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W2January 12-25, 2006

I’m always interested in how othercouples communicate with oneanother. Some people are so well

suited for one another that their non-verbal cues communicate more – andmore sweetly — than anything couplescounseling could ever suggest. Otherpeople have partnerships that seemincredulously 50-50.

Particularly in the gay community,there are relationships that seemunbalanced, perhaps on purpose. Daddyand boy? Butch and femme? Those arehardly the models that our parentsoffered us, but it seems to work formany.

Recently, a study took a look athow same-sex relationships fare againstthose of our straight counterparts. Even Iwas surprised to learn that, according tothe Gottman Institute, gay people tend tobe more positive in dealing with conflictthan straight people. The study suggeststhat straight people don’t alwaysunderstand the way the opposite sexthinks.

This was in the back of my mindas I visited with my parents over the

New Year’s weekend. Both as cranky asoctogenarians can be, they celebratedtheir 62nd wedding anniversary lastsummer. It wasn’t an easy 62 yearsbecause, frankly, they proved theGottman Institute correct. When indoubt in a disagreement, they both knewhow to go for the jugular, if onlyfiguratively.

And because I’m the nosy child, Iquestioned them both over the holidaysabout their marriage. I was only anactive witness to 18 of those years, yetthe marriage seemed somehow to work.

“What exactly do you two likeabout one another?” I asked Ma oneevening, after visiting my dad in hisassisted living facility. (This was not theday that Ma called me an “a—hole” andI responded matter-of-factly with,“Bitch.” Ma and I had somehow movedfrom Lucy and Little Ricky to Will andGrace over the past 40-some-odd years.)“What exactly do you two like aboutone another?” I repeated.

She thought for a moment aboutmy question. “I liked to dance. He likedto fish,” she said. “And I told him that Iwould learn to enjoy fishing if he tookme dancing.”

And they danced — the tinynightclub that served American-styleChinese food in my hometown also

served up the swingin’ sounds of theStaulcup Orchestra, and every weekendmy parents were there. They were alsoon the lake the next morning, racing offfor the best spots to sink a line for bassand crappie. Eventually, Dad learned tolove to cha-cha and Ma became anexpert at baiting her own damn hook.

“So, it was all about compromise,then?” I asked. She said they neverfought about money or the kids. Sure,there was always the all-too-commonthreat of infidelity. One of my dad’sfavorite line’s is, “Your mother and Ihave marvelous sex lives… andoccasionally we tell one another aboutthem.” Even today, there’s “that woman”who lives in the assisted living facilitynear Dad.

Ultimately, both he and Ma knewearly that not every fight could be won,and not every conflict needed to befought.

I’m not sure I was asking out offascination at their dynamics, or becauseI wanted to learn more about how Irelate to John, my boyfriend-husband-partner of five years. For every

landscaping industry show I attend withfeigned enthusiasm, he tries to showexcitement at the prospect of a newSteven Sondheim production.

And somehow, it works. I don’talways get my way with John, butneither did Ma or Dad in theirrelationship. I guess I had been payingattention after all. But that night, Ilearned more about the inner workingsof their lives than I really expected, andI’m glad I did.

Less than a week after my visit toMissouri, Ma passed away in her sleep.We were all stunned — she wascertainly not expected to go first. Ifigured that I had a couple more yearsleft with her. I’ll miss her giddyjoyfulness that came with each telephonecall and her ability to cry on cue. I credither with what I do with myself thesedays. My sister sings, my brother playsmusic and I write.

“I was never very talented,” shetold me last week. “But my one talent isthat I listen.”

What an incredible legacy. I hopethat I — hell, we all — can live up to it.It’s the least that she would expect.

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Headline NewsTampa has a GLBT community center again.

Tampa Bay NewsLorenzo sentencing looms… King ofPeace MCC Celebrates anniversary.

Sarasota NewsProtestors disrupt Port Charlotte GSA.

Orlando NewsCenter director resigns… HRC hosts LWord benefit.

WatercolorsHard Rock Trocks, a homecoming…Wanzie revisits the Ladies of EolaHeights…Wicked gay.

Special Section2006 Health & Fitness Guide – Queersmoking… 10 habits you need…Sterling Powell reinvented… Massage…Supplements and you.

About the CoverSterling Powell, photographed by MichaelHeape in his Ybor City loft studio.

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WJanuary 12-25, 20064

THURSDAY, JAN. 19The RAINBOW DEMOCRATIC

CLUB will present the 2006 WilliamJefferson Clinton Award toMetropolitan Business Associationpresident and Orlandobusinesswoman DEBBIE SIMMONSduring a social on Thursday, Jan. 19,at Savoy Orlando. The social willbegin at 6:30 p.m., and the award willbe presented at 7:30 p.m. There is nocharge to attend. Savoy is located at1911 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando.

BEGINNING JAN. 22Proving once again that beauty

can be found throbbing between yourlegs, the ORLANDO MUSEUM OFART opens a seven-month run of THEART OF THE MOTORCYCLESunday, Jan. 22. Promising aprovocative look at all things two-wheeled and high-powered, this sleekand polished show should pleaseeveryone from mid-life-crisis straightguys to dykes on bikes. Check outOMArt.org for details.

JAN. 13-FEB. 5It may be one of the most

depressing plays you’ll see, but THEBOYS IN THE BAND could also beamong the most compelling. GYPSYPRODUCTIONS presents this classicthrough Feb. 5. Dated and self-loathing, the 1968 Matt Crowley scriptwas among the first to prove that gaymen were more than promiscuoussex buddies, but that they wereexcellent at the bitter one-liner.Tickets are $18 and reservationsare strongly recommended. Call theSuncoast Theatre box office at (727)456-0500.

JAN. 13-FEB. 5If you don’t have your tickets for

WICKED by now … well, you’reprobably not getting them. Ticket salesfor this Tony Award-winning (but notfor Best Musical, that went to AvenueQ) musical have been brisk at theCAROL MORSANI HALL in theTampa Bay Performing Arts Center.With a dynamite score and the thestory of the relationship betweenGlinda the Good Witch and Elphaba,who would become the Wicked Witchof the West, it brings to mind thisquestion: Couldn’t we just stage a gay

pride event in the lobby duringintermission? Try to get tickets bycalling (813) 229-7827.

SUNDAY, JAN. 15The few gay men left without

theatre tickets on Sunday, Jan. 15,may want to venture to theFERGUSON HALL in the Tampa BayPerforming Arts Center — theatrelegend CAROL CHANNING presentsher one-woman show, THE FIRSTEIGHTY YEARS ARE THEHARDEST. Odds are very good she’lldo a number or two from Hello, Dollyand Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, butit’s guaranteed that Channing will treatthe audience to a visit from silent-screen legend, the sibilant CeciliaSissons, a character the actress hasperformed for at least 40 years. Call(813) 229-7827.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JAN. 21-22KING OF PEACE MCC

celebrates its diamond anniversary(that’s 30 years) on Jan. 21-22 — andit has plenty for which to be joyful.Begun with a congregation of 12, thechurch has blossomed to membershipof 300. A dinner dance that begins at6 p.m. on Saturday at the Holiday InnSunspree Resort kicks off theweekend, followed by a 10 a.m.service featuring UFMCC moderatorthe REV. NANCY WILSON. Acomplimentary breakfast receptionfollows. Details? VisitKingofPeaceMCC.com.

January 12-25, 2006W5

P R E V I E W

People are TalkingEvents You Shouldn’t MissO R L A N D O

T A M P A B A Y

DOES SHE LOOKTOO FAT TO YOU?

Want to see the sitcom thatdrove MARGARET CHO over theedge? ALL-AMERICAN GIRL: THECOMPLETE SERIES will bereleased on DVD Jan. 31. This isthe sitcom that launched the giftedand acid-tongued comic andactress’ rant, I’m the One That IWant — and gave even morecredence to the effects of weightissues among U.S. women.

The producers’ concerns thatCho was too fat and too Asian toplay herself remains bizarre even 11years after the show’s one-seasonrun on ABC. Interestingly, Cho has apilot this spring that would cast heras her own mother.

While AMY HILL is a stitch asher long-suffering grandmother,watch for the openly gay B.D.WONG as her intellectual brotherand the openly lesbian JUDY GOLD(who deserves more attention thanshe gets) as her best pal, Gloria.Amazon.com inexplicably suggeststhat this purchase is better with aseason or two of BEWITCHED.Considering the appearances ofPAUL LYNDE and AGNESMOOREHEAD, maybe that’s not sofar-fetched after all.

SOMEONEDOESN’T WANTTO PLAYCOWBOYS

It looks like theincreasingly invisibleToday show film criticGENE SHALIT got hiswoolens in a knot overBROKEBACKMOUNTAIN. Insteadof actually reviewingthe film’s merits,Shalit chose to railagainst the gayelement.

Calling JAKEGYLLENHAAL’scharacter a“sexual predator”who “tracks

Ennis (del Mar, HEATH LEDGER’scharacter) down and coaxes him into sporadic trysts,” Shalit neglectedto mention romance involved.

GLAAD was quick to point outthat Shalit wouldn’t have calledLEONARDO DI CAPRIO’scharacter a “sexual predator” inTitanic because he was trying for aromantic relationship with KATEWINSLET’s Rose.

He did say that the film had “afew dramatic peaks,” adding that ithas been “wildly over-praised, butnot by me.”

Apparently, he’s alone. The filmhas won numerous critics groupsawards — and seems like a leadingcontender for GOLDEN GLOBEwins and OSCAR nominations.Incidentally, the Golden Globes willbe broadcast at 8 p.m., Monday,Jan. 16, and the Oscar nominationswill be announced at 8:30 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 31.

ANOTHER REASONWHY WE’RE BETTER

As it turns out, gays andlesbians do know a few things aboutRELATIONSHIPS. According to newstudies reported by the awkwardlytitled JOURNAL OFHOMOSEXUALITY, researchershave found that same-sex coupleshave better skills at conflictresolution than their straightcounterparts — and that may be the“glue” that holds them together.

According to the studies,heterosexuals start the discussionsin a negative way and thearguments degenerate from there.On the other hand, queers keepfocused on the positive aspectswithin the conflicts.

“Gays and lesbians arewarmer, friendlier and lessbelligerent,” said University ofWashington professor JohnGottman, who heads theRelationship Research Institute inSeattle. “With married heterosexualcouples a discussion is much moreof a power struggle with someonebeing invalidated.”

It’s so nice to see how straightcouples are protecting the sanctityof their relationships by brow-beating one another intosubmission. W

The source of a lot ofMARGARET CHO’s material —and angst — comes to DVDlater this month.

WJanuary 12-25, 20066

H E A D L I N E N E W S

TAMPA – Community leaders have wanteda full service GLBT community center inTampa for more than a decade. On Jan. 20– and thanks to the efforts of two drivingforces — the new Tampa Metro Centeropens its doors. Based on the success of theyear-old Metro Center in St. Petersburg, thenew location will be operated with thesupport of MCC Tampa.

In the early 1990s, benefactors raisedclose to $150,000 for a GLBT communitycenter building fund. The Center of Tampa,Inc. was formed, operating in rentedheadquarters while more funding wassought. But donations, volunteers andinterest waned, and the Center closed itsSwann Ave. offices last spring. The boardvoted to merge with the larger and moreestablished Metropolitan Charities, whichhad just opened the Metro Center next toGeorgie’s Alibi in the Kenwood area of St.Petersburg.

The Center was still sitting on asubstantial building fund, but was reluctantto release it for purposes other thanpurchase of a permanent headquarters.Enter Lorraine Langlois, the energeticexecutive director of MetropolitanCharities, who convinced them to help funda community center in Tampa – now. When

Rev. PhyllisHunt, SeniorPastor at TampaMCC, agreed tojoin forces, aplan wasformulated.

“Themoney from theCenter ofTampa wasenough to getthings going,but it’s notexactly anendowmentfund,” Langlois

said, noting that Metropolitan Charities isultimately responsible for expenses for thenew center. “We’ll definitely need gifts andsponsorships and fundraising activities tokeep us going.”

Along with Tampa MCC, formermembers of the Center of Tampa Inc. boardwill serve as advisors, giving the newTampa Metro Center a broad base ofcommunity support.

“Rev. Phyllis started some activities inTampa, and those activities are comparableto what we would do at a community

center,” said Langlois. “I said, ‘Geez, we’reopening there too, so why don’t we dosomething together instead of create acompetition.’And that’s what we did.”

Specifically, the two organizationswill jointly fund a full-time employee whowill serve as both director of the TampaMetro Center and education director forTampa MCC. They have hired David Gant,who recently held similar positions inAlbuqurque. Gant arrived in Tampa inDecember, and has been working tofamiliarize himself with the organizationsand the community since. He is lookingforward to helping shape the future of theTampa Metro Center.

“There has been a lot of work to getus to where we are today,” Gant said.“Volunteers, advisory board members andcommunity leaders have labored a longtime to make this a reality. I’m here nowbecause of their efforts.”

“David works for both entities, but wereally lease him from MCC,” Langloisexplained. “Through the agreement, we getto use his talents as well.”

Langlois and Hunt worked for severalmonths to come up with the joint jobdescription, and to work out details for theTampa Metro Center. Staff and volunteers

have developed workshops and guideddiscussions on topics like “Dating in theInternet Age” and “GLBT communityhistory.” There will also be a free lendinglibrary, peer discussion groups and referralsfor mental health counseling.

Located in Seminole Heights, at 6421N. Florida Ave., the building includesseveral rooms suitable for group meetingsand large parties. Noting that Tampa lost itsonly regular non-alcoholic gathering placewhen Tomes & Treasures closed last spring,organizers also hope to create a place forcasual socializing.

“The key to all this is partnerships,”Langlois said. “Volunteers, donors, programorganizers, other organizations, and peoplewho just need and want to use a communitycenter. These people, working together withour staff, are the ones who make it allpossible.”

The grand opening of the TampaMetro Center is Friday, Jan 20 at 6:30 p.m,and will include entertainment and doorprizes.

“We look at this as a celebration ofsomething that will last many, many years,”Langlois said. “Having Metro Centers onboth sides of the bay gives residents achance to access the services they wantwithout having to travel too far from theirhome. By teaming with MCC Tampa,we’ve been able to make this a realitysooner.”

For more information about theTampa Metro Center, call (813) 232-3808or visit www.metrocharities.org. W

COMMUNITY CENTER IN TAMPA OPENSMetro Charities provides GLBT anchors on both sides of the bay

By Steve Blanchard

Tampa Metro Centerdirector DAVID GANTsaid “it was a lot of workto make this a reality.”

January 12-25, 2006W7

H E A L T H & F I T N E S S

PLACE URBANLIFE MGT HERE

WJanuary 12-25, 20068

T A M P A B A Y

TAMPA – Steven Lorenzo will learn hisimmediate fate when a federal judgesentences him Jan 20.

A jury only needed three hours to findLorenzo guilty in November on nine countsof administering GHB and one count ofconspiring with Scott Schweickert todistribute the date rape drug. Each countcarries a maximum of 20 years in prisonand prosecutors are seeking the maximum –200 years.

Jurors were faced with disturbingphotos of men in various stages of bondage– some appearing lifeless – throughout thetwo-week trial. Prosecutor Anthony E.Porcelli also presented a video depictingtorturous acts in Lorenzo’s SeminoleHeights bungalow, where he had created adungeon in the basement. Jurors oftenreacted to the evidence with disgust andseveral would clasp their hands over theirmouths.

The most telling testimony, however,came from the victims themselves. Six mentook the stand and outlined their candid anddisturbing encounters with Lorenzo. Manyexpressed their fear while bound inLorenzo’s home.

Each man said Lorenzo slipped drugsinto their drinks and they later awoke tofind themselves naked, injured and bound.

Jurors sawphotos ofbruises andmarksindicatingrestraints hadbeen used andevidence ofrape.

Lorenzocould still facecharges ofmurder in thecases of JasonGalehouse and

Michael Wachholtz, who both disappearedin December of 2003. Wachholtz was founddead in his Jeep Cherokee a few weeks laterand Galehouse has never been found.Prosecutors say any murder charges wouldbe presented after the trial of Schweickert,who faces a jury in February.

Lorenzo’s sentencing comes justweeks after members of Equality Floridamet with the State Attorney’s Office aboutthe case. Equality Florida executive directorNadine Smith and communications directorBrian Winfield met with State AttorneyMark Ober Jan. 4 to discuss the delay inbringing murder charges.

“We basically walked out with the

LORENZO SENTENCINGSCHEDULED FOR JAN. 20

Prosecutors want 200 yearsfor STEVE LORENZO.

feeling that he wascompletely committedto pursuing this case tothe fullest extent of thelaw,” Winfield told theTampa Tribune.

The GLBTcommunity has becomeincreasingly anxiousover the delays, butOber asked that thepublic remain patientwhile the state buildsthe strongest casepossible. If murdercharges are broughtagainst Lorenzo, hecould request a speedy trial immediatelyfollowing an indictment. Prosecutors wantto be prepared for such a request.

During Lorenzo’s recent trial,prosecutors said DNA collected from a gasmask matched that of Galehouse’s. That’snot the only evidence placing the victim atLorenzo’s Seminole Heights home.

According to a federal affidavit filedover the summer, Schweickert said Lorenzoplaced a chokehold on Galehouse after thethree men had sex in late December of2003. Galehouse never regainedconsciousness. Schweickert, 39, added thathe and Lorenzo dismembered the 26-year-old’s body in the garage before disposing ofit in several different dumpsters throughoutthe Tampa Bay area. Blood samplescollected from the scene match Galehouse’sDNA.

A similar chain of events unfoldedwhen the two men met Wachholtz, theaffidavit says. However, after Wachholtzwas killed the pair didn’t dismember thebody. Schweickert said he and Lorenzoplaced Wachholtz’s dead body in the backof his Jeep Cherokee and left it in an emptyparking lot.

Authorities found Wachholtz twoweeks later but no reported evidencedirectly links his death to the two men. Sofar authorities have not brought murdercharges against either man.

Authorities believe the two men metthrough an America Online chat system.During Lorenzo’s trial, prosecutors showedthe jury transcripts of the chats, whichdetailed the two men’s plans to abduct andrape men in the Tampa Bay area. W SteveBlanchard

Evidence suggests more than one murder was committed atSteve Lorenzo’s Seminole Heights home.

BRANDON — Roy Davis doesn’t want hisgranddaughter to become a go-go dancerand he doesn’t want his son to see anylibrary displays promoting homosexualauthors. For those two reasons, Davis sayshe supports District 4 CommissionerRonda Storms, who made headlines in2005 with her anti-gay stance andquestionable handling of a bikini bar inBrandon.

“We need more public figures likeRonda Storms,” Davis shouted from theback of a pickup truck during a celebrationfor Storms Jan. 6 outside Brandon Realty.Davis was an organizer of the pep rallywhich brought out just over 100 people tosupport Storms.

The sight was a sharp contrast to anti-Storms protests last June, when more than3,000 people marched in downtown Tampato oppose Storms and the commission’sstance to ignore gay pride. In Brandon,signs proclaimed, “We Love Ronda” and“This is Ronda country.”

For Melinda Morgan of Brandon,Storms is a beacon of hope in a time inhistory where fewer and fewer voices fightfor what’s right.

“Ronda has spoken on severalcontroversial terms just as I would have,”

Morgan said. “I don’t want my kids tohave homosexuality flaunted in front ofthem. They get enough of that ontelevision. I sure as heck don’t want nudebars here either. Someone with the rightmorals has to be in charge, and I fullysupport Ronda.”

It’s support like Morgan’s that Stormsmay be depending upon as she considers arumored race for the state Senate.Contenders may include House SpeakerJohnnie Byrd and Plant City businessmanRay Young. So far Storms has neitherconfirmed nor denied her candidacy.

While there were no visible protestersat the Storms celebration, plenty of letterswere sent to Brandon Realty expressingdisappointment that such a business wouldsupport a commissioner with Storms’views. Brandon Realty is owned byStorms’ brother and sister-in-law.

“Look at what she says about gays,”one letter-writer said. “Take the word gayout and insert black, Latino, or Jew… andread it again. Does it still sound right toyou?”

“The residents of District 4 valueCommissioner Ronda Storms’ integrity andappreciate her unwavering loyalty toDistrict 4.” W Steve Blanchard

GROUP GATHERS TOSUPPORT STORMS

January 12-25, 2006W9

T A M P A B A Y

ST. PETERSBURG – King of PeaceMetropolitan Community Church hasheld a front-row seat to the changes inthis coastal city for the last threedecades, and on Jan. 20, it intends tocelebrate its own history.

King of Peace MCC celebrates its30-year anniversary with a weekend-long celebration Jan 20-22. Thecelebration will look at pastaccomplishments while focusing on avibrant future.

“There are many firsts to celebratehere,” said the Rev. John Gill, King ofPeace senior pastor. “An MCC churchperformed the first holy union for a gaycouple. Collectively, the fellowship ofMetropolitan Community Churches wasthe first denomination to welcomeeveryone who set foot in the door,regardless of sexual orientation.”

King of Peace has been a staple tothe St. Petersburg GLBT community.The church stepped in at the forefront ofthe AIDS crisis and ministering to HIVand AIDS patients. It also foundedMetropolitan Charities, Inc. andcontinues to light a candle on the altarevery Sunday to remember those whohave died from AIDS and to offer hopefor a cure.

The church has also developed aHuman Outreach Team that providesmeals for the area’s homeless.

“This celebration gives us anopportunity to reflect on these and otherpast accomplishments,” Gill said. “And,we look forward to a vibrant future.”

The celebration will offer a Who’sWho of the church’s clergy and staff.Former pastor and MCC founder, theRev. Troy Perry, will be on hand Jan. 20for a book signing and the Rev. NancyWilson, the new UFMCC moderator,will be honored with a celebrationservice Jan. 22.

On Jan. 21, the congregation andfriends will take part in a celebrationbanquet.

King of Peace hasn’t always beenat its current address of 3150 Fifth Ave.N. In fact, the church started verymodestly in a private home in Seminole.The Rev. Gloria Merrill met with 12others on that night to initiate King ofPeace’s first worship service – a far cryfrom today’s average of 300 each week.

The group moved from one rentedlocation to another – including the LargoTheater. In 1983, King of Peace hired itsfirst full-time pastor, the Rev. FredWilliams. The church purchased abuilding known as “The Yellow House”on First Avenue North in 1984, and itrelocated to a former funeral home onNinth Avenue North in 1985.

“At the Ninth Avenue building, weworshiped in old restaurant chairs in abuilding known for the concrete relief ofJesus on the front,” said PhillipKetchum, King of Peace archivist. “Wefinally purchased pews from a Lutheranchurch.”

In 1990, King of Peace bought theFifth Avenue Cinema building – itscurrent location. The former theater wasin major disrepair but a team ofvolunteers renovated the entire building.Today the building not only houses thechurch, but the local offices of EqualityFlorida.

In 1995, Gill began his tenure atKing of Peace. Rev. Lorraine Brock,director of worship and congregationallife, and new music director JayeSheldon joined shortly afterwards.

For more information on the churchand for a listing of anniversary activities,visit KingofPeaceMCC.com or call (727)323-5857. W Staff report

King of Peace MCC has held worship services in the former Fifth Avenue Cinema building for15 years.

KING OF PEACE MCCCELEBRATES 30 YEARS

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January 12-25, 2006W11

S A R A S O T A

PORT CHARLOTTE – The students of PortCharlotte High School in Charlotte Countywanted to send a simple message —“Foster a more understanding and tolerantcommunity on campus and in the area.”

So they formed a gay-straight alliance.In late December, the alliance drew

the attention of the ever-vigilant WestboroBaptist Church, the anti-gay congregationled by Rev. Fred Phelps and made infamousby protesting at Matthew Shepherd’sfuneral.

About 20 members of the Westborocongregation stood outside Port CharlotteHigh School with signs claiming “Godhates fags” and “Thank God for deadsoldiers.” Members of the church said theywanted to make sure that the communityunderstood that gays should not betolerated. The group believeshomosexuality goes against the Bible.

“That’s our job, to deliver thatmessage,” Rebekah Phelps-Davis told theCharlotte Sun. “These children are beingtaught from the time they are inkindergarten to be gay.”

Children with the protesters wereencouraged to kick balled-up Americanflags and hold signs saying “Fag Xmas.”

On the other side of the barricade,nearly 100 counter-protesters supported the

school and its GSA.“The parents of these children don’t

need these morons here,” retired U.S.Marine Corps Capt. Don Pedriali told theSun. “They’re a hate group hiding behindthe first amendment.”

Residents and students from as farnorth as Tampa and as far south as FortMyers came to the counter-protest tosupport the GSA, which was formed inSeptember. One Lakewood Ranch studentheld a sign proclaiming “Love is never aninsult to God.”

While the protest raged outside,students were taking mid-term exams.Administrators did not allow PCHSstudents or members of the GSA to interactwith the protestors in any way. GSApresident Asher Levine was surprised by allof the attention.

“I can’t believe the chaos this hascaused,” Levine told the Charlotte Sun.“When I finally saw them (the protestors),it was so serious.”

As a silent counter-protest of theirown, GSA members and other PCHSstudents wore white to represent purity andplanned to take a vow of silence for theday. The protest also motivated Levine topass out fliers explaining the GSA’smission. W Steve Blanchard

‘BAPTISTS’ PROTESTCHARLOTTE GSA

SARASOTA BRIEFSALSO OUT YOUTH SELLS OUT BLOCK FOR TOMLIN SHOWALSO Out Youth, Sarasota’s award-winning GLBT youth support group, has sold out apreferred block of 300 tickets for “An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin” at the Van WezelCenter on Sunday, March 5. But tickets are still available at $49 and $60. The showfeatures an evening of Tomlin’s “greatest hits” with more than a dozen of her famouscharacters, including precocious Edith Ann, gossipy Ernestine, matronly Judith Beaselyand charmingly schizophrenic Trudy. ALSO Out Youth provides peer support services,social activities, educational programs, workshops, advocacy and referrals for GLBTyouth ages 13-21. For information, contact Kiki Towhill at (941) 951-2576.

BUSINESS GUILD MEETS JANUARY 19The Southwest Florida Business Guild will hold their January general membershipmeeting on Monday, January 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Waterside Room at The Quay. Thefee for members is $10, $15 for non-members. For more information visitwww.swfbg.com.

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ORLANDO - Despite rumors that thearea’s Gay, Lesbian and BisexualCommunity Center is undergoingdifficulties following the resignation oflong-time director Bob King, Centerboard president David Schuler said thatit is “business as usual” at the Center.

“With Bob’s resignation, ournumber one priority was to not impactthe 18 groups that meet here throughoutthe month,” said Schuler, adding that theCenter serves 1000 people monthly.Schuler praised King’s devotion to theCenter, saying he stepped up to the plateto assist when no one else in thecommunity seemed to want to help.

Schuler said the goals for theCenter include looking for a salariedexecutive director to manage theCenter’s operations; King had served inhis position as a volunteer. Thebuilding’s ongoing maintenance issueshave made budgeting for the positiondifficult. Because of that, the Center’sboard is also looking at the possibility ofrelocating.

“We know our base is in the centralcore area of Orlando,” Schuler said.“We’re not looking to move to AlafayaTrail or to the UCF area. Our core is the32801 zip code area. We’d like to stay if

possible, but real estate is quiteexpensive in that area.”

If the Center does relocate, Schulersaid they will probably sell all threeproperties that they own. GLBCC ownsthe Center building in addition to thetwo adjoining properties, Forbidden CityChinese Restaurant to the North andStatscript Pharmacy to the South. Still,he said, there are leases to be consideredif that option is pursued.

“Our mortgage balloons in three orfour years,” Schuler said. “We wouldlike to make a decision before that. If westay where we are we’ll have to lookinto refinancing the mortgage at thattime.”

While the Center is continuing itsfocus on fundraising, Schuler said thatthe organization’s foremost goal is tocontinue to provide a home to thenumerous groups that use the facility.

“One of the new groups we have isa crystal meth support group,” Schulersaid, “We are one of only four places inthe state offering that type of supportgroup.” W Kirk Hartlage

BUSINESS AS USUAL AFTERGLBCC DIRECTOR RESIGNS

ORLANDO - The large extended family ofLorraine K. Reed gathered at Joy MCC Jan.6-7 to celebrate her efforts as a GLBTcommunity leader and as an advocate forthe disadvantaged, as well as her sense ofhumor and her love of animals.

Reed, 60, died Jan. 1 from ananeurysm. She leaves her wife, PennyReed, several godchildren and a multitudeof pets.

A native of Massachusetts and aformer religious sister, Reed moved toFlorida in the 1980s. She became active incommunity efforts quickly, serving on theGay, Lesbian, Bisexual CommunityCenter’s board of directors for severalyears, working with its Spectrum Awardsand the annual pride picnic, and helpedcreate the GLBCC Endowment Fund.

A singer popular among the ranks ofthe Orlando Gay Chorus, Reed also workedpart-time at EPCOT. Many recalled herinfectious sense of humor, as well as theway she blended the image of a tattooedbiker with that of a compassionate friend.

But her work with Joy MCC’s foodbank and Thanksgiving Food Drive drewupon more of Reed’s talents and efforts,and many attending the Saturday morningmemorial services remarked about them.

Reed helped initiate the John C.Garrett Memorial Thanksgiving FoodBasket Project, which provides dinners to

more than10,000 peoplethroughoutCentral Floridaevery year.

Balancinga frozen turkeyupon her casket,Bubbalou’sBodaciousBarbecue

founder andlongtimeThanksgivingfood drive

supporter Sam Meiner laughed that it wasdifficult to refuse Reed when she wouldcall for more and more contributions. Shewas at it again in 2005, leading the effortsto collect money, supplies and manpowerfor the Thanksgiving baskets and dinners.

She was also integral in the creationof the Winnie Toal Food Bank at Joy MCC,one of the most active church-based foodbanks in the area. In lieu of flowers, herfamily asked for memorial contributions tothe food bank.

In a tragic coda to the memorialservices, a 33-year-old security escortleading the funeral procession to a WinterPark cemetery was struck and killed byanother driver. Police are investigating theincident. W Dave Wiethop

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LIFE OF LONGTIME ACTIVIST REED

LORRAINE K. REEDremained instrumentalwith the Joy MCCThanksgiving Food Drive.

ORLANDO - When is a kiss not just akiss? When it’s cut from a theatricalproduction because it’s between two boys.

The Orlando-UCF ShakespeareFestival did strong business over theholidays with its new comedy, EveryChristmas Story Ever Told. Featuringthree actors taking on 35 characters andnumerous yuletide clichés, the showmocked numerous Christmas conventions.

One of the targets: The Gift of theMagi — the story of the poor couple whosold their most valued items to give oneanother things that they would cherish.

Because the cast was comprised ofthree men, the show featured two men asthe heterosexual couple. At one point theykiss — and get a big laugh.

According to a cast member whodidn’t want to be identified, the kiss wasin the script during a reading of it lastyear, but it was taken out duringrehearsals this fall.

“To be honest, it wasn’t a realintegral moment in the show, but it was afun moment for the audience during thereading,” the performer said. He wasn’tsure why the one man-on-man kiss wasexcised, but it didn’t affect the scenebadly.

“It wasn’t a make-or-break. In fact,

it made the scene work better without it,”he said.

The performer said that other“suggestive” elements of the show weretoned down, possibly reflecting that theshow may have a more “family-friendly”audience. Even then, the publicity forEvery Christmas Show implored that theplay was not suitable for children ages 10and younger.

Rumors have circulated that the kisswas cut because of pressures fromcorporate sponsors, Jim Helsinger, theUCF-Shakespeare Festival’s artisticdirector, could not be reached forcomment.

Even if that was the case — and thecast member would not comment on thoserumors — he did point out that theatrecompanies make tough decisions all of thetime.

“You have to choose your battles,and make sure that these are worthfighting for. This kiss was kind of athrowaway,” he said. “It’s not likeperforming Gross Indecency: The Trialsof Oscar Wilde (another UCF-Shakespeare Festival show, whichdiscussed at length the gay writer’spenchant for men) and cutting a kiss fromthat.” W Dave Wiethop

BOY ON BOY KISS REMOVED FROM HOLIDAY PLAY

January 12-25, 2006W15

O R L A N D O

ORLANDO - The L Word’s Tina and Bettemay be trying a new method of childrearing where they don’t put baby Angelicadown, but those in attendance at the hitshow’s third season kickoff party inOrlando weren’t afraid to put down nearly$3,000 in donations to the Human RightsCampaign.

Showtime sponsored the sneakpreview party with the nation’s largestGLBT rights advocacy group in locationsacross the country on Sunday, Jan. 8. HRCOrlando held its party at Pulse nightcluband saw over 300 people attend. Co-chairsJennifer Foster and John Ruffier wereextremely pleased with the turnout.

“We raised almost $3,000, based onthe suggested $5 donation at the door,through raffles and an auction of an L Wordautographed poster,” said Ruffier. Fosteradded that the group’s 20 volunteers werealso able to recruit 25 additional newmembers to join the organization.

“It’s important to join HRC becausewe’re the largest national lobbying agencythat fights for national GLBT rights, whichalso trickles down to the state and locallevels,” said Foster. Orlando’s chapter wasrecently designated an “emergingcommunity” by the national organization.

Ruffier said the local chapter’s goals

for this year are to sustain the momentumthat the group has started in the community.

“This year we want to continue tooutreach to the various groups within theGLBT community, especially African-Americans, Hispanics and gay parents,”said Ruffier. “We’ve been very fortunate inreaching out to gain lesbian members toHRC, but it was very nice to have a specialevent targeted just for them. Obviously TheL Word is a great draw for that.” Ruffieradded that the premiere drew people whomay not normally go out to a bar or clubfrom as far away as Melbourne.

Though Foster is a fan of the show,Ruffier said he had not actively followedthe lesbian-focused program. Sunday’sevent helped Ruffier become quicklyeducated on the show.

“We had a lot of Shane look-alikes,”said Ruffier, laughing. “That’s the hip newlook, or so I gathered.”

In addition to a sneak peak preview ofthe show’s third season opener, DJ BabyBlue also performed and provided musicand entertainment for the mostly femalecrowd. An equally successful event wasalso hosted by HRC Tampa Bay atGeorgie’s Alibi in St. Pete. W KirkHartlage

WOMEN TURN OUT FOR LWORD PREVIEW

This is the third season that the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime have teamed up forthis event.

WJanuary 12-25, 200616

S T A T E

ST. AUGUSTINE – A group of studentsseeking to form gay-straight alliance at St.Augustine high school have been told bytheir school superintendent that they mustre-apply to gain full club status after theirfirst application was denied.

Karen Doering, regional counsel forthe National Center for Lesbian Rights andlegal counsel for the student group, said theschool district was making the studentsjump through hoops that would not berequired of other groups.

Pedro Menendez High School seniorMarissa Burrier submitted a request to form

a GSA to her school principal, RobertAllten, earlier this school year. Afterconsidering the request for several weeks,Allten denied the request, stating that hewould allow an unofficial “tolerance group”that would not be considered an officialschool club and would not have theprivileges other clubs receive.

“I anticipate that the GSA will receivequick approval,” Doering said. “If not, or ifthey attempt to add any restrictions oradditional requirements on the GSA thatother groups are not required to complywith, we will file suit.” W Kirk Hartlage

STUDENTS SEEKING GSA TOLD TO REAPPLY FOR CLUB STATUS

STATE BRIEFSNEW FELLOWSHIP CREATED TO ADVANCE GLBT RIGHTSThanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, theACLU Foundation of Florida has created the John C. Graves Fellowship to advanceGLBT rights. The foundation has also recently hired attorney Robert Rosenwald Jr. tolead the group’s statewide efforts to combat discrimination based on sexualorientation. During the one-year fellowship, the Graves Fellow will focus on a varietyof public policy issues that impact the gay community, including the anti-gay initiativethreatening protections for the families of same-sex couples.

GAINESVILLE AIDS MARATHON ORGANIZERS PLEASED BY TURNOUTOrganizers of the December World AIDS Marathon — and its companion HIV andcancer conference and art exhibit — said they were encouraged by the turnout for thefirst-time effort. Participants came from Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Organizerssaid the Dec. 3-4 event had some logistical problems, including some poorly markedpaths for the marathon. For more information about the conference and future AIDSawareness efforts, visit richardmbrodsky.org.

REAL ESTATESHOWCASE

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January 12-25, 2006W17

H E A D L I N E N E W S

NEW YORK - A lesbian now serves in NewYork’s second-most-powerful politicaloffice. Christine Quinn, 39, who representsthe west side of Manhattan, which includesChelsea and Greenwich Village, has beenelected as the speaker of the city council.

She had been a leading contenderamong the seven people vying for theposition, but all opposition to her collapsedover the New Year’s weekend when thepowerful Democratic political organizationsin the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, andthe Bronx endorsed her candidacy. Herleading opponent then threw his support toQuinn. That made the Jan. 4 vote of the 51-member City Council all but pro forma.

Quinn has worked as a tenant’s rightsorganizer, executive director of the Gay andLesbian Anti-Violence Project, and chief ofstaff to then-Councilman Tom Duane. Shewon a special election to succeed theopenly gay Duane on the City Council,when he moved on to the State Senate in1998.

She has been a strong advocate onGLBT issues, championed progressivehealth benefits and labor laws, and wasamong the leaders in successfully opposingMayor Michael Bloomberg’s push to builda football stadium in her district.

The speaker is considered the second-most-powerful elected office in New York.

It helps to shapelegislation andspendingpriorities on thecity’s $50.2billion budget. Quinn’s

election “meansa lot,” said KenSherrill, aprofessor of

political scienceat HunterUniversity and along timeDemocratic

activist in New York. “It’s a sign of thecoming of age of the community and atransformation of New York City politics.”

He recounted how the last threemayors of New York have been supportiveof nondiscrimination legislation thatincluded gays, but until recently, pastleaders of the council had bottled up thatlegislation. Quinn’s ascension to the office,he said, “is a delicious irony.”

“She is getting this position becauseshe is an effective legislative leader whohas enabled other members of the councilto pass their own legislation,” Sherrill said.W Bob Roehr

LESBIAN NAMED TO MAJORNEW YORK COUNCIL POST

New York city councilmember CHRISTINEQUINN represents thegay-friendly Chelsea andGreenwich Village areas.

NATION BRIEFSBRITISH SAME-SEX COUPLES NOW ALLOWED TO ADOPTIt gets better and better for gays and lesbians in the U.K.: Just days after same-sexcouples began taking part in civil partnerships, they’re now allowed to adopt childrenin the biggest overhaul of British adoption laws ever. Previously, same-sex couples inEngland and Wales had to choose which partner would adopt the child, giving theother fewer parental rights. The British Parliament approved this measure three yearsago, putting the law into effect Jan. 1.

RIKER’S ISLAND CLOSES ITS GAY, TRANSGENDER HOUSINGOne of the nation’s few jail dormitories specifically for gay or transgender prisonersis closing on Rikers Island, prompting complaints from some activists who say it is aneeded safe haven. Plans call for the specialized unit to be replaced with a newprotective custody system that would be available to prisoners who feel threatened,regardless of their sexual orientation. The change has alarmed members of somecivil liberties and gay rights groups that note the new housing would likely be morerestrictive than the old unit.

HONG KONG’S GOVERNMENT FIGHTS SODOMY RULINGThe fight for gay rights in Hong Kong may be far from over. The city-state’sgovernment is appealing an August decision that found its sodomy lawsunconstitutional and discriminatory. One of the laws demands a life sentence for gaysex when one or both of the men are younger than 21. The same punishment appliesto sodomy between straight couples, but in that case only the man — not the womanif she is under 21 — is considered a criminal. There are no corresponding laws forlesbians.

GIRLS SUE SCHOOL FOR ACCUSING THEM OF BEING LESBIANSTwo 16-year-olds who were expelled from a Lutheran high school in Riverside, Calif.,because they were suspected of being lesbians have sued the school. They want toreturn to school, receive damages and prevent the school from excluding gays andlesbians ever again. The lawsuit alleges that the school’s principal called the girls intohis office, grilled them on their sexual orientation and “coerced” one girl into sayingshe loved the other. The principal told the girls’ parents that he had seen no physicalcontact between the girls, but noted that their friendship was “more characteristic ofa lesbian one.”

WJanuary 12-25, 200618

January 12-25, 2006W19

B U S I N E S S

ORLANDO – With a less than six monthsuntil Gay Days Weekend, promoters havebegun to announce their entertainmentschedules. The actual Gay Day – thecenterpiece of nearly a week of parties,shows and other events – has been set forSaturday, June 3.

GayDayS.com organizers haveannounced their events will return to theRoyal Plaza Hotel, which will also serveas their host hotel. The group’s events,which start May 30, will include a cruise,pool parties, a fashion show and the thirdannual Roundup. The Roundup, this yeartitled “We Are Not Saints,” offers 12-stepeducational programs and spiritual-growthactivities for gays and lesbians in recovery.

The eighth annual expo will also beheld at the Hotel Royal Plaza June 1-3 andwill include the Gay Days wedding expo.Vendor space has sold out for the past fiveyears, and applications are now available.For details about the GayDayS.comevents, visit GayDayS.com.

Johnny Chisholm, who last yearpurchased all of local promoter MarkBaker’s events as well Brian Bottorff’s

Reunion festivities has announced his2006 One Mighty Weekend schedule.Beach Ball at Typhoon Lagoon featuringDJ Kimberly S., One Mighty Party at theDisney/MGM Studios featuring DJs TonyMoran and Brett Henrichsen andColosseum at Hard Rock Live featuringDJ Tracy Young will each cost $85. MagicJourney after-hours parties at ArabianNights will feature DJs Roland Belmares,Abel and Manny Lehman and will cost$50 each night. DJs Alyson Calagna, DonBishop and David Knapp will be thefeatured spinners at the Reunion poolparties at the Buena Vista Palace, the newname for the Wyndham Palace Resort andSpa.

Package plans are available for thevarious parties and will run from $245 to$525. An entire schedule can be found atOneMightyWeekend.com.The ParliamentHouse Resort is still in negotiations for itsentertainment offerings but is expected toinclude three big-name performers familiarto the GLBT community. W Kirk Hartlage

GAYDAYS.COM EVENTS RETURN TO ROYAL PLAZA

BUSINESS BRIEFSGROUP BOYCOTTS MATTEL OVER ‘TRANSGENDER’ ISSUEA Far Right Christian group wants to boycott Mattel for “overstepping a line” andjoining forces with the “transgender movement.” The Concerned Women for Americapoints to a poll on Mattel Web site for Barbie, which asks visitors if they are “a boy,”“a girl” or “I don’t know.” Mattel officials said this was a human error and that it shouldhave stated, “I don’t want to say.” GenderPAC’s executive director, Riki Wilchins, wasincensed. “So far they’ve attacked Winnie the Pooh, Tinky Winky, SpongeBobSquarePants and now Barbie for either sex or gender issues,” continued Wilchins.“What’s next? Finding that Bugs Bunny liked kissing Elmer Fudd?”

WAL-MART WORKING TO MARKET TO GAYS, LESBIANSWal-Mart may say it rolls back the prices, but CEO Lee Scott said he wants to roll outthe red carpet to gays and lesbians – as well as Hispanics, Asians, African-Americans,women, Native Americans and the disabled. Recently, gay Wal-Mart employees havebegun to advise the company on better ways to market to the community in an on-going effort to boost sales. Scott told the Associated Press the company is alsolooking at several ecological initiatives, including creation of new “green” stores thatwould use less fuel and resources and offer new lines of organic cotton items.

WJanuary 12-25, 200620

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MILLSTADT, Ill. - A 170-year-oldcongregation outside of St. Louis, Mo., isbreaking away from the United Church ofChrist, citing the denomination’s support ofsame-sex marriages and abortion rights haseroded its membership.

The Zion United Church of Christaccused the denomination in a writtenstatement of promoting “unbiblicalteachings and practices.” The church’spastor said the discontent had been buildingfor some time.

“The congregation was growing more

and more upset over where they felt thedenomination was going,” said the Rev.Darrell Weber. “That has shown in adecline in membership and in giving thatgoes back 15 years.”

Weber said Zion’s membership hasdecreased from 1,000 members 15 yearsago to about 550, primarily because of theUnited Church of Christ’s support for theordination of gay clergy, same-sex marriageand pro-choice rights.

The support for marriage equalityshould have come as little surprise to UCCmembers, as the church has been on theforefront among mainline denominations insupporting the GLBT community.

Two months before the StonewallRiots in New York in 1969, UCC leadersdeclared their opposition to all laws thatcriminalized private same-sex relationsbetween adults. The leaders also voicedtheir opposition to the ban on gay andlesbian U.S. service members.

Local denomination officials say theywere “saddened” by the news. The Rev.Gene Kraus, interim minister for the UnitedChurch of Christ’s Illinois SouthConference, said Zion’s leadershipprevented the denomination from reachingout to the membership before the vote washeld. W Staff and wire reports


S P I R I T U A L I T Y

26

spirituality_listings

Community Catholic ChurchOpen and welcoming congregation. 1124-FF BevilleRoad, Daytona Beach. Call Chris: (386)441-8431.

Hope MCCAll faiths welcome. 500 S. Ridgewood Ave. Services:Sundays 11 am, Wednesdays 7 pm. (386) 254-0993.

Congregation of Reformed JudiasmShabbat Fridays 7 pm. 1st Fridays preceded by 6 pmdinner. Rabbi Steven W. Engel. www.crjorlando.org.

Dignity|OrlandoMass and social hour 5 pm Sundays at GLBCC, 946 N.Mills Ave.www.dignityorlando.org.

First Unitarian Church of OrlandoWorship in a gay-friendly environment. Sundays 10:30am. 1901 E. Robinson St. (407) 898-3621. Rev. MarniHarmony.

Gateway for Integrated ConsciousnessSpiritually-based transformation-oriented workshop forGLBT and friendly people. www.mensinnerjourney.comCall Dan: (407) 895-1194.

Good Shepherd HIV/AIDS Support GroupNondenominational support group. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays7:30 pm Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 5900Oleander Dr. (407) 277-3939.

Hope Unites Church

9 a.m. Sundays, Rollins College Chapel in Winter Park.Call (407) 247-5294.

IntegrityMonthly meetings for gay Episcopalians. Newcomersalways welcome. Call Irv at (407)895-4749.

Joy MCCMeets Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7p.m. at 2351 S. Ferncreek Ave. Call (407) 894-1081 orvisit www.joymcc.com for more information.

Mid-Week Oasis FellowshipSpirit-filled worship and Bible study. Weds., 7:30 p.m.For more info, (407) 869-8308.

New Hope United Methodist ChurchMeets at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 406 E. Amelia St. Call(407) 648-8880 or visit www.new-hope.info for info.

Orlando Church of Religious ScienceSundays 10:30 a.m. at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 S.Maitland Ave. (407) 673-3030. Cath DePalma & JohnDePalma, ministers.

Pathways Ministries & ChurchA non-liturgical bible-based church for all, held at theGLBCC Center every Sunday at 6 p.m. (407) 425-4527.

Soul-utionsWednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Downtown Orlando.Metaphysical-Meditation group. Discover inner peaceand empowerment. (407)492-7405.

University Unitarian Universalist Society

Religion for open minds. Sunday: religious education 9:30a.m., service 10:30 a.m.. 11648 McCulloch Road, EastOrlando. (407) 737-4018 or www.uuus.orlando.fl.uua.org.

Uplift Ministries, INC.Minority-focused ministry meets Sundays at 10:50 a.m.at House of Power, 750 S. Orange Blossom Tr.Discussion Tuesday at 8 p.m. HIV counseling/testingWednesday at 6 p.m. (407) 839-5051 or [email protected].

American Catholic ChurchGay-affirming church meets for Sunday Mass at 10:30a.m., 7813 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. (813) 238-6060.

Beth Rachamim SynagogueGrowing reform congregation with special outreach tothe GLBT community. Sabbath services Fridays at 8p.m., 719 Arlington Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-7503 or www.bethrachamim.org.

Breath of Life Fellowship CCSundays at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesdaysat 7 p.m. 6424 N. Armenia Ave. (813) 873-1888 orwww.breathoflifefcc.org

Christ the Cornerstone ChurchAll are welcome at this Christian church. 1025 7th Ave.N., St. Petersburg. (727) 823-1806 orwww.christcornerstone.com. Rev. Joyce Stone, Pastor.

Congregation B’nai Emmunah Reform Judaism synagogue. Shabbat Evening Servicesare at 8 p.m. every Friday with Rabbi Shimon Moch.3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 938-9000or www.bnaiemmunah.org.

Faith Presbyterian Church of DunedinPart of the “More Light Presbyterians” seeking fullparticipation of GLBT people of faith. Services areSundays at 10:30 a.m. at 5 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. (727)733-2956 or www.faith-pc.org.

Fellowship/Bible StudyFor information, call (813) 494-5736.

Franciscan CenterMass for the lesbian/gay community on Sundays at 7p.m. at the Franciscan Center, 3010 Perry Ave., Tampa.(813)229-2695.

Francis HouseA non-profit, interfaith day respite center for thoseaffected by HIV/AIDS. (813) 237-3066 orwww.francishouse.org.

Holy Spirit Ecumenical ChurchA fully affirming and inclusive Catholic community for allpeople of faith. Sundays at 10am at the Quality Inn at 20162US Hwy 19 N (Druid Rd-south of SR 60) in Clearwater. Call(727) 709-1542 or visit www.holyspiritecc.org.

Holy Spirit Ecumenical Catholic ChurchSunday Mass, 10:30 a.m. 10623 106th Avenue North,Largo. (727) 709-1542 or www.holyspiritecc.org

Integrity of Tampa BayAll are welcome at this support group for members ofthe GLBT community within the Episcopal church.Meets the 1st Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. at St.Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Temple Terrace. (813)988-5283.

Interweave of ClearwaterGiving support to GLBT Unitarian Universalists and their

heterosexual allies. (727) 531-7704.

King of Peace MCCWorship services are at 9:30 a.m. and 11:07 a.m. eachSunday at 3150 5th Ave N., St. Pete. Prayer/Communionservice is at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday, followed by dinnerand bingo. (727) 323-5857.

MCC of TampaWorship services Sunday at 10:30 a.m.. Mid-week dinneron Wednesday at 6 p.m., with worship at 7 p.m. 408 E.Cayuga St. (813) 239-1951 or [email protected]. Phyllis E. Hunt, Pastor.

Potter’s House FellowshipSpirit-filled ministry offering hope and the love of Christfor all people. Sunday services at 10 a.m. at 3702 W.Kennedy Blvd. (813) 238-6330. orwww.pottershousefellowship.com [email protected].

Rainbow Promise MCCMeets at 10:30 a.m. at 1145 U.S. 92 East, Auburndale.The Rev. Karen Ducham officiates. Call (863) 802-6769.

Spirit of Life MCCWorship service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday at 4133Thys Road, New Port Richey and Wednesdays at 6:30p.m. (727) 849-6962 or www.jord1.com/Spirit .

St. George’s Anglican ChurchEvangelical Anglican Church — a progressive gay-affirming church in the Anglican tradition. Call (813) 258-0750.

Unitarian Universalists of ClearwaterWelcoming congregation worships Sundays at 10:30a.m. at 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater. (727) 531-7704.

Unitarian Universalist Church of BrooksvilleSunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at the PinesConference Center, 7029 Cedar Lane, Brooksville. Call(352) 796-4457 or [email protected].

Unitarian Universalit Church of St. PeteWorship services are at 11 a.m. each Sunday, 719Arlington Ave. N. (727) 898-3294.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa Services at 11 a.m. Sundays, 11400 Morris BridgeRoad

Unity Church of TodaySunday meetings at 9:45 a.m., service at 11 a.m.. 710Crenshaw Lake Rd, Lutz. (813)909-9590 or visitcttampa.tripod.com.

UU Rainbow Outreach of Tampa BayOutreach by Unitarian Universalists to the local GLBTcommunity. For more information call (727) 531-7704.

Church of the Trinity MCCTraditional worship services at 9:15 a.m., and acontemporary service at 11 a.m.. Friday services at 7p.m. with a 6 p.m. social. 7225 N. Lockwood RidgeRoad. (941)355-0847 or [email protected].

Dignity of SarasotaMass for GLBT Catholics Sundays at UnitarianUniversalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road,Sarasota. (941)359-9504 or www.dignitysarasota. com.

[sarasota]

[tampa_bay]

[daytona/space_coast]

SPIRITUALITY BRIEFSTRINITY MCC HOSTS ALL-CHURCH RETREAT JAN. 13-15Church of the Trinity MCC will host an all-church retreat Jan. 13-15 at the DaySpringConference Center in Ellenton. The weekend will look at the theme of “What Are YouLooking For: Moving from Resolutions to Intentions,” led by the Rev. Mona West andthe Rev. S. David Wynn. The overnight retreat costs $50 per person and includesdinner, some meals and the overnight accommodations For more information, call(941) 355-0847.

UFMCC TO CONDUCT AFRICAN DESCENT CONFERENCE IN TAMPAMark the calendars now: The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan CommunityChurches will host its 2006 People of African Descent Conference in Tampa in April,hosted by MCC Tampa. The conference will be open to everyone, regardless of raceor ethnicity. The Rev. Lynice Pinkard of San Francisco will serve as the conferencekeynote speaker. Visit MCCConferences.org for details.

CHURCH LEAVES UCC OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ISSUE

[orlando]

OKLAHOMA CITY - A staunchly anti-gaymember of the Southern BaptistConvention’s executive committee wasarrested in Oklahoma City forpropositioning a male police officer.

Lonnie Latham, senior pastor at SouthTulsa Baptist Church, was booked on amisdemeanor charge of offering to engagein an act of lewdness. He was found in aparking lot which is in an area where thepublic has complained about maleprostitutes flagging down cars. Plainclothesofficers were investigating thesecomplaints.

Shortly after his arrest, Latham told atelevision station that “I was set up. I was inthe area pastoring to police.” Officers saidhe had been seeking oral sex.

The lewdness charge carries a penaltyof up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Latham has spoken out against same-sex marriage and in support of a SouthernBaptist Convention directive urging its42,000 churches to befriend gays andlesbians and try to convince them that theycan become heterosexual “if they acceptJesus Christ as their savior and reject their‘sinful, destructive lifestyle.’” (AP)

ANTI-GAY PASTORARRESTED FOR SOLICITING SEX

W Updates? Email changes to:[email protected]

V I E W P O I N T

January 12-25, 2006W27

I had an interesting conversation witha friend of mine over the holidays and hesurprised me with some of his views. Wewere making sure our gay chromosomeswere active by discussing the upcomingawards shows – from everything from theGrammys to the Academy Awards.

Of course, January through March isawards season and most of us will be eitherglued to the television or Internet this yearto see just how well Brokeback Mountainfaired at the Golden Globes. Other less-watched programs will dominate theairwaves too. There really does seem to beawards for just about anything these days.

While talking about the chances of agay epic winning any awards – much less abest picture statue – my buddy brought upthe Black Entertainment Television Awards.The cable network says some of its highestratings come during the awards show – andwith good reasons. Live performances, redcarpet interviews and entertainingacceptance speeches move the show rightalong. I can’t wait to see the LutherVandross dedications this year.

It’s great that cable – which is nowthe mainstream media outlet – is so diverse.There’s something for everybody.

But this buddy of mine didn’t thinkthat was such a great thing. The idea of a“black awards show,” he said, is ridiculousand is discriminatory. Where are the whiteawards shows or the white networks, hewanted to know.

After calmly referringhim to CMT and GAC – andany of the original big threenetworks, I told him I wassurprised that a gay man wouldhold such views. It’s the exactsame thing as a straight personsaying “Where’s the straightpride parade this year?”

That sentence islaughable. But how many of us have heardthat very sentence muttered during aturbulent 2005 for gay rights inHillsborough County? Talk show guests,letters to the editor in both mainstreamnewspapers and people on the sidewalkscounter-protesting Equality Florida have allasked that very question.

Any group that wants to celebrate itsown achievements should have every rightto do so. Whether it’s a segment of oursociety that characterizes itself by race orby orientation shouldn’t matter. When a

group that has faced discrimination starts todiscriminate against other groups, everyonesuffers.

The African-American communityhas done so much for the nation that thereis no way to list every achievement in thislimited space. Regardless of your politicalstanding, you can’t ignore the achievementsof blacks in our society. From Rosa Parksand Martin Luther King to politicos likeCondoleezza Rice and Colin Powell, thatsegment of the population has plenty tocelebrate.

Why shouldn’t that communitycelebrate itsentertainers? Can youimagine a gay clubwithout the influenceof Whitney Houston,Deborah Cox or PattiLaBelle? I didn’tthink so.

BEThas survived more

than a quarter of a century and has pavedthe way for the GLBT community. Todaywe have Logo – in some markets – and QTelevision. If the folks at BET hadn’t takenthe initial steps to create a niche network,there’s no way we would have thedevelopment of these brand new GLBTchannels.

Some in the straight African-American community don’t appreciate thesimilarities that many of us see relating toour own present-day struggles. Whilepeople like Hillsborough Commissioner

Ronda Storms fight to take recognition andfreedoms away from us, we can carry thehope that comes with history. If theAfrican-American community survived itscivil rights movement, we can survive ours.

We should be thankful to thesuccesses of blacks in our community andin our country, not condemning them forcelebrating those achievements.

It’s a new year and everyone islooking to the future. Everyone promises toenter the gym and eat right. Hopefullyeveryone will stick to that.

But here’s a resolution for us all toconsider: Attend a pride event other than agay one. For example, St. Petersburg offersa Caribbean festival every year. Check itout and see what that community has to sayfor itself. During the Martin Luther King Jr.holiday, visit a church recognizing hisachievements. If you don’t know muchabout this man, educate yourself. See whyhe is “such a big deal.”

Then look around at our gay pridecelebrations and thank those who aren’tdirectly involved in the fight for our rightsfor being there to support us. Imagine whatwe could accomplish if every minoritygroup supported each other. Then we mightreally need to help organize a “straightpride day.”

Steve Blanchard is Watermark’sTampa Bay bureau writer. He can bereached at [email protected]

When a group that havefaced discriminationstarts to discriminateagainst other groups,everyone suffers.

KEEPING AT BAY

RESOLVE TO RESPECT THE PRIDE OF OTHERSBy Steve Blanchard

WJanuary 12-25, 200628

V I E W P O I N T

“Cast me gently into morning/For thenight has been unkind.” — SarahMcLachlan

This lyric summarizes the year thatI’ve just left. I feel as if I’ve been castout from a long and unkind night into abright and unexpected day. Whatremains to be seen is what will becomeof it and of me. I feel the past dayshave strained what little stamina I haveand my mind, body and soul are about tobe pushed to their very limits.

So what of my mind? This ishardly unexplored territory, after all Ilived with depression for decades andI’ve been in analysis for a good numberof years. Let me state clearly the illnesswas always there, AIDS only made itworse and at times deadly. Yet as onepoint of the triad which makes up myintellect, I feel it the most friable,without my daily regime ofantidepressants and anti-psychotics I’dfind myself falling down that dark rabbithole of blackness in short order.

I’m very thankful of the mentalhealth staff in my life, this includesfamily and friends – they are important

in keeping me buoyed above the darkand dangerous waters within me. It’sparamount for me to keep this in mind,because when I feel a little “down” it’s afair guess I’m really drowning in thoseblack waters. A call, an e-mail or ashort trip to Publix is in order to floatme back into the thick of things. Is itany wonder that I volunteer three ormore days a week?

And what of mybody? I’ve a new littlefriend at my left elbow;he’s called a PICC line.He’s the permanent IVcatheter I’ve had sinceSeptember and it looks asthough he’s here to stayto do battle with my otherlittle friend, candidaalbicans, better known asthrush. In my case notonly is this fungus in mymouth and throat, but also in most of mydigestive track. It’s so much fun; thediarrhea alone keeps me in stitches!

As for the rest of my corporeal self,I’m getting by. This means I’m gettingby on a 100th of what a non-infected

person gets by on. Meet my T-cells:They’re named Hughie, Dewey andLouie; I pray daily that the three of themare causing mischief and making moreT-cells as well as teaching these newbieswhat to attack and destroy. As for myviral load, it’s measured in the millions,I’m simply awash in virus, but damn it!I’m still here!

Because I’ve burned through all ofthe available anti-viral medications onthe market, I’ve been relegated toplaying a waiting game for the next newmiracle drug to make an appearance.This is a little like Russian roulette, younever quite know if what you’re taking

will help you or killyou. I’m faithful to myregime; I take my medslike clockwork, butsomething in mymakeup doesn’t fosterthe least little give Ineed to make someheadway against thisnasty bug.

As for spirit, I’vegot that in bundles.Without my constantback talk to the Creator,I don’t think I’d have

made it this far and in such goodcondition. When you amaze the docsaround you with your ability to keepplugging along despite the obstacles inyour path; that speaks to having God inthe details. I detail my demands for life

in everyway and everyday when I talk toGod. Yet I don’t forget to say “thankyou” or “please,” as it’s only politewhen you’re dealing with an omnipotentbeing.

I try very hard to think of othersand to focus on what I can do for them.In my book, I’m not as important as thefolks around me are. Whether they’rePWAs or not, for me it’s all aboutlending a hand, an ear or a leg up to theone who really is in need. This keepsmy spirit polished like a brand newpenny, I find it amazing the amount ofgood that can come from one simple actof kindness, and it can literally take yourbreath away.

As for my mind, body and soul, thetriad that keeps me going, I know thedire importance of keeping them fedwith the very best I can bring to thetable. My mind needs knowledge; mybody needs its meds and nutritiousmeals, and my soul not only needs hope,it needs to be exercised just as my bodydoes. These three seemingly simplethings are really incredibly complex, andthey have just delivered me into thisbright new day.

Bryan L. Middour is an Orlandowriter who can be reached [email protected]. W

Meet my T-cells: I praydaily that the three ofthem are causingmischief and makingmore T-cells as well asteaching these newbieswhat to destroy.

VOICES IN MY HEAD

SEEKING RESPONSE IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRITBy Bryan L. Middour

V I E W P O I N T

January 12-25, 2006W29

There’s nothing more exhilaratingthan Saturday night at the club, this weknow. The flashing lights, the sweatybodies, the promises we never intend tokeep — these are the things that makegay life worth living. But sometimes,amidst the allure of temptation and sin,we gay men simply forget that there arerules of proper club etiquette to whichone must adhere.

First and foremost, we seriouslyneed to talk about the vintage T. If youdo choose to wear such a common itemto the club, please be advised: Such a Tcan not truly bedeemed vintage if youpurchased it that verysame day on theclearance rack atTarget. And guesswhat? It makes nodifference if youspent $100 on it atAbercrombie & Fitcheither.

As the indigenouspeople who craftedthe T will tell you, go sniff under themoth balls in your Great-Uncle Louie’scedar closet if you truly desire the realthing.

Moving on to shoes: It is highlysuggested that your stick to the basics.Black, brown, and shiny are alwaysgood. And unless you’re on stagewearing a bad wig and lip-synching toShakira, anything with a heel is not akeen idea, even if you are verticallychallenged.

And in case you think sneakers areacceptable, they’re not. Long gone arethe high school dances where you ruledthe gymnasium in Converse All-Stars.You’re a big boy now, and such a tragicwardrobe flaw has been known to makecertain gay people be mistaken forstraight. And in case you’re wonderingabout sandals, save yourself the grief.Nobody wants to see your toes unlessthey’re really into kink.

Hats are a tricky affair. Please note:Such an accessory is deemed acceptableif, and only if, it flatters yourpersonality. In laymen’s terms, nocowboy hats unless you truly are corn-fed and living on a farm. Also, wearinga hat to disguise a bald spot is a seriousno-no.

Remember: showing off the real youis much more attractive. Besides, theDaddy Warbucks vibe can be quite sexy.And in case Ashton Kutcher hasn’tinformed you yet, trucker hats are over,even if they are strategically placed off-kilter.

Now about technique. Please be

aware that what you do, who you do andwhat you say speak volumes about you.It is one thing to have a tasteless hook-up back at your place, and quite anotherto expose spectators to it on the dancefloor. Please note that the lavatory is notyour personal brothel either. In otherwords, if the stars align and your veryown Greek god enters the club, be adove and escort him somewherepeaceful instead of swallowing histongue in the john.

A shout out to all the peeps preparedto dance: The dance floor is not your

personal runway. Pleasesave any delusions ofgrandeur for when you’reback at home practicingthat dated Tyra Banksroutine. Do us a favor andput down that lit cigaretteas well. Beside the risk ofcausing an unsightlyburn, cigarettes breedcancer. And non-smokersare said to be quite fondof their lungs.

Just a few side notes: When itcomes to glow sticks—just say no. Andtake a break if you become too sweaty.No fellow dancers want to bathe in theshower of you.

Finally, cheers to the good chapswho can properly purchase a drink at theclub. In case you do not fall under thiscategory, please take heed that tipping abartender anything less than a dollar isrude.

So is knocking over a stranger’sdrink and not offering to replace it. Thetype of drink you consume is yourchoice. But remember: unless it’s rainingmen, tiny pink umbrellas in fruity drinksare unacceptable, and consuming beerfrom a can is blasphemous.

Anthony Paull is a Sarasota writerwho can be reached [email protected]. W

If the stars align and yourvery own Greek godenters the club, be a doveand escort himsomewhere peacefulinstead of swallowing histongue in the john.

THE DATING DIET

LEARN A LITTLE FROM CLUB ETIQUETTE 101By Anthony Paull

SMITH MAKES A GREATPOINT ABOUT ‘LIVING OUT’

I like what Nadine Smith said in herrecent Watermark column about the need tonot just “come out,” but “live out” as well.

It is a pain when a simple moment likebuying flowers at the grocery store causesthe clerk to say, “Your girlfriend is going tobe happy.” At that moment I have to decidewhether I want to take the time to correcther or just get my change and leave. Eitheroption can sometimes seem like a no-winsituation. Leaving without saying anythingis one more time society succeeded inshutting me up.

Saying something makes it appear tothe clerk that I’m making a big deal out ofnothing, etc.

I try my best to “live out.” Carryingmy sign stating that I’m a gay schoollibrarian during the St. Pete Pride marchand identifying myself as that in the papersand announcing that I am a gay man and aschool librarian to the countycommissioners was not done for attention. Idid it for the young gays and lesbians whomay be scared in the same way that I wasas a kid.

The other day, I was in a mall and raninto another teacher I hadn’t seen in years.She was with her partner, who recognizedme from my problems with e-mails in thepublic school system. She thanked mesincerely for standing up for what Ibelieved in. Still, I’m amazed at the numberof people who can’t — or don’t.

My partner, Tim, has a bumper stickerthat reads, “My Family Values: GayRights” and straight men and women, aswell as lesbians compliment him on it. Still,no gay man has mentioned it, and I thinkthat’s due to self-hatred. Sure, they’ll put aHuman Rights Campaign sticker on theircars because it’s “safe,” but you won’t see a

rainbow flag. Too many people know whatthat means these days.

Nadine Smith said that we internalizethis self-hatred. I see it in myself and inothers. Bart BirdsallTampa

GLBCC’S BOB KINGWILL BE MISSED

I have had the honor of working withBob King at Orlando’s Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual Community Center over the lastfew years. He is a remarkable person whohas always given 125% of himself to thecenter.

It has been because of his reputationand commitment that the center has beenable to pick itself up from its past problems.Bob has been the foundation for all theevents, activities, etc., that have happenedthere since he volunteered as theadministrator, working to make every eventthe best it could possibly be.

The Christmas in July fund-raiser wasonly the tip of the iceberg. Without his help,the Rainbow Health Fair would not havebeen as successful as it has been in the threeyears that I have helped with it.

He will be greatly missed. I knowmany people have come to the centerbecause they knew that Bob representedhonesty, reliability and stability. I, for one,want to publicly say, “Thank You, BobKing.”Linda “P”Via e-mail

Letters to the editor are alwayswelcome, but they may be cut for lengthand clarity. Drop them in the mail to Editor,Watermark, P.O. Box 533655, Orlando, FL32803 or write to [email protected]. W

WJanuary 12-25, 200630

Gays andlesbianshave long

embracedculturalofferings thatblur genderlines. Boy

George, AnnieLennox, RuPaul,

Kids in the Hall,Little Britain – just

about any form ofentertainmentwhere the boysare girls or the

girls are boys isquickly adopted by the GLBT

community as its own.No surprise then that LesBallets Trockadero deMonte Carlo – the all-

male professional ballet troupethat performs classical ballets andmodern dances both as men and aswomen – has been loved by GLBTaudiences since its inception in 1974.The company performs a full repertoire

of ballet and modern dance, includingclassical and original works in faithfulrenditions of those styles. That mendance all the parts — heavy bodiesdelicately balancing on toes as swans,water sprites, romantic princesses, angst-ridden Victorian ladies — enhancesrather than mocks the spirit of dance asan art form, and provides a uniquecomedic element to each performance.

The Orlando Ballet and TheMaitland Art Center have joined forcesto bring the Trocks, as they areaffectionately known, back to Orlandoafter a 20-year absence. Staged at HardRock Live on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 8p.m., the Trocks could very well be thegayest act that venue’s seen outside ofhosting circuit parties during Gay Dayseach June.

The performance is also a bitof a homecoming of sorts forTrocks member Chase Johnsey.Johnsey grew up in Winter Havenand went to school in Lakelandbefore enrolling in a specializedboarding school for the arts inVirginia.

Johnsey joined the troupe two yearsago when he was barely 18. He’s stillthe youngest member of the troupe, andat 5’6”, 125 lbs., he’s also one of thesmallest. His petite size allows him to belifted easily, so he often performs thefemale role in pas de duex, or balletdances for two. All members of thetroupe are required to perform both maleand female roles.

“I always knew I wanted to be partof the Trocks,” Johnsey said bytelephone from New York. “I had seenthem on TV and really liked thecomedic aspect of what they do.”

The Trocks prove that men can,indeed, dance en pointe—on the tips oftheir toes — without falling flat on theirfaces. It came easily for Johnsey.

“I had been dancing en pointe foryears,” he said. “I practiced it to developthe muscles in my feet.”

Though his mother enrolled him indance classes at the age of seven,Johnsey didn’t begin classical ballettraining until 15.

“My philosophy is that I was bornto be a dancer,” said Johnsey. “I guess Iwas always dancing around the livingroom, even as a young child. I thinkthere is something in my soul thatalways wanted to dance.”

But having achieved his goal ofbecoming a professional dancer, Johnseystill isn’t content.

“When you do something artistic,

January 12-25, 2006W31

For one member of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, it’s a trip home

By Kirk Hartlage

HARD ROCKTROCKS

what: Les Ballets Trockadero de MonteCarlo, presented by the Orlando Ballet andThe Maitland Art Centerwhen: 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19where: Hard Rock Live, Universal Orlandotickets: Range from $100 (table seating)to $32 and may be purchased by calling theOrlando Ballet at (407) 426-1739 or HardRock Live at (407) 351-5483. For moreinformation, visit OrlandoBallet.org.W

wa

terb

ugs

Continued on page 44

Sequels are a funny thing. Sometimes theyrise to the top, equaling or even surpassing theiroriginal source. More often, they sink so fast itmakes one wonder why the original materialwasn’t left undisturbed.

In the case of After the Prom: Ladies ofEola Heights Part 2, there’s every reason tobelieve it will be the former. The firstinstallment was a surprise hit, garnering rave

reviews and selling out the Parliament House’sFootlight Theater for nine months – mostly tobusloads of straight folk. Doug Ba’asar, SamSinghaus and Tommy Wooten are all back toplay eccentric Orlando siblings. And Wanzieknows and loves these types of characters well.He’s previously visited with them in CarolinaMoon and then Trailer Trash Christmas.

Mouths of the SouthMichael Wanzie revisits the Ladies of Eola Heights

By Kirk Hartlage

Continued on page 38

Winter Haven nativeCHASE JOHNSEY (right)supports two of hisfellow Trocks … for thetime being.

Despite their penchant for wearing mesh tutus, the Ladies of Eola Heightswill not perform any ballet dances.


W A T E R C O L O R S

32

HAPPY 2006! So far so good,considering that 2005 ended with a crackat our house. How, you’re wondering? SoI’ll explain.

A pesky buried back tooth decided togive Kirk some trouble after 50 years; whoknew it was even there? It made itspresence known in the most uncomfortableway, and so the good dentist sent him to anoral surgeon for an extraction — whichturned out to be major. In the surgeon’s 30-odd years of poking and pulling, Kirk’swas one of his Top Ten Worst CasesScenarios. Oy!

I was there all day, waiting andreading ancient magazines (did you knowNixon is probably going to resign? Andwho is this Madonna person?) and noddingknowingly to the other spouses andmothers in the room. When he came out ofsurgery, he was brought to the recoveryroom and the doctor and all the nurses satme down and told me all the things I hadto do in the way of medications, coldcompresses, foods and comfort.

Not once did they ask who I was, notonce did they ask how I was related, andnot once did I have to call my lawyer to

prove that I was the responsible party — itwas great! It was nice not being looked atsideways for once in a situation like that.Afterwards, the nurse brought Kirk to thecar and, after he and I amused ourselveswith numerous Baby Jane/Blanche-in-the-wheelchair references, wewere off toward home.

Florence Nightingale Iwas, with the ice packs andthe trips to CVS and thechanging of the cotton. I triedto be like Melanie at thehospital when she wastending the Confederatewounded, but I sounded morelike Scarlett because that’show I express myself. Itprevents me from being too emotional,especially when someone you care for islaying practically comatose on a bed andyou don’t know what the next minute isgoing to bring.

But we got through the first two days.The pain became bearable, and I oftenconsidered dipping into the Tylenol 3myself, but I had to remind myself not tobe so selfish; it wasn’t my prescription,

after all. And three days later, as he was

slowly enjoying some soup, his jawcracked — he heard it, felt it and knew it.We phoned the surgeon, who had warnedus that this could happen, and we went thenext day for X-rays. I wanted to see if myheart was breaking, but deferred to Kirk,whose jaw was indeed snapped.

So, I was sent back into the waitingroom for more smiling and nodding andreading — Roosevelt is probably going tobe elected to a second term, did you knowthat? — and they wired Kirk’s mouth shut

so that the jawbonecould set and, wehope, heal. We’llknow in six weeks,they tell us; six weeksof living with a manwho now sounds verymuch like ThurstonHowell III — LocustValley lockjaw and allthat.

If setting didn’toccur, it will be time to install a metalbridge, and the lame jokes will centeraround tin men and oil cans. And it’s goodthat we can laugh about all this, eventhough I was originally instructed by thepatient not to ask him any questions thatrequired more than a “yes” or “no” answer.

That didn’t last long; Kirk’smysterious information system — acombination of e-mail, telepathy and tom-toms — soon had the phone ringing off the

hook, and well-wishers stopping by thehouse, which was very nice and normal.They oohed and aahed at the aluminumChristmas tree, and politely admired thecreche figurines that I’d finally Windexedafter 40 years, and a Merry Christmas wasactually had by all.

Kirk is incredible. He nevercomplains, and he supports everyonearound him through thick and thin simplyby being his good, true self. He’s the mostnon-patient-like patient I’ve ever known.(Happy Anniversary, Kirk…thanks forthese past nineteen years!)

MY CO-WORKER LINDA and Irecently had a discussion aboutdysfunctional families, and realized that nofamily is truly functional: Cram two peopleinto a house along with a brood who shareall of their chromosomes, and you’rebound to have conflict. It’s a wonder mostkids stick around for as long as they do!

We thought that many adults seem tolook for childhood problems on which topin their disappointments. ConchataFerrell, playing a TV psychologist, put itaptly: “So you had a lousy childhood. Whodidn’t?! Next!” Maybe this year we shouldall stop blaming the wonder years for ourproblems … and blame the people nextdoor instead.

Jim Crescitelli is Watermark’s oldestliving contributor. He can be reached [email protected]. W

It was six weeks ofliving with a man whonow sounds very muchlike Thurston Howell III— Locust Valley lockjawand all that.

WATERCRESS

2006 KICKS OFF WITH A BANG AND A BITESalad by Jim Crescitelli

V I E W P O I N T

January 12-25, 2006W33

Jokes about lesbians and renting U-Hauls on the second date are a dime adozen. I can’t figure out this habit thatlesbians have developed of moving fromone relationship to another without takingsome time out to regroup and rethink ourlives.

Recently, a friend of ours broke upwith her honey and needed a place to stay.She’d moved into her girlfriend’s housesoon after they’d met, and now that they’dbroken up the tension between the two ofthem was, well, tense.

She was sleeping on the couch andfeeling miserable. The ex – also a friendof ours – just wanted her to move on withher life and move out of thehouse. Since housing in ourarea isn’t cheap, my partner,Alta, and I decided to helpboth women out by offeringto let the homeless partnermove in with us temporarilyuntil she could save enoughmoney to get her own place.

Now, Alta and I are veryeasy-going types. In fact, Altais a self-describedmarshmallow. I’m a littlemore wary having been burned by morefriends than I like to remember over theyears. So I placed a lot of conditions onour friend and made it clear that the offerof sanctuary was good for two months orless.

Our stray lesbian moved in and she’sbeen an ideal guest: quiet in the morning,helping around the house and picking upafter herself.

She’s also been a revelation to Altaand I regarding the dating game. Barelyhad our friend moved into our housebefore she began prowling around to meeta new honey. While we’re spouting well-meaning platitudes about getting to knowone’s self better before plunging into newrelationships, our friend has been single-mindedly looking for a new love interestwhen we thought she should be lookingfor a new place to live.

I can’t blame her since the holidayswithout a sweetie can be depressing.Besides that the ego is always bruisedwhen a lover rejects one and our friendwas no exception. For the right womanshe will be a real honey, very affectionateand she loves to laugh.

But since Alta and I have beenpartners for a while, it has been arevelation for us to watch how modernlesbians seek out partners in a wide-flungcommunity like ours. I joked with ourfriend about seeking out a mate to import,since no one among our local communitymuch interested her.

Our friend took my suggestions to

heart and signed up for some online chatrooms and singles Web sites on theInternet. She wound up communicatingwith several women online – and onewoman from Tampa in particular.

While we were marveling at how welland quickly our friend’s heart had healedfrom the recent break-up, she could talk ofnothing but meeting someone new whocould appreciate and love her.

Now in all fairness, Alta and I arecautious types. We dated for a year beforedeciding to move in and buy a housetogether. Heck, I socialized with Alta for amonth after I met her, uncertain if wewere dating or just hanging out together.

Thank God one of usfinally got up thenerve to kiss the otheror we might still be indating limbo.

Our friend hasno such hesitation andI don’t know whetherthat’s a good thing ora set up for heartbreakdown the road. Sherendezvoused with hercomputer pal and

swears she has met her soul mate. Wehaven’t seen much of her since that initialmeeting and I’m expecting any day nowshe’ll be packing her bags and moving inwith her new honey. She’s even suggestedsuch a possibility is imminent.

More power to her if that makes herhappy, but our lesbian culture is full ofmore failures than success when we packup the U-Haul too soon. I hope shedoesn’t become one of those statistics.

Karen S. Murray-Parker is a writer,artist and nurse working on her mastersdegree and living in Sarasota. She is alsoa contact dyke for Lesbian Connectionand can be reached [email protected]. W

AMAZONS

SHE ONLY REINFORCES THE U-HAUL STEREOTYPEBy Karen S. Murray-Parker

Our friend has beensingle-mindedly lookingfor a new love interestwhen we thought sheshould be looking for anew place to live.

The sultry

actress

behind The L

Word’s resident

vixen, Shane, says

that even she’s

puzzled by her

character’s behavior

By David R. Guarino



34

Life in Shane’s ever-evolving worldcan seem quite overwhelming to the viewerat times, but for the 28 year-old Moennig,who has made the character a householdword, it is all in a day’s work.

The daughter of renowned violinmaker William Moennig, Katherine’smother was a Broadway dancer.Interestingly enough, Kate has talentpeppered throughout her family tree, as sheis the niece of award-winning actressBlythe Danner and the cousin of GwynethPaltrow.

She recently chatted about the thirdseason of The L Word, her sexuallyvoracious character and what it all means— sort of.

WATERMARK: What aspects ofShane’s character do you have thehardest time relating to and why?

Her infidelity. And not her closedemotional space, but her reasoning for (the)infidelity. There are a few things that Iusually really have to wrap my head aroundto figure out why she’s doing it withoutjudging her. And sometimes it’s not easy,because it’s vastly different from who I am.

But I think the main thing is herreasoning for not being in a relationshipand not staying true … not so much in thefirst season, but I think that when we weredoing the second season last year I justcouldn’t for the life of me figure out whyshe didn’t want to be with that characterCarmen. Because Shane just keptsabotaging it and pushing herself fartherand farther away and I would just sit thereand think, “Why would this person bedoing this?”

Do you envision Shane as someonewho has the capacity to cultivate aserious love relationship and maintain it?

Yes, I think everyone does, to acertain extent. It’s just a matter of whatroad you’re going to go down to really findit. I think she (Shane) does (have thecapacity to love), I think she does at the endof the day, I just think it’s going to take alot for her to get to that place of just being avulnerable person. I think she put up a lotof walls, but I believe those walls could bebroken down, and she could really feel.

Is there any substance, to yourmind, to the oft-heard argument thatThe L Word showcases a strictly fantasylesbian community and lifestyle? That isto say, on the show the characters are allvery svelte, very well dressed, verysuccessful.

Yeah, of course, there’s some truth tothat. Absolutely.

But I don’t think it’s the end-all, be-all. You know, this is a TV show. That can’tbe forgotten, and also it’s the first one. So ifanything I think the show is paving the wayfor other shows down the line. And if that’sthe case then other shows will have moreopportunity to show a whole array ofwomen. Our show happens to be like thisand you can love it or hate it but it is whatit is. And it’s hard to please everyone; it’sjust trying to do the best job you can.

Do you ever have any trepidationabout doing the lesbian sexual scenesthat are written for your character,Shane? And how do you prepare for thatkind of interaction with another actor?

I don’t have a problem with it. But Iwill say it’s not easy nor fun to be doing alove scene with someone who would beconsidered an extra whom you’ve just metfive minutes before shooting. If you’vewatched the show you know that Shane’sslept with a lot of people. And you’ve seena lot of those scenes with random girls;that’s not very easy.

Is there any kind of a scene thatyou absolutely would not do?

I don’t think I’d do full frontal again.Unless it was for a really good reason. Ithink that’s harder than doing a love scene.

Have you ever thought of yourcharacter as being comparable to theBrian Kinney character played by GaleHarold on Queer as Folk?

No. Honestly, I’ve seen maybe a fewepisodes. Aside from both characters beingpromiscuous, I can’t really see a thread thatwould connect the two from an emotionalstandpoint. W

Actress KATHERINE MOENNIG says that she was just beside herself when her character,Shane, wouldn’t want to be with Carmen last season.

Sexy actress Katherine Moennig takes romantic angst to newheights as fast-lane lesbian vixen Shane McCutcheon onShowtime’s woman-on-woman drama, The L Word.

She likes being called Kate and has beautifully expressive eyesand a pouting mouth. Her figure is svelte and she looks great in tightdesigner jeans. She’s straight in real life, and on Showtime’s signaturelesbian drama she plays a charmer who usually runs from the scene ofanything that remotely resembles a serious romantic involvement.

Source material: The show is basedon gay author Gregory Maguire’sengaging 1995 novel of the same name. Ittells the back story of the Frank L. Baumnovel, The Wizard of Oz, which wasturned into a film ripe with gayassociation.

Garlands for Garland: Oz’s tale ofDorothy Gale mirrored gay icon JudyGarland’s own painfulroad to stardom.Garland,incidentally, diedon June 22,1969, and herfuneral was heldin New York on

June 28 — the day before the StonewallRiots broke out.

Politics: Beyond the basic Wizard ofOz back story, Wicked presents culturallyrelevant themes such as the dangers ofpolitical propaganda and prejudice basedon appearance – themes faced by theGLBT community daily.

Sense of belonging: This version ofthe Oz story is about friendship, loyalty,and the times when the appeal ofbelonging is tested by a commitment toone’s own integrity – a challenge oftenfaced by those who’ve dealt with afriend’s coming out.

A place in the world: Beyond beinga story solely about rejection, Wicked also

presents a plethora of political and socialcommentary, while presenting a tale ofmaking one’s mark in the world.

Ohhh, pretty!: Though only a sidestreet in the stage musical, the YellowBrick Road is paved with gold – and weall know how much gays are attracted toshiny objects. (Plus, is it any mystery that“oz.” is also an abbreviation for how goldis measured?)

TV connections: The libretto waswritten by WinnieHolzman, atelevision writerknown forcreating positivegay characters inMy So-Called Lifeand thirtysomething.

Over the …: The show takes a lookat the darker side of the rainbow, a visionapparent at each and every gay prideevent ever held.

Similarities: Elphaba, who laterbecomes the Wicked Witch of the West, iscast aside by her own father, stared at inschool and mocked by the popular kids,simply because she is different. It’s astory with which many gay men and

lesbians who’ve known the bitter cold ofsocial rejection can relate.

Witchery: Filmactress MargaretHamilton’s WickedWitch of the Westinspired abattalion’s worth ofbitchy drag queens.

The girls: Onenumber, One Short Day, shows twogirlfriends taking a day trip through the“big” city – shopping, catching a show –and just being girly … much like many agaggle of gays who make a catching aproduction of Wicked an entire episodicadventure out with “the girls.”

Celebrate!: Here the Emerald Cityis presented as a near-Mardi Grasenvironment, one of the gayestbacchanalias anywhere.

Playful: Colorful costumes,shadowy lighting and special effectsincluding a giant dragon and flyingmonkeys combine to make Wicked one ofthe campiest productions ever.

Bringing home the gold: OnBroadway, Wickedtook home 14major awardsincluding aGrammy andseveral TonyAwards – gayslove winners andaward shows. W


January 12-25, 2006W35

Forget Rent, Falsettos, The Producers and La Cage aux Folles— the gayest musical to hit Broadway may be Wicked, whichwill be presented at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

later this month.In fact, this big, bold tale of two witches goes far, far deeper than

simply putting two men in an embrace or a drag queen in a tiara.Here’s why.

‘Wicked’ FunKENDRA KASSEBAUM as Glinda and STEPHANIE J. BLOCK as Elphaba in the nationaltouring production of Wicked, headed to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Jan. 18.

The tale of Glinda and Elphaba, currently on tour andheaded to Tampa, may be the gayest musical ever

By Kirk Hartlage

[wicked]when: Jan. 18-Feb. 5where: Tampa Bay Performing ArtsCenter’s Carol Morsani Halltickets: Good luck. Only partial-viewsingle seating is available — if at all.Call (727) 229-7827 for details.W

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eventscalendar

Liza MinnelliJen Foster

Catch this Texansinger/songwriterbefore her new CDThe Underdogshits stores inFebruary.

DJ Tracy Young

Though Hurricane Wilmaknocked out power toher Miami studio fortwo weeks, TracyYoung still has energyto spare for ClubFirestone.

Liza’s one-monthunderstudy role in the

original stageproduction of

Chicago - stepping inwhen Gwen Verdon

swallowed a feather -may have financially

saved the musical.

arts+exhibits

The Sixties Show and Peter MaxDespite growing up in Israel,

China, Paris and across Europe,Peter Max developed his own idealof American culture and dreamed ofliving in the U.S. Moving here as ateen, Max found his dream a realityand directed his idealisticimpressions into his art. The PeterMax exhibition partners The SixtiesShow; both exhibitions honor the St.Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts’founding in 1965, a critical period inAmerican art and society. Theexhibits show until Jan. 22 at themuseum, located at 255 BeachDrive N.E., St. Pete. Call (727) 896-2667 or visit Fine-Arts.org for moredetails.

[TAMPA_BAY]Couch Potato Theater

The OOPS GUYS ComedyTroupe, aka Fiely A. Matias andDennis T. Giacino, is turningdowntown’s Studio Theater into CouchPotato Theater. Out go most of thetheater seats and in come comfysofas, easy chairs, recliners, plusmicrowave ovens to make freepopcorn and cook TV dinnergiveaways! It’s like sitting in front ofthe television in the comfort of yourliving room, only you’re watching livetheater. The Guys are presentingthree of their most celebratedproductions: sitcom spoof The NakedGuy, reality game show Do I MakeYou Horny? and cabaret whore actLounge-zilla! Initial shows of Nakedmark the return of celebrated nakedguy Sammy D’Angelo, while an allnew naked guy steps in Jan. 26.Horny features celebrated local spin-mesiter DJ Cap’n Kirk. For showtimesand tickets, visitCouchPotatoTheater.com or call (407)827-0691. Studio Theater is located at398 W. Amelia St.

Dial ‘M’ for MurderIs there such thing as the

perfect murder? American Stage’s28th season continues with theclassic thriller once lensed by AlfredHitchcock. Infuriated by his wife’sone-time marital indiscretion, ascorned husband blackmails an oldcollege acquaintance into murderinghis guilt-ridden spouse to collect herinheritance. Previews are on Jan.18 and 19, the show opens Jan. 20and closes Feb. 12. Tickets pricesare $21 to $34 depending on dateand time of performance. For moreinformation and to purchase ticketscall the box office at (727) 823-PLAY or visit AmericanStage.org.American Stage is located at 211Third St. S. in St. Petersburg.

What the Butler SawThe FSU/Asolo Conservatory

for Actor Training will present gayplaywright Joe Orton’s racy, riotousfarce through Jan. 22. The play’stitle was inspired by a 19th-centuryBritish expression, “what the butlersaw,” which referred to a coin-operated peepshow machinepopular at seaside resorts andpenny arcades. The phrase evolvedinto a byword for shameful secretsor voyeurism, both of which figureinto the play’s hilarious plot twists.The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’sJane B. Cook’s Theatre is locatedat 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, in theFSU Center for the Performing Arts,next to the Ringling Museum. Fortickets and information, call (941)351-8000 or visit Asolo.org.

theater[TAMPA_BAY]

music[TAMBA_BAY]Jen Foster

The singer/songwriter and pastWatermark cover girl tours behind theupcoming release of her new CD TheUnderdogs. A certain showstopper willbe Foster’s performance of Amen, asong that scored Foster a surprise firstprize win in the Gospel category of theUSA Songwriting Contest. Of the win,Foster says, “The victory transcendsthe contest itself. It’s an affirmationthat your spiritual core can berespected and appreciated by thosearound you, regardless of who you areor where you come from. Everybodymay not agree with you, but they canappreciate the sentiment of yourbeliefs.” Amen to that. Though the newCD won’t be available until Feb. 7, youcan catch Foster at 9 p.m., Friday, Jan.20, at The Flirt, 1909 N. 15th St. inTampa. Tickets are $8 and available atthe door.

An Evening with Liza MinnelliThe woman who has held onto a

single hairstyle longer than FarrahFawcett heads to the area in mid-January. Perhaps more famous todayfor marrying a man with a big, waxhead than she is for her vocal talents,Minnelli will no doubt make herrendition of New York, New Yorksound as if she’s performing it for thefirst time. Minnelli appears atSarasota’s Van Wezel Performing ArtsHall on Tuesday and Wednesday,Jan. 17-18 and at Melbourne’s KingCenter for the Performing Arts onFriday, Jan. 20. Tickets are availableat the box offices or by calling (941)953-3368 in Sarasota or (321) 242-2219 in Melbourne. For more info,visit VanWezel.org or KingCenter.org.

[SARASOTA + MELBOURNE]

theater[ORLANDO]

The Imaginary InvalidHypochondriacs unite! The

Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festivalpresents this satire on the medicalprofession that dates back to 1673.The story follows a man who wantshis daughter to marry a doctor so hecan have constant medical attentionfor his imaginary ailments. The showruns through Feb. 5 at the MargesonTheater inside the LowndesShakespeare Center in Loch HavenPark. Tickets are available at theLowndes Shakespeare Center boxoffice, 812 E. Rollins St., by calling(407) 447-1700 or atShakespeareFest.org.

Email your calendar events to:[email protected]

[SARASOTA]music[ORLANDO]DJ Tracy Young

Florida’s most well-knownlesbian record spinner returns toClub Firestone for an encoreperformance from herDanceCulture CD tour. Fresh fromspinning her incredible New Year’sDay party in Miami, Young is sureto feature some of her yet-to-be-released exclusive remixes on topof her signature tribal beats.Catch young in this intimate venuebefore she returns to the HardRock Live in June for Gay Days.Young spins at the Club, 578 N.Orange Ave., on Saturday, Jan.21. For more details, visitClubAtFirestone.com.

January 12-25, 2006W37



38

In recent years, Wanzie hasestablished himself as the mostnotorious mouthpiece in CentralFlorida’s glbt community. Formerlyaffiliated with the GLBCC Center andGay Days, Wanzie is now publicrelations director at the ParliamentHouse resort. He appears with Ba’asarevery Monday afternoon on Real Radio104.1 FM’s Philips Phile – sometimesreviewing movies, always pontificatingabout anything that crosses his mind. Inaddition, he’s emceed numerousbenefits, and once hosted a talk net-radio show from a gay-porn Web-camhouse.

But it’s his stage work – both at theFootlights Theatre and at the OrlandoInternational Fringe Festival – thatshowcases Wanzie at his best, giving hismadcap hilarity just enough structure tobuild sharp dialogue and touchingcharacterizations.

Those who missed out on theLadies of Eola Heights will get asampling before each performance ofAfter the Prom, in the form of videomontage created by Lantern LightsStudios. Just enough time for audiencesto buckle their seat belts.

Wanzie took a break from his busyschedule to discuss his latest production,a show he says was his most difficultproject to write.

WATERMARK: How did this comedicglance back on Orlando become sopopular?MICHAEL WANZIE: When we weredoing Carolina Moon, a story appearedin The Orlando Sentinel about all thelocal references to old time Orlando.That little mention started this influx ofsenior citizens coming to the ParliamentHouse to see the show. I got a dozenpieces of mail from people who lived atthe Carolina Moon — people fromOcala and even Tampa who had oncelived there. That show ran eight months,with a break in between. It survived cast

changes, and it wastruly sustained byseniors.

There was asequel to that showcalled Trailer TrashChristmas, whichalso got greatreviews. By time Istarted writingLadies of EolaHeights, I purposelymade it an Orlandoneighborhood basedon the momentumbuilt up from thepast two shows.When it opened, itwas crazy whathappened. We onlyhad two shows outof nine months of

Saturdays that were not completeoversells. This time the Sentinelattended a performance and interviewedmembers of the audience – another hugeboost. The only reason we closed is thatcast members had scheduling conflicts –none of us imagined it would go on solong.

It’s humorous that you attractedso many seniors – to the ParliamentHouse.

We also were real popular withbachelorette parties, too! We even did acouple of baby showers. Women would

come in and unwrap presents before theplay. Pretty bizarre, actually. The RedHat Lady Society came several times,and schoolteacher associations – they’dtake 20 seats at a time.

How do you explain it?I don’t write specifically for a gay

audience. I write with gay themes andcross- dressing actors, but in the age ofWill & Grace it’s become kind of cool tosee something gay — not necessarilyraunch and dirt, but a bit of camphumor.

I wrote Ladies with the current castin mind, but the script reads so thatwomen could play it. Only MissSammy’s character has to be a crossdressing man.

So what’s next for the originalLadies?

There’s a theater group in SaratogaSprings, New York, that has requestedmaterials from the show and may stage asummer stock production in July. It’s thefirst time someone’s contacted me toproduce one of my shows.

That’s got to be a rush.I almost want to go up and see one

of their shows first. It’s a wonderfulthing to have others see your work andthen want to produce it. And it’s closeenough to New York City that a NewYork producer could easily see it. I justwant them to do it right. The last thing I

Clockwise from top: Tommy Wooten, Doug Basar, Michael Wanzie,and Sam Singhouse – The jeweled sisters of Ladies of Eola Heightsreunite for the play’s sequel, After The Prom.

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January 12-25, 2006W39

need is to have a bad review of the showso close to New York.

Tell me more about writing parttwo.

Honestly, it’s the most difficultthing I’ve done. None of us involvedwith the first one has ever enjoyed thatmeasure of success with a show before,where we’ve had to turn people away.People kept coming back because theyloved the characters. Also, that show isfull of surprises… but now thosesurprises are out of the bag. That theyhave a brother who comes out singing isno longer a joke. Plus people who cameto see one of my broad comedies nowalso know that the show ends up dealingwith a strong subject – abuse.

Knowing that the same audiencewill come back looking for newsurprises… well, conceptually it was areal challenge. I had to come up withsomething new, and that’s where I hit onthe idea of bringing Darcel into the cast.How she’s utilized is a secret for now,but that’s one of the ways I’ve managed

to put something fresh into part two.

The original cast was such acohesive team, and that allowed for alot of improvisation. How doesbringing in a new character, a newactor, change the dynamic?

Well, in a way it really is unfair toDarcel. And until Ladies, Sammy hadnever really spoken lines in a showbefore. In the sequel she plays Jackson[the brother, as a male] quite a bit. Atthe initial table read it was a bitintimidating. Doug, Tommy and I knewour characters — all the phrasing andthat sort of thing. It was a hump Samand Darcel had to get over.

I’m also in weekly managementmeetings at the P House with the manwho creates Darcel. He’s nothing likehis character. But the rest of the castdoesn’t know that side of Darcel. Theywere taken aback and expected her tostart doing her part like the powerhouseemcee that most people know. Theyhaven’t seen her rehearse drag shows.She barely moves when she’srehearsing. But when she is in costume,she becomes her character. The cast willsee a huge difference once she puts onthe costume.

What are your expectations withthis new show?

I’m trying to not have any! Itscares me. When I read it now, it seems

too silly and too stupid to even attempt.But Kenny Howard, our director, lovedit immediately. He thinks I’m too closeto see how good it is. I don’t want toappear overly optimistic. We’ll see whatthe audience thinks.

Knowing that a large part ofyour audience will be senior citizens,did that affect the way you wrote?

In fact, this script is raunchier.There was no raunch in part one, butthere is pure raunch in part two. Thereare more sexual references, more gayreferences. I didn’t pull back. I went inthe opposite direction. We’ve earnedtheir trust, now let’s broaden theirhorizons!

Can you go too far? Are youafraid of breaking that trust?

No – I don’t think I went that far.With Ladies we had a special matineefor a retirement travel group — 165seniors on three busses. It was a mysterytour for them, they didn’t know theywere coming to our show. When theyarrived we had greeters go to each busand give them a history of the resort.But in the lobby there are go-go boyposters advertising strip contests. Thewomen were all smiles and teetering, butthe men … they kept looking at thefloor. They did not look happy at all.

As it turned out, everyone ended uploving the show so much. We did a meetand greet in costume after the show and

everyone – men and women – saidsomething lovely and wonderful to us.The group organizer said that at the endof the year, our tour stop got ranked asthe favorite of the year.

All that alcohol on stage… is itall real?

It’s written as Jack Daniels, butwe’re not all Jack drinkers. So it’sactually Captain Morgan and Coke, withan emphasis on the Coke so we can getthe right color combination. But we aredrinking the entire time and are drunkby the end of the show.

But poor Miss Sammy – she’s notonstage as much. Is she playing catch-up backstage?

Actually, on occasion, she’ll spinover to the bar and take a swig out ofthe bottle. Once, when we were reallymessing up, she came out during one ofher numbers with a script of the showand slammed it on the table. Of course Ihad to say, “Fuckin’ bitch has no linesand she still found a way to ad-lib.”

This show I wrote in some on-stagedrinking for Sam. Another thing that isdifferent… Sam only lip-synced snippetsin the first show. Here she has twocomplete numbers, from start to finish.

I’ve never had more fun than withthis cast or with doing any other show. Itwas reason enough to do a sequel. W

[ladies of eola heights 2]when: 8 p.m., Saturdays: Jan. 14 -Feb. 18.where: The Footlight Theater at theParliament House Resort, 410 N.Orange Blossom Trail, Orlandotickets: Online Reservations: Pre-paywith MasterCard, Visa or Pay Pal atWanzie.com. Tickets by phone at (407)540-0317. Cash only at the door.

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BREAKTHROUGHNetworking organization for gays and lesbians in Seminoleand Volusia counties. (407) 668-6112.

BREVARD LESBIANSLesbian social group. E-mail [email protected] or visithttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrevardLesbians.

COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIPMember of HIV/AIDS Florida Community Planning Group.Meets at Volusia County Health Department. (904) 238-4727.

DAYTONA BEACH REGIONAL BEARS ASSOCIATIONwww.gaydaytona.com/DBRBA.htm or e-mail us for moreinformation at [email protected].

FUN COAST BEARSSocial group that meets the 3rd Suns each month at 3 p.m.at Rumors on Nova Road, Holly Hill. [email protected] or go to www.funcoastbears.org> for more info.

GALBA GLBT group. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studentgroup. (904) 226-7222. www.db.erau.edu/campus/student/clubs/galba/index. html .

GAY/BI MARRIED MEN RAP GROUPPeer counseling and support group. Meets the last Mon.(407) 777-9833.

GREATER DAYTONA BUSINESS GUILDGuild of gay-friendly businesses. Meets every third Mon.; 7p.m. (386) 322-8003; www.gaydaytona.com .

OUTREACH, INC.HIV/AIDS service organization. Offers testing, counseling andsupport groups. (904) 255-5569; www.outreachinc.org .

OVER THE RIVERGLBT and supporters social group for those living inVolusia and Seminole counties. Meets second Fri. (407)400-2879;http://hometown.aol.com/nolikehypocrites/index.html .

PFLAG DAYTONAParents, Families, Friends of Lesbians & Gays. Meets thirdTues.; 7 p.m.; Hope MCC in Daytona, 500 S. Ridgewood

Ave. (US1) . (386) 322-4169; [email protected];www.pflagdaytona.org.

SPECTRUMSocial group for GLBT and supporters. Meets every otherThurs. (904) 228-8187; [email protected].

AA WAKE UP CALL-FRIDAYTwelve-step AA program geared towards diversity andfellowship. Meets Fri.; 7 p.m.; GLBCC. (407) 228-8272;www.glbcc.org .

AA WAKE UP CALL-SATURDAY12-step AA group. Saturday evenings at 7 p.m.; GLBCC(407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org.

AA WAKE UP CALL - SUNDAYTwelve-step program. Meets each Sun.; 10 a.m.; GLBCC.(407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org.

BEARS OF CENTRAL FLORIDASocial group for bears and their admirers. Meets secondSun.; 4 p.m.; Full Moon Saloon. (407) 896-0239;www.bocf.org .

BOOKLOVERSAmerican Association of University Women social group forthose who love to read. Meets first Tues. (407) 677-1186.

CENTAURCentral Florida AIDS United Resources. Offers counseling,support groups, educational programs and HIV testing.Phone (407) 849-1452. Hotline: (407) 835-4130.

CENTRAL FLORIDA GAY & LESBIAN LAW ASSOCIATIONNetworking group for GLBT legal professionals, Meetssecond Thursday of the month. Contact Larry Smith (407)838-4052; [email protected]

CODATwelve-step program dealing with codependency. MeetsTues. at 7 p.m. at the Center. (407) 228-8272.

COLAGEChildren of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere. A youthsupport group for ages 13-20. (407) 897-2266;[email protected].

COUNTRY SATURDAY NIGHTSGLBT country music, dancing, refreshments. For more info:http://home.earthlink.net/~countrysaturdaynight/

CRYSTAL CLEARCrystal Meth Anonymous provides support, fellowship, andcreation of a safe environment in which to stay clean.Saturdays 4-5:30 p.m., GLBCC, 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.(407) 228-8272DIGNITYMeets every Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Center. Come andcelebrate mass and enjoy a social hour afterward.

FLORIDA GREAT OUTDOORSA social outdoor recreation group for the GLBT community.Check www.floridagreatoutdoors.org for a schedule.

GBT MENMeets at the Center every Weds. at 7:30 p.m. We are asupport / discussion group for adult gay, bisexual, ortransgenered men.

GLBCC-THE CENTERHosts various social groups and offers programs assistingthe GLBT community. (407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org .

GLBT DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OF SEMINOLECOUNTYMeets at 7 p.m., second Thursday of the month at GLBCC;[email protected] YACHT CLUBMeet other GLBT boat owners for day trips to DisapearingIsland and other destinations. Call John (407) 353-5529.

GNOMESGay Naturist Orlando Males Evolving Socially. For informationvisit www. naturalmales.org/gnomes or call (407) 540-9391.

GREATER ORLANDO COUPLESA social group for same-gender couples. Call (407) 246-4726 or visit www.greaterorlandcouples.org .

HARBOR HOUSEOrange County Center Against Domestic Violence. CrisisLine: (407) 886-2856. Community Outreach: (407) 895-6099. Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Hotline:(800). 500-1119.

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNLargest national lobbying group for GLBT rights. Socialsfourth Tuesday of the month, location varies. [email protected].

LAMBDA CAMPINGGay and lesbian campers. Camping rallies once a month.(407) 831-4926.

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS OF ORLANDOInclusive, diverse Republicans. Meets first Tues.; 7 p.m.;Orange County Republican Headquarters, Royal OakVillage Shopping Center, 148 S. Semoran Blvd. (407) 896-7745; www.lcrorlando.com.

LONG YANG CLUB ORLANDOInternational social group for single men and couples of Asianand various ethnic backgrounds. Visit www.longyangclub.org,email [email protected] or call Billy at (407) 908-1122.

METROPOLITAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONGeneral meeting first Thurs. (407) 420-2182.

NA RAINBOW RECOVERYTwelve-step narcotics recovery program geared toward gaycommunity. Meets Wed.; 7:30 p.m.; First United MethodistChurch, 142 E. Jackson. (407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org .

OPEXPansexual support group. Meets first Saturday of eachmonth at 2 p.m. at the GLBCC. (407) 228-8272;www.glbcc.org .

ORLANDO GAY CHORUSCommunity chorus; welcomes everyone. Meets Wed.; John& Rita Lowndes building. (407) 841-SING;www.orlandogaychorus.org .

ORLANDO GAY PARENTS GROUPPlay groups, social events, networking for parents. Meets tfirstSaturday of the month. (407) 420-9955; [email protected].

ORLANDO QUEER ACADEMICSO-QUAC. Social/resources group for GLBT academics andintellectuals. [email protected]; [email protected].

ORLANDO SOCIAL CLUBA gay men's group to network with other professionals meetsmonthly. Go tohttp://hometown.aol.com/flausaguy/myhomepage/club.html .

ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCECentral Florida's GLBTQ youth group meets each Tuesdaynight at 6:15 p.m. (321) 279-8041.

PFLAGParents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Meetsthird Wed.; 7:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church. (407)236-9177.

POLY-CENTRALFor the polyamorous, poly-curious, poly-friendly or thoseinterested in the concept of loving more than one person.Meets once a month. www.polycentralfl.com, (321) 984-8463 or [email protected].

POSITIVELY SOBERA twelve-step recovery/support group for people livingclean and sober with HIV. Sun. 7 pm at [email protected].

PRIME TIMERS OF CENTRAL FLORIDASocial/support group for gay and bisexual men over 50 andyounger men who admire them. Meets last Sat.; 3:30 p.m.;Parliament House Footlight Theatre. (407) 884-9834;[email protected].

RAINBOW DEMOCRATIC CLUBGLBT group of Democrats and Independents. Meest fourthMon.; 6:30 p.m.; GLBCC. (407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org .

RAINBOW SPIRITDiscussion group for gay and bisexual men about lifestylechoice and spiritual develop.m.ent. Meets at Center ofLight Church & Spiritual Center. (407) 228-0101.

REFLECTIONSSocial/support group for men and women of any gender ororientation ages 20-30. Meets Wed.; 7:30 p.m.; GLBCC.(407) 228-8272; www.glbcc.org .

S.O.E.L. -- SISTAHOOD OF EBONY LESBIANSAfrican-American women come together to grow socially andemotinally. Meets first Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at theCenter.http\\lesbianlit.meetup.com\85\.

TRANS CENTRAL STATIONA transgender, transexual, transvestite, cross dressers, &gender benders discussion group meets first Tues.,7 p.m.,The Center. (407) 228-8272.

TRIDENT INTERNATIONAL CENTRAL FLORIDALevi/leather/uniform social group. Meets first Sun.; 1 p.m.;GLBCC. (321) 549-0713; www.tridentcfl.org .

UCF GLBSUUniversity of Central Florida Gay, Lesbian, and BisexualStudent Union. Meets Tue.; 8 p.m.; Student Union Buildingon Main Campus. [email protected].

THE WOMYN'S EXCHANGESocial/support group for all womyn of all orientations.Meets Thurs.; 7:30 p.m.; GLBCC. (407) 228-8272;www.glbcc.org

TRIANGLE TEESA gay & lesbian golfing group that works with area coursesto get special tee times and group rates.www.triangletees.com.

TRIDENT INTERNATIONAL CENTRAL FLORIDALevi/leather/uniform social group. Meets first Sunday of themonth; 1 p.m.; GLBCC. (321) 549-0713; www.tridentcfl.org

WILLOWSocial group for Lake County women. Meets 2nd Sunday, 4pm at Tangerine Improvement Society Bldg, 7101 Wright Ave.,Tangerine. Contact Box 1047, Sorrento, FL, 32776 [email protected].

WOMEN HERE AND THEREA group of lesbians and gay-friendly women. To learn moreabout WHAT, visit www.WHATorlando.com

ZEN SITTING GROUPA place for GLBT Zen Practitioners. Second and fourthTues. of each month at 7 p.m. at Avalon on Hillcrest. Formore info visit www.lonekimono.org/ZenAtTheCenter.

FOUR CORNERS RAINBOW FAMILY SOCIAL Dining out, meditation, movies and more. For more info, visit: www.geocities.com/caulhunter_98/BNAS.html

POLK COUNTY GAY LESBIAN ALLIANCECheck its Web site, www.pcgla.org, for activities andannouncements.

POLK COUNTY GAY AND LESBIAN INFO LINEFor the GLBT community in Polk County, (863) 229-8126.

POLK COUNTY HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUPMeets on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m. atThe Mission, 180 E. Central Ave., Winter Haven. Call Gary(863) 401-3204 or Merry at (863) 606-9288.

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWNWeekly Bowling at Gulfgate Lanes. [email protected],hometown.aol.com/srqbowling ALSO OUT YOUTHGLBTIQ group for youth between the ages of 13-21. Drop-In Center. Email: [email protected], (941)951-ALSO (2576) . Youth crisis pager (941) 952-ALSO(2576)

GULF COAST MEN'S CHORUSMeets Mon.; Universalist Unitarian Church, Sarasota. (941)377-9043; Gulfcoastmenschorus.org.

PFLAG SARASOTAParents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Meetsthird Tue.; 7:30 p.m.; Unitarian Church. (941) 378-3536.

GAY AND LESBIAN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSMeets every evening; 8:15 p.m.; 3644-A Henderson Blvd.(813) 273-8741.

GAY FUN CLUBMovies, amusement parks, dining out, water parks,beaches, picnics, etc. 18 and up. Contact Steve at (727).

ORGANIZATIONS & MEETINGS

DAYTONA BEACH/SPACE COAST

ORLANDO

WO R G A N I Z A T I O N S

January 12-25, 2006W41

PFLAG SARASOTAParents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Meetsthird Tue.; 7:30 p.m.; Unitarian Church. (941) 378-3536.

PRIMETIMERS SARASOTASocial group for mature gay and bisexual men and thoseyounger men who admire them. (941) 359-8212;[email protected];http://home.tampabay.rr.com/ehurley/ehurley/ .

READING GROUPGay men's reading group; fourth Weds. eachmonth.(941) 359-8212.

SARASOTA PRIDE, INC.Year-round events culminating in a yearly festival.SarasotaPride.com

SERVICE ACADEMY GAY AND LESBIAN ALUMNILocal chapter that serves as social organization andadvocacy group for GLBT issues relating to militaryservice. [email protected], AcademyGALA.org

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS GUILDMeets third Mon.; 6 p.m.; (941) 953-8419; www.SWFBG.com .

SUNSET BEACH WALKMeet Wednesdays by 6:30 p.m. (Daylight Savings Hoursonly) at the Siesta Beach Pavilion.

TRINITY CHARITIES, INC.HIV/AIDS service organization. (941) 355-0847;

www.trinitycharities.org.

BOAT AND SCUBA WEST OF TAMPA BAYA social and recreational club of GLBT outdoor enthusiasts.Meets the first Weds of the month. Visitwww.boatandscubawest.com.

BROTHAS SPEAKDiscussion group for same-gender-loving men of color.Meets second Sun., 5 p.m. at the Equality Florida Offices.(813) 236-8809.

CRESCENDO: THE TAMPA BAY WOMEN'S CHORUSLesbian, feminist chorus. Meets Sun. 6:15 p.m. MCCTampa. (813) 679-7585; [email protected].

THE CENTER OF TAMPA BAYLocated next to Equality Florida, 3708 Swann Ave. (813)875-8116; www.tampacenter.org.

EQUALITY FLORIDA-HILLSBOROUGHMeets third Thurs. 6:30 p.m. 3708 W. Swann Ave. (813) 870-3735.

EQUALITY FLORIDA-PINELLASMeets last Thurs. 7 p.m. at Positive Expressions. (727) 527-3197.

EZRA GROUPS.A.G.E. sponsored support group for GLBT persons whohave experienced a recent death or loss. Meets second Sat.(813) 932-4359.

FACT HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUPMeets 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tues. from 6:30-8 p.m. at 136 4thSt. N., St. Petersburg. (727) 895-4439.

FACT SPANISH-SPEAKING HIV/AIDS GROUPMeets 1st and 3rd Friday at 136 4th St., N., St. Petersburg.(727) 895-4439.

FACE TO FACE YOUTH GROUPYouth group for GLBT and their supporters ages 14-21.Meets Sun. 7 p.m. (813) 935-4101; Fce2FceYouth2aol.com.

FAMILY BRIDGE CLUBPlaying card variety. (813) 832-2999.

FLAMINGO AUTO GROUPCentral Florida Region Lambda Car Club International.www.hometown.aol.com/flamingoautogrp/.

FLORIDA GENDER EQUALITY PROJECTAn education and advocacy organization for thetrans/gender community and our allies. Meets 2nd Sat. atEquality Florida. (813) 870-3735 or www.forge.8m.com.

FLORIDA GREAT OUTDOORSA social outdoor recreation group for the GLBT community.Check www.floridagreatoutdoors.org for a schedule.

FLORIDA GULF COAST COUPLESSocial group for same gender couples.P. O. Box 7925Tampa, FL 33679-7925 email: [email protected]: www.fgccouples.com

FREEDOM RINGS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSPasco County's only AA meeting for GLBT individuals.Meets Sun. 7 p.m. Spirit of Life MCC. (727) 849-6962.

FRIENDS CLUB FOR GAY MENGay men's social club. A wholesome, healthy atmosphere tomake new friends. (813) 960-1664.

FRONT RUNNERS OF TAMPA BAYNot-for-runners only GLBT club. Meets Sat. 9 a.m. Old HydePark Village and Wed. 6:45 p.m. Fred Ball Park. (813) 891-

7098.

GAY & BISEXUAL MEN'S DISCUSSION GROUPMeets Wed. 7 p.m. at The Center, 3708 W. Swann Ave.

GAY & BISEXUAL MEN'S SUPPORT GROUPThird Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Tampa Hillsborough Action Inc.,712 West Ross Avenue, Tampa. For more informationcontact Ken (813) 623-6661.

GAY & BISEXUAL SENIOR MEN'S DISCUSSION GROUPMeets Fri. 10 a.m. at The Center, 3708 W. Swann Ave. (813).875-8116.

GAY AND LESBIAN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSMeets every evening; 8:15 p.m.; 3644-A Henderson Blvd.(813) 273-8933.

GAY FUN CLUBMovies, amusement parks, dining out, water parks,beaches, picnics, etc. 18 and up. Contact Steve at (727).344-0512.

GAY MEN’S OUTDOOR GROUPBiking, hiking, canoeing, diving. (813) 961-6871

GAY SKATETue. 9 p.m. United Skates of America. (813) 876-5826;members.aol.com/tampagayskate.

GIRL TALK Tuesdays at The Center, 3708 W. Swann Ave. (813) 645-2213; [email protected].

GLBT PARENTS OF TAMPA BAYSocial group for GLBT parents (custodial and non) and theirchildren. Meets monthly. [email protected].

GLSEN TAMPA BAYOrganization working to end anti-gay bias in HillsboroughCounty schools. Meets third Fri. (813) 258-8817;[email protected].

HIV TAMPA BAYA Web site devoted to helped those living with HIV and AIDSin the Pinellas and Hillsborough counties area.www.hivtampabya.net.

INTERWEAVE/ST. PETERSBURGMeets at UU Church of St. Petersburg. (727) 898-3294.

KAPPA XI OMEGA SORORITYNatiowide community-based sorority for professional adultlesbians headquartered in Tampa. Meets every otherMonday 9 p.m. online. [email protected] orwww.kappaxiomega.org.

L.I.G.H.T./FACTFree dinner on the first Tues. of the month. 140 4th St. N atthe St. Petersburg Cathedral Parish Hall. (727) 895-4439.

THE LINEGay & Lesbian Crisis/Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. Phonevolunteers 7-11 p.m.; computerized system 11-7 p.m. (727)586-4297.

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS OFTAMPA BAYMeets 3rd Weds of each month. 7 p.m. at HoHo's chinese,9 p.m. at Different Grind. (727) 455-9866, lcrtampabay.com

L.O.L.A.Lesbians On the Lookout Association. Social club forwomyn. [email protected].

METROPOLITAN CHARITIESA community services organization offering HIV/AIDS casemanagement, counseling services, referrals and thrift store.In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. (727) 321-3854.metrocharities.org.

THE METRO CENTERPinellas County’s GLBT center. Metrocharities.org/ or call(727) 321-3854.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUSOpen meeting for gays and lesbians. Meets Thurs.; 8:15p.m.; GALAA Club. [email protected].

OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT STORESAll proceeds benefit AIDS and breast cancer patients in St.Petersburg and Tampa Bay areas. 631 4th St. North, St.Pete. (866) 250-1959.

PFLAG TAMPAMeets second Tues.; 7 p.m.; The Center in the EqualityFlorida Building, 3708 Swan Ave. (813) 239-2070;[email protected] .

OPERATION H.O.P.E. OF PINELLAS, INC.St. Petersburg AIDS organization dedicated to the needs ofthe minority community. (727) 822-2437; [email protected].

PFLAG PINELLASMeets fourth Sat at 10 a.m. at Saffron's Restaurant, 1700Park St. N. St. Pete. (727) 345-7688 or [email protected].

POSITIVE CONNECTIONS Social group for HIV positive community. (727) 458-1249,[email protected]

POSITIVE EXPRESSIONS

Empowering HIV+ individuals by supporting their self-expression. www.positiveexpressions.org .

PRIDE AL ANON FAMILY GROUPMeets Wed. and Fri.; 6:30 p.m.; King of Peace Church. (727)323-5857.PRIDE ALLIANCEMeets second and fourth Thurs. during the summer; everyThurs. in fall; 8 p.m.; USF Marchall Center. (813) 974-4297.

PRIME TIMERS OF TAMPA BAYSocial group for mature gay and bisexual men and thoseyounger men who admire them. (813) 231-8817;http://www.primetimersww.org/tampabay/PTTB_c.html .

PWA COALITION OF TAMPA BAYAIDS service organization. (813) 238-2887;www.pwactampa.homestead.com.

RAINBOW FILM SERIES GLBT films. 7 p.m., 2nd Sat. of each month except Oct., inthe social hall of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater,FMI (727) 531-7704.

RAINBOW READERSDiscusses a new book each month. Meets second Mon.;7:30 p.m. (813) 221-1423.

RAINBOW TRAVEL CLUBFlorida's largest gay and lesbian travel organization. (813)414-9933; (800) 881-3600.

ROTC - RIGHTEOUSLY OUTRAGEOUS TWIRLING CORPSt. Pete’s high-energy performance group composed offlags, rifles and batons that performs to classic dancemusic. Rehearses Sun. 2-5 pm at Suncoast Resort. Frank at(727) 822-6982 or [email protected].

SEX AND LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (SLAA) (727) 896-SLAA or www.tampabayslaa.com .

SOUTHERN EXPOSUREGay male non-sexual nudist group. Meets monthly. (813)237-2436.

ST. PETE PRIDEFor updates on upcoming events, visit www.stpetepride.com.

STARBURST OF PINELLAS PARKSupport group for cross-dressing and transgenderedpersons. Meets at 7 p.m. on the third Sat. of each month.Call Georgia (727) 523-8760.

SUNCOAST SQUARESTampa Bay GLBT square-dancing. Classes Tuesday

evenings at the Suncoast Resort, Room C-104. Call Johnand Leo at (727) 343-8466; [email protected]

TAMPA BAY BEARSBears social club. Meets second Fr.; 7:30 p.m.; SuncoastEagle Bar. TampaBayBears.com.

TAMPA BAY BUSINESS GUILDMeets second Tue. (813) 237-3751; www.tbbg.org .

TAMPA BAY GAY MEN'S CHORUSMeets Mon.; 7 p.m.; Suncoast Resort. (727) 865-9004.

TAMPA BAY LESBIANSSocial, sporting, cultural activities. http://escape.to/TBL.TAMPA INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIANFILM FESTIVALCommittees include planning, finance, marketing/PR,programming and development. Information on volunteeringor events and screenings at (813) 879-4220 orwww.tiglff.com.

TROPICAL RAINBOW ALLIANCE FOR THE DEAFSocials for both hearing & non-hearing gays. (813) 236-3123.

TRUE EXPRESSIONS Tues. 2 to 6 p.m., Thurs. and Fri. 6 to 9 p.m., Sun. from 4 to9 p.m. (727) 898-TRUE or visit www. true-expressions.org.

UNA-VOCE: THE FLORIDA MEN'S CHORALEMeets Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at MCC Tampa, 408Cayuga Street. Anyone is welcome to join. Una-Voce.com .

WESTCARE TRANSGENDER SELF-AWARENESS Educational group. Meets Wed. at 7 p.m. at 1735 MLK St. S.in St. Pete. For information call (727) 502-0188.

WEST FLORIDA GROWLERSBear club. Meets first Sun.; DTs. (727) 824-7810info@westflorida growlers.com; Westfloridagrowlers.com .

WOMYN'S EXCHANGE TAMPABAYA womyn's mix. Sundays, 3p.m. at Gulfport Beach.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WomynsExchangeTampabay.

YES (YOUTH EDUCATION SERVICES) Provides free HIV testing. In Pinellas, at WestCare Florida,1735 Martin Luther King Jr. S., #125, St. Pete. (727) 502-0188. In Hillsborough, at THAP, at 712 W. Ross Ave., Tampa.(813) 226-2141.

TAMPA BAY

O R G A N I Z A T I O N S

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January 12-25, 2006W43



44

your work is never done,” he said. “Youcontinuously challenge yourself to findnew ways to express yourself and useyour body. The moment you feelcompletely satisfied, you need to findsomething else to do. You can alwaysfind something you can do better.”

Training as a dancer at such ayoung age did not come easy forJohnsey, who says his peers tormentedhim for being gay.

“They poked fun at me, called me‘faggot’ or ‘queer boy,’” recalledJohnsey.

But he now realizes that, sexualorientation notwithstanding, it was hisdifference that led him to dance, and toliving in New York and traveling aroundthe world with the Trocks. Johnseycredits his mother for helping build hischaracter and not allowing his peers todistract him.

And despite the fact that themajority of the Trocks is gay, Johnsey isunwilling to define theirs as a gay act.

“Gay or straight, artistic energycomes from the same place — it comesfrom what you feel,” he said, noting thateven while wearing makeup the trouperemains manly.

“We’re not mocking or imitatingwomen, and we’re not drag queens,”Johnsey said. “We’re supposed to besomewhat ridiculous… but in a tastefulway. There’s a lot of slapstick, a lot of

humor. We’re well received by all dancecompanies because we do it well. Wenever lose our integrity.”

The troupe performs upwards of150 times a year, which doesn’t allowthe self-proclaimed reading freak muchtime for rest. But the performing

schedule has taken Johnsey to someincredible places. He just returned fromAustralia, a trek he describes as “anamazing experience.”

Though performing in a majorAmerican tourist destination may notprovide the same type of “wow”

experience, Johnsey is looking forwardto seeing his local friends and family,albeit briefly. After their Orlandoappearance, the troupe travels throughfive more states before month’s end. W

CHASE JOHNSEY as his masculine self performs for two of his fellow Trocks.

Trocks from page 31

Les Ballets Trockadero’s CHASE JOHNSEYdances en pointe as his female alter ego,Yakatarina Verbosovich.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VALENTINE’S DAY!!! - Tell someone you love them with aclassified ad in WATERMARK. Place your ad online @watermarkonline.com or call Trina at 407-481-2243 x 10 byThursday February 2 to have your special messageplaced in our Valentine’s Love Issue.

EMPLOYMENT OFFERED

Hotel-Motel - Chief Engineer Parliament House.Excellent Salary, Health and Dental Benefits. Submitresume to Bill 410 N. Orange Blossom Orlando, FL 32805.

EMPLOYMENT SEEKING

ODD JOB BOB - Crew of three available for odd jobsincluding drywall installation, crown molding, interior/exteriorpainting, power washing and thin paver installation. Youname it we can do it ! ! No job too small ! ! Call Petey @321-945-8540.

FRIEND/RELATIONSHIP

NEW FREE SITE WITH CAM - GET IN TOUCH WITHYOUR INNER EXIBITIONIST—www.GMenPlaying.com, anew totally free site featuring pic/video profiles, video oneon one or group connects, buddy lists, advanced searches,instant message, email and more! Post your free personalprofile and video.today. Its play time.

MERCHANDISE

Sling4Rent.com - Why Buy, Rent One. Perfect ForTravelers, Parties, Home Use. Free Delivery & Setup.Orlando Area Only. [email protected] 407-782-2764

2004 Loaded VW Jetta - Champagne color, automatic,power sunroof, windows, doors, etc. Still under warranty.Kelly Blue Book $16,000 asking $13,000 call 407-234-6866.

PERSONAL SERVICES

OIL MUSCLE RELAXATION - For males by attractive male inhis 30’s, pleasurable and sensual. Orlando to Daytona area.Call me for details. 407-416-0082.

BODY RUBS BY SMOOTH HOT BOI - Get a Body rub byslim, tan, smooth boi in the buff. See my happy trail to makeyou happy. Pager 407-231-0371.

COMPLETE STRESS REDUCTION - Massage by Daniel.Deep tissue, light tissue. Great rates on Sundays &Mondays. Showers available. Downtown Orlando, Bumby& Michigan In & Out, Hotels. 407.761.3489.

THAI BODY WORK - BY NICE ASIAN LMT. EXPERT INSHOULDER & LUMBAR PAIN. INTIMATE AND RELAXING!COLONIALTOWN AREA. $80 FOR 90 MIN. SESSION 407-435-1331.

MusclesKneaded - By muscular, masculine, body mechanic.6’2” 190# 44”chest, 33”waist, 17” arms. Tailored to your“kneads”. Just minutes from downtown Orlando, very easyto find. See my adin Marketplace section. For pics and price go toMusclesKneaded.com 407-739-5447.

CONGRATULATIONS ORLANDO!!! - Finally a massagegraduate who performs Swedish and shiatsu massage inolde world fashion. Available 24/7 contact Kirk 407-657-6338.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

House Cleaning - Free estimates, Reasonable rates, No

contracts. Call John at 407-592-8774.

House Cleaning - Residential/Office. Free estimates, 13years in service in the Orlando area. Licensed, Insured,Bonded. Vince Hutchison’s Quality Cleaning, Inc. 407-694-3960.

RELAX - Stress reducing, therapeutic, Swedish/deep tissuemassage by friendly, masculine therapist. Lic.MA28969 CallRobert (407)312-2333.

WANT TO LOOK BETTER NAKED THIS YEAR? - Makeyour New Years resolution NOW! Call Curt - PersonalTrainer, for your free consultation. 407-760-3039.

JimsTouch - Male LMT specializing in stress reduction forprofessional men - relieve your tension in 60, 90 or 120 minmassage sessions including Swedish, Deep Tissue &Reflexology techniques - Certified Reiki Practitioner,Incalls/Outcalls - daily 7am-midnight- 407-719-6426MA43172 www.jimstouch.com.

The BEST Massage Therapy - SEE MY ADVERTISEMENTIN MARKETPLACE - Experienced strong professionalmassage therapist. Providing the best of both softrelaxation and therapeutic massage. Relief from headaches,back pain, insomnia and general stress. Available 1 pm to 1am seven days a week. Call Michael 407-312-4472 MA33722.

Massage/Grooming - Massage and body hair grooming.Apopka studio. In/out calls. Visitwww.orlandomalemassage.com for details. Patrick @ 321-277-8791 ma23325/mm10139GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE.

JP Floors & More - We’re here offering Orlando the bestgay owned/operated home renovation service. Need a newfloor? Bathroom? Kitchen? Handyman services? Give us acall 407-694-9864 or visit on the web www.jpfloorsand-more.com. We accept Visa and Mastercard!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Cocoa/Canaveral Beach Condo Rental - Newly renovated1/1. Beach 1 block. For weekly/monthly rates, pictures,contact information visit www.PearloftheSea6.com.WATERMARK discount 5%.

Maitland Deluxe Condo - Live in style in this gatedcommunity 3/2 1583 sq ft. 3rd floor condo with 2 cargarage. This well lit home has berber carpet and ceramictile flooring, indoor utility room w/ WD hookup and 3rd floormaster suite. Visconti residents can also enjoy conciergeservices, heated pool, fitness center, car wash, tennis &basketball, lake access and much more. $1450 mo.Contact Vickijo at 407-695-2066x621 for moreinformation on this exquisite living listing. ( Re-MaxTown & Country Realty).

House For Rent - Sanford Fl. 4 bedroom 1 bath.Completely restored turn of the century home. 2000 squarefeet on 1 acre. Near hospital and I-4 close by. $1300month. 407-330-3133.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONDO - Downtown Thornton Park, 2 blocks south ofHue. 3/2.5/1 2086 sq ft. 2 story completely remodeled,$449,900 call 407-894-1059.

Thornton Park Loft - Beautiful designer 1bed/1bath loftwith balcony. Open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Greatshops and restaurants. Below market at $299,9K.Investor friendly 407-481-9425.

Gated Women’s Community - Homes for sale starting @$239,000 in Fort Myers, FL. Amenities galore: Privateclubhouse with media room, exercise room, billiards, pool,spa, and tennis. Make new friends with the many plannedactivities. Call Diana Harbert, Realtor 239.293.5957 fordetails.

Extraordinary Winter Park - FSBO over 1/3 acre beautifulpark like setting. Renovate existing 50’s ranch or build yourdream estate! One of a kind lot! Growing gay community.Call 407-628-3479 for details. $505,000.

ROOMMATES

Room w/ Full Bath Available - Rent $400.00 month.Includes, DSL, Utilities and laundry use. $250.00 deposit.Convenient location to downtown and UCF. Prefer gayresponsible individual. Call Andie at 407-716-9838.

Roommate Wanted - Deland Room for rent to female.Furnished or not. 3 BR 1 1/2 bath. Full house privileges.Close to downtown. $450 includes utilities. (386) 846-9792.

Millennia Mall/ Universal Studios Area - 2 Rooms to rent .$480 a month includes private refrigerator, electricity, water,utilities, cable, shared kitchen and bathroom. Access toswimming pool, tennis, volleyball, fitness center, laundry,walking-biking trail, 3 ponds +3 Fountains. Call 407-925-5061.

SE Orlando - 3 bdrm/2 bath home to share, heated privatepool, high-speed internet, loaded cable, washer/dryer,widescreen theater. Newly remodeled. $450 incl. all exceptphone. Call Brian 407-281-0036 or [email protected].

SARASOTA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SARASOTA ROOMMATE WANTED - 3/2 pool home. Onebedroom w/shared bath $450 per month, includes allutilities. Employment and references required. Please callGreg 941-400-0291.

PERSONAL SERVICES

HEAD-TO-TOE BODYRUBS - Session includes: Hot tub,Hot oil rubdown, Great hands, $50 Weekdays/In only: CallKen 941-342-7376.


HOUSE FOR SALE - In the Palms of Manasota, a Gay andLesbian Retirement Community in Palmetto Florida. 3 BR, 2BA, single car garage. $325,000. Call (941) 723-0274.

TAMPA BAY

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VALENTINE’S DAY!!! - Tell someone you love them with aclassified ad in WATERMARK. Place your ad online @watermarkonline.com or call Trina at 407-481-2243 x 10 byThursday February 2 to have your special messageplaced in our Valentine’s Love Issue.

FRIEND/RELATIONSHIP

BoyDates.netGood men, fun and romance.

Find your match online at www.BoyDates.net.

PERSONAL SERVICES

CHRISTOPHER - Handsome,young,all-american,GWM.Masculine,suntanned,solid athletic build. Well endowed.Very friendly. D/D FREE. Available for private, discreet manto man body rubs and more. IN/OUT 813-748-9332.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

“Everybody needs to be touched.” - 1 1/4 hour, full bodysession, by certified holistic body worker (also full bodyshaving). Student rates. 20 % off for ethnic men. ForTOTAL relaxation Call Jim for appointment 727-698-9505.

M4M - MALE FOR MASSAGE - David (MA#41846) . 727-733-6169. In (Dunedin)/ Out. (Four hands available also.)Check out www.davidthebodyworker.com for listing ofother services.

THE TILE MAN - The right man for your entire homeremodeling projects. No job too big or too small.Reasonable rates. Satisfaction guaranteed. CallAnthony 813-495-2281.


Gated Women’s Community - Homes for sale starting @$239,000 in Fort Myers, FL. Amenities galore: Privateclubhouse with media room, exercise room, billiards, pool,spa, and tennis. Make new friends with the many plannedactivities. Call Diana Harbert, Realtor 239.293.5957 fordetails.

3/2/2 Sugarmill Woods Home For Sale! - 3 bedroom 2bath 2 car garage home for sale in Citrus County’s SugarmillWoods, home features ceramic tile, large lanai, hard to finddouble lot, and a 1 year home warranty! Call Robert Poth,REALTOR with ERA American Realty & Investments for moredetails at 352-697-2522 Price reduced for quick sale$209,900, won’t last long and owners extremely motivated!!!

C L A S S I F I E D

January 12-25, 2006W45



46

“I always knew TOM CRUISEwould end up with someone fromDawson’s Creek. I just thought it wouldbe JAMES VAN DER BEEK! KATIEHOLMES — she looks in love to me. Ifshe was this good an actress onDawson’s Creek, she’d have won anEmmy.” — KEITH MARDER(mouthpiece for the WB) provides somespot-on observations at the annualTelevision Critics Association press tour.

Yes, this is the Year in Filth, thecolumn where we recap the stories thatstand out for both good and bad reasons.2005 will go down in history as the yearTom Cruise went from a somewhatrespected actor to a joke akin toMICHAEL JACKSON. Never in showbiz has someone’s reputation taken sucha nose dive.

Some will say it was hispontifications about Scientology. Otherswill point to his unconvincingdeclarations of love for Katie Holmes.But what actually happened is that Tomrevealed his true self to the public, nowthat he is no longer being protected bysuper-publicist PAT KINGSLEY atPMK. In fact, I am not entirely

convinced that Pat herself didn’t helpinstigate this self-destruction uponCruise’s departure. I like to think of hercalling up friends in the media andsaying, “Let’s teach that little midget alesson!”

Everyone expected a big televisionshowdown between E!’s new red carpetcorrespondent STAR JONES and JOANRIVERS, who jumped ship and went tothe TV Guide Channel. Nobody couldhave imagined that the war to watchwould be between two personalities onthe same network! E! hired funny galKATHY GRIFFIN to spice up itscoverage but got a loose cannon. Starpointedly ignored Kathy and told thepress not to even refer to their coverageas joint.

E! announced that Star will notreturn this season, while Kathy’s beenwaiting by the phone. She might as wellstop waiting, since RYAN SEACRESThas inked a three-year deal to host E!News Daily and host all the network’sred carpet events. Big mistake. No gayswill watch that coverage — TV Guideand Joan will gain more viewers.

The week of March 28 was possibly

the greatest week of my life. That’s whenphone messages were leaked on theInternet from PAT O’BRIEN to anunknown “friend” that exposed theInsider host proposing an evening ofwild sex, drugs, alcohol and hookers! Atthe end of that week, MARIAHmaintained her dignity when she wasseated at the Rock and Roll Hall of Famedinner at the same table as ex-hubbyTOMMY MOTTOLA and his currentwife, THALIA! Photographs from theircordial meeting were priceless.

We recently discovered an allegednude photo of TAB HUNTER in hisprime — something he neglects todiscuss in his autobiography, Tab HunterConfidential. Real or not, it left Filth2Gomembers weak in the knees.

There was more than enough gossipto go around: from JANETJACKSON’S alleged daughter toARETHA’S son’s paternity and thepaternity of CAMRYN’S son (Brezovar,not Cooper) to the size of COLIN’Spenis (lies, lies, lies). The folks at TVGuide destroyed their own magazine,while the minority owners of theBoatslip in Provincetown succeeded insaving the landmark from the majorityowners, who wished to destroy it.

Hot guys were everywhere in 2005,but nowhere quite as visible as in VH1’sStrip Search. This show featured sexySEAN CASSIDY (not of The HardyBoys), who maintains a Website with his bestfriend, businesspartner,roommate,andfellow stripper,MATT, atSeanAndMatt.com.Both are availablefor private sessions ata rate of $225 for ahalf hour. From thesame show, DAVID hada past stripping in gaybars in Dallas under thename “Tristan.”

The worlds of gayporn and mainstreamentertainment collidedseveral times. First, gay

porn star MARCUS IRON showed upon HGTV’s Curb Appeal using his realname - MICHAEL LOFTIS. Then, BelAmi stars LUKAS RIDGESTON,JOHAN PAULIK and SEBASTIANBONNET turned up at ELTONJOHN’S annual Oscar soirée. As if thatwasn’t enough, a photo surfaced onFilth2Go.com of Sebastian with his armaround VIN DIESEL at an event!

The blind items always fascinatepeople, and here are my two favorites:

Could it be that a certain televisiontwosome is kaput? So say sources on theset with the close-cropped cutie, whopoint out the extraordinary steps one willtake to avoid being killed off - includingbooting a live-in love. Egads, I’dprobably feel buried alive under all ofthose hair care products.

Could it be that a certain ambitious(and ambiguous) boy is making anunholy alliance to further histhespianistic career? So say sources closeto that sexual predator, who tell me thathe’s had the sexy siren in his sights - andperhaps in his bed. One thing leads toanother, so don’t be surprised to seementor and apt pupil joined at the hipand making beautiful music. Who’s infront and who’s in back has not beenrevealed.

It’s time to end yet edition of Filth.If you have questions,don’t hesitate to write tome [email protected] you can count onhearing back fromme — privately orpublicly. So, untilnext time,remember, oneman’s filth isanother man’sbible. W

FILTH

TOM CRUISE’S NUTTINESSMADE 2005 MEMORABLE by Billy Masters

The ubiquitous RYANSEACREST will now makeE!’s red-carpet showsunwatchable — well, atleast to gay viewers.

January 12-25, 2006W47

You’re well into the third weekof your New Year’s resolutions andone or two of them seem like an eviljoke played by someone less sane thanyou are today. Perhaps “resolutions” istoo strong a word for you.

Then consider some good habits.There’s less pressure with a habit thanwith a resolution – and there’s lessguilt if they don’t become an everydaything.

Keep in mind that not all goodhabits deal with physical health. Themind and the spirit also need yourattention as well.

1. Protect your skin. If you’rereading this newspaper, odds are verygood that you’re living in Florida –and that means you’re getting moreexposure to the sun than you reallythink.

“If you want to protect yourselffrom the effects of aging, then youmust use a sunscreen or a sunblock,”said Dr. Inda Mowett, who runs theAesthetic & Wellness Center inBradenton. While sunscreens andsunblocks are different, they both willprotect you.

“It’s important to understand thateveryone needs it, regardless of skincolor,” Mowett said. She alsorecommends limiting exposure to thesun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., whenthe sun’s rays are the most harmful.

If you want to further protectyour skin, consider dropping thatsmoking habit, Mowett said. See thestory at the left for details.

2. Let your workout be asdiverse as you are. At this point we’llassume you’ve long ago heeded theadvice of joining a gym anddeveloping a workout regime. Ifyou’re like most people and focussolely on one activity, you may besetting yourself up for injuries,overuse syndromes, or worse yet,staleness; factors all that could leadyou to abandon your workoutprogram.

Cross training is an ideal way todevelop a balanced fitness programand a total body tune-up. A balanced

Music. An attractive service staff.Drink specials. They’re all factorsdesigned to get patrons to frequent

a bar or club. But for some people, no matter how

hot the DJ is or how cold the beers are,there is one factor likely to keep themaway: cigarette smoke.

“There are some bars in town that Ileave saturated with smoke,” said MarcusVahle, an Orlando art director. “But if Ireally was opposed to it I could gosomewhere else – there are always outdoorbars.”

True, the Sunshine State’s climateoffers smokers comfortable

outdoor locations toappease their habit

nearly year-round.That may becomea deciding factorif Florida’smetropolitan

areas elect tofollow trends

established in somemajor locales around theworld, banning smoking

inside any drinkingestablishment.

But despitehis distaste forbringing home asouvenir of fumesafter a night out onthe town, Vahlehas an evenstronger dislike forBig Brother-typegovernmentaldecrees.

“I’m not abig fan ofgovernment tellingpeople what to dowith their lives,”said Vahle on thesubject of blanket bans on smoking. Indeed,Vahle is the rare non-smoker whosepersonal views on public smoking mirrorsthe majority of smokers. But even headmits that the issue isn’t one with a simpleresolution.

“There really is no good solution,”said Vahle, “But legislating morality isalways the worst. I just don’t believe in

having other people tell you how to liveyour life.”

But when it comes to matters ofpublic health, there will always beadvocacy groups and governmentalagencies that seek to create change for thegreater good. It’s change that may be moreimportant than ever for the health and well-being of gays and lesbians. Some alarming

Gays and lesbians smoke at twice the rate of straight people — and some groupsare waging war on putting the lights out

By Kirk Hartlage

kickingbuttsThe Los Angeles County Board of Health created a marketing campaign specifically to combat GLBT smoking in California, which is twicethe rate of the state’s general population.

With shirts reading “Breathe Easier. Play Harder.” the Last Drag L.A.street team is introduced by Jonathan Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

Continued on page 10 Continued on page 8

10greathabitsto start in ‘06

By Dave Wiethop, Kirk Hartlageand Steve Blanchard

W2January 12-25, 2006



January 12-25, 2006W3

“Will people think you putmy head on someoneelse’s body?

Sterling Powell is standing in anYbor City loft, looking over photographerMichael Heape’s shoulder at a computerscreen displaying the stunning nudepictures just taken of him. Lean, pumpedand oiled, the image is self-consciouslystatuesque. Across Seventh Avenue, someearly drinkers whoop their approval froma bar balcony. Powellcrosses to thewindow and waves,teasing them with hisred sarong.

“Not bad for anold guy, huh?,” hechides.

A print, radio andtelevision personality,Powell has one of themost recognizable facesin Tampa Bay. For years,his vivid presence –think Salvador Dali as the Mayor ofMunchkinland – was the stamp ofapproval at local social events. But theopenly gay “Arbiter of Hip” has shed his

red suit, round glasses and kewpie dollhair and reinvented himself as the no-nonsense publisher of Citilife Magazine.Now in its second year, the monthlyglossy promotes St. Petersburg’stransformation from sleepy to sleek.Filled with striking images of glass towersand glamorous people, it includes profilesof local movers-and-shakers and a regularcolumn by Mayor Rick Baker. It’s hardly

the first time Powell has reinventedhimself. But like the changes to hisbeloved hometown, Powell’s latestincarnation is, well, pumped. “Changeyour body and you change your life,”he says.

Something specialSterling Powell (his real name)

discovered that he could adapt at anearly age. Poised to become thebaton-twirling drum major for hisToronto, Ohio, high schoolmarching band, he learned that he

would be required to play a musicalinstrument. So instead, he and his sister,Judy, opened a school of baton andrecruited more than 200 students. Knownas “Judy’s Torontoettes,” Powell led the

award-winning drill corps. When his family moved to Orlando

in the mid-1970s, Powell stepped in todisc jockey at Sgt. Pepper’s Paradisc oneNew Year’s night and promptly threadedChristmas lights through his jump suit andplugged himself into the booth.

“I was a lousy DJ,” he says, “but Imade people feel like they wereexperiencing something special.”

At the Parliament House, Powellbefriended a member of the Gambinofamily and followed him out to LosAngeles, where he wound up as maitre d’at Studio One – the Studio 54 of the WestCoast. When his mother developed cancerhe returned to Orlando and created acommercial cleaning company. It waslucrative until one of his employees, aroommate and friend, was murdered whilecleaning a Burger King in 1988.

“I’m still recovering,” Powell sayssomberly.

Seeking a change of venue, Powelldiscovered the beaches, parks, galleriesand museums of St. Petersburg and wasenamored. He worked as a nursingassistant and devoted his down time topainting — and cultivating thatdistinctive persona.

Exhibits at the Positive ExpressionsGallery and major fund-raising showscaught the attention of the WeeklyPlanet, where Powell was given his ownhigh profile Sterling Beat from 1996 to2002. Contractual issues tanked thepopular column. but gigs on radio andWFLA’s Daytime show, as well ascommercials for the Treasure Island FunCenter, kept Powell in the public eye.

But in 2003, he was ready to shedhis flamboyant skin for something new.

No.1 prioritySt. Petersburg was booming with

new development and localentrepreneurs wanted some sort ofpublication to showcase the revitalized

downtown. Powell was suggested as acolumnist, but when he met with keyinvestors one complained about slowprogress.

“Let me do it!” Powell recallsblurting out, and he soon sold them on hisambitious concept for Citilife, asophisticated glossy reminiscent of OceanDrive and Vegas.

Other than his column, Powell hadno experience in magazine publishing buthe was undaunted. The first issue ofCitilife hit the streets of St. Petersburg inMay 2004 to enthusiastic response.Powell had earmarked a whopping $5,000per issue for photography and it showed,giving the publication an urbane qualityunexpected in a startup. The dozen or soissues since have spotlighted the likes ofactor Patrick Wilson (HBO’s Angels inAmerica) and Peter Max, who producedoriginal cover art for the magazine. Freecirculation has increased to 12,000.

Although Citilife is not gay per se,Powell’s artistic sensibility permeates themagazine. That hasn’t prevented him fromsecuring Baker as a contributor, orlanding an upcoming cover interview withRepublican gubernatorial candidateCharlie Crist.

Powell’s new look also springs fromthe magazine. When a reader was chosenfor a New Year – New You feature lastJanuary, Powell decided to join in. Hehooked them up with City Gym trainersTera Guzman (2005 Woman’s Classwinner, National BodybuildingChampionships) and Johnathen ìJazzmanîHurst, who supervised a rigorous diet andworkout regimen for nine months.

Powell highly recommends workingwith a trainer ìif you really want to beatthe odds and attain your goals.

I made the decision to really get inshape, he says. I’m an artist, and I thinkliving life to its fullest is like the ongoingcreation of a masterpiece. W

STERLING POWELL got in shape for a feature in his magazine, Citilife (inset).

STERLING POWELL circa 2002: Living life toits fullest.

The Art of ReinventionIn his latest incarnation, Sterling Powell is a

pumped publisherBy Tom Dyer

age: Unspecified, but remembersMamie Eisenhower. height: 5-foot-8 – without the curl ontop. weight: 160 pounds, down from 172pounds nine months ago. waist Size: A svelte 30, formerly 36.diet: Egg whites, lean chicken,salads, steamed vegetables, nobread or pasta.weakness: Fried chickensuggestion: Start out planningmeals one day a week, then builduntil the whole week is balanced. cardio: Jogging/speed-walking 30minutes every day.weights: 45 minutes threedays/week with trainer.favorite exercise: Bench press,triceps.hated exercise: anything for legs. motto: “Success is a sure thingwhen you expect it.” W

sterlingstats

WJanuary 12-25, 20064


You’re in pain, and it strains you toreach for the phone book — oryour keypad. So, who do you call,

a massage therapist or a chiropractor?Deciding what treatment is right for youmay depend on several factors, but onething is certain: Any injury to your backshould be treated right away.

Chiropractors offer non-surgicalalternatives to pain relief throughadjustments to the spine. Massagetherapists can alsooffer that pain relief tothose who havetenderness to theirmuscles. While thetwo fields may seemto work on separateareas, more and morechiropractors andmassage therapists are joining forces tohelp their clients.

“Chiropractic services and massagetherapy go hand in hand,” said JamesBowman, a licensed massage therapist inSouth Tampa. “Both offer differenthealing benefits and we work withchiropractors to do what’s best for theclient.”

After a client receives an adjustmentfrom a chiropractor, Bowman said it’simportant to work the back muscles tohelp the adjustment stay in place longer.

“Your muscles push against yourvertebrae so there are healing benefits tospinal problems by getting a massage,”Bowman said. “But the chiropractor canwork directly on your spine. The twoservices really go with each other.”

According to the Bay Area WellnessCenter in St.Petersburg, whichoffers both chiropracticand massage therapyservices, an adjustmenttechnically lets a bodyheal itself.

“Gentleadjustments can soothe

pinched nerves, stiff necks and musclespasms by relieving pressure from thenerve roots,” said one employeeanswering the telephones. “Massage is anaid in helping the soft tissues of the bodyto recover from the trauma of an injury oran illness.”

Licensed and KnowledgeableAny doctor’s office will display the

diplomas and credentials of theprofessional offering services.Chiropractors and massage therapistshave similar licensing procedures.

According to Bowman, ensuringthat your massage therapist is licensed inhis or her field is essential, especiallysince there are many factors to thepractice that many clients may not evenconsider.

“We have to be very careful andalways know everything we can about theclient,” Bowman said. “For someone whohas any kind of disease – like HIV orAIDS – massage therapy is beneficialbecause it helps promote the flow ofblood. That breaks up blockagesand promotes healing. But, ifyour client has high bloodpressure, the last thing youwant to do is get the bloodmoving even faster andoverwork the heart.”

Cancer patients,Bowman pointed out, arenot always goodcandidates for massagetherapy because strongblood flow can actuallyspread the disease. However,there are instances when theycan benefit.

“That’s why we go throughthe training that we go through,”Bowman said. “We have to be careful

and know our clients’ bodies to offer thebest treatments for them. Sometimes weneed to refer them to a chiropractor andsometimes clients come to us from thechiropractor’s office. The goal is toimprove the patient.”

By fusing the two techniques,patients improve faster than with justone.

“Myofascial release involvesstretching, lengthening and softening ofthe connective tissue of the body,”according to the Bay Area WellnessCenter.

Those tissues hold all of our organs,

What’s the Rub?Massage therapy, chiropractics go hand in hand

By Steve Blanchard

Our job is to relaxyour muscles, not torub you down andget you off.”

“

January 12-25, 2006W5


muscles and soft body tissue in place.After an accident or trauma it may reactby crinkling up like saran wrap andpulling the tissues unevenly. That causesthe pain.

By releasing that tissue, the painsubsides and the patient is comfortable.

Massage therapists may also usemuscle energy therapy, which helpsmuscles that have been abnormallyshortened to regain their full lengths.Each muscle group requires a differentmethod of treatment, thus the need for theproper training.

“A lot of the ads you see innewspapers offer body rubs,” Bowmansaid. “Usually these are former massagetherapists who may not have passed theirexit exams or people who just feel likethey are good at giving massages. Youhave to be careful.”

Massages and SexIt’s very common for massage

therapists to get telephone calls frompotential clients asking about the “happyending.” A licensed massage therapistdoesn’t offer such a service and could

lose his or her license if the massage endswith anything sexual.

“A massage can cause an erection inmen, and it’s part of becoming relaxed,”Bowman said. “But it doesn’t meanmassage is a sexual thing. Anytimesomeone asks about the happy ending, Ihave to tell them that massage therapistsare not call boys or hustlers.”

According to Florida law, anymassage therapist who develops aninterest in a client on a personal levelmust wait six months after the lastappointment before contacting that client.To pursue a personal relationship of anykind while the client is still in the care ofthe therapist is reason to revoke thelicense.

“Whatever two consenting adults dois their business,” Bowman said, “but if ithappens in the realm of massage therapy,it’s wrong. That’s not what we do and ourjob is to relax your muscles, not to rubyou down and get you off.”

For more information, contact JamesBowman at (813) 468-8251 or call theBay Area Wellness Center at (727) 327-4522. W

A lot of the ads you see offer body rubs. Usuallythese are former massage therapists who may not havepassed their exit exams or people who just feel like theyare good at giving massages. You have to be careful.”

“

CLEARWATER - With the new year firmlyupon us, gyms are busy, trainers are bookedand bodybuilding supplements are flyingoff the shelves. But are those packages ofbottled miracle powders really worth theeffort?

It depends on your own health andmetabolism, according to health and fitnessprofessionals.

Legal supplements like protein mixes,creatine powder and energy bars can all be

used to bulk up, but the population theyactually help is a small one, according toDr. Bozena Sabala, a general practitioner inClearwater.

Truthfully, there aren’t any greatstudies showing what the supplementcreatine does or does not do, Sabala said.But for sure, if you have too much creatinein your system and you have renal diseaseor high blood pressure, you can’t take it.You’re kidneys would suffer.

Creatine is produced naturally in thekidney, liver and pancreas of humans and isplentiful in meat and fish. The body storesthe creatine in muscles where it becomes aquickly available source of energy formuscle contraction and muscle growth.

When your muscle breaks, creatine isa by-product, Sabala said. If you have toomuch creatine in your system your bodyhas to filter it through your kidneys, and ifyou have a problem there you can go intorenal failure.

However, if you are young andwithout health risks, creatine shouldn’t hurtyou. The supplement is only helpful forthose who do intense workouts.

It’s important to stay hydrated at alltimes, but especially when you takecreatine, Sabala said. ìIf you take any other

street drugs or amphetamines, then youneed to stay away from it.

According to Bally Total Fitnesspersonal trainer Gerry Costello,supplements are great for bodybuilders andpeople in intense training, but probably notfor those just starting a workout routine.

“I’ve used creatine and I really didsee a difference in muscle development,”Costello said. “But I used it when I was incompetition in the early 1990s. I don’t relyon it quite as much anymore.”

Costello agrees that before anyonedecides to use supplements, he or sheshould first see a doctor to ensure there areno problems.

“Most creatine regimens tell you tostart off with 20 grams a day for the firstweek and then back off to 5 grams a day,”Costello said. “I always recommend a littleless than that to start off to see how yourbody reacts. It is an enhancer and it doeswork.”

Sometimes it isn’t only muscle weightthat creatine fans gain, according to Sabala.Creatine is a natural water retainer,meaning a few of those pounds on the scalerelate to excess water.

More often than not, you’ll see a gainin water weight instead of muscle mass,Sabala said.

Protein ShakesProtein feeds our muscles, which go

through a revitalization process every day–whether we do intense exercise or not. Sofor most fitness buffs, drinking a proteinshake after a hard workout is the ideal wayto replenish those depleted muscles.

But, like with any supplement, thereare guidelines to be followed.

Whenever you train, the muscleactually breaks down, Costello said. Whileyour body rests, the muscles rebuildthemselves and actually grow. You don’tsee growing at the gym. The growing of themuscle is the result of your workout at thegym, but your muscle builds when it’sresting.

To rebuild, muscles need protein.Most gyms offer protein shakes and othermixes to fuel that rebuilding, but you maynot need those fitness drinks if you eatright.

There is a certain amount of protein

WJanuary 12-25, 20066


Getting that BoostChoose wisely if you’re considering supplements for your

health regimenBy Steve Blanchard

January 12-25, 2006W7


people should take a day, Sabala said. ìIfyou eat right and have a regular diet, youhave enough protein in your body and youdon’t need the supplements. That extraprotein does help you build better muscles,but you’re overloading your kidneys, justlike with too much creatine.

The body is a natural filtration system,Sabala said, and turns excess protein intourea products, which must be displacedthrough the kidneys. Protein shakes are alsonot recommended for people with highblood pressure – again because of the strainon the kidneys.

The amount of protein a person needsis based on his or her body mass. Doctorsrecommend that people consume one gramof protein per kilo of their body weight. Foreasy math, consider a person weighs 100pounds. He or she would need to consumeabout 50 grams of protein each day.

Protein is protein,regardless of the form itcomes in, Sabala said.The difference betweensay soy protein andwhey protein is just theway the body digests it.The protein you getfrom meat is the samething.

The most commonreason why trainersrecommend proteinshakes is because of thehectic lifestyles of somany clients, Costellosaid. The shakes areeasier and most peopledon’t eat right.

“We live in a fast-food nation,”Costello said. ìIt’s a nation of convenienceand sometimes convenience does not equalhealthy. Protein shakes are perfect forsomeone who doesn’t eat from all thecorrect food groups or is always on the go.

And of course, Sabala said, intensetraining may require additional protein, andshakes can provide that easily.

Preparing your WorkoutsMost gyms offer a free training

session with a licensed personal trainer.Costello recommends taking advantage ofsuch promotions, especially if you’ve never

seriously considered a workout before.“Too many people waste time in the

gym,” Costello said. “They focus on howmuch weight is on a bar and don’t focus onthe movement. I don’t care if you have 400pounds on a bar, if your movement isn’tright you’re only increasing your chancesfor injury or not working the right musclesat all.”

Costello said he often tells his clientsto eat before coming to their sessions, evenif it’s just an energy bar to keep themmotivated.

“When your body works it burns foodlike cars burn gasoline,” he said. “If youcome to the gym on an empty stomach oryou haven’t eaten all day, you’re going tosuffer. You need that fuel as much as yourcar needs fuel to get you to work.”

Sabala doesn’t endorse energy bars,but she said they can be beneficial if

consumed correctly.Hydration is the keywith any type offitness routine andenergy bars oftensoak up thathydration during theworkout.

“You alwaysneed water,” Sabalasaid. “You sweatwhen you’re on aworkout routine andyou’re losing morewater than someonejust watchingtelevision. You needto replace that. Iwould say take a

bottle of water with you before you takeenergy bars. Your body responds naturallyto water. We’re made up of water and wehave to replace that.”

It’s important to remember thatsupplements aren’t all bad, but you have tobe smart when using them, Costello said. Italso depends on what your goals may be.

Energy bars, creatine and proteinshakes are perfect for someone in thebodybuilding circuit who wants to achievean incredible mass or a certain weight,Costello said. “But I wouldn’t recommendthe supplements to someone who wants tolive a healthier lifestyle and drop pounds ortone up.”

Energy bars,creatine and proteinshakes are perfect forsomeone in thebodybuilding circuit. Iwouldn’t recommendthem to someonewho wants to droppounds or tone up.”

“

fitness program should contain threecomponents: aerobic exercises, strengthtraining and flexibility exercises.

Jeremy Seymour, owner of OrlandoFitness Boot Camp, teaches an overallfitness workout that includes cardio,stretching, Pilates, core conditioning,strength training and cardiovasculartraining. He finds using a mixture oftraining techniques helps prevent boredom,provides variety and reduces injuries fromover-training the same muscles.

“When you switch it up, it makesworking out not become the same routineday in and day out,” Seymour said. “Thebiggest reason people stop working out isbecause of boredom.”

At the other end of the spectrum is theperson who tends to over-focus theirtraining on one body part or another. We’veall seen the guy at the club with the well-developed upper body – only to look downand see it all sitting on top of two bird legs.

“They’re really doing themselves adisservice by only working out 50% of thebody,” Seymour said. “Is 50% of yoursalary all that you’d want? Likely no.”

3. Learn the basics of a secondlanguage. Most community colleges andcommunity centers offer basic second-language courses for minimal fees. Bylearning a second language you’ll not onlybroaden your communications skills butalso make friends and acquaintances youwould otherwise never know.

Developing a new language skill mayalso provide an opportunity to learn aboutanother culture or even inspire a trip out ofthe country where you can mingle with thecitizens.

4. Reconnect. Every year we all saythe same thing “Where did the year go? Iran out of time.” This year make it a habitto stay in touch with the people you careabout, regardless of the miles separatingyou. Internet message boards, e-mail andeven this new service called the U.S. PostalService can help you keep up with the livesof others. (And, c’mon, an extra two cents aletter isn’t going to break you!)

Not only do you get to learn aboutyour friends’ lives, you have an outlet foryourself. Let your best friend from high

school know about your recent promotionor that there’s a new baby on the way. Getyour new year moving with a blast from thepast.

5. Explore your spiritual side. It’smore than making it to the Sunday morningservice at church (although many gay-affirming churches do offer on-line servicesthese days).

The Rev. Lorraine Brock, the directorof worship at King of Peace MCC in St.Petersburg, suggests that reading somethinginspirational on a regular basis can enrichyour spirit.

“Consider reading other books thanthe Bible. Sometimes God can speakthrough other people and their words,” shesuggested. Or, simply find a ritual at homethat will allow you to center yourself andprovide some peace. Light a candle, take awalk or simply sit quietly and reflect.You’ll feel recharged.

6. Pay attention to your prostateand not just in “that way” (men only).One of the biggest differences between agay man and a straight man is theawareness of the joy that can come fromhis prostate. However, this walnut-sizedgland can cause problems in later life.

Prostate cancer is the second-leadingcause of cancer among men (behind lungcancer), but about half of all men over 50will suffer from benign prostatehyperplasia. While this ailment – typifiedby pain during urination and a feeling thatyou’re not done peeing – isn’t curable,several treatments are available for itssymptoms.

A recent study from the Mayo Clinicsuggests that the problems will only getworse if it goes unchecked by a physician.And who knows? The digital exam mighteven be worth the trip.

7. Get that physical. Women, this isdirected to you: According to the MautnerProject – an organization devoted to lesbianhealth – lesbians have a higher risk ofcancer because they’re more likely tosmoke, drink alcohol and be overweightthan their straight counterparts.

And, because many lesbians are lesslikely to use oral contraceptives, bearchildren, breast-feed, eat fruits and

vegetables daily, getmammograms or go to thedoctor, the risks of otherhealth conditions continueto increase.

A physical is a greatway to start and then listento what the health careproviders suggest.

Visit Mautner-Project.org for detailsabout the health risks thatlesbians can face.

8. Read the label.Gays and lesbians havelong had a history of beinglabel whores. But herewe’re not talking aboutGucci, Dolce and Gabannaor even Plain Pockets.Commit to scanning thenutrition facts label on thefood products you buy,realizing that the phrase“low-fat” or “HealthyOptions” on the box frontmay not be enough. Sure,that microwave meal maycome in handy for a time crunch, but therecould be enough sodium inside for severaldays’ intake requirements.

A label may say that the food isreduced fat or reduced sodium. That meansthat the amount of fat or sodium has beenreduced by 25% from the original product.It doesn’t mean, however, that the food islow in fat or sodium. For example, if a canof soup originally had 1,000 mg of sodium,the reduced sodium product would still be ahigh-sodium food.

Remember that those numbers listedin the nutrition facts box are “per serving.”A common mistake people make, especiallywith packages dispensed from vendingmachines, is to assume that a small itemcontains one serving just because thepackage is small. You’ll need to do themath to figure out how many caloriesyou’ve actually consumed, especially if youfinish that entire box of Snackwells in onesitting.

Take the time to learn more aboutspecific kinds of fats. Although some typesof fats, such as mono and polyunsaturatedfats, are healthy, it is still important to payattention to the overall number of caloriesthat you consume to maintain a healthyweight. If you are trying to lose weight,you’ll still want to limit the amount of fatyou eat.

9. Learn how to fix it whensomething goes wrong. Many people can’timagine themselves getting behind thewheel without knowing how to change atire in case of a flat. But far too manyindividuals are operating their own humanvehicles without knowing how to make asimple repair or, worse yet, sustain a lifeuntil medical professionals arrive on thescene of an accident.

“It’s extremely important to have atleast one person in every household trained

and ready to respond to an emergency,”said Maria Yabrudy, communicationsmanager for the Central Florida Chapter ofthe American Red Cross. “It doesn’t matterwhat type of family it is, it’s important toknow the proper tools and skills to getsomeone in need the right assistance.”

Yabrudy recommends every familyhave an emergency plan and builds adisaster supply kit, in addition to becomingtrained in first aid and CPR. Volunteeringalso provides an opportunity to learn skillsuseful for helping friends, family andneighbors in times of need.

But of course, there are additional,albeit superficial, reasons for learning firstaid and CPR. That hottie you’ve met in therunning club? What better excuse to puttingyour hands on his quivering body when hetrips and sprains his ankle? Knowing rescuebreathing could provide an opportunity tofinally go mouth-to-mouth with your cutiecoworker when she chokes on her chickensalad at lunch. And CPR has revived manya parent who was just informed their childwas gay or lesbian.

10. Get cultured. Florida museumshave some great exhibits on the way in2006. Check out the Bodies Exhibition atMOSI before it leaves in February or travelto Fort Lauderdale and see what the bigdeal is with King Tut.

The Florida International Museum inSt. Petersburg presents a unique collectionfor Ink & Blood: Sacred Treasures of theBible. Take an afternoon and check outthose Dead Sea Scrolls for yourself. Checkout Mesopotamian art and walk awayknowing a little bit more about history.Finally make it to those hidden treasuresthat you’ve often talked about visiting: theMaitland Art Center, the Mennello Museumof American Art and the Orlando Museumin the Orlando area, or the RingingMuseum in Sarasota. W

WJanuary 12-25, 20068


Habits from page 1

The Tutankahmun exhibit runs through April 23, 2006 at theMuseum of Art, Ft. Lauderdale.

January 12-25, 2006W9


new research on smoking within the GLBTcommunity has seen that the rate ofsmoking within the community faroutpaces the population at large. Themajority of bar employees and customershave made mention of the risks of second-hand smoke to bar owners andmanagement. But most frightening of all ishow the gay community is seen by thetobacco industry.

The smoke-filled bar motifStill, some creative attempts are being

made to reduce the number of smokerswithin the GLBT community, methods thatthe tobacco industry has used on consumersfor years that are now being used to reducethe numbers of people who use theirproducts.

Research estimates that at least one-third of GLBT adults use tobacco,compared to only a quarter of the adultpopulation at large. Health professionalssay cultural pressures – self-esteem issuesand the need for peer acceptance, the needfor rebellion and liberation, thedevelopment of style and individuality –are compounded for lesbians, bisexuals,and gay men struggling with their sexualityas teens. These pressures often result inteenage smoking, a habit found difficult toquit as an adult.

“One of the reasons our communitysmokes so much is the tacit acceptance ofsmoke-filled bars as a cultural norm –which makes it much easier for young

GLBT people to start smoking and moredifficult for older ones to quit,” saidKathleen DeBold, executive director for theMautner Project, a national lesbian healthorganization.

A recent study by Mautner focused onthe effects of smoking and GLBT bars andrestaurants. More than half of the 140 barowners and managers that participated inthe survey reported that their ownemployees had made mention of the highlevels of second-hand smoke in theirestablishments.

“The biggest surprise in our study wasthat more that 55% of respondents reportedtheir own bartenders complained about thesmokiness of their bar,” said Amari SokoyaPearson-Fields, the Mautner Project’sdirector of research. “Owners and managersalso reported that 86% of their customershad complained to them about smokiness.”

That bartenders and wait staff areexpressing their distaste of exposure tosecond hand smoke speaks volumes.Disgruntled employees are presented withthe idea of “Unhappy? Find another placeto work” find that it is a concept moreeasily said than done. In some locales, itmay be difficult to find work outside of thecommunity that presents an equivalentcomfort level.

“GLBT bars are where we work andwhere we socialize as a community,” saidPearson-Fields. “But the amount of smokehas health implications for employees andcustomers alike. We were especiallysurprised to learn that 16% of the ownersand managers themselves reported havingpersonal health conditions that areexacerbated by exposure to tobaccosmoke.” Those conditions included chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,emphysema and HIV/AIDS.

A previous nationwide surveyconducted by Harris Interactive andWiteck-Combs Communications on behalfof the Mautner Project revealed that 70% ofthe gay and lesbian respondents preferredsmoke-free bars and clubs compared withonly 53% of the heterosexual respondents.In the same survey, GLBT respondents saidthey would even be willing to pay more toenter a smoke-free bar.

Gays are S.C.U.M.Much is known on the dangers of

smoking. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause

of preventable death – greater than HIV,illegal drug and alcohol use, auto accidents,suicides and murders combined. Smokingincreases the risk for several types ofcancer, including lip, larynx and oralcancers and cancers of the lung, pancreas,bladder, kidneys and cervix. Becausesmoking causes reduced circulation, it hasbeen linked to erectile dysfunction in men.For women, research has associatedcigarette smoke with breast cancer andlower bone density.

But only in recent years has thetobacco industry’s designs on boostingsales been exposed.

A program launched by RJ Reynoldsin the mid-1990s under strict secrecy andwhich was later exposed by subpoenas,showed how the tobacco company plannedon boosting sales of their cigarettes bytargeting two new consumer markets: gaysand homeless people. Amazinglyreprehensible in its title, the plan was called“Project Sub Culture Urban Marketing” or“Project SCUM.”

The market research project studiedthe gay male and homeless communities inSan Francisco’s Tenderloin District in hopeof developing cigarette brands that each“subculture” would like. For gays, theresult was the Red Kamel brand, with itship, retro packaging.

Other tobacco industry documentsreleased in recent tobacco settlements showhow the GLBT population was targeted. A1994 internal document titled, Benson &

Hedges in the Gay Market, suggested thatthe Marlboro man served as a keymarketing tool among gays because of hisimage as “an overt cue tomasculinity/sexuality.”

Despite the successes in getting thetobacco industry to provide assistance inanti-smoking campaigns, an Adweekinvestigation discovered Philip Morris isspending far more on advertising itscharitable efforts ($100 million) than on thecharitable efforts themselves ($60 million).

Virginia Slim she ain’tLesbians may be at higher risk than

women in the general U.S. population forsome forms of cancer, as well as forcardiovascular and other chronic diseases,according to a study published in theAmerican Journal of Public Health.

The reasons for the possibleheightened risks are that lesbians are morelikely to be overweight, to smoke and todrink alcohol, even moderately, thanwomen overall, and they are less likely tobear children or to use birth control pills,both of which may provide some protectivebenefits against cancer.

The study also found that lesbians areless likely than other women to have healthinsurance and less likely to have regularpreventive cancer screening tests such asmammograms, pelvic exams and papsmears because many are reluctant to seekout health care in a system that seemsdesigned for heterosexual women.

Because of that, the Mautner Projecthas developed a national anti-smoking

WJanuary 12-25, 200610


“Want to kiss me all night? All over? Put that cigarette away. Let’s put your lips to betteruse.” says the Mautner Project’s “Delicious Lesbian Kisses” campaign, which encourageslesbians to quit smoking.

Butts from page 1

January 12-25, 2006W11


campaign, “Delicious Lesbian Kisses,” thatworks in partnership with women’s healthorganizations and local health departmentsin cities across the country includingMadison and Milwaukee, Wis.,Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., andPhoenix, Ariz. The campaign offers supportand smoking cessation information usingpositive, sexy images designed by and forwomen who partner with women.

A tantalizingly suggestiveadvertisement illustrates a sexy substitutionto smoking. Posters show images ofwomen’s lips with a tagline that reads:“Want to kiss me all night? All over? Putthat cigarette away. Let’s put your lips tobetter use.”

The DeliciousKiss.com Web siteoffers tips to help women quit smokingwhile a street team that visits lesbian barshelps get the word out. Typical in anappearance is a fund-raising kissing boothand the distribution of wristbands, mints,lip balm and information.

Last dragCalifornia has seen a number of

unique successful efforts to curb smoking,important in a state where the GLBTcommunity has a smoking rate of 30.4%,nearly double that of the generalpopulation. The L.A. County Departmentof Health Services’ Tobacco Control &Prevention Program instituted a “Last DragL.A.” campaign this past October, whichutilized several tactics from the tobaccomarketer’s playbook.

Health officials set up smokingcessation programs targeting gay men atthree local area health organizations andplan to start programs early this year forlesbians. In addition to print advertising, theprogram hired a group of six beefy menwho visited area gay bars and clubspromoting the idea that not smoking ismore hip than lighting up. As tobacco andalcohol companies have long incorporatedthe use of attractive models to sell theirproducts, it only made sense for the LastDrag campaign to do the same.

Linda Aragon, director of theprogram, said the response to the streetteam was phenomenal.

“People were very happy to see thehealth department out there concerned,”Aragon said. “The tobacco industry istargeting the GLBT community. For us tocounter that we also needed to be there.”Aragon said the campaign was highlysuccessful, driving people to theLastDragLA.com website for informationand to the regional health centers forcessation classes.

“The gay community has had a fingerwaved at them so many times for varioushealth concerns,” Aragon said, emphasizingthat the health department didn’t want topreach about knowing the risks of smoking,rather to put the emphasis on turningpeople towards available resources.

“This was definitely a creative, think-outside-the-box way of getting the messageout there.” Aragon added that, best of all,the program didn’t cost a lot in the grand

scheme of things.In Florida, the most dramatic changes

in successful anti-smoking campaigns havebeen seen in the youth population.

The state’s Office of Tobacco Control,formed in February 1998 following thestate’s settlement with the tobacco industry,developed the TRUTH campaign, seen asone of the most effective efforts to reduceteen smoking in the world. Since theprogram’s inception in 1998, there has beena 60% decrease in smoking among middleschool students and a 42.7% decreaseamong high school students, said FernandoSenra, agency spokesperson for the FloridaDepartment of Health.

But due to budget woes by the Floridastate legislature, TRUTH’s media educationpartnership and diversity program budgetwas cut in 2003, making it difficult to reachvarious communities served by theprogram. However, Senra said, campaignorganizers are in the process of preparingoutreach fliers to different demographics,one of which will include the GLBTpopulation. They hope to have the outreachprogram ready to launch this winter.

Putting out the fireAs controversial as they may be, the

Mautner Project’s Pearson-Fields said all-encompassing smoking bans do level theplaying field in getting people to reduce orstop smoking. And bars in municipalitiesthat have enacted such legislation have stillsurvived and stayed in business.

“Years ago, we used to be able to

smoke at our desks,” said Pearson-Fields.“When we couldn’t do that anymore, wedidn’t all quit our jobs.”

Pearson-Fields said that any advocacyprogram is not meant to demonize smokers.As a former smoker who smoked 20 years,the activist knows the delicate nature ofproperly presenting her message. Hercampaign and others are also not meant todemonize bar owners, rather to find outfrom them and their employees whatconcerns exist and to at least createdialogue on the subject where none haspreviously existed.

Still, some GLBT non-profit groupsand businesses, particularly publications,are financially tied to the tobacco industry.Non-profit groups may have their budgetsassisted by grants and donations by tobaccocompanies while gay magazines often havenumerous advertisements for cigarettes.

By 1999, tobacco was the top adcategory in Out magazine. From 1995 to1999, tobacco companies sponsored 44AIDS events and AIDS serviceorganizations. In fact, in 1994, PhilipMorris was Gay Men’s Health Crisis’ topdonor, at $150,000. The tobacco giant gavemore than $14 million to HIV/AIDS causesbetween 1986 and 2001.

“These are issues that ultimately thecommunity will have to address,” saidPearson-Fields. Still, there is one ultimategoal that she would like to see come tofruition.

“Ideally we’ll all go smoke free andlive long and healthy lives.” W

WJanuary 12-25, 200612

H E A L T H N E W S

HEALTH BRIEFS

NEW YORK - The manufacturer ofOraQuick Advance Rapid HIV antibodytest has begun its own internal probe intothe high number of false-positive readingsin San Francisco, New York and LosAngeles.

In December, San Francisco’sDepartment of Health stopped using thepopular test at two clinics after a largenumber of positive results later turned outto be negative after using traditionalscreening methods.

A few weeks later, the Los AngelesGay and Lesbian Center discontinued useof the oral version of the rapid OraQuickHIV test after 13 people who took the oraltest at the center falsely registered as HIV-positive. Health officials in New York arealso monitoring a number of falsepositives, which shot up inexplicably inNovember, but they have not discontinuedthe test. No other testing agencies have

reported an unusual spike in false-positivereadings.

FDA officials pointed out thatOraQuick is a “screening” test, not a“confirmation” test, like the Western Blot.

The test’s manufacturer, OraSureTechnologies, is now working withaffected customers, health care officialsand government agencies to determine thecauses for the bad readings.

Use of OraQuick spread fairlyextensively after the FDA’s approval forprofessional use in March 2004. It usesfluids swabbed from the mouth and canproduce results in about 20 minutes.

The company has filed an intent tomanufacture a home HIV test. Officialshave not said if the recent concerns aboutthe false-positive readings will delay —or derail — these plans. W Staff and wirereports

ORAQUICK’S MAKER STUDIES BAD READINGS

NEW YORK - A pillar of antigay psychiatry,Charles W. Socarides, has died at his homein Manhattan. He was 83. He providedmuch of the intellectual rationale for thediscredited concept of “reparative therapy,”that gays and lesbians could be cured oftheir sexual orientation and made straight.

Socarides’ obsession withhomosexuality resulted in a handful ofbooks on the topic, including The OvertHomosexual (1968), and Homosexuality: AFreedom Too Far (1995).

His central premise was that for gaymen, homosexuality was a “neuroticadaptation” to a distant father and asmothering mother. He claimed to havecured about a third of those he treated andmade them straight. He was a vocaladvocate for his positions and wasfrequently quoted in the media.

Socarides was one of the leadingopponents to the 1973 decision by theAmerican Psychological Association toreclassify homosexuality from a mental

illness to part of the continuum of normalbehavior. He never came to accept thatposition by the overwhelming majority ofhis peers.

He helped to found the antigayNational Association for Research andTherapy of Homosexuality in 1992, andserved as its president for several years.The splinter group was a safe haven forthose therapists who still tried to “cure”homosexuality.

However, NARTH differs from mostreligious advocates of reparative therapy inthat it does not support coercive therapy.

It is perhaps ironic that one of his sons,Richard Socarides, not only ended up beinggay but served in the White House asliaison to the GLBT community in theClinton administration. The youngerSocarides was from the first of the elder’sfour marriages. He acknowledged that therelationship with his father often wasstrained. W Bob Roehr

INFLUENTIAL ANTIGAYPSYCHIATRIST, AUTHOR DIES

ILLINOIS NOW REPORTS NAMES OF HIV PATIENTS TO CDCIllinois has begun reporting the names of people who test positive for HIV to thefederal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention instead of using an anonymouscode, leaving only a dozen states that offer anonymous reporting. The CDC haspressured these states to follow suit, saying that it will only count HIV cases reportedby name in its allocation of federal funds. Among those states: California,Massachusetts, Vermont and the District of Columbia. Critics say that the policydiscourages individuals from getting tested.

POSCON TAMPA BAY GROUP TO WATCH PLAYOFF GAME JAN. 14PosCon Tampa Bay will host a social at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at the St.Petersburg Ale House, 7901 Ninth St. N. in St. Petersburg to watch the footballdivisional playoff game. The table will be listed under the name “PosCon.” To RSVPor get more details, call Brian at (727) 458-1249.


January 12-25, 2006W13

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: PierOne’s Cheers gal replaced by aQueer guy KIRSTIE ALLEY (1/12);original Catwoman EARTHA KITT(1/17); singer with a heart – andchest – as big as all outdoors DOLLYPARTON (1/19); Tampa singer whoproclaimed I Wanna Be Bad WILLAFORD (1/22); Chicago hoofer longbefore Catherine Zeta-Jones CHITARIVERA (1/23); and Grammystandee who “keeps on falling”ALICIA KEYS. W

Send news about birthdays,

anniversaries, civil unions — andwhatever else you celebrate toTransitions, Watermark, P.O. Box533655, Orlando, FL 32853 [email protected].

TRANSITIONS

Much — but not all — of DOLLYPARTON will turn 60 on Jan. 19.


S P O R T S

14

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The NationalCenter for Lesbian Rights has filed afederal lawsuit against Penn State LadyLions basketball coach Rene Portland andothers, saying that they violated severalfederal and state protections when sheharassed a star on her team.

The complaint states that Portlandrepeatedly inquired about Jennifer Harris’sexual orientation, often pressuring her toappear more “feminine.” The complaintalso alleges that Portland harassed andtargeted other African-American athletes,eventually demanding that they notassociate with Harris.

In 2005, Portland abruptly told Harristo find somewhere else to play.

In addition to seeking damages, thetwo-year player is asking Penn State toconduct mandatory non-discriminationtraining for all athletic departmentemployees, as well as create new policies tohelp student athletes report discriminationwithout fear of retaliation.

“My departure from Penn State wasvery painful,” said Harris. “I struggled withwhether I should just walk away and try toforget what happened. I finally realized thatI could never put this incident behind me.”

According to the complaint, this is notthe first time Penn State has been asked totake action in the wake of reports thatPortland has a longstanding “no drinking,no drugs, no lesbians” policy. Thecomplaint noted that Portland created a stirin 1986 after she told the Chicago Sun

Times she doesnot allowlesbians on herteam, and againin 1991 whenreports surfacedin the press.Harris’complaintalleges thatalthough PennState officiallyadded sexualorientation tothe school’snon-

discrimination policy, Portland hascontinued to discriminate against athletesand staff whom she suspects of being gay.

“Coach Portland’s decades-longpractice of engaging in deliberatediscrimination on the basis of actual andperceived sexual orientation, gender, andrace has continued virtually unabateddespite the harm to players and staff,” saidHarris’ attorney, NCLR regional counselKaren Doering. “We are hopeful thislawsuit will serve as a catalyst for a newera of inclusiveness and respect.”

Harris has now taken her high-powered game to James MadisonUniversity where she is coached by KennyBrooks. Because of NCAA transfer rules,Harris must sit out the 2005-06 seasonbefore she is eligible to play her junior andsenior seasons. W Staff reports

PENN STATE SUED OVER‘NO LESBIANS’ POLICY

A lawsuit alleges thatPenn State basketballcoach RENE PORTLANDhas a “no lesbians”policy.

SPORTS BRIEFS

ORLANDO MELTDOWN SOFTBALL TOURNEY SET FOR JAN. 13-15Players from throughout the state are expected at the Orlando Meltdown SoftballTournament Jan. 13-15. The 2006 tournament will be held again at the Seminole CountySoftball Complex after previous years in Osceola County and at Disney’s Wide World ofSports. It all begins with registration and a managers’ meeting on Friday, Jan. 13, at theParliament House Resort, with ice-breaker round-robin play at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan.14, and tournament play afterwards. Southern Nights will host a ladies’ night on Saturday,while the Parliament House will offer an event that evening as well. Tourney playcontinues on Sunday, Jan. 15. The awards ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. in theFootlight Theatre. Visit OrlandoMeltdown.com.

RAINBOW FLIPPERS LOOK FOR NEW MEMBERSThe Rainbow Flippers are actively looking for members for its online scuba divingcommunity. The lesbian organization was created for divers looking for diving buddies orfor those seeking diving trips. The group travels to the Keys and to both Florida coaststhroughout the year. E-mail [email protected].

FGRA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR APRIL EVENTThe Florida Gay Rodeo Association is seeking volunteers for the 2006 SunshineStampede slated for April 7-9 at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, near FortLauderdale. The FGRA is seeking a barn boss responsible for checking contestants andtheir horses into the barn, timers, security members, arena crewmembers and greeters.For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.fgra.org.

WALKERS, RUNNERS READY FOR ST. PETE BEACH CLASSICThe third annual St. Pete Beach Classic will get underway Jan. 13-14. The event featuresa 10K and 5K run and walk and a health and fitness expo. The event has been so wellattended in past years that organizers have moved it from its old location by the DolphinVillage in the County Park.

January 12-25, 2006W15

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