ARE STRATEGIZING to see if they could have the SunRail system operate the day of the festival and parade. Operating the SunRail during COWP will provide the attendants and volunteers with an alternative mode of transportation and will certainly alleviate many headaches regarding parking in downtown Orlando. It would increase foot traf�ic from the SunRail station at Church Street to Lake Eola, allowing for the downtown businesses to pro�it on the record numbers of attendants. The SunRail operates only MondayFriday. If this gets approved, this will be the �irst time the SunRail operates on a Saturday.

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“FAMILY” PHOTO TIME

ATIANA QUIROGA, THE SOUTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER AT THE FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL, recently noti�ied us of an app that will allow you to help raise money for LGBT Parents’ rights with just a snapshot! The “Donate a Photo” app by John & Johnson can assist LGBT parents by providing resources and family rights in their states. With every photo uploaded, Johnson & Johnson will donate a $1 to the Family Equality Council. The app is available for iOS & Android devices. |  |

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A PRESIDENT’S PREROGATIVE: Founding cochairman and board president of Embracing Our Differences Dennis McGillicuddy, Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee member Che Barnett, Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee chair Jetson Grimes and executive director of Embracing our Differences Michael Shelton celebrates the President’s Volunteer Service Award presented to Embracing our Differences. The award was presented by members of the Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee on behalf of President Obama. PHOTO COURTESY BRENNA WILHM

Tampa couple Kathie Michaels and Renee Cossette celebrated their 13th anniversary on June 24. Michaels works for Metro Wellness and Community Centers and organizes that group’s Red Ribbon Run. Cossette is the administrator for the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Local Birthdays Fringe festival star Rob Ward (July 4); Orlando printress extraordinaire and MBA mainstay Debbie Simmons, St. Petersburg entertainer Kori Stevens (July 5); MBA man and co-owner of John Michael Weddings & Events Michael Thomas, Sarasota and Provincetown diva David “Scarbie” Mitchell, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, St. Petersburg leather man Randall Isgrigg (July 6); former Watermark editor, stand-up comedian and singing fool Ronni Radner, former Watermark staff writer and Montessori teacher Natasha Kay, Orlando resident and USF IT guru Angel Arcelay, former Tampa Bay Business Guild officer Chris Hennessey, New Port Richey model and singer Chris Stein, Tampa Bay writer John Chambrone (July 7); Tampa chiropractor Scott Barry, Shelbie Press coowner Michelle Murray (July 9); former St. Petersburg Westcare

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A NEW BOARD: Earlier this month, the Tampa Bay Gay and

Lesbian Chamber of Commerce held its elections for its board of directors. The board includes, (L-R) college liaison Luke Blankenship, treasurer Sharon Herman, David Hoffman, administrator Renee Cossette, president Chris Rudisill, secretary Laurie Chism, corporate committee chair Austin Dyess, non-profit committee chair Bud Gunter, marketing committee chair Barnabas Edwards, and award gala committee chair David Capece. Board members not pictured include vice president Ashley Brundage, membership committee chair George Algonizza and Tom Barker. PHOTO COURTESY TBGLCC

TASTY COUPLE:

Orlando couple TrinaGregory Propst, owner of Se7en Bites, and Va Propst celebrate their one year wedding anniversary on July 17.

professional Ricki Liff, arthritis advocate and meditation master Tony Ward (July 10); Ybor City life coach Carla Vaughan, Tampa airline pilot Brian Russell, sexy Tampa tri-athlete Jon Pello (July 11); Hope and Help’s Patrick Brown, bartender

Bruce Duckworth, former Full Moon bartender Jeff Patrick, Tampa attorney Kim Byrd, Karmic Tattoo percussionist Amy Black (July 14); Three Boys Café owner Matthew Downs (July 15).

Are you making a Transition? Having a birthday or anniversary? Did you get a new job or promotion? See your news in Watermark! Send your Transition to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com or go to WatermarkOnline.com/Submit-a-Transition - it’s that easy!

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Olympians, pro athletes march at World Pride Parade

ORONTO, CANADA | Nearly three dozen Canadian Olympians and pro athletes marched in the World Pride Parade June 29 as part of the “You Can Play Project.” It was a statement from professional sports groups in Canada that LGBT athletes are welcome in arenas and on the �ield. In a press release, World Pride explained that Toronto’s professional sports teams and the Canadian Olympic Committee united behind the You Can Play Project, the premiere organization for LGBT equality in sport. Together, the organizations issued a joint statement of support for You Can Play and the ideals of LGBT inclusion in sport. “In commemoration of World Pride 2014, we are proud to join the You Can Play Project in embracing and celebrating all of our LGBT athletes, coaches, staff, and fans,” the statement reads. “We strongly

believe that discrimination of any kind has no place in sports, and we are united in support of the ideals embodied in the statement: ‘If you can play, You Can Play.” Wade Davis, Executive Director of You Can Play, praised the organizations involved. “This unparalleled support from the Canadian sports world is touching and inspiring. So many young LGBTQ people across Canada will now know that they are welcome in the sports world,” Davis said. “We are so grateful to all the organizations that have joined us to send a message of hope and love to young people everywhere.” The organizations participating are the Canadian Olympic Committee, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC), the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, and the Toronto Furies of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.

Each team sent players or staff representatives to march in the World Pride Parade, which organizers say was the largest LGBT gathering of its kind in Canadian history. The representatives included more than 20 Canadian Olympians; Troy Bodie of the Maple Leafs; Jeremy Hall and Andrew Wiedeman of Toronto FC; and Meagan Aarts, Holly Carrie-Mattimoe, Martine Garland, Alora Keers, Jenelle Kohanchuk, Carolyn Prevost, Natalie Spooner, and Jennifer Wake�ield of the Toronto Furies. “I am excited to represent the Toronto Furies and Olympians in World Pride,” said Spooner, a Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medalist. “I sincerely believe in the values expressed by the You Can Play Project and hope that young LGBT athletes everywhere know that they are welcome and embraced in the world of women’s hockey.” This marked the �irst time that athletes from multiple professional and national teams have marched together in a Pride Parade, |  |

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Mexico coach defends gay slur chant by crowd Wire Report

ANTOS, BRAZIL | Mexico soccer coach Miguel Herrera has defended World Cup fans chanting a gay slur which is under investigation by the sport’s international governing body. Mexico fans shouting the slur as the rival team’s goalkeeper takes a goal kick is ``not that bad,’’ Herrera said Friday. ``We’re with our fans. It’s something they do to pressure the opposing goalkeeper,’’ he said. Fare, the European fan-monitoring group, reported the chants at Mexico’s 1-0 win over Cameroon in Natal. FIFA subsequently opened a disciplinary case against the Mexico federation, which is responsible for the behavior of its fans inside stadiums. The chant originated with fans of Mexican club Chivas. It has become a common chant at professional matches across Mexico. ``That was how the chant was created and it was adopted by the other fan groups in Mexico,’’ Herrera said. FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Brazil President Dilma Rousseff have pledged to use the World Cup as a platform to �ight racism and discrimination. |  |

sports

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

2005

1- The grizzly trial of Steve Lorenzo unearthed an unlikely accomplice. Former Orlando resident Scott Schweickert was also convicted of multiple charges. 2- 2005 ended with the much-anticipated opening of Brokeback Mountain. The wrenching movie starred Heath Ledger (left) and Jake Gyllenhaal. 3- Fred Berliner is a co-founder of the Orlando Gay Chorus. He’s also advertised in every issue of Watermark. And in 2005, he was part of the gloriously revamped Come Out With Pride celebration in October.

4- In April I had the opportunity to interview activist, feminist and cultural icon Gloria Steinem. 5- In its 15th year, Gay Days Weekend proved it could weather just about anything. The Magic Kingdom remained the big draw on the first Saturday in June. 6- Yuppy Puppy owners Michael Fried (left) and Rick Merrifeld rebranded as Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat.

7- In just its 3rd year, attendance at St. Pete Pride once again doubled to 40,000.

4 10

8- The Parliament House celebrated its 30th anniversary by breaking ground on one of the nation’s first timeshare resorts for the LGBT community. PH owner Don Granatstein envisioned a Wilton Manors-style revitalization of the neighborhood. 9- Fresh-faced Steve Blanchard joined our staff in 2005 as the first full-time staff writer for our Tampa Bay bureau. He became editor in 2009. 10- This Seminole Heights bungalow housed a dungeon that was the site of date-rapes, torture and murder. It’s owner, Steve Lorenzo, is currently serving a life sentence in prison.

ON THE COVER Watermark turns 20 this coming Labor Day. In the issues between now and then, founder and publisher Tom Dyer looks back at a remarkable two decades. On this page, he returns to 2005.

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 13

More than 5,000 descended on downtown Tampa to protest the Hillsborough County Commission’s offensive ordinance banning the county from “acknowledging, promoting and participating in gay pride.” “The county commission thinks we should hide,” said Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith. “Their act has had the opposite effect.” Commissioner Ronda Storms remains the incarnation of homophobia in Tampa Bay.

LOOKING BACK HE TWO BIGGEST STORIES

of 2005 came out of Hillsborough County. The Tom Dyer trial of Steve Lorenzo— closely PUBLISHER followed by major media—produced gruesome photos of listless men in bondage. A jury took just three hours to convict Lorenzo of conspiring with Scott Schweickert to distribute date rape drugs. Years later, Schweickert was charged with the murder of Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz. And in eastern Hillsborough, commissioner Ronda Storms succeeded in banning recognition of LGBT Pride by the county. Protestors stormed downtown Tampa, but Storms wasn’t done yet. In September she derailed reconsideration of the county’s human rights ordinance and talked her fellow commissioners into requiring a supermajority on

future votes. We hate her. In Pinellas County, Gulfport led the way by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to its human rights ordinance. And Ken Shelin won a City Council seat in Sarasota. Two stories also dominated news in Orlando. New Orleansbased party promoter Johnny Chisholm bought Mark Baker’s production company and took control of an impressive slate of circuit events associated with Gay Days Weekend—by 2005 easily the largest annual gathering of gays in the nation. And Pride received a major reboot when MBA and UCF’s

GLBT student group moved the parade to October, rerouted it to Lake Eola and dubbed it ‘Come Out With Pride.’ A late night attack on artist Paul Horan in the gay-friendly ViMi (now Mills/50) District resulted in a Valentines Day “Love Not Hate March Against Violence” led by City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. Outside Florida, the Supreme Court turned rightward with the con�irmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito. The ongoing war in Iraq saw a steady drumbeat of brave service soldiers being kicked out of the military for being gay. Spain became the �irst Mediterranean nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Elton John and David Furnish got married. And those mourning the loss of Queer as Folk turned their dials to ABC’s campy Desperate Housewives. |  |

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11- A small display about gay authors at a Hillsborough branch library outraged County Commissioner Ronda Storms. She talked all but one of her fellow commissioners into passing an offensive ordinance banning any county recognition of LGBT pride. 12- Local chapters of the Human Rights Campaign thrived in Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota. Pictured (L-R) are HRC field organizer Bo Shuff, Orlando co-chairs Jennifer Foster and John Ruffier, and HRC president Joe Solmonese.

9 YEARS AGO MOST POPULAR SONG

We Belong Together by Mariah Carey