dAytOnA beAch • OrlAndO • tAmPA • St. PeterSburg • SArASOtA • iSSue 22.02 • jAnuAry 15 - 28, 2015 • wAtermArkOnline.cOm
Your lgbt life.
OrlAndO editiOn
cOmedy meetS PAthOS in FreeFAll’S
BUFFALO KINGS
L E G A L LY
WED Marriage equality finally came to Florida Jan. 6, and couples across the state took advantage of the historic day
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dAytOnA beAch • OrlAndO • tAmPA • St. PeterSburg • SArASOtA • iSSue 22.02 • jAnuAry 15 - 28, 2015 • wAtermArkOnline.cOm
Your lgbt life.
tAmPA bAy editiOn
cOmedy meetS PAthOS in FreeFAll’S
BUFFALO KINGS
L E G A L LY
WED Marriage equality finally came to Florida Jan. 6, and couples across the state took advantage of the historic day
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
watermark Your lgbt life.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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Departments 6 // mail 10 // orlanDo news 12 // tampa bay news 18 // state 20 // nation & worlD news 49 // community calenDar 55 // transitions 56 // tampa bay marketplace 57 // sports 58 // orlanDo marketplace 62 // Gallery w
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Times have blinded this country about african-americans, times have blinded this country about women and times have blinded this country about gay people. —attorney roberta kaPlan
on the cover
PAge 29 tampa bay eDition orlanDo eDition (L-R) Barbie and robby pigott and James harrison celebrate after being married outside Orlando City Hall by Mayor Buddy Dyer Jan. 6. The couple recently celebrated 23 years together. Photo by Jake Stevens
scan Qr coDe for
watermarkonline.com
Kimmy denny of Palm Harbor were married at the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in Downtown Tampa shortly before a mass ceremony saw nearly 50 more couples tie the knot. The couple met in 2005. Photo by Vinny D’Ippolito
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45
kinGs for a Day:
St. Petersburg’s freeFall theater kicks off 2015 with The Buffalo Kings, by local playwright Natalie Symons. The play—a mix of comedy and tragedy— runs through Feb. 8. photo courtesy Kevin tighe
watermark i ssue 22.02 // J anuary 15 - 28, 2015
orlanDo news
tampa bay
nation+worlD
Gallery w
PAGE Orlando Mayor Buddy
PAGE Local elected officials
PAGE
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read it Online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBT updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com
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Dyer officiates a mass wedding for same-sex couples outside Orlando City Hall on Jan. 6; locals gather to remember transgender teen Leelah Alcorn; Central Florida Fair will celebrate LGBT families this year; more.
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officiate same-sex weddings; St. Pete Pride announces themed design contest for 2015; local teens organize vigil in memory of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn; Chamber’s Diamond Awards adds after party; more.
Senator Bill Nelson backs the federal Respect for Marriage Act, which would completely repeal DOMA; Sen. Marco Rubio still doesn’t believe marriage equality is a constitutional right; Florida archbishop’s memo draw fire from gay rights groups.
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Central Florida was abuzz with same-sex wedding ceremonies, and we caught many of them. From Orlando and Tampa to St. Petersburg and Sarasota, samesex couples were tying the knot the minute courthouses opened Jan. 6.
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the AnnuAl wAve AwArd bAllOtS Are uP! viSit wAtermArkOnline.cOm And vOte FOr yOur FAvOriteS nOw!
watermark Your lgbt life.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
5
top web comments political cartoon
On St. Pete Pride’s new logo: At WatermarkOnline.com
“If you dropped the St. Pete Pride. I wouldn’t know what it was. To me it’s just two hexagons which mean nothing to the community. Don’t like it! Your imagination has run amuck.” —George Bowers
“How the hell does that represent Pride or St. Pete? I am a graphic artist and the hexagonal shapes representing pavers and teal representing the water just do not make sense, nor does it read well. Nothing about this says Pride to me. It’s cold, boring, and impersonal. It looks more like a logo for a Pharmaceutical Company. Unless you go to the convoluted explanation of what they say it represents, no one would know what it was. Two thumbs down!” —Shawn Bruffett
“I must be slow. I still don’t get it.” —Todd KachinskiKottmeier On Watermark’s Facebook page
“As a professional designer working in the industry for decades—maybe I’m getting old—but my business doesn’t reflect that I’m out of touch. That being said, I find it obscure and bland. I think a lack of attention is exactly what you should have expected from that. If you had said it were two links of the same kind together—ok maybe. But a paving stone? I don’t get that at all. I hate the color, it seems last decade and does not feel watery, and no matter what you say about equality, using lower case letters for a city name is disrespectful and ‘Pride’ should be tall and proud.” —Mylez Edward
“Blah. Where are the pride colors which is what Pride represents?” —Patrick Frankfurter
new look: St. Pete Pride’s new logo elicited a large number of negative comments when it appeared online at the first of the year.
logo courtesy dash creative group
“No offense, but it’s terrible. It looks like a lame, freshmanyear-in-design school, clip-art hack. Let local designers, who actually live in the community, submit entries and people vote on the winning design to be featured. A good logo should never have to be explained. The lowercase font is childlike in its simplicity and doesn’t relate a powerful presence. It looks like a logo for a baby gate fencing company—the kind you build around a pool so your kid won’t fall in and drown.” —Nicky Capezza
“What about this reads LGBT?” —Zachary Barr
“Love it, although I might be a bit biased.Keep in mind, I created the first St. Pete Pride logo, I love the direction of the symbolism” —Jay Aller
“Would be cool to have rainbow colors where the 2 overlap!” —Cameron Feldman
“Sounds like PR BS for basic symbols. My first thought was this is an example of a paradigm. For people who are literal, you must keep the name printed. If you have explain what it stands for through many strands of dialogue it’s not good.” —Tom Guthrie
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“So is St Pete Pride now sponsored by—or held behind products made by—a chain link fence company?”
On the Florida counties that canceled courthouse weddings after same-sex marriage became legal:
“Your ‘creative’ team needs to go back to the drawing board. A good logo should not have to be explained”
“I say we stop doing any kind of business in these counties—shopping, dining, lodging or anything else that would generate revenue (taxes etc.) for these rogue counties!”
—Kirk Hartlage
—Beaux Beauchamp
“No one will understand what the symbols mean unless they read the article. Sorry to say, it is forgettable. Honestly, when I first saw it I thought the symbols were “dog tag” type of design. Maybe other designs could be put up for a vote or contest.” —Amy B Nestor
On Sen. Marco Rubio’s statement that marriage equality isn’t a constitutional right:
“People should tell him that Hispanics don’t have the right to get married. Rubio would have a s— fit.” —Tj Long
“Someone so ignorant has no business representing the people of Florida! He obviously thinks he knows more than the Supreme Court, by saying he doesn’t think a ban of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional! He’s an embarrassment to Florida and Latinos!”
“This happened to me today. The SSA office said that they ‘weren’t prepared’ and that they didn’t have systems in place for this. I’m going to go again but it probably won’t be until next week.”
—Robert Carner
—Barbara Sharpe
“Staff complaints? Fire them, they are civil servants.”
“When we got married in Maine (last year), my wife went to the SS office (in Florida where we live) and got her new SS card with no issues, the state has nothing to do with it. Her roadblock came at the DMV, until she walked in on 1/6/15 and there was no problem! This is not legit.”
—Mikael
“If the Clerks in Pasco cannot do their jobs they should not be Clerks of the Court. Ending services provided in order to not serve certain people is not avoiding discrimination it is discrimination!” —Jason Farrer
“Marriage is a legal term. It is governed by the state. It has no religious connotations. Religion has no jurisdiction over the legal matters of state. It is like a birth certificate.” —Sparky
—Frank C.
watermark Your lgbt life.
On newlywed same-sex couples having trouble changing their names at local social security offices:
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
—Hanni
On Mayor Kriseman officiating a same-sex wedding inside St. Pete City Hall:
“I look forward to volunteering and voting for Mayor Kriseman when he decides to unseat Rep. David Jolly. What a leader he truly is.” —Jim Buresch
contributors
editor’s
Steve blanchard eDitor
SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com
w
Desk
hat’S in a logo?
A whole hell of a lot, I suppose. It identifies you, makes a statement and it lets the public know when you are present. In the first issue of this year, Watermark published a story, written by me, unveiling the brand new logo for St. Pete Pride. The interlocking hexagons with a teal tint, I was told, represent the pavers along St. Petersburg’s historic streets, while the color is a reflection of the beautiful waters surrounding the city and the region of Tampa Bay. Leaders of the organization explained the all-lower case title of St. Pete Pride alongside—or under—the logo shows that neither the city nor the organization are greater than the other. The story racked up more Facebook likes, shares and comments than all of our other
stories released that same day— and this was during a time where marriage equality in Florida was on, off, and then on again, thanks to political maneuvering by lawmakers and lawyers. It surprised me. I was surprised not because people reacted to it. Change is far from easy and it is rarely fully embraced. But because people reacted so incredibly negatively. Everyone has the right to like or dislike the new logo. I, for one, would have liked to see the six colors of the Pride rainbow reflected in the logo somewhere. To me, that’s a symbol of LGBT Pride worldwide and a link to our still unfolding history.
watermark staff Founder and Senior Contributor: tom Dyer • ext. 305 • tom@Watermarkonline.com Publisher: 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 Editorial Assistant: 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 Sales Manager: Mark Cady • ext. 102 • Mark@Watermarkonline.com
I also wish the Florida Polytechnic building along I-4 in Polk City didn’t look like a gigantic vagina with retractable teeth. My point is, no one asked me. Art in whatever form is subjective, and organizations and designers change to keep things fresh and visual. An organization’s logo undergoes the same scrutiny as an architectural vision. However, it’s important to know that whether you love or hate St. Pete Pride’s new logo, the organization it represents is still a well-respected one with an incredible history of its own. St. Pete Pride is the state’s largest LGBT Pride celebration which brought more than 200,000 people to the city’s Grand Central District in 2014! The first-ever night parade was the biggest parade St. Pete Pride has seen in its 12 years, and the organization gives money back to the community through its community grants programs. Economically, the impact of Pride on St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay is astronomical, thanks to hotel bookings, restaurant business and the local influx of tourism. None of that has changed simply because the logo has evolved. I’m told that the logo is here to stay, whether the community continues to email, call, or complain on Facebook or not. St. Pete Pride should invite discussions about its logo, but the community must also understand the organization worked for months on that change and has much bigger fish to fry. This year we have more to celebrate than any other time in history. Same-sex couples are legally married in our state, whether they did it officially here or elsewhere. Elected leaders show support by passing LGBT inclusive measures, and businesses, large and small, finally understand the importance
of diversity among its ranks. All of this progress wouldn’t be possible without LGBT organizations leading the way. Whether it’s St. Pete Pride or Equality Florida, organizations put us in the spotlight, which means we’re in the headlines and that leads to changes of hearts and opinions about us. And that leads to equality. If you don’t like the direction St. Pete Pride is headed—or any organization for that matter—quit whining about it on social media
Whether you love or hate st. Pete Pride’s new logo, the organization it represents is still a well-respected one with an incredible history of its own.
and do something about it. Attend a board meeting. Volunteer some of your time. Pass along your criticisms constructively. That’s how change happens and how the community continues to grow. But don’t let anger or disappointment cloud your vision or prevent you from helping create change. Remember, hindering change isn’t the same as helping things change. The two can’t coexist. St. Pete Pride has a big year ahead with big plans in the works. It’s an organization that has grown up and it couldn’t have achieved adulthood without the community. It’s important that all sides remember that moving forward.
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
dr. Steve yaCovelli
is the owner & principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development consulting firm based in Orlando that provides guidance and solutions in diversity and inclusion. Page 23
mimi PlanaS
is the president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami and was elected to the Miami-Dade County Community Council in 2012. Page 25
aaron alper, GreG burton, scottie campbell, Zach caruso, susan clary, Dylan Drobet, kirk hartlaGe, Joseph kissel, ken kunDis, stephen miller, trevor pettiforD, GreGG shipiro, GreG stemm, brett stout, Dr. steve yacovelli, michael wanZie
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orlando news
orlando CelebrateS marriage equality: mayor
in remembranCe: A group gathers for a candlelight vigil at Lake Eola on Jan. 2 to honor the late Leelah Alcorn, a transgender teen who committed suicide due to her struggle with gender identity. Photo By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
Buddy Dyer (at podium) officiates at the Vowed and Proud event on Jan. 6, marrying more than 50 couples on the first day same-sex couples could be legally married in Florida.
viGil Gathers at lake eola to remember transGenDer teen
photo By JaKe stevens
Jamie Hyman
o
rlando | About two dozen people attended a candlelight vigil Jan. 2 in memory of Leelah Alcorn, whose death has sparked a national conversation about suicide and support for transgender teenagers. Seventeen-year-old Alcorn of Cincinnati died on Dec. 28 after she was hit by a tractor trailer. She posted a suicide note online detailing her coming out and struggle with gender identity. The vigil, called “Stand Up for Leelah,” was held at Lake Eola at the same time as vigils all over the country. “Unfortunately, Leelah is only one of many transgender people that feel they do not receive the love, acceptance and support they need,” said Meg Tullos, who organized the vigil along with Brandon Lavoie. “I hope by having this event we can show those in our local community struggling with these issues that they are not alone.” Tullos and Lavoie are straight, which Charles Murphy, who attended the vigil, appreciated. “Where would the LGBT community be without our straight allies?” he asked. “They read Leelah’s suicide note. It was terrible and moving at the same time. [I’m] so grateful to them.” Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s transgender inclusion director, also spoke at the event. “Leelah Alcorn faced the situation that is most feared by the transgender community: social isolation and rejection from those closest to her,” Duncan said. “This scenario is what Equality Florida is working to eliminate. The dying must end. The violence must end. Only through visibility, education and advocacy can we get this done.”
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Vowed and Proud Marriage equality comes to Central Florida Jamie Hyman and Samantha Rosenthal
o
rlando | More than 50 couples chorused “I do!” on the Orlando City Hall front steps Jan. 6, the first day same-sex couples could be legally married in Central Florida. At 9 a.m., pairs of radiant couples marched out of the City Hall front doors, most of them hand-inhand, many cheering, celebrating and proudly waving their newly minted marriage licenses. Once the couples filed into their seats, Mary Meeks, an LGBT activist and Orlando attorney who was part of one of several legal teams fighting for equality in Florida courts, kicked things off. “I am so happy to welcome all of you here today, for this historic event celebrating marriage equality in Florida, celebrating the solidarity and the tenacity of this community, and celebrating the love and
watermark Your lgbt life.
commitment of these 50 awesome couples,” Meeks told the cheering crowd. “We have all been waiting a long time for this. That wait is now over.” Meeks introduced Rev. Kathy Schmitz of First Unitarian Church, who pointedly said she offers “a joyful, loving spiritual voice,” in contrast to the lone protestor shouting about sin and repentance while the speakers addressed the crowd. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan read 1 Corinthians 13:4-9, the Bible passage frequently read at weddings which declares that “Love never fails.” Sheehan introduced Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who brought up Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell. “I hereby affirm that I have issued these licenses to these couples today and they are valid under Florida law,” Moore Russell said, a declaration met with excited cheers from the crowd.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Mayor Dyer led a brief ceremony wherein the couples affirmed their love for each other, exchanged rings and sealed their unions with a kiss. Afterward, there was a reception in City Hall Rotunda where the Orlando Gay Chorus performed, family members hugged and posed for photos with happy couples, and caterers passed around wedding cake and champagne. About 120 revelers later headed to another reception at The Veranda in Thornton Park. However, the city hall group were not the first same sex couples to be married in Central Florida. Osceola County Courthouse had a line of people already forming at 10 p.m. on Jan. 5 as the courthouse prepared to open its doors and issue 28 same-sex couples marriage licenses at midnight. More than 200 people were present at the courthouse to celebrate and support their family and friends who were finally getting to celebrate their special day. Among these people were Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb and her longtime partner, Patti Daughtery, who were the first couple to be wed in Central Florida with U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson as their ring bearer. “It’s an amazing honor,” said Grayson about being present at cOntinued On Pg. 10 | uu |
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
9
orlando news
newlyweD couples hit a roaDblock in name chanGe process Jamie Hyman
o
rlando | It looks like a few of Orange County’s newly-married same-sex couples are hitting a snag when they try to change their names. Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) sent a letter to Carolyn Colvin, the commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration, stating that several couples who went to an Orlando Social Security office with name change requests after Jan. 6 were told their request was on hold. “While the local SSA office that processes name changes is accepting applications, several people have been told that their application cannot be processed until the SSA updates its policies and reviews the legal standing of their marriage under Florida law,” Grayson’s letter reads. “If this review is in fact, needed, I urge you to complete it today. Too many Floridians have waited too long to become a family recognized by their own government. They should not have to wait one minute more to have their love acknowledged.” Visit WatermarkOnline.com to read the full letter.
central floriDa fair celebrates lGbt families Dylan Drobet
o
rlando | The Central Florida Fair has become a tradition in Orlando for many families, but this year the event will make new efforts to welcome the LGBT community with a brand new LGBT family night March 3. The Central Florida Fair has been working on ways to introduce the fair to more people in the community, according to Sponsorship Coordinator Frances Salas. According to Salas, in the past the fair had spent most of their marketing funds on Bright House Networks and didn’t reach out to a number of groups with a large presence in Central Florida. Salas and a few others in her office brainstormed this year and decided to market to the Hispanic and the LGBT communities. “Celebrating our whole community is a super positive thing,” Salas said. “We just know that the LGBT community is prominent in Orlando and there is so much loyalty, enthusiasm and energy surrounding it.” The name for the LGBT families night at the Fair hasn’t been decided just yet. Salas said that they hope to involve LGBT-friendly vendors, such as The Center and The Zebra Coalition. “We chose March 3 because all rides are $2 which always brings in a lot of families,” Salas said. The Central Florida Fair runs from Feb. 26-March 8 at the Central Florida Expo Park in Orlando. For more information, visit CentralFloridaFair.com.
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| uu | Orlando Weddings FrOm Pg.8
Grieb and Daughtery’s wedding. “Not a personal honor, it’s an honor for us as human beings. It’s an honor for the human race. We now have reached the point where we no longer judge people, at least in this instance, by how they look or where they’re from or who they love. It’s remarkable to think that we’ve come this far this fast and to come this far at all. This is the dead end for prejudice in America. It was an awful bitter fight at the end, but here we are. It’s happened— same-sex marriages have come to Central Florida and the world has changed for the better.” There was huge analog clock at the front of the room that Osceola County Clerk Armando Ramirez used to count down until it officially was midnight on Jan. 6. Grieb and Daughtery married at 12:01 a.m. with many family, friends and media correspondents present. Ramirez was there congratulating all the newlyweds and said that he and his staff would not leave until they saw all 28 couples issued licenses and wed. He said in a speech prior to the wedding ceremony he was happy to finally see a hateful law gone and that all people could be treated equally and with respect. Lake County residents Tarina and Tracy Golly were there to tie the knot after seven and half years together. “Today is a moment in history and for us to be a part of that, it’s good, and we’re grateful for that to be able to be with everybody else and one of the first few,” Tarina said. Protestors also made an appearance in Osceola, with signs that read “Marriage= 1 Man + 1 Woman” and some even in Spanish stating “Dios dice: Varon y hembra se casaran,” which roughly translates to “God says: Man and woman should marry.” Of the 28 couples who received marriage licenses, only 19 had ceremonies at the courthouse. The courthouse stayed open to just after 2 a.m., allowing for all the couples that wished to have a ceremony to do so. Osceola County Courthouse was the only place in Central Florida that opened up at midnight when U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle’s stay officially expired. The GLBT Center in Orlando hosted a mass wedding Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. Fifty couples—35 newlyweds and 15 reaffirming their vows from previous commitment
watermark Your lgbt life.
allieS of equality: Rep. alan Grayson (left) and Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court armando Ramirez stand before a crowded room and speak of the long fight for marriage equality in Florida. Photo By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
among the firSt:
Danish-born Malene Binau Bonnor (left) and Carrie Sue Shak of Chicago, were among the first same-sex couples to be married on Jan. 6 at Orlando City Hall.
matChing groomS:
Ken terrell (left), seniors program director at The GLBT Center, marries robert carner at The Center’s group wedding. photo By JaKe stevens
photo By JaKe stevens
“same-sex marriages have come to Central Florida and the world has changed for the better.” —alan graySon ceremonieswere married outside The Center’s headquarters. After the couples walked down the aisle to “At Last,” Judge Robert LeBlanc presided over the ceremony which included a performance by the Orlando Gay Chorus, a quiet moment for couples to privately say their vows to each other and blessings by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Terry DeCarlo, the executive director of The Center, who also happens to be an ordained minister. “Your vows are short but your promises are forever,” LeBlanc said, before pronouncing the couples husband and husband and
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
wife and wife. Soon after, the couples swayed to their first dance together. The song selection was “Same Love,” considered to be a modern LGBT equality anthem. Later that night, happy couples, plus friends, family and LGBT supporters, celebrated with a reception at The Hammered Lamb. Hundreds packed the bar both inside and outside, with a line out the door. Joe Saunders, Southern Regional Field Director at the Human Rights Campaign, addressed the crowd along with a few other speakers.
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tampa bay news
nearly 50 honor the memory of leelah alcorn in st. petersburG
lotS of i dos:
Steve Blanchard
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Pat Frank leads a crowd of nearly 50 same-sex couples in the Pledge of Allegiance before conducting a mass wedding ceremony at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square on Jan. 6.
S
t. PeterSburg | Gibbs High School teens Gaylen Granby and Britney Waggott never knew Leelah Alcorn. But the suicide of the Ohio transgender teenager in December motivated the students to celebrate her life and try to help change the way transgender people are viewed by society. They organized a candlelight vigil at Vinoy Park along St. Petersburg’s waterfront on Jan. 4 and nearly 50 people attended. “We are just so happy that so many people came out,” said Waggott, 16, a junior. “We expected 10 friends to come out, light some candles and say something. And here we are with 40-plus people and I don’t know but a few of them.” Those who attended—transgender and allies alike— took turns expressing their grief for Alcorn while sharing stories of their own struggles dealing with transgender issues. One woman, who described herself as the proud mother of a transgender son, shared that she no longer speaks with her “very religious” sister because she disapproved of her nephew. Another member of the group talked about reparative therapy and how his parents tried to “fix” him when he was younger. The stories were tough to hear for Granby, who is a lesbian and has the full support of her parents. “I have grown up my entire life around other gay and lesbian families,” Granby said. “I was always raised by my parents that you are who you are and to get involved so others can understand the same thing.” While neither young woman knew Leelah Alcorn personally, they say her death—and suicide note—have generated a sense of activism within them. “The very last line of her note said that she won’t rest in peace until transgender people are accepted in their communities,” Granby said. “She’s right. It’s so unfortunate that she had to take her life in order for people to see this. But that’s what made me decide we needed to get the word out. We’re all here for one cause. We need change and we’re on this earth as one human family.” Also in attendance was Tristan Byrnes, a gender therapist. Byrnes took a moment to speak to the group, which was formed in a large circle, but was quick to point out that he didn’t organize the event. “I am thrilled that the younger generation is stepping up and doing things like this,” he told the group. “I had nothing to do with organizing this and was so excited when I learned about it. It shows that the next generation is ready to fight for equality and the transgender community has a voice in the future.”
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photo By steve Blanchard
Bay area wedding blitz Same-sex couples celebrate marriage equality around Tampa Bay Steve Blanchard
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amPa bay | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Pat Frank got a swift response when she rhetorically asked the couples before them how long they’d been waiting for this day to come. Couples shouted numbers, ranging from three years to forty-plus. “Then you’ve waited long enough, which is why I waived the three-day waiting period,” Frank joked on a microphone set up at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa. Nearly 50 couples gathered to exchange vows and Frank shared that while she wasn’t a judge, she was wearing her late husband’s robe to honor him and his career of service as a judge and his devotion to equality. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance—with an emphasis on “Justice for all”—from the crowd, Frank told the couples to determine who would act as “Spouse One” and
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who would act as Spouse Two” for the purposes of the ceremony. “I need your cooperation with this,” Frank said, before addressing the two sole protestors who were shouting Biblical references before the crowd gathered. “And I ask those who are freely expressing their first amendment rights to disagree to remain respectfully silent during the ceremony.” Frank wasn’t the only representative of Hillsborough County on hand. Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and his husband, Tampa Police Officer Gil Sainz were in attendance, as was Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, who posed for photos with jubilant couples. Also on site were representatives from Whole Foods, who handed out celebratory cupcakes to anyone who wanted one. Clerk’s Office employees collected signatures afterward to make the marriages legal and offered white cookies with a red heart design to the newlyweds.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
In all, Hillsborough County issued 160 marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Jan. 6. Of those, 106 were married either in the clerk’s office or in the mass ceremony in the park. Across the Bay, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman made history when he officiated the first-ever same-sex wedding to be held inside City Hall. Kriseman, a longtime advocate of LGBT equality, officiated the wedding of Bob and JoJo Wallace on Jan. 6 on the steps of the interior foyer. The short service was attended by friends of the grooms, several city employees and a throng of media. The couple wrote their own vows and exchanged rings in front of Kriseman, before he pronounced them legally married. Afterward, media representatives asked Bob Wallace why he wanted to get married on that historic day. “As someone who grew up in a time when he couldn’t be true to who he was, it was important for me to do this today,” he said. When Kriseman was asked why this couple in particular was married by him, his response was simple. “Because they asked,” he said, adding that he had known Bob Wallace for several years and was excited for the couple’s new life as legally married spouses. The Wallaces were among 67 same-sex couples in Pinellas County to apply for marriage licenses on Jan. 6. Of that number, county employees cOntinued On Pg. 14 | uu |
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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tampa bay news
Contest will determine the look of St. Pete Pride’s theme Steve Blanchard
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t. Petersburg | St. Pete Pride’s annual celebration is still six months away, but the organization is looking for suggestions on how to illustrate the theme for 2015: Making History. The design of the theme would accompany St. Pete Pride’s new logo, appear on its website and be incorporated into marketing strategies. “Every year we have a theme—last year’s was Global Equality,” said Eric Skains, executive director of St. Pete Pride. “This year’s theme covers all of the history the LGBT community has made over the years, and all of that is fair game.” St. Pete Pride made waves at the beginning of the year when it unveiled its new logo and plans for expanded activities. Skains said he and the board expected what he called “sticker shock” at the redesigned logo, but the call for artists to design this year’s theme is not a response to any negative feedback St. Pete Pride has received since the unveiling. “Most of the [feedback] we’ve receive has been generational,” Skains said, referring to the new logo featuring two interlocked hexagons. “We knew there was going to be a section of the community that wasn’t going to be accepting. The only feedback we’ve really received is through Facebook and if we’re using that as a scientific response, we’ve received more likes than negative comments.” Skains said emotions linked to the new logo could bring out a few more people to board meetings, but he’s not sure if that will generate more participation in St. Pete Pride’s planning. “Last year we incorporated the biggest change any Pride in Florida had seen by switching it to a two-day event and adding a night parade,” Skains said. “That brought out a few more volunteers, but not a lot. We’re seeing more coming in this year though because they enjoyed themselves in 2014.” The design contest to illustrate the 2015 theme, Skains said, was unrelated to the new logo and redesigned website. In fact, it’s been in the works for a long time. “This was always something we had planned on doing,” Skains explained, adding that a design contest was decided upon months ago. “We wanted to put it out there and get several artists involved. It’s something we did in 2012 with our first ‘Carnivale’ theme and it went pretty well.” Designs must be submitted in PDF or EPS format by 5 p.m., Feb. 20. The top “three or so” submissions will then be voted upon by the community through StPetePride. com. The winning artist will receive $500 cash. Voting will run the last week of February through the first week of March. The themed artwork would then immediately appear on marketing materials throughout the year, but especially leading up to the festival the last weekend of June. For details and requirements to participate in the design contest, visit StPetePride.com and click on the “News” tab.
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| uu | Tampa Bay Weddings from pg.12
officiated 24 weddings. Andrea Defelippo and Erin Bell of St. Petersburg were the first same-sex couple to be married in south Pinellas County Jan. 6. The pair, who have been partners for four years, had originally planned to get married in October. But they decided to make it legal Jan. 6 for “historic reasons.” “We want to be part of this,” said Bell. “My parents are actually lesbians and they had to go to Vermont to get married. They’ve been together for over 30 years. In fact, my mom is in the St. John’s County Courthouse today marrying people as a notary. So we really wanted to come and do this.” The two women still plan to have their October ceremony, but now “it will be more of a vow renewal,” Bell said. St. Petersburg couple David and Eric Barenz were also among the first to apply for the license and, initially the two didn’t plan to get married on Jan. 6. “We thought about doing it on our anniversary, which is Feb. 1,” the couple said. “But we decided to do it today to be part of the historic event.” A smaller, but just as enthusiastic, group of couples assembled outside the Sarasota County Clerk’s office in downtown Sarasota the same morning. There, Sarasota Pride chairperson Cindy Barnes was ready to officiate the wedding of four dear friends in the courtyard of the building. She received her notary stamp just a week earlier, on Dec. 28. Barnes united couples Susan and Barbara Pringle and Gail Foreman and Pat Cummins shortly after both couples were granted
matrimonial mayor: Mayor Rick Kriseman officiated the wedding of Bob and Jojo Wallace in the foyer of St. Petersburg City Hall on Jan. 6. Photo by Laurie Ross
dearly beloved: Cindy Barnes officiates the wedding ceremony of partners (L-R) Susan and Barbara Pringle and Pat Cummins and Gail Foreman outside the office of the Sarasota Clerk of Court Jan. 6. Photo by Steve Blanchard marriage licenses. “Welcome to this amazing, historic day!” Barnes announced to a large crowd there to witness the unions. “A day we never thought we’d see.” Both couples repeated vows and exchanged rings—and all four women became emotional during the exchanges. Afterward, they posed for photos with friends and the media before Barnes married another couple—AJ Steverson and Cole Vining. Barnes said later that she
married six couples total—and one of them was a heterosexual couple who wanted to mark the historic day as well. On Jan. 6, Sarasota County issued 33 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and officiated five ceremonies. In nearby Manatee County, the Clerk’s office issue 17 marriage licenses to samegender couples and conducted two weddings. Additional reporting by Aaron Alper.
an impact on the community,” said Ashley Brundage, vice president of the TBGLCC. The night begins at 7 p.m. when the silent auction tables open. At 7:30 p.m., the main room will open before the actual awards banquet starts at 7:45 p.m. “We have a multitude of stuff going on,” Brundage explained. “We’ll have food laid out beforehand and then some speakers—an introduction and a few sponsors. Then we’ll roll into one of the awards before we
start dinner.” There will be live music throughout the night featuring Amy Vickery and Johnny D. Freedom. “There are four awards total,” Brundage said. “And we’ll present them throughout the evening.” The evening should be over by 10:30 p.m., but Brundage said that an official after party is slated for Quench Lounge just a mile or so away. “We wanted to be able to have the fun night continue,” she said.
Chamber’s Diamond Gala expands, adds after party Staff Report
C
learwater | Business owners, community leaders and elected officials will all be on tap Jan. 17 during the Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Awards Gala at the Holiday Inn on Ulmerton Road in Clearwater. “The purpose is to have an exciting celebratory event to recognize the community leaders and the businesses that have made such
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state news
rubio Doesn’t believe marriaGe eQuality is “a constitutional riGht”
sen. bill nelson backs respect for marriaGe act
Staff Report
w
hile Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is vague about her next steps in her fight against marriage equality, Sen. Marco Rubio is perfectly clear— he doesn’t agree with it and thinks Bondi should keep fighting it. In an interview with CNN, Rubio said, “My position on [same-sex
Staff report
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.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) co-sponsored a bill designed to reverse some of the damage done by the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA, approved in 1996, kept same-sex married couples from being recognized under federal law for federal marriage benefits. It was ruled unconstitutional in 2013, but part of DOMA still stands—the part that allows states to refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples. The Respect for Marriage Act would fully repeal DOMA. It was reintroduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on Jan. 7. Nelson, along with Harry Reid (D-NV), Gary Peters (DMI), are new sponsors of the bill. At the same time, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (D-FL) introduced a companion bill in the House. In 2014, the Justice Department released a report stating that as DOMA stands, married same-sex couples will continue to be denied federal benefits such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits because those agencies defer to state law.
marriage] is pretty well-known. I mean, I believe that the institution of marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman. I understand that voters in some states have changed that, and I respect it. And, you know, we have a court system that’s beginning to weigh in— and whatever the law is, we’re going to abide by it and respect it.” On Jan. 7, he met with a group of reporters in Florida. “I do not believe that there is a
U.S. Constitutional right to same-sex marriage,” Rubio said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “Now as I’ve said before, states have a right to change their laws. I don’t believe it’s unconstitutional. I just don’t believe there’s a constitutional right to it. When it comes to Bondi and marriage equality, Rubio said he “thinks she should” continue to fight it, and that it will ultimately end up before the U.S. Supreme Court regardless.
archbishop’s memo Draws fire from Gay riGhts Groups The Miami Herald reported the note sent Jan. 6 quoted from the employee handbook and included a statement from the miami | Thousands of employees Florida Conference of Catholic in Miami’s Catholic Archdiocese got Bishops reiterating opposition to a memo from Archbishop Thomas same-sex marriage. Wenski warning them against Gay rights and civil-rights groups publicly supporting marriage across the country questioned the equality after a Florida judge lifted memo. Some wondered the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. archbishop’s Sept_Watermark_Turkey Avocado_4.875x5.125 9/29/14 if it put church workers in the
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position of wondering whether they were risking their jobs to attend same-sex wedding celebrations. The Miami Archdiocese has 8,300 employees in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Wenski told The Herald the policy applies to all employees because they agree not to “engage in actions that otherwise contradict the mission’’ of 3:15 PM Page 1 the Church.
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They Thought it Would Last Forever... Relationship dissolution planning. The phrase may sound dry, boring, and/or forgettable. And it certainly doesn’t capture your heart in this very exciting time of celebrating same-sex marriage. I married my husband in Toronto just over two years ago, and we’re very excited our home state will finally recognize our marriage. There is tremendous joy in Central Florida as we all celebrate the profound changes sweeping across the country. In this historic time of joyful celebration, who wants to contemplate that their “forever” love may turn out to have a much shorter duration than anticipated? Understandably, few would put the thought at the top of their agenda. Hopefully, all of our marriages will grow stronger through the years and we can grow old with our spouses and loved ones. Sometimes, however, life doesn’t work they way we hope, and we’re forced to deal with disappointment. With some foresight and planning, the difficult times can be made less onerous. Prenuptial (agreements entered into before marriage) and postnuptial agreements (entered into while married) are simply tools that can help mitigate the difficult process of unraveling a marriage in the event it becomes necessary. The agreements can be as simple or as complicated as required, depending on each couple’s circumstances and needs. Thinking about these agreements do not mean you are expecting the relationship to end, but merely means you want to have some control over the process if it ever becomes an issue. Like my grandmother always told me: hope for the best, plan for the worst. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements primarily serve the purpose of protecting and distributing property. Without an agreement, state and federal law applies a somewhat mechanical and partially judgmental approach to determining what is fair and equitable when dividing the couple’s property. Imagine a complete stranger taking a thorough look
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
at your financial life and then rendering a decision as to what is appropriate for each of you. Removing some of the unpredictability is a significant benefit of drafting either a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. A spouse may have a family heirloom that has been passed along for several generations. Understandably he or she may want to ensure it remains with the family instead of being transferred to someone who may not fully appreciate the sentimental value. One spouse may own a business with several business partners. Those partners would not want to become business partners with the spouse in the event of a divorce or death. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can ensure these potential problems do not occur. The agreements can also identify and allocate obligations between each spouse. You may have heard stories about seemingly bizarre marriage agreements requiring a spouse to maintain a certain weight, or require a specific frequency of intimate relations. These things are almost always unenforceable as unconscionable. Other obligations, such as funding investments or education, or who is responsible for certain debts, can be addressed and are enforceable in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. The agreements are in their essence contracts. We enter into a contract every time we install an app on our phones or purchase something with our credit cards. We sign contracts with the wedding planner, florist, and caterer for our big day. To love, honor, and cherish our spouse is one more agreement that we enter into. This last agreement creates a litany of rights and obligations involving governmental bodies as well as our own. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement helps create boundaries and guidelines with you in control. If you would like to discuss whether a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is right for you, contact me at jdorris@lseblaw.com or 407-481-5868 for a free initial consultation.
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nation+world news
in other news Kansas judge pushes to move marriage equality case forward A federal judge has taken steps to speed up a ruling on the remaining legal issues in a lawsuit challenging Kansas’ gay-marriage ban. U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree on Dec. 31 directed opposing attorneys to narrow factual disputes and to propose a schedule at the end of January for him to hear legal issues. Both the state’s attorneys and lawyers challenging ban want to expedite the case.
Case dropped against bishop who performed same-sex wedding The United Methodist church settled a complaint against a retired bishop who performed a same-sex wedding in Alabama, and a church leader said the agreement showed the denomination doesn’t have to be divided by differences over gay marriage. Church statements issued Jan. 5 said the case against retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert had ended with a settlement that the denomination calls a “just resolution.”
Religious freedom bill presented in Indiana Republican State Sen. Scott Schneider presented his measure that would allow people to refuse services for same-sex weddings based on religious beliefs in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s October decision to let stand a federal ruling striking down Indiana’s gay marriage ban. His bill would allow bakeries, caterers, florists and other small businesses to refuse services to gay couples based on the owner’s religious beliefs.
Challenge to Georgia’s same-sex marriage ban will go forward A challenge to Georgia’s gay marriage ban will go forward, with a federal judge on Jan. 8 declining to dismiss a lawsuit that says the state’s ban violates their constitutional rights. Lawyers with the attorney general’s office had argued that the state has a legitimate interest in “encouraging the raising of children in homes consisting of a married mother and father” and that the ban on same-sex marriage is rationally related to that interest.
Knife attack on California trans woman spurs hate crime charges Brodes Wayne Joynes has been charged with a hate crime after prosecutors say he stabbed a transgender woman who fled a San Francisco bus to escape his taunts about her gender. He is charged with attempted murder and related counts that include hate crime allegations after Samantha Hulsey was stabbed in the chest on a sidewalk Jan. 3. Joynes pleaded not guilty Jan. 7 and remained in jail, with bail set at $2 million.
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Appellate court won’t reconsider Idaho gay marriage Wire Report
B
oise, Idaho | The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Gov. C. L. ``Butch’’ Otter’s request for a review of the court’s ruling last year that overturned Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriage. Otter had requested that an 11-judge panel review the October decision that found Idaho’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. On Jan. 9, the 9th Circuit rejected Otter’s
request. Three judges dissented, noting that a 6th Circuit decision upheld similar laws in four states. “Clearly, the same-sex marriage debate is not over,’’ the three said in a 25-page dissent, adding that ``thoughtful, dedicated jurists’’ have considered the issue and come up with differing results. The dissenting judges called the issue a “question of exceptional importance’’ that should have been reviewed. Gay couples have been able to marry since shortly after the original
appellate court ruling. Four lesbian couples filed the lawsuit challenging the state’s marriage ban. Otter and Idaho’s attorney general filed separate petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court, fighting against same-sex marriage and arguing that the state’s case has national consequences. Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s filing stated that the issue is a matter of a state’s right to define marriage without the federal government’s involvement.
same-sex marriage in Wyoming. Even so, some say the bill isn’t necessary because the First Amendment ensures that no minister or priest would be forced to wed a gay couple. “I don’t know if I’m willing to be comfortable relying on a judge to say that,” Dockstader said. “So this would just allow us to codify and clarify the law and take it out of the hands of a judge.” Rep. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, and Rep. Mark Baker, R-Rock Springs, also are sponsoring the bill for introduction in this
winter’s legislative session, which begins Jan. 13. Baker said it’s is an issue that worries many of his constituents. “My father is in the clergy, and I have heard from a number of individuals that they are concerned,” he said. The Wyoming Association of Churches hasn’t had time to review the legislation yet, but the bill appears unnecessary, Executive Director Chesie Lee told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “I don’t know of any situation where this would be needed,” Lee said.
marriage ban. “Times have blinded this country about AfricanAmericans, times have blinded this country about women and times have blinded this country about gay people.” Same-sex marriage is now legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia, encompassing 70% of the nation’s population. But gay and lesbian marriage rights are new in terms of recorded history, and Southern states must be allowed to protect their citizens from unforeseen consequences even if the rest of the country goes a different direction, their lawyers argued. ``The law is moving, but it is not there yet,’’ said attorney Justin Matheny, urging a three-judge panel to give Mississippi more time to consider whether it’s ready for change.
Two of the judges—James Graves and Patrick Higginbotham— frequently interrupted and challenged the states’ arguments. The hearings turned repeatedly on when a society becomes ready for change. Only 10 years of data has been gathered since Massachusetts first legalized same-sex marriages— not enough to understand the consequences, said Louisiana’s Special Counsel, Kyle Duncan. ``There are now 36 states and the District of Columbia that allow same-sex marriage and nothing has changed,’’ countered Camilla Taylor, a Lambda Legal Defense Fund attorney representing seven couples challenging Louisiana’s ban. On Jan. 12, The U.S. Supreme Court announced it would not consider the Louisiana case prior to to a ruling by the 5th Circuit.
Wyoming legislation would allow religious leaders to opt out of same-sex weddings Wire Report Jackson, Wyo. | Proposed legislation would allow religious officials in Wyoming to opt out of having to perform any marriage including same-sex marriages. The bill is needed to protect clergy from being forced to marry people whose views don’t conform with their own, said Sen. Dan Dockstader (R-Afton), a sponsor of the bill. Legal rulings last year allowed
Civil rights loom as court considers marriage bans Wire Report New Orleans | Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas took their stands against same-sex marriage Jan. 9 before a federal appellate court with a legacy of pushing Deep South conservatives out of their comfort zones on civil rights. Lawyers for gays and lesbians urged the judges to summon the courage of their predecessors. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals systematically struck down racial segregation laws in the 1960s, at a time when Southern states were refusing to change and the U.S. Supreme Court seemed reluctant to lead the way. “This board has a proud tradition in that regard,’’ said Roberta Kaplan, representing gay and lesbian couples challenging Mississippi’s
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viewpoint
Steve Yacovelli
homo e r ec tus:
The Evolution of Us Make it a contract worth renewing
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ack in the ‘90s there
was a TV show called Earth 2. It was kind of cheesy (about future colonists who were trying to make a go of establishing a human colony on another Earth-like planet) but still entertaining. It did, after all, star the sexy Antonio Sabàto, Jr!
One thing that resonated for me in that show was when two characters’ marriage was “up for renewal,” and the wife wasn’t sure she wanted to renew. In this future society, marriage was indeed a contract, but with an expiration date that you can negotiate for renewal—similar to satellite radio subscription. This “contract” concept of marriage always stuck with me. Today, as we watch the same-sex marriage debate continue to unfold and celebrate the success of marriage equality in the Sunshine State, what continues to strike me is that the concept of “marriage” seems less like the Earth 2 contract and more like the religious connotations of marriage. Think more “bride and groom at the church altar” and less like said couple at the Justice of the Peace or City Hall. As a big believer of a true separation of Church and State, the marriage debate helped me to see how these two institutions are, well, married a little too closely to one another. When Richard and I started to talk about marriage, I wanted to think about what were the benefits for us to get into this contract. As I Googled “same-sex marriage benefits” I found what I saw as the Top 3: 1. Get married and you’ll have more money. It’s no secret that couples typically make out better when combining households: more income, less living expenses, double the wine glasses. A 2009 New York Times article put some dollar figures to this for same-
sex couples, looking at the fiscal impact of marriage as it relates to health insurance, survivorship for Social Security, avoiding legal hurdles for inheritances, and some IRS tax breaks (aside from the “marriage penalty”). So in theory, getting married provides some financial bump. 2. Get married and be healthier. In 2013, a research team from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, San Francisco State University and UCLA found that gay married couples were “significantly less distressed than LGBs not in a legally recognized relationship.” In addition, a 2013 study at the University of Missouri found that happy married couples were indeed healthier than their non-married counterparts. While it’s unclear if this particular study looked at same-sex couples, this is one of so many that supports the link between marriage and health. 3. Get married and your kids will be better off. A now-famous 2014 University of Melbourne study showed that kids raised by same-sex parents score higher than the general public in areas such as “general health” and “family cohesion” ... basically the healthiest of all those analyzed. While this is fantastic for my childrearing gay brothers and sisters, it’s unclear if this study was also done with canine children (which is my reality). While all of these studies are good, they really didn’t hit the top reason I felt compelled to get hitched to my partner of 16 years. Then I heard about this article identifying the research by University of Virginia psychologist Dr. Jim Coan. It found that both heterosexual and homosexual “married” couples psychologically benefit from being in their committed relationships. Coan’s research suggests that the brain links “just
living together” with a lack of commitment and can’t relax. Conversely, the brains of those in a formal commitment (a.k.a. they consider themselves married regardless of formal legalities or not) are less reactive to stress. In short, marriage is a representation for trust and commitment, which—according to
other’s backs. He’s the equivalent to what my siblings have with their spouses, what my parents (awesomely celebrating their 50th anniversary this year) have felt: my true partner and best friend in this life. I feel a greater emotional investment, more security, and more permanence
For gays it might be the “in” thing to do because it’s allowed now, or maybe it’s conveying to the world that your love is like others and deserves being defined by marriage—like I felt. I share with my newly empowered gay brothers and sisters who are thinking about the jog down the altar (or City Hall) that there’s
Coan—signals the brain that someone has your back and makes life better. My little brain really resonates with this. Richard and I have been living together for the past 15 years. He’s been described as my “boyfriend,” “partner,” “significant other” and—by some of my older relatives— my “special friend.” But none of these represented how I truly feel about him and our relationship. We have each
when I think about us being “husband and husband.” Having a marriage ceremony would fit that correctly. He’s my favorite; he’s my home. So do I think gays should get married? Of course I do, but only if it’s right. I think everyone—gay and straight alike—feel the “pressure” to get married. For my straight friends I think it has more to do with your stage in life (high school, then college, then married, then kids).
only one reason to get married—the reason that’s right for you. Not because you can, not because you get health or fiscal benefits, not because it’s good for the kids, but because it’s right for you and your future spouse. And if you get some health advantages out of it, bonus! And when my Earth 2 contract to Richard comes up for renewal, I’m pretty darn sure I’ll renew.
Married couples psychologically benefit from being in their committed relationships.
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viewpoint
Mimi Planas
conservative
c O r n e r
o
all for Nothing
n deC. 17 of laSt year, President Obama decided to, on his own, try to improve
the Cuban-American relationship. He did so by ordering the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and the opening of an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half century. He vowed to “cut loose the shackles of the past” and sweep aside one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. Well, here’s the problem with that: Nothing will change for the Cuban people. Nothing! Some have claimed this is a good idea. Many of those people are not of Cuban descent and will never understand the true horrors suffered at the hands of this regime. Yet, no one really knows how it is a good idea. Here’s a crash course people: The Cuban Government
that they and their children could live in freedom. That government took my parents’ home, their money and their belongings. They took businesses and land from its people in the name of the Revolution. They murdered innocent people who just wanted to keep what they had fought so hard to acquire. Why? Because they were— and still are—and will always be Communist thugs, thieves and murderers. Thousands were imprisoned just for speaking their minds. But what about the LGBT community? Well, many were sent to jail or labor camps, some even killed. Though the Castro family is no longer sending LGBT people to labor camps as they did in the 1960s and 1970s, the only permitted LGBT movement in Cuba is the official, state-run one that Mariela Castro has created. “The reality for the LGBT community in Cuba is very different from that described by the international media,” explains Ignacio Estrada, a 33-year-old gay man from Santa Clara. “We live under constant government surveillance and harassment, while at the same time being manipulated for their political purposes.” For more on the LGBT Cuban issue, please visit ForeignPolicy.com and
wonder why Cubans risk their lives and their children’s lives to reach the United States? Anyone? It’s because they have no freedom, no money, no elections, no honest press—nothing. Do you know what it is like to live that way? You do not. This is one of the last five remaining Communist countries in the world. I challenge anyone reading this
even after President Obama’s “deal,” basic human rights will still be null and void in Cuba.
controls everything. It controls what you hear, what you see, what you eat, what you can drive, where you can work, where you can shop and, most importantly, what you can say. If you, by any chance, think that after this deal the Cuban people will have free speech or at least be heard, you are dead wrong. The website TruthRevolt.org shows a Cuban open-mic event was not just cancelled, but the organizers were detained until the following morning right after the “deal” between the United States and Cuba in December. The opening of this embargo will not change one thing for my fellow Cubans. However, it will change things for the Castro regime. It will get even more powerful and even wealthier as tourists fill their pockets and financial restrictions are lifted. I have never seen a worse negotiator in my lifetime than President Obama. The U.S. gave away the bank and the Cubans forfeited one falsely imprisoned American. If you want to know exactly how bad this deal was, read the Jan. 1 perspective piece the Chicago Tribune released at ChicagoTribune.com. I am of Cuban descent. My family had to flee Cuba so
search for the article on Cuba’s gay paradise. Again, there is no freedom of speech, no free press, no elections and no real freedom for the Cuban people, let alone for the LGBT community. Even after President Obama’s “deal,” basic human rights will still be null and void in Cuba. Nothing will change except for the bank accounts of the Castro regime. The poor will remain poor; you cannot have freedom and you certainly cannot follow your dreams. So, what have we done? Well, to keep it simple—we have just aided and abetted the criminal. Nice! Did anyone ever stop to
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to chuck it all and go live in any of these countries for a single month. I guarantee you will come back running to the United States, kissing the ground upon your re-entry. If any action is to be taken regarding the Cuban stand-off, it is even stronger sanctions and a backbone by a strong American president. So Mr. Obama, exactly what “shackles” have you cut? No
one seems to have the answer. As far as the CubanAmerican community goes, only outrage and betrayal is what they feel in the aftermath of these unilateral actions taken by a President gone rogue. Mimi Planas is the president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami and was elected to the Miami-Dade County Community Council in 2012.
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
talking points
MARRIAGES
Ryan Seacrest, Ellen and Oprah: They live in a coven, just like American Horror Story Story.
BY-THE-NUMBERS
1STATEWIDE ,400 164 in OrAnge
160
—kathy griffin, during Cnn’S new year’S eve broadCaSt
‘trAnSPArent’’ tAkeS twO gOlden glObeS
t
he amaZon tv SerieS traNSPareNt, which depicts a Los Angeles family in which the father comes out as transgender, won two major Golden Globes Jan. 11. Jeffrey Tambor won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy TV series as trans woman Maura Pfefferman and the show also won Best Musical or Comedy TV Series. “This is much bigger than me,” Tambor said. “Thank you, for your courage, thank you for your inspiration, thank you for your patience, and thank you for letting us be part of the change.”
in hillSbOrOugh
67 in PinellAS
33 25 25 17
in SArASOtA
in POlk
in PAScO
in mAnAtee
—Number of same-sex marriage licenses issued Jan. 6.
new yeAr, Public rOmAnce FOr SAm Smith
o
ut Singer Sam Smith had a huge year in 2014 with his big debut album. But 2015 is shaping up to be a big one for him personally, now that he seems happily partnered. Over the holidays, Smith shared photos of him and new beau Jonathan Zeizel enjoying the warm sun of Australia. The couple met on the set of Smith’s video “Like I Can,” when Zeizel was an extra. The couple dated some before the holidays, but didn’t confirm how serious things were until they took the trip together. We’re hopeful that the romance will inspire some new, possibly upbeat, music from Smith in the near future.
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u.S. verSiOn OF ‘Pride’ dvd cOver lAckS rAinbOw
kid rOck iSn’t lOOking FOrwArd tO mArrying gAy PeOPle
he britiSh hit film, PrIDe, about a group of LGBT activists who supported a strike by coal miners in the 1980s, arrived in the United States just before Christmas. But there was one large, noticeable change to the DVD cover when it got here. It was missing a pride banner and any references to “gay and lesbian activists” in its description. CBS Films and Sony say they were “looking into it.” The film’s backer, Ben Roberts of the BFI Film Fund, said he wasn’t surprised that “U.S. distributors have taken a decision to sell more copies by watering down the gay content.”
S an ordained miniSter, rocker Kid Rock isn’t exactly thrilled about the recent gains in the marriage equality fight. In an op-ed published in England’s Guardian earlier this month, he wrote, “I don’t look forward to marrying gay people, but I’m not opposed to it.” He also wrote that “rap-rock,” the genre of music that fueled his rise to stardom, “turned out to be pretty gay.” He also defended his use of the word “gay” as a negative, writing, “If someone says you can’t say ‘gay’ like that you tell them to go fuck themselves. You’re not getting anything politically correct out of me.”
t
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
a
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watermark Your lgbt life.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
in-dePth: FirSt gAy weddingS
i thee wed: Ring exchanges like this
one in St. Petersburg happened across the state Jan. 6, the first day same-sex couples could legally marry in the Sunshine State. photo By laurie ross
A WELCOME
marriaGe eQuality finally reaches floriDa, anD area couples Jump at the chance to say ‘i Do’
i
Steve Blanchard
t’S here! marriage equality
has arrived in Florida and couples in our state wasted no time taking advantage after the stay on same-sex marriage expired on Jan. 6.
Couples in Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Tampa—and each of Florida’s 67 counties— were issued marriage licenses for the first time in the history of our state. And a majority of
those couples decided to tie the knot right away. On the beautiful, warm and sunny day, Orlando couples were wed by Mayor Buddy Dyer on the steps of City Hall.
In Tampa, Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts Pat Frank held a mass wedding in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square with nearly 50 couples eager to say “I do!” Sarasota Pride chairperson Cindy Barnes was on hand in the early morning hours to wed six couples outside of that county’s courthouse. And in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman held a small wedding in the foyer of City Hall when
watermark Your lgbt life.
he joined a male couple with a throng of media representatives taking photos and rolling video. Watermark was everywhere on the historic day, and we have coverage of each event in their respective sections elsewhere in this issue. But here, in this in-depth section, we want to introduce you to some of Florida’s newest newlyweds who are now recognized by not only the federal government, but by the State of Florida. Congratulations to all!
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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We’re proud to celebrate with you. Celebrating a momentous moment in Florida history called for a celebration unlike any other. That’s why Thomas and Michael, and countless other couples choose to host their weddings at Hyatt Regency Orlando. From intimate weddings to lavish ballroom affairs, allow our professional wedding coordinators to create an event uniquely you.
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph Independently Elected to Serve Only You
Congratulations on your nuptials! The Orange County Tax Collector’s office has created a checklist of required documents you’ll need to bring to our office required by the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005. You must bring the original or certified copies of documents to obtain your driver’s license or state ID. Obtain a marriage certificate Update name on your Social Security card to your new name; Find the required application at www.ssa.gov *May need to wait 24 hours for change to update*
Bring the original or certified copy of the following documents to the Orange County Tax Collector’s office: U.S. Citizens: U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. Passport Non- U.S. Citizens: Proof of legal presence Social Security Card (or W-2 with full SSN & new legal name) Two Proofs of Residential Address Marriage Certificate that changes your name (court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree) Fees (Set by FL Legislature) Original/Renewal Driver’s License .....................$54.25 Replacement Driver’s License ..............................$31.25 Orignal/Renewal/Replacement State ID ...........$31.25 *Debit/credit card processing fees apply*
Document requirements vary on the individual Visit www.gathergoget.com for specific documents
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
31
Where they live: Orlando How long together: Six years How they met: At a barbershop where Lavern took her brother for his hair cut for prom. Children: One daughter, Azariah, 1. Why Jan. 6: MM: “I can’t picture myself without her. I don’t want to be without her.” Honeymoon: They might take a trip to new Orleans next month. First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: MM: “Go eat, go home, lay down. put the child to sleep and sleep until it’s time to go to work.” LM: “Maybe we’ll have some champagne tonight when we come home.”
Lavern, 25 and Melinda Mitchell, 35 photo By JaKe stevens
Kaylyn Cooper, 26, and Rebecca Stein, 30
Where they live: Orlando How long together: Two years How they met: Singing in the Orlando Gay Chorus. KC: “We always go to their concerts, so we’re so excited to have them here today!”
Sheri Wilson, 50, and Andrea Wilson, 50
Where they live: Orlando
Where they live: Orlando
How long together: 22 years
How long together: 14 years
How they met: Through mutual friends.
Children: “not yet!”
Children: Two daughters, 10 and 15.
Why Jan. 6: KC: “We wanted to make sure it was
Why Jan. 6: “We thought it was important
legal in our home state and home city.” They originally considered going to up to D.C., but when they heard marriage was coming to Florida, they decided to wait. Later on, they’ll have a religious ceremony at The Acre.
Honeymoon: They’re planning it now—
england and Scotland with a day trip to paris. First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Go to lunch with our family. photo By JaKe stevens
32
Kim James, 45 and Stephanie Carliss, 43
to be a part of history. We wanted to have the same rights as everyone else.”
Honeymoon:
How they met:
They worked together at a nursing home.
Children: A son and a daughter– Tiffany, 24, and paxton, 21.
Why Jan. 6: AW: “We wanted to be a part of this historic event.”
no. They’re buying a new A/C, instead!
Honeymoon: not planned.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Tell their children about the wedding. They didn’t bring them because protestors made it “too unpredictable.”
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
Have a nice lunch with our kids and friends, then go home and feed our dog.
photo By JaKe stevens
photo By JaKe stevens
watermark Your lgbt life.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
family Portriat: Orlando couple James
harrison and robby pigott were married at Orlando City Hall Jan. 6 and celebrated with friends and family at a reception held at The Veranda at Thornton Park. photo By JaKe stevens
ORANGE COUNTY
James Harrison, 46 and Robby Pigott, 46 Where they live: Orlando
How long together: 23 years
How they met:
While performing Starlight Express in Germany.
Children: none.
Why Jan. 6:
“We’ve been as married as married can be, but we always said if it was legal here, we’d do it. It’s legal and we did it!”
Honeymoon:
They’re saving up for a 25th anniversary cruise to new Zealand and Australia.
watermark Your lgbt life.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
Rp: “I have to go to work! It’s our friend’s 50th birthday party tonight, we’ll go there.”
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
33
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Lori Nelson, 56, and Barbara Ryan, 41 Where they live: Kissimmee
How long together: 10 years
How they met: BR: “We
worked together. It was 10 years ago and we were both doing security and we both got put at the same site, and we just got closer each week and started dating and 10 years later we’re still here.”
What they do: Lori is retired, Barbara works at Universal.
Children: Six dogs.
Why Jan. 6:
BR: “We’d been waiting a long time. We’ve been together 10 years. We did the commitment ceremony, so now it’s just the next step to make it legal at 12:01. And this is the county that we live in, so it just made sense.”
Honeymoon: “BR:
BR: “Because I work at Universal, we got a room at one of the Universal hotels—the portofino—so we’re going to be in ‘Italy’ a couple of days.”
Photo By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
Kevin Foster, 39, and Joey Thibodeaux, 29 Where they live: Davenport How long together: 6 years How they met: Through mutual friends at a party.
Children: A rescue dog. Why Jan. 6:
They wanted to be one of the first. Kevin said that he loves Joey, so he wants to be able to marry him.
Honeymoon: They’re going to Disney World.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
JT: ”The first thing at Disney World is we’re going to get those married Mickey groom ears things and have our names engraved, and have those ‘Happily ever After’ buttons.”
Juan Carloz Lopez and Alfred Alvarez
Interesting fact: Kevin
and Joey had a rainbow flag with them at the Osceola County Courthouse that they said they’ve had since they’ve became engaged on Sept. 12, 2013, at Discovery Cove. The two were at a dolphin show and told to come into the water. A dolphin swam to up to Joey with a buoy saying “Joey, marry me?” They then went to a cabana and that’s where the rings and the rainbow flag were.
Where they live: Seminole County How long together: Four years How they met:
Through mutual friends.
What they do: Juan is a nurse, Alfred works in human relations.
Children: They don’t have kids, but they’re planning on it hopefully in the future.
Why Jan. 6: JL: “It’s memorable. We’ve spent a long time waiting and you know, it’s time. It’s time for us to be legal and for us to have the same rights as everyone else.”
Photo By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
watermark Your lgbt life.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Honeymoon: They haven’t planned a honeymoon yet.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
They’re going to share a kiss, and then make sure that legally everything they have now has both their names.
Photo By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
35
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
SARASOTA COUNTY
Jim Reece and Neil Jennings Why Jan. 6:
Where they live: Sarasota
How long together: 14 years
How they met:
“It was the first day we could get our license, but we’re planning a ceremony for later this month with friends and family.”
Honeymoon:
While camping at Sawmill Campground.
not sure where yet, but yes.
What they do:
Owners of Hair Salon 41.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Get spousal benefits for each other.
Children: none.
photo By steve Blanchard
Gail Foreman and Pat Cummins Where they live: Bradenton
How long together: 24 years
How they Met: A mutual friend’s cookout.
What they do:
Gail is a teacher, pat works for Fedex.
Honeymoon:
Children: Two
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Kiss
dogs, one cat.
Why Jan. 6: “Today
is a historic event and there’s no better time than now. plus, we want each other to be protected.”
St. Augustine
and say, “I do.”
AJ Steverson and Cole Vining photo By steve Blanchard
Where they live:
Sarasota
How long together: Three years
How they met: plentyOfFish.com
What they do:
nursing.
Children: Ducks and a myriad of other birds.
Why Jan. 6: They wanted to do it before laws changed again.
Honeymoon: yes, but not sure where yet.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Change drivers’ licenses to have matching, hyphenated last names.
photo By steve Blanchard
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
outdoor Celebration: Pastor Joe parramore, center, conducted the wedding ceremony of Barbie denny, second from left, and Kimmy denny, in the rainbow tie, at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa. Flanking the group are the women’s two witnesses.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
photo By steve Blanchard
Barbie Denny, 50, and Kimmy Denny, 45 Where they live: palm Harbor
How long together: Two years
What they do: Civil rights activists.
How they met:
At a pool party in 2005.
Children: Three dogs: Harley, Davie and Sun.
Why Jan. 6: “We’ve fought for this for a long time, we love each other and we’re best friends.”
Honeymoon: In April, the couple will hold a weekend long wedding celebration at Mystic Manor in Madison, Fla.
watermark Your lgbt life.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
Legally change Barbie’s last name to Denny.
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PINELLAS COUNTY
Andrea Defelippo, 42, and Erin Bell, 35 Where they live: St. petersburg How long together: Four years Children: none. Why Jan. 6: “Definitely for historic reasons;
we want to be a part of us this. (Bell’s) parents are actually lesbians and they had to go to Vermont to get married. They’ve been together over 30 years. In fact, my mom is in the St. John’s county courthouse today marrying people as a notary, so we really wanted to come and do this.”
Honeymoon: not until next year.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Kiss and eat breakfast.
photo By laurie ross
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A FREE WEDDING IN ORLANDO WITH 400 SKELETONS! For a truly unique wedding venue, SKELETONS: Animals Unveiled in Orlando, Florida is offering an engaged couple the opportunity to be wedded this Spring among 400 real animal and human skeletons. The package includes free admission for up to 50 guests, plus an officiant, and a champagne toast. Valued at over a $1,000, SKELETONS is offering a way to make your special day even more memorable. For couples who would like to this offer, please contact Executive Director Mark Brisson at mark@skeletonmuseum.com. Ideally, this should be a Spring wedding, occurring in April or May.
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SKELETONS: Animals Unveiled is owned and operated by the Villemarette Family of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Company president, Jay Villemarette, Sr began collecting skulls as a youth and grew his hobby into a successful, worldwide catalog/website business called Skulls Unlimited International, Inc. The Orlando museum/attraction is their second location, and is scheduled to open March 2015. The wedding couple agrees to let SKELETONS use their images for publicity, and acknowledge that media will be invited to record the ceremony. SKELETONS is part of the new I-Drive 360 Complex which includes the new 400 ft Orlando Eye Observation Wheel. “Sometimes beauty is more than skin deep. I want to make sure people know that this is a place of science and not a haunted house or a location for a Goth wedding,” stated Brisson. “We want people to know it is “bone-fied” offer. For a couple on a bare-bones budget, we are truly providing a free wedding. We only ask that we can share the info with others.”
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Jeffrey McWhirter, 60, and Woodie Barnes, 49 Where they live: St. petersburg How long together: 14 years How they met: At Suncoast Resort. Children: Jeffrey has two from a previous marriage.
Why Jan. 6: “We have been waiting for Florida to join the ranks. We own property together and we wanted to protect ourselves. It was about time and it felt right, so we thought ‘Let’s do it now.’”
photo By laurie ross
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Honeymoon: none planned yet, but they will hold their ceremony on Valentine’s Day and celebrate that weekend.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: “Scream for joy, thank God.”
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
photo By steve Blanchard
Paul Pearce, 40, and Rick Dragotto, 41 Where they live:
Children: Two cats.
Tarpon Springs
How long together: 12 years
waiting 12 years for this.”
Honeymoon:
What they do: paul is an
A trip to europe in July.
How they met: During a
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Change
ICU nurse, Rick is an attorney.
night out with friends in Tampa.
paul’s last name to Dragotto.
Nick Cardello, 51, and Kurt English, 49
Alberto Molina-Coats, 43, and Glenn Molina-Coats, 47
Marlene Escandon, 39, and Doris Irizarry, 39
Where they live: Brandon
Where they live: Tampa
Where they live: Zephyrhills
How long together: 23 years
How long together: 16 years
How long together: 10 years
What they do: nick is a
What they do: Glenn is a medical
How they met:
freelance photographer.
transcriptionist, Alberto is a software tester.
At the parliament House in Orlando.
How they met: Their priest at Dignity Tampa Bay introduced them.
How they met: AOL chat room.
Children: A 22-year-old daughter, evalizette.
Children: Two dogs.
Why Jan. 6: Wanted to get married
Children: none. Why Jan. 6: They wanted to witness
Why Jan. 6: Wanted their relationship made
before lawmakers fight the decision and so they had legal protections.
history. They were married in Boston in 2008.
legal as soon as possible, but view their ceremony on Davis Island 11 years ago as their real anniversary.
Honeymoon: A trip to China in April.
Honeymoon: none planned.
A trip to new york City in March.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: put nick on Kurt’s health insurance.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple: Merge their trusts.
First thing they’ll do as a legal couple:
photo By steve Blanchard
photo By steve Blanchard
photo By steve Blanchard
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Why Jan. 6: “We’ve been
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Honeymoon:
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Change Marlene’s last name to Irizarry.
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
the kingS: (L-R) Chris Crawford, Jim Sorensen,
Jenny aldrich, Joseph Flynn, Katherine Michelle tanner, Brian shea and Joe lauck play members of the King family who rally around 15-year old Nick (Flynn), a victim of a hate crime. photo courtesy Kevin tighe
ArtS And entertAinment
KINGS FOR A DAY ‘the buffalo kinGs’ uses an lGbt hate crime to tell the story of comeDic family interactions
S
Steve Blanchard
t. PeterSburg | anti-lgbt
hate crimes is the last place one would expect to find comedy—but when such an event brings together a family unit, there are bound to be comic elements.
That’s according to Natalie Symons, the author of The Buffalo Kings, staged at freeFall Theatre through Feb. 8. “The play is about healing,”
Symons says during a break from rehearsals at the popular St. Petersburg theater. “Families help heal, and this is about how we help each other heal—
watermark Your lgbt life.
what we do.” And therein lies the comic elements, she says. The story follows the King family of Buffalo, N.Y., hence the title, shortly after 15-yearold Nick is the victim of a hate crime. The setting is during the Christmas holidays and the teen’s senile grandfather, Harold, threatens to take matters into his own hands. It’s the interactions of the characters that should resonate with the audience, explains director Eric Davis.
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“This is a play for anyone with a family,” Davis laughs. “Nick is very much contemporary. This isn’t a story about a family that hates their gay child. He’s a young kid who happens to be gay in a family full of love and acceptance.” So Buffalo Kings isn’t a typical “gay play” by any means, he adds, adding that while Nick is a big part of the play, he doesn’t have to be the main focus throughout
cOntinued On Pg. 47 | uu |
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LAST WEEK TO SEE THIS WONDERFUL EXHIBITION On view now through January 18, 2015 Jamie Wyeth, Nureyev – Don Quixote (detail), 2001, combined mediums Collection Brandywine River Museum of Art. Purchase made possible by the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, the Roemer Foundation, the Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of PA I, Inc., and an anonymous donor, 2006 Work by Jamie Wyeth copyright © Jamie Wyeth
January 17 through May 3, 2015 James Van Der Zee (American, 1886-1983), Couple in Raccoon Coats (1932) (detail) Gelatin silver print, Collection of Trenam Kemker Attorneys
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museum of science & industry • tampa, fl • mosi.orG
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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the two-acts. And anyone who has spent an extended period of time at a family gathering will relate to at least some of the interactions in the King home. “I like to straddle pathos and comedy,” Symons explains. “There are moments, like in August: Osage County, where you see an interaction and either laugh or hold your head and say, ‘God, that’s my relative.’ We project our own families onto this.” The Buffalo Kings is the second play written by Symons, and the freeFall production will be the first time it’s been staged for an audience. It has had public readings before, but this will be the play’s world premiere. Since rehearsals began, both Symons and Davis have said tweaks have made the show flow much better. “I started this project a year and a half ago and I’m so close to it,” Symons says. “Now I get to see actors living it and it’s become a collaborative art project.” Davis is a big part of that
that line and I think it hits emotionally. I’m anxious to see how audiences respond.” Having written one other play, Lark Eden, Symons is familiar with the process of introducing a play to an audience the first time. But this time it’s a bit different. Lark Eden, she explains, was three characters reading letters. The Buffalo Kings has much more interaction and since there are comic elements, timing is key.
members Katherine Michelle Tanner, Brian Shea, Chris Crawford, Jim Sorensen and Jenny Aldrich. With seven actors playing family members, the set is just as essential as their acting chops. The home, erected in traditional theater style, is one of the largest—if not the largest—sets freeFall has constructed. This is the first production of the new year for freeFall, and it should come as no
collaboration, and adds that the quirky and interesting characters make it easy to work with the show since they are all personalities that are easily believable. “In rehearsals, there are epiphanies we have,” Davis explains. “One example is a moment where we decided to keep a detail about an event from the audience for a while longer. It made it more interesting than if all the information is there from the beginning.” And that detail, whatever it may be, is not the actual hate crime committed against the teen. That happens before the play even begins. “It’s a tragic comedy—but there should be a better word to describe that,” Symons says. “Again, it straddles
“I keep reminding myself that every play, every production we have ever seen—even those huge hits that have made world tours—all started like this,” Symons says. “They all worked out kinks in the script and were tweaked before they debuted before audiences. This is no exception to that.” Symons, who is from Tampa Bay, is among neighbors in the production. Several cast members will look familiar to fans of freeFall Theatre. Joseph Flynn, for example, plays Nick in this production but was also in Burnt Part Boys last year. Also starring in the play are Joe Lauck as Grandfather Harold and other family
surprise that it’s a brand new production, according to Matthew McGee, outreach and marketing director of the theater. “FreeFall has always been committed to presenting new works as part of our season of shows,” says McGee. “We are especially excited to present the work of a playwright that lives right here in Tampa Bay.”
generation gaP: Joe lauck plays the grandfather who bonds with his gay grandson in The Buffalo Kings. photo courtesy Kevin tighe
There are moments where you see an interaction and either laugh or hold your head and say, —natalie SymonS, Playwright ‘God, that’s my relative.’.
more information what: The Buffalo Kings when: Through Feb. 8 where: freeFall Theatre tiCketS: FreeFallTheatre.com or 727-498-5205
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2015 WINTER EXHIBITIONS JANUARY 17 – APRIL 5, 2015
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TOBI KAHN
KARA WALKER
PATUACH SAGUR PATUACH, 2012 Acrylic on wood Courtesy of the artist
Exodus of Confederates from Atlanta from Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated), 2005 Offset lithography and silkscreen The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, Gift of Barbara ’68 and Theodore ’68 Alfond © 2014 Kara Walker, Cornell Fine Arts Museum
watermark Your lgbt life.
PETER SCHREYER
Backyards in the Sonnenhof Neighborhood Pieterlen, Switzerland Gelatin silver print, 2013 Courtesy of the artist
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
free admission
rollins.edu/cfam
eventplanner event planner
arts+entertainment
community calenDar
OrlAndO
SArASOtA
linkin Park: the hunting Party tour with special guests Rise Against and Of Mice & Men, Jan. 15, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com
Watoto Children’s Chior jan. 16, 7 P.m. ChurCh of the trinity mCC 7225 loCkwood ridge rd., SaraSota
2015 CCM/eChl all-Star Classic Game, Jan. 21, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com
The Church of the Trinity MCC will host the Watoto Children’s Choir on Jan. 16. The choir is part of an international organization initiated as a response to orphaned children and vulnerable women in Uganda.
Jazz RootS: Pink Panther 50, Jan. 16, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Spencers: theatre of illusion, Jan. 17, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Jerry Seinfeld, Jan. 17, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org orlando Ballet: Swan Lake, Jan. 23- Jan. 25, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Heart of the King, Jan. 24, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando. 407-246-4262; Orlando-Theatre.com Disney’s Newsies, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org To Kill a Mockingbird, Jan. 21March 8, Margeson Theater, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando, 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org american horror Story Party, Jan. 24, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Jim Jefferies, Jan. 15, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ live/locations/Orlando Russell Peters, Jan. 16, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ live/locations/Orlando The Explorers Club, Jan. 23-Feb. 22, The Harriett Theatre, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com
OrlAndO
SeX SellS If you want some sexy laughs, check out 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, Jan. 25, at the Straz Center in Tampa. Tickets are available at StrazCenter.org or by calling813-228-7827. Photo CouRteSy MattheW MuRPhy
Central Florida Leatherman Weekend jan. 23-25 Parliament houSe reSort Join the men and women of Central Florida’s leather community for the annual Central Florida Leatherman weekend at the Parliament House Resort. The weekend-long celebration includes demonstration areas and a contest to see who will be the Central Florida Leatherman. Visit the contest’s Facebook page or ParliamentHouse.com.
St. PeterSburg The Rat Pack Lounge, Jan. 16Feb. 14, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.com Cathy Merkel-Roddy, Jan. 21 and 28, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.com
Freedom Found, The Musical Drama, Jan. 26, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7832; TheMahaffey.com Ballroom with a twist, Jan. 28, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7832; TheMahaffey.com
tAmPA bAy
Radio Golf, Jan. 23 – Feb. 22, American Stage Theatre Company, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org
The Buffalo Kings, Jan. 17Feb. 8, FreeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreeFallTheatre.com.
Miss Flamingo 2014, Jan. 19, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com
Jim Jefferies, Jan. 16, Ferguson Hall, Straz Center, Tampa, 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org
Pink-a-licious, Jan. 24, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com
Seth Rudetsky: My Big Fat Broadway Show, Jan. 17 and 18, Jaeb Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org The Book of Mormon, Jan. 20 - Feb. 1, Carol Morsani Hall, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-228-7827; StrazCenter.org
Life Upon the Wicked Stage, Jan.18, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com.
SArASOtA
Helicopter Mom
Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story, through Jan. 25, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com
jan. 28, 7:30 P.m. freefall theatre 6099 Central ave., St. PeterSburg
By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, through Jan. 25, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com The Matchmaker, through April 11, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org Good People, through March 1, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org Knock Me a Kiss, through Feb. 8, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; WBTTSRQ.org Both Your Houses, Jan. 21April 12, Asolo Rep Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org
The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will begin 2015 with the film Helicopter Mom, part of their monthly film series, at freeFallTheatre Jan. 28. TIGLFF partnered with the theatre late last year and promises monthly films there throughout the new year.
tAmPA
Gasparilla Pirate Fest jan. 31, 11:30 a.m. downtown tamPa It’s that pirate time of year again as Gasparilla invades the City of Tampa—literally—and kicks off the miles-long parade through downtown Tampa and down Bayshore Boulevard. True, it’s not a gay event, but it’s a party with beads, so LGBTs will be everywhere. Tickets are required for prime, bleacher seating and can be purchased at GasparillaTreasures.com.
to submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.
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Tampa Bay 1- At the ready: (L-R) Clergy members Suzie Chamness, Candace Schultis, Brad Rice and Jake Kopmeier of King of Peace MCC gather for a photo prior to marrying same-sex couples in St. Petersburg Jan. 6. Photo by Laurie Ross 2- Ringing it in: Friends ring in the new year with appropriate headwear at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City. Photo courtesy Carrie West 3 - A new reign: Ashley Bangkx is crowned Miss ASAP 2015 by Monica Moore, left, and Alexis Mateo at Blur Night Club on Jan. 11. Photo by Vinny D’Ippolito
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4- For Leelah: Fellow mourners light each other’s candles at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg during a candlelight vigil honoring the memory of trans teen Leelah Alcorn on Jan. 4. Photo by Steve Blanchard 5- Pitching Beads: Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor tosses beads to revelers during the Outback Bowl Parade along l7th Avenue in Ybor City on Dec. 31. Photo courtesy Carrie West 6- Reason to smile: (L-R) Cindy Barnes celebrates with Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell outside the county courthouse in Sarasota before the first same-sex couples received marriage licenses on Jan. 6. Photo by Steve Blanchard 7- Making a plan: Members of Metro Wellness and Community Centers gather at ELAN16Forty in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month with a check representing the $145,972.68 raised through the 2014 SMART Ride. Photo courtesy Victor Diaz-Herman
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8- Always a bridesmaid: Tampa’s Outings & Adventures founder Robert Geller celebrates marriage equality in his own, unique way outside David’s Bridal in Tampa Jan. 6. Photo courtesy Robert Geller
Overheard Bangkx takes ASAP crown
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erformer Ashley Bangkx was crowned Miss ASAP 2015 at Blur Nightclub in Dunedin, becoming the 10th impersonator to claim the title in as many years. The pageant featured three local performers from Tampa Bay, and four former title holders were either at the judges table or performing special numbers throughout the night. Outgoing Miss ASAP 2014 Monica Moore served as emcee for the evening and pointed out that everything she wore was red in honor of the AIDS Ribbon. One outfit, a sparkling red pants suit, could be made into the iconic
ribbon, she explained, after standing with her legs slightly apart and her hands clasped above her head. Bangkx will begin her reign as Miss ASAP immediately and will be at the organization’s fundraisers, like AIDS Walk Tampa Bay, Dining Out for Life and the Santa Speedo Run.
Shaking a (Flamingo) tail feather
P
ageant season is in full swing in Tampa Bay, and soon, a new Miss Flamingo 2015 will be crowned. Performers are signing up now for the Jan. 19 pageant at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg, and the night will be hosted by Sassy Devine. The winner of the annual pageant will
receive a crown, flowers, a sash and a cash prize. She will also automatically receive four bookings at the Flamingo in the upcoming year. But runner-ups won’t walk away disappointed. They will also walk away with prizes. Packets for the weekend are available at the resort’s front desk or by calling 727321-5000. There is also still time to enter. So ladies, get that talent number perfected!
Atwell shows support on wedding day
U
pon first glance, one would have thought that the two women embracing and laughing were getting ready to tie the knot on the morning of Jan. 6 in
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Sarasota. But upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Sarasota Pride chairperson Cindy Barnes and Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell celebrating the historic day. Atwell has been a longtime supporter of LGBT equality and initiatives in Sarasota and a personal friend to Barnes. Atwell has appeared at Sarasota Pride every year it’s been at JD Hamel Park and also makes it a point to appear at other LGBT events and festivals like the Harvey Milk Festival in May. Atwell could be overheard telling Barnes, “I wouldn’t miss this. We’ve worked so hard to achieve this day.” Thank you, Commissioner. We couldn’t have done it without advocates like you.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
Not yet sold
A
t the end of 2014, Watermark ran a story about the possible sale of Georgie’s Alibi. As regulars can attest, the bar is still going strong and the staff is still all smiles. But that ‘For Sale’ sign is still out by the corner. That’s because there hasn’t been any final deals made, as of yet, but the real estate agent involved in the transaction tells us that there are many interests in the property and the chances of the bar remaining LGBT are incredibly good. No further details are available yet, but you can bet we’re paying close attention in hopes that the iconic bar remains—in one form or another.
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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orlando 1- THE BIG DAY: Michael Scott and Thomas Lawson, center, gather with their wedding party Jan. 6 for some quick photos after their midnight wedding at the Osceola Courthouse. Photo by Samantha Rosenthal 2- SHAKIN’ THINGS UP: Local theater icon Michael Wanzie serves special purple shots to benefit the Trevor Project at the Parliament House’s ‘Purple’ event on Jan. 10. Photo by Danny Garcia 3- SEEING DOUBLE: Watermark sales rep Danny Garcia (left) dresses up as Watermark Publisher Rick Claggett for his 40th birthday celebration at The Hammered Lamb on Jan. 10.
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4- NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE: (L-R) Nicki Drumb, Rachel Gardiner and Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan come together at Lake Eola to remember and honor Leelah Alcorn, the Ohio transgender teen who committed suicide in December. Photo by Patrick O’Connor 5- CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: (L-R) Phish Phest top dog Suebee Laginess, Jason Lambert, Jennifer Foster and MaryAnne Metaxas enjoy the first Phish Phest event of 2015 at The Hammered Lamb on Jan. 9. Photo courtesy of Suebee Laginess’ Facebook
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6- A ‘LANDMARK’ EVENT: Commissioner Patty Sheehan (left) and studio artist Dawn Rosendahl enjoy the National Landmark Dedication Celebration at the Maitland Art Center in Maitland on Jan. 8. Photo taken with Patty Sheehan’s phone 7- VACATION TIME: Michael Farmer (left) and partner Boyd Lindsley enjoy a beautiful beach view during their lunch at the Hotel Laguna in Laguna Beach, Calif. on their vacation. Photo courtesy Michael Farmer’s Facebook
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8- ORLANDO GETS MOBILE: Mayor Buddy Dyer (center) takes a ride in Downtown Orlando Jan. 9 on one of the bikes that will be made available for the Orlando Bike Share program. Photo courtesy of the City of Orlando
Overheard Hed-Woodstock?
O
ver the New Year’s weekend, the Full Moon Lounge at Woodstock hosted a preview/construction party that showcased the new property without officially opening it. There was a 20foot stage with a 20-foot rear projection screen decked out in lights as several different DJs spun throughout the weekend. One patron was David Lee, well known in the theater community for his portrayal as Hedwig several years ago at the Fringe Festival. Lee said the setup of Woodstock caught his eye and admitted he wouldn’t mind dusting off the old Wig in a Box
for a possible return to the role. Theater will have a home at the new facility. Owners told Lee the stage and screen will double in size when construction is complete, giving him ample room to do his thing. Another preview/ construction party is scheduled for Jan. 16-18 at the property.
On a personal note
S
ame-sex couples who legally tied the knot at The Center on Jan. 6 received a special card from Hal and Linda Johansen, who were in town visiting their son, Ben Johansen, and his partner, Tim Vargas. Inside each card was a
note personally congratulating the couple and a lottery ticket. The Johansens also gave each couple heart-shaped candy. According to Ben, his parents wanted to make sure each couple felt loved.
Contagious congratulations
T
he Metropolitan Business Association’s president Nayte Carrick and partner Michael Deeying received plenty of congratulations after a mass wedding on the steps of Orlando City Hall Jan. 6. The problem was, the two were
watermark Your lgbt life.
there supporting friends who were married, not getting married themselves. The case of mistaken identity was perpetuated with Channel 13’s looping teaser to the story that showed the couple dressed to the nines and standing side by side. Deeying said he found the experience humorous.
Engaging Billy
T
here has been a handsome man at the side of Orlando Weekly writer Billy Manes lately. His name is Tony Mauss and he just so happens
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
to be Manes’ fiance. Watermark requested the “T” on Tony and Billy explained the two have been great friends for the better part of the last decade. When Manes tragically lost his partner, Alan, a few years ago, Tony was at the grieving Manes’ side. The relationship progressed from friends to roommates and, when same-sex marriage arrived in Florida, Manes admitted to a rough moment. When he broke down, he said Tony caught him and when the two made eye contact, Billy knew he saw the love of his life. Cliche? Maybe. But it shows that great things can come of tragedies. Mazel tov, boys!
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Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
transitions
Community Announcements
PreSidential birthday: TIGLFF president Kris R. Johnson, left, pictured with executive director Margaret Murray and board member ed lally in October, celebrates his birthday on Jan. 18.
Entertaining at The Dalí Create a one-of-a-kind experience for your guests. Weddings • Corporate Retreats • Private Parties
new hire: The Orlando Museum of Art has dreSSed uP: Kaje houseman, pictured here
celebrating the Jan. 6 marriages of several same-sex couples in Sarsaota, celebrates her birthday Jan. 26.
named Michael laderman as its new Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Laderman is a 27-year journalism and communications veteran and will oversee the museum’s media relations, marketing and advertising.
“One of the top 10 buildings to see in your lifetime.” AOL Travel News
local birthDays Orlando dog-walker Don Williams, Orlando derby girl Claire Sullivan, Central Florida gay veterans advocate Keri Griffin edenfield (Jan. 15); Watermark art director and astonishingly beautiful man Jake stevens, multitalented Orlando writer/actor/director Scottie Campbell (Jan. 17); Orlando Gay Chorus vocalist edd “Peaches” Sinnett, Sarasota native and A League of Our Own member Jerry rivera, TIGLIFF president and JP Morgan Chase honcho Kris R. Johnson (Jan. 18); St. Petersburg’s beefy Flamingo bartender Doug lyons (Jan. 20); Watermark sales representative Sam Rennels (Jan. 21); GSHRadio host and Orlando resident Greg henchar; Orlando service industry pro Jeremy indomenico (Jan. 22); Orlando home inspector and art lover Paul Kusic, bangin’ derby babe Betty Ford (Jan. 24); singer and Tampa Bay performer ashley smith, St. Petersburg realtor Jim longstreth (Jan. 25); Sarasota photographer Kaje housman, St. Pete resident and Double M Band’s mario Jooste, mortgage broker and Phish Phest phenom Roxy Santiago, Ybor City special events promoter Chucky Ruckus (Jan. 26); Orlando derby girl erin Palmer (Jan 27); Orlando performer, beauty expert and straight ally ellen Jewell (Jan. 28).
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!
watermark Your lgbt life.
Host your event at The Dalí. Contact Diana Schneider at 727.623.4714.
TheDali.org/Venue | One Dalí Blvd. | St. Petersburg, FL
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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sports
Stanley Cup on hand during Solar Bears All-Star event Steve Blanchard
O
rlando | Hockey fans will have plenty to celebrate during the All-Star Classic, which pits the Orlando Solar Bears against a mix of all-stars from clubs throughout the East Coast Hockey League. As an added bonus, the Stanley Cup will be on hand throughout the week-long event and fans will have an opportunity to be photographed with the iconic hockey prize. “The cup itself has a curator, Phil Pritchard of the Hockey Hall of Fame,” explained Jason Siegel, CEO of the Solar Bears, adding that a strong relationship with the Hall of Fame helped secure the cup for the fourday hockey exhibition. The cup arrives on Monday, Jan. 19, where it will make a number of visits in Orlando—first at the Florida Hospital for Children. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, it appears at Orlando City Hall and then makes its way to
Fanfest, held inside the Disney Atrium at the Amway Center from 5-10 p.m. There, fans will get their photo opportunity with cup. Siegel is confident that the impact of the cup—and the all-star event itself—will be an economic boon to Orlando, just as similar sporting events in recent years. The Solar Bears worked with Visit Orlando, the City of Orlando, OrlandoVenues and the Sports Commission, to name a few, to bring the national All-Star Week to the city. Now, with the opening day just days away, there is no turning back. The All-Star game itself begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Ticket prices range from $15-$85 and Siegel is hopeful that the game will break records for the hockey club. “We could break the league record [for attendance], which would let us open the upper bowl,” Siegel said. Other announcements are scheduled that night as well. The Solar Bears will honor their fans by announcing that $1 million has been
given back into the local marketplace for non-profits in just three years and each of those non-profit groups will get recognition. “We’re proud of that and we have close relationships with 18-19 non-profits with which we’ve sat on boards,” Siegel said. “We want to thank them for all they do for the community.” Sports organizations have seen an evolution in recent years of LGBT acceptance, and the Solar Bears are no exception, according to Siegel. He said that while there are no out players yet, the only requirement to play with the club is to have skills on the ice. “My own personal feeling is, if you can play the sport, then you can play,” he said. “It is just that simple.” The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Florida and the NHL Network. For more details , visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com. To purchase tickets to the All-Star Game, visit TicketMaster.com or call 407-951.8200.
Ex-football captain gets 12 years in prison for killing Wire Report
H
artford, Conn. | A former high school football captain was sentenced to 12 years in prison Jan. 9 for fatally stabbing a man who he said sexually abused him as a minor, provided him drugs and called him gay in an Internet posting. Tarence ``T.J.’’ Mitchell, 19, apologized to relatives of the victim, 27-year-old Ronald Taylor Jr., during the sentencing hearing in Hartford Superior Court. He plead guilty to manslaughter in October. Taylor was killed in November 2013 in Bloomfield, where Mitchell was a high school football star. Mitchell told police that he and Taylor had a sexual relationship. When Mitchell tried to end the it, ``Taylor posted a picture of him on Facebook that included a blog of bad things about him, including him being a Bloomfield gay football star,’’ the documents said. Mitchell said the attack began when Taylor struck him in the face; Mitchell then stabbed Taylor, the documents said.
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photography
St. Pete City Hall By laurie ross Orlando City Hall By JaKe stevens
Hillsborough Courthouse By VinCent D’iPPolito Sarasota Courthouse By steve Blanchard
The Center, Olrando By JaKe stevens
Pinellas County Courthouse By laurie ross
galleryw Go see more photos at
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Hillsborough Courthouse By VinCent D’iPPolito
j
an. 6, 2015 waS a hiStoriC day for gay and leSbian floridianS. It’s the day marriage equality finally arrived in the Sunshine State. We had reporters and photographers onsite throughout Central Florida to capture the festive ceremonies at courthouses, community organizations and city halls. These are just a few of the many happy couples to make history on that Tuesday.
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Osceola Courthouse By PatRiCK o’ConnoR
Marriage equality comes to Florida tueSdAy, jAnuAry 6, 2015
Photography by Steve Blanchard, Vincent D’Ippolito, Patrick O’Connor, Laurie Ross and Jake Stevens
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
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Male Menopause, while not really a well-known term, is nonetheless real, and it’s called Andropause, which literally means “male-stop”. The midlife retreat of the androgens DHEA and in particular, testosterone - the key player in male hormonal health, affects men in various ways. Deficiency symptoms come on gradually and unlike the roller coaster ride that midlife women may experience, men don't always know what's hit them. The first thing a man usually notices as his hormones taper off is a subtle downward shift in strength and energy. He may lose his enthusiasm for the things he used to enjoy, the challenge of work, competition, and exercise. If fatigue sets in more quickly and the only desirable bedroom activity is a good night's sleep, chances are, you are entering The Andropause Zone. Many men have become discouraged by the thought that aging must bring with it a host of ailments and an overall downward spiral. They have also become quite frustrated with conventional medicine practices that dismiss their symptoms as “normal” or even worse, treat them as psychological illness. The most potent force underlying mental and physical energy in men, testosterone, takes a major blow with age. In his prime, 95% of a man's testosterone is made by the testicles in response to signals from the brain. Over time, this signal to “make more testosterone” gets weaker and aging testes are less likely to respond. Over time, total hormone supply slides, so that by the time the average man rolls into his mid to late 40's, testosterone is down about 40% from peak levels.
Ja nua ry 15 - 28 , 2015 // Issue 22.02
The growing shortage strikes at the core of a man’s virility, brain power, stamina and drive. If you feel fatigue or a decreased mental sharpness or are losing muscle mass and gaining weight then it is very likely that Low Testosterone is the culprit. If you struggle with a lack of motivation, low sex drive or lower self-esteem then addressing your hormone balance could be the missing key. Most healthcare professionals have not had the additional medical training necessary to effectively evaluate, diagnose or offer real solutions to correct your hormone deficiency. They do not understand the various bio-feedback mechanisms and imbalances that produce the problematic symptoms that you are feeling. It is imperative that you seek out the services of a qualified medical professional to address your need for Hormone Replacement Therapy and Testosterone Management. The powerful truth that all people should take to heart is that we age because our hormones decline, our hormones don’t decline because we age. When done properly, testosterone replacement therapy is safe and can provide dramatic benefits. Furthermore, by using bioidentical hormones, your body receives precisely what it needs to function effectively; hormones that are molecule-by-molecule, exactly the same as the hormones present in the human body. John Ripley is the Business Director at Hyperion Centers in Maitland, Florida and can be reached at 321-710-4095.
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