Watermark Issue 24.05: W.A.V.E. Awards 2017 by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.05 • MARCH 9 - MARCH 22, 2017 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Feel the

ave

Tampa Bay’s favorite people doing our favorite things!

DaytOna beach • OrlanDO • tamPa • st. Petersburg • clearWater • sarasOta

e D si IDE in l PR 17 ia ec PA E 20 sP TAMGUID

watermark TAMPA BAY EDITION

This issue features two covers! In this issue we feature some of our WaVe winners from both Tampa Bay and Orlando.

watermark ORLANDO EDITION

Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.05 • MARCH 9 - MARCH 22, 2017 • WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Feel the

ave

The best of the best in Orlando shine brightest as we celebrate!

DaytOna beach • OrlanDO • tamPa • st. Petersburg • clearWater • sarasOta

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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1 watermark Your LGBTQ FGB_Watermark_4.5x4.95_v4.indd life. Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

2/6/17 10:06 AM

departments 6 // mail 7 // editors desk 8 // orlando news 12 // tampa bay news 16 // state news 17 // nation & world news 23 // talking points 51 // community calendar 53 // tampa bay out+about 55 // orlando out+about 56 // tampa bay marketplace 57 // wedding bells/ announcements 58 // orlando marketplace 62 // uprisings

PAGE

This is disappointing for trans kids across the country and for Gavin [Grimm], who are now going to be held in limbo for another year or two. But Title IX means the same thing today as it meant yesterday. Lower courts already have held that it protects trans kids.

— JOShua BlOcK, the aMeRican civil liBeRtieS uniOn attORney whO RepReSentS gRiMM, a tRanSgenDeR teen Suing the State Of viRginia fOR SchOOl BathROOM acceSS.

on the coVer

PAGE iF it makes you happy:

PAGE

anD the wave awaRD gOeS tO...:

You voted, we counted and here you go. The winners, as voted by our loyal readers in Central Florida and Tampa Bay!

scan Qr code For

watermarkonline.com

Comedy legend Paula Poundstone looks to answer the age-old question of what makes us happy in her new book.

watermark i ssue 24 .05 //march 9 - march 22, 2017

rights at stake, again gaybor in the city

Just the ten oF us

a new deal?

PAGE Local leaders rally behind transgender youth in response to the Trump administration’s recent attacks on trans rights.

PAGE

read it Online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

PAGE Historic Ybor City and the GaYbor District play host again to the third annual Tampa Pride celebration March 25.

Australian super group The TEN Tenors finish up the U.S. leg of their 20th anniversary tour “The Power of TEN” in Florida.

President Trump tried to paint a new picture with his speech to Congress, but we are still getting the late night Tweets.

giVe us a fOllOW On tWitter anD instagram at @WatermarKOnline anD be sure tO liKe us On facebOOK. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

top web comments “It confounds the imagination that he receives praise for arguably appearing ‘presidential,’ when how something is being said should not be the focus.” —Kevin M. Sullivan

WatermarkOnline.com: Watermark’s Facebook: On the TV reenactment of the Pulse nightclub massacre on Univision:

“This show should never air. How would you feel as a family member or spouse to know that they are airing such a morbid reenactment of the horrific manner in which they were killed? This is utterly disgusting and unacceptable to our 49 lost souls. You and your sponsors should be ashamed of yourselves to make such a deplorable documentary. Are ratings and money more important than the value of our loved ones? There is nothing respectful in a reenactment of this event. People are still in mourning and trying to heal in losing their children, brother, sister, mother, girlfriend, boyfriend, family member, friend. This is totally unacceptable for our community. We the LGBT will never allow you to sensationalize the loss of our love ones we all have suffered enough. YOU ARE A DISGRACE to the Hispanic community. How dare you say that you respect the lives lost.” —Ely Lords

On Gays for Trump rallies in D.C.:

“I’m gonna guess five show up... tops.” —Chris Bennett

“Identification with oppressors. Happened to the slaves in the South and Jews in Nazi Germany. It’s a psychological need to win over those that violate you.” —Vance McKay

On former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire saying he’d avoid a gay teammate:

“Yeah, guys like this have such a problem with gay people that when they meet them clandestinely in the woods or their hotel rooms, they barely look at them.” —David Edward

On an arrest being made in Key West hate crime, gay-bashing attack:

“They should have just pulled him off the scooter and beat the crap out of him.” —Fredie Vinson

“Of course he was from N.C. Now let’s get him back in Florida and put him in jail.” —Dee N E Hoopjohn

On Rosie O’Donnell mocking Trump at a D.C. rally:

“From the queen of bullies.” —Judi Bucholtz

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

On Trump’s speech to Congress:

“It confounds the imagination that he receives praise for arguably appearing ‘presidential,’ when how something is being said should not be the focus. The focus has been and should remain on the content. And his content is weak, short-sighted, one-sided, and as unimpressive as it is uninspiring. He has been a failure as a president and last night’s attempt at speaking without going into his usual Dangerfield-esque ‘please like me’ sad set does not change the outlook. The content has been and remains abysmal.” —Kevin M Sullivan

On a court ruling for trans sister of Trump Inauguration singer Jackie Evancho:

“Congratulations Juliet Evancho on your victory. This is a victory for all mankind. Can we now be nice to each other.” —Joseph Stumpf

On CBS cancelling Doubt starring Laverne Cox after two episodes:

“While I love Laverne Cox, I watched an episode of this and was largely unimpressed with the show as a whole. The writing really sucked. I figured this was going to happen. Still sad.” —Dawn Kallio

editor’s

billy manes eDitOr

BIlly@WatermarkOnline.com

desk

Ove, exciting anD new; cOMe

aboard, we’re expecting you! It’s WAVEs week, which means that we’ve been buried in profiles and lost in the madness of photo shoots and the interstate, but it also means that we love you, as do many other people. Without being too repetitive (see the actual WAVE section inside), this issue is one of our favorites to put together. The Tampa Bay community and Central Florida community have come to know and love the WAVEs for nearly two decades, and this year they turned out in droves. This year, of all years, our LGBTQ community needed it. This year we received one of our largest responses in history. The Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence were launched in 2001 to show a mirror upon this LGBTQ community so that it could know that, with a little

perseverance, we could make it and we could make it big. Scrolling through the list of winners, it’s easy to see why. Each among them has dedicated his or her life to pushing through walls, crushing boundaries and making a difference. It may sound pat, but it’s important, and here’s why. In the coming months we are going to be facing challenges we haven’t faced for decades. In the coming months we’re going to have to steel ourselves and make it matter. In the coming months, we’re going to have to reignite a flame that may have faded, whether

through joy (marriage equality) or fear (a new administration running the White House). In the coming months, we’ll be more than just a gaggle at a polling place or a spark in a longtime narrative. When we rise, we rise. It’s an interesting conversation to have, and Watermark publisher and owner Rick Claggett posits a similar perspective in his column in this issue. “It takes courage to be feminine, to be masculine or to be both. It takes courage to go to a gay bar, to walk hand in hand with your partner and to fall in love,” he writes. “It takes courage to hold your leadership to a high standard of honesty and integrity, inside your community and all the way to the White House.” But this White House is a different White House, and by now – even with apparent concessions littered across Congress in late February – we’re going to have to pull on our big pants and make some noise. That’s why it’s so important that we have allies and a community to support us. I’m fairly certain that everyone I know right now is living on an anxiety diet, so this is real. It’s not more real than us, though. It’s not more real than anything that we see playing out before us on When We Rise, nor is it more real than the tragedy at Pulse. It’s not more real than entertainers like the Ten Tenors and Paula Poundstone; it’s not more real than crying in your soup, either. This is our time for celebration at Watermark, and so we’ll just go ahead and own it. On March 9 and 10, we’ll be holding celebrations – galas, if you will – in both Orlando and Tampa Bay. We’ll be throwing off the shackles of a somewhat miserable political season and the horrendous event that preceded it. We will rise. We will survive. Actually, we’ll do more than that.

We will stand on the streets and repeat Harvey Milk’s mantra of “I am here to recruit you.” We’ll be ourselves, because that’s what it’s all about anyway. To the victors, enjoy your delicious spoils. It takes a lot to motivate your audiences these days – hello, Facebook and Twitter – and all of you did just that in record numbers. All eyes are on Florida lately, and Florida, despite Florida Man, doesn’t like to disappoint. We’ve already been disappointed enough. We have fun and we like it. To those who didn’t win, there’s just as much love in this community for you. What you’re doing is making a difference in this world – making WAVEs, you might say – and all of your services and personages

In the coming months, we’re going to have to reignite a ﬂame that may have faded, whether through joy (marriage equality) or fear (a new administration running the White house).

are greatly appreciated. It’s only a popularity contest when people are involved, and you have certainly been involved. You’ll also find some interesting information on a Congressional push to block a rollback on trans rights, all of the latest on Manatee Pride and Tampa Pride, some bits and pieces about how we’re pushing forward, and maybe, just maybe, an image of yourself. So, kick back, grab a stiff drink or person, turn on a lamp and absorb our 2017 WAVE Awards issue.

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

contributors KRiSta Ditucci

is a freelance writer and family advocate for Manatee Children’s Services. She lives in Sarasota with her husband and children. Page 14

gReg SteMM

lives in Gulfport, Fla., and has worked as a freelance writer for several local publications. He is a founding member of St. Pete Pride and active politically in Tampa Bay. Page 19

SaMantha ROSenthal

attended University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark editorial assistant. She is currently a freelance writer and regularly covers Wedding Bells. Page 57

aaron alper, scottie campbell, susan clary, krista ditucci, kirk hartlage, Joseph kissel, Jason leclerc, mary meeks, stephen miller, daVid moran, gregg shipiro, greg stemm, dr. steVe yacoVelli, , michael wanZie

photography brian becnel, nick cardello, angie Folks, bruce hardin, Julie milFord, traVis moore, chris stephenson, lee VandergriFt, tinkerFluFF

distribution lVnliF2 distributing, lisa Jordan, Jill bates, ken carraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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central florida news

Judge says Pulse gunman’s wife should stay in jail, for now Wire Report

RLANDO | The wife of the Pulse Orlando nightclub shooter must remain in jail, at least for the time being, a federal judge in Florida ruled Thursday, a day after a magistrate judge in California said she could be released. U.S. District Judge Paul Byron in Orlando issued an order saying Noor Salman should stay in jail while he decides if she should be detained or released pending her trial on charges that she helped her husband scout out potential targets and created a cover story for him. A day earlier, a federal magistrate judge in Oakland, Calif., ordered Salman’s release as early as Friday, saying it’s “debatable” whether the government has enough evidence to convict her. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu also said Salman, 31, is not dangerous and there is no proof she has ties to the Islamic State group or holds extremist views. The criminal charges were filed in Florida, but the detention hearing was held in California because Salman was living in the Bay Area at the time she was taken into custody. Salman has pleaded not guilty to charges of aiding and abetting, and obstruction of justice. She faces life in prison if she is convicted. Salman’s husband, Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during the attack at the Pulse gay nightclub on June 12. The deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history left 49 people dead and dozens more injured. Mateen was eventually killed by police. In their motion asking that she be detained, prosecutors said there is a presumption in the law for Salman to be held in jail since the crime involves terrorism, and that prosecutors need not show anything more than an indictment to back up their request. “Here, the defendant proffered evidence of her husband’s alleged abuse, the affidavits of friends and family, and her lack of overall danger in support of an argument that she does not constitute a flight risk or danger to the community,” the prosecutors said. “Such proffered evidence falls far short of justifying a finding in favor of release, particularly in light of the nature of the charged offense.” Salman’s attorney, Linda Moreno, said the motion seemed a rehash of what was argued in the California courtroom. “The court found that the evidence they claim supports these allegations was debatable,” Moreno said. “It’s far more than debatable. It’s groundless.”

Meeting of the minds:

Local and national figures address transgender rights. Photo by David Thomas Moran

Rights at stake, again As Trump revokes federal protections, Orlando community advocates for trans youth David Thomas Moran

RLANDO | Local leaders are rallying behind transgender youth in Central Florida in response to the Trump administration’s recent attacks on transgender rights. There’s already been an onslaught of Trump executive orders seeking to limit the rights of immigrants, Muslims, women, the poor and now transgender and gender nonconforming youth. President Trump’s Feb. 22 executive order, rolling back Obama-era protections, leaves trans students across the country at the mercy of local school board politics yet again. The anti-LGBTQ policy has also effectively stalled the Gavin Grimm vs. Gloucester County School Board lawsuit - a

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

highly-anticipated, transgender rights case that until recently was headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Yet even with these major setbacks on the federal stage, leaders in the Orlando community continue to focus on changing hearts and minds locally in support of trans youth school by school. Several organizations, including Equality Florida, Zebra Coalition and the ACLU, are monitoring the situation closely. Many gathered on Feb. 24 for a roundtable sponsored by Congressman Darren Soto, who represents District 9. Heather Wilkie, executive director for the Zebra Coalition, said it was one of the first times the LGBTQ youth services organization has had a seat at the table with a member of Congress to advocate for LGBTQ youth – specifically trans issues.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

“Unfortunately, there’s a higher rate of suicide ideation [for LGBTQ youth] after these type of policy announcements,” Wilkie says. Students then don’t feel safe and go about their day at school in fear, Wilkie says. But she added that sometimes all it takes it one teacher or administrator who is supportive to help get a school on the right path towards a more inclusive classroom environment. Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s director of transgender equality, says that she has also heard from students saying that they are more fearful since the Trump executive order – less fearful of other students and more of the administration and teachers who aren’t supportive. Duncan says she was surprised to hear from a recent gay-straight alliance she spoke with that they felt safer around other students but not so much teachers and staff. That’s why Duncan says local advocates in our school districts are so important. “As the Trump administration goes low, we go local. Education is really the first step as well as supporting school boards to develop the right policies and procedures that are inclusive of transgender and gender nonconforming students,”

Continued on pg. 10 | uu |

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

2/28/17 2:36 PM

central florida news | uu | revoked protections frOm Pg.8

Duncan says. Many had hoped Grimm’s case might be a legal remedy to Trump’s recent executive order. But now trans students across the country like Gavin Grimm – who desire to be treated equally and feel safe as they do something as simple as go to the bathroom while at school – will have to wait. On March 6, the U.S. Supreme Court in a one-sentence statement vacated Grimm’s case and sent it back to the 4th District Court of Appeals because the federal guidelines that Trump revoked were central to the lower court’s ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court was originally set to hear oral arguments for Grimm’s case on March 28. It’s important to note that SCOTUS ruling does not void the existing legal protections for transgender students under Title IX, just the separate-but-equal bathroom solution some are using.

Grimm, a 17-year-old high school student in Virginia, first filed suit against the Gloucester County School Board in 2015 because they barred him from using the boy’s restroom. Grimm’s lawyers argued that the school board’s policy violated Title IX, a federal law against sex discrimination in public schools. Now a senior, it’s possible Grimm may be well out of high school by the time his case gets heard. Last May, the Obama administration issued federal guidelines instructing school boards to apply Title IX protections to restroom accommodations for transgender students allowing them to use the restroom of their choice – in part because of Grimm’s lawsuit. Prior to the Obama administration’s guidance, school policies protecting transgender and gender nonconforming students were widely inconsistent and often absent in school districts across the country, which is what Trump’s executed order has reverted back to.

eQuality Florida’s oFFice suFFers Vandalism, Vies to Fight on Billy Manes

RlanDO | On Thursday, Feb. 23, when nobody was working in Equality Florida’s Orlando office, somebody threw something through (or at) a window at the front of the building, although no rock or brick was found, says Equality Florida development director Michael Thomas Farmer. Is this the new violence-against-gays license Donald Trump seems to be trumpeting? The timing of the vandalism makes it that much more suspicious, Farmer agrees, but no investigation has yet been filed. “EQFL staff member Michael Thomas Farmer is currently at our Orlando office after receiving a call that something had been thrown through

one of our office windows,” EQFL wrote on its Facebook Thursday night. “We are waiting for the police to arrive to receive further information. But know, if this was some kind of an attempt to scare us from doing the work that we do, it will not work. We will not be intimidated, and we will not back down from our fight to end hate and secure full equality for ALL.” There was no note left, Farmer says, nor were there any signs of what implement was used to cause the damage. The window has since been boarded up, and somebody has anonymously come forward to fix the window free of cost. But the costs aren’t necessarily in the measure of physical damage. “In the almost 10 years that I’ve worked here, I have

not seen anything like this,” Farmer says. “Luckily, the rest of the staff was working in Tallahassee.” But it still appears to be a direct attack, Farmer confirms. The window directly references the organization’s name and isn’t close enough to the street for it to have been a simple accident. Does he think it was an attack on the LGBTQ community? “Yeah, I do,” Farmer says. “We’ve seen this pattern of people in the highest offices in this country advocating violence. It’s hard for me to imagine that it wouldn’t be involved in that.” Overloaded with policy work preceding the March legislative session, Farmer hasn’t yet had a chance to pursue the matter legally. “I’ve had to sort of reckon with myself,” he says. “I didn’t realize how much maybe I got comfortable with President Obama. These are different times.”

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tampa bay news

lgbtQ youth homelessness epidemic to be addressed in st. petersburg christina Diaz

t. peteRSBuRg | A collaboration of organizations has been formed to find out how many homeless LGBTQ youth are living in Pinellas County. Funded by The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, the LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Project is conducting research to help better serve this community. “What we’re trying to do is figure out exactly what the service needs are of this community and then go ahead and put together a strategic plan as to who could provide these services,” said Larry Biddle, Project Manager for the LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Project. The LGBTQ youth homelessness epidemic is affecting the nation.According to True Colors Fund, “In America, it is estimated that up to 1.6 million youth are homeless each year and that up to 40% of them identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Yet, LGBT youth make up just 7% of the general youth population.” True Colors Fund is an organization based in New York that is working to end homelessness among LGBTQ youth. Its members are teaming up with organizations in St. Petersburg to bring awareness to Pinellas County. “We need a place that’s 24/7 for kids and the community to know it’s the first stop for these kids who get thrown out of their house,” said Biddle. Family Resources, Inc. is one of the organizations with plans to address the issue. Located in St. Petersburg, it provides shelters, transitional living programs, counseling, community education, street outreach and after-school programs.Family Resources, Inc. currently has 12 beds and hundreds of people in need of assistance. After addressing the needs, The LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Project must also find out how much these services are going to cost.“We have to raise funds from government, local government and state government to pay for these services because there’s no funding,” Biddle said. In partnership with Family Resources, Inc. and Your Real Stories,The LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Project will be hosting Out-of-the-Shadows,an open forum where audience members can watch real stories of LGBTQ homeless youth come to life on stage. The event will take place on March 21 at the Palladium Theatre at 7:00 p.m. “I want people on the streets, I want signs on the street, I want people to break dishes about this problem,” said Biddle. This event is the first step to guide community member’s attention to the issue. Actors from the Your Real Stories organization interviewed LGBTQ homeless youth and those fighting for LGBTQ homeless youth. The essence of each story will be transformed into five-minute scripts. For more information or to get a free ticket to the event visit the Out-of-the-Shadows Eventbrite.

taMpa pROuD:

Gaybor District kicks off the I-4 corridor Pride season with Tampa Pride. Photo by brUCE harDin

GaYbor City The Proud invade Ybor for the third annual Tampa Pride celebration Jeremy Williams

aMpa | The Ybor City Historic District will play host again to the third annual Tampa Pride celebration Saturday, March 25. “Tampa Pride is in several parts this year,” says Carrie West, Tampa Pride’s president. “The Main Stage area, which is at the Hillsborough Community College –Ybor City Campus parking lot – will kick off first thing with the Tampa Pride Marching Band to introduce everybody and play some tunes to get everyone warmed up.” The opening ceremony will consist of speakers from local LGBT organization representatives, entertainment and words from Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn. Tampa Pride’s Festival Expo, which after being moved across from Centennial Park last year, will be back along 8th Ave. andwill run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. featuringmore than 100 LGBTQ vendor tents. “There will be a second stage; along with food trucks, art and a beer garden at the Crowbar at 8th and 17th,” West says.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

At noon in front of Centro Ybor, Tampa Pride will holda “Tribute to the Community.” “Last year we brought in a section of the Sea-to-Sea Key West Pride Flag, which had been in Australia,” West says. “We had it in the parade last year and then we sent it to The White House in Washington, D.C. Tampa Pride was the last organization to have this 40-foot section of the Pride Flag. The White House took it to the Smithsonian Institute for permit display at their museum.” This year, Tampa Pride will have a 100-foot section of that legendary flag which will be marched in the parade. Tampa Pride will also pay tribute to Orlando and the victims of last year’s Pulse massacre. “Tampa is the sister city to Orlando and we want to honor our family,” West says. “Pulse owner Barbara Poma will be attending along with some Orlando government officials and more than two dozen survivors of the Pulse shooting.” Poma and the Pulse survivors will also march in the parade; walking with white dove balloons, rainbow balloons and placards

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with the names of loved ones that were lost. The Tampa Pride Diversity Parade will start at 1 p.m. at Nuccio Parkway and 7th Avenue and will make its way through the heart of the GaYbor District to N 20th St. The parade will feature over 120 floats, groups and organizations marching down 7th Avenue throwing out beads in every color of the rainbow. Featured in the parade will be representatives from two corporations who got their Pride start in Tampa — Bristol-Myers Squibb and USAA. “They have people coming in from across the country just to be a part of Tampa Pride,” West says. “People from USAA’s home office in San Antonio and Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Jersey, and even some flying in from London.” Leading the way will be Tampa Pride’s 2017 Grand Marshals: former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and local entertainerJoey Brooks. As well as Pride’s “Grand Couple,” Hotspots Media publisher Peter Clark and partner CletoBeuren, 2017 Miss Tampa Pride Kenya M. Black and “Community Leaders” Sandy Freedman Vince Pardo and Sandy Freeman. Freeman is Tampa’s former mayor. “Sandy is such a hoot,” says West. “Plus she really turned things around for the gay community by acknowledging us and bringing in the gay chorus’ convention back in 1996.”

cOntinueD On Pg. 14 | uu |

HEALTH

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Healthysexuals

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

tampa bay news | uu | GaYbor City from pg.12

Tampa Pride has a few national celebrities to go along with our local ones. All-American singer Steve Grand will perform on Tampa Pride’s Main Stage at HCC and internet sensation Randy Rainbow will be mingling all day at Honey Pot. “Steve Grand is currently touring Australia and is the Grand Marshal for Mardi Gras in Sydney,” West says.”He also has a new album coming out on March 24, so it will be released while he is here in Tampaand he is going to be playing some stuff from that new album. He is also going to be out at some of the GaYbor clubs Friday night meeting and greeting fans.” The past two years, crowds for Tampa Pride have been larger than expected, and the excitement doesn’t seem to have slowed this year. Tampa Pride is estimating between 25,000 and 30,000 people for this year’s celebration. “We are getting everything in place and we are working hard to bring Tampa the best pride yet,” West says.

Fourth Annual Manatee Pride to Include New Vendors, Entertainment, and Signature Beer Krista DiTucci

RADENTON | Manatee County is gearing up for the fourth annual Manatee Pride March 18 at Bradenton’s Riverwalk. “Manatee Pride is a family-friendly event,” Rick Dorociak, Prism Youth Initiative secretary and Pride entertainment/concessions coordinator, says. “There is something for everyone – music, food, beer, amazing vendors, and even a splash park.” This year’s Manatee Pride is expected to be the largest to date; in fact, the Pride committee added an extra hour to accommodate the increase in food vendors, program events and performers. Dorociak says last year’s Pride attracted about 2,000 people, but this year he

expects closer to 3,000. “It’s amazing to see so many people getting involved,” Dorociak says. “We are growing and growing. I couldn’t be more excited and proud about what we have going on this year.” The day will kick off with an interface service led by local clergy within the community. Another addition to this year’s celebration is the “Manatee Pride Beer,”a crisp guava lager designed by Darwin Brewery Co. specifically for the event. Melissa Rhodes, Prism outreach coordinator and Pride board member, proposed the idea for a Manatee Pride beer. Rhodes says she is always trying to come up with creative ideas for Pride and realized no other Pride festivals have featured their own beer. “Everyone thought I was out

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in left field and it wasn’t going to happen,” Rhodes says. “I said, ‘No, we’re going to have our own beer this year.’” Rhodes says she shared her vision of a “light, clean, crisp spring day” with the brew master and he came up with exactly what she envisioned. She says she is hoping to offer a craft beer and food pairing at Pride between the lager and food vendors. If “Manatee Pride Beer” is a hit, it will be featured in various local bars. As an added bonus, anyone who buys a Manatee Pride cup will receive $1 discount on the beer. This year’s Manatee Pride entertainment will include The Hatley Band, Jami Gee, Moxie Moxie, and Elaine Bolton; noted drag queens Beneva Fruitville, Felicity Liemont Roxxy, Jaeda Fuentes, KeKe Monroe and Ashlee T. Bangkx; and two

ensembles from The Players Centre for Performing Arts. Interchangeable Parts will lead a special performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp.” Spin master DJ Lexx and master of ceremonies Big Daddy Ro will keep the party going. The day will also include raffles for an official Tampa Bay Lightning jersey and two 50-inch flat screen televisions. Barrel 87 in Sarasota and The Flamingo Resort in St. Pete will host the Manatee Pride after-parties. Barrel 87 festivities will feature BenevaFruitville, Hunter Vance & the Boys, drag shows and drink specials. The Flamingo Resort party will include a poolside deejay, dancers, drag shows with Iman featuring the Flamingo Blu Theater Players, and drink and hotel specials. “I’m amazed and happy that it’s our fourth year, which is especially exciting for a tightknit, more conservative community,” Rhodes says. For more information, visit ManateePride.com.

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

state news

Two state legislators aim to scrub contentious gun legislation from the Florida books Billy Manes

t may have seemed like a non-issue, especially considering that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled it unconstitutional just last month, but two Florida legislators are making a point of removing the controversial Firearm Owner’s Privacy Act from the state’s statutes. The law, passed in 2011, was television news fodder for weeks, as it challenged the ability of doctors to speak with patients about weapons in their homes. In 2011, a couple complained about being asked by their doctor about having firearms in their home. The confusion arose between

limits on free speech and the Second Amendment. But it’s more than that, says state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, who just filed HB 6033 in tandem with Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Broward. “It’s really important, because guns are a major cause of death and suicide,” Smith says. “Doctors simply ask about the common sense of their patients, like they ask about cleaning products, about chemicals in their pools. The fact that the Florida Legislature irresponsibly passed the first law of its kind is not only unconstitutional, it’s irresponsible.” In a press release, Smith pointed to a report released by the Tampa Bay Times in

February that revealed that nearly 3,200 children under the age of 17 were killed or injured by guns between 2010 and 2015, equalling one child shot every 17 hours. “Once again, the courts have struck down an extreme and unconstitutional law passed by the Florida Legislature,” Smith said in a statement. “Physicians have the constitutionally protected right, as well as the moral obligation, to discuss common sense gun safety precautions that protect patients and their families while in the home.” Smith says it’s as much about the First Amendment (free speech) as it is the Second Amendment (gun rights).

“We’re repealing this law so that we clarify the First Amendment rights for doctors and to clarify the Second Amendment,” he says. The court clearly agrees. “As part of their medical practices, some doctors routinely ask patients about various potential health and safety risks, including household chemicals, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, swimming pools, and firearms. A number of leading medical organizations, and some of their members, believe that unsecured firearms ‘in the home increase risks of injury, especially for minors and those suffering from depression or dementia,” the ruling reads. “In an effort to prevent and

reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries, particularly to children, the American Medical Association ‘encourages its members to inquire as to the presence of household firearms as a part of childproofing the home and to educate patients to the dangers of firearms to children.” So far, Smith says, there has been no reaction from the gun lobby or, more precisely, the National Rifle Association, at least that he’s heard. He drafted the repeal months ago, so this is just the beginning, he says. “I think it’s important to draw attention to the fact that the Republicans of the legislature have made a habit of passing unconstitutional laws,” he says. “The legislature has spent millions of dollars to defend laws like this in court. I hope this bill sends a message that the legislature needs to stop wasting our money and time with this foolishness.”

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

nation+world news

Supreme Court scraps case on transgender bathroom rights Wire Report

ASHINGTON | The Supreme Court is returning a transgender teen’s case to a lower court without reaching a decision, leaving in limbo the issue of transgender rights in school settings. The action comes after the Trump administration pulled back federal guidance advising schools to let students use the bathroom of their chosen gender, not biological birth. The justices said in a brief order that they have opted not to decide whether federal anti-discrimination law gives high school senior Gavin Grimm the right to use the boys’ bathroom in his Virginia school. The case had been scheduled for argument in late March. Instead, a lower court in Virginia will be tasked with evaluating the federal law known as Title IX and the extent to which it applies to transgender students.

For Grimm, the order means that he probably will graduate with the issue unresolved and his ability to use the boys’ bathroom blocked by a policy of the Gloucester County school board. Although he won a court order allowing him to use the boys’ bathroom, the Supreme Court put it on hold last August, before the school year began. “This is disappointing for trans kids across the country and for Gavin, who are now going to be held in limbo for another year or two,” said Joshua Block, the American Civil Liberties Union attorney who represents Grimm. “But Title IX means the same thing today as it meant yesterday. Lower courts already have held that it protects trans kids.” Kyle Duncan, the lawyer for the school board, had no immediate comment on the order. The high court action follows the administration’s recent decision to withdraw a directive issued during Barack Obama’s presidency that said which bathroom to use should

be based on students’ gender identity, not biological birth. The administration action triggered legal wrangling that ended with the order. In essence, the federal appeals court in Richmond, Va., had relied on the Obama administration’s interpretation of Title IX to side with Grimm. The appeals court accepted the administration’s reading of the law without deciding for itself what the law and a related regulation on same-sex bathrooms and locker rooms mean. No appeals court has yet undertaken that more independent analysis, and the Supreme Court typically is reluctant to do so without at least one appellate opinion to review, and usually more than one. Similar cases are pending in other parts of the country so it is likely that other appeals courts also will weigh in about the reach of anti-discrimination protections for transgender students. The justices did not comment on the case beyond their one-sentence order returning it to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

State Department releases 2016 human rights report Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National Gay Media Association

The State Department’s annual human rights report released last week notes discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity were commonplace throughout many parts of the world in 2016. The report notes René Martínez, a prominent LGBT rights advocate in the violence-plagued Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, was killed in June after he left his home. It also highlights Hande Kader, a transgender sex worker and activist who was found dead in Istanbul in August. A group of men in December kidnapped Noluvo Swelindawn, a South African LGBT activist, in her home before killing her. The report also notes a number of people were killed in Russia because of their sexual orientation and

gender identity. The report notes Colombian authorities reported “at least” 346 murders of LGBT and intersex people between Jan. 1-July 31. It also highlights the so-called Islamic State in 2016 continued to execute men in Iraq and Syria who had been accused of committing sodomy. The State Department released the report less than two months after President Trump took office. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Randy Berry remains in his position as special U.S. envoy for LGBT and intersex rights, but activists remain concerned the Trump administration will no longer promote these issues abroad as the previous White House did. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also raised eyebrows last month during his confirmation hearing when he declined to specifically say whether “gay rights are human rights” in response to a question that U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) asked. Reports that emerged

last week indicate the Trump administration has proposed cutting the budgets of the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development by 37 percent. Tillerson wrote an introduction to the 2016 report that he sent to Congress. He nevertheless faced questions from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Human Rights Watch Executive Director Ken Roth about why he did not speak publicly about it as John Kerry and other previous secretaries of state have done. Both Tillerson and Trump have faced questions about their ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, who signed a 2013 law that bans the promotion of so-called gay propaganda to minors. A senior administration official told reporters during a conference call on March 2 that Tillerson spoke about human rights during his confirmation hearing in January. The official also stressed human rights “are regularly factored into our policy deliberations.”

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in other news Vermont LGBTQ group says owner of gay bar should change name A Vermont center dedicated to LGBTQ issues says the owner of a new Winooski gay bar that’s expected to open soon should change its name. Oak 45 is scheduled to reopen next week as Mister Sister. Owner Craig McGaughan has said he sees the term as inclusive but some residents say the name is a slur historically used to disparage transgender women. The Pride Center of Vermont’s board decided it’s against the name at a town hall meeting in Burlington March 2. Co-chair Paul Sisson says the name “has too many negative past associations.” The decision comes after two board members resigned due to its delay in taking a stance.

Missouri Senate votes down LGBT discrimination protections Missouri state senators voted down a proposal March 1 to ban discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, in what was a loss for LGBT advocates. Democratic state Sen. Jill Schupp’s amendment would have banned discrimination against LGBTQ people and covered employment, housing and public accommodations. The Creve Coeur Democrat asked colleagues to add the measure to a contested Republican-backed bill to make it more difficult to sue for discrimination. In earlier debate, Schupp argued its passage would have shown that people in Missouri “care about treating people fairly” and provided LGBT people with equal rights. Lawmakers voted 20-10 against it.

Former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire says he’d avoid gay teammate In an interview with Israeli website Walla Sport, basketball player Amar’e Stoudemire was part of a group of players asked how they would feel if they had a gay teammate. While everyone else said it wouldn’t bother them, Stoudemire stood out with his answer. “I’m going to shower across the street, make sure my change of clothes are around the corner. And I’m going to drive—take a different route to the gym,” Stoudemire says. When asked if he was joking Stoudemire replied, “I mean, there’s always a truth within a joke.” According to ESPN, Stoudemire was fined $50,000 for tweeting a gay slur during the offseason in 2012.

Finland same-sex marriage law takes effect A law that extends marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples in Finland took effect on March 1. Members of Finland’s Parliament approved a same-sex marriage bill — which also extended adoption rights to gay and lesbian couples — in 2014. The Associated Press reported more than 100,000 people signed a petition that demanded lawmakers repeal the law. Finland’s Parliament last month rejected it by 120-48 vote margin. Seta, a Finnish LGBT advocacy group, applauded the law. “The equal marriage law means that same-sex couples’ unions are recognized as equivalent to other relationships,” it wrote on its website. Finland is the last Nordic country to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

viewpoint

Greg stemm

positiVe liVing A Male Feminist at a Woman’s March

t all Began One BRight

Florida winter-warm December morning at a Quaker meeting in St. Petersburg. An 81-year-old spitfire of a woman stood up and said something like, “Isn’t it wonderful that there is going to be a women’s solidarity march in Washington?

“Like many of you, much as I would like to go, making that trek is impossible for me right now. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we had a march of our own in St. Petersburg?” We all pretty much said to her, “Yeah that would be great. Why don’t you make it happen?” We had no idea of what we were about to unleash. I was the first person who approached Suzanne Benton that morning and said, “If you do that I’d like to help.” Suzanne says she thinks it says a lot about St. Petersburg that the first person who stepped forward to help with a women’s solidarity march here would be a gay man. But I’ve considered myself a male feminist for decades. I then found myself the sole man on the central planning committee. As it turned out we had completely underestimated Suzanne Benton. Two weeks later I am standing in the Quaker Meeting house with representatives from Planned Parenthood, NOW, Moms Demand Action for Common Sense Gun Law Reform and about 200 people who have shown up for a volunteer planning session. Meanwhile a hastily constructed Facebook page began

seeing the number of those who planned to attend pass 1,000, then 5,000, than amazingly 10,000, and they just kept coming. These women didn’t fool around. Egos were left on the shelf and women (and men) stepped forward by the dozens to take on the multitude of tasks required for putting on a big event as this was growing into rapidly. Our time was short but our enthusiasm was growing by leaps and bounds. By the day of the event we had over 18,000 people just on Facebook alone who had said they were coming. We knew that there were likely more that would show up who hadn’t signed up online. When it was all said and done, the St. Pete police estimated that 25,000 people participated, making it the largest march in Florida and giving St. Pete even more street cred in its evolving role as a hotbed community of progressive values. While there were a number of other male feminists like me who helped in various volunteer roles, it was the women who were clearly leading the charge. Their organizational skills were impressive and collaboration instead of competition was the hallmark of the spirit of these planning meetings. I’ve always been impressed by how differently women are in their interactions with each other than men, but this experience really brought these truly remarkable differences to light for me. I believe one statistic speaks for itself. On that amazing day there were 661 marches across America in cities both large and small and there were absolutely no instances of violence and incredibly no arrests. We also felt the kindredship of marches on all seven continents including in Antarctica. I felt like I was a witness to history and more importantly I felt like we were throwing a pie directly into Donald Trump’s face. That made me very happy indeed.

In the assembly area on Demen’s Landing I saw just about every kind of person you can imagine. From elderly lesbians to straight couples pushing strollers with handmade signs affixed to them. Here are a few signs that really made an impact on me: A beautiful

Women Everywhere”; and my personal favorite sign, “I’ve met God. She’s Black.” And pussy hats everywhere! Including for a time on my head until I passed it along to a vibrant college age women who asked where she could get one. From the stage before the

when St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman read a city proclamation naming January 21, 2017, as Women’s Rights Day in the city. He went even further “As long as I’m your mayor, every day is Women’s Rights day in St. Petersburg.” Kriseman, who is also a strong ally of the city’s huge

Muslim woman wearing a hajib holding a sign that read “I hope this registers before I have to”; an adorable 10-year-old boy holding a sign reading, “I stand with my mommie and my grandma”; a middle-aged man who on the surface looked like he could be a Trump supporter carrying a sign reading, “Bad Hombre Supporting Nasty

march began were a bevy of inspirational speakers, some giving messages harking back to women’s struggles for equality for decades. Some even shared personal stories of how their grandmothers and great great grandmothers had fought for the women’s right to vote less than a hundred years ago. Most moving was

LGBTQ community, is up for reelection soon. I am so grateful to all my women friends for making this day so special for me and for our nation. We have a long four years ahead of us. But you inspire me and I stand together with you in the Resistance!

I believe one statistic speaks for itself. On that amazing day there were 661 marches across america in cities both large and small and there were absolutely no instances of violence and incredibly no arrests.

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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viewpoint

Rick Claggett, Publisher

wo r d s

to live by B

Courage y the time I was in the

ninth grade I accepted the fact I was a homosexual. I wasn’t out or proud. I was scared. I had done my time with self-loathing and trying to talk myself into being normal. My knowledge of the homosexual world revolved around what I’d picked up from TV, church, family and friends. Homosexuals were sinners, gross deviants who were to be laughed at and avoided. Although I didn’t feel that described me, I came to terms with it. After all, I thought boys were cute.

Toward the end of my freshman year of high school, I was given a glimmer of hope that maybe I wasn’t such a terrible person. I had a teacher who decided to stray from the normal health-class curriculum by sharing her story of homosexuals. She started the lesson off by referring to the community as gay. A student quickly asked if she meant homosexuals. She answered yes, but said they preferred to be called “gay” because their lives were about whom they love and not necessarily about with whom they have sex, a pretty ballsy move for a Southern teacher in 1990. She went on to describe gay people as

normal. This was a first for me. I remember living next to a gay couple when I was in elementary school. Plenty of words were used to describe them, but normal wasn’t one of them. The teacher then broached the subject of HIV/AIDS. She talked about gay sex and safe sex and fielded questions with honesty and confidence. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but until that teacher spoke I thought all gay men had AIDS and it magically manifested when they had sex. At the time I was focused on how this new information would affect my life. Looking back now, I think of how much courage she showed. She normalized gay for me in a time when that was unheard of. She taught me about HIV/AIDS when others were too afraid to talk about it. Her courage gave me hope and courage to start building trust in others. Within the next year my coming out story began. I’ve thought a lot about courage over the past few days, thanks to When We Rise, the ABC miniseries that chronicles major milestones in the LGBTQ rights movement. This show is a must watch for all people, not just those in the LGBTQ community. It’s not without its production flaws, but the emotional history lesson is courageous to near perfection. It’s heartbreaking to see the early struggles of the LGBTQ community. The psychological torture of being outcast by your family then being seen as sub-human to the rest of the world is enough to cripple even the strongest person. Now factor in the physical beatings from the police and the rest of society and you create a culture of anger and desperation. Out of that desperation began a movement. Early LGBTQ history is full of people of courage. Women’s groups would rally in support of their rights knowing they would be arrested or beat or pounded with tear gas. Gay men would risk their jobs just by going to a gay bar, also risking arrest. The young, the not-so-young, women who loved women, men who

loved men and transgender people fought together to advance the rights for all of them. They banded together to fight oppression and to fight HIV/AIDS. They didn’t have role models that looked like them, so they used each other as inspiration. They risked everything because they had nothing left to lose.

of the same battles. The most courageous action the early equality crusaders took was simply to be themselves. That remains true today. Yes, it takes courage to be a leader in front of a crowd and deliver a moving rally speech, but it takes just as much courage to be in that crowd. It takes

of honesty and integrity, inside your community and all the way to the White House. So rally together. Take the wisdom of the older and passion of the young to carry the movement forward. Say your name out loud. Be out, be proud and love. Be yourself and let that be a role model to someone else. You never

They let the world know their names because they knew the more people that could identify someone in their life as LGBTQ, the more likely they were to see LGBTQ people as human. Our community has made great strides since the riots of Stonewall and the rise of HIV/ AIDS. Sometimes, though, it feels like we are fighting many

courage to come out. It takes courage to be proud. It takes courage to dress your part and to walk into the bathroom you know you belong in. It takes courage to be feminine, to be masculine or to be both. It takes courage to go to a gay bar, to walk hand in hand with your partner and to fall in love. It takes courage to hold your leadership to a high standard

know who will be watching. You never know who you will inspire to be themselves and carry the next generation closer to equality. Just like my ninth grade teacher who was only doing what she thought was right, and just like the many people who began the LGBTQ movement: Be courageous.

Yes, it takes courage to be a leader in front of a crowd and deliver a moving rally speech, but it takes just as much courage to be in that crowd. It takes courage to come out. It takes courage to be proud.

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

TRANSGENDER

PEOPLE haVe been ARRESTED

FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

talking points There have been bumps in the road, but it’s been pretty inexorable, and this is a signiﬁcant turn backward and we will do whatever we can to get him to reverse it. — Senate MinORity leaDeR chucK SchuMeR (D-n.y.) SpeaKing aBOut the tRuMp aDMiniStRatiOn’S ROllBacK Of guiDance pROhiBiting DiScRiMinatiOn againSt tRanSgenDeR KiDS.

MoonliGht becOmes first lgbtQ film tO Win best Picture Oscar

fteR the BiggeSt BlunDeR in OScaR hiStORy, the film Moonlight became the first LGBTQ-themed movie, and first all-black cast film, to win the Best Picture honor at the Academy Awards Feb. 26. The error occurred when presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were mistakenly given the envelope for Best Actress instead of the Best Picture envelope. Moonlight walked away with three Oscars for the night. Along with Best Picture, Mahershala Ali won for Best Supporting Actor and the screenplay, written by the film’s director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, won Best Adapted Screenplay. Moonlight is based on McCraney’s play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue about a black man’s life growing up in 1980s Miami dealing with drugs, family and his sexual identity.

in restrOOms in the u.s.,

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS (JON HINSON, LARRY CRAIG AND BOB ALLEN) haVe been arresteD On this charge. — MediaMatters.org and NewNowNext

cbs cancels Doubt starring laVerne cOx after tWO ePisODes

BS haS canceleD itS new law DRaMa DOuBt, starring Katherine Heigl and Laverne Cox, after just two episodes, according to The Hollywood Reporter. After pulling in low viewership for its first two episodes and receiving poor reviews, Doubt has become the first show of the season to get canceled. Doubt followed attorneys at a New York City law firm including Heigl who played a lawyer falling for her client and Cox who portrayed a transgender lawyer. This was the first show to include a transgender actress playing a transgender-series regular character on broadcast television. CBS ordered 13 episodes of the first season but it is uncertain if the final 11 episodes will be released.

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the leGo batMan MoVie accuseD Of “PrO-gay PrOPaganDa”

HE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE iS Being accuSeD of “pro-gay propaganda” by right-wing Christian bloggers. In the film, Bruce Wayne adopts Dick Grayson, who becomes Robin. Dick seems to believe that he has been adopted by two dads because he doesn’t know that Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same person. John-Henry Westen, editor-in-chief of “pro-life” and “pro-family” website LifeSiteNews, wrote a scathing review of the film titled “BEWARE: LEGO Batman movie promotes gay adoption,” that didn’t take kindly to the two-dads premise of the film. “The film’s humor gets lost in the pro-homosexuality promotion of ‘Bat-Dad’ and ‘Bruce-Dad,’” Westen says. The LEGO Batman Movie has a 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently in theaters.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

beautY anD the beast Will feature Disney’s first gay character

iSney cOntinueS itS tRenD of converting their arsenal of animated classics into live-action movies with the release of Beauty and the Beast March 17, but this transfer to the three dimensional world features something not found in the original: Disney’s first gay character. In an interview with Attitude magazine, the film’s director Bill Condon said the character of LeFou, sidekick to the main villain Gaston and played by Josh Gad, as a subplot that touches on sexuality. “LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston,” Condon said. “Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

in-DePth:

ave

Feel the

You voted. We counted. Bring on the parties!

e’ve Been DOing thiS Since

2001, so we know our way around the trophy-lined block. We ask you to tell us who among us are the best at doing the best things and we, in kind, report the goods to you.

It’s the Watermark Awards for Variety in Excellence moment in our being, and we’re bursting at the staples to let you know just to whom this popularity contest lends its crowns. Is it you? Simply look inside, try not to look vain and laugh at your glory (if it is in fact you) and giggle when necessary. No, there will be no Oscar missteps or terrible Grammy tributes, but there will in fact be plenty of surprises. This year we had a record response to our

polling – which makes both us and the winners happy – and we spent countless hours creating paper cuts out of thin internet air to tabulate the votes. Initially, we had you drop names like microphones into a giant electronic bucket, whether there were spelling issues or not. Then we pulled a second round of reasonably corrected names and places from which you would choose those who most represent the land that is known as Florida.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

You did a great job. We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the importance of this year’s WAVEs, especially as all eyes have been on Florida and all minds have been on tragedy and politics. So, from the bottom of our heart, thank you for participating and congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We couldn’t do this without you. We really couldn’t do anything without you. So let’s raise a glass to a better future, dance a jig to getting through it, sing a song for those we’re honoring and grab a hand of the ones we love. We can be heroes. That’s what the WAVEs are all about. Thank you. cOntinueD On Pg. 28 | uu |

cOntinueD On Pg. 31 | uu |

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

thank you for voting us your favorite local lgbtq-friendly caterer!

For exquisite wedding planning, owner Michael Thomas is an LGBT Certified Wedding Planner who understands the nuances of planning the perfect wedding for every couple. He and his team will ensure that your day is expertly coordinated and impeccably executed. For scrumptious catering services, choose our award-winning team for cuisine that will fully satisfy your guests and is served with the care and finesse that only we can deliver.

MICHAEL THOMAS LGBT CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER

407-894-6671

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

bigger facilities

BREAKING NEWS

WINS WATERMARK’S 2017 WAVE AWARD

BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

“THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT” R A N G E R S P E T O U T P O S T. C O M

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

| uu | WaVe awards 2017 frOm Pg.28

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S

WINNERS FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN/ACTIVIST First: Orlando city commissioner Patty sheehan Second: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Flower

Third: Orange County Democrats Chairman Wes Hodge

POWER

LEE JAMES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESENTATION

ee JaMeS, he Of lee JaMeS flORal DeSignS inc. on North Orange Avenue, loves the smell of roses in the morning. “You know, my mom had a beautiful garden, and I grew up in English gardens, so the passion for me has to do with more than just the bride,” he says. James launched his enterprise on March 1, 1992, thanks to the assistance of interior designer Sam Ewing. He was given a storage room from which to operate his craft. He did almost too well, to the point that Ewing, legendarily, asked him to leave. “Then in one year he said, ‘Get out. You’ve taken over my space,’” James says. “I owe Lee James to Sam Ewing.” Has the new thrust toward gay weddings changed the process for the gay florist to the stars? Or has it made things more difficult? “There’s a little bit of both,” he says. “The wedding industry, the generations have changed. I just celebrated 27 years of Lee James. And when you back it up, weddings were different, they were opulent, it was a big celebration. We still have our country club brides, we still have our debutante brides. Back when I started, Daddy was bringing his daughter in for her wedding. Your brides today are living in their 30s, maybe they’re living on their own, they are career-oriented. Instead of dropping a few thousand on a wedding, you’re buying a house. It is a celebration, but they’re also more sensible about what they’re doing with that money.” “Of course now we have gay marriage, and we have a lot of wonderful people coming in to do it, and I think that’s just fantastic,” he adds. “My philosophy has always been, ‘I don’t care if your wedding is $500 or $500,000. You should be treated with the same respect, because that’s your dream, no matter what your budget is.’ Honestly, I find that the $500 brides are nicer, they’re more appreciative of what you do, and you don’t have to kill yourself when you’re doing something that they want you to do.” —Billy Manes

GREATEST STRAIGHT ALLY TO THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY First: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Second: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs Third: Mama Dee Richter

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION First: The GLBT center of central Florida Second: Zebra Coalition Third: Orlando Gay Chorus

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ SPORTS LEAGUE/ ORGANIZATION First: Orlando Pride Second: Central Florida Softball League Third: Orlando Roller Derby

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WRITER/ JOURNALIST First: Billy Manes, Watermark Second: Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel Third: Brendan O’Connor, Bungalower

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WEBSITE First: WatermarkOnline.com Second: OICOrlando.com Third: Bungalower.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT First: Lake eola Second: The Hammered Lamb Third: Harry P. Leu Gardens

FAVORITE CHARITABLE EVENT First: come Out With Pride Second: Headdress Ball Third: AIDS Walk Orlando

GAYEST LOCAL EVENT First: Gay Days Second: Come Out With Pride Third: Big Gay Brunch presented by Orlando Immunology Center

FAVORITE LGBTQ BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB (OVER 1 YEAR OLD) First: Orlando Immunology center Second: embellish FX

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL First: Dr. edwin DeJesus, MD, FacP Second: Dr. Roberto Ortiz, MD AAHIVS Third: Dr. Rafael e. Piñero, MD

FAVORITE LOCAL DENTIST First: Dr. Michael Watkins, DMD Second: Dr. Anne Murugasu-Reid, DDS Third: Dr. M. Tony Clement DDS

FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON First: split endz hair & Nail studio Second: The Red Scarlet Salon Third: Leslie Colleen Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL SPA First: Massage envy in sODO Second: The Spa College Park Third: Club Orlando

FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER First: Planet Fitness in Fashion square Second: Rock Hard Fitness Third: 24 Hour Fitness in SODO

Third: MojoMan Swimwear & Clothing

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN

FAVORITE NEW LGBTQ BUSINESS (LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD)

First: Dr. Jim Martin, DVM, Loch haven Veterinary hospital

First: Pride radio Second: Ash Third: Paint Mix Studios

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

Second: Dr. kimberly Lee, DVM, Animal Medical Clinic Third: Dr. Juan Patino, DVM, kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital

cOntinueD On Pg. 37 | uu |

Curious

JORGE NEWSCASTER JORGE ESTEVEZ IS CHANGING ORLANDO, ONE STORY AT A TIME

n the lOBBy Of the DR. phillipS centeR in DOwntOwn ORlanDO, WFTV News kingpin Jorge Estevez seems equally flattered and amused by his WAVE victories. The “centerfold” category is of particular interest. “That is so much fun!” he laughs.“I love that category. I’m not biased at all.” Estevez comes from a Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage, was born in New Jersey and studied journalism in school and to the tenor of former ABC World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings. His father sat him down to learn those basics. “I used to watch World News Tonight with my father, who came home from work after 12 hours a day and said, ‘I don’t have time to read the paper or learn English, so I watch the news and do both,’” he recalls. “As a kid I watched the world falling apart next to him.” And then the world kept falling apart. “I started in New York working for News 12 New York as a one-man band, so you do your own camera work and editing work,” he recalls.“ An agent heard about me and called me and said, ‘I want to represent you.’ And I came to Orlando a week before Sept. 11. Then the world fell apart, and I was here for that. And then, I was almost five years into it, and I went to Miami. At that point, there was nowhere here for me to move on. So I left. And every day I was gone, I wanted to come back. I loved Orlando. I loved the growing city, the potential, the fact that I could kind of get in at the bottom and see this whole thing happen before me was incredible.” It wouldn’t be long before he returned to his adopted home. And he did so as a pivotal figure in the LGBTQ community. Estevez was an out journalist, something that remains a rarity even today. “The reaction has been incredible,” he says. “It warms my insides. It makes me tear up. It makes me realize how fortunate I am to be living in today’s day and age after what so many of our brothers, sisters, allies and politicians went through for decades to get us here. I am benefitting from the fruits of their labor. Being open and honest scared the crap out of me years ago. When I left here, I really wasn’t out. I was out to my friends, I had a partner at that time for many years, and I left kind of not out. I remember having a conversation with my news director and saying, ‘I’m gay.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I know. Nobody cares.’” —Billy Manes

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

1972

2016

Thank you Watermark readers for VOTING us your FAVORITE: 1ST PLACE FAVORITE RESTAURANT: CASUAL 1ST PLACE FAVORITE HOST FOR KARAOKE, TRIVIA OR BINGO: DOUG BA'SER'S TRIVA 2ND PLACE FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 7:00PM

GINGER'S

BIG GAY OVER A DECADE OF WAVE AWARDS Miss Sammy and Janine Klein joing Ginger Minj as they sing, tell stories and so much more!

"Come Have A Gay Ol' Time"

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER: Save 15% off your entire food/drink bill when you show your Event Day ticket TUESDAY: Best Darn “Drag Bingo” Ever! Miss Sammy & Carol Lee calling the Balls! 6:30pm

2017

WEDNESDAY: “Dirty Name” Trivia w/Doug Ba’aser 7 pm. 2-4-1 All Drinks 7-10 pm

IN EVERY WAVE AWARDS SINCE 2004, YOU’VE VOTED FRED BERLINER AT PEACOCK FORD ONE OF YOUR

FRIDAY: Drag Divas in “Flashback Fridays” 8:30 pm SATURDAY: Leigh Shannon's Cabaret Show 8:30 p.m.

FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SALESPERSONS! And Congratulations for 31 Years of Making Your Customers Feel Like Winners!

SUNDAY: Broadway Brunch w/The Minx & Cast • Showtime: Noon

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AS SHOWS SELL OUT QUICKLY! ORLANDO 110 W. Church St. Orlando, FL | HamburgerMarys-Orlando.com | 321-319-0600

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

1875. S. Orlando Ave., Maitland Call Fred Berliner to set your appointment today! (407) 644-7111 • frederickberliner@peacockford.com

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

| uu | WaVe awards 2017 frOm Pg.28

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET First: ranger’s Pet Outpost and retreat Second: Sparky’s Pet Salon Third: All Creatures Pet Grooming Inc

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR First: Bobby Mills, Metro city realty Second: David Dorman, Century 21 Professional Group Third: Brett Winters, Olde Town Brokers

FAVORITE AREA MUSEUM OR GALLERY First: Orlando Museum of art Second: Orlando Science Center Third: CityArts Factory

FAVORITE LOCAL FRAMING SHOP First: sam Flax Orlando Second: Framing of Central Florida Third: Gallery 17.92 at FAVO

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) ARTIST OR PHOTOGRAPHER

FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SALESPERSON

First: Lee Vandergrift

First: russ Fowler, Fields BMW of Winter Park

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: UPSCALE

Second: Fred Berliner, Peacock Ford

Second: Steph Wood Third: Jamie Parra

Second: kres Chophouse Third: Citrus Restaurant

FAVORITE LOCAL MALL

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: CASUAL

Second: The Florida Mall Third: Fashion Square Mall

FAVORITE LOCAL WEDDING VENUE First: The Venue Second: Paradise Cove at Buena Vista Third: Mission Inn Resort & Club

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST First: Lee James Floral Designs Second: Lee Forrest Design LLC Third: Atmospheres Floral and Decor

POM of

her HAND POM MOONGAUKLANG HAS TURNED ORLANDO INTO THE BEST SANDWICH EVER

Ou May nOt KnOw pOM, She Of the echOing giggle and stern (yet affectionate) stare, but you’ve probably related to her at some point. For more than a decade now, Pom has been serving some of the best late-night fare imaginable to the Orlando –and now St. Petersburg – people of snackable hunger typically sandwiched between bread slices. She’s totally down with the cheap eats. “It’s almost like a chef thing,” she adds. “A big misconception is that as chefs we go home and cook ourselves these elaborate meals. Actually, we probably ate frozen meals, Hungry Man, and that’s what we always did. We’d get our beers and eat sandwiches. So it’s kind of like an

homage to that.” Recently Pom’s enterprise has expanded to St. Petersburg, bringing the same comfort and comfort food to the west coast of Florida. But the mission stays the same. “Probably 10 years ago, we got a call from the Center and they had a trans meeting and they wanted a place to go out to eat and dress up,” she says.“There were a lot of people that wouldn’t accept that. We would stay open later so they could come in and eat like everyday people.” “I’m so happy with Orlando right now, because now trans can go anywhere,” she adds. “They don’t have to hide. They can go out in daylight and eat. At that time it was just uncomfortable at that time.” —Billy Manes

First: The ravenous Pig

Third: RabiiChatoni, kia West

First: The Mall at Millenia

In the

First: hamburger Mary’s Second: Stubborn Mule Third: Huey Magoos

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH First: First Watch Second: Hamburger Mary’s Third: The Hammered Lamb

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: LATE NIGHT DINING First: PomPom’s Teahouse &sandwicheria Second: Santiago’s Bodega Third: IHOP

cOntinueD On Pg. 37 | uu |

BLUE for YOU

BLUE STAR BRINGS LOVE AND MAGIC TO ORLANDO AT NEARLY EVERY HOUR

f yOu’Re in ORlanDO anD yOu haven’t fallen intO a tRail of Blue Star’s sparkles, then you really haven’t left your house. For nearly 17 years, the Atlanta transplant has been shaking and making Orlando’s dance and arts scene flourish. Her venue, fittingly called The Venue, has given her even more room to grow, as has her newfound presence on Pride Radio. She’s everywhere, all the time. Why? “The arts community, really; the growth of the arts community,” she says. “I know that it wasn’t nonexistent before I was here, so I want to choose my words carefully. But I feel like people became unafraid to express themselves in the art that they knew that they were meant to create.” That ‘safe place’ mantra coincides clearly with the development of The Venue, which

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

presently hosts an incredible amount of events, including weddings. Blue has also been recognized and lauded for her attempts to raise funds for cancer victims, her ability to show up at any time for anyone and her talent. She also knows the power of arts to heal in times of crisis and heartache. “They’re way more tangible and I feel that the city and the people are more open to accepting emotion and traveling through that emotion and feeling that emotion and then healing with that emotion,” she says. “I think people are becoming less afraid of their process, as artists and as a community, because they’re walking hand in hand right now.” —Billy Manes

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| uu | WaVe awards 2017 frOm Pg.31

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) CHEF OR CATERER First: John Michael Wedding and special events Second: kevin Fonzo - k Restaurant Third: Ashley Nickell - Ash

King of COMEDY DOUG BA’ASER AND HIS TRIVIAL PURSUITS

OnSuMMate enteRtaineR anD laugh-tRacK tO the StaRS Doug Ba’aser has been a fixture in Orlando for three decades. His wit is a warm wit which allows him to get by with sharp-toothed commentary for gay and straight audiences alike. If he’s not at Hamburger Mary’s pulling a trivia night, he’s at any one of your favorite gay watering holes in Orlando sputtering truths and consequences, chutes and ladders, for audiences that always walk away surprised. He has what they used to call “moxie.” “It’s good that it came along for me, because it’s a good to have something at night when I don’t have work, and it’s turned out well for me,” Ba’aser says. “Building up the thing at Hamburger Mary’s, which I of course won this award for, has been difficult. But once it was done, the last six years have been kind of just rolling along pretty nicely. So I’ve been extremely grateful for everyone in this time.” And his message is more than that of a Paul Lynde eye roll. It’s comedy built from a career of appealing to broad audiences. “The amount of straight people that come to those events and experience gay people and spend time with gay people, that kind of thing makes more of a difference than I think gay people realize,” he says. “It’s just being out and being proud to our friends in the community and saying, ‘Oh, they’re alive. And they’re fun! They’re way more fun.’” “I’m often at a happy hour where people just bust out into song, and I’m just wondering, ‘What are they doing in straight bars right now?’ I’ve been to straight bars and they’re a little boring,” he adds.“They don’t just break out into ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in the middle of happy hour, but once people come and see that it’s fun, we’re just over the moon.” Ba’aser’s side gig as a film reviewer for Real Radio 104.1’s Philips Phile has also aided in his cross-appeal. He’s been at it with good friend Michael Wanzie for nearly 18 years. And you can’t throw a rock at the Fringe Festival without hitting the multitude of talents that make up Doug Ba’aser. He’s here to make you laugh. “All that we’ve lived through, it’s amazing that we still have a sense of humor,” he says. “It’s important, I think, to have a sense of humor. Not to be too political, but I understand that young people aren’t watching When We Rise in droves. We need to know our history to know where we’re going.” —Billy Manes

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL/B&B First: Grand Bohemian hotel Orlando Second: Parliament House Third: Aloft Orlando Downtown

FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB/BAR First: Parliament house

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER/ SERVER First: Taylor Bulloch, stonewall Bar Second: Brandon elder, Stonewall Bar Third: TimiHedrich, Stonewall Bar

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG First: Darcel stevens Second: Gidget Galore

First: Orlando Gay chorus

FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRENDLY STRAIGHT BAR/CLUB

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: MUSICIAN

First: ember Second: Stonewall Bar Third: The Hammered Lamb

First: Kelly DeWayne richards Second: Classern String Quartet Third: #RalphyC

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

FAVORITE HOST FOR KARAOKE, TRIVIA OR BINGO

First: sondra rae, XL106.7

First: Doug Ba’aser’s Trivia, hamburger Mary’s

Third: Moira, Real Radio 104.1

Second: Lacie Browning with SheNanigans, Stonewall Bar

Second: Jim Phillips Real Radio 104.1

Third: Hump Day karaoke with Tom Murray, Stonewall Bar

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE First: Dr. Phillips center for the Performing arts Second: The Venue

FAVORITE ADULT NOVELTY STORE

Third: Doug Ba’aser

FAVORITE LGBTQ HAPPY HOUR

Third: Julie Broughton, WkMG News 6

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: STAGE

Third: Stonewall Bar

Third: Mango’s Tropical Cafe

Second: Troy Bridges, WkMG News 6

Third: The Abbey

Second: Blue Star

Second: The Hammered Lamb

First: Jorge estevez, WFTV action 9

Third: Lacie Browning

Second: Southern Nights

First: ember

FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR

First: Fairvilla Megastore Second: MojoMan Swimwear & Clothing Third: Premier Couples Superstore

FAVORITE STAYCATION SPOT First: Walt Disney World Second: Cocoa Beach Third: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

FAVORITE PLACE TO PICK UP A WATERMARK First: Parliament house Second: The GLBT Center of Central Florida Third: Stonewall Bar

WHO SHOULD BE WATERMARK’S WAVE CENTERFOLD? First: Jorge estevez, WFTV action 9 Second: Lacie Browning Third: Dr. edwin DeJesus, MD, FACP cOntinueD On Pg. 37 | uu |

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

UT WO N! BL O L O AN SA ZILI FIED BRAERTI

Where

Style

Is Created! THANK YOU FOR VOTING US FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON - CENTRAL FLORIDA We are seeking new stylists to join our team! PLEASE CONTACT STEVEN 407.489.3771

407.898.9551 â&#x20AC;¢ 3331 CURRY FORD RD. ORLANDO, FL 32806

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

| uu | WaVe awards 2017 frOm Pg.34

TAMPA BAY’S

WINNERS FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN/ACTIVIST First: st. Petersburg Mayor rick Kriseman

WAVE Goodbye

NEARLY 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS, DAN FIORINI IS LEAVING THE FRAMING BUSINESS ON TOP

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

First: WatermarkOnline.com

First: Dr. Michael e. Dunn, MD

Second: Rainbow411.com Third: TampaBayGay.com

Second: Dr. Brian W. elliott, MD

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT

Third: Dr. David W. Lyter, MD, MPH

Second: equality Florida executive Director Nadine Smith

First: BayshoreDr, st. Petersburg

Third: Hillsborough County Commissioner kevin Beckner

Second: Hamburger Mary’s ybor

GREATEST STRAIGHT ALLY TO THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY First: st. Petersburg Mayor rick Kriseman Second: U.S. Representative for District 14 kathy Castor

yROne fRaMe & MiRROR iS a Bit Of an inStitutiOn when it comes to the WAVE awards. In fact, this frame and mirror shop has won for Favorite Local Framing Shop in Tampa Bay more times than any other. “Well, I think this would be our eighth or ninth year winning so we’re thrilled with that,” shop owner Dan Fiorini says. “It’s really great that the community believes that our services and our dedication to the community warrant some kind of recognition and we think that’s just terrific.” The business started in 2003 as Fiorini Gallery & Frame, located on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, because of the recession in 2009, Fiorini had to shut down. In 2010, they reopened as Tyrone Frame & Mirror and at their present location in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Tyrone Blvd. “The people that come in, most of them are incredibly creative, so I enjoy getting to work with them,” Fiorini says. “We frame memories here, and it’s a lot of fun to deal with people’s memories. We get to be a little creative in the store, too, and those are the things that are a lot of fun about the shop.” Fiorini realizes that the important part of the business isn’t necessarily the product you sell, but the people you interact with and help. “People are usually in a great mood when they come in to the store, wanting to get something framed, or sometimes they’re doing some home remodeling and many times we can help them with that. That’s what makes it worth it,” he says. After almost 18 years in business, Fiorini says, it’s time to move on to retirement. “The shop is for sale. It’s a very well-run shop; it will make someone a very nice living here. And it’s time for me to go stick my toes in the sands of the Caribbean with a rum runner and watch the world go by,” he says. “It’s been a great run for me and I’ve enjoyed the people of Pinellas County and St. Petersburg who have supported this store, what it is, and I’m just looking forward to taking it a little easy in my retirement.” What better way to go out than on top. —Felicia Roopchand

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WEBSITE

Third: St. Pete Pride President Scion Provenzano

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION First: Metro health, Wellness & community Second: St. Pete Pride Third: equality Florida

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ SPORTS LEAGUE/ ORGANIZATION First: Tampa Bay rays Second: Suncoast Softball League Third: Dunedin Gay Bowling

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WRITER/ JOURNALIST First: Jeremy Williams, Watermark Second: Mike Halterman, Hotspots Magazine Third: Dave Borman, Tampa Bay Gay

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Third: Punky’s Bar & Grill

FAVORITE CHARITABLE EVENT First: st. Pete Pride Second: Tampa Bay AIDS Walk

FAVORITE LOCAL DENTIST First: Dr. Mike hopkins Second: Dr. Christopher Patrino, DMD Third: Dr. Jason kwok, DMD

FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON First: salon swank Second: Roots Salon

Third: Red & Green Party

Third: Fantastic Sams Cut & Color on 4th St, St. Petersburg

GAYEST LOCAL EVENT

FAVORITE LOCAL SPA

First: st. Pete Pride Second: Tampa Pride

First: safety harbor resort and spa

Third: equality Florida’s St Pete Gala

Second: VitalizeMe Skin Therapy

FAVORITE LGBTQ BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB (OVER ONE YEAR OLD) First: hamburger Mary’s Ybor Second: Punky’s Bar & Grill Third: Smith & Associates Real estate

FAVORITE NEW LGBTQ BUSINESS (LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD) First: hamburger Mary’s st. Pete

Third: Cortiva Institute

FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER First: anytime Fitness Second: Planet Fitness Third: youFit Health Club

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN First: sPca Tampa Bay Second: Dr. Taylor Ohman, Gulfport Veterinarian tied with Melissa Webster, DMV, Tampa Veterinary Hospital

Second: True Colors Ink Third: Shook Color Bar

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cOntinueD On Pg. 37 | uu |

Raising THE BAR

JEREMY FETTERS AND ENIGMA ST. PETE TAKE CENTER STAGE WITH WAVE WINS

heRe aRe StapleS in eveRy gOOD, gay tOwn – a big parade, caring organizations and a community bar where everybody knows your name. That bar in St. Petersburg is Enigma. Enigma, voted Favorite Local LGBTQ Bar/Club and Favorite LGBTQ Happy Hour, was opened just before St. Pete Pride in 2014 by Ed Gonzalez who started his own bar after working many years at Georgie’s Alibi. Georgie’s was an institution in St. Pete filled with people who felt like family, and that’s why after it closed its doors in late 2015, Gonzalez brought many of those family members on to Enigma. Just as every good, gay town has staples, so does every good gay bar. A key to a good bar is a great bartender, and for Enigma that is Jeremy Fetters. Watermark readers recognized that and voted him Favorite Local Bartender/Server.. “I am overwhelmed,” Fetters says. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t realize the WAVEs were going on. We had a customer come in and say, ‘Oh, congratulations. I voted for you.’ I was like ‘What, best bathroom attendant?’ and he pulled it up to show me. Then to find out I won, are you kidding me? Just to be in the top three was crazy; CJay is amazing, Jeff’s amazing and all of the other bartenders and service people who have been in the area for years, so to even be on that list is just wow.” Fetters joined Gonzalez at Enigma after Georgie’s closed, but they had worked together for nine years before Gonzalez opened Enigma. “This bar is amazing. Eddie made Alibi what it was and then carried it over here. Everything I know I learned from Eddie,” Fetters says. Fetters has been serving and bartending for several years now. He worked a variety of “corporate” jobs from taking X-rays to managing a Starbucks but he says of all those other jobs none have made him happier than this one. “I love it. I love meeting new and different people, and you meet so many different people,” Fetters says. “I love that I can come to work and be a cheese ball, and you get people come in and they’re sad or have had a terrible day and you get to pick them up so by the time they leave they are feeling great.” Fetters won another WAVE honor, Who You Would Like To Be A Watermark WAVE Centerfold. Fetters was a little less enthusiastic about that one. “I’m angry about that one; it’s a lot of pressure,” Fetters joked. “I had to wake up early and get my hair did and my eyebrows waxed all on three hours of sleep. Honestly, I mean I don’t look at myself as a sexy centerfold; I am just me, but it’s sweet. Actually it’s all the adjectives I can think of put into one big bubble, that’s how I feel right now.” —Jeremy Williams

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| uu | WaVe awards 2017

EFFECTIVE Community

frOm Pg.34

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET First: Bow Wow Bakery & Bath

METRO KNOWS THE FORMULA TO BEING THE MOST EFFECTIVE LGBTQ ORGANIZATION: THE PEOPLE

eleBRating itS 25th yeaR, MetRO health, wellneSS & cOMMunity centeR was named Tampa Bay’s Most Effective Local LGBTQ Organization. “We’re very excited that this is our year,” says METRO CEO Lorraine Langlois, who has been with the organization for 22 years. What started out as an HIV organization is now the largest LGBTQ employer in the area, with four locations: METRO Wellness in St. Petersburg, the community center in Ybor, METRO Thrift & Gift Shop and the LGBT Welcome Center. “We employ 118 people,” Langlois says. “We serve about 15,000 folks with HIV and probably a few thousand more with the LGBTQ center and all the activities that go on in the Center.” Langlois believes what makes METRO so effective is the people: the workers, all 118 of

Second: Dandy’s Pet Grooming Third: Reef Dog Gifts & Grooming

them. These employees are the backbone of the services offered. “We’re really excited,” Langlois says. “I think it’s nice to be noticed. It’s nice that folks notice that what we do makes a difference.” METRO has continued to build on the foundation of being an effective LGBTQ organization. Last year METRO was able to purchase their St. Pete location and is now in the process of expanding that location. But no matter how much they grow, Langlois knows that the most important thing is those people that METRO is here to help. “Thank you so much for the recognition,” Langlois says. “We’re really grateful for all who voted for us.” —Alexis Vilaboy

Second: Nick Janovsky, Smith & Associates Real estate Third: Pete McGahan, keller Williams Realty St. Pete

FAVORITE AUTO SALES PERSON First: sonny Gonzales, Tyrone square Mazda Third: Ronald egert, Gettel Acura

FAVORITE LOCAL MALL First: International Plaza and Bay street Second: Tyrone Square Mall Third: Westfield Countryside

MASTER CHEF JEFFREY JEW IS A CULINARY GENIUS ON AND OFF OF TELEVISION

First: Brian Longstreth, Your Neighborhood realty

Second: John Crapper, Dimmitt Automotive Group

Top CHEF

iRginia native anD RenOwneD chef JeffRey Jew haS taKen OveR Tampa Bay with his immense culinary skills and food industry knowledge, winning him a 2017 Wave Award for Favorite Local LGBTQ (Friendly) Chef Or Caterer. “It’s quite an honor considering the history of the award and all the other nominees,” Jew said. “It feels amazing!” Jew’s extensive resume includes a degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America, completing work under Chef Gordon Ramsay in London, cooking in France and Italy. Jew has also been the head chef of the Italian Embassy in D.C. , as well as the chef de cuisine at some of D.C.’s most notable restaurants. Jew runs two Tampa Bay area restaurants:

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR

longstanding Italian favorite BellaBrava and Jew’s new concept eatry, Stillwater’s Tavern. A more exciting part of Jew’s history includes recent stints on several food competition shows including Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, which he actually won. “It was amazing,” Jew says of being on Top Chef. “It was an experience, but it was a very cool, fun experience.” As a world renowned chef, Jew still enjoys some good junk food from time-to-time. “My favorites are potato chips and gummy bears – Haribo only, of course. Also, I would eat pasta for every meal if I could,” he says.

—Alexis Vilaboy

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FAVORITE LOCAL WEDDING VENUE First: sunset Beach (Treasure Island) Second: Sunken Gardens Third: Flamingo Resort

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST

FAVORITE AREA MUSEUM OR GALLERY First: salvador Dali Museum Second: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Third: Tampa Museum of Art

FAVORITE LOCAL FRAMING SHOP First: Tyrone Frame & Mirror Second: Gallery Barbas - Fine Art and Custom Framing Third: ARTicles Art Gallery & Custom Framing

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) ARTIST OR PHOTOGRAPHER First: robert castelli Second: John Gascot Third: Dorothy Smith

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: UPSCALE First: Bern’s steak house Second: Sea Salt Third: The Melting Pot

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: CASUAL First: hamburger Mary’s Ybor Second: BellaBrava Third: PomPom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

First: The Flower centre of st. Petersburg

First: hollander hotel

Second: Island Flowers

Third: Hamburger Mary’s ybor

Third: Northwood Floral Market Inc

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Second: First Watch

cOntinueD On Pg. 37 | uu |

Join the Premier Chamber in the Bay Area where our diverse membership puts the Diversity in Tampa Bay.

BEST C O M E D Y

OFF-BROADWAY

www.diversitytampabay.org

Thank You! For your votes and support Because of you

Tampa Bay AIDS Walk+5K Run raised more than $120,000 FND-17-0247

to support those impacted by HIV in our community.

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MyEPIC.org watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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| uu | WaVe awards 2017 frOm Pg.36

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: LATE NIGHT DINING First: Punky’s Bar & Grill Second: Village Inn Third: IHOP

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) CHEF OR CATERER First: Jeﬀrey Jew, BellaBrava Second: Darlene Herrick, La Septima Cafe Third: Orange Blossom Catering

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL/B&B First: hollander hotel Second: Flamingo Resort Third: Gay St. Pete House

FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB/BAR First: enigma st. Pete Second: Flamingo Resort Third: Quench Lounge

FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRENDLY STRAIGHT BAR/CLUB

FAVORITE HOST FOR KARAOKE, TRIVIA OR BINGO

FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR

First: alexis De La Mer’s Drag Bingo, Flamingo resort

First: chuck henson Bay News 9

Second: StorminNormie karaoke, Punky’s Bar & Grill Third: Sarah with Brain Squeeze Trivia

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER/ SERVER First: Jeremy Fetters, enigma st. Pete Second: Jeff Beadle, Flamingo Resort Third: CJay Tauber, Quench Lounge

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG First: Kori stevens Second: Amy DeMilo Third: eden Deck

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: STAGE First: Jennifer real Second: Matthew McGee Third: DJ Holt

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: MUSICIAN

First: The canopy rooftop Lounge

First: Judy B Goode

Second: Old key West Bar & Grill

Third: Lounge Overdrive

Third: Blur Nightclub & Showbar

FAVORITE LGBTQ HAPPY HOUR First: enigma st. Pete Second: Punky’s Bar & Grill Third: Quench Lounge

Second: Iman Travieaso

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY First: Miguel Fuller hot 101.5 Second: esme Russell Rainbow411 Third: Busta WiLD 94.1

Second: Gayle Guyardo WFLA News 8 Third: Rod Carter WFLA News 8

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE First: The Mahaﬀey Theater Second: Starz Center for the Performing Arts Third: Ruth eckerd Hall

FAVORITE ADULT NOVELTY STORE First: XTc Second: Frisky Business Third: The Todd

FAVORITE STAYCATION SPOT First: st. Pete Beach Second: Flamingo Resort Third: Redington Beach

FAVORITE PLACE TO PICK UP A WATERMARK First: hamburger Mary’s Second: Bradley’s on 7th Third: Flamingo Resort

WHO SHOULD BE WATERMARK’S WAVE CENTERFOLD’ First: Jeremy Fetters, enigma st. Pete Second: equality Florida executive Director Nadine Smith Third: Brian Longstreth your Neighborhood Realty

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Eye in THE SKY

BAY NEWS 9’S CHUCK HENSON HAS A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE AMAZING CITIES BY THE BAY

he wave awaRDS aRe nO StRangeR tO chucK henSOn, who is the 2017 winner for Tampa Bay’s Favorite Local TV News Anchor for the fourth time ever. Henson previous won in this category in 2016, 2012 and 2010. “Honestly, it is really cool. I’m not out and about a whole lot, but I am super proud to be a part of this community,” Henson says. “We support in our own way. I’m out at work, and I’m part of the gay color guard [a group Henson started in Chicago in 1992]. I spin in the Pride parades. All of the ones that have sparked up around the country are a result of that one in Chicago.” Henson has been in Tampa Bay for 10 years now, and a part of the Bay News 9 family for the past eight years. He is “Your Morning News’ Real Time Traffic Expert” and a fill-in news anchor. Before that, Henson was the director of the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival for three years, from 2006 to 2009. “I told [Bay News 9] when I was hired, ‘I have been out in the community and running the gay and lesbian film festival, so you can’t put this genie back into the bottle. This is what you’re getting and I hope you don’t have a problem with that,’” Henson says. “They told me ‘absolutely not.’ It’s a great place to work.” Henson has been living in St. Petersburg since moving here a decade ago and he can’t imagine ever being anywhere else. “This town is the coolest place on the planet. With the mayor we have in St. Pete and three openly gay city council members and the largest Pride event in the southeast; the trickle down from that is enormous,” Henson says. “It’s not just about a Pride event, but that event waves out into the community and it becomes easier for people. Visibility is the key. I tell people all the time you’ve got to live in the light, and if you’re not going to live in the light you’re doing yourself and everyone else a disservice.” That acceptance that trickles down is in part because of the respectful relationship the communities of Tampa Bay have for each other and the understanding that we are all in this together. “That first year when [Mayor Kriseman] put the Pride flag up above City Hall, that sent a message,” Henson says. “It says that it’s not OK to hate people; this is a town where everyone is welcome.” —Felicia Roopchand

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arts anD entertainment

HAPPY

DAZE paula poundstone looks for happiness in her new book and on the road as her tour brings her to Florida

Jeremy Williams

aula pOunDStOne iS what One

would call an old-school standup comedian. She got her start at 19 doing open mic nights in Boston, then hopped on a bus and went city to city, examining the different comedy scenes in different regions of the country. Now after almost 40 years in the business, she is comedy royalty (she was named one of the top 100 comics of all time by Comedy Central), an accomplished writer (her new book, The Totally Unscienti�ic Study of the Search for Human Happiness, comes out May 9) and extremely intelligent (she’s on NPR!).

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Poundstone brings her witty, smart and hilarious standup to Florida with stops at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater March 10 and the Plaza Live in Orlando March 11; but before hitting the Sunshine State, Poundstone took a few minutes to talk with us about comedy, happiness and why she has so many cats. WatermarK: hOW DiD yOu get starteD DOing stanDuP?

paula poundstone: The first sentence of the last paragraph of the summary letter written by my kindergarten teacher in May of 1965 says, “I have enjoyed many of Paula’s humorous comments about our activities.” Mrs. Bump got me

off to a good start.

yOur first POsitiVe reVieW.

Yes, unfortunately they wouldn’t all be that positive. I happened to be busing tables for a living in Boston when I was 19, and this open mic circuit sort of started up there, so I joined in. I got together five minutes of material. I went and performed. Once you’ve tasted the elixir, there’s no going back. But, I had always wanted to be a comic performer of some sort. Honestly, I wanted to be Lily Tomlin or Gilda Radner or Mary Tyler Moore or Lucille Ball, and I missed it by a country mile, but I enjoy what I do.

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cOntinueD On Pg. 45 | uu |

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SUITE

| uu | Paula Poundstone from pg.43

Were you terrified getting up there the first time you did an open mic?

Yeah, I was living in a rooming house and the bathroom was down the hall, so you’d bring your belongings into the bathroom, just like in a college dorm. I go to leave — this was two days before I did my first standup – I showered that morning and when I went to leave and I had put my underwear on the outside of my pants. I was distracted for a couple of days ahead of time. I know that if you looked carefully at me while I was busing tables, one would’ve seen my lips moving because I was trying to memorize my big five minutes. You have been in the business now for many years. I know early off in your career you got some career assistance from Robin Williams. What did he do to help you?

Yeah, I started in Boston, but I took a Greyhound bus around the country to see what clubs were like in different cities and I ended up staying in San Francisco because they had the greatest standup comedy scene there. The audiences were adventurous and they liked the idea of getting in on the ground floor of somebody. I really felt welcomed by those crowds, so I stayed there and Robin lived there. He used to come out to the clubs. He came and he saw me and he ended up introducing me to his management in Los Angeles and eventually I moved down here and started with those managers. When Robin was a guest host on Saturday Night Live, he brought me on to do standup comedy. That led into you getting into some comedy specials with HBO, which was rare for female comedians in that network’s early days. How did you get started with HBO?

My managers had a relationship with them and the first “Women of the Night” special was produced by my managers and was sold to HBO. And then I worked my way up. Even before that I did their “Goofy Young Comedians Special.” At a certain point, I did a little talk show for them, which they never picked up, but it was fun. I did an interview last year with Suzanne Westenhoefer and we talked about why

The most important part of the book is the analysis which is the part where I return to my regular life to tell whether this happiness holds up, when I’m back to raising three kids and a house full of animals and doing my job and being stuck being me.

It’s not just a matter of doing something that makes you happy in the moment, the question is: How does that hold up against one’s regular life? —Paula Poundstone

it is harder for women to be accepted in comedy more so than men. Why do you think that is?

I don’t know if that’s true; I just think there are not as many women performing. Percentage-wise, my guess is that it’s the same since we came out of the cave. People talk to me all the time about how there’s so many more women performing comedy nowadays, which is true, but there’s also so many more men. You just really can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a standup comic these days. And yet the percentage of women doing comedy is smaller. I’ve never known why Speaking of swinging cats, you have 14 cats. I have to ask how does one come to get 14 cats?

I can tell you exactly how I got 14 cats. I had 16 and two died. My daughter used to volunteer at the animal shelter in Santa Monica and I would go over there with great frequency and many times I came home with another kitten. I understand that and I used to work at a bagel shop and everyday I’d leave with a bag of bagels so I guess it’s the same kind of thing.

True; it’s very similar, but you don’t boil them in water. Other than that, it’s the same.

Tell me how you got started with Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! because you’re absolutely hilarious on it.

Truly in the most boring of ways, they called me up and asked me. I mean, I had never heard of the show. They sent me an audio cassette of it – which tells you how long ago it was – and I put it on the island in my kitchen, which I always knew would gather junk... and it did. So the tape was laying there for a bit and I had a nanny at the time who saw it and said, ‘Oh, I love that show. You have to do that show.’ So that’s why I did it. Are you an NPR fan?

Of course, I was an NPR fan before I was on it; I just had never heard that show. The time of day it was on, I guess I wasn’t in front of the radio. I listen to Morning Edition as often as I can. I trust them. I believe that their style of journalism is old school where you double-check your sources and it’s nothing that there’s a law about, but there is a journalistic ethics there that I believe NPR honors. Nowadays, especially, with the Russians afoot, that’s very important. Speaking of the Russians, I wanted to speak to you a little bit about the political climate we’re in. It’s a very

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

scary time for a lot of people, particularly in America with Donald Trump, but some of the best fights I’m noticing are from the entertainment world, from performers who address these issues. As you’re touring, are you increasing the amount of political commentary in your standup?

I think I do, probably because it’s around us everywhere. It’s important to speak truth to power. People say to me all the time, ‘Isn’t comedy easy with Trump in office?’ And it is true that he’s like a product that comes fully assembled. He provides the jokes so handily that one needn’t really be a clever writer. I don’t think there’s a comic worth their salt that wouldn’t say, ‘We’d be happy to make jokes on any number of topics, and we don’t really need the government to be corrupt in order to make jokes.’ I don’t feel like it’s some blessing to my job that we have someone with, I think, severe mental health problems, that somehow got himself elected. I don’t really think that brightens the world of entertainment in any way. I really worry about sources shut down. There’s gonna come a point, because of his ego, that I wouldn’t be surprised if they defunded public radio. I started getting the New York Times. I’m happy to read as much as I can and support them because I feel like his attacks on

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the New York Times are really an attack on our democracy. I wish I read faster, honestly. I don’t even pretend that I’m going to get to section B or C. I always hear about people who read two newspapers a day--do they have a job and kids and do they eat?

I imagine there’s not a whole lot of time in your day to read. With NPR, family, you’re out touring — you’re coming to Clearwater and Orlando. You also have a new book coming out, your second, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness out May 9.

The book is the totally unscientific study of the search for human happiness. Every chapter is written as an experiment and I experiment doing things that I or other people believe will make me happy. But the most important part of the book is the analysis which is the part where I return to my regular life to tell whether this happiness holds up, when I’m back to raising three kids and a house full of animals and doing my job and being stuck being me. It’s not just a matter of doing something that makes you happy in the moment, the question is: How does that hold up against one’s regular life? Did you find the secret to happiness?

I think I found out a lot about it. I think it’s less romantic than we might think. I think it’s a biochemical function, sadly. It has a lot more to do with biochemistry than it does balloons or smiley faces.

Was there one experiment you went into thinking, ‘This is going to make me happy,’ and it was the complete opposite?

Yes! For one thing, I included my kids in some of the things, and I told them we were going to spend a day just watching movies and they were delighted with this idea. We really all believed this was going to be this great thing. For the most part it was a horrible day. Trying to decide what to watch and who gets to pick. Toward the very end, we kind of rallied and figured it out a little bit. But, the majority of the day was just not fun. It makes a really funny chapter in the book, actually. The dialogue of my son alone would make every mother of a boy’s heart soar to know they’re not the only ones.

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3/2/2017 9:28:22 AM

music

Let our powers combine Australian super group The TEN Tenors finish up the U.S. leg of their 20th anniversary tour “The Power of TEN” in Florida

(abOVe)

ten iS the lOvlieSt nuMBeR:

Jordan Pollard, Jared newall, Paul Gelsumini, Cameron barclay, adrian Li Donni, sam roberts-smith, JD smith, virgilio marino, michael Edwards and Florian voss make up the current iteration of the Australian group The TEN Tenors.

Photos CoUrtEsy thE tEn tEnors

Jeremy Williams

he ten tenORS aRe One Of auStRalia’S

most well known musical exports. The ensemble of, you guessed it, 10 male singers have been representing “the Land Down Under” for more than 20 years, touring an average of 250 shows every year and selling more than three million tickets. The group, like a classically trained version of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, changes and replaces members as they drop out of the group to maintain that power of 10. “The group began in Brisbane, Australia, and it was just a group of guys from the Brisbane Conservatory who got together for a corporate function and named themselves The TEN Tenors,” says Cameron Barclay. Barclay is a current member of The TEN Tenors. He joined with the group just over three years ago. “I just happened to be at the right place at the right time,” he says.”I was chatting with a friend of a friend who

happened to be a friend of [The TEN Tenor’s] music director. They had a member on the way out and were looking for someone quickly and I happened to be the right fit. I auditioned over Skype and I had a job within four days.” Barclay is an openly gay member of the group, and while in today’s current social climate that can be a risk factor in certain parts of the world, Barclay says he has been lucky enough to only have positive encounters. “In my three years, we haven’t toured anywhere that is particularly hostile toward the LGBTQ community, so we’ve been pretty lucky in that sense,” he says. “I’ve not encountered any problems

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thus far, and hopefully someday it becomes more and more of a non-issue, but for now, with the way the world is, it’s certainly something you have to think about.” The TEN Tenors began in the 1990s originally performing classical songs, but as the years went on and different musical tastes came in and out of the group, the lineup started to change. “We have a variety of different singing styles in the group; you have the guys who are amazing rock screamers and then you have the opera guys and then you have the pop guys and then the musical theater guys,” Barclay says. “Just in the shows for the tour we are on now, we sing Queen and Meatloaf, we have some opera in there, Broadway and Spanish songs. We’ve got a lot of everything, and we take all that and we put our own spin on it.” With so many performers with differing musical styles and tastes, you would think that egos might get in the way, but that isn’t the case. “As a part of the selection process [for the group], people’s personalities are taken into account,” Barclay says.

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“So everybody in the group, I can honestly say, is really respectful and really talented, and we live in very close quarters when we’re on tour but there’s never been any major problems. In fact, probably the greatest part, what makes the group so special, is that we are kind of like a bunch of mates and that shows through in our performance on stage as well.” The eclectic mix of the mates that make up The TEN Tenors has opened up opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in a wide range of genres, including Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Andrea Boccelli, Alanis Morissette, Willie Nelson, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Sarah Brightman and Christina Aguilera, just to name a few. “The best part of being in this group is being able to sing whatever we want to sing from all music genres, be it classical, rock or even diva pop, and seeing the delight and surprise on audience members faces in that split moment when they realize what we are singing next. It’s such a buzz and so much fun when seemingly conservative audience members get up and dance in their seats,” long-serving member Paul Gelsumini says. The TEN Tenors are currently on the U.S. leg of their world tour celebrating their 20th anniversary with the show “The Power of TEN,” and will finish up their time in the states with four shows in Florida. “We are really looking forward to it,” Barclay says. “This will personally be my third time in Clearwater and I just love it there.” The group’s final U.S. performances will be at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale March 21, the Youkey Theatre in Lakeland March 23, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater March 24 and Flagler Auditorium in Palm Coast March 25. Americans have certain stereotypes about other countries and cultures, and while you can expect to hear some very sexy accents, the show most likely will not be filled with boomerangs and kangaroos. But just as Americans have stereotypes, so do Australians about the United States. “I have to say that we have really enjoyed everywhere we’ve gone and for different reasons,” Barclay says. “But when you travel you have certain ideas about what people will be like. I remember going to the Pacific Northwest and it surprisingly felt just like being at home, because it was great coffee and everyone was very friendly, and then you go to the South and you see that everyone drives these huge trucks and you go to diners and you eat these huge portions, that lives up to all our expectations. It’s great.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

community calendar

eVent Planner

arts+entertainment

OrlanDO

OrlanDO Watermark’s WavE awards, March 10, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com orlando Jazz Festival 2017, March 10, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Pro equality Peace rally

sOuthern Queens

SatuRDay, MaRch 11, 6:00-9:00 p.M. DOwntOwn SQuaRe, Ocala Head to downtown Ocala for an evening of peace and harmony. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and will include speeches, spoken word, a candlelight vigil, balloon release, a moment of silence and a wall of harmony. For more information, visit FeelDowntownOcala.com.

sing along with The Muppet Movie!, March 11, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com

MBa Orlando: supplier Diversity summit

trutv impractical Jokers starring the tenderloins, March 11, Hard Rock Live Orlando, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ Live/Locations/Orlando Queens For the Cure tour orlando, March 15, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SouthernNightsORL.com Jason Derulo, March 18, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando. 407-363-8000; UniversalOrlando.com Pilobolus: shadowland, March 18, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Funky buddha tap takeover, March 18, House of Blues Orlando, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando tijuana Flats Just in Queso 4k taco Dash!, March 18, Lake Baldwin Park, Winter Park. 407-599-3334; CityOfWinterPark.org United We brunch, March 18, Orchid Garden at Church Street, Orlando. 407-377-0400; OrlandoWeekly.com autism space Walk, March 18, Orlando Science Center, Orlando. 407-514-2000; osc.org Swan Lake, March 19, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Decades Collide - 80’s vs. 90’s Ft. biz markie, March 23, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

fRiDay, MaRch 24, 11:00 a.M.- 2:00 p.M. aMway centeR, ORlanDO sharon needles joins a bevy of Queens for the Queens For the Cure tour at Southern Nights in Orlando March 15 and Southern Nights in Tampa March 16. Photo CoUrtEsy oF sharonnEEDLEs.Com

Game of thrones: the Concert Experience, March 12, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

Power ranger Party, March 23, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SouthernNightsORL.com

tamPa Red Velvet, Feb. 25- March 26, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com Watermark WavE awards - tampa bay, March 9, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com rough riders 2017 st Patricks World record attempt Pub Crawl, March 11, Ybor City Historic District, Tampa. 813-248-1898; RRPubCrawl.org Goo Goo Dolls, March 11, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa. 888-800-5447; BuschGardensTampa.com Kiss me i’m irish & Jimmy’s birthday bash, March 11, Southern Nights Tampa, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com Gasparilla music Festival 2017 presented by Frontier, March 11-12, Downtown Tampa, Tampa. 813-708-8423; GasparillaMusic.com

adoption Day at Downtown Dogs, March 12, Downtown Dogs, Tampa. 813-250-3647; ShopDowntownDogs.com Queens For the Cure tour tampa, March 16, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com La Cage Aux Folles!, March 17- April 8, Carrollwood Players Theater, Tampa. 813-265-4000; CarrollwoodPlayers.org st. Patrick’s Day Party, March 17, Mastry’s Brewing Co., St. Pete. 727-202-8045; MastrysBrewingCo.com

Life on venus: the Florida björkestra Plays bowie, March 19, The Palladium, Saint Petersburg. 727-822-3590; MyPalladium.org Dank’s birthday at southern nights tampa, March 22, Southern Nights Tampa, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com tiGLFF presents Do You Take This Man?, March 22, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com Out Of The Shadows, March 23, The Palladium, Saint Petersburg. 727-822-3590; MyPalladium.org

sarasOta Annie, March 14-15, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org the Little Foxes, March 17-April 15, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota. 941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org

DPCF annual meeting & Conference, March 18, 3102 N Habana Ave, Tampa. 813-390-3616; ProgressiveDemCaucusFL.org

Once, March 17, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

Live it up at the Downs, March 19, Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Tampa. 813-310-7143; CentroAsturianoTampa.org

4th annual manatee Pride Festival, March 18, Bradenton Riverwalk, Bradenton. 941-357-0111; ManateePride.com

The MBA presents Synergy of Equality, a free diversity networking event. The event will feature guest speaker Jonathan Lovitz from National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Register for the free networking event at Business.MBAOrlando.org/Events.

tamPa bay

changing Legal Documents SatuRDay, MaRch 11 anD 18, 12:00- 2:00 p.M. MetRO wellneSS & cOMMunity centeR, yBOR anD St. peteRSBuRg Metro Wellness & Community Centers and attorney Tim Martin will be holding information seminars surrounding gender related legal document changes, including information on completing legal name changes. The first of these sessions will be held at Metro’s Ybor Community Center March 11. A second session will be held March 18 at Metro’s St. Petersburg Community Center.

Flamingo Talent Night thuRSDay, MaRch 16, 10:00 p.M. flaMingO ReSORt, St. peteRSBuRg Can you sing or dance? Do your friends tell you that you’re the funniest, or the best at drag? Well come show off your talent at the Flamingo Resort’s Talent Night starting March 16. The bay area contest will continue every Thursday for five weeks until the winners are crowned at the grand finale. Hosted by Iman. For more information visit FlamingoFla.com.

to submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

eVent planner and community calendar is brought to you by curtis protectiVe serVices • 1-800-551-8368 • curtissecurity.com watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

4th Annual

A fund raiser for Prism Youth Initiative,

providing a safe and supportive center for

Saturday March 18th, 2017 from 12- 6 at the

LGBT+ youth in Manatee County

beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk Featuring DJ Lexx performance by The Players Centre for the Performing Arts great live music by The Hatley Band, Jami Gee, Moxie Moxie & Elaine Bolton great drag by Beneva Fruitville, Felicity Liemont Roxxy, Anjila Cavalier, Jaeda Fuentes, KeKe Monroe & Ashlee T. Bangkx local vendors, fun food & beverages featuring ManateePrideBeer available only at PRIDE brewed by Darwin Brewing Co.

EVENT SPONSOR

OTHER SPONSORS

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

overheard

tamPa bay Out+abOut

st. Pete PriDe maKes DecisiOn On mOVe, granD marshal finalists

t. pete pRiDe annOunceD MaRch 2 via faceBOOK that the annual parade will move to the downtown area, but will keep the street festival in the Grand Central District. The new parade route begin’s at Albert Whitted Park and proceeds along Bayshore Drive to Vinoy Park. The compromise will allow St. Pete Pride to keep that city funding. The night before St. Pete Pride met with the city to discuss parades and festivals, they announced the finalists for Pride’s Grand Marshals. This year the nominees are Rev Dr. Candace R. Shultis of King of Peace MCC, Equality Florida’s Ed Lally, Beacon House Director Milly Taylor, Tampa Bay entertainer Kori Stevens, Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith and Florida Transgender Alliance’s Director of Communications Grant Drain. Project No Labels, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and ACLU Pinellas Chapter are the nominees for organization Grand Marshal. Go to StPetePride.com to vote.

lightning finDs a herO

he taMpa Bay lightning haD a veRy SucceSSful first ever Pride Night, despite losing to the Calgary Flames. Balance Tampa Bay volunteer Parker Hormans, Lightning Foundation head Elizabeth Fraiser and director of group sales Ryan Niemeyer sparked the idea of hosting a Pride Night with the Lightning last year. Homans suggested bringing Equality Florida, Balance Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce together, which they successfully did. At each game, the Lightning Organization donates $50,000 to someone nominated as a community hero. Thursday’s Lightning Community Hero was Nadine Smith, the executive director and co-founder of Equality Florida.

recOrDs gala-Ore

peaKing Of eQuality flORiDa, the organization went above and beyond to break a fundraising record on Feb. 25 at its annual Tampa Gala held at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. The community succeeded in helping Equality Florida to raise the record-breaking $401,000. HOT 101.5’s Miguel Fuller hosted the event, which featured live and silent auctions, musical entertainment and a spoken word performance from Equality Florida’s own Samira Obeid. Several awards were also presented that night, including the Voice for Equality award presented to Tech Data Corporation’s John “JT” Tonnison, the Youth Voice for Equality award to Ariel Zavala and the Charlie Hounchell Spirit of Service & Leadership award to Scott Moore. Equality Florida’s (and have you heard a Lightning Community Hero!) Nadine Smith spoke to the crowd, giving the State of the State address.

2 3

gala-ORiOuS!: Equality Florida’s samira obeid (L) and Ed Lally enjoy the Tampa Gala at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa Feb. 25. Photo by LaUriE ross

BiRthDay hugS: Judy b. Goode celebrates her birthday with a big hug for Olaf at the Hollander Hotel in St. Petersburg March 4. Photo by Joan brUnKEn

puppy pOweR: Balance Tampa Bay volunteer nick with an adorable puppy from the Suncoast Animal League during Balance’s February Service Feb. 25. Photo

CoUrtEsy oF baLanCE tamPa bay

OuR heRO: Equality Florida’s nadine smith (center) is awarded the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Community Hero honor at the hockey team’s first Pride Night at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Feb. 23. Photo CoUrtEsy oF

thE tamPa bay LiGhtninG

gRanD MaRShal: Tampa Pride honors former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin beckner (Center) as a 2017 Tampa Pride Grand Marshal at the Florida Avenue Brewing Co. in Tampa Feb. 23. Photo by niCK JanovsKy

Meeting the BanD: Twenty One Pilots’ Josh Dun (L) and tyler Joseph (R) stop by for a chat with (L-R) holly o’Connor, ryan mcGibbeny and miguel Fuller of HOT 101.5’s “Miguel and Holly Show” March 1. Photo

CoUrtEsy oF ryan mCGibbEny

eyeS wiDe Shut: (L-R) David Zembrzycki, brian Longstreth and steven stefanko are incognito for Punky’s Mardi Gras Celebration in St. Petersburg Feb. 28. Photo

CoUrtEsy oF DaviD ZEmbrZyCKi

pORtRait Of a laDy: matthew mcGee (L) is all smiles for John Gascot’s portrait of him as “Patti” in St. Petersburg March 3. Photo by John GasCot

8 7

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

Avoid underpayment penalties You may owe an underpayment penalty if your withholding and/or estimated tax payments are less than the amount you’re required to pay. Generally, you won’t face a penalty if you pay at least 100% of your prior-year taxes (110% if your adjusted gross income is over $150,000), or if you pay at least 90% of what you’ll owe for the current year. Payments are due quarterly, in January (for the prior year), April, June, and September.

Need more information? Contact our office. GARY A. FRACASSI, CPA, CGMA

218 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 407.896.6858 • Gary@FracassiCPA.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

overheard

OrlanDO Out+abOut

guy fieri taKes a full 7

uy fieRi Of “DineRS, DRive-inS anD DiveS” faMe has been in Orlando a lot lately. With the re-launch of the updated Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs featuring Guy’s food and a taping at local eateries, Guy sightings were everywhere, hard to miss that spiked bleach job. He was recently spotted at the LGBTQ owned Se7enbites; we’re told he was there taping a segment for his show. No word yet as to when the show will appear. In 2011, a lawsuit was filed against Guy basically painting him as a total douche as it accused him of harassing women, being homophobic, as well as many other accusations from former producer, David Page. All accusations were denied by Guy’s “people” – stating that even his sister who passed in 2010 was gay. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

raising greens fOr the blue

funDRaiSeR, heROeS in Blue, waS hOSteD at the Hammered Lamb. The event was organized by Pulse survivor Josh Garcia and managed to raise $4,085 for honored Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff Deputy Norm Lewis. The Heroes in Blue fundraiser featured celebrity bartenders from other Pulse Survivors, politicians like Mayor Buddy Dyer & City Commissionaire Patty Sheehan, local activists and many local entertainers like Blue Star.

au reVOir la nOuba

fteR 20 yeaRS anD Many, Many peRfORManceS, Cirque de Soleil has announced La Nouba will be closing for good. According to many insiders from the theme park industry, Disney had asked Cirque to start planning on creating a new show for the theater to which Cirque just changed some of the acts around. Neither Disney nor the group at Cirque have announced what show will be replacing La Nouba, if any. Online rumors speculate the theater may become a home for a Disney Broadway show like the Lion King or Mary Poppins, but that remains to be solidified.

pRiDe Magic: (L-R) rae, mel, taylor, Connor, victor and Frankie head into the Amway Center for the Orlando Magic’s first ever Pride Night in Orlando March 6. Photo by Danny GarCia

BOwling Day: Watermark founder Tom Dyer, miss sammy and Tom’s mom sue hit the lanes for HRC’s Disco Bowl 6 at Colonial Lanes in Orlando March 5. Photo by Danny GarCia

RiBBOn pinning: alan Cumming gets pinned with a Pulse ribbon by ben Johansen (R) and tim vargas while they attended Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando March 4. Photo CoUrtEsy oF

bEn JohansEn

ReD caRpet ReaDy: martha sugalski (L) and Jorge Estevez are on fleek for WFTV’s Oscar pre-show in Orlando Feb. 26. Photo CoUrtEsy oF martha sUGaLsKi

BOn vOyage: (L-R) Joe Folsom, Jessica helen and George Wallace at The Hammered Lamb for Joe and George’s going away party March 6. Photo CoUrtEsy oF

JEssiCa hELEn

BOyS in the SKy: James (L) and taylor tend bar at Stonewall’s Sky Lounge during Orlando City’s opening day in Orlando March 5. Photo by

Danny GarCia

SeaSOn OpeneR: the Watermark Woodpeckers are ready to play ball as they kick off a new season of softball in Orlando March 5. Photo

CoUrtEsy oF riCK CLaGGEtt

hellO wanZie: michael Wanzie (L) and the minx engage in a lip sync battle at Hamburger Mary’s Broadway Brunch for Wanzie’s birthday celebration in Orlando March 5. Photo by riCK CLaGGEtt

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

tampa

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

announcements

WeDDing bells

congratulations

Veronica Brezina and courtney Smith

Fetching owner and publisher of Watermark rick Claggett celebrates 15 years at the publication this month. He doesn’t look a day over 21.

from Orlando, Florida

Orlando’s metropolitan business association turns 25 on March 12 and held its first general meeting in 1992.

years together:

local birthdays

Almost eight years

engagement date:

December 11, 2016

wedding date:

April 22, 2017

wedding Venue:

Town Manor on the Lake

wedding planner & caterer:

Town Manor on the Lake

wedding colors:

elegant black and white with a hint of red

First song:

“A Thousand years” by Christina Perri

interesting Fact:

The couple will spend their honeymoon on the Hawaiian island of kauai, riding ATVs and chasing waterfalls.

“M

y favORite thing aBOut

Courtney is that I get excited about wanting to share my life adventures with her and traveling with her,” Veronica says. “She’s my other half and best friend. Just being with her, it makes me feel alive and make me want to have fun in life.”

Veronica Brezina, who is a business reporter, and Courtney Smith, who is a restaurant manager, met back in June 2009 at a high school graduation party. “I didn’t really talk to her much, but I was kind of talking to her,” Courtney recalls. “But after the party, I actually looked her up on Myspace because it was back when they had Myspace. I searched through my friend’s mutual friends on Myspace, and I was just like ‘Where is this girl? I want to talk to her. I didn’t talk to her at the party, but I want to talk to her because she’s really cute and I want to say hey.’” They both grew up in the same area in a south part of Tampa in a small town called Apollo Beach, and they even went to the same high school – but they said prior to that party, they had never met.

They officially started dating two weeks after the party. Being together from a young age, both women have been there for each other for difficult times, like when Veronica came out to her parents. “There’s always going to be ups and downs in life, and I wouldn’t want anybody else next to me,” Veronica says. The couple have talked about marriage in the past and both agreed that they wouldn’t want to get married until they both graduated from college so that they would be starting their careers and their professional lives together. With Veronica’s graduation coming up and her starting to ask questions, Courtney went out to purchase a ring and started carrying it around with her to pick

the perfect moment to propose. Veronica’s original proposal idea was to buy a kitten to give to Courtney and have the ring attached to its collar. But Veronica spontaneously got a kitten a while back and didn’t have the money for the ring at the time, so her “Plan A” didn’t pan out. She instead planned a “graduation photoshoot” where she would pop the question to Courtney and get the proposal captured by the photographer. When it was time and Veronica subtly gave the cue to the photographer, she faced Courtney and got down on one knee. Funny enough, she was so nervous that Veronica put the ring on the wrong hand, yet Courtney didn’t notice either because she was just as nervous. “Right after she proposed, I had the ring [on me] and I’m like ‘Well, I’m going to propose to you’, and that’s kind of how it happened,” Courtney says. “I like a lot of thing about Veronica,” Courtney says. “My favorite thing about Veronica is probably how generous she is. I feel like I’ve never met a more loving and kind person than Veronica.”

St. Pete mail carrier Derek Wilkins, Sarasota woman about town misty smeltzer, former Watermark intern veronica brezina, Saint Pete Practice Management Consulting president Jacob hamm (March 9); Halcyon singer/songwriter Deb hunseder, Tampa Bay licensed mental health counselor blake Williamson, optical goddess iris Cruz, owner of Club Main Street in Lakeland terry thompson (March 10); smooth-pated O-Town actor Kevin Kelly, straight-but-not-narrow Orlando WAVE-winning activist/arts supporter margo Dixon, artist terry hummel, Orlando hubby to Ron Ellstrom-Oliver Jeff Ellstrom-oliver, advertising account executive for Outfront Media Don Kiciena Jr., crafty lady by day, derby girl by night heather ranier, muscular Dunedin dentist mike hopkins (March 11); The Florida/Georgia Gay Rodeo Association’s todd Garrett (March 12); Tampa muscle man and Pensacola native Danny Watson, Parliament House showman tim Evanicki, beard god and local hero thom bland, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s co-owner John Paonessa (March 13); Largo bartender mitch Demmons, Tampa event planner tim thompson (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra roche, The Center’s Executive Director terry DeCarlo, Brevard-based activist scott Wall-Desousa, St. Petersburg legal assistant and partner to St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, bobby Poth (March 15); out and proud St. Petersburg City Councilman steve Kornell, skincare genius tabor Winstead (March 17); Associate Director of Admissions for Stetson Law School in Gulfport Darren Kettles (March 18); St. Petersburg massage therapist terrell ray, skater and educator manda Fernandez, King of the Cardboard Robots Evan miga, St. Pete Pride volunteer Dale Crocker (March 19); former Tampa resident and exotic animal expert scott Lope, Sarasota County Health Department’s sue Westcott, The Philips Philevoice of voices moira, JM Best Entertainment owner John best, Tampa icon and “Hey Everybody!”coining performer stephanie shippae, Hyde Park Antiques owner randystrebing (March 20); derby girl and inspirational speaker Emily “the EmPaleher” Easterly, Bowled Over Promotions’ Lisa brown, Homosassa hotelier robert bruno (March 21)

do you haVe an announcement? haVing a birthday or anniVersary? did you get a new Job or promotion? see your news in Watermark! send your announcement to Editor@Watermarkonline.com or go to Watermarkonline.com/submit-a-transition.

—Samantha Rosenthal

it’s that easy!

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? if so, email the details to Editor@Watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

youth services Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 25 years Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk counties

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

uPrisings

a neW Deal?

Finally, the chorus became an earthquake – and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that america must put its own citizens ﬁrst ... because only then, can we truly MaKe aMerIca GreaT aGaIN. —pReSiDent DOnalD tRuMp

stemberger blunDer

S if theRe weRen’t enOugh BaD newS traversing the virtual transom, Boy Scouts-survivor and friend to no one John Stemberger was named to the state Constitutional Review Commission last week. You may recall Stemberger as the loudest Florida voice against LGBTQ marriage or as a blowhard presiding over the Florida Family Policy Council in all issues that matter to the community. You may just want to roll your eyes, but this is terrifying. “We are extremely disappointed to find out that [House] Speaker Richard Corcoran has appointed extremist John Stemberger – someone who slanders LGBTQ people and attacks us and our families – to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission,” Equality Florida said in a statement. Stemberger – who refers to the gay community as the “LGBT Mafia” – actively goes after any LGBTQ policy waved in front of the legislature. The CRC, to which Stemberger now belongs, only meets once every 20 years and will convene after this year’s legislative session.

sessiOn time again!

n MaRch 7, legiSlatORS gatheReD tOgetheR to hold hands and speak peacefully about policy that matters to Floridians. Or, on March 7, legislators went to Tallahassee to proffer favors and make a mess of state issues. Whichever way you see it, the session is on! There’s so much mess going on this year given that conservatives have taken over the entire estate nationally, but things that we’ll be keeping an eye on include HB 17, which will force local municipalities to curtsy to the state in order to make changes reflective of their region possible. “But I think that ultimately the state needs to be the protector of those rights of the individuals and corporations,” House Speaker Corcoran said, according to WLRN. “And when the locals are overstepping their bounds, it is absolutely within the right and the jurisdiction of the states - as our founders intended to rein that in.”

gillum aims fOr the left

he launDRy liSt Of pOtential DeMOcRatic ReplaceMentS for Republican Governor Rick Scott continues to grow and shift; John Morgan, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Gwen Graham, Kathy Castor and even Grant Hill are on the “maybe” list. Last week, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum declared that he was indeed in it to win it, and he raced straight to Bernie town. “Gillum was charter member when our caucus was founded in 2011, and he participated in our Building the Democratic Bench panel during Leadership Blue last year,” Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida president Susan Smith told the Tampa Bay Times last week. “We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce Andrew to our new members as he begins his run for governor.” Gillum leans heavily to the left on issues including labor, civil rights and LGBTQ rights.

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Billy Manes

n the laSt Day Of feBRuaRy, our national leader and television star Donald Trump launched his congressional speech with a nod to his wife and to Black History Month, attempting, apparently, to launch a new narrative about the Trump presidency, one that doesn’t involve salacious groping and Twitter accounts. “Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation’s path toward civil rights and the work that still remains,” he said with all the gall of a teenage actor.“ Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week’s shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.” This newfound posturing – which, of course, is still shadowed in late night tweets accusing the media of failing him – rang true with a number of doubters, and for that we should be disturbed. There was nothing in Trump’s Feb. 28 speech that would reach beyond an eighth-grade social studies book; there was nothing in the speech which would inspire empathy for a clothes-less emperor; there is nothing in that speech other than a “torch” that will likely flame out. Of course we want to respect our nation’s executive office and the person sitting there next to that button or phone or Congress, and we want our kids to, as well. But this pandering has to stop. It’s almost more tiresome than the “You’re fired” memes that trail Trump like so many snowflakes. This attempt at recreating a narrative of civil rights under someone who does not support actual civil rights is an insult to America, an insult to the people knocking on doors, an insult to the LGBT community. Frankly, it’s bad acting on bad writing (which was clearly crafted by someone else). “Dying industries will come roaring back to life,” he said. “Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need. Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve. Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.” Wait, which New Deal is this? Oh, the one where immigrants are refused entry because of the absence of “proper vetting.” It’s the one that loves the deceased Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, even though he disparaged the LGBTQ community during the marriage battle. It’s the one that wants to give tax breaks to the rich while simultaneously taxing the poor. You’ve heard it all before. Just don’t believe him. Please. These are going to be a troublesome few years, and we’ll need each other to get by. Stay strong. Plant a tree. Make some feelings that are distant from the political maneuvers in the dark. We need you.

Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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Ma rch 9 - M a rch 22, 2017 // Issue 24 .05

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