1 100 3 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/f8b4e7440b3f974aceff788b2697332e.pdf a16e43831cf8678a401100905936b744 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Watermark Collection Alternative Title The Watermark Collection Subject Gay culture--United States Description Since 1994, <em>The Watermark</em> has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, <em>The Watermark</em> has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, <em>The Watermark</em> became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased <em>The Watermark</em>. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/" target="_blank">RICHES Program</a> Type Collection Contributing Project <a href="http://www.floridalgbtqmuseum.org/%20" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/">The Watermark</a> Curator Smith, Robert Cepero, Laura O'Neal, Rhiannon Hearn, Nikki Greene, Quintella Rodriguez, Sharon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="http://www.floridalgbtqmuseum.org/%20" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> External Reference "<a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/" target="_blank">About/Contact</a>." WatermarkOnline.com, accessed July 11, 2016. http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/. Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title The Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 6, November 9, 1994 Alternative Title Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 6 Subject Gay culture--United States Description The sixth issue of <em>The Watermark</em> was published on November 9, 1994, and discusses community reactions to several LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) issues. Notably, the major issue covered was a discussion of Tom Woodard, a police officer who five years earlier revealed he was gay and fought for the right to remain employed despite that. This issue also addressed community reactions to the death of Marion Baker, who was a larger than life gay activist, even though she was straight. The paper also continues its trend of publishing international articles this time focusing on, the Supreme Court consideration to ban gays from adoption, a lesbian couple in Utah being denied family housing, a man who was shot in San Francisco for holding another man’s hand, and Russia’s requirement for international visitors to be tested for HIV/AIDS. Another article focuses on southeast exclusive grocery chain, Publix attempting to convince its voting customers to vote in alignment with the Religious Right. An important note is that this issue is missing two-pages, pages 15 and 16.<br /><br />Since 1994, <em>The Watermark</em> has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, <em>The Watermark</em> has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, <em>The Watermark</em> became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased <em>The Watermark</em>. Type Text Source Original 28-page newspaper: <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Watermark</em></a>, Vol. 1, No. 6, November 9, 1994: Publications Collection, <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a>, Orlando, Florida. Requires <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.html" target="_blank">Adobe Acrobat Reader</a> Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/203" target="_blank">The Watermark Collection</a>, RICHES of Central Florida. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 28-page newspaper: <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Watermark</em></a>, Vol. 1, No. 6, November 9, 1994. Coverage Orlando, Florida Tallahassee, Florida Daytona Beach, Florida San Francisco, California Washington, D.C. Ottawa, Canada Honolulu, Hawaii Salt Lake City, Utah Richmond, Virginia Miami, Florida Moscow, Russian Federation New York City, New York Thornton Park Café, Orlando, Florida Creator Barber, Keith Crectitelli, James A. De Matteis, Stephen Dyer, Tom Kersey, Keely A. Kundis, Ken Maines, Ted O'Lay, Lola Saranno, Joe Sloan, Rosanne Publisher <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Media</a> Date Created ca. 1994-11-09 Date Issued 1994-11-09 Date Copyrighted 1994-11-09 Format application/pdf Medium 28-page newspaper Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally published by <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Media</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Publishing Group</a> and is provided here by <a href="http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank">RICHES of Central Florida</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> Curator Smith, Robert Cepero, Laura Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> External Reference "<a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/" target="_blank">About/Contact</a>." WatermarkOnline.com, accessed July 11, 2016. http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/. Transcript VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 9,1994 COMMUNITY............... CHAMPION MARION BAKER TITTTQ ' by James A. Cresciteili Por those who’ve been active in Orlando’s gay community for some time, the name Marion Baker conjures a very specific image: a feisty, silver-haired woman with an attitude and a tongue to match. She was a woman who could handle the roughest gay hot-line caller, or run the most difficult discussion i and kind understanding. Not gay herself, Marion be-. came involved in our community ||Pf result of her volunteer work. Back in 1076 she was one of tire standard bearers of a new organization, Gay Community Services. GCS, as it was called then, has become the thriving and multi-faceted GLCS, an organization many of us use frequently and often take for granted, in those early days, Marion was a consistent presence at sparsely-attended meetings, and she always volunteered to take calls and run groups at whatever location was being used by the nomadic early GCS. Her strong presence and no-nonsense approach were much needed in those days. Marion Baker died otvNovember 2nd at her home in Orlando. She will be missed by the many who loved and respected her, and by the gay community as a whole. 1 first met Marion at a GCS rap group held at Pasadena Place. As was often the case back then, Marion was the only woman in a room filled with gay men. Nobody minded. AIDS had just begun its insidious scourge and many of us were bewildered and frightened by this new horror. There, amid the tattered couches and chairs leaking stuffing, Marion would hear our concerns. She was never shy about Continued Page 8 LIFE FOLLOWS SUIT TOM WOODARD: FIVE YEARS LATER by Ken Kundis and Tom Dyer A cop is a cop of course, of course and his private life is his own resource. Unless, of course, He’s on the force Of the Amazing Sheriff Walt! Because he’s the top dog flic Iojtcc You must li'"* a lifestyle That he’ll endorse Or else you’ll not the law enforce For the Amazing Sheriff Walt Work real hard and do your job And earn your weekly pay It matters not to Sheriff Walt Not if he learns you are gay! Sung to the theme from Mister Ed. It was 1989. This clever penned by then-featured columnist Bob Morris, appeared in The Orlando Sentinel. The song satirized the ludicrous situation that had turned an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy into the biggest news story of the day. Underduress from his employer, Tom Woodard admitted having sexual relations with another man. Despite a spotless work record, he was asked to resign by the Orange County Sheriff at that time, Walt Gallagher, and as headlines would soon reveal, he was fighting back. “/just instinctively knew that it was wrong,” Woodard now says, looking back. So he found a lawyer a lawsuit. The ensuing legal battle received national media attention, galvanized Orlando’s once-slumbering gay community, and created a hesitant but defiant activist in Tom Woodard. "Inever, never thought it was a mistake,” he says, adding with a laugh, just didn’t know it would take so long.” In fact, it would be an emotional three-and-a-half-year rollercoaster ride, with the media covering every swoop and curve. For a time, stories appeared in the Orlando Sentinel almost daily. Local TV news covered rallies held on Woodard’s behalf. Nationwide, both gay and straight newspapers and magazines such as The Advocate featured the story prominently. Ultimately, Woodard prevailed, getting his job as a Sheriff’s Deputy back and setting important legal precedent in the process. In finding that Gallagher had violated WoodarcTs ri^ht to privacy, Judge Reflecting 6n the events of 1989 and beyond, Tom Woodard sees himself as a changed man. Motivated simply by the desire to work in law enforcement, as his parents had before him, Woodard sought only to retain his position as a deputy. What his case developed into, however, was something more far-reaching, sparking a national debate on the fundamental employment rights of gays and lesbians. mmmmmmmmmrnmm dence that [Woodard's] job or public life was affected in any respect by such conduct. ” Aimk I W'ASL fining if Continued Page 0 TOM WOODARD TODAY: "When all this started I had never been to a gay bar." WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 2 WHY PAY FOR THE WHOLE CAR WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE TO PAY FOR HALF*? FORD’S 24-MONTH RED CARPET LEASE Top 10 Leasing Consultant - Region Flexible Financing,Sales and Leasing Serving Central Florida's Family Since 1985 6 Consecutive Years' Membership in Ford's Top 2% Sales FRED BERLINER RSTATE 4 A N Caj DONnopi RE|D XI FORD <*21 N MAITLAND J : :Tm LEE ROAD ^ I h- z : I t^SkteIn 1 WINTER PARK VMRXMAty I A spectacular lakefront and pool estate for sale Directly across Rock Lake from the Parliament House 329 Ventura, open for your inspection by private appointment Secluded and very private is this acre-plus ultracontemporary hideaway, an entertainer's dream. More than 3,300 square feet of bright, airy living space features skyline views from practically every ample room. Quarry tile floors everywhere, top-of-the-line appliances, expansive windows, gated drive, mirrored walls, fireplace, and incredible fixtures show cutting-edge taste. The pool faces the sunrise, and is framed by sable palms and tropical gardens. And just beyond, Orlando's skyline shimmers in the ski lake. One of the three bedroom suites encompasses the second floor. Some minor cosmetics are left for the creative buyer. This truly unique find, minutes from Orlando's hub, is priced under appraisal at $225,000. Call... Tom Page, REALTOR Keith Bergstrasser & Co. Inc. Specializing in downtown Orlando residential sales (407) 895-4700 / 579-3333 WATERMARK / November 9,1994 3 LOCAL & STATE NEWS SUPREME COURT CONSIDERS GAY ADOPTION BAN TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gay couples should have the same rights anyone else does to adopt children, attorneys for a Sarasota man told the state Supreme Court. But state attorneys argued on Nov. 4 that lawmakers have the power to bar gay adoptions, and social services authorities are entitled to delve into the sex lives even of heterosexuals planning adoptions. “There is simply no basis to conclude that homosexuals are in any way less capable than heterosexuals of being good parents,” Nina Vinik, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney from Miami, argued on behalf of James W. Cox. The court is considering an appeal by Cox, who, with his companion, Rodney M. Jackman, also of Sarasota, sought to adopt children with physical, mental or emotional handicaps. The two, who acknowledged their homosexuality, were told by HRS officials in 1991 that state law prohibited homosexuals from adopting children. Cox, 32, a professional pianist, and Jackman, 28, a state Department of Revenue collection specialist, challenged the law in Circuit Court in Sarasota. Circuit Judge Scott Brownell declared it unconstitutional in March 1993. But Brownell’s decision was overturned in December by the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland. The state Supreme Court didn’t rule after hearing oral arguments, and the justices have no deadline for making ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The state prison system will save millions of dollars by opening a nearly $1 million, 133-bed AIDS treatment center next year, corrections officials say. But some question how the state will use the facility, designed to deal more efficiently with the disease that has become the biggest killer of Florida prison inmates. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome has claimed the lives of 392 Florida prison inmates in the past six years. In the 1993-94 fiscal year ending June 30, when the prison population averaged 53,512 inmates, 103 died of AIDS. State Corrections Secretary Harry Singletary said the center would provide a cheap and humane approach to treating AIDS sufferers. “It really does make good correctional sense,” Singletary said. But prisoner rights advocates with the American Civil Liberties Union worried about inmates infected with human a ruling. “Our Legislature has imposed a per se exclusion of only one class,” Vinik told the justices. That violates Cox’s state constitutional guarantees of equal protection under the law, she said. “We ask that HRS make an individualized determination in his case like any other.” “In excluding members of a particular class, wouldn’t one need to show that all members of the class are unfit to adopt?” Justice Gerald Kogan asked Anthony DeLuccia Jr., attorney for the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. “Suppose you said anyone who is black can’t adopt, or anyone who is Jewish can’t adopt?” Kogan asked. DeLuccia responded that race and religion are constitutionally protected, but “the Supreme Court of the United States has said homosexuality is not one of those fundamental rights that are deeply rooted in the nation’s history.” Vinik said the law also violates constitutional guarantees of privacy. By making adoption conditional on sexual orientation, she said, “This statute violates Mr. Cox’s right to intimate decisionmaking.” New Hampshire is the only other state with a state law barring adoptions by homosexuals. immunodeficiency virus who haven’t developed AIDS. Jackie Walker, AIDS information coordinator for the ACLU’s National Prison Project, said such a center could be used to segregate HIV-positive inmates - even though the virus can remain dormant for years - and reduce their access to services. “If it’s actually a move by Corrections as they’re describing it, as a compassionate way to treat inmates with AIDS, that would be good,” said Walker. “But it’s something that’s going to have to be monitored.” John Burke, chief of health services administration for the Department of Corrections, said the center, scheduled to open late next summer, would offer care for only 10 to ^ 15 percent of the 530 inmates already suffering from AIDS. By easing health-care burdens on individual prisons, Burke said, the center is expected to save the prison system $ 1 million to $ 1.5 million a year. Jm. DAYTONA BEACH ■ ■ AIDS OUTREACH JSgg§& JOINS NATL fundraiser Outreach, Inc, of Daytona Beach has joined other AIDS support agencies throughout the country in an ambitious national fundraising ': project, “The Caring Tree” will beneftt AIDS 1 service organizations through the sale of holiday trees and wreaths. These items, decked with a symbolic red ribbon, will be shipped directly to the contributor’s home or designated delivery site on their choice of delivery dates. - -jBy' : lor a Caring | Tree AIDS service organization such as Outreach, • Inc., the contributor not only receives a holiday ; : decoration, but also makes an important and sub-stantial gift. Half of the tree or wreath’s price remains with the organization to help provide services to those infected or otherwise affeeted by HIV. Caring Tree holiday trees are Premium grade the Blue;Ridge Mountains, Holiday wreaths are made from freshly cut Fraser Fir Boughs. Both are guaran-" | teed to be shipped to the contributor’s door on one of four shipping dates, from Thanksgiving to December 16. Proceeds from Volusia and Flagler Counties’ pahicipatidn in the Caring Tree project will help Outreach, Inc. of Daytona Beach continue to provide services to HIV positive individuals and their families. To purchase a tree or wreath, call • {904)672-6069. NEXT ISSUE AVaNaKIa MAVAml,A. A LOOK AT ELECTION RESULTS AND THE GAY VOTE STATE PRISON SYSTEM TO OPEN AIDS CENTER PUBLIX DISTRIBUTES RELIGIOUS RIGHT VOTING GUIDE by Tom Dyer For approximately two weeks directly prior to last Tuesday’s mid-term election, Publix Super Markets distributed voter’s guides compiled by a conservative religious organization. The voters guide was published by the Florida Family Council, a Tampa-based organization whose stated goal is “to strengthen the family... and to promote Judeo-Christian values in our culture.” According to Todd Simmons, a Tampa gay rights activist, the Florida Family Council is affiliated with Colorado’s Focus on the Family, and the Oregon Citizens’s Alliance, both organizations which have spearheaded anti-gay ref-erendums. “These organizations are virulently homophobic,” says Simmons. The 16 page guide, which asked candidates their religion and marital status, printed questions and answers to such questions as: “Do you support or oppose legislation or constitutional protection for individuals based on their sexual preference?” “Do you support or oppose legal protection of a woman’s ability to obtain an abortion.” “Do you support or oppose legislation prohibiting an increase in welfare benefits for women who continue to bear children out of wedlock?” “Do you support or oppose legislation permitting voluntary prayer by students at public schools?” Earlier this month, Publix removed the guide from 150 stores in southeast Florida, where consumer complaints were substantial and vehement. Boca Raton resident Harry Westen was among those offended. “It seems to be strictly propaganda,” Westen said. “I don’t think it’s a function of this kind of retail organization to be going into politics.” According to Publix spokeswoman Jennifer Bush, the large super market chain had no plans to remove the guide from the chain’s other 274 stores prior to the election. When contacted on Friday, Nov. 4, a Publix customer relations representative stated, “We have had so many calls on this issue that all I can do is find out whether you support the guides or oppose them and take your phone number.” 300,000 copies of the voter’s guide were initially made available at Publix Super Markets. Publix has over 60 outlets in the Orlando/Daytona Beach area. Nationwide, organizations similar to the Florida Family Council distributed voter guides prior to the election in an attempt to educate and motivate conservative voters. The majority of these organizations are affiliated with the Christian Coalition, an offspring of religious broadcaster Pat Robertson’s 1988 presidential campaign. A sampling of guides across the country, including the one published by the Florida Family Council, indicated that in the overwhelming majority of cases, the Republican candidate’s views were most in line with those espoused by the guide’s publisher. Coalition leaders deny picking sides, which would violate their tax-exempt status. They say questions and answers were carefully worded and presented fairly in the guides, and the choice was then left to the voter. “We know the rules and we play by them,” said coalition spokesman Mike Russell. But many Democrats complained of distortions in the voting guides. In Oklahoma, for example, Democratic House candidate Stuart Price said the coalition’s guide was full of “mistruths” about his views on abortion, school prayer and homosexuality. He urged Oklahoma churches not to distribute it. Leaders of the Interfaith Alliance, an organization founded to monitor the so-called religious right, accused the Christian Coalition of twisting candidates’ records and said late release of the guides proved the organizations’ bias by not giving candidates time to respond. But even the coalition’s fiercest critics give it a begrudging respect. “They have a lot of very good lawyers,” sais Arthur Kropp, president of the liberal People for the American Way. “While they don’t come right out and endorse, it is very clear, at least from the perspective of the Christian Coalition, who you should vote for.” Those wishing to register their disapproval with Publix over distribution of the Florida Family Council’s voter’s guide may call Publix customer relations in Lakeland at (813) 688-1188, or contact their local Publix Super Market directly. Wire service stories were used in compiling this article. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 4 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS Kim Meredith Property Manager PROFESSIONAL GROUP, INC. 7575 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, Suite 100 Residental Sales 352-0041 Rentals 352-8611 • Residential Sales • Rentals • Property Management • New Home Sales • Commercial • Investment Property • Free Market Analysis James Zweifel President/Broker Rentals 352-8611 QUALITY SERVICE It's not just a motto -It's a guarantee. Residential 352-0041 TRUCKS VANS CARS SELL FINANCE TRADE RICK ELL "LET US HELP YOU ESTABUSH OR RE-ESTABUSH YOUR CREDIT TODAY’ 8403 E. Colonial Drive • Orlando, Florida 32817 • 273-5000 • Fax 277-0655 iiHiiHiiiiiiW NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS OPPOSE OREGON, IDAHO, FLORIDA MEASURES WASHINGTON (AP) - Coretta Scott King and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are urging voters in Oregon, Idaho and Florida to defeat anti-gay initiatives on the ballot there next week. The civil rights leaders said last week that the ballot measures would restrict the rights of gay and lesbian people. “Campaigns are under way to undermine civil rights and institutionalize discrimination through referenda that will appear on ballots this Election Day in Oregon, Idaho and Alachua County,” said Mrs. King, wife of the late Martin Luther King Jr. “It is truly ironic and tragic that the rights for which Americans have fought so hard can be taken away at the ballot box,” she said. “If the basic rights of one group can be taken away at the ballot box, all groups are vulnerable,” she said in a letter distributed by the Human Rights Campaign Fund. Jackson, the head of the National Rainbow Coalition who sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1988, said radical right groups pushing the measures have tried to divide people of color over the issue of equal rights for gay people. “Let us not fall into the ‘divide and conquer’ trap of the enemies of social justice,” Jackson said. “It is telling that those who are now leading the charge on these initiatives are the very same forces that oppose the advancement of the civil rights agenda - affirmative action, majority-minority districts and economic setasides,” he said. Oregon’s Measure 13 would overturn existing local gay-rights laws and bar state and local governments from enacting specific protections for gays and lesbians in the future. It also places restrictions on how public schools teach about homosexuality and bars governments from establishing affirmative action or hiring quotas based on homosexuality. Jackson said equal protection under the law is a “God-given right, not a ‘special right.’” “We must recognize the diversity of our human family and affirm our humanity by safeguarding the legal and civil rights of all human beings,” he said. Douglas Hattaway, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign Fund’s Americans Against Discrimination, said the support from Jackson and Mrs. King is a big boost for gay rights. “These right-wing groups have tried to divide the African American community over gay rights issues, even though these groups have a long history of hostility toward African American groups,” Hattaway said. “This undercuts that hostility to have leading civil rights advocates coming out against these measures,” he said. MAN SHOT FOR HOLDING BOYFRIEND’S HAND SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Just blocks from the heart of San Francisco’s Castro district, an almost mystical safe haven for gays, Victor Rohana was pinned to a wall and shot in the chest. His crime? Apparently, he was targeted because he was holding hands with his boyfriend. Civil rights advocates say the shooting is an example of the growing ferocity of attacks on gays and lesbians. “Whereas in 1992, somebody may have just yelled faggot, now they’re yelling faggot and clubbing you or raping you,” said Leslie Addison of Community United Against Violence, a victim advocate group. On October 28th, 24-year-old Victor Rohana and boyfriend Steven Damron were walking to their car after dining in a neighborhood restaurant. Just after 10 p.m., two men in a white Suzuki Samurai drove by and yelled at them. “We were gay and they didn’t like that we were holding hands,” said Damron. Rohana said something to the men before turning to catch up with his friend. The driver backed up about 100 feet to block their path, jumped the curb onto the sidewalk and pinned Rohana against a wall. The jeep’s passenger stuck a pistol out of window and shot Rohana. - “At first I thought he was okay, because he was still standing up. But then he started screaming that he’d been hit and I realized that they’d shot him,” Damron said. The bullet pierced Rohana’s lung, missing his heart by about an inch, Damron said. Rohana underwent surgery on both Saturday and Sunday. He is in satisfactory condition but remains critically injured, the hospital where he is being treated reported on Tuesday. The name of the hospital has been withheld to protect him from possible retaliation, police said. It was clearly a hate crime, a shaken Damron said Monday. “I don’t think they thought we were Italian. They thought we were gay. They clearly made a decision that they were going to shoot a gay man. They went to a lot of effort to get the car in position to shoot him point blank.” Rohana wasn’t the type to look for a fight, said a friend, Steven Underhill. “He’s very quiet and shy, certainly one of the most sweet, kind individuals I’ve ever met,” he said. Police have developed a composite sketch of the suspects, described as white males in their late teens or early 20s. Officer Sandy Bargioni of the city’s police Hate Crimes Unit spent Monday stuffing fliers and the drawing of the attacker into mailboxes near where the attack occurred San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the shooting. “It is dismaying to think that in a city that is known for acceptance of individual freedom that this senseless act of violence still occurs,” Jordan said Monday. The shooting happened just a few blocks outside the Castro District, the center of San Francisco’s gay and lesbian community, one of the largest in the country. Last year there were 366 anti-gay attacks and incidents of harassment reported in San Francisco, said Lester Olmstead-Rose, executive director of Community United Against Violence. The group believes that only about ten percent of harassment is actually reported to police. Advocates say attacks on gays are very deliberate and premeditated. “People come in from outside the city to attack people. A group of kids get in a car in Walnut Creek and decide to drive into the Castro to get some fags. It’s not like someone’s walking down the street and sees a gay person and gets upset,” Addison said. “Maybe they just thought it was macho to shoot a gay guy,” said Damron. “They made a judgement that being gay was bad and their way of expressing that was to shoot Victor.” WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 5 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS TOP COURT HEARS GAY COUPLE’S BID FOR SPOUSAL BENEFITS OTTAWA (AP) - The Supreme Court of Canada recently heard arguments on whether an elderly gay couple - together for 46 years - should be eligible for federal spousal pension benefits. “It’s the capstone of a lifetime of gay activism,” said 73-year-old James Egan of Courtenay, British Columbia. Egan, who began getting his pension in 1986, applied for spousal benefits for his partner, John Nesbit, 67. Spouses of pensioners can get an allowance - now a maximum of $687.88 (about $516 U.S.) a month - if they are aged 60 to 64 and the couple’s yearly income is less than $20,688 ($15,516 U.S.). Ottawa refused Egan’s request, saying the Old Age Security Act defines spouse as someone of the opposite sex. The couple lost their case in a split decision last year at the Federal Court of Appeal, but have appealed to the top court. The court, following its usual practice, was not expected to rule for several months. KIMURA NAMED CHAIRMAN OF GAY MARRIAGE STUDY COMMISSION choice. Heterosexual couples do,” she said Tuesday. Norman Chambers, director of the university’s Auxiliary Services, said the housing policy is in line with those of most schools around the country. The policy states that legally married couples residing together with or without dependent children, or single parents residing with dependent children, are eligible for University Village. Kees might have been eligible for an apartment in the Medical Plaza because that is open to married couples or roommates with or without children. But in the plaza, each adult resident must be a student, and Kees’ partner does not attend the university. University counsel Karen McCreary said the non-discrimination policy does not conflict with the housing rules. No courts have ruled that marriage requirements are unconstitutional. The couple plans to appeal to the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, said Kees. Kees now lives in West Valley City. Her daughter is in daycare at the University Village. Housing costs at University Village are comparatively low. The three bedroom apartment Kees wants is $450 a month, utilities included. “It would be very convenient,” she said. “They offer this housing to the students to save them money and time. I feel that I have the same rights as other students on campus.” Chris Ryan, president of the Utah Log Cabin Club, said many colleges and universities allow homosexual couples among their heterosexual counterparts, and, “The University of Utah has no business defining what constitutes a family.” HONOLULU (AP) - Retired Circuit Judge Shunichi Kimura has been named chairman of the 11-member commission set up by the Legislature to study proposals for legal and economic benefits for same-sex couples. The delay in naming the chairman has stalled the work of the commission, drawing some fire from at least one member. The commission was established earlier this year as a compromise in the highly-contro-versial issue of same sex marriages. The Legislature notified the state Supreme Court that Hawaii’s current laws on marriage apply only to opposite-sex couples. The commission is to recommend to next year’s Legislature changes in the law that might give same-sex couples some of the same legal benefits enjoyed by married couples. Senate President Norman Mizuguchi and House Speaker Joseph Souki on Tuesday jointly named Kimura, who is a former Hawaii County mayor and who served as a Circuit Judge on the Big Island for nearly two decades. The law said the head of the family law section of the Hawaii State Bar Association was to serve as chairman, but that person reportedly rejected the appointment. The 10 members already appointed include theologians and doctrine teachers from the American Friends Service Committee, the Roman Catholic Diocese and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representatives of civil rights groups and legal experts. Member Reinette Cooper earlier this month complained that the delay in getting started would affect the commission’s product which is supposed to be ready for the Legislature’s convening in January. ir'tiwriM’Mi LESBIAN COUPLE DENIED FAMILY HOUSING SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A University of Utah student with a lesbian partner and a 4-ycar-old daughter has been denied family housing at the school. The school bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, but also has a policy of renting only to married couples or to single students either living alone or having roommates who are also university students. Kathy Kees, the student, says she and her partner were married in a ceremony in July 1993 but the state docs not recognize homosexual marriages. **I can’t be legally married and that is totally based on sexual orientation. I don’t have a LAWYER ASKS HIGH COURT TO HEAR APPEAL RICHMOND (AP) - A Virginia Supreme Court ruling on whether a lesbian deserves custody of her son would clear up confusion about the state’s child custody laws, a lawyer have told the justices. “We need to know. The judges in this state need to know,” Richard Ryder, who represents the 3-year-old boy’s grandmother in her effort to keep custody, said Friday. Ryder asked the court to review a state Court of Appeals ruling that granted custody to the boy’s mother, Sharon Bottoms. The justices will issue a written ruling later. If they take the appeal, arguments would not be held for months. In a case closely watched by gay rights groups, Ms. Bottoms has been fighting with her mother, Kay Bottoms, over custody of Tyler Doustou, 2. The boy’s father is not involved in the case. The child remains with his grandmother while the appeal is pending. A court order allows Sharon Bottoms to visit her son two days a week. At the heart of the case is a 1985 Supreme Court ruling that a homosexual was an unfit parent because he broke the state’s law against sodomy. Henrico County Circuit Judge Buford M. Parsons Jr. relied on that case when he ruled in September 1993 that Kay Bottoms should have custodj emum s''"priVciKT’sexuai Tcron^^even though illegal, did not make her an unfit parent. “The Court of Appeals has by its decision changed, without benefit of the legislature, the laws of this state,” Ryder told a four-judge Supreme Court panel. Justice Barbara Keenan noted there was no evidence the boy has been harmed by seeing his mother with her live-in lover. Sharon Bottoms had testified that she and her female lover hugged and kissed in front of the boy but did not engage in sexual activity in his presence. Ryder said returning the boy to his mother would be bound to have a bad effect. “What will happen to this child when he’s 9 or 10 years old?” he asked. Lawyers for Sharon Bottoms did not present arguments because the court only hears from the attorney seeking the appeal. OUT & ABOUT BOOKS -+Ia£- oi -\\ W.A L 930 N. Mills Avenue • Orlando • (407) 896-0204 Gowns courtesy of Ritzy Rags The Bookstore That Cant Keep A Straight Face (But they make a damn fine coffee) A WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 6 HEALTH & HIV NEWS GROWTH HORMONE HELPS AIDS PATIENTS GAIN WEIGHT SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Injecting AIDS patients with a growth hormone can reverse the “wasting” effect caused by tissue loss, a nationwide experiment found. The therapy may also help people with cancer and other diseases gain weight. AIDS patients averaged a gain of 3.6 pounds during the first three months of the two-year study, and some eventually put on 30 pounds, Dr. Morris Schambelan of the University of California at San Francisco said Thursday. “We had people who were severely wasted and in wheelchairs,” he said. “But one guy, by the summer, went up to Yellowstone and climbed a small mountain.” Unlike other weight gain therapies, use of the bioengineered growth hormone increased lean tissues such as muscles, organs and bone mass, rather than fatty tissues, Schambelan said. The average increase in lean tissue was 6.6 pounds during the first three months because many patients continued to lose some fatty tissue. Treadmill tests confirmed improved muscle performance among the subjects, said Schambelan, who coordinated the study from San Francisco General Hospital. “Having their legs being able to take them further on a treadmill suggests growth hormone might help them get around day-to-day,” said Kathleen Mulligan, a UCSF endocrinologist at San Francisco General Hospital. The improvement was so dramatic the experiment was interrupted and placebo patients were given the growth hormone, which was manufactured by Sereno Laboratories, Inc. of Norwell, Mass. The results follow previous successes in treating bum and cancer patients with growth hormones, said Jeffrey Laurence of Cornell Medical Center. He also is a consultant with the American Foundation for AIDS Research in New York. Problems with side effects have been minimal, although diabetics and people with high blood pressure may not be able to take hormones. Still unresolved is the question of whether the therapy will prolong the life of AIDS or cancer patients. “The data are very promising, and the FDA is reviewing the data with exactly that question in mind,” Schambelan said. The double blind experiment included 178 patients in hospitals and community treatment centers in several states. Results were released last week at the Third International Symposium on Nutrition and HIV-AIDS in Philadelphia. AIDS FEAR BRINGS FLORIDA SYPHILIS DECLINE TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Rising awareness of AIDS has led to a sharp drop in syphilis in Florida, which led the nation in syphilis cases until 1990. “We can never say ‘Let’s pack up and go home,”’ said Dan George, a senior public health adviser with the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Florida is now 16th in the nation in its rate of syphilis with 1,187 cases reported last year - the lowest level in 30 years. “I’ve been in the field 17 years, and I never thought we’d get a handle on it,” said Bill Drahos of the Volusia County Public Health Unit. “People weren’t listening and the rates were going up, up, up.” Like syphilis, the vims that causes AIDS can be contracted through sex. But while syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea are curable, AIDS isn’t. “When we were dealing with traditional sexually transmitted diseases, there was kind of a feeling that you could get a shot for it; you didn’t have to worry about it,” said Ed Carson, communicable disease program coordinator for Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties. “With AIDS around, people are not so willing to take a chance,” Carson said. The state distributes about 7 million condoms through its county public health units. Apparently many are being used, said Drahos. “With HIV, it got a little scary not to.” Florida’s syphilis rate peaked in 1988 at 8,292 cases and has been decreasing ever since. Syphilis, which can lead to blindness, insanity, paralysis or heart disease if untreated, still worries public health officials. “We have to remain skeptical. If we’re ever complacent, it may come and sneak up on us again,” George said. “Syphilis is potentially very explosive if left unchecked.” YOUNG AIDS EDUCATOR PEDRO ZAMORA DYING OF AIDS IN MIAMI HOSPITAL MIAMI (AP) - Pedro Zamora, a young Cuban-American man who has left national audiences in tears as he pleaded for more-humane responses to people afflicted with AIDS, is dying of the disease in a Miami hospital. A doctor said he has a severe neurological disorder, cannot walk, speak or eat and often cannot recognize family and friends. The 22-year-old got the HIV vims that causes AIDS in 1989 when he was 17 and trying to deal emotionally with the death of his mother from cancer three years earlier. He has testified in Congress, made a TV spot for the Centers for Disease Control and appeared earlier this year on episodes of the MTV series “Real World.” Steinhart said it is impossible to say how much time Zamora has left, but he made it clear it won’t be long: “The deterioration is continuing and unrelenting.” Zamora was preparing for an interview on CBS’ morning news show on Aug. 17 when he was found wandering the streets of New York, dazed and confused. He was taken to a hospital. It was discovered that he had a neurological condition marked by an increasing inability to walk, talk or eat. Where many AIDS patients survive 10 years, the neurological condition leads to rapid deterioration, Steinhart said. After finding out five years ago that he had the HIV vims that causes AIDS, Zamora began a national lecture tour, telling school audiences how he practiced unprotected sex in high school. After being found to have full-blown AIDS when he fell ill in New York, he returned to Miami and was hospitalized. He left the Miami hospital last month, but entered again last week. The doctor said the neurological disorder is Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, which causes dementia. Only about 5 percent of AIDS patients have PML, but it is showing up increasingly, Steinhart said. Once Zamora declared: “I’d like to say I am not afraid, but that’s not so. 1 don’t fear death itself, because death is something very natural. What I fear is the process of illness, the preamble for which we’re not prepared.” Ii the financial strains I illness... we can give pur life insurance policy. There are many reasons why people sell their life insurance policies.but your reason is the most important one! Dealing with a life-threatening illness is difficult enough without worrying about financial matters. When these concerns overtake your lifestyle and your life, turn to Life Care Resources. We provide quick, completely confidential service, with instant payment after approval, at no cost to you. Before selling your policy to just anyone - contact Life Care Resources. We are committed to paying you the highest price for your policy. Life Care Resources donates a portion of all proceeds to charities and research dedicated to providing support to the terminally ill, including AIDS, cancer, and hospices. If you have needs... Life Care Resources is there. 1-800-563-0018 dignity t/r not on/y t/n- w/kxX we do, vn- adui/ wndewU<z/nd. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 7 AIDS NO. 1 KILLER OF SAN FRANCISCO MEN SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Richard has seen it countless times - the anger, the sorrow, the bravery of critically ill AIDS patients. Soon, he says, he’ll know exactly how they feel. “Not everybody is courageous in the face of AIDS. Some go kicking and screaming and are horrible to everyone around them,” said the former heroin addict-turned counselor. “I’m not sure how I’m going to act.” Richard, an AIDS counselor who declined to use his last name, was diagnosed HIV positive in 1985. “So I’m panicking.” He isn’t the only one. The San Francisco health department recently announced that for the first time in any U.S. city, AIDS was the leading cause of death among men in 1992 - the first time any illness passed heart disease as the No. 1 killer. In a tragic coincidence, 1992 was the same year health officials celebrated hitting a plateau in the number of new cases. What’s even more unfortunate is that many here weren’t surprised by the numbers. “We’ve lost so many friends,” said Richard Chavez, former program coordinator for activities at the Shanti Project who is HIV positive. “It’s frightening to think that nobody is surprised by it,” Chavez said. “Maybe some people who have been hiding in the sand might say, ‘Oh, my gosh.’” Over the past few years, AIDS has been the leading cause of death among men age 25-44, but 1992 was the first time it crossed all age lines. The largest increase in deaths came in men age 35-44. In 1992, the latest year data is available, of the 8,143 total deaths in San Francisco, 1,195 men died of AIDS, while 1,094 men died of heart-related disease. In 1991, of the total 8,345 deaths, heart-related disease killed 1,189 men and AIDS kdled 1,152 men. “In traditional medicine, you go to the doctor and get better. In AIDS, you go to the doctor, you go to the doctor, you go to the doctor, you go to the doctor, you go to the doctor, you go to the doctor - and die,” Richard said. “AIDS had been inching up as the leading cause of death. ... It didn’t go from being No. 12 to one overnight,” said Mitch Katz, director of the city’s AIDS office. “Between 1981 and 1984, there were 8,000 new infections each year. Those were entirely among gay men. And now we’re seeing, 10 to 12 years later, the consequences -the high rate of death,” Katz said. While the numbers for 1993 were still being compiled, AIDS was expected to remain the leading cause of death. The death rate wasn’t likely to decrease until the late 1990s, Katz said. The health department warned that while the number of AIDS cases among gay men has decreased, AIDS could show a resurgence because of the growing number of cases among youth and intravenous drugs users. MICHAEL E. DUNN, M.D. Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Specializing in the CARE of People with HIV Disease & AIDS 1355 Orange Avenue • Suite 5 • Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: (407) 645-2661 Great Selection of Herbal Teas (Tastes Great Iced) Sale prices our valid thru Sept 24 supplements on Qreen Monday (Sept. GOVERNMENT OPENS TOLL FREE LINE FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal government is opening a toll-free telephone number Monday to provide treatment information by telephone or computer to people with AIDS, their families and health care providers. The HIV-AIDS Treatment Information Service was scheduled to begin taking calls at 9 a.m. EST. The number is l-800-HIV-0440 and the hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. The service will be staffed by health information specialists who are fluent in English and Spanish. Deaf access is included, and all calls are confidential. The service’s staff will not provide treatment advice. Staffers will, however, provide information the latest research and treatment options to physicians and patients who call. "In addition to assisting health care providers, the AIDS Treatment Information Service will help people living with H1V-AIDS extend and improve the quality of their lives by helping them make informed decisions about their health care with their providers,” said Philip L. Lee, the director of the U.S. Public Health Service. The service’s data base, which is housed at the National Library of Medicine, will be updated to include all federally approved HIV and AIDS treatment information. The data base can be accessed tree via computer. Users can call l-800-272-4787 for directions on how to access the system with their computer. NEW LAW WOULD REQUIRE HIV TEST FOR FOREIGNERS GETTING VISAS MOSCOW (AP) - The Russian parliament’s lower chamber has approved a measure that would make foreigners seeking Russian visas present proof they do not have the AIDS virus. Foreigners found to be infected with the virus while already in Russia would be deported. The law, which must also be approved by the upper chamber and the president, also would give medical authorities broad powers to conduct mandatory testing. Critics said the law would be hard to implement and would violate human rights. “That law is an attempt to create a new Iron Curtain,” said Kevin Gardner, chairman of the Moscow-based HIV Educational and Information Research Center. “Massive tests won’t stop AIDS since it’s a global epidemic.” He said the requirements for foreigners would “only succeed in creating a black market for false certificates.” Dr. Vadim Pokrovsky, head of the national anti-AIDS center, told the ITAR-Tass news agency that widespread coercive testing might provide statistical information but would not help fight the epidemic. As of the first half of 1994, more than 740 people in Russia had tested positive for the AIDS virus, according to the Interfax news agency. It said 105 had died. PAYROLL DUE? RENT DUE? LOOKING TO EXPAND? ACCOUNTS PAID LATE? We can be your cash flow solution! WE BUY BUSINESS INVOICES 24 Hour Funding • Low Rates USE ASSETS YOU ALREADY HAVE BARTLETT RESOURCE FUNDING CALL (407) 741-7747 or (407) 894-0411 BUSINESS HOURS 9 AM-7 PM MEMBER OF THE NAF.P. & THE MBA Snellen D. Fag an Attornky and Counselor at Law Family and Relationship Issues Wills, Trusts and Estates General Practice Com plim entary ONE-HALF HOUR CONSULTATION for Watermark readers (407) 425-0025 16 W. Pine Street Orlando, FL 32801 Fax Available Thinking About Real Estate? Call the Realtor who understands your perspective and can address your concerns. DENISE LEHEUP, REALTOR Coldwell Banker 170 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789 407.628.3199 ♦ Business 407.896.5494 ♦ Residence Expect the Best.’ Accept no Less! 900 E. WASHINGTON STREET ♦ ORLANDO, FL 32801 ♦ (407) 425-0033 Visit us for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Teddy, Papa Tony and Pablo look forward to your visit and promise you a unique dining experience. FUNERAL HOME "4901 S. Orange Avenue • Orlando' 425-2589 Providing Services For The Greater Orlando Area Since 1954 We Honor Any And All Pre-Need Plans Family Owned And Operated T5 Traditional Burials Shipping Out Of State Sam Odom, L.F.D. Elgan Stappe, F.P. DIR. ASSOCIATION OF Independent ■ "funeraC Dir of fforida Funeral Pre-Planning Cremation Manny Adams, L.F.D. James Cardinal, Owner “Let Our Family Serve Your Family” MARION BAKER From Page 1 contributing, and armed with articles and statistics, she had a knack for steering the discussion into rational channels. She was often one of the few sane voices when the discussion grew heated or overly emotional. Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City had just been printed, and I recall several people saying that Marion was “our own Anna Madrigal.” A tall, commanding presence, Marion Baker turned heads when she entered a room. I was always struck by her no-nonsense demeanor; you could tell right away that this was a person who would listen, but who also believed in common sense and certain, uncompromised values. From the beginning, I was nagged by a question regarding Marion: Why would a heterosexual woman who wore black boots and swore a lot (her seven-year-old grandson eventually cured her of the swearing) want to give so much to the gay community? Marion and I talked just before her death, and she was happy to reminisce with me. “I was on the phone at We Care starting in 1976,” she said. “We naturally got calls from gay people needing support, or who just wanted to talk. I got to thinking...here is a whole population whose needs are not being addressed.” As I came to learn, Marion was driven by this sense of compassion and acute sense of social justice. “I would read in the newspapers every week about police entrapments and harassment going on in town. I thought, my God...gays are people too. I was outraged. This wasn’t fair at all, but nobody seemed to care. Who was worrying about you people? I wanted to start a discussion group even then, because I could tell there was a definite need for one. Of course, there were some bars, but what was lacking was a quiet place for people to meet and talk.” Courageously.. .unbelievably.. .Marion started hitting the bars to drum up interest for a group. “I put up signs and notices and slowly got to meet people. I’d go to the Parliament House and Odds & Ends, but it was tough. Nobody responded to this old lady.” Marion told me the story like a mystery writer unraveling the plot from her latest novel. “Well, one night I ran into someone who knew about a ‘secret society’ called GCS. It’s hard to imagine, but back then it was very secretive, very clandestine. Meetings were held in different people’s houses each time so that a pattern wouldn’t be established. David Slaughter and Charlie Hogan were very instrumental in getting and keeping things going back then, and it was through them that I found out about Charlie’s rap group, and about the Hotline they were developing.” One can only speculate that it was a secret for all this to have eluded Marion Baker’s notice for so long. Marion went on with her story, tired from illness, but clearly energized by the opportunity to relive these most meaningful memories. “Everybody who wanted to come to groups or meetings had to be vouched for,” she said. “Back then, most gay people were much more paranoid about losing jobs or having their families find out. Even when I started sitting in on Charlie’s rap group in 1979, it was very easy to see, to feel just how scared people were.” “Listening to the problems people had... with lovers, families, whatever... showed me what I had always instinctively known; that gay people are just like everybody else, except with almost no support.” Marion spent ten crucial years with the rap group, watching it grow from a secret society to a thriving, open forum. All the while, she continued her volunteer work at We Care. She was diagnosed with hypoglycemia in 1981, but she says, “since I had already stopped drinking and smoking, I just changed my diet and took better care of myself. I had to. There was so much to do; so much to be busy with.” In 1993, it was discovered that Marion had colon cancer. She took chemotherapy, and after the treatments her hair grew back in pure white. She decided to have pictures taken, “smiling, with my mouth wide open, just like people know me and just like I feel.” I will never forget Marion’s unwavering loyalty to the gay and lesbian community, nor the sharp retorts directed toward people who choose to see us in a negative light. Before she died, I asked her if she had anything she wanted to say to Orlando’s lesbians and gay men. Marion didn’t miss a beat. “Think the best of each other and love each other,” she said. Indeed. Simple, direct, honest words spoken straight from her heart.. .one of the many attributes of a woman I’ll always love and always be grateful to. Feisty but loving, Marion Baker was Orlando's own "Anna Madrigal." Janice and Marcia, who shared their experiences with artificial insemination in our second issue, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Taylor Jeanne, on October 1st. Taylor was born at 5:12 PM, weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, was 20-1/2 inches long, and apparently arrived with a fully developed set of vocal chords. Please join us in congratulating Janice and Marcia on this joyous occasion. Watermark's “Gayby Boom” story appeared in Volume 1, Number 2, published on September 14. “Transitions” may include memorials, remembrances, weddings, anniversaries, promotions, and other announcements. Please send submissions with photo to WATERMARK * P.0. Box 533655 • Orlando, FL 32853-3655. Announcements are free of charge. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 9 BUSINESS n A T.T.TKTft JfcJiJfciiKv ^Mp ■ c jfk. r i> s Your Long Distance Calls Can Benefit the AIDS Quilt by Joe Saranno Phoning friends and family could not be more charitable* now that your long distance dollars can go towards increasing AIDS awareness, World Telecom Group, Inc, has generously paid production costs for two AmeriVox phonecards that will benefit the AIDS Memorial Quilt through its keeper, The NAMES Project Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the phonecards will be contributed to The Foundation as well Gracing the front of each phonecard will be thematic works by two leading artists, David McLimans and Mary Bngelbreit, known for their past artistic contributions to The Names Project ; Foundation, McLimans’ art will be 3636 cards* each providih| $5 bf phone time — the equivalent of approximately 16 minutes of domestic long distance calling. The other phonecard, which features Engelbreit art, will be released in a limited edition issue of 1000, each with $20 of phone time—a value of about 67 minutes of calling time. Reflecting on artistry and industry, Anthony Turney, executive director of The NAMES Project Foundation explained, “Our goal has always been to educate the public about AIDS anti HIV prevention while providing a creative form of expression dedicated to the memory of those who have died from this disease. We are pleased that the wonderful art work of McLimans and Engelbreit can be portrayed on the phonecards to help achieve both of these objectives.” Town! Xkeda, President of World Telecom Group, Inc. added; “We are hopeful that these special edition AmeriVox phonecards will help in . some to iripease publiclv^bness; of the AIDS pandemic and encourage HIV prevention, as well as raise additional funds for the important work of The NAMES Project Foundation.” Ameri Vox is the top-selling brand of prepaid phonecards in the United States, providing long distance telephone service to the entire nation and 200 countries worldwide. Its owner, World Telecom Group, Inc., is a fully integrated telephone company, with its own digital central office switches, company-employed operators, and independent sales force. . Using a prepaid phonecard is on most occasions less costly than other methods of calling long distance, however they are a bit tricky to master because of the extra dialing. For instance, if you were at a hotel, you would first have to get an outside line to dial a 1*800 service number which is printed on the card. A computer generated voice will then ask you to dial your personal identification number which is 9 digits in length (alsoprinted on the card). After the computer tells you the present balance on your card, you finally get to enter the area code and number you want to reach. Ouce ; a connection has been made, the computer will quickly tell you how much time you may remain on the line. Near die card’s limit, it will also interrupt with a warning before your time expires. So with a little added dexterity, you can save money while making a valiant contribution to a most noteworthy organization. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was conceived in June of 1987, and has since grown to be recognized worldwide as a testimony to those who have died of AIDS ^ tactile media to help people understand the devastating impact Of the disease. ^Orc than 5 hnilton people have;: visited the Quilt in over l,000 displays. Through such displays and related ac-;-: rivlties, The NAMES Project Foundation has raised more than $1,400,000 for AIDS service organ!- i zations throughout North America, Prepaidphonebdrds are only ava able by writing The NAMES Project '' PoiMdatiqhTSlb Suite 310, San Francisco,C4 94/07;| Enclose a personal check or money order made payable to The NAMES Project Foundation of either $5 or $20 for each card you are . member, the phonecards are intended for renewable use. When its value depleted you can call a toll free service dumber fintM on for additional calling time with the use of a credit card. NAMES PROTECT AIDS MEMORIAL QUIIT MBA PLANS FOR ‘95 EXPO The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) will hold their second annual Business Expo on Saturday, February 4, at the Bahia Shrine Auditorium in Maitland. Last year’s Expo (at the Maitland Civic Center) featured more than 80 exhibitors and was attended by over 1000 people. According to Dr. Sandy Fink, this year’s Expo will be larger in every respect. “The Shrine Auditorium is a beautiful facility, and we’ve moved there to accomodate more exhibitors and guests.” Exhibit space is open to non-MBA members, and is expected to sell out early. To obtain a registration form, or for more information, contact Dr. Fink at (407)299-3969. ADVERTISERS REACH OUT TO GAY CONSUMERS NEW YORK (AP) - Companies in the corporate mainstream are gradually coming out of the closet. Attracted by the enticing consumer profile of gays and lesbians, a steady parade of companies such as AT&T, American Express, Ikea and Saab have started and expanded marketing campaigns aimed at the gay community. “Our research tells us that these are affluent, well-educated, brand-loyal consumers who want high-quality products,” said Dick Martin, vice president of advertising at AT&T. Aiming at that market, AT&T mailed brochures last spring which depicted three smiling couples in affectionate poses - two men, two women, and a man and a woman. The slogan was “Let Your True Voice Be Heard.” AT&T declined through a spokeswoman to comment on the effectiveness of its direct-mail effort, but lesbian activist Susan Horowitz says it was effective. “These companies are ‘coming out’ because they see payoffs going to their competitors,” says Horowitz. “When people are choosing a long-distance carrier they’ll look at the brochure on the table and think, AT&T? MCI? AT&T because they care about me.” Other companies such as Saab, the first national auto marketer to reach out to gays, have started running their usual advertisements in gay publications. In California, a small group of investment advisors - Progressive Asset Management of Oakland - help gay investors steer their money toward companies with good track records on gay issues. All this newfound attention is welcomed by many gays and lesbians, who have historically been ignored by advertisers. “Very often we march down 5th Avenue in a protest,” Horowitz adds, “but now Madison Avenue is marching down to Greenwich Village to find us.” Other companies have directed images at the gay market that are dramatically different than their usual ads showing All-American heterosexuals. , — —-------- American Express has advertised travelers checks with the signature of two men or two women. Ikea, the home furnishings chain, ran a television spot last spring showing two men shopping for a table. While companies doing these types of commercials have conducted in-house research on the gay market, few systematic surveys have been made public. One recent study, conducted by the Westport, Conn.-based market research firm of Yankelovich Partners, gives perhaps the most precise portrait to date of gay consumers. The national survey found people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian - approximately 6 percent of the U.S. population - are twice as likely as heterosexuals to hold a graduate degree. Their income is “roughly equivalent” to that of heterosexuals, contradicting other less-accurate studies which suggest gays are more wealthy than average. Although AT&T, Ikea and American Express have used openly gay people in some advertisements, companies who want to reach these consumers do not necessarily have to include overtly gay images to be effective, says the study’s director, Rex Briggs. “Gays are a more stressed out population,” he says. “They are also more technologically savvy and are very concerned about control and security of the home.” Marketers who push those “hot buttons,” he says, will get their message across whether or not the image shows openly gay people. In addition, Briggs says inclusiveness is a powerful theme that marketers such as Ikea, which has run ads featuring gay men and single mothers, have used to unite fragmented constituencies. “You can say ‘We respect individuality’ and make no statements about age, sexual orientation, ethnicity or anything,” he says. “When you add that up, you are talking about not six percent of the population but 40 percent.” ^N subscription to (^^tCTTIW'k can put a smile on the faces of these all pear round. Q^ustfill out the subscription form on paae 26 of .this issue with the name andaddress of.the recipient, mail it with a cheek for onlp S3 S-0 °> we ^ make sure pour fft is well received. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 10 COVER STORY PIECES OF EIGHT Antique Emporium Central Florida's Premier Antique Showcase EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUES AND MORE FOR THE DISCRIMINATING BUYER Mon - Sat 10-6 Sun 1-5 2021 N. Orange Ave. » Orlando, FL 32804 • (407) 896-8700 mm m m ■ mm ■ ■ 1 Hi HI HR its MB Hi Hi HI HI Ml JBL ML ..Ml Hi ML.JM ML.... ML H Hi HI ML H M Hi. JH JM H : Auto Force inc. ; ■ Automotive Repairs " • j 4211 N. Orange Blossom Tr. #A3 ; (Just South of Lee Rd.) ■ IMPORT and DOMESTIC ; * Engine/Mechanical Repairs * Tune Ups ; * Brakes * Shocks/Struts * Charging Systems ■ * Cooling Systems * Starting Systems ... ■ • 8.30 - 6M-F, 10-5 Sat. . \ OR by appointment ! j Certified Mechanic. i 290-6027 \ :: % | $ mu ft 1 '5 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 -i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 HIV+? THINKING OF SELLING A POLICY? READ ON! Whether you warn realize a dream just take car< your health finances, owe it to youri to call today for obligation informat and applicati CALLUS (407)426-9760 WOODARD From Page 1 deserved to have it and if that helped the gay community.. .great. But I wasn’t really in it for political reasons,” Woodard said. However, as the lawsuit came into focus, Woodard began to see the impact his fight could have for others in his situation. He also began to feel more comfortable as a member of the gay community. Five years ago, Woodard made a point of clarifying that he was “bisexual.” No more. “When this first began, I had no ties with the gay community. I didn’t even go to a gay bar until a year after I was fired. But now I’ve joined GLCS...I’m a changed person. I’m gay and I’m part of the gay community now.” Woodard’s saga began more than five years ago when, during an investigation into allegations that he had sexual relations with another man, Woodard admitted to Deputy Sheriff John Butler Book, Jr. that he had had a gay affair about a year-and-a-half before. Book’s report concluded that Woodard’s bisexuality could possibly compromise his position as a deputy sheriff and could bring “dishonor or disrepute to the sheriff, who holds that homosexuality is unnatural, immoral and inexcusable.” Major Buck Buchanan then gave Woodard the option of resigning or being fired. Buchanan also asked Woodard to identify other gays and lesbians in the department. While Woodard refused to name anyone else, he did submit his resignation on April 27. However, after resigning, Woodard couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been grievously, fundamentally wronged. His friends and former co-workers agreed. “I just instinctively knew that it was wrong,” Woodard said. Apparently, so did prominent Orlando attorney Bill Sheaffer, who took up Woodard’s case along with the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund (LLDEF). With Sheaffer’s assistance, Woodard withdrew his resignation and began the legal battle to be reinstated. And the rest, as they say, is history. Legally, Woodard’s case sets a precedent against the termination of government employees solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. “This Court finds the action of the Sheriff, in constructively firing [Woodard], unconstitutional,” stated Judge Gridley. “While [Woodard] was a Deputy Sheriff, none of his actions could be construed so as to bring disrepute or dishonor on the Sheriff’s office.” While Gridley left the issue of whether gays deserve special protection from discrimination, he clearly indicated that he feels such discrimination exists: “It is the conclusion of this Court that known homosexual persons are included in a class of persons who are inherently threatened with prejudice by a large number of people in our society.” Woodard has been back to work for just over two years now. In the beginning, he was concerned about the kind of reception he would get. Gallagher was still Sheriff, and Woodard thought he might have to “watch my back at every turn.” But that was not the case. “I was received very well. No one has said a single negative thing to me.” Today, Woodard is happier than he has ever been. He feels a sense of security in his position, and justified pride in his courage to battle what he felt was an injustice. He realizes that he has cleared the way for others in the same situation to feel less intimidated. “While I don’t know of anyone else [in the department] who has come out, I’m sure my case has had an impact. There are a number of deputies who are fairly open with their peers about it. They’re not trying to hide it.” Since the ouster of Walt Gallagher as Sheriff, Woodard feels the environment for gays and lesbians has improved even more at the Sheriff’s department. “[Current Orange County Sheriff] Kevin Beary is great. He’s been real supportive through the whole thing. He has made it a “It is the conclusion of this Court that known homosexual persons are included in a class of persons who are inherently threatened with prejudice by a large number of people in our society. point to check with me,” Woodard said. Woodard indicated that the Sheriff’s office has also appointed a liaison to the gay community. He feels that if people in our community don’t know this, it’s because there is less controversy attached to the issue these days. “I won’t take credit for it. I think people in general are just becoming more tolerant and understanding,” Woodard said. As evidence, Woodard describes a recent on-duty situation involving a married couple reporting their son missing. The couple recognized him, but couldn’t place him. “When I gave the husband my card, he looked up at me and then yelled at his wife, ‘Honey...we have a celebrity in the house. This is the detective who got fired for being gay.’ Both of them told me they’d followed the case and were glad to see me back on the job.” While there arc not currently plans to actively recruit gays and lesbians into police service as is done in many large cities, Woodard is still hopeful. “I think we’ll get to that point. We’re probably not ready for that right now.” Changes are also evident in Woodard as well. “When all this started I had never been to a gay bar. Now that I’ve come out, I’ve become a lot healthier and happier.” Apparently, Woodard has lost nearly 70 pounds. He admits to a much less stressful life now. The comfort Woodard now feels came at some cost, however. He views the three-and-a-half years of limbo as a very painful time in his life, both professionally and personally. He becomes emotional when discussing the effect the lawsuit had on his family. Continued Page 11 Klan protestors at a 1989 pro-Woodard rally. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 11 COVER STORY Woodard and altorney Bill Sheaffer: "I know I did the right thing." WOODARD From Page 10 “My bills were really backing up. I had to depend on my mom to help me get through the whole thing,” Woodard said. He also explained that coming out so publicly was a shock to his family. Woodard’s mother was the first female detective in the Polk County Sheriff's department. His dad also worked in law enforcement. “It was all new to them. No one in my family knew that I was gay * until two days before it hit the newspapers. I had to tell my mom I had been fired and then why I had. It was rough on her. There were times when she’d just sit in her office and cry,” Woodard said. “Now she’s very proud of me. My parents were great. They stood behind me the whole time, but it has taken time for them to accept fully.” He has not spoken to Walt Gallagher since his reinstatement and Gallagher’s subsequent defeat in a re-election bid. While the lawsuit may have uncovered a number of Gallagher’s weaknesses, Woodard doesn’t think that he was the sheriff’s undoing. “People have said that he made a mistake with the way he handled my situation but it was just one of many mistakes.” Woodard himself has no regrets about what he did. He offers this advice for those considering coming out at work. “Be prepared to accept yourself first.” Woodard also recommends books on coming out, including Gay Cops. “Every cop who’s gay should read it to prepare themselves for what might or might not happen.” Finally, Woodard reflects, “It was a bad time for me but it also let me learn from life. It think I’m a better person for that, and now I can accept myself. I know I did the right thing. Without a doubt.” METROPOLITAN 2nd Annual MBA Business Expo freeadmissTon Saturday, February 4, 1995 • Noon - 6pm SHRINE AUDITORIUM 2300 Pembrook Drive, Maitland (Norn* Orlando) FEATURING OVER 100 GAY and GAY-SUPPORTIVE vendors, businesses and organizations, such as: Printing & Sign Companies V Carpet Cleaning V Accounting Firms Travel Agencies V HIY/AIDS Support Groups V Realtors V Insurance Political Organizations V Florists V Book Stores V Art Gallery Financial Services V Jewelers V Special Event (Holy Union) Planners Landscaping Services V Veterinarian Services V Plus Many More! If you would like to promote your business or need additional information on the Metropolitan Business Association please call . . . (407) 896-0689 ___________• - -- TAMER & SHEA 'Specializing in Distinctive Properties of John Keith Tanner Pager 980-6334 David W. 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You are entitled to have to be financially self-sufficient and independent...to spend time with sp loved ones...and follow your dreams. At TLC Funding;confidential assistance is available 24-hours a day. And the call is toll free. Be worry free. Call today And get on with your life TLC Funding (800) 290-8171 WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 12 VIEWPOINT CROSSING THE LINE IN BOBBY SOCKS AND SNE AKERS bv James A. Creseitelli Lola O’Lay, move over.. .Leigh Shannon, step aside. I finally crossed the line; that sartorial Maginot breastplate that separates men from girls. I got into a dress and paraded myself through Orlando this Halloween. I only want to know one thing. How one remove mascara build-up the next morning? The compulsion to parade “en drague” had been building for some time. I’d done it before in a safe way.. .nun, nurse.. .but never simply as a “woman.” But the nagging desire surfaced again during a recent Miss America party. Miss Alabama won and my friend Jamie, ecstatic that the young lady from his home state ’ ad captured the crown, vowed to essay her for Halloween, with me in tow. I agonized for weeks. Did I dare look bad in the eyes of my fellow revelers? Did I dare violate one of Gaydom’s commandments: “Thou shalt not leave the house in bad drag.”? Then again, it was Halloween. There’s no absolute requirement that one be, well...pretty. I wasn’t going to perform on stage. I wasn’t trying to fool anyone, like Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie. It would simply be me...in a little outfit...and a wig...and some makeup. Simple, fun stuff. Actually, not so simple. As usual, I left everything to the last minute because I work six days a week and have no life. I needed to shop! So after closing the store on Saturday, I hotfooted it over to Thrift Co. (black hole of the fashion universe). You must go. Miles of clothes racks, all crammed full of cunning items once worn by strangers. Strangers with armpits and all sorts of other private, fungus-breeding parts. But I can control those thoughts and conquer them. And I was encouraged by the company...the camaraderie really. Incredibly, this pre-Halloween Saturday night found the store filled with guys. Guys buying heels. Guys trying on gowns. Guys searching for matching purses, hats, scarves.. .accessorizing! The checkout ladies never batted an eye. I chucked my excuse about shopping for my grandmother and fought for a changing room. Later, we met at Jamie’s where a talented friend had agreed to paint us; Jamie, me, and a friend who was going as that dear old Republican mother hen, Barbara Bush. We began the transformation. Immediate chaos ensued. Within ten minutes, Jamie’s apartment looked as if “Les Cagelles” themselves had stormed through the place, emptying shopping bags everywhere. Wigs, .. .the hair?Brunette, teased and tortured into something the might have sported on stage at the Apollo. pearls, foundation, spray net.. .God, its complicated being a woman. My inability to secure a pair of 10-1/2 heels had determined my iook. Annette Funicello, early ’60s. 1963 to be exact. Straight gray skirt, pink sweater rolled to the sleeves, bobby socks and sneakers. And the hair? Brunette, teased and tortured into something the Ronettes might have sported on stage at the Apollo. A tiara and a five-strand rope of pearls made me complete. According to our make-up expert, I was done. Perhaps overdone. I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. Perfection. This was the me that had been trying to get out for weeks. But like Audrey Hepburn descending the stairs in My Fair Lady, the real test awaited. The Club was packed, and among the costumes was a full compliment of drag... good, bad, great, different, indifferent. I had a brief moment of sublime com fort... right after I realized no one was paying any attention to me, and right before I realized I wanted everyone to pay attention to me. I ran into several friends (and a few walls) and their comments were gratifying. Apparently even in bobby socks and sneakers, my Annette Funicello looked more like Connie Francis (who was much prettier in my mind). How could I not be pleased? Some acquaintances shrieked when they realized I was me. I felt like a movie star making a rare personal appearance. I had fun, and the whole evening was well worth the effort and expense. As I doffed my wig, I found rnvself thinking about those distant drag sisters who stood up for the right to be different twenty-five years ago. My experience had been liberating as well. I felt an enormous confidence. I took chances, acted differently, flirted with strangers, and even climbed on stage to dance (in character, of course...my own version of the Madison, and a mean disco Bossa Nova). I had been both stunning and bad; an effective combination I heartily recommend. It worked -1 know it did because my editor couldn’t stop laughing when he saw me. In fact, he had to grab someone to keep from falling down. Men!! WATERMARK Watermark Media, Inc. ©1994 editor / publisher Tom Dyer layout / managing editor April Gustetter account executive Keith Peterson contributing writers Michael L. Kilgore, G. K. Fowler, Harmony Brenner, Nan Schultz, Bandon Dean, Dimitri Toscas, Jim Creseitelli, Mark Lawhon, Yvonne Vassell, Ken Kundis, Rafael Gasti, Stephen De Matteis, Rosanne Sloan, Joe Sarano photographers & illustrators Alison Bechdel, Eric Orner, Russell Tucker, Jill Porter student contributors Robert Holland, Katie Messmer, Tera Kenney, Mike Williams CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations (unless, of course, sexual orientation is stated specifically). WATERMARK is published every second Wednesday, except the first week in January and the second week in July. Subscription rates are S35.00 (third class). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or i management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost I of replacing ads that have such errors. WATERMARK P.O. Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655 TEL 407.481.2243 FAX 407.481.2246 The fabulous, award-winning La Cunta Sisters, Mona and Davida, make their annual Halloween appearance. \& ALLEGED CAUSES AF LESBIANISM 1, Masturbation (1600s thru early 1900s) 2, Faulty nervous organization, which can also lead to dementia death (1890s) 3, Cerebral abnormalities (1890s) 4, Fear of pregnancy (1890s) 5, Female friendships (1890s) 6, Being allowed to dress like boys (1890s) 7, Being allowed to play with boys (1890s) 8, Feminism (1890s) 9, Separate schools for girls boys (1890s) 10, Women's colleges which encouraged athletics k the “masculinization” of the female mind (1900s) 11, Co-ed colleges (1900s) 12, Childhood trauma (1920s) 13, Being an only child or (he first-born (1920s) 14, Shortage of men after World War I (1920s) 15, World War I: emotional trauma caused by the separation of men women during the war k also, women taking over men’s jobs (1920s) 16, Overfunctioning adrenal gland (1930s) 17, Glandular imbalance (1950s) 18, Poor parenting (1960s) From LESBIAN LISTS by Dell Richards. Alyson Publications WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 13 VIEWPOINT GETTING IT STRAIGHT by Rosanne Sloan I am openly gay, yet I don’t shove my homosexuality in others’ faces. Fortunately, I have had the freedom to be “out” wherever I’ve been employed. Over the years, I have noticed that straight men and women react differently to my coming out at work. I spent six years mostly in the company of straight men. I was the executive vice-president of the largest family-owned chain of car stereo businesses in New Jersey. I It was as if I’d caused an earthquake. They listened politely enough, but the aftershocks were explosive. was also the only woman...and the only gay employee. During the first three months, I was propositioned every day, all day. I had no choice but to reveal that I was a homosexual. At first, the guys thought it was a ploy to prevent them from harassing me. They disregarded my declaration and demanded hat I prove it. How was I to do that? I lought that bringing my lover to the of-ice would suffice but they wanted action, he “real” thing. Then it hit me - these ma-'ho men would rather die than have sex with another man, but they’d love to be involved in a sexual tango with two lesbians, or their wives/girlfriends and a lesbian. “Once you’ve had me,” they’d say, “you’ll be a real woman.” Soon, I became a novelty, a trophy. When a new guy was hired, the boys would say, “Don’t mess with her, she’s our lesbian.” They couldn’t have me, so they made sure no other men would. Soon, their wives/ girlfriends found me to be unthreatening, and by the end of my sixth year, I had become “one of the guys.” No longer was I thought of as a gay just as Rosanne. I have worked in Florida for a year now, and have decided that straight women are odd. I’m employed at a mail house business which predominantly hires women. After coming aboard, they’d ask me about my wedding band, what my husband’s name was, what he did for a living, why we don’t have kids, dah-da-dah-da-dah. They wanted to know every detail of my personal life. I thought it was only fair (and certainly less burdensome on me) to be honest with them. So, a month after I started working there - on National Coming Out Day - I decided to tell the women I work with that I’m gay. It was as if I had caused an earthquake. They listened politely enough, but the aftershocks were explosive. Thankfully, there were some women who said it didn’t matter, but one woman felt compelled to warn, “You better not mess with me!” Others were hurt that I didn’t tell them right away. Still others were curious. It seemed as if everyone was telling me stories of a relative or a friend that was gay. One woman told me a neighbor of hers killed himself because he was gay, and did I ever feel that way? Another told me she was approached by a gay woman, and did she look like a lesbian to me? Every conversation for the next few days revolved around being gay or gays and lesbians. “How do you do it?” “Are you the man or the woman?” “Do you use a dildo?” “Don’t you miss doing it with a man?” Most of the women at work now respect my lifestyle. They see my marriage to Donna as equal to their own marriage in validity, but they think I have it better. They feel the success of my marriage is due to it being with a woman. I’ve tried to explain that it isn’t the gender but the person; still they disagree. My closest friend at work, Weezer, told me the other day, “You know, I used to be afraid of gay people - until I met you. I thought they would hit on anyone, straight or gay. And I thought if I liked someone gay, it meant I was gay, too. But knowing you has changed my mind. Gay people are cool.” She smiled and put her arm around me.. .something she couldn’t do a year ago. There are a couple of women at work who are still afraid to be close to me, afraid of what they might see in themselves, perhaps. But for the most part, the others, like Weezer, have changed their minds about gay people. Maybe they will raise their children or teach their grandchildren to be more openminded about homosexuals. Maybe, some day, there will be a Coming Out Day for straights. Let me say, a more artistic, appreciative group of people For the arts does not exist.. .They are more knowledgeable, more loving of the arts. They make the average male look stupid. M BETTE DAVIS, on gay men. ^ ••••••• < "■ • * . v - ' 'A'' TO MARK: MY WAKE-UP CALL by Ken Kundis My old college roommate, John, and I still talk on the phone on the average of once a week. Recently, during the hootin’ and hollerin’ about men or bars, movies or old friends from New Orleans, he lowered his tone meaningfully and said, “I got a card today from Rick. He wanted to let me know that Mark passed away.” Six years ago, during our senior year in college, Mark had been John’s first boyfriend. And now, at 26 years old, Mark was dead. John had spent his junior year in Paris, while I, for reasons that seem distant now, had been living in my fraternity house (Hoo Rah Rega for Alpha Tau Omega). John’s year in Paris was freeing — he came home centered, secured, evolved. In short, a fully-developed homosexual. I, too, had come a long way in that year. I had finally grown tired of the complicated facade I had been wearing for years. I had finally figured out that the roof of my parents’ house wouldn’t start crashing in on them if I went on a date vith a man. So, when senior year started, John and I ame roommates again, as we had been omore year, and dove headlong into Orleans’ gay world. While John dove farther and swam a bit faster, the ten-^ steps that I took toward coming out 'ear were some of the most important y life. . was during this heady time, as the \ x)l year began, that John met Mark. As \ )uple, they didn’t break any longevity -£)rds — six weeks at the most. But Mark, 19 at the time, was sweet and funny, someone who always seemed open to the new experience, the new viewpoint. And for two attention-seekers like my roommate and me, Mark was a good audience. For some reason, he regarded us as clever. And in his own way, he was quite clever as well. Mark and I remained friends for the rest of the year after he and John went their separate ways. After graduating from college, I returned to Orlando and essentially lost touch with Mark. About a year later, As a gay mI was becoming desensitized to seeing a familiar face waste away into a guant, barely recognizable pallor. however, John told me that Mark and his lover were moving to Orlando. Several weeks later, we ran into each other at Southern Nights and exchanged phone numbers. Over the course of the next year, I attended a dinner party or two at Mark’s house, saw his lover and him out often and on one or two occasions just called him to talk. I was glad to see that he remained the same person I had known in New Orleans: upbeat, funny, relentlessly reaffirming. Time and responsibilities intervened, however. I saw less and less of Mark and when I did see him, we had less and less to say. The things we had in common — John, New Orleans — faded further back into memory. Also as time went on, I could tell something was clearly out of place with Mark. Always trim and boyishly attractive, he suddenly seemed to be packing on weight and aging prematurely. The next time, he would be pale and drawn. Sometimes, he seemed happy to see me; other times, distracted and disinterested. One evening, I saw Mark at Southern Nights. He looked terrible. He had lost all the weight he had gained plus another twenty pounds. He seemed melancholy and removed. I went home that night and casually mentioned to John on the phone that I had seen Mark and that he didn’t “look well,” with all the proper nuance to let my friend know exactly what I meant. Strangely, however, I didn’t really feel anything about it. I was just pointing out to John what I saw as an empirical fact. As a gay man, I was becoming desensitized to seeing a familiar face waste away into a gaunt, barely recognizable pallor. What I had not seen, what prevented me from having any real emotion about it, was that I hadn’t actually seen anyone dying. To date, not one of my close friends, who are relatively scattered across the country, has told me that he is HIV positive. There are some friends of friends that I know of who are ill. And now there is Mark. But for me personally, for my day to day life, AIDS has been an abstraction. My friends and I are the children of Safe Sex. We were the “young people” that were the targets of all the AIDS education materials available in gay bars in the mid to late 1980’s. We were too young to have been sexually active during the worst of times, but were old enough to see the decimation and take it seriously. The rising rate of HIV infection among the 18-25 age group is evidence that the lack of such dramatic examples — seeing people close to one’s own age dying — can foster a certain complacency about one’s health. My age group, 26-32, was the one that largely got the message. Add to the mix the fact that my friends are generally highly informed and more health-conscious, and I have been insulated — either through luck or design — to the concrete and insidious ramifications of this epidemic. But since Mark’s passing, I’ve been thinking about it a great deal. My mind seems to be saying to me “Yes, you idiot, people are actually DYING of this.” I know its naive and perhaps even a bit flippant of me to act as though it never occurred to me that dying was the final toll AIDS exacts from people. I made the intellectual connection, of course; but perhaps the emotional one was too much for me. Now I can think of nothing else. I think my good fortune in not having loved ones dying has coddled me, created a false sense of security. Yes, I’ve done academic research on the subject. I know the biology and sociology and psychology associated with this disease. But it was never in context before. Now I see Mark, a man I’ve barely known for the past three years as this fragile bellwether; my first example in flesh and bone of the horrifying impact this disease has had on our community. And now I feel like I know nothing. No book or academic paper can possibly relate what this disease is really doing. After presenting myself as an expert on the subject now for years, I can’t even pretend to know or understand anything. I can just stand here and watch. And I can also yell as long and as loud as I possibly can. I can communicate to as many people as possible using whatever skills I may have. I can work against the kind of complacency I’ve been floating through. And it won’t be for Mark, and it won’t be for my friends. It will be for me. It’s long overdue to get angry. And it’s long overdue to get involved. I’m sorry, I just got my wake-up call. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 14 fill noon SALOON ;A C\ay merican Soutkem Style Saloon Open Dancing Wednesday -Friday - SaWday & Sunday Country 8 Weston Dance Lessons w/ Terni & jfetvy and DjJ jAIan £11 is Wednesday 8-11 SaWdays 8:30 - 10:30 Drink Specials Nightly •Happy Houe 12PM - 8PM Open Daily 12PM - 2.AM 500 No. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FI (407) 640-8725 Lighted 8 Secured Parking Available Acrossed the Street COLDUietL BANKER □ Residential Real Estate Inc. (800) 598-5060 (407) 325-2218 Felix Power --------Kirby Smith Road On 3+ Lake front acres facing south. This unique 3 level Chalet is wrapped in screened & open porches. Living space is well planned for leisure & private rooms. Garage parking for 6 cars, sea wall, boat ramp, dock & boat house. Owner 2nd Possible!!! $275,000 Mayfair Circle---------------- Quaint bungalow beautifully maintained and updated for the busy young family or anyone looking for hassle free living. Lake Como Elementary, Howard Middle, and Boone High School. This home is underpriced to sell at $89,900 Sawmill Boulevard-------------- Gorgeous tropical poo! and tub highlight this beautiful, young home “In the Country." Split plan, vaulted ceilings, 2 car garage, screened porch, and a country sized yard make this a perfect addition to your family, Easy access, great location. $96,000 Connie Lancaster Sales Consultant Serving The Needs Of Our Community For Over Twelve Years Glauser Mercedes Benz 6828 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida (813) 923-3441 Starting at $30,950, the new C-Class keeps the Mercedes promise: to build the best cars in the world. All-Star Award Automobile Magazine Best of What’s New Popular Science Magazine Car of the Year Award The Robb Report Magazine 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Awards North American Car of the Year An independent panel of 45 automotive journalist Best Import Luxury Car Motorweek Best Overall Value Intellichoice Complete Car Cost Guide Canadian Car of the Year A panel of 54 Canadian automotive journalist Top New Car in the $25,000-$30,000 Category The American Automobile Association (AAA) WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 17 OUR CULTURE ^ ..... .... ...>-•%?# ' ION) MYlCSU.lt,CHAPTER17: Joni Mitchell’s 17th release in her 26 year recording career is “Turbulent Indigo,” another treasure from rock’s premier female singer-songwriter. Through her catalog of work, Joni has defined the most complete, fleshed out female character to appear in our contemporary culture. While it has long been assumed that much of her work is semi-autobiographical, Mitchell has taken us on a magical journey through her music and introspective lyrics. Long time fans have followed her through each gorgeous phase of her career: the nostalgic reminiscences of late ‘50s rural Canada; the idealistic and naive dreams of a ‘60s flower child; the willful self-indulgence of the mc-generation ‘70s; her growing maturity amid the rage and turbulence of the ‘80s; and now, not so comfortably settled into middle-age. The specifics of this fascinating musical self-portrait may seem insignificant to some, but her legion of loyal fans feel connected to her in an almost mystical way. For us fans, “Turbulent Indigo” touches the spirit. “Indigo” is less a departure in style for Mitchell than a balance of all that has worked in the past. A definite highlight is “How do you Stop?” featuring backup vocals by Seal. The CD jacket features several Mitchell paintings, including a Van Gogh-inspired self-portrait on the cover. This long-awaited release is yet another delicious chapter in Joni’s musical saga. For those less familiar with her work, it is accessible, enjoyable music. A MONSTER TOR R.C.M . :Long before there was grunge, there was R.E.M. Back in the early ‘80s when this band was unknown beyond college radio, R.E.M. produced at least one release per year, and backed each release with endless touring. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, R.E.M. released “Out of Time” and “Automatic for the People,” achieving multi-platinum sales and numerous Grammy nominations. However, the band was criticised for “selling-out” as their popular and more polished sound seemed to stray further and further from their Athens, Georgia roots. As if this wasn’t enough to alienate die-hard fans, the band ceased touring. With the release of “Monster,” R.E.M. boldly returns to their pure sound Michael Stipe’s vocals are again pushed back into the music, and the band’s “edge” is back. Even better news: a tour is eminent. The first radio release, “ What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” is in my not so humble opinion the best and most exciting single of the year. The unusual title stems from something that happened to newsman Dan Rather a few years back. For no apparent reason, Rather was attacked on the streets of New York. His attacker kept repeating the phrase “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” The phrase caught on, as things do, and within days of the attack began showing up on t-shirts and the like. "Monster” is excellent. Long time fans will rejoice, newer fans will be led back to the wonderful, if sometimes uneven, early work of one of today’s best bands. BUG. Halloween is my absolute least favorite holiday. Nevertheless, I broke down and attended Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights the weekend before Halloween. I’ll be the first to admit it, we all had a blast; the haunted houses, “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Dungeon of Terror,” “Psycho Path Maze,” and "The Boncyard” all brought lots of screams. The live action show "Bill & Ted Meet TimcCop” was also great fun. The fact that it was drizzling and damp the night we went only added to the spirit of the night. Universal had loads of street activities and should be applauded for keeping the park dark enough to maintain the "spookiness” of the event. If you haven’t been yet, make sure you don’t miss it next year! HCUyilJOlIl} INSIDER : From reliable industry sources comes the word that Neil Jordans Interview With the Vampire, although visually beautiful, is excessively violent and somewhat disappointing. The vampires appear bored and spend far too much time whining about how un-intcrcsting it is to be un-dead. When the characters in a movie are this bored, the audience follows suit. The good news is that Tom Cruise, although not quite the Lcstat conjured by Anne Rice’s vampire chronicles, is effective in his role; a performance full of sarcasm and bite (pun intended). My source tells me that Oscar potential (if any) will favor newcomer Kirsten Dunst as Claudia (the vampire woman trapped in a child’s body), as well as costumes, cinematography, and set design. Dykes To UJatch Out For HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ♦ Gift Certificates For All Occasions ♦ Extended Holiday Hours ♦ Relax Through The Holidays pMC s 6 <?0 & Associates P R O F E S/ S| _ LICENSED MASSAGE TH 896-4827 $5 COUPON FOR ANY MASSAGE VISIT NO OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES 4/30/95 vrmass with Special Guests N0V.29TH 7:30PWI BUY TIX AT GAYFERS, SPEC’S, SOUND WAREHOUSE, & INFINITE MUSHROOM OR CALL (407)839-3900 Produced by FANTASMA TASTE THE FUTURE OF DRAFT BEER thank yoU, Julian, for THAr fascinat/ng, oh, TRA/'WEyiMl VEKSIOK) of the OtW; legend, hOEDI PAL Co/MPIEX fHANKS ALSoTo MlKOTAKAGl AMO PElRDRE TRivELftECE EoR SHARING rum WORK W/Th US TONIGHT, AND TO OUR AJL INTERPRETER , To PALMER . and Thanks to au of you For coming our to support OUR Local AJTHoRS, AND MAKING This FiRsi EVENT In OUR "MAOWIMMlsi READ’ SERIPj A SUCCESS. PLEASE STICK AROUND Fod REFRESHMENT?, AND COME BACK AGAIN NEXT MONTH. EXCUSE ME. I Mr NEED To SAY X WA5REAUY SHOCKED THAT YOU LET A MAM READ HERE TONIGHT. MEN HAVE ACCESS TO THE WHOLE WORLD. WHY Should WE SHARE oUR, MEAGER RESOURCES WTnTHEM? MAIM, HE5 A LESBIAN. I MEAV, SHE'S A LESBIAN. AND SECOND, I VANT THIS SERIES To BE INCLUSIVE, AND NOT SoKE private Club, i mean, who ami id ques-t/oni Someone Else > I dent ry? mmm EXCUSE ME, MO. I'm MTi THE ARTS EPIT5R. ATTHE TEN PERCENT TRIBUNE . great event you put togrthe I Listen, we’re looking for a new poor] reviewer, and r wonder if you'o BE Ar All INTERESTED? m So, r know you're PRO&A&U kEAUy Busy AND ALL, Bur WOOLD you MAYBEUKB TO Do SOMETHING Sometime? uke, i OONNO. A MOVIE ? , HERE you GO. CHECK omthese recipes for. .meat, EGG, and DAIRY FREE Hors p'oeuvret THE PICKLEDTOEU cheese is My PAR lTICVLAR- favorite . I WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 18 ARTFUL LIVING EAT WI RO by Rosanne Sloan Thornton Park Cafe 900 E. Washington St. - Orlando 425-0033 With its outdoor courtyard just blocks from Lake Eola, the “new” Thornton Park Cafe has great food, great ambience, and a decidedly gay-friendly atmosphere. I first visited the Cafe under its former owners and it was wonderful. However, I remembered the delightful outdoor courtyard more than the food. That won’t likely be the fare with the new Cafe. Which is not to say that Thornton Park Cafe hasn’t retained its unique charm. New owners Tony and Teddy Costa have brought the fountain to life and spruced up the outside with beautiful plants. The Cafe remains one of the few Orlando restaurants where one can dine comfortably, even elegantly, outside. Inside, photos from Italy have replaced more daring modem art, but this is for a reason. In its new incarnation, the Cafe is the quintessential Italian restaurant, complete with attentive owner chef “Papa” Tony visiting your table to personally ensure that your food is to your liking. Although Tony is from Naples in Southern Italy, the Cafe has a decidedly Northern Italian flavor. Floridians may find the lighter, whiter creams more pleasing than the traditional Marinara sauces. Add to the mix a Latin texture (contributed by Pablo Felix, another chef and part-owner), and the result is a cultural delight to the palate. Fresh bread teased our tastebuds, but what really grabbed us was the day’s special appetizer: hearts of palm sauteed in a raspberry balsamic vinegar dressing. Donna and I usually share an appetizer, but to my surprise she also ordered something... mozarella and tomatoes with olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. I’d like to know where Papa Tony gets his tomatoes, because we hadn’t had such a succulent tomato since our last trip north. The menu didn’t make choosing dinner easy. Thornton Park Cafe offers six pastas, four seafood, and four poultry and meat en- trees. Our knowledgeable and charming server, Len, sealed our choice by describing the specials for the day. I had Triangoli A1 Fungli, a triangle ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and sauteed in a mushroom and garlic cream sauce. A descendant of Naples myself, I enjoy comparing sauces. Mine was delicious; even better reheated the next day for lunch. Donna was torn between the Brook Trout and New York Strip, but Len talked her into fish. Although usually served whole, Papa Tony filleted the trout for Donna so that she wouldn’t have fish eyes staring back at her. The trout was marinated in garlic, olive oil and wild mint, then basted with Balsamic vinegar. Donna found it light and tasty, but not remarkable. She’s anxious to return and see what Papa Tony does with steak. The Cafe’s grand finale is its homemade desserts, prepared daily by “Mama” Teddy Costa. We chose Bread Pudding and Chocolate Mousse (my first time). The mousse had a hint of orange, and was smooth. Donna was talked into the pudding by Papa Tony. It was served warm, with a touch of honey and raisins, covered with a vanilla custard sauce. Donna loved it. The Thornton Park Cafe is very gay-friendly.. .a place you’re likely to encounter friends...and the waiters are gay and cute. Another change at the Cafe is Fred, the guitar player who performed during the evening. (NOTE; For the next 6 weeks, jazz stylist Juanita Marie will perform at the Cafe during Sunday Brunch from 10 AM to I PM.) At one point in the evening, Papa Tony stopped to serenade us all with “O Solo Mio.” With gentle breezes blowing, I felt as if we were on the Island of Capri. We were charmed, and happy to become acquainted with the “new” Thornton Park Cafe. Rating: ****/GGl/2 ROSEY’S ***** Excellent /'t p /T . vrUlr IPs a Gay World Very Good GG Relax and enjoy RATING *** Good G You’re on your own SYSTEM ** '* Fair Poor Tony and Teddy Costa and Pablo Felix at the Thornton Park Cafe. The Cafe accepts Visa/Mastercard/American Express and is open for lunch and dinner every day (Tue-Thur 'til 1OPM; Fri-Sat 'til 11 PM; Sun 'til 9 PM), and for breakfast on weekends. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 19 ARTFIJI m/mn Dearest Readers, I’m still reeling over the Halloween Hoo-Doo in O’Town last week. Your idol managed to hit all the hot spots in town (even a few outside my domain), and I must say, the creative juices were flowing...all over the place. I suspect some girls were creatively “juiced” as well; the only explanation I can think of for some of the outfits I was forced to critique. For those fans who weren’t witness, drag was elevated to a new low in Orlando this Hallow’s Eve. And the rude manners of these fair-weathered frock wearers! When did a big dress and a big wig become a license to kill? My first stop was the hysteric Club at Firestone, where Mickey Rat had taken over Fairyland and all hell had broken loose. Uncle Walt’s frozen remains were even encased in a fridge along with some Hungry Man Dinners. H.R.S. is still investigating the Small World Shooting Gallery. The ambience was very Wally World. Long lines, sweaty multi-nationals, and a screaming audience clamoring for more drinks, more air, and more time (and they got an hour’s worth at 2 AM). The costume contest resembled a Mr. Universe Pose-off, as a parade of beauties clamored for attention from wild-eyed throngs. Darlings, I know it all too well; that treacherous catwalk to stardom...in this case, all for a thousand dollar prize. Not a bad price, if you’re going to whore. There were so many “Absolutely Appalling” Patsy and Edina duos that I can no longer watch my favorite show without losing my lunch. Also expected were the two or three thousand Priscilla, Queen of the Pansticks. Now there are some Drag role models, from the most wonderful Drag film of our day. I sweat at the thought of Americanized versions showing up on my cable TV: Tom Arnold and Michael J. Fox in the cross-dresser, cross-over hit, Druscilla, Queer in a Dresser. Phew! I am sweaty. Let me climb down off my hot rollers and get back on track. Where was I? Oh, yes, the battle of the scary-boos! The Mouse House was dementedly well-represented at The Club, with a paunchy Peter Pan, a Tink who needed a tuck, a Cinderella direct from the Home for Battered Princesses, a carload of spotty dogs with Queen Bitch Cruella DeVille, and that cheese-eating-nympho-from-hell...Minnie. Is nothing sacred? Not at this twisted tea party. The Best Costume winner was a barnyard treat-and-trick who left the crowd with a “not so fresh feeling.” I laughed, I cried, I became a complete woman, I passed out at 4 AM with the vision of sated sheep jumping over my bed. It was Fright Night II at Southern Nights, where Hollow-weenies ran amok in “Transy-Vania.” Truck drivers in drag, freaks in frocks, beauties as beasts...it was the Voyage of the Damned! Debriefed and de-dragged, your Lola watched an endless parade of thrift-store Thelmas get down. One word of advice to all you Long Island Iced Tea Lolitas: more powder, less cocktails. There’s nothing pretty about watching a gal’s face sliding off into her glass, or stepping into the women’s sandbox only to find some sister fishing an eyelash out of the toilet. Pretty! Please, girls, take a firm hold of that remaining scintilla of pride and limit yourself to twenty or so cocktails. Oh, I almost forgot my friends at Twirl. Hostess Cindy dished out a delicious assortment of twisted twinkies in various states of “trans-ition.” It was Three's Company goes Dukes of Hazard, with Carmella twirling, Danielle tantalizing, and the crowd putting their chocolate in my peanut butter. When someone screamed for “Please Mr., Please, Don’t Play B-17,” it was time to dash and hurl. As I look back on this past All Hallow’s Eve, the images (and the stains) linger: the smell of Tinkerbell’s cigar; the flawless syncopation of the Winter Park Rockettes; Divine Dan; Steak-N-Streaks a la Lakeland; Brassy Grassy; Skye Madrasses; Fresh Baked Minnie, and all the other fabulous creatures who dropped their drawers and donned a dress. /> - Color me gone, Confidential to M.J. “Pink Rabbit? STREAM ▼ Watermark's, ad guy Keith Peterson attended a reception for Olympia Dukakis at Rollins College a couple weeks ago. When introduced, Ms. Dukakis asked Keith if he was a student.. .apparently she has heard that Rollins has a substantial adult education program...and he said that, no, he worked for a newspaper serving Orlando’s gay and lesbian community. Not missing a beat, Ms. Dukakis pulled back in mock surprise and said, “Orlando has a gay and lesbian community? This seems like such a conservative place!” Ms. Dukakis played transexual earth mother Anna Madrigal in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City on PBS. ▼ What about those campaign mailers from the new queens of negative campaigning, Fran Pisnone and Linda Chapin? This is the battle of the bad photographs! Apparently each camp has searched old files dilligently for their opponent’s worst-alltime-photo. In her mailings, Ms. Chapin found a photo that makes Ms. Pignone look like Bella Abzug, and has used a photo of herself that is positively Florence Henderson. We will rise above this negative stuff. For the record, both are attractive women. ▼ We hate it when we’re enjoying a movie and some self-professed Leonard Maltin begins audibly critiquing it. We saw Priscilla at Enzian recently, ducked in the bathroom, and had to endure a Siskel-Ebert review team standing at adjoining stalls. “It might be amusing if it weren’t so unrealistic.” “I know.. .losers like them would never be able to afford those costumes.” Please. ▼ There have been a number of sex surveys lately that try to determine who’s gay and who’s not. They tend to subdivide sexual desire, e.g. from The Advocate, homosexual desire only; desire and behavior; behavior only; desire and self-identification; desire, behavior and self-identification. This is all unnecessarily complicated. The surveys should ask, “What do you think about when you masturbate?” If it’s someone of the same sex, the person is gay. ‘Nuff said. T Word has it the LCN campout at the end of October was a big success and a lot of fun. Do lesbians celebrate Halloween? Anyway, one camper tells of overhearing a pair of teenage girls camping across the lake with their families: “Isn’t it weird that all those women are camping together?” “Really...and that they all have such weird haircuts?” Adam & Steve bY £rvZc/ CJrvrJV-v ... WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 20 ARTFUL LIVING ADVICE-O Dear Advice-O-Rama, My companion of 15 years and I have a good, solid relationship. We’ve gotten over the major rough spots, purchased a house in the suburbs, and we share a nice, comfortable life together. I guess it goes without saying that our sex life is not as exciting as it once was. This doesn’t bother me a whole lot, but my partner has a need for “sex as adventure,” so we’ve begun doing three-ways. To my surprise we’ve had no difficulty finding guys to join us. Here’s the problem...I’m more or less participating because if I don’t I’m afraid my partner, who I love very much, will do it without me. Should I hang in there? Signed, Feeling Insecure Dear Insecure, Whether to have a monogamous or an open relationship is a critical issue for many gay couples. When partners are not in agreement, a major issue must be confronted. To begin, it is best to remember that neither monogamy nor open relationships are for everyone. Also, the desire to go outside the relationship for sex is not always the result of an unsatisfactory sex life. Sometimes it is a manifestation of other couple issues. The fact that you describe your relation- ship as “good” and “solid” tells me that you and your partner have likely built a good foundation; one that should allow for open, honest communication. Since you are made uncomfortable and insecure by three-way sexual experiences, it is your obligation to yourself and to the relationship to tell your partner exactly how you feel. A sexual experience should be enjoyable and positive, and not a breeding ground for hostility and insecurity. If your partner sincerely cares, he will not force you to experience something that is unhealthy for you. And if you choose to participate only to mollify your partner and protect the relationship, the reverse will happen; he will lose respect for you, and the re- lationship will be compromised. It is certainly possible for couples to find romance and sexual pleasure that has been lost. However, both partners must be committed to this process. Tell your partner how you feel. Be honest, and encourage him to do the same. I suspect this is more painful for you than you’re revealing. Please write back and let me know what happens. Watermark ‘s Advice-O-Rama counselor is Keith Baber, M.Ed.. Keith has a degree in Counseling-Psychology, and is in private practice in Altamonte Springs. He can be reached at (407) 834-3279. SB EAUTY and the Feast! For Thanksgiving, November 24 The FTD Autumn Harvest™ Bouquet Send this "feast for the eyes" to family and friends — across the city or the country! cKtsgtmmee ^o/tist Kissimmee 846-4113 Orlando 828-8005 Buena Ventura Lakes 348-4033 ® A Registered Trademark of Florists' Ttansworld Delivery Assn, tm a Trademark of Florists' TTansworld Delivery Assn. © 1994 F.T.D.A. C * TRANSITS & ^ fcUNATIONS * By oifM LfluiHon, mflffl Mark Lawhon is certified by the American Federation of Astrologers, and is available for consultations by calling 407-894-1506. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The next six months will test you.. .a drag or a challenge, depending on your point of view. You’ll see unfinished business wrapped up, but use care with assets recently acquired. Watch for job opportunities, but they won’t fall into your lap. Good news...you and your partner will stop bitching at each other. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): The Lunar eclipse on Nov. 18 will impact you, and Venus is still retrograde. With little effort, you can make things happen in the area of romance. Play it cagy until Nov. 24, then feel free to let that love object know exactly how you feel. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Fate appears to be working against you. Try to figure out whether the source of your difficulties is internal or elsewhere...possibly work-related. But your emotions are peaking whether you realize it or not. Let go of what you can to avoid health-related consequences. CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): You are ruled by the Moon, Cancerians, so the eclipse on the 18th will getcha. But put on your rose-colored glasses, cause aspects are favorable. Dates will lead to romance; romance will lead to pairing. Monitor investments carefully, however. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Work-related matters have become clearer for you. Now trust your instincts and act to improve your situation...even if it means relocating. Family irritations may continue, but don’t make the situation worse by losing your temper. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Your obsessive-compulsive nature has returned from a brief vacation. You are likely making meticulous future plans. If these plans involve relationship changes, let’s hope your partner shares your logical outlook. Take a trip near the water to work things out. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): The eclipse on Nov. 18 may bring money your way, possibly from family, but don’t be surprised if it comes with some major strings attached. You’re a sensitive soul and the next six months may be stressful for you. If it’s affecting you physically, pull back and make necessary attitude and lifestyle adjustments. SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): You Scorpios aren’t much for self-revelation, but communications between you and your partner have reached a new low. Open up. Share your secrets. Talk about how you really feel. You have far more to gain than to lose. As painful as it may be, honest self-evalution and communication will be important in coming months. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dee 21): If work seems good these days, don’t get too comfortable, particularly if you’re in a service-related job. Take nothing for granted. You might consider visiting home sometime soon; you and your parents should get along well. In fact, luck is on your side these days, but as hard as it may be for you Sag’s, try to stay grounded. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Lunar eclipse + Jupiter/Pluto conjunction...what does it mean for you? Fun and romance. Unlike your Sag sisters, you need to fight off those tendencies to be cautious, rational, selfless. Things are aligned nicely for you, so let go and have a ball. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Febl8): The eclipse provides you with opportunities to resolvd nagging problems. Be honest and true to your values, and hope that your communications are perceived positively. Be prepared for a surprise, as dreaded outcomes may never materialize. If you’re planning to move, you may want to time it for early Spring. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Accelarate your social calender, because you’re likely to derive a great deal of pleasure from friends and groups in coming months. Just remember, it’s flu season. Get a vaccine and try to avoid those who are contagious. Also avoid written commitments unless you’re absolutely sure what they mean. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 21 TRAVEL NnilTIVFACT GETAWAY ly Stephen De Matt Now’s the Time to Visit New York, Boston ^ v ^ and New England There comes a time in everyone's life when you have to just pack your bags and get out of town. If that time for you i$ near or now, then here are several suggestions that might help, Tor the Northeacst transplants,, this time of year brings back fond memories of Autumn festivals and apple picking. This is a great time to visit the Northeast ~~ the summer heat is gone and the snow hasn’t started yet. Let the old song call you to "Autumn in New York." The sights and sounds of Greenwich Village are crisp in the fall atr. If you want a "gay" place to stay, the Chelsea Fines Inn on West 14th street is warm and friendly and convenient to everything. They also give you a great continental breakfast every day. New York has more to offer than you can possibly fit into a long weekend, but do yourself a favor and find time for dinner at Christopher’s (right on Christopher Street at number 115,0 The food is great, the service is enteitaining and the laid-back atmosphere makes for a rC- or : After dinner, take die short walk up Christopher Street to Seventh Avenue South and the Monster - the Grand Dame of Sheridan Square. The Monster is a fun bar where everyone meets to plan their evening. The downstairs bar is crowded anti noisy, but upstairs is a piano bar where show tunes are play ed and sung by Broadway’s own. And if: it’s a Broadway or off-B road way show you want to see, don’t forget the half-price TKT’s booth on Broadway and 46lh street. You can get day-of-performance tickets for shows with space available at half-price plus a service charge of $2.00 per ticket. It’s worth the wait in line if you can get the show you want. The list of shows available is posted along the front of the TKT’s booth. They don’t tell you how many tickets they have for each show and you may wait in line for a show that sells out to the person just before you, so have a second choice ready just in case. While in New York, vviiy not rent a car and lake a drive up the Palisades Parkway to Bear Mountain and see the great fall foliage? The colors are incredible. At the end of the Palisades Parkway is the Bear Mountain Inn - a great place for brunch (and you won’t be the lone gay traveler in this traditional tourist stop). If you don’t want to leave the city for Sunday brunch, consider Tavern on the Green In Central Park. Located right in Central Park, this glass-walled restaurant and its fall foliage overhead is a wonderful experience. New York is not the only Northeast getaway .. .Boston also beckons. Both the Chandler Inn and tJie Back Bay’s Oasis Guest House offer excellent accommodations for the gay traveler. There are also two bed <Y break Lee spots for women. The Iris and the Victorian are just outside of Boston with easy access to town. 1 also suggest the Marriott Long Wharf at the end of the Fanial Hall marketplace. While not gay •cxcln-■’ ■ -s Can us location and service arc lirst rate. And catch the boat at the side of the Long; Wharf to Provincetown - the Northeast’s answer to Key West. The bars and clubs in Boston offer everything from the refined elegance of the Back Bay and Napoleon’s Club ( 52 Piedmont St.) to the cute college crowd at Buddies (51 Stewart St.) to the men of leather at either the Eagle (52QTremont St.) or the Ramrod (1254 BoyIston St.). Women are welcome everywhere, but Indigo’s (823 Main St.) is the "women's bar” in Cambridge. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, the out-of-town Broadway tryouts make Boston a good theater possibility, and concerts and cabaret are plentiful. Shopping? Filings Basement will be the shopping experience of a lifetime. We’re talking markdown designer clothes to make your heart flutter. For the “guppy” shopper, there’s the Harvard Cooperative in Cambridge. The “Coop” has the best in college preppie wear and is also the Harvard bookstore. ,The VafiAYtioners Club _ ^ -. 11 ......—.....—....—-■■■■.... ^ Where your travel plans, your travel dollar and your lifestyle are respected Costa Rica With air -from Orlando 7 nights at Colours $ S96.pp/dbl occupancy 407 8SI 563B Gay London with air on Virgin Atlantic from Orlando 6 nts hotel. Cofit 1 bkfast High tea. Sunset Boulevard and Heaven all from only $l,009.pp/dbl occupancy In the MetroWesft Area call Andrew - 247 9038 In Apopka/Altamonte call Mark - 672 6702 or Fax our office at 2963 Cactus Club 300 N. Mills Ave. Orlando 407-894-3041 Happyl XXOXX.T 2 for 1 3 pm to 8 pm 7 Days A Week > > l1 ue$day$ T* riday$ Saturday 2 for 1 All Nite Social Hour Complimentary Buffet 2 for 1 until 8 pm 2 for 1 11 pm to 1 am 4k Sw wj!> oy mcc 2351 S. Ferncreek Avenue Auction - 7:30 p.m. Key West Getaways, Entertainment, Dinners, Antiques, Services, Art, Printing, Household Goods. A Festival of gifts and goods for the discriminating bidder. Come on by for fun and bargains at a truly unprofessional Auction. No admittance, just bring your friends and enjoy. Taste a gourmet’s delight of desserts and Holiday nibbles handcrafted specially for you by Joy MCC’s finest chefs. Sample the array of delicacies before, during or at the Auction intermission Just $5.00 A Benefit for the Ministries of Joy MCC 2351 S. Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando - 894-1081 H WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 22 OUR CULTURE The English duo of Tracey % Thorn and Ben Watt, known * as “Everything But The Girl,” I will perform at The Club at I Firestone on Friday, Nov. 18. ■ EBTG is returning to the U.S. after a string of sold-out shows earlier this fall. This time around, EBTG will perform as an acoustic duo. After 12 years and 8 albums, EBTG’s latest release, Amplified Heart, has garnered them the best reviews of their distinguished career. stated that “Thom’s voice has an instant sadness, a classicism that relates more to old-school divas like Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick than peers like Liz ot The Club. Phair.” They went on to call Amplified Heart, “the most beautifully mature album of their career, and one of the sleeper gems of 1994.” The New York Times said the duo recalls “the best of Fleetwood Mac.” Tickets are available at Tracey Thorn & Ben Waft Ticketmaster or at The Club box office. OCAL ▼ “Florida’s Freshest Fruit,” The Improbabilities, have taken Manhattan as their new home...the Manhattan South Studio Theatre that is, 1012 N. Mills Ave. Shows are every Sunday night at 8 PM. Tickets are just $5. Call (407) 521-7499 for more info. T The CMC Theatre Off Central Florida SecondStage series presents El Grande De Coca-Cola through Nov. 20, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 PM. See review p. 16. The Mainstage production of William Gibson’s acclaimed The Miracle Worker, will begin Nov. 10 and run through Dec. 4. This stirring dramatization of the real-life story of Helen Keller is one of the most warmly admired plays of the modem stage. The Theatre for Young People will present Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. The cast includes Paul Wegman as Scrooge, and Frank McClain as Bob Cratchit. For ticket information on all performances, call (407) 896-7365. ▼ Lesbian singer Laura Chandler will be in concert at The Junkyard in Casselberry on Thursday, Nov. 10. Although influenced by such artists as Joni Mitchell, Ricky Lee Jones, and John Hiatt, Chandler’s musical style is uniquely her own. Well known on the west coast, Chandler has released two tapes, including her most recent Confession of an Unarmed Poet. She is preparing to release her first CD. Chandler recently performed at the Gay Games and the Atlanta Pride Festival. Her performance at the Junkyard begins at 9:30 PM. Tickets are $3. Contact The Junkyard for more information. ▼ The Valencia Character Company will perform Pterodactyls on Nov. 12,13, 18,19,20. Pterodactyls is a dark comedy about the demise of a dysfunctional family, including a son who is HIV+. A portion of the proceeds from tickets will go to the AIDS Resouce Alliance. Performances begin at 8 PM; 2 PM on Sunday. Tickets are $6 for adults; $5 for students. For more information call (407) 275-1603. y Theatre K)CE presents The Wake off Jamey Foster Nov. 17, 18, 19, 20, and Dec. 1,2,3, 4. Written by LAURA CHANDLER Beth Henley, Jamey Foster is a richly comic study of a smalltown Mississippi family drawn together by supposed grief. Call (407) 823-1500 for tickets or more information. y Joy MCC will hold a Gayla Auction at 7:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 19. This enertaining annual event features an amazingly wide variety of desirable items, from the practical to the exotic. Artwork, musical instruments, antique furniture, vacation packages, and more will all be featured at incredible value. Joy MCC is located at 2351 S. Femcreek Ave. Call (407) 894-1081 for more information. V “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” is the theme for Wlllow,S annual Black & White Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 19 at the Pine Meadows Country Club in Eustis. Tickets are $35. For reservations call Terry (407) 865-5972, or Peppy (904) 383-0928. T There will be a fundraiser to benefit the Kathy Stllwell Foundation at 2 PM on Sunday, Nov. 20. The benefit will be held at Faces lounge on Edgewater Dr. An extraordinary athlete, Kathy Stilwell coached and played professional softball until stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. Monies raised will help Kathy and others with MS live better lives. To donate raffle items or for more info, call (407) 291 -3791. ▼ Dec. 1 marks the 7th year of the observance of World Aids Day. Centaur is the local coordinator. World Aids Day will begin with the Ringing of the Bells by area churches at 1:40 PM. At 6 PM the names of local citizens lost to HIV disease will be read, followed by a program of music, dance and song. For more information regarding World Aids Day, or A Day Wiffhouff Art on Dec. 2, contact Kathleen Morrow Aponte at (407) 849-1452. In conjunction, a portion of The NAMES Project Quilt will be on display in the rotunda of Orlando City Hall from Nov. 11 to Dec. 9. y The 3rd Annual Red Ribbon Ball, benefitting Centaur, will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 at Orlando Fashion Square from 10:30 PM to 3 AM. This gala event will be hosted by WFTV’s Barbara West, and will feature entertainment by Miss Jacqueline Jones. Tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the door. Call (407) 841-2437 for tickets or more information. y The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) will hold their 3rd Annual Holiday Gayla Social on Sunday, Dec. 4 at Moorefield’s Restaurant in downtown Orlando. Central Florida jazz great Miss Jacqueline Jones will entertain. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from MBA board members, at Out & About Books, or at GLCS. Non-MBA members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Festivities run from 6 PM to 11 PM. Call (407) 420-2182 for tickets or more information. y The 6th Annual Christmas off Sharing will take place on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 PM to midnight at the 1st Unitarian Church on Robinson St. in Orlando. Through this event, organizers Jeff Gaul and Michael Pelkowski raise funds, canned goods and toiletries for the Hope & Help Center and other local AIDS organizations. Last year 350 people contributed 7 truckloads of goods. For more information call (407) 578-1157. COLOfi WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 23 OUR CULTURE NOVEMBER 10 11 1 12 13 14 15 16 RAINBOW * THEATRE ORLANDO 1 JOY MCC WOR- DELTA YOUTH O.B.B.A. Orlando’s FAMILY VALUES. CONNECTION. v\ SELECTIONS. FRONTRUNNERS. SHIP SERVICES. ALLIANCE. Support largest gay & lesbian Gay & lesbian radio Group for teens & Meet at the red pagoda See Nov. 20. group for gay, lesbian bowling league. Bowl on 91.5 FM. Talk, young adults from 18- El Grande V at Lake Eola. 9 AM. BEARS OF CENT. & bisexual youth America, Winter Park. music, news, inter- 25. GLCS at 7:30 PM. De Coca Cola. 857-1777. FLA. Full Moon under 22. 6PM. 9 PM. 644-2244. views, community 425-7450. Saloon. 4:30 PM. 236-9415. events. 8-9 PM. Miracle Worker. G.L.B.L. Bowling at 657-1817. UCF GLBSU 646-2398. LUCKY LADIES Fair Lanes Indian WILLOW. (Lake Co. ORLANDO MEETING. Phillips BOWLING. Fair Kismet. Hills. 6:30 PM. Lesbian Grp.) Mt. Dora FRONTRUNNERS. Hall, Room 218. ORLANDO Lanes Indian Hills. 831-7171. Ch. Comm. 5 PM. 6:30 PM. See Nov. 12. 9 PM. 648-0057. 1! FRONTRUNNERS. 6:30 PM. 293-8849. > 865-5972. 7:30 PM. See Nov. 12. i ORANGE BLOSSOM GAYSKATE. TENNIS. 10:30 AM. Semoran Skateway in If 292-8582. Fern Park. 9:15 PM. 425-4527. - THR FRI SAT if SUN MON TUE m WED —— - 1 1 Ji 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 LADIES BOWLING. THEATRE ORLANDO JOY MCC DELTA YOUTH O.B.B.A. FAMILY VALUES. See Nov 10. SELECTIONS. FRONTRUNNERS. WORSHIP ALLIANCE. BOWLING. See Nov. 16. 9 AM. See Nov 12. SERVICES. 10:30 See Nov. 14. See Nov. 15. RAINBOW El Grande AM & 7:15 PM. ORLANDO CONNECTION. de Coca-Cola. G.L.B.L. BOWLING. 894-1081. ORLANDO UCF GLBSU. FRONTRUNNERS. See Nov. I0. See Nov 12. FRONTRUNNERS. See Nov. 15. 7:30 PM. See Nov. 12. Miracle Worker. DIGNITY. (Catholic 6:30 PM. See Nov. 12. LIGHT UP Grp.) Every Sunday. Wake ofJamey Foster. ORLANDO. GLCS Center. RAINBOW Downtown. 7:30 PM. 425-4527. DEMOCRATIC Kismet. 5 PM-Midnight. CLUB. Orlando p Library. 7 PM. 236-9476. THR FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED Volvo introduces the world’s first and only side impact air bag- 1995 850. THE STORE 1051 W. Webster Ave. (adjacent to the Winter Park IVIall) • 628-0550 • Now Open Sundays 1 - 5. *Side air bags are standard on the 1995 850 Turbos and are optional in the base and GLT models. Always wear your safety belts. WATERMARK / November 9, 1994 24 ACCOUNTANT memou lyidvio •Monthly Accounting •Financial Statements •Tax Service (Individual, Corporate, Partnership, Estate) Barber & Latto Certified Public Accountants 639 Ramona Lane (West Colonial & Ramona) Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 843-9582 ACCOUNTANT FRACASSI & ASSOCIATES Certified Public Accountant 218 South Bumby Ave. □ Orlando, FL 32803 Fax 407/896-6824 □ Phone 407/896-6858 Personalized Professional Service Business & Individual Income Taxes Accounting & Payroll for Small Business Free Initial Consultation ATTORNEY W. THOMAS DYER ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW Wills, Estate Planning, Probate Partnership and Parenting Agreements 701 E. WASHINGTON ST. SUITE 200 ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32801 PHONE (407) 648-1153 FAX (407) 841-7501 ATTORNEY Margaret E. Lederer, P.A. Attorney At Law • Registered Nurse Personal Injury 227 N. Magnolia Ave. • Suite 200 • Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 246-0044 • Fax: (407) 426-7227 AUTOMOBILES Murray S. Brown Auto Buying Consultants “Absolute Lowest Price First Time...Everytime” 1900 Park Avenue North • Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: (407) 629-1913 Member Winter Park Chamber of Commerce AUTOMOBILES Home of the new and exciting Mmeta ASK FOR Boh Miller Sue Copening 295-8100 295-8100 Hm: 884-7128 . Pgr: 526-0596 Sales & Leasing Consultants 3883 W. Colonial Dr. • Orlando, FL 32808 IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE LEFT OUT IIU THE COLD... ADVERTISE |jy|"|"H . I EKIVIMKIV MARKETPLACE BOOKSTORE => BOOKSTORE OF DAYTONA BEACH Metaphysical Books & Things MON-FR110 AM-6 PM SAT 1f AM-5 PM 1501 Ridgewood Avenue (In The Coastal Centre) Holly Hill, FL 32117 Beth Faulds, Owner 904/672-4451 IF© f>Cl? M) CARD SHOP 1 fl 1 to IAI l i l&j A U IU 1 & I 1 1 i S i l I G 1 1 1 I •A. skinny little card shop 2409 EDGEWATER DR. 849-1486 CATERING f SIMPLY ELEGANT Of MICHAEL PELKOWSKI Full Service Catering and Party Planning (407) 578-1157 JEFFREY GAUL CLEANING SINCE 1985 MAID SERVICE HOMES* OFFICES NO TEAMS • ONE PERSON PERSONAL SERVICE 297-0047 CLEANING CARPET BUSTERS TRUST YOUR CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY TO A CERTIFIED, TRAINED WOMAN! 740-6233 672-6485 DIET COSTUMES Available only at Diet Center* The weight-loss professionals .* •Serving Orlando since 1980 •Computerized & personalized •Nutritionally sound •Measures your body’s composition (lean or fat) •You eat real food and select a sensible exercise routine •No shots or drugs •Effective, affordable weight management services Mention This Ad and Receive 10% Off Reducing 872-0054 322 E. MICHIGAN ST. V IACZE • Costumes • Vintage Clothing • Novelties • Boas . -, jjraiiWi" Special Needs (407) 323-9421 102 East First Street Sanford, FL 32771 ITS TIME TO ADVERTISE DISPLAY/MERCHANDISING VISUALS. INC. DISPLAY & MERCHANDISING NEW & USED • Showcases • Racks • Displays - > • Store Fixtures featuring - Hard bodies. With over 1,000 mannequins in stock, new and used, plus a complete restoration & make-over service. Winter Park Mall • 500 N. Orlando Ave. Suite 1464 • Winter Park, FL 32789 • (407) 645-3357 • ELECTROLYSIS (SUectmlpsis Permenant Hair Removal Joyce Balderas, Reg. I i ofi-ree Cr’cmsultaticm &C 1 r-CMinutetreatment * I T I New Clients Only • By Appt. Only j SmgS. Often# Halt’s flowers, . FULL SERVICE FLORIST Ph: (407) 649-8005 (800) 299-4852 Fax: (407)649-4355 817 E. Washington Orlando, FL 32801 TELL 'EM YOU SAW IT IN WATOttURK FUNERAL HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME 4901 S. ORANGE AVE • OLANDO. FL 32806 “Let Our Family Serve Your Family” 425-2589 SAM ODOM, L.F.D. ELGAN STAPPE, F.P. DIR. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1954 FUNERAL THE SIMPLICITY PLAN ™ MARILYN K. BRINSON Pre-Arrangement Counselor 407-671-3919 • 349-5644 Baldwin-Fairchild Cemeteries and Funeral Homes 2400 Harrell Rd • Orlando, FL 32817 ACLU American Civil Liberties Union American Express Anna Madrigal Anne Rice Annette Funicello Anthony Deluccia Anthony Turney Arthur Kropp Audrey Hepburn Baker Barbara Keenan Barbara West Ben Waft Beth Henley Bill Drahos bisexual Bob Cratchit Boone Briggs Brook Trout Buchanan Buena Ventura Lakes Burke Carmella Twirling Castro Chandler Chapin Charles Dickens Charlie Hogan Chavez Community United Against Violence Connie Francis Coretta Scott King Damron Dan George Dan Rather Danielle Tantalizing David Driscoll David Mclimans David Slaughter Daytona Beach Delta Dennis Underwood Department Of Health And Rehabilitative Dick Martin Dukakis dukes Dusty Springfield Edgewater Elgan Engelbreit Eric Orner Florence Henderson Florida Family Council Foster Fowler Fran Pisnone Frank Jordan Frank MccClain Gallagher gay Gerald Kogan Gridley Harry Singletary Harry Westen Hattaway Helen Keller Hoffman homosexuality homosexuals Horowitz Ikea Jackson Jacqueline Jones James A. Cresciteili James A. Creseitelli James Egan Jamey Foster Jeff Gaul Jeffrey Laurence Jennifer Bush Jesse Jackson Jill Porter Joe Saranno Joe Sarano John Butler Book, Jr. John Hiatt John Nesbit Joni Mitchell Jordan Joseph Souki Juanita Marie Kathleen Morrow Aponte Kathleen Mulligan Kathy Stilwell Katie Messmer Katz Kay Bottoms Kees Keith Peterson Keith Tanner Ken Kundis Kenney Kevin Beary Kevin Gardner Kirsten Dunst Kogan Lake Eola Lakeland Laura Chandler Lawhon Leonard Maltin lesbians Leslie Addison Lester Olmstead LGBT LGBTQ+ Life Care Resources Linda Chapin M. Parsons, Jr. Marion Baker Marion Didn Martin Luther King, Jr. Mary Bngelbreit Metropolitan Business Association Miami Michael J. Fox Michael L. Kilgore Michael Pelkowski Michael Stipe Mickey Rat Mike Russell Miller Mitch Katz Mitchell Morris Schambelan Mount Dora Mt. Dora Naples Napoleon Neil Jordans Nina Vinik Norman Mizuguchi Office Of Equal Opportunity Olympia Dukakis orange county Orange County Sheriff orlando Pablo Felix Palmer Papa Tony Parliament House Paul Wegman Peter Pan Philip L. Lee Phillips Pignone Publix Queen Bitch Cruella queers questioning Rafael Gasti Rah Rega Reinette Cooper Rex Briggs Richard Ryder Ricky Lee Robert Holland Rodney M. Jackman Rohana Rosanne Sloan Russell same-sex Sandy Bargioni Sandy Fink Sarasota Schambelan Scott Brownell Sharon Bottoms Shrine Auditorium Shunichi Kimura Southern Nights Steinhart Stephen De Matteis Steven Damron Steven Underhill Stuart Price Supreme Court Susan Horowitz Taylor Teddy Costa The Names Project Foundation The Watermark Thornton Park Cafe Tom Cruise Tom Dyer Tom Woodard trans transgender Victor Rohana Volusia W. Webster Wally World Walt Gallagher William Gibson Woodard Yvonne Vassell Zamora Zweifel https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5e05a8a9d3cb57a886d7d1f148bc53fc.pdf 772a32d43d04ee453dad19956ca1c7d9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Watermark Collection Alternative Title The Watermark Collection Subject Gay culture--United States Description Since 1994, <em>The Watermark</em> has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, <em>The Watermark</em> has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, <em>The Watermark</em> became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased <em>The Watermark</em>. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/" target="_blank">RICHES Program</a> Type Collection Contributing Project <a href="http://www.floridalgbtqmuseum.org/%20" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/">The Watermark</a> Curator Smith, Robert Cepero, Laura O'Neal, Rhiannon Hearn, Nikki Greene, Quintella Rodriguez, Sharon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="http://www.floridalgbtqmuseum.org/%20" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> External Reference "<a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/" target="_blank">About/Contact</a>." WatermarkOnline.com, accessed July 11, 2016. http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/. Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title The Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 14, 1994 Alternative Title Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 2 Subject Gay culture--United States Description The second issue of <em>The Watermark</em> was published on September 14, 1994, and focused on a wider spectrum of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) topics. Kicking off the news was the cover article covering the "Gayby Boom," which was the push for LGBTQ+ members to have children. Continuing a more family-focused set of articles was an article covering the harassment of gay teens at Apopka High School, a look at the LGBTQ+ community housing market, and a new section of restaurant reviews. This issue also included a larger selection of national news stories, including Oregon’s Anti-Gay initiative, Seattle’s Domestic Partnership Registration, North Carolina’s attempt to keep records of unmarried couples, and the U.S. Navy’s reinstatement of a gay sailor are among the highlights. Notably missing are articles covering the nightlife of the area, through advertisements are still present. As the publication ages and spreads, nightlife becomes one of its primary sections so seeing an early issue without demonstrates the evolving nature of the publication during its early years.<br /><br />Since 1994, <em>The Watermark</em> has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, <em>The Watermark</em> has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, <em>The Watermark</em> became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased <em>The Watermark</em>. Type Text Source Original 24-page newspaper: <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Watermark</em></a>, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 14, 1994: Publications Collection, <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a>, Orlando, Florida. Requires <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.html" target="_blank">Adobe Acrobat Reader</a> Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/203" target="_blank">The Watermark Collection</a>, RICHES of Central Florida. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 24-page newspaper: <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Watermark</em></a>, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 14, 1994. Coverage Orlando, Florida Apopka High School, Apopka, Florida West Palm Beach, Florida Salem, Oregon Seattle, Washington Carrboro, North Carolina Jacksonville, North Carolina Des Moines, Iowa Tallahassee, Florida Atlanta, Georgia San Francisco, California Creator Barber, Keith Brenner, Harmony Crescitelli, James A. De Mattels, Stephen Dyer, Tom Maines, Ted Newman, Lesléa O'Lay, Lola Sloan, Rosanne Toscas, Dimitri Publisher <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Media</a> Date Created ca. 1994-09-14 Date Issued 1994-09-14 Date Copyrighted 1994-09-14 Format application/pdf Medium 24-page newspaper Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally published by <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Media</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Publishing Group</a> and is provided here by <a href="http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank">RICHES of Central Florida</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> Curator Smith, Robert Cepero, Laura Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="http://glbthistorymuseum.com/joomla25/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">GLBT History Museum of Central Florida</a> External Reference "<a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/" target="_blank">About/Contact</a>." WatermarkOnline.com, accessed July 11, 2016. http://www.watermarkonline.com/aboutcontact/. Transcript V FLORIDA'S DISTINCTIVE GAY AND LESBIAN PUBLICATION. VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 SEPTEMBER 14,1994 HIGH SCHOOL HARASSMENT Gay teens are threatened, abused...often ignored. Vassel JBBliil Each time Brandon Ethridge returned to " school jt bet^meA-#tat hipi ijjore ^ afraid of the next. What started off as an occa- .. sionai occurrence became a daily thing. A ra- School and certain students were not w illing to j let if go, he said. 1 “Ever since seventh grade, minors had been 1 spread and kids started saying things and occa* sionally doing things like flicking me on die ears. But it was my last year at Apopka that things got really bad,’* said Ethridge, 18. “My close friends knew I was gay, but 1 had tried to keep it secret otherwise. But people I didn't even know would grab me in die halls and punch me. It got so I didn't want to go back/’ he added. fared, 17, is in the process of studying for his G.E.D. (General Education Diploma) after dropping out last semester from Dr, Phillips >' High School Jared said he was daily taunted jf for being gay and, because of his perception that the administration was both uncaring and able to do little to help him, he never pursued complaints and insteadchose to leave/ Michael (not his real name), a 16-year-old student at Lyman Hign School in Longwood, said he witnessed a fellow student being repeat- I edly harassed because of his “feminine” de- ||g meaner. Although he never witnessed any . physical abuse, he said tie graduating senior was regularly taunted by being called a “child molester”, “germ” and “fag”. “It happened a lot and people didn't talk to him. I didn't talk to him. I felt very sorry for Mm hut I never said anything,” Michael said. Several educators interviewed said harassment of kids by other kids is, unfortunately, a regular part of school life. And, in a reflection of the general society, kids will use sexual ori- Continued Page 5 GAYBY BOOM More and More, Lesbians Are Choosing To Be Mothers by Harmony Brenner Janice and Marcia. Janice is 36 years old and seven months pregnant. She works as a healthcare manager at a local medical facility. She explained her initial reaction when she discovered she was carrying a child: “I got pregnant on the first try, which is extremely unusual. We were afraid it was too easy.. .like if something comes too easy, it must not be true or important. But this experience gets more significant every day^ Janice’" pirtne : wed zr • vant, nods in agreement. This may be a common reaction among expecting couples, but Janice’s situation is unusual. She and her partner Marcia are among the increasing numbers of lesbians who are choosing to be mothers. Like many lesbian couples, Janice and Marcia chose to conceive by means of artificial insemination. Marcia will fully participate in the birth and co-parenting of their unborn baby girl, whom they have decided to name “Taylor”. To initiate the process of conception, a nurse practitioner at a local birthing center referred Janice and Marcia to The Sperm Bank of California, in Oakland. Reflecting recent trends, this sperm bank states in their marketing literature: “The donor insemination program at our center is for all women, regardless of race, marital status or sexual orientation. Lesbians, single women and women with in- fertile partners are encouraged to participate.” But Marcia said that at first, “it was hard to find a place to serve lesbians.” Janice and Marcia’s total cost for the donor insemination process was $276.00, including specimen, shipping, and evaluation fees. This cost was unusually low, however, because Janice conceived after the first insemination. They first considered asking a friend to donate, but both women ar* satisfied with their choice to use dbhbr. Both legally and emotionally, anonymous donors »an make the process less complicated. Taylor’s donor wants no contact with the child until she reaches 18. Anonymous donors also offer more flexibility and choice. For instance, since Marcia is a redhead with fair complexion, and Janice is brunette, they attempted to blend physical characteristics when choosing a donor. Awkwardly, Janice will be their daughters only legal parent. Thus far, only two states have allowed lesbian partners to legally adopt their partner’s biological child(ren). Janice and Marcia have no desire to test Florida law in that regard. Instead, they are presently using a local attorney to draft several legal documents which evidence Marcia’s parenting rights in the event Janice dies or becomes incapacitated. They have also drafted detailed wills reflecting their wishes and the nature of their relationship. To avoid Continued Page 4 WATERMARK / September 14,1994 2 U9 (407) 644-7111 JUST NORTH OF LEE ROAD ON 17-92 Tjr if FRED BERLINER Serving Central Florida's Family Since 1985 Flexible Financing, Sales and Leasing 6 Consecutive Years' Membership in Ford's Top 2% Sales Se Habla Espariol ALL FORDS ARE CREATED EQUAL. DON REID FORD MAKES THE DIFFERENCE UJ S DC 1 > A N D°Nnofc REID XI ford’XSI w MAITLAND JJ S<S' in LEE ROAD y 1 $ I /1inNTE?\ mm park V^KIMiy WATERMARK / September 14,1994 3 Election Results Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin Eton Pignone Tom Dorman wmii»s: 22,W®m Orange County Deborah Ble Bruce Nants wmmim rnmamm tzm-nw Roger McDonald Bob Wattles wi&imi 2BABS (33%) Stele House, District 35, Democrat Susan Pickman %53 Dan Spoone lt30. LOCAL & STATE NEWS GAY-SUPPORTIVE CANDIDATES MAKE STRONG SHOWING IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS Four of five candidates who have openly embraced the gay community made strong showings in the primary races held September 8. Of the five candidates, three won positions in run-off elections to be held November 8, including Orange County Chairman candidate Fran Pignone. One candidate - Susan Pickman - won her election outright. State House Democratic candidate Pickman won her District 35 race handily against Dan Spoone and will face Republican Bob Brooks in the November 8 election. Of the five candidates, only Insurance Commissioner candidate Karen Gievers failed to gamer enough votes to claim a spot in the run-off elections. Orange County Judge Group 5 candidate Deborah Bleckman surprised many political observers by her strong showing in a primary race against George Winslow, Jr. and Bruce Nants. Blechman finished first in the race with 42 percent of the vote, compared to 41 percent for Winslow and 17 percent for Nants. Blechman will face Winslow in the Nov. 8 run-off. (In these primary races, if no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote or more, the top two finishers compete in a runoff election.) Roger McDonald, candidate for 9th Circuit Court Judge, Group 28, also qualified for the run-off election. His 34 percent placed him above competitors Dan Mathews (32 percent) and Bob Wattles (33 percent). In the Orange County Chairman race, the most hotly-contested local match-up in this election, Orange County Commissioner Fran Pignone garnered 31 percent of the vote in an effort to unseat incumbent Linda Chapin. Chapin finished first in the primary with 42 percent, while Republican Tom Dorman finished a close third to Pignone, collecting 27 percent. Dorman is expected to support Pignone in the run-off election. According to Pignone campaign manager Linda Stewart, Pignone’s chances in the November 8 election are good, although she concedes there is a lot of work to be done. “We are going to concentrate on areas where we didn’t do quite as well as we should have,” Stewart said. This includes heavily African-American areas such as Washington Shores, Eatonville, Apopka, and Azalea Park, as well as Chapin strong-holds in Winter Park and Maitland. “Of course we won’t ignore the areas where Fran did well: the working class neighborhoods all across Orange County,” Stewart said. While Stewart recognized the contribution the gay and lesbian community made to Pignone’s success, she said that without adequate statistics, it would be impossible to discern what impact the gay and lesbian vote had on the outcome of the election. Strangely perhaps, the Orlando Sentinel stated in a September 10 article that a strong gay and lesbian voting block in east Orange County helped Pignone. The article, however, did not list which communities would be included in that block. ACLU CHANGES STRATEGY IN SAME SEX MARRIAGE SUIT; PUTS CASE ON HOLD The ACLU of Central Florida will voluntarily dismiss its action for declaratory judgment in a lawsuit it filed challenging the constitutionality of a Florida Statute which prohibits same-sex marriages. The suit was filed in July 1993 on behalf of two Central Florida women, Shauna Underwood and Deina Davis, who were denied a marriage license by an Orange County Clerk. Although the case had been recently argued before Orange County Circuit Judge James Hauser, a number of interested groups agreed that voluntary dismissal was an appropriate strategy at this time. ACLU Cooperating attorney Peter Warren Kenny, who represents the two women says, “We want to coordinate our efforts with theirs as much as we can. After recent discussions with the Florida and national ACLU offices and the LAMBDA Legal Education and Defense Fund, we decided that our efforts in Florida were duplicating the same-sex marriage suit brought by LAMBDA in Hawaii several years ago. We expect a final decision in that lawsuit long before we could get a final decision in Florida.” Marti Mackenzie, Chairman of the Central Florida ACLU says, “We intend to follow developments in the Hawaii suit closely. Since the lawsuit was dismissed voluntarily, it can be refiled whenever we choose to do so. The ACLU will continue to support the right of any two consenting adults to marry and have the protection and benefits that a legal marriage can guarantee.” PROSECUTOR’S ANTI-GAY TIRADE DISMISSED WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Broward County prosecutor accused of shouting anti-gay slurs and trashing a gay bar with a group of fellow rugby players won’t be tried on disorderly conduct or hate-crime charges. Mark McHugh, a felony division supervisor in Broward’s state attorney’s office, and three other men were arrested after about a dozen men wearing women’s clothing raided the Paradise Club in Boca Raton on June 17. There is insufficient evidence to pursue any charges against McHugh, Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney Moira Lasch concluded Wednesday in a nine-page report. Christopher Hynes will be charged with disorderly conduct, and Edward Murphy faces a charge of resisting arrest without violence. Both charges are misdemeanors. Charges were dropped against a fourth man. Lasch, the losing prosecutor in the William Kennedy Smith case, said in a report she could not prove “that any one individual was targeted as a victim because of his sexual orientation.” But the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association of South Florida believes the state should pursue the charges. “If during the course of a disorderly conduct they say things that evidence prejudice, that’s the definition of a hate crime,” said Mark Leban, a Miami attorney and board member for the 60-member group. A dozen men were accused of jumping on tables, shouting anti-gay insults, smashing picture frames and pulling down plants at the bar. They went bar-hopping after finishing their rugby club’s annual cross-dressing golf tournament. Hynes was identified as wearing a black cocktail dress with spaghetti straps. Bartenders and a patron described the incident as “a mob scene”. WILL GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS? The Parliament House and the Full Moon Saloon sit contiguously on N. Orange Blossom Trail, near Colonial Drive. Those visiting the adjoining properties this month noticed a new feature; a wire fence, ostensibly separating the two gay entertainment complexes. Although no official explanation has been offered, few seemed willing to accept the barrier as a logical division between separately owned and managed properties. Many patrons were outraged, calling the action childish and further evidence of divisiveness within the gay community. When contacted by Watermark, representatives of both the Parliament House and the Full Moon Saloon stated that the fence was constructed in compliance with a legal settlement agreement between the establishments. Both parties also indicated that the settlement restricted them from discussing the nature of the disagreement or the terms of the settlement. The wire fence constructed between the Parliament House and the Full Moon Saloon has not yet been closed off. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 4 NEWS GAYBY BOOM From Page 1 unnecessary complications, Taylor will use Janice’s surname. Perhaps surprisingly, Janice is concerned about how their gay friends will react to Taylor. “Having a child will drastically change our lives. We just won’t be able to get up and go like we used to. Also, typically in the gay community, kids aren’t around or their parents share custody. There aren’t many women in our church (Joy MCC) with babies. I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose some friends.” Marcia is more optimistic. “I don’t worry about the gay community, because if anybody should be supportive it’s them. As gay people, we know what being different is like.” Janice and Marcia are also concerned about Taylor’s acceptance in school. “Children can be cruel,” observes Janice. To prepare her, they plan to involve Taylor in counseling before she attends classes. “We want to be totally honest, and counseling will help us do that. We want her to know that we love her and God loves her,” Marcia explained. Both Janice and Marcia’s families are pleased about their pregnancy. “They are thrilled.. .ecstatic, really,” Marcia said, and Janice added, “They started sending baby gifts when I reached my first trimester.” Joy MCC, their church, has also shared their happiness, holding a baby shower for them. Both have received gifts and showers at work, as well. Lynn, Cathy and Wayne. Donor insemination via sperm bank is only one method for lesbian couples to get pregnant. Lynn and Cathy decided to ask their close friend Wayne to father their child. Wayne is a 40 year old gay male, recently separated from a longterm relationship. Lynn is 36 and three months pregnant. They met at a work-related seminar. “Lynn was wearing a shirt with a pink triangle on it,” Wayne smiled. “It’s always been a dream to have a baby. It’s something that’s missing in my life.” Lynn also shared this dream, and after six months of discussion, Lynn, Cathy and Wayne decided to try to conceive. Wayne feels his desire to father a child contributed to the end of his relationship. “He didn’t want a child. This dream of mine made him look at his own issues,” Wayne explained. His ex-partner was also concerned that the child’s legal rights would supercede his own. Lynn and Cathy discussed parenting for more than two years. Ultimately, they agreed to share in a mutual parenting relationship and iron out the issue of roles as they went along. But first they had to decide how to father the child. They originally planned to use an anonymous donor, but changed their minds. “My father died when I was very young,” Lynn explained, “and I really missed having that connection.” They also considered using a straight male friend as donor, but Wayne’s circumstances seemed ideal. Wayne and Lynn inseminated at home without medical assistance. “At first we tried using a turkey baster. Then we used a medical syringe,” Lynn said. Ultimately they were successful by inseminating one day before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after ovulation. It took 19 attempts. By mutual agreement, Lynn and Cathy will assume custody and support responsibilities and Wayne will have liberal visitation. With the assistance of an attorney, they drafted a co-parenting contract that specified, among other things, that Wayne would never seek custody of the child and Lynn can now to hese/me man soacE! Friday, Sept. 23,1994, Dinner L Shoui $*,5 For Tickets Call Lisa Talmad?e: 89^-5395 or The Rainbow Democratic Club: 236-92,76 would never seek child support from Wayne. Wayne will be listed as father on the baby,’s birth certificate. Wayne initially hoped that baby would be a girl, but as the pregnancy evolved, he states, “gender preference was no longer an issue.” Lynn however, is hoping for a girl, feeling this would be easier since the child will be living primarily with two women. Cathy hopes for a boy, but has some fears that a boy may be rejected by their lesbian friends. “After a boy reaches a certain age, lesbians may restrict his presence at their events.” A recent sonogram suggests that the baby will, in fact, likely be a boy. Wayne observed, “I really see this as an ongoing process. We’re going to learn and experience things as we go along.” Lynn ability to be his or her own person, whatever that will be.” She plans to discuss these issues, “according to the child’s level of maturity and understanding. “Wayne feels, “Since Lynn, Cathy and I are all friends, our child will understand what friendship is about and how important it is. It’s golden.” The Donor Insemination Process. Donor insemination, also called artificial or alternative insemination, refers to the process whereby semen is donated by volunteers who remain anonymous to the recipients. These donors are rigorously interviewed and tested for a battery of communicable diseases and for sperm viability. Genetic histories are evaluated, and addi- JANICE AND MARCIA’S NURSERY IS READY FOR TAYLOR’S ARRIVAL IN APPROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS. agreed. “We have an open enough relationship to discuss anything that comes up and we’ll address these issues accordingly.” Addressing the subject of potential discrimination, Wayne stated, “As a gay man of color, I will know how to help my child deal with prejudice.” Lynn appears less concerned. “I haven’t thought about it that much. The people I deal with are my true friends, and my family accepts my pregnancy.” Wayne added, “Lots of family and friends have opinions [about the baby]. It’s a struggle to differentiate between what someone else wants and what we want. I have to act as an advocate for the baby and myself, and not get caught up in other people’s issues.” He believes the child will be, “healthy in all respects and have lots of opportunities because he or she will have three important people loving and caring for it. This child is wanted and cared about.” As regards any speculation they may have about the child’s sexual orientation, Lynn said, “I want my child to have the tional testing is done if indicated. If a donor meets all requirements, their specimens are quarantined for six months and then retested for HIV antibodies. The specimens then remain frozen, available for purchase by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Recipients can select donors for certain physical characteristics, such as height, weight, hair and eye color, and ethnicity. Recipients are asked to choose at least four donor candidates in case a certain donor is unavailable. The Sperm Bank of California limits each donor to contributing to six live births, but this policy varies with each provider. Currently, about 65,000 annual live births each year result from donor insemination. It is likely that, as technology improves, prices decrease, and success rates soar, donor insemination will be an increasingly popular option, particularly for potential gay parents. As Janice, Marcia, Lynn, Cathy and Wayne demonstrate, all that’s needed is a little extra motivation and flexibility, and a lot of love. JUST 30 MINUTES FROM ORLANDO 6 MILES NORTH OF CLERMONT ON U.S. 27 • 1-800-768-WINE WATERMARK / September 14,1994 5 NEWS HIGH SCHOOL From Page 1 HARASSMENT VICTIM BRANDON ETHRIDGE HAD FEW “GREAT DAYS” AT APOPKA HIGH SCHOOL entation against someone whenever they feel they can get away with it. “In the 20 years I’ve been with the school system I’ve only had two children actually talk to me about being gay and getting harassed. The other kids dealt with it and tried to keep it quiet. They did not want to get us (staff) involved,” said Tom Johnston, a guidance counselor at Boone High School. Ethridge, during his final year at Apopka, did begin complaining to the school administration. But, according to Dr. John Edwards, principal at Apopka High, at no time during his complaints did Ethridge say he was being harassed on suspicion of being gay. “Brandon never said he was gay or he was being harassed for being gay. This is the first time I have even heard that mentioned. My understanding was he was being bothered because of the clothes he wore and the fact he kept coming to school with different colored hair,” Edwards said. Ethridge said his clothes and hair were a factor, as he often wore baggy, “skaters” clothes and at one point had his hair dyed purple. However, those were not the only reasons for his torment, he said, and the administration knew that. He accumulated a lot of absences and his parents talked to Edwards about what could be done to ensure he graduated. Ethridge credits Edwards with being willing to work with him so he would not flunk out of school, but said he resents the fact that nothing was ever done against his tormentors. “I honestly don’t think they did all they could. They would just tell the kids bothering me ‘You shouldn’t be doing this,”’ Ethridge said. He eventually finished the last few weeks of school by combining schoolwork done at home with attending classes for final tests. Edwards said he was unable to discuss specifics of Ethridge’s time at Apopka High but noted, in general, it is difficult to take disciplinary action if specific individuals are not identified and all the details are not given to the school administration. For example, Ethridge alleges he was often hit by other students and at one time was beaten up. “The only harassment I mostly heard about was verbal. I also heard he’d been pushed and someone flicked the back of his head. Nothing about being beaten up,” Edwards said. The 130-school Orange County School System annually racks up its share of assaults and battery. According to the system’s 1992-94 incident reports, there were 423 incidents of battery (physical attacks with harm) and 321 incidents of assault (threat of physical harm), said Orange County Pub- lic Schools spokeswoman, Patty Villane. But during those two school years there were zero incidents of sexual harassment listed. “I don’t know why that is so. I wouldn’t even speculate,” said Villane, adding that she had no way of knowing if sexual harassment based on sexual orientation was a regular occurrence in the schools. The annual report lists only incidents resulting in some type of disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion, Villane said. Therefore, any sexual harassment complaints not resulting in any of those would not be reported to the school board. “I’ve overheard talk of individual cases but I don’t know if there’s an actual report anywhere,” she said. “There is no way to track such incidents without it being in reports.” Rick Johnson, an assistant principal at Lyman High School, said he has the perception it happens everywhere. “Kids are kids,” Johnson said. “I can’t speak for the school or the school system, but I, personally, don’t know of any incidents at Lyman. We try and keep our eyes and ears open but if they (students) don’t come and let us know, we can’t do anything. If they come to us, we always investigate,” he added. Villane said the school system, in its training of teachers, seeks to impart respect for the sexuality of students, but said she does not know how focused it is on sensitizing educators to the issue of sexual preference. Within the schools students are sensitized in courses such as Humanities and Life Management, she said. The stated policy of the Orange County School Board is that no student is to be disparaged or offended because of their “race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, handicap or any other reason prohibited by law.” The state Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s colleges and universities, goes further in its Code of Ethics by including “sexual orientation or social and family background” as factors no student should be harassed for or discriminated against. Ethridge said, in the claustrophobic world of the schools, being gay is not something you talk about. “I wasn’t ever really out. I told my close friends and that was it. I didn’t even tell my parents until recently. The other gay kids kept it real secretive,” he said. Michael, the Lyman student, said witnessing the other student’s harassment made him paranoid about being thought to be gay. “I’ve never had a girlfriend. I just can’t bring myself to do that, although I know other gay guys who do that to cover up. But, I’m very masculine in appearance and I have two best friends who are girls so they (fellow students) assume I’m dating them,” Michael said. Gay and lesbian Community Services (GLCS) of Central Florida reports it receives calls from gay teenagers on an almost daily basis. “Unfortunately, I get a lot who have been abused physically, psychologically, and emotionally,” said Larry, a GLCS Center volunteer. Locally, teenagers who are seeking to have contact with other gay teens are referred to the Delta Youth Alliance, which sponsors a weekly discussion group, the Center volunteer said. Up to 30 teens regularly attend the group which, for their protection and privacy, does not meet at the Center. While Delta has individuals up to 21 years old attending, the Center recently started a new group called Rainbow Con- nection, a social and discussion group, for 18 to 25-year-olds. It meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Center, 714 E. Colonial Drive. Such groups are important, Ethridge said, for young people who are trying to come to terms with their sexual orientation in an often hostile world where their friends and, often, their parents and families are in the dark about who they are. It is through talking that Ethridge can find himself laughing at the irony of an incident he was recently involved in. “I just started at U.C.F. (University of Central Florida) and I went to the event where you try to get into fraternities. I have a lot of buttons on my backpack that indicate I’m gay. I was going to try for this one fraternity but one of the members pulled me aside and said he’s seen my buttons and I’m not the kind of person they are looking for,” Ethridge said. SSP policy forbids the sexual harassment of students. It defines such harassment* in part* as any action which “,..cre-afes an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment,” and this can he from “repeatedremarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implies- It suggests that signed complaints be made in writing to the principal and include the precise nature of the objection. The principal will acknowl-edge the complaint and collect information relevant to it. After a review, the principal will decide the issue and inform the complainant of the dect~ the district's equal opportunity officer* the policy states, Patty Villane, an Orange County Public Schools spoke*....... : : ■ : * ' % : r with counselling and referral to other organizations. . AH educators interviewed said any complaint, whether written or ver~ ^,.:baj|would beil&en seriously and investigated, The Hope and Help Center’s 5th Annual The Hilton at Walt Disney World® Village Saturday, September 17, 1994 6:30 pm Cocktails 8:00 pm Dinner/Auction $5,000 9:30 pm Show and Competition ********* &J4Z PaXw* $2,500 ******** lily. $1,000 Individual Tickets - $75.00 Corporate tables from $750.00 CctoM For Tickets call 645-2577 WATERMARK / September 14, 1994 6 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS *** *** 4% •I* *•* 4* > *4*. HIAWASSEE VETERINARY CUNIC SANDY M. FINK, DVM **£ Dentistry •i» Dermatology Boarding •i> Flea Control *i? Baths/Dips ‘i? Vaccinations $ Pet Supplies Behavior Problems -*i» Nutrition Dog Training (407)299-3969 Hours by Appointment 6525 Old Winter Garden Road’Orlando, FL 32835 OAKHILL VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER 6570 Old Winter Garden Rd. (Near Food Lion) 297-6655 Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30am til 8pm THE UJI ■ ■ Mfc [H EALT H NUT Kal Diet DIET SALE Diet Pep Max 60 Gels Cybergenic Quick Trim 14 Day Kit! 60 Tabs REG $14.99 REG $13.95 SALE $ 9.99 REG $49.95 SALE $39.95 SALE $11.95 DIRECTORY SPECIAL Up Your Gas $12.95 Save $2 Homeopathic Hylands Calm Sleep Aid 100 Tabs REG $5.65 SALE $4.65 Great Selection of Herbal Teas (Tastes Great Iced) Sale prices valid thru Sept 24 Ask about our 20°/o discount on vitamins and supplements on Qreen Monday (Sept. 19) a IS MW "wm * / ■ENhHe^^ LAND TITLE INSURANCE of Citrus County, Inc. • Winter Springs Office Land Title Insurance Is proud to announce the opening of j|il;'^l^|>eautiful r#w Winter $pr|jf| office. *Jj§^ We are proud to offer: The mig.^ffipetitt#'rates^ffi the area ANTI-GAY MEASURE WILL BE ON OREGON BALLOT SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An anti-gay rights measure will be on Oregon’s ballot in November after a court challenge failed. The Oregon Court of Appeals on Thursday unanimously reversed a lower court’s decision that the proposal unconstitutionally contains more than one subject. Opponents of the measure decided not to appeal to the state Supreme Court. “On to the campaign,” said Lon Mabon, chairman of the Oregon Citizens Alliance, which sponsored the measure. “I feel really vindicated. Being unanimous says something about the argument they have been pursuing.” The initiative is a revised version of a more harshly worded measure defeated by Oregon voters in 1992. It would forbid spending public money in any way that promotes or expresses approval of homosexuality. It also would outlaw teaching children that homosexuality is a classification similar to race, religion, gender, age or national origin, and it would allow adults-only access to library books on homosexuality. Opponents contended those prohibitions were separate subjects. SEATTLE ALLOWS DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRATION SEATTLE (AP) - Carolyn Sue enjoyed a celebratory piece of chocolate raspberry cake with Linda Gonzalez outside the city clerk’s office after the couple registered as domestic partners. “It’s about time,” said Sue, a 57-year-old health educator for Group Health. “Now it’s official: We are a family.” The city officially recognized their domestic relationship for the first time when a new Seattle ordinance went into effect, allowing homosexual and heterosexual live-in couples to register at the clerk’s office as domestic partners. About 90 couples, mostly gay or lesbian, registered Tuesday, said Judith Pippin, city clerk. Mayor Norm Rice signed the Domestic Partnership Registration ordinance Aug. 5, after it was unanimously approved by the City Council. Seattle follows a dozen or so other cities that have similar domestic-partnership laws, including New York, San Francisco and Madison, Wis. Registrants must certify they are not married, are at least 18 years old, are not related by blood in a manner that would bar their marriage in Washington, are in a relationship of mutual support, caring and commitment, and are each other’s sole domestic partner. The cost to register is $25. Terminating a partnership requires only one notarized signature and costs nothing more. For the $25, the couples receive a certificate, but the document provides no legal benefits. It is not official acknowledgement of a gay marriage, since marriages are regulated by the state. One of the few opposite-sex couples waiting to register said they wanted to support the concept behind the ordinance. And, they said, domestic partnership suits them better than marriage now. TOWN DEBATES REGISTRATION OF UNMARRIED COUPLES CARRBORO, N.C. (AP) - Carrboro aldermen, who will decide next week whether to allow unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples to register as domestic partners, heard religious arguments from both sides. “God’s word teaches us that fornication and adultery are a sin,” Jack Godley said at a Tuesday hearing. Gary Webb, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Carrboro, said the board will break both the laws of God and North Carolina if it passes laws that condone adultery and homosexuality. “Each of you, when you took office, swore to uphold the laws of North Carolina,” he told the aldermen. A number of those in favor of the proposal said they are Christians who regularly attend church. Gay activist Doug Ferguson said voting for the measures will promote family values because it would strengthen the commitments of unmarried couples. Gloria Faley, a lesbian activist, said the ordinances would help bring people together in an accepting way. “Let this ordinance be the first step toward what Jesus tried to teach us,” she said. About 25 cities and a growing number of corporations provide for health benefits to their workers’ domestic partners. An ordinance in Seattle, which went into effect earlier this month, provides for no legal benefits. The board will vote on whether to approve or reject three measures. The first would allow the town clerk to accept and record statements of domestic partnership of unmarried Carrboro residents. The unions would be considered similar to marriages. The second proposal would require elected officials who are registered as domestic partners to file financial disclosure statements that include their partners. The third proposal would extend health and other benefits to the domestic partners of town employees. Carrboro does not pay health benefits for employees’ dependents, but it would allow employees to pay for their partners’ health insurance through the town’s plan. REINSTATEMENT OF GAY SAILOR PROVIDES LEGAL BOOST JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The reinstatement of a homosexual sailor to the Navy is a legal boost for a Camp Lejeune Marine who admitted he was homosexual, the Marine’s lawyer said. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals last week upheld the reinstatement of sailor Keith Meinhold, who was discharged after revealing his sexual preference on television after President Clinton announced his intention to lift the ban on homosexuals in the military. The court ruled that the military can bar homosexuals for sexual acts, but not for merely saying they are homosexuals. “Clearly the Meinhold decision will be very helpful to us,” said attorney Lanny Breuer, who represents Marine Sgt. Justin Elzie. “The court found exactly what we’ve been arguing.” Elzie disclosed his homosexuality on national television in 1993 after hearing Clinton’s announcement about lifting the ban on homosexuals in the military. An administrative board at Camp Lejeune voted in March 1993 to remove Elzie from the Marine Corps. Elzie filed a lawsuit against the government, claiming that the discharge violates his rights to free speech and due process. Last year, U.S. District Judge Stanley Sporkin of Washington, D.C., forbade military officials from discharging Elzie or taking any other “adverse action” until Elzie’s lawsuit is resolved. “He continues to serve and do his job every day,” Breuer said. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 7 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS STUDY FINDS MANY AMERICANS HAVE HAD HOMOSEXUAL STIRRINGS WASHINGTON (AP) - A survey indicating that nearly one in five Americans has been attracted to someone of the same sex at some time since age 15 illustrates that sexual orientation isn’t a simple question of gay or straight, one of its authors says. “I think in most individuals there is some sort of range,” said David Wypij, a Harvard University statistician and co-author of the study. “You may be more heterosexual, you may be more homosexual.” The research, conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Center for Health Policy Studies in Washington, has been criticized by some statisticians but touted by gay rights activists. The study found that between 6.2 percent and 20.8 percent of American men and 3.3 percent and 17.8 percent of American women could be considered “incidentally homosexual”. The lower estimates are based on reported same-sex sexual behavior during the previous five years. The higher numbers are based on reported homosexual behavior or attraction since age 15. “Our perspective is that sexual orientation isn’t just a yes-no, heterosexual-homosexual (question),” Wypij said. Research that might help define the size of the homosexual community plays directly into the debate over extending civil rights protections to this minority. Congress is considering legislation that would outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Opponents have cited research that they say shows only 1 percent of the population is gay, suggesting that gay people have little political clout. The study, which was presented at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Toronto in August and is being published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, is the first national survey to look at the question of homosexual attraction. Interviewers spoke with 1,288 American men and 674 women, ages 16 to 50, and asked them each to complete questionnaires. The study said 1,200 men completed face-to-face interviews, which included 100 questions, and 1,130 answered 68 questions in the written survey. A total of 634 women completed the interviews and 588 finished the written portion. Other studies that have examined sexual attraction - such as those published by Alfred J. Kinsey in 1948 and 1953 - were not based on samples that could be extrapolated to the population as a whole. More recent national surveys have focused on behavior, not same-sex attraction. Randall Sell, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate at Harvard, said he hopes the research will help elucidate the complexity of sexual orientation. “It’s more than just behavior; that’s only one measure,” he said. Tom W. Smith, a statistician at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, called the study useful, but warned that the question on attraction was imprecise. “They basically asked whether you were ever attracted to a member of the same sex at any time since you were age 15 - which can mean one very fleeting, very trivial sensation or feeling,” Smith said. Despite such caveats, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force immediately seized on the report, noting the figures are much higher than those last year from the Battelle Human Affairs Research Center, which reported 2 percent of the men surveyed had engaged in same-sex sexual behavior and 1 percent identified themselves as exclusively gay. That report has been used by religious conservatives to argue that homosexuals are a far smaller minority than previously believed. FEDERAL LEGISLATION WOULD HURT STUDENTS DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - They say it’s silly, unrealistic and would hurt students who need help the most. But they’re not pushing for anything to be done about it. That, Iowa school leaders say, would start a public debate, and that’s just what ultraconservatives want about the amendment they’ve added to a federal funding bill to take money away from schools that teach acceptance of homosexuality. Cedar Rapids Superintendent Lew Finch says there’s no doubt about it - the amendment would hurt some students’ performance in school. “I’d hate to call it catastrophic, but it would be, at the least, devastating,” he said. U.S. Sens. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., and Bob Smith, R-N.H., got the Senate in August to add the amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which would give $12.5 billion to the nation’s schools. Under the amendment, schools that distribute instructional materials or offer counseling services that have “the purpose or effect of encouraging or supporting homosexuality as a positive lifestyle alternative” could lose that federal funding. So could those that refer students to gay organizations for counseling. The U.S. House also put a similar statement in its funding bill, and now the legislation has been sent to a conference committee that will work out the differences. But how do you know a school is “supporting” homosexuality? Iowa leaders say that depends on who is doing the interpreting. “We’re saying that someone isn’t an evil, sick person who has these tendencies,” said Janelle Cowles, a high school counselor for the Des Moines School District, the largest in the state. “I don’t think that’s promoting.” Gary Wegenke, the Des Moines superintendent, says that in 1990 the district added sexual orientation to the issues included in its nondiscrimination policy. Others include gender, race, ethnicity and language. The federal amendment violates that policy, he said. “We are an educational enterprise and we do try to remove ignorance,” he said. “In doing so, we do make our young people aware of issues. You have to be educated to what you’re not discriminating against.” He also believes the amendment puts Iowa schools in a Catch-22 because the state requires them to teach AIDS education. That means they have to teach students about the homosexual lifestyle. NEXT ISSUE available September 28: GAY MARRIAGE: more couples are doing It, but why? TOM WOODARD: how his landmark lawsuit changed his life ROB EICHBERG: co-founder of National Coming Out Day interviewed Cactus Club 300 N. Mills Ave. Orlando 407-894-3041 Hour 2 for 1 3 pm to 8 pm 7 Days A Week 'Tue^day'^ TVi days {Jaturdayg 2 for 1 All Nite Social Hour Complimentary Buffet 2 for 1 until 8 pm 2 for 1 11 pm to 1 am "WHERE WE REALLY CARE" • SELL • FINANCE • TRADE "LET US HELP YOU ESTABUSH OR RE-ESTABUSH YOUR CREDIT TODAY 8403 E. Colonial Drive • Orlando, Florida 32817 • 2 • Fax 277-0655 Call John K. Tanner and David W. 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The treatments getting the money aim to strengthen the immune system and genetically attack HIV, said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “This effort is crucial because currently available anti-HIV drugs only partially and temporarily suppress replication of the virus, and their use is hampered by toxicity and drug resistance,” he said. More than 14 million people worldwide are now infected by HIV; the World Health Organization projects that the disease could kill 121 million by the year 2020. The NIH money will be divided among six institutions: The New England Medical Center in Boston, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego. All must begin human trials by at least the third year of the four-year grants. The Stanford team is taking infection-fighting cells out of healthy people, treating them and inserting them into a sibling with AIDS. Along the same line, the New England researchers seek to boost the number of the body’s so-called killer T cells, the AIDS fighters the body initially produces when infected. So far, the new grants represent only a small part of the NIAID’s $558 million budget. But the agency says it is committed to expanding the initiative. Experts studying how to halt the AIDS epidemic say this week in the journal Science that a powerful vaccine alone will not conquer AIDS and could even make the epidemic worse, because it might create a false sense of safety and cause people to ignore risks. They emphasize that it will take safe sex and other changes in behavior to stop the virus. CDC FINDS GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN MINORITY AIDS CASES ATLANTA (AP) - Minorities continue to outnumber whites in new cases of AIDS, but as the epidemic ages scientists are uncovering differences in how ethnic groups around the country spread the virus. Fifty-five percent, or 58,538, of the 106,949 AIDS cases reported last year in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands were among minorities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday. It was the third consecutive year that AIDS cases were greater among minorities than among whites. In 1992, minority cases accounted for 52 percent of new cases, up from 50.9 percent the year before. As the epidemic develops, its pace has slowed among gay white men while quickening among minorities, particularly among blacks. But geography also makes a difference in how the virus spreads, said Dr. Teresa Diaz of the CDC’s National Center for Infectious Diseases. The Northeast - particularly New York state _ has the highest rates of AIDS infection for both blacks and His-panics, while the South and Midwest are generally lower. In some states, vast differences between minorities exist. In Florida, the rate for blacks is almost three times greater than for Hispanics. Such state-by-state or regional data help CDC prevention efforts, Ms. Diaz said. The CDC is collaborating with state and city officials to design programs that will target groups at highest risk in a specific area. “This way, we have a chance here to prevent it (the epidemic) from getting bigger” and spreading to new groups, Ms. Diaz said. In 1993, minorities accounted for 45,039, or 51 percent, of 89,165 AIDS cases among men, while minorities accounted for 12,696, or 75 percent, of the 16,824 cases among women, the CDC said. Minority men were most likely to transmit HIV through homosexual contact (39 percent) and IV drug use (38 percent). Among women, IV drug use accounted for 47 percent of cases and heterosexual contact 37 percent. Rates were higher among blacks (162 cases per 100,000 people) and Hispanics (90), and lower among American Indians/Eskimos (24) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (12). The AIDS rate for black women (73) was about 15 times greater than for white women (5), and the rate for black males (266) was nearly five times that for whites (57). Last year, the CDC expanded its definition of AIDS to include those infected with the HIV virus who also have a severely suppressed immune system, tuberculosis, recurrent pneumonia or invasive cervical cancer. The groups most affected by the expanded definition were women, blacks, heterosexual intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs. The cumulative number of AIDS cases in the United States through Dec. 31, 1993, was 361,164. The number of deaths from AIDS through the same time period was 220,736, according to the CDC. STATE WANTS DOCTORS TO TREAT PREGNANT HIV WOMEN WITH AZT TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida’s state health officer plans to write thousands of doctors, asking them to treat pregnant women who have the AIDS virus with AZT to reduce the number of babies infected with HIV. “We can spare perhaps 200 Florida children each year the suffering and eventual death due to HIV disease,” Dr. Charles Mahan said.in the letter, which officials plan to mail next week. More than 1,000 women infected with HIV are expected to give birth this year, according to the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. An estimated 30 percent of their babies will also be infected with the virus. But results from a national study earlier this year documented a two-thirds reduction in the rate of transmission of HIV from mother to child when the woman is treated with AZT. Mahan also urged doctors to make HIV testing a standard of obstetrical practice. “The stakes now are simply too high to do otherwise,” he wrote. A bill that would have required that every pregnant woman be tested for AIDS died in the Legislature this spring. HRS secretary Jim Towey said Wednesday that testing pregnant women and then treating those who carry HIV with AZT “is the first area where we feel we can make a difference.” h the financial strains I illness... we can give |>ur life insurance policy. There are many reasons why people sell their life insurance policies.but your reason is the most important one! Dealing with a life-threatening illness is difficult enough without worrying about financial matters. When these concerns overtake your lifestyle and your life, turn to Life Care Resources. We provide quick, completely confidential service, with instant payment after approval, at no cost to you. Before selling your policy to just anyone - contact Life Care Resources. We are committed to paying you the highest price for your policy. Life Care Resources donates a portion of all proceeds to charities and research dedicated to providing support to the terminally ill, including AIDS, cancer, and hospices. If you have needs... Life Care Resources is there. 1-800-563-0018 fpawe cffieAmvwe&j affine. dicfmit^ id not ondiy in w/iat we do, in we wndemta/nd. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 9 BUSINESS (407) 846-4113 (407) 348>-4033 (407) 828-8005 mmmmmmcm 1213 WEST OAK STREET KISSIMMEE, FL 34741 PASSION PHONES’ ERIN SOMERS VISITS MBA No one at MBA’s September general meeting needed to be told when their guest speaker had arrived. A full six feet tall, Erin Somers is riveting. With long black hair, black dress and black ankle boots, the popular radio host turned even the guys’ heads. In less than a year, Somers has tripled the ratings of her popular radio talk show, “Passion Phones.” She is at once witty, warm, sensitive, informed and open. Somehow, when Somers talks about sex it seems more... fun. “People are afraid of sex. They take it all too seriously,” she told approximately 100 MBA members and guests. “We weren’t put on this earth to make our parents happy.” Somers shared that gay and lesian sex has long been a regular feature of “Passion Phones”. And while she’s a master of witty repartee, it usually leads to a more thoughtful response. Responding to a question about masturbation, Somers endorsed the practice. “What do you think I did this afternoon?” But she then pointed out that teenage girls are discouraged from mastur- bating; possibly one reason that only 30% of women are regularly orgasmic. “With a little practice I have no doubt we’d get it down better than the guys.” Somers is not an advocate of swinging or indiscriminate sex. Responding to one questioner, Somers stated that, “To the best of my knowledge and experience, only about 10% of non-monogomous relationships really work. For the other 90%, they can be unsatisfying, threatening, and at worst disastrous.” Somers most difficult call concerned a gay man whose lover had committed suicide after being rejected by his father. Her next caller was the father, inconsolable in his grief. Somers assured him that his experience would move and inform others. Somers also stated her amazement at the divisiveness she sees within the gay and lesbian community. “You all have some real enemies... some powerful, organized enemies... and you need to stop fighting with each other and get it together.” WATERMARK / September 14,1994 10 VIEWPOINT VISIBLE INVISIBLE hr Rosaline Sloan I have always felt that Florida was my home. When I was nine, my family and I vacationed here. Over time, I became enamored with the temperate climate, slow southern charm and unique beauty of the state. Although bom and raised in northern New Jersey, I welcomed the recent opportunity to relocate to Central Florida with my life partner. But here among the palm trees and sultry Spanish moss, I have been forced to accept some drastic changes in my gay lifestyle. When I began coming out in the late seventies, I could hop on public transportation and roam streets at the center of Manhattan’s burgeoning gay area; all no more than twenty minutes from my straight, Catholic upbringing. As time went on, I confidently walked the neighborhoods surrounding Christopher Street, often for up to six hours at a time. A decade after first discovering this eastern epicenter of gay culture, I had become so accustomed to its freedoms that I would spend five nights out of seven being gay as I ate at outdoor cafes, browsed in gay stores, and socialized in the many different clubs. When my partner and I moved here, I eagerly began searching for places where I could experience the same relaxed, friendly openness of the Village. Instead I found that I now belonged to a hidden subculture. I felt as though my struggle to become a truly free lesbian on the streets of New York was wasted. When I considered what Key West, South Beach, or even Pensacola offered in terms of lifestyle options, I wondered why our community in this part of the Bible Belt had been unable to flourish freely, even in small pockets. After participating in the most recent Pride Parade in downtown Orlando, I realized that this is not because we don’t exist in large numbers. I want to feel the strength of our sheer presence in the streets.. .who we are and what we are about as a community... Is the voice of the religious right really threatening our community in 1994? Is there not enough safety in numbers that we can’t commit ourselves to seek what we deserve; the freedom to walk down the street hand-in-hand with our lovers, or to roam a park without someone writing down our license plate number? Must we continue to gather only behind closed doors, or at events where there is no risk of exposing who we really are to our neighbors, friends and co-workers? Now when I visit the Northeast, my first desire...rain, snow, or sunshine...is to go to the Village. I want to feel the acceptance I once took for granted. I want to feel the strength of our sheer presence in the streets. I want to see love in and among lesbians and gay men; open, unrestrained love that requires freedom to attain full expression. I want to feel the sense of who we are and what we are about as a community in our voices and in our hearts. That community in Central Florida needs to be visible, not vulnerable. We must seek the strength and the will to be free, just like in the Village. Until then, maybe we should just pretend. WATERMARK Watermark Media, Inc. ©1994 editor / publisher Tom Dyer layout / managing editor April Gustetter account executive Keith Peterson contributing writers Michael L. Kilgore, G. K. Fowler, Harmony Brenner, Nan Schultz, R. A. Bach, Dimitri Toscas, Jim Crescitelli, Mark Lawhon, Yvonne Vassell, Ken Kundis, Rafael Gasti, Leslea Newman, Rosanne Sloan, Joe Sarano photographers & illustrators Alison Bechdel, Eric Orner, Russell Tucker, student contributors Robert Holland, Katie Messmer, Tera Kenney, Mike Williams CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations (unless, of course, sexual orientation is stated specifically). WATERMARK is published every second Wednesday, except the first week in January and the second week in July. Subscription rates are $35.00 (third class). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads that have such errors. WATERMARK P.O. Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655 TEL 407.481.2243 FAX 407.481.2246 Watermark m&emmymr Letters to the Editor* Ail letters are subject to | editing for content and length. Letters should bg sent to: E 0< Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I would like to congratulate Watermark on its premier issue. I wish to respond to the article ‘TRACKS DERAILS - BOXCARS OPENS”. Several comments that Mr. Barlow made in the article are simply just not true. One, his quote, ‘‘In Tampa, the bars network and work together to benefit each other and the community.” Not once did Mr. Barlow ever make any attempt to contact myself or any member of management at Southern Nights with regard to networking within the gay community of Orlando! Mr. Barlow further alleges that Southern Nights, The Edge and The Club at Firestone had authorized Tracks’ advertising removed from the publications at our locations. Mr. Barlow’s statement is one hundred (100%) percent false. Southern Nights, The Edge and The Club at Firestone do network together and not one of these establishments ever authorized removal of advertisements. Maybe, Mr. Barlow and TRACKS/OR-LANDO just did not deliver what the competitive Orlando market is seeking. Very truly yours, Daniel J. Fraser, General Manager Southern Nights I just wanted to write and wish you the best for your new publication. Having seen your ads in other area outlets, I think that you have tapped into a very important niche in the Central Florida gay and lesbian community. It’s about time Orlando supported a higher-end publication such as yours. Once again, I wish you and your staff the best. Sincerely, William J. Gridley Public Relations Editor Rollins College Bravo! How grand that there is finally a forum for the diversity of culture that is the gay community. We are not simply visual cliches, but rather an evolution of old and new, traditional and avant garde, private and unabashed. Mostly, though, we are worthy of celebration. Thank you for validating that. Proudly, Pam Pratt What enjoyment and pride I had in reading the newest lesbian and gay periodical to hit Central Florida! It is wonderful to see the diversity of our community mirrored by the many issues and topics covered - political, sports, entertainment, health, and arts. Thank you Watermark for giving our community yet another tool to communicate and learn more about each other. I applaud your sponsors and advertisers for their support and encourage readers to patronize their organizations. Each one of you should take a deep breath, smile, and be proud of your accomplishments! Congratulations on an excellent premier issue. Peace, Michael Hodges Congratulations on the premier issue of your paper. Great looks and impressive content. One gentle criticism, though. If your goal is to reflect the positive, non-stereo-typical side of our community, Lola O’Lay is a step in the wrong direction. The general population already thinks we’re campy transvestites with lots of attitude and a tenuous grip on reality. Why reinforce this stereotype? Other than that, it was nice to read about Amanda Bearse, and I particularly enjoyed your article on Fran Pignone. The Sports page is a great idea. Keep up the good work. W. C. Slapke The Orlando Frontrunners gather at sunset at the Red Pagoda on Lake Eola Homosexuality is always elsewhere because it is everywhere. French writer RENAUD CAMUS WATERMARK / September 14, 1994 11 VIEWPOINT WHERE WERE YOU IN 1969? by James A. Crescitelli Next year I’m going to be forty years old. Forty. Four-O. Well, as Margo Channing said: “That slipped out, I hadn’t quite made up my mind to admit it.” I’m not complaining; they’ve been very good years, but I wonder what it would be like to be a gay teenager in 1994 instead of 1969... For gay people, the nineties certainly seem to offer a plethora of support systems. Community centers, specialized interest groups, publishers, magazines...We’ve come a long way from the days when checking The Well of Loneliness out of the library was a major psychological ordeal. I remember buying a copy of Playgirl at my local neighborhood newsstand in Brooklyn; I told the vendor that it was for my sister, who was in the hospital with two broken legs. The webs we weave. What sustained us in those days? Who was there to turn to? I had an idea that I was perhaps not the only member of my ilk walking the earth but, as a late sixties teenager, my resources were limited. Being gay wasn’t something I could casually bring up during supper. “Dad, there’s this guy I like in school but he doesn’t seem to know I exist. What should I do?” “WHAT?!” Fanciful conversations such as these ran through my mind daily like frightened mice. Better, I decided, to keep silent. I had had no problem with my own personal coming out - a realization, really - but I thought others perhaps might: my family, my friends, and the nuns. In other words, everybody. High school...in September of 1969 I put on my bellbottoms, my Nik-Nik shirt, and took the bus to a Catholic boys’ high school in Brooklyn which, for some strange reason, had a reputation. It was whispered that only fairies and queers went to this particular grove of academe, and I was ribbed unmercifully in my neighborhood. “I’m only going because it’s close,” I countered to any friend who dared to cast aspersions on my adolescent masculinity. It was true; the school itself was only a ten-minute bus ride away. Secretly, I was intrigued. Orientation day brought no major revelations other than the fact that we were not expected to shower after gym; it was optional, and I was relieved. Curious as I was about a high school filled with homosexuals, I was not quite ready to bare it all in a shower room crammed with boys I did not know. I spent that first month looking at everybody intensely, trying to discern whether or not they were like me. It was a difficult task; I mean, nobody came right out and announced it, and I certainly didn’t ask anybody if they were gay. I found my peers after a time but did not realize it at first. Some magic radar had conspired to pull us all together, but it took I will always be amazed at how we “found” each other during those dim freshman months, perhaps groping subconsciously toward the light. us until our senior year to verbally come out to one another. As I look back, however, it is plain to me just how unspokenly gay we really were. We went to a lot of movies together, and any one of us could be counted on to know the dialogue from obscure Hollywood classics. Week after week, ensconced in dusty revival cinemas, we immersed ourselves in camp, unwittingly educating our psyches toward a more open future. Theater matinees - orchestra seats were ridiculously inexpensive in those years - were another mainstay, as well as the dinners afterward in Broadway restaurants in which we engaged in what we thought was highly witty repartee...I thought, heterosexual men don’t do this as a group. Here we are discussing Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer in great detail. What, I wondered, was up? Could we ALL be...? Straight men go to the movies and they attend the theatre, and they know about art and literature and even a little bit about fashion, but would they have spent ALL their time discussing the finer points of these subjects? Would a straight man even know that Claudettte Colbert was offered the lead in All About Eve before Bette Davis, but had to withdraw because of back problems? Do you think my father knew or even cared that Norma Shearer turned down the starring role in Gone with the because her fans did not want her to play a bitch? Even as we grew closer over the years, the G-word remained unspoken when referring to ourselves. Occasionally I would catch one of our “Theater Group” eyeing somebody on the subway, and I suppose I myself was caught, but nobody was saying. Then, in gym class during senior year, one of these friends told me he had just finished reading his sister’s copy of Portnoy’s Complaint. He related the famous scene with the liver, and then had some news. “.. .and by the way, i just wanted to tell you that I’m gay.” I was hardly shocked, as the expression on his face seemed to hope for. “Oh, really? So am I!” I replied. “What? No you’re not!!” He was angry that I had stolen his thunder, as apparently he was treating this as a major step in his life. I - seventeen, smug -was pleased with his revelation, yet treated it more as a “homecoming.” Yes, somebody had actually come over to MY side. The news traveled s wiftly through the group. I confided in another, he confided in somebody else, and soon we were all privy to a rather unwieldy open secret. It took a third friend’s coming out to bring the rest of the group stampeding to the fore. Nobody wanted to be left behind. I look back often and realize that every one of my little group blossomed into a full-fledged gay man. I will always be amazed at how we “found” each other during those dim freshman months, perhaps groping subconsciously toward the light. It must be less of a challenge for young gay people to find each other these days, what with the network of support we’ve erected within our community. I suppose it’s easy enough to look up “Gay” in the yellow pages and find a listing - a telephone number, maybe even the address of a community center. There are counselors, groups, and sub-groups, but I can’t help feeling that, while positive, it has suddenly become so easy to come out...the furtiveness is gone. Maybe today’s young people don’t care that gay people once lived their lives as if played out on the pages of a gothic novel. Maybe I’m too much of a romantic, but do I REALLY wish it were 1969 again? Not at all. OUT OF THE CLOSET AND NOTHING TO WEAR by Leslea Newman When my girlfriend, Flash, and I were evicted last summer, I immediately called my mother. I don’t know why. I wanted sympathy, I suppose. After all, we hadn’t done anything wrong; our building got sold and we had to move. And having our apartment, funky as it was, yanked out from under us was more traumatic than I thought it would be. “It’s our home,” I wailed in a voice not unlike a 5-year-old’s. “I want my mommy.” The trouble is, I don’t have a mommy. I have a mother. A mommy gives you milk and cookies, kisses it where it hurts and makes you feel all better. A mother means well, but misses the mark. A mother says things like, “Your room is always here if you need it,” as if the 20 years since I’ve inhabited that room can be dismissed with the wave of a hand. My mother likes the fact that Flash and I have to move. This is a normal thing that happens to people other than lesbians. This is something we can talk about. Better yet, this is something my mother feels qualified to give me advice about. Never mind the fact that my mother hasn’t moved in 34 years, ever since my family migrated from Brooklyn to Long Island, and I, in typical dyke fashion, have lived in 23 different apartments since 1985. She is the expert. “Have you looked in the paper,” she asks, as if I am an idiot. “Yes, I’ve looked in the paper,” I answer in my most condescending voice, as if she is an idiot. “What about calling a realtor?” she asks. “Ma, we have to come up with first and last month’s rent, a security deposit and money to pay the movers. We can’t afford a realtor.” This is the opening my mother has been waiting for. All of a sudden she is certain that no one with nice apartments lists in the papers anymore; anyone with something halfway decent is sure to list with a realtor. Why, oh why, did I bother to call? Weeks pass. Finally Flash and I find an apartment. Not just any apartment. A fabulous apartment. A dream of an apartment with six rooms, wood floors, oak window frames, french doors, two porches. I call my mother, feeling smug. All this and without a realtor, too. “How did you find it?” is the first question she asks. How do I explain the dyke grapevine to my mother? Flash took a walk after supper one night and bumped into the shortstop on her softball team who had heard from her chiropractor who had heard from one of her client’s that her ex-lover’s hairdresser had an apartment for rent. Would my mother ever understand this? “Word of mouth,” I translate, and of course she has to have the final say: “I told you not to bother looking in the paper.” Moving day approaches and my mother is full of advice. “Pack the dishes first,” she tells me. “Why?” I ask. “Because it’s easier,” she says, and I let it go at that, as I don’t have the time to argue. Moving is a full-time job: packing, unpacking, turning on the electricity and the gas, forwarding the mail, reconnecting the phone. And who is our very first caller? Why, my mother, of course. What she’s calling about surprises me. “What should I get you and Flash for ahouse-warming present?” “Ma, you don’t have to get us anything.” “I know I don’t have to get you something,” she says. “I want to get you something.” “But it’s not like we’ve bought a house or anything,” I say, wondering why I am arguing with her. “It’s just another apartment.” “It’s your first apartment together,” she says, and I’m amazed that she know this. Our last apartment had been Flash’s place until I moved in with her, and before that we had both lived alone. This is the first home we’ve created together and it does feel different. “All right,” I say, and make a joke. “How about a washing machine?” “OK,” she says, and I almost fall over. “It was a joke, Ma.” “What joke,” she asks. “Do you need one or not?” “I don’t know, I guess so.” “Fine,” she says. Disbelief makes me brave. “Do we get a dryer, too?” She thinks for a minute. “The washing machine will be your housewarming present, and the dryer will be for Chanukah.” I am floored. This is the closest my mother has ever come to giving Flash and I her blessings. This is the woman who, when f came out to her, called me selfish, self-centered, self-obsessed and self-absorbed. The same woman who was convinced I was under the influence of someone, because I could never think for myself, or as she put it, “You were always a follower. Why, if they were all walking up Fifth Avenue stark naked with frying pans on their foreheads, you’d be the first in line.” This was the woman who had never given up hope that someday I would return to my childhood bedroom and sleep like a virgin in that single bed until Prince Charming arrived to sweep me off my feet. This was the woman who was buying her only daughter and her lover a washer/dryer so their underwear, bras, socks, sweaters, shirts, blouses, pants, and pantyhose would toss and spin side by side, year in and year out, happily ever after? Of course, I had to listen to a lecture on spin cycles, bleach dispensers, gas hook-ups and the like. Of course, I had to go to Sears, pick out the machines I wanted, write down the numbers, and call them in to my mother for her approval (she picked out a different dryer). Of course, now we have to talk about the washer and dryer every time my mother calls. “How’s the washer?” she asks me. “Fine,” I answer. I mean, how can it be? “And how’s the dryer?” “Fine.” I am tempted to say it had a slight cold last week, but I know better. “It’s drying?” “It’s drying.” “Are you using fabric softener?” As I listen to her advising me on detergents (after all, she has been a housewife for 40 years), all I can think of is you’ve come a long way, Mommy. Thank you. Leslea Newman is author or editor of 14 books, including “Heather Has Two Mommies” and Gloria Goes to Gay Pride”. She lives and works in Northampton, Mass. WATERMARK / September 14, 1994 12 COLDUieU. BANK6RQ Residential Real Estate Inc. (800) 598-5060 (407) 325-2218 Felix Power River Chase Drive------------ Like a model! Home has been well maintained and is ready to move into. The easy lifestyle is echoed in the large casual kitchen, breakfast bar and greatroom plan. Screened porch leisure too!!! $85,000 Lake Drive Behind the gate of this Lakefront Paradise lies over an acre of towering oaks and pines. With 155ft on the Conway chain of lakes this home offers spectacular views, serenity and quality of construction throughout.Priced below appraisal $399,900 Lake Como Park---------------- Exquisite model of “olde Orlando bungalow. All of yesterday’s charm and 90 's new. Oversized, fenced in lot framed with huge oaks and mature plantings to keep you cool in the summer. This home offered at an astounding $99,000 HIV+? THINKING OF SELLING A POLICY? READ ON! Whether you want to realize a dream or just take care of your health or finances, you owe it to yourself to call today for no obligation information and application. CALL US (407) 426-9760 mi; LEATHER CLOSET 498 N ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32805 407/649-2011 • FAX 407/649-4116 OPEN NOON - 2 AM DAILY Custom Leather-Work Done on Premises WATERMARK / September 14,1994 13 Greg Dawson: Tales of the City Room by Tom Dyer Watermark Interview: What immediately strikes you about Greg Dawson are his intelligent, laughing eyes. This is a guy who’s easy to talk to; full of ideas and well-informed opinions. Interested as well as interesting. He’s also just plain nice. Tall, thin, polite and accommodating to a fault, a young Jimmy Stewart would be perfectly cast in the Greg Dawson story. No doubt a mini-series. Greg Dawson has covered television for the last ten years, first at The Boston Herald, and for the last eight years at The Orlando Sentinel. This summer the Sentinel unchained him from his television set (where he spent up to 40 hours per week) to cover real life. During his TV tenure, Greg made few attempts to disguise his decidedly liberal (some would say “evolved”) perspective. He praised Channel 24 for airing Tongues Untied, the controversial documentary about black homosexuals. He was highly critical of the same station for then refusing to air the more conventional gay drama, The Lost Language of Cranes. He also panned Channel 6 for refusing to air an After-School Special about lesbian mothers. Greg and I met for breakfast at the International House of Pancakes. While waitresses schlepped pancakes and attitude, we covered a broad range of topics. I asked questions with my mouth full. Greg paid for breakfast. I told you he’s nice. Where did you grow up? In Bloomington, Indiana...a wonderful, liberal college town. I was one of the original Crest kids testing fluoride toothpaste. I still got cavities, and found out years later that I got the placebo. I know that you have an essentially liberal viewpoint. Where did that come from? Well, both my parents were musicians, and for different reasons very liberal. My mother was a holocaust survivor and a raging liberal. She was sincerely disappointed that I didn’t marry a black woman. She always felt them superior as a race. And my father came out against the Vietnam war before I did. Your mother was a holocaust survivor? Yes. She was originally from the Ukraine, and her family was being marched out of town by German soldiers, presumably on the way to a concentration camp. Her father bribed a soldier to look the other way while my mother and her sister bolted out of line. They were on the run for years, often finding shelter and protection because of their musical skills. Very much like Playing For Time, except my mother played the piano. Eventually my father’s uncle heard them and brought them to America, and got my mother into Julliard. That’s where she met my father. Continued Page 16 WATERMARK / September 14,1994 14 ARTFUL LIVING MICHAEL E. DUNN, M.D. Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Specializing in the CARE of People with HIV Disease & AIDS 1355 Orange Avenue • Suite 5 • Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: (407) 645-2661 Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp ™ a unique historical community established in 1894 SUNDAY: CHURCH SERVICE 10:30 AM WEDNESDAY: ALL-MESSAGE SERVICE 7:30 PM ($5.00) Healing Services 7/2 hour before all Church services PUBLIC WELCOME TO ATTEND ALL ACTIVITIES VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE Area’s largest Book and Tape inventory, plus many interesting gifts from Nature and around the world. HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 9:30-5:00, Sunday Noon-5:00 1112 Stevens St. • P.O. Box 319 • Cassadaga, FL 32706 • (904) 228-2880 Happy Hour 12PM TO 8PM Open Daily 12PM TO 2AM FULL MOON SALOON A Gay American Southern Style Saloon Full Moon Party Thursday, September 22nd 8-2am Happy Hour Prices ALL Night Long! Anything could happen on a Full Moon! OPEN DANCING Wednesday - Friday • Saturday & Sunday COUNTRY & WESTERN DANCE LESSONS w/ Terri & Jerry and DJ Alan Ellis Wednesday 8 -11 • Saturdays 8:30 -10:30 Sundays 7 - 9 Drink Specials Nightly 500 N. Orange Blossom Trail • Orlando, FL • (407) 048-0725 JlixEd MeDck YAB YUM: Yum Yum!! Has anyone tasted the chocolate cake at this unique coffee house?? WOW! The best in O-Town! Yab Yum’s beat atmosphere and eclectic clientele combine to make this coffeehouse a hell of a lot of fun. And on top of that “the words of the prophets are written on the bathroom walls”. Orlando needs more places like Yab Yum as an alternative choice to hanging out in bars. Like Cafe Tu Tu Tango, the interesting artwork is for sale. Visit Yab Yum, and don’t forget to try the chocolate cake! CAFE NEW ORLEANS: Dined at this small cafe on Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park recently with some friends. Inexpensive and authentic, a cute place to have lunch or dinner. Watch out for the Jambalaya, it’s H-O-T! PAGES: Every lesbian and gay man who works for a living should take the time to ready Gay Issues In the Workplace, by Brian McNaught {On Being Gay). It’s a veritable handbook on how to address issues effecting gay men and lesbians in the work environment. This is an easy read and I promise you will find it enlightening and a great tool for diversity training. After you read it, do yourself a favor and give a copy to your boss and co-workers. NOT SO GOOD GARDEN: Recently read Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, by John Berendt. This book came highly recommended by several reliable sources. It sure is a pretty book, and it will look great on your coffee table. If you actually read it, however, be prepared for a big snooze. It’s boring!! Why is this book a bestseller? I was hoping for Truman Capote and ended up with Danielle Steele minus the pulp. The story itself had enormous potential: a gay murder in Savannah circa 1981. Instead of a gothic potboiler, it descends into a series of character studies lighter than angel food cake. PASSION FOR ERIN, PART II: Erin Somers, the sultry voiced host of Real Radio’s “Passion Phones”, was the guest speaker at the September 1 Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) meeting. Erin is loaded with charisma, and yes, the face and body match the voice! Somers was intelligent, eloquent and entertaining. An astute observation: Based on her call-ins, Erin remarked that she has noticed how divisive the gay and lesbian community can be. She advised us to work together in fighting against discrimination and in pursuit of equal rights. Like I said, a smart lady! Later that evening, Erin thanked the MBA on the air for giving her a standing ovation.. .her first ever. There will be many more, Erin! MUSIC: Ah, the end of summer. Spent labor Day weekend listening to the new soundtrack, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Highlights include disco classics “I Will Survive”, “Shake Your Groove Thing”, “Finally”, mixed right in with standards such as “I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine” and “A Fine Romance”. As if that weren’t enough, great 70s trash songs like “I’ve Never Been to Me” (considered by some music critics to be the worst record ever...I disagree, of course) and “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” should bring back some bad memories. This CD is a must have, especially if the movie is as good as its press. We’ll all find out soon enough. Priscilla, opens at Enzian sometime in October. Dykes To match Out For let them eat c eke fuzzed ON CAKC AND ICE CREAM, .SEVERAL 6UE515 AT RAFAEL’5 FIRST Birthday Part/ E Regained in THE KiTEHEM Ft?R -5QAE LlVELV _ PERATt. tell ME about it/ a BUMCH OF WHITE. GAYMEM TRyiNG TD CONV/NCE THE HOMOPHOBE STD LIKE THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE JUST (NORMAL, SEXIST, RACIST, god- fearing, profit-prikeh &>y$ NEXT DOOR/ 6W aujqkj Tte question is, warn these loo ca&in av& Tyftj even have cone, ovj at ALL if LEFTIST Queers hadn't been FIGHTiNG For their rights /M THE JTREET; ffcRDLE PAST 25 >YAR$? i think N®T. I Du H HO, AG. STREET activist/ AMP DYKES ON BI BUT IT7AICE5 ALL KINDS? IF 8cnc STARCHED, STRAIGHT-ACTING gay men and lesbians wavt-to SUCK UP TO THE REPUBLICAN FARTy, IT CAN ONLy HELP/ YE AH •. MUPTH£M. THE/ U sell THE REST OF US down the River Just to GET THEIR WlNGTlPS |N THE COOR/THEy'RE Anti-CHOICE, ANTI-AFFlRAATlVt ACTION, PRo-B|6BUSINESS... they PRo&A&i.y EAT VEAL? THEY PRo&ABcy cowrRECyCir' THEy FROM guy HAv£ WET DfcEAMj about sriMvypifpiHG at the bohemian grove no ... r wa s au ready n, THEN THE VAVCA+JMTHEIR UTTIE PRONOUNCEMENT HOW S MESEKCoOPlEjSHcOJlH'j BE ALLOWED TO AfoPT OR USE ALTERNATIVE WSEaWaTioN. ny Mon'S SO POP£<«AZy. I TV|OUfcHT CD WAT TILL THINGS C#WN. HAVE A ( A CHECK FoR nice /raff/, a photo JNAIT. „ [of THEHQOiBDHS' 5on,TuUo, HUH. Julio looks a UTflE UGHf INTHELCtfW -TOME. HE KITCHEN CREW is STAKT/NC TO C rash . Go what makes Sone GAy PEOPLE TURN OUf TO BE REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVISTS, AND OTHERS TORN OUT TU Bf SNIVELING COLLABORATIONISTS ? WATERMARK / September 14,1994 15 IN REVIEW Stephen Sondhiem has been turning Broadway on its ear for years, and 1994 is no exception. His newest artistic endeavor is overwhelmingly beautiful, passionate, and strange. Passion, a seamless musical drama, explores the facets of obsession, loss, and love. Just released on Angel Records, Passion received the 1994 Tony Award for Best Musical. Its recording captures the depth and genius of Sondheim’s vision. His desire for pure love, his obsession with the darkness of reality, and his glaring rays of hope are woven within James Lapine’s book, creating a recording that is as over-the-top as grande opera and as real as modem poetry. The seed of Passion begins in word. Based on an 1869 Italian novel by Igino Ugo Tarchetti called Fosca, it gathered a literary audience. Fosca was transformed into “film noir”, when Ettore Scola told the story in Passione d'Amore, and a new audience was tom by the love story’s twisting darkness. Now years later it has blossomed into an extraordinary musical and theatrical experience. Following the romance of Giorgio,a young, handsome soldier, listeners whirl in the discoveries of truth and love. In the midst of a passionate affair with the beautiful Clara, he is tom apart by the deep, brooding Fosca, an ugly, withering woman, tortured by pain, sickness, and a crushing understanding of harsh reality. The dreamlike music and desperate drama of Passion are captured clearly and honestly throughout this recording. True to Sondhiem’s form, and unlike other Broadway cast albums, Passion’s disc maintains a coherent, elaborate story that will transform its listeners into an “audience” -including those who may not get a chance to actually see the production. Passion gives this listening audience every resource it needs to be swept away by the story’s universal struggle: to love and be loved. Feeling much like a wave, Passion’s melodies swirl and circle upward through some of Sondhiem’s most sound and profound writing. Songs like “Happiness” (an ode to oblivious infatuation) and Fosca’s relentlessly painful “I Read” (a bizarre anthem of denial) quickly build to a hauntingly beautiful and unexpected calm. By far the recordings most heart-rendering moment, “Loving You”, finds Fosca revealing her pure and blameless love for Giorgio, as she sets him free. Then the spiraling tide begins again, crashing down into the depths of dark reality.. .Giorgio’s breakdown, and the death of Fosca. The orchestration, with strings added for the recording, drives Sondheim’s beautiful music. Brilliantly conducted by longitme collaborator Paul Gemignani, the orchestra sweeps over the shallowness of Clara (Marin Mazzie), swells under the heavy brooding of Fosca (Tony Award winner, Donna Murphy), and surrenders to the passion and commitment of Giorgio (Jere Shea). The recording gives their exceptional performances breath and depth. Sondhiem delivers with overwhelming Passion. Visit us for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Teddy, Papa Tony and Pablo look forward to your visit and promise you a unique dining experience. T - TH 11 AM -10 PM • F11 AM -11 PM *S 10 AM-11 PM • SUN 10 AM-9 PM 900 E. WASHINGTON STREET ♦ ORLANDO, FL 32801 ♦ (407) 425-0033 EAT WI RO by Rosanne Sloan Romano’s Macaroni Grill 844 W. State Road 434 • Altamonte Springs 682-2577 This specialty Italian grill, opened in 1992, enticed me with its fresh gladiolas and old world style patio. Originally from Dallas, Romano’s welcomes gay men and lesbian patrons. There is a woodbuming stove smell that draws you into this restaurant. Inside, an extra large open kitchen delightfully adds a sense of hominess. The tables are covered with paper, crayons are supplied, doodling is encouraged. Each table has a bottle of Colavita Extra Virgin Oil for the traditional garlic focaccia (bread) to be dipped with fresh ground pepper. Romano’s uses the honor system with gallons of Chianti wine lined up on the right wall. Each glass is $2.50, tallied at the end of the meal. Other wines average $4.50 a glass and $21.00 a bottle. Like at my grandmother’s on Sunday, the menu is extensive. We began our meal with the special appetizer of the evening, a cream of mushroom soup. It was extra smooth with fresh parsley sprinkles and plenty of fresh mushroom slices. Very tasty. I ordered the Pasta di Tre Formaggio (fresh pasta with asiago, a type of cheese). My partner had Pasta della Casa (pasta, roasted garlic, fresh tomatoes, olives, basil, mushrooms and bell peppers in a spicy red sauce). Plates were warm, portions were large, and our meals were delicious. The average entree at Romano’s is $9.95. To top off the evening meal, our server brought us a dessert tray featuring lady fingers cake soaked in espresso with dark chocolate shavings, a chocolate cannoli, a chocolate fudge cake with whipped cream, and a cheese cake with raspberry sauce and chocolate shavings, which we chose to share...my only disappointment. Although it looked delicious, the ricotta was curdy and the chocolate crepe was thick and stale from being kept cold. After the third bite, the raspberry sauce became overwhelming. Espresso and chocolate cappuccino complemented our dessert. I recommend Romano’s specialty pastas, but I prefer their personal pizza’s and salads. The restaurant has a casual and fun atmosphere, with both smoking and nonsmoking sections and easy handicap access. To enhance the flavor of Italy, most of the servers have a deep Mediterranean look. Both men and women wore exotic, wild ties. At least four of the servers are professionally trained singers and they will sing at your table on request. Romano’s rates ***/GG. Eating With Rosey borrows fro The Kitchen With Rosie, by Rosie Daley (Oprah*s personal cook)* Onr Rosey has tried several recipes, each inedible, but she^Ii keep ns posted* Our Rosey’s rating system* H ■ ********* tjrlxix It’s a Gay World illllll GG |Jj|tela% and enjoy 11* G Tendon your own IKlIIIII Fair IMIlli Poor Romano’s Macaroni Grill accepts all major credit cards and is open 11*11 Mon-Thur, 11-1 Fri-Sat, 11-10 Sun. Call ahead on weekends to be placed on the “wait list”. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 16 ARTFUL LIVING DAWSON From Page 13 How did you get into journalism? Purely by accident. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Bloomington Herald Telephone and he ended up hiring me to call around small towns to get sports scores...places like Monrovia and Greencastle. I’ve basically worked in newspapers ever since. I covered sports, city hall...eventually I got a column. In fact, I did several stories on gay issues and gay people. I remember one of the first.. .1 went to a gay encounter group at a Unitarian Church. It must have been around 1972. It was me and about 50 gay guys and I did a column about it and the gist was that it was OK for football players to hug and pat each others “tight ends” in front of 50,000 people, but not for two men to do the same thing on a street comer. When AIDS first surfaced and Christians started saying it was divine punishment, I wrote a column saying that using that logic, coronary heart disease among obese CEO’s must be god’s punishment for unseemly greed. When did you start reporting about television? When I moved to The Boston Herald in 1984.1 applied for the job of TV critic, and I think I got the job because the Herald was a Rupert Murdoch paper and no reputable reporter wanted to work for him back then.. .certainly not as a TV critic. Was there much to learn? Was it a difficult transition watching all that TV? Not really. The hardest part was the reviews. I never got real comfortable with that. I did not enjoy reviewing shows, probably because I often had no real strong opinion about a show. The truth is that my reaction to 90% of the shows I ever saw was a big shoulder shrug. What sort of things stand out about TV during the time you wrote about it? Well I think the period from ’84 to ’94 may be one of the true golden eras of television. There were some excellent programs during that period...far more than during the so-called golden era of the ’50s, which had some good shows but also an awful lot of dross. Which shows stand out? The first show I reviewed was The Cosby Show, and I thought, “Hey, this isn’t going to be bad at all.” That was an excellent show, and it kind of elevated my expectations. Certainly The Civil War documentary was a great piece of television. Thirty something. Lonesome Dove was in that period. Any major trends? What’s happened, and one of the reasons a lot of conservatives have such difficulty with TV nowadays, is that it’s getting closer and closer to reality. The biggest myth about TV is that it sets a liberal agenda. In fact, television has always been a lagging cultural institution. I mean, c’mon.. .in 1971 they were afraid to present Mary Tyler Moore as a divorcee because they thought it would be too disconcerting to the TV viewing public. And more recently, Thirtysomething had a prime example. They had that one chaste scene between two gay men in bed.. .1 don’t think they even kissed...and ABC claimed they lost a million dollars in advertising over it. What about the trend toward more and more tabloid television? The country is kind of schizophrenic about that. Nobody admits to watching the stuff. In fact everyone says they hate tabloid TV, but if you compare the ratings for Hard Copy, A Current Affair, and of course, Wheel of Fortune, with the ratings for MacNeil-Lehrer, which airs at the same time.. .well, if you could make a bar graph, tabloid shows would be the World Trade Center and MacNeil-Lehrer would be a stack of three pancakes. And I do believe in Neilson ratings...again the denial. It’s like denying the validity of a bathroom scale because you don’t like what it tells you. Speaking of MacNeil-Lehrer...what do you make of the way Channel 24 has bounced back and forth on gay programming? Are they just terrified of their conservative financial backers? In a word.. .yes. I don’t believe the Channel 24 programmers are homophobes or Ander Crenshaws. They are people under intense pressure to raise money and this is a very conservative community. I have a lot of sympathy for them. They face problems the public TV stations in Boston or Minneapolis never face. This is not a congenial place where its easy to raise money, particularly for an institution that may want to do something sympathetic or supportive of the gay and lesbian community. They did the right thing when they broadcast Tongues Untied, but according to the people I talked with out there, they took a terrible financial hit as a result. They were punished by their sponsors for that decision and apparently they retreated. Do you remember the first gay characters you saw on TV? Well I think That Certain Summer... a TV movie-of-the-week with Hal Holbrook.. .was the first gay-themed show I remember. And of course there were always characters that were implicitly gay. You had to wonder about the Bonanza boys, too. I think Little Joe had a few dates but that was it. There are a few regular gay characters on TV now. I think its evolved in a good way. There was Billy Crystal on Soap. His character was not really demeaning, but his homosexuality was also sort of a running joke. Now there are characters like Martin Mull on Rosanne who just happen to be gay. No gay central characters, though. Do you think that will happen? It would be nice if there were a groundbreaking show like Cosby, but who knows where it would lead. I mean 10 years after that groundbreaking show we have blacks in atrocious, pandering shows like Martin and Living Single. How do you like your new job? The best thing about my new job is that it’s not my old job. I’ve been liberated from my TV room. I can get out in the community and see some live action...some real lives instead of video lives. How much TV did you watch? It would vary from week-to-week, depending on the programming. Usually 35 to 40 hours.. .more if there were a mini-series. I think that’s actually not much more than the average person watches TV. I know and that’s sad. Thinking About Real Estate? Call the Realtor who understands your perspective and can address your concerns. DENISE LEHEUP, REALTOR COLDWELL BANKER 170 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789 407.628.3199 ♦ Business 407.896.5494 ♦ Residence Expect the Best.* Accept no Less! FRiilOM LANDSCAPING & LAWN GROOMING Residential & Commercial Complete Lawn Care Flower Bed Design Hedge Trimming Debris Cleanup Replanting & Resodding FREE QUOTES Orange County Dennis Underwood 426-9877 Seminole County David Driscoll 327-0500 Ask About Our “Family Discount” m m m u agwi Auto Force Inc. A Automotive Repairs 4211 N. Orange Blossom Tr. #A3 (Just South of Lee Rd.) IMPORT and DOMESTIC Engine/Mechanical Repairs * Tune Ups Brakes * Shocks/Struts * Charging Systems Cooling Systems * Starting Systems ... 8:30-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat. OR by appointment! 290-6027 n Certified Mechanic FL Reg. # MV -12428 =: 0 N. Mills T BOO "The bookstore that can't keep a straight face!" (407) 896-0204^ WATERMARK / September 14,1994 17 TRAVEL OPENING NEW WINDOWS: Ovi#irate fnr iTLiv TrAVAli^r It Was A Vacation From Hell! This lias been the opening line from so many people when they return horn their vacation. Why was it so bad? In all likelihood, it’s because their expectations were either unrealistic or unmet. A classic example: two gentlemen decided to Celebrate their ten years together and take a cruise, piey wentto their local ® brochure after brochure of cruises, They never told her they were celebrating their love, for each other and wanted a gay cruise, ;|]^y|p||ii; a trip with the '•^fntvtmd set sail for a week on board a ship that also held groups from die Baptist Alliance-and the cruise director was thrilled to see our anniversary couple, still not knowing that they were a “couple”. Two single meal As for die Baptist group, fhey| "were' not fond of our .Couple’s' rather stylish Speedos. Needless to say, our couple returned home with less than happy memories; a lost opportunity for a great vacation, 3:: This is not.to say you should travel only to “Gay Exclusive” destinations or sail on “Gay Only” cruises. But, you should have a travel agent with whom 1 you can talk openly about your expectatlcp; An; ;kncw|yieablealx?ui International Gay Travel Association (I .G.T.A,) and if they have a specialist in; gay hiid lesbian travel; There - are rest of their client base. Be .sure that you know what you are looking for inyour vacadom lf you are looking for a romantic getaway for lovers, you need to voice that to youragent If you are looking for nightlife and dance clubs* f&ll will have the information you are looking for. If they don’t, Find another agent} The g% and lesbian travel market offerS.cve^® ?§® quiet guest houses. Fi^ri ;rq^fl0: tours. j|ven a first class African travel planning. \ Travel is much like J|unde k4ame*s new window everyday, walk down a new highway,” This article is the first of an ongoing series of reviews and stories of interest .for the lesbian and gay traveler. In share travel information with you. We two ways: “GAYEXCLUSIVE”, meaning that the resort, destination or cruise k gAv owned or operated and will cater to mostly, if ,not totally gay clientele; not offer gay exclusivity, are both safe and welcoming to gay and lesbian travelers. We will rale destinations abb resells on value, safety and gaiety. We will aim give you some firsthand suggestions as to what to do when you get there. Clubs, restaurants, beaches* bars...we will repeat it all. From the Sleaze Ball in New Orleans to the next March on Washington* we will tell you about it • ||. Remember thiat the only way your travel expectations will be met is if you Verbalize them to an agent who rcspccts your travel; Their services are free and their that old wander Lust, Don’t fprgetAuhtie feiamCs and most poof suckers .are quet and travel.with us. Feast on life, love and adventure. Write to us with your travel related questions and we will do our best to answer them. || Send your qnesttonsmS:Tfavel-^ c/o Watermark iSillllll BO. Box 533655 ♦ Orlando, Ilf ISlife Qnfuof 21 Kim Meredith Property Manager Rentals 352-8611 PROFESSIONAL GROUP, INC. 7575 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, SuitedOO Residental Sales 352-0041 Rentals 352-8611 • Residential Sales • Rentals • Property Management • New Home Sales • Commercial • Investment Property • Free Market Analysis QUALITY SERVICE It's not just a motto -It's a guarantee. James Zweifel President/Broker Residential 352-0041 The VaGAYtioners Club Mardi Gras '95 7 Ca7/S* VaGAYti oners Club ^ a Sydney Gay Mardi Gras 7 > Air from Orlando,transfers, accommodations daily breakfast P parly tickets I * aII ffY mK/ £ 1 QQR rm/rlhl nnr 9£<in **»*» &>e p> ^bbei, aracf( h ! 407 SSI S63S Aruba - Costa Rica - San Juan - Mexico - New Orleans - Key West - Orlando RS.VP. Cruises - Cay Rodeos - day Mardi Gras - Mr Leather and so much more PAYROLL DUE? RENT DUE? LOOKING TO EXPAND? DESTINY From Page 13 change lives. Schneider’s direction gave these actors no way to find and develop that depth. Through most of the production, the actors “Acting” was apparent. By using “theatre voices” and affected posturing, the actors added to the gap that the director had already established between the show and the audience. Only rarely was this gap bridged. Bradenton Scott, who played the young Ned , broke through in the second act. His commentary on love and the relationship he destroyed was honest, heart felt, and profoundly moving. His discoveries about his relationship with his brother Ben (Lou Burnstein), were equally as involving, and were helped along by Bowser’s genuine attentiveness and commentary. But as the play moved* on, the “Acting” kicked in again, and the audience was kicked right out. The end result: emotions that were disconnected and not believable. Speaking of believable, what a profound impact this show would have if the main character actually appeared to be hooked up to all those blood pumping machines. Ailing and surrounded by constant death; every moment heightened by the urgency of survival and validation. Then, when Ned breaks free from that hideous machine, splattering infected blood all over the sterile white sheets of society, we’d have a sense of accomplishment. Gay Theatre has a responsibility to set a standard as yet unrealized in Orlando. A responsibility to entertain, to teach, to validate, to elevate, and not to accommodate. Until that happens, we are all hooked up to that hideous, blood pumping machine...waiting. The beat goes on. The Destiny of Me will be performed at 8PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 7PM Sundays, through October 16 at the Acting Studio Company, 952 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando. $12 general, $10 seniors and students. (407) 425-2281. ACCOUNTS PAID LATE? We can be your cash flow solution! WE BUY BUSINESS INVOICES 24 Hour Funding • Low Rates USE ASSETS YOU ALREADY HAVE BARTLETT RESOURCE FUNDING CALL (407) 741-7747 or (407) 89441411 BUSINESS HOURS 9 AM-7 PM MEMBER OF THE NAF.P. & THE MBA WATERMARK / September 14, 1994 18 OUR CULTURE GAY COMEDY JAM FREEDOM TOUR VISITS ORLANDO LoneStar Entertainment has announced that the national “Gay Comedy Jam Freedom Tout” will visit Orlando on Wednesday, September 21. The show will be at The Comedy Zone on International Drive, starting at 8:00 PM. The Gay Comedy Jam is sponsored by The Advocate magazine, and features Scott Kennedy and Kevin Maye. In addition to being two of the hottest nationally touring comedians today, Scott and Kevin are also domestic partners (two stars sharing the same bathroom!). HARVEY FIERSTEIN SITCOM PREMIERS SEPT. 21 Harvey Fierstein will participate in another first this television season, when he becomes the first openly gay actor to play a substantial role as a gay character on a weekly series. CBS' Daddy's Girls will feature Fierstien as the very creative, very nervous, very neurotic Dennis Sinclair, a clothing designer working for series star Dudley Moore. Scott and Kevin have performed at comedy clubs world-wide as well as major Las Vegas Showrooms. They have worked with entertainers such as Garth Brooks, The Temptations, David Sanborn, Judy Tenuta, and Richard Jeni. Their two man show is an exclusive event for the gay community, and has gained national attention in the mainstream press. Conceived to celebrate Gay Pride and the 20th anniversary of Stonewall, the show has been produced in over 20 cities. Scott and Kevin will also perform in Tampa on September 12 at the Comedy Works, Jacksonville on September 19 at The Punchline, Ft. Lauderdale on September 20 at Uncle Funny’s, and W. Palm Beach on September 27 at The Comedy Corner. For more information regarding the Orlando show, call (407) 351 -3500. In fact, CBS says nothing about Fierstien’s character’s homosexuality in its publicity material, preferring to describe Dennis euphemistically as “highly strung”. Fierstien, however, states “Dennis is openly gay. They’re still sort of deciding whether he has a long-term relationship or whether he’ll be a slut.” Two openly gay actors appear regularly on weekly television series: Amanda Bearse of Fox’s Married.. .WithChildren (see is- sue 1.01), and Dan Butler, who plays Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe on NBC’s popular Frasier. In the past, gay characters on television have been played by straight actors, such as Soaps’ Billy Crystal. ADVICE-O- Dear Advice-O-Rama, I am a 25 year old gay guy, healthy, with an average-plus sex drive. My problem is that when I meet someone I might be interested in for a serious relationship, I get cold feet in the bedroom. On the other, hand, strictly sexual encounters are great. How do I learn to get wild on a “serious” date? Dear Waiting, Waiting My gut reaction is “fear of intimacy”. My next thought is to remember to practice safe sex with any sex partner. However, I understand your confusion. I wonder whether you have been deeply hurt in the past by someone you trusted. Clearly you receive sexual/geni-tal pleasure from anonymous sex. Without being judgmental, I also wonder if you are scared of getting too close to someone. You may want to explore this issue with a close friend or therapist. Personally and professionally, I believe it is best to form friendship first and relish physical intimacy later. Songwriter Michael Johnson says, “Love will get you through time of no sex better than sex will get you through times of love.” If he’s your friend, you can talk with him about your sexual concerns. Watermark ‘s Advice-O-Rama counselor is Keith Baber, M.Ed.. Keith has a degree in Counseling-Psychology, and is in private practice in Altamonte Springs. He can be reached at (407) 834-3279. T Congratulations to Blair and Steve for opening of the first bed & breakfast in the City of Orlando. Their grand opening party on Sep. 10 was memorable, as is The Veranda itself. All paddle fans, porches and rocking chairs, The Veranda suggests the Deep South. Grab your mint julep and check it out, or better yet, book a one-night vacation. It’s a beautiful place, and an important new addition to the rapidly changing.Thomton Park neighborhood. ▼ The Civic Theatre of Central Florida opens its 1994-95 Mainstage season with the song and dance sensation, Me and My Girl, Sep. 15 thru Oct. 9. A recent hit on Broadway, Me and My Girl is a charming musical that mixes razzle-dazzle showmanship with a delightfully romantic story. Me and My Girl will run Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $16 and $ 18. For tickets call the Civic Theatre Box Office at (407) 896-7365. T The Aids Resource Alliance (ARA) presents an Open House and Evening of Art on Friday, Septemer 16 at 6 PM at their headquarters on Colonial Dr. near Orange Blossom Tr. Artists Pete Clarke, Ondra Gary, Marian Simmons and Linda Lenhardt will donate a portion of any art sales made during the evening to ARA. For more informaion, call (407) 425-2233. T The Rainbow Democratic Club presents La Cage. RDC has bought out the theater on Friday, Sep. 23 for a “Family Night Out”. Tickets are $45.00 and include dinner, show, tax and gratuity. Proceeds will benefit RDC. Call (407) 649-7875 for more details. ▼ LCN (Loving Committed Network) and the Unitarian Church present Lesbian Movie Comedy Night, Saturday, Sep. 24 at 7 PM at the Unitarian Church on the comer of Robinson and Hampton in downtown Orlando. This month features several different short videos by lesbian comedians Suzanne Westenhoefer, Karen Williams and more. Tickets are $3.00 to $5.00. Call (407) 831-2971 for more information. T The 5th Annual International Pride Film Festival in Tampa begins on Sept. 30 and runs through Oct. 9. The festival will be held at the historic Tampa Theatre, as well as other venues. This year’s festival will feature over 25 film events, including: Director Arthur Dong introducing his award winning documentary about gays in the military, Coming Out Under Fire; the Florida premier of Zero Patience, an outrageously camp AIDS musical named best feature film at the 1993 San Francisco Festival; the Florida premier of Totally Fucked Up, Greg Araki’s (The Living End) latest Gen X noir drama; the much anticipated Salmonberries, starring k.d. lang in her feature film debut. The festival opens with the Sandra Bernhard bio, Confession of a Pretty Lady. On Oct. 8 and 9, a Gala Celebration is scheduled, including a street festival and musical and theatrical performances (including Orlando’s Improvabilities). More than 5,000 attended last year’s festival. Speaking of Tampa, Emily Mann’s Execution of Justice, a play about the murder trial of Harvey Milk’s killer, Dan White, is playing at the Tmpa Theater from Sep. 30 thru Oct. 9. ▼ The Orlando Gay Chorus begins their fall season with a concert and party at the Maitland Art Center on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6 PM. A new venue for the chorus, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment are promised. Tickets are $15.00. Call (407) 645-5866 for more information. T The Aids Resource Alliance (ARA) will hold their 2nd annual Echoes On The Green Golf Tournament on Oct. 10 at Metro West Country Club. Monies raised will go to support the needs of those suffering from AIDS. Those interested in participating, or in becoming an event sponsor, should call (407) 425-2233. ▼ Lewis Routh’s outrageous Whores of a Different Color returns to Orlando after a five year hiatus. The off-beat comedy played to packed houses at the Parliament House last time around, and in fact, the play is set on the Parliament House stage, as six gay actors rehearse a play based on a Greek myth about male/male love. According to Routh, the play is a “fun-filled romp that still packs a punch with its message.” Tickets are on sale now and limited to 100 seats per performance. Opening night, Thursday Oct. 13, will be a benefit for Gay & Lesbian Community Services. For information, call (407) 521-8134. TTTT * A * v jr»; ffirtE M&STLY VJNFAbULPUS SociAL ^.iFE Ef ETHAN GREEN... ©Y LUt WASim, AN& PESPiTE Mom’S bEST Efforts AT Focusing Yo UR INTERESTS ELSEWHERE, (PubERTY’S ©NSEtW LEFTVoU EthamHoNiv,vjHti^EX. ©bSESSEAu II 11 Jkl NlXLSCHWiHH foUP JHWCK W- s\pgVjrw5wnK’> -BRoVWiMG GRoUWPeEEF ___M You BEEN A STRa'iGHT Kli<£, Rje/JUpS You MIGHT’VE 6NdoYEdl THESE NEW HUNGERS As much as your BEST frier* burton Cohen kIWAHNAAo mmxr. vo 1 To DEANHA \GuT,HI^A£ ■ YAHBAbY/ TfSSStt'*" OH II jnsteap, Furtive fearful;Touspent MUCH OF THAT YEAR L°CKE*. IN THE UpSTAiRS CE«ilAR CLoSET, ARoUsiNeYoURSEiF V/iTH YEARBooK Pictures of the High school WrestungTeam. lEANWHiLE, OnE MIPNiGHToW (PoLK STREET, Your A&ffyfy'OUea SiSTeRS WERE GETTING REA&YTo Go GLUBBW&, BuT You Pipn’T KNoW THAto't Them, at the Time.. . ____Iack at Your Aouse , BuRToN was Sleeping OVER. XftE Two OF You WERE USING FLASHLIGHTS To Fl’GURE OUT WHO HAP BIGGER BlcERS AN<$t MORE BoAY HAitt WATERMARK / September 14,1994 19 OUR CULTURE shthat homosexuals were born with a little horn in the middle of their forehead |||;;vve .«:e^pi;'l|lie, ypf 'ffeve stand up and fights : FWWffFlffiSTQN 15 MBA BRD. Out* 16 THE About Books. 7 PM. IMPROVABILITIES. g 420-4182. “Florida’s Freshest Fruit”. Performing at RAINBOW the Eola Theatre. CONNECTION. 10:30 PM. Group for teens and 521-7499. young adults from 18- 1 25. GLCS at 7:30 PM. ARA’S EVENING 425-7450. OF ART. See Local Color. | LUCKY LADIES ■ s BOWLING. Fairlanes I Indian Hills. 6:30 PM. 298-8849. 1 THU FRI ( ' ; : m 17 18 OUT LOUD RADIO. See Sept. 24. THE DESTINY OF ME. Continues at The § Acting Studio. 7 PM. I MR. FLA. SPACE 425-2281. COAST LEATHER. 1 The Barracks in LAKE IVANHOE. Daytona Beach. (407) Look for lesbian | 259-2974. jetskiers & gay volleyballers on the ORLANDO FRONTRUNNERS. 9 AM. See Sept. 21. east side of the lake. GLBL. Bowling. 831-7171. ! SAT SUN f Three of Watermark’s Student Contributors: Tera Kenney, Mike Williams, and Katie Messmer. 22 ~ 23 | 24 | 25 1 26 27 28 LUCKY LADIES RAINBOW DEMS OUT LOUD. THE DESTINY OF GAYSKATE. BOWLING. OBBA - i FAMILY VALUES. BOWLING. See Sept. AT LA CAGE. See Lesbigay talk radio w/ ME. Continues at The Semoran Skateway in Orlando’s largest gay See Sept. 21. 15. Local Color. Judy Shaw. 1300 AM Acting Studio. 7 PM. Fern Park. 9:15 PM. & lesbian bowling % in Cocoa; 1600 AM in 425-2281. 425-4527. league. 9 PM. 644- ORLANDO RAINBOW CON- Orlando 4-7 PM. 290- 2244. FRONTRUNNERS. i NECTION. See Sept. 1600. DELTA YOUTH 7:30 PM. See Sept. 19. | 15. ALLIANCE. See 1 ORLANDO Sept. 19. 1 FRONTRUNNERS. 9 AM. See Sept. 21. ORLANDO P ■ FRONTRUNNERS. M LESBIAN MOVIE See Sept. 21. COMEDY NIGHT. ft See Local Color. 1 THU FRI 1 ,n—■ ,n ■" ’"•J SAT ■iiiNHIWHi SUN 1 f MON TUE i 1 s i m 1 ° 1 VALUES LesBiGay Radio Wednesdays • 8 - 9 PM * Call-in 646.2398 WPRK91.5 FM PO Box 561504 V Orlando V Florida V 32856-1504 V 407.298.1666 V tommy@eworld.com WATERMARK / September 14,1994 20 ARTFUL UVmG IS “ts^bs ts-vss^^L-Si^; informed that Olga “lifted and Helga inserted. I echo created by the da*nty p 1 ar,rlJh off my toenails. I needed d“^t?" ; 800-BEND0VEW. ^ «ancl'.C? naming Hostess of thentL°t "the Slamour Boys" (I kel^ ^^4 Thomas Glamour Of my rope! (which, by^ the wy. ^ Bake.shi{t revolver. I „e pushed our W out^oi handsome tsTa| *0 screamed ^^t^are^you ^UsHh ^^le'eigM "dancj ’ "-4*1 is ”y n::rr »«>- — middle name, so let s not be shy f]t f) Love to all. press is oen-ci. v.. ^bandit* 1 bnow who you are because those bills were marked! P.S 'confidential to the dressing room bandrt. (So get a manicure A.S.A.r.j. _ STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS ▼ According to an Agriculture Department study, 8.5 percent of male sheep are gay. We’re not kidding. ▼ When he dines out, our bold and outrageous friend Eric always asks to be seated at a table with a gay waiter. He says everyone relaxes and its always fun to watch the forewarned waiter make his initial, usually tentative approach to the table. Eric tells us that he’s never been to a restaurant where his request couldn’t be granted. ▼ We count three gay characters in Disney’s summer mega-hit, The Lion King. Jeremy Irons’villianous Scar, Simba’s bearish buddy Pumbaa the wart hog, and of course Timon, the meerkat who does drag and is voiced by the wonderful, adorable Nathan Lane. ▼ We’re big David Letterman fans, and it concerns us that although his show is top-rated nationwide, in Central Florida it consistently ranks behind sober Nightline and the tired Tonight Show with Jay Leno. No matter. Letterman always makes us want to create our own Top Ten lists. Top Ten Lesbian Names: Kim, Rocky, Pam, Debbie, Jo, Pat, Mickie, Spike, Lynn and B.J./D.J./C.J....anything J. ▼ Ex-Mission Impossible hunk Peter Lupus is reportedly hawking sprayable vitamins. We’re not kidding. During the ’70s, he and a bunch of B-type actors posed nude for Playgirl. Hey...when Burt Reynolds did it for Cosmopolitan it made him a household name. Fabian, George Maharis, Jim Brown, Chris George, Lyle Waggoner, never achieved the same notoriety. Do B-type actors still pose for Play? Are there any B-type actors we’d like to see pose for Playgirl? How ‘bout that guy who plays the next-door neighbor’s husband on Grace Under Fire? Did B-type actresses ever pose for Playboy or Penthouse? Obviously B-type celebrities do, as evidenced by Tonya Harding’s recent “spread” in Penthouse. ▼ While we’re on the topic of television, was there ever a TV show with better looking actors than The Big Valley? Linda Evans was a stunner. Heath, Nick, Jarrod, all hunks. Barbara Stanwyck was handsome as well. Could it be true that she was the lesbian shrew from hell as alleged in her most recent bio? T Elections don’t have to be a complete drag. At Wigstock, New York’s annual Labor Day festival of drag, one candidate for state attorney general handed out nail files with his name and the date of the primary stamped on them. TRANSITS & LUNATIONS ASTROLOGY BY MARK LAWHON ARIES (March 21-April 19): With Mars in transit through your house of the home, it may be time to move.. .or at least redecorate. But be careful with those power tools, dear; use both hands, because you’re accident-prone. If you’ve been depressed lately, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s called Saturn in retrograde. You’ll love feeiing homy again. It gives life such a sense of... purpose! TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Mercury has packed and moved into your seventh house, bringing energy for travel and significant others. Perfect timing because everyone’s bored with your old stories. Go somewhere foreign; someplace with some history. Look marvelous while you solve a friend’s love problems over capuccino at a waterfront cafe. Then go create some problems for yourself. And by all means get political. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Earth continues to rotate while your head is in the clouds. It’s working. Don’t fight it. Others will attend to the mundane while you play. Just play healthy, and try to avoid anything clandestine. All earning potential thrusters are operational.. .a good time for gambling? But don’t spend it ‘til you’ve got it, dear. Jupiter sends you a kiss and says to watch your health for a while. CANCER (June 21-JuIy 22): Venus is with you, so be sure to create opportunities for quiet, meaningful romance near the hearth.. .just what you live for. If you’re in a relationship, this could be a time of great bonding and sexual excitement. Even pregnancy may be achievable! As Mars conjuncts the Sun, fight your tendency to overextend. And by all means, reschedule visits by family and friends. Make love, not war! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If there’s a sandbox available, take it. You have real access to childhood memories and it wouldn’t hurt to wallow in them for a while. Your Karma will thank you. Watch yourself before entering into any “deals”; somebody may have a hidden agenda. As always, lions, temper your appetite for food, and for life in general. I know it tastes good. I know if feels good. But moderation is a virtue (even for you). VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept 22): It’s time to stop obsessing about finances and your future.. .right NOW. You hate taking advice, but consult a friend and listen, no matter how far-fetched. It feels like you’ve been missing out on things. You have. Choose a course of action and hit cruise-control at about 80 mph. When you arrive at your new destination, some familiar problems (like that relationship thing) will be there waiting for you. But the scenery will be better. LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 23): Venus visits. Mercury mixes. Jupiter jumps. All in your (not so) humble house this month! It won’t last long, but in this madcap world, one good month is one good month. Besides, your stagnant routines have become depressing. Now’s the time to get centered so you can move. Meditate if necessary, but by all means rediscover the beauty of surprise. Just act surprised when that unexpected money turns up. SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov. 21): Are you paranoid if you think people are saying good things about you behind your back? They must detect your animal magnetism, which has always worked for you like a splash of Paco Rabanne.. .everyone senses it (cough) but you. Children, however, are oblivious, and that’s a pain in the ass. If things seem a bit foggy, lose the cologne and look to your distant past. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Are you a little, shall we say, overextended? Are you losing track of meetings and agendas? Are you even contributing? Reevaluate. Prioritize. Quit. Instead, pull out your London Fog and take up cigarettes. You are ripe for a very steamy, very atypical ...affair. Avoid that judgmental mother for a while, and by all means avoid legal surprises. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): That tug of war in your relationship isn’t over yet. Bummer. Friends and group activities will see you through while you decide whether to dig in your heels or let go of the rope. You may feel a bit like a Christmas glass ball that’s just been shaken furiously. Focus inward until your personal snow flakes have settled enough for you to see out. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aperiod of revelations. That plug that’s been blocking your career will dislodge...finally. And you’ll get to know that person you’ve been getting to know. Cut your losses. Anything that’s not readily apparent should be investigated. Ladies, pay close attention to whatever your body may be trying to tell you. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stock hankies and prozac. The full moon on the 19th means emotional release. Johnstown flood. Let it happen. The planets are aligned to protect you like a five-day deoderant. But decide now that you will not decide anything until the new moon on Oct 14th. Instead, gather data like a whale gathering plankton. Perhaps that relationship would work better as a friendship. Mark Lawhon is certified by the American Federation of Astrologers, and is available for consultations by calling 407-894-1506. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 21 ACCOUNTANT •Monthly Accounting •Financial Statements •Tax Service (Individual, Corporate, Partnership, Estate) Barber & Latto Certified Public Accountants 639 Ramona Lane (West Colonial & Ramona) Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 843-9582 ACCOUNTANT FRACASSI & ASSOCIATES Certified Public Accountant 218 South Bumby Ave. □ Orlando, FL 32803 Fax 407/896-6824 □ Phone 407/896-6858 Personalized Professional Service Business & Individual Income Taxes Accounting & Payroll for Small Business Free Initial Consultation ATTORNEY Margaret E. Lederer, P.A. Attorney At Law • Registered Nurse Personal Injury 227 N. Magnolia Ave. • Suite 200 • Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 246-0044 • Fax: (407) 426-7227 BOOKSTORE CLEANING CARPET BUSTERS TRUST YOUR CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY TO A CERTIFIED, TRAINED WOMAN! 740-6233 672-6485 BOOKSTORE J OF DAYTONA BEACH Metaphysical Books & Things MON-FR110 AM-6 PM SAT 11 AM-5 PM 1501 Ridgewood Avenue (In The Coastal Centre) Holly Hill, FL 32117 Beth Faulds, Owner 904/672-4451 CARD SHOP I 1 1 lAl IE 1 1 A U 1 1 I i 10 0 1 0 i G i Ifll 1 I A skinny little card shop 2409 EDGEWATER DR. 849-1486 CATERING f SIMPLY ELEGANT Jtlf MICHAEL PELKOWSKI Full Service Catering and Party Planning (407) 578-1157 JEFFREY GAUL CLEANING SINCE 1985 MAID SERVICE HOMES • OFFICES NO TEAMS • ONE PERSON PERSONAL SERVICE 297-0047 MARKETPLACE DIET Ki Available only at Center The weight-loss professionals.* •Serving Orlando since 1980 •Computerized & personalized •Nutritionally sound composition (lean or fat) •You eat real food and select a sensible exercise routine •No shots or drugs •Effective, affordable weight management services Mention This Ad and Receive 10% Off Reducing 872-0054 322 E. MICHIGAN ST. DISPLAY/MERCHANDISING VISUALS DISPLAY & MERCHANDISING NEW & USED • Showcases Racks • Displays • Store Fixtures -featuring - A complete mannequin restoration & make-over service Winter Park Mall • 500 N. Orlando Ave. Suite 1464 • Winter Park, FL 32789 • (407) 645-3357 • FLORIST JiaCC's ^[owersj FULL SERVICE FLORIST Ph: (407)649-8005 (800) 299-4852 Fax: (407) 649-4355 817 E. Washington Orlando, FL 32801 ISSUE... SUBSCRIBE TO WATER- MARK FUNERAL THE SIMPLICITY PLAN ™ MARILYN K. BRINSON Pre-Arrangement Counselor 407-671-3919 • 349-5644 Baldwin-Fairchild Cemeteries and Funeral Homes 2400 Harrell Rd • Orlando, FL 32817 HEALTH FOODSAITAMINS THE HEALTH NUT, INC. Great Selection Herbal Teas Vitamins Full Homeopathic Lines LAURENCE C. STILL • JAMIE P. STILL Owners 6570 Old Winter Garden Rd. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 297-6655 Fax (407) 297-7565 HOME IMPROVEMENT CUSTOM DRAPERIES & WINDOW TREATMENTS Swags • Sheers • Valances • Duettes • Blinds Verticals • Wallpaper • Bedding • Upholstery We Come To You! Serving Orlando's Homes & Offices Since 1979 WINDOWS & WALLS 298-2626 6100 W. Colonial Dr. - Orlando INSURANCE/INVESTMENTS tMAivre you#* fiifovre. Hugh Roweii? Ill THE EQUITABLE Phone: 407-246-6500 £ MASSAGE Massage Therapy Reduces Stress • Relaxes Muscles Kirk Johnston L.M.T. MA0012605 Voice Pager 872-2075 NOTARY Become a Florida Notary tij] 24 Hr. Service AM Mobile He Member of the American Society of Notaries ROSEMARIE LINDAUER Roger (407) 941-0252 Phone (407) 298-1277 Fox (407) 298-1093 Wills. Living Wills Affidavits, and Revocable Living Trust PHYSICIAN Caring For Women, P.A. Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility Brenda M. Barry, M.D. 521 W. SR 434 • Suite 201 • Longwood, FL 32750 706 W. Lake Mary Blvd • Suite 105 • Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407)260-9244 PRINTING in-fiouse printery 407-896-4600 FAX 407-896-0060 TTTTTTTTTTT COMING SOON: mmm TELEPERSONALS REALTOR VICTOR BROWN & JOEL SCHECHTER 671-0492 The Prudential Florida Realty REALTOR unique homes m & investments, inc. yS- margaret a davis broker hablo espanot 805 e. Washington street orlando, florida 32801 O: 407-425-9982 h: 407-629-5870 fax: 407-425-0121 here to serve our community WATERMARK / September 14,1994 22 SPORTS Some of the Ballbusters celebrate the end of another practice. Front: Lisa, Doug, Becky Vickie, Donna. BALLBUSTERS PREPARE FOR TOURNEY They’ve practiced. They’ve oiled their gloves. They’ve booked their hotel rooms. They’ve raised close to $1000 to cover costs. The Ballbusters, one of Orlando’s premier women’s softball teams, are ready for the ASA’s Women’s Class-C Nationals in St. Augustine. Psyched as a matter of fact. Eighty women’s softball teams will compete for national bragging rights at the tournament, held from Thursday, Sept. 22 thru Sunday, Sept. 25. According to Coach Doug Atkins, who has coached the team for six years, the “Busters” have “a lot of great players. We also have a lot of fun. We’re a close team.” The Ballbusters, who are sponsored by Contemporary Awnings, earned the right to participate in the tournament by finishing fourth in the city’s Metro Tournaments. Some of the core “Busters” can’t participate in the four-day tournament, so Coach Atkins and his team have hand-picked talented ball-players from competing teams. Atkins states, “I don’t claim to be a great coach, but I’m smart enough to surround myself with great players.” The Ballbusters is comprised mostly of “professional women who love to play soft-ball.” At least half are lesbian, Atkins notes. “Many have kids, so they bring their kids, I bring my kids...its just a real family atmosphere with this team.” “In fact,” he adds, “softball is a great equalizer. All we care about is that our players have the right skills and the right attitude.” Based on their performance at a recent Sunday morning practice, the Ballbusters have that right attitude. After two hours in the hot sun, players were chasing down line drives and throwing the softball with a real sense of purpose. Teammates could be heard encouraging each other and applauding extra effort. “We’re going to win,” says Coach Atkins. ORLANDO SEEKS NATL BOWLING EVENT A dedicated and ambitious group and lesbian bowlers is trying to bring the massive 1995 IGBO (International Gay Bowling Organization) Mid-year Bowling Tournament to Orlando. The tournament will be held November 10, 11 and 12. The IGBO tournament is expected to draw up to 600 gay and lesbian bowlers to the area, who will compete for $15,000 in prize money. Tournament Director Robert Young, Co-Directors James Cardinal, Merri Wedemeyer, Keith McDaniel, Treasurer James Hunt and Secretary Ron Carpenter will make their presentation to IGBO officials on October 27 in Tucson, Arizona. They propose a “Fantasy ’95" theme, and will highlight Orlando’s weather, many attractions and accomodations. If Orlando is STANDINGS & SCORES CHANGE BLOSSOM BOWLING ASSOCIATION mSmm im WON m \ i 5 ! ■il ■■ill gMlilMl iilllllll 2 i 3 2 Balls Short 5 i mm i 4 GoodNWsitf si 2 1 $ fens #2? ■l* MV 4 fens#? si 2 7 lady/Tramps 5 ■ 2 8 Team #25 5 2 9 Team #i8 5 2 19 4 3 it '. Team 14 4 1*1 12 Barbary Uners 1 MU Mi ft 4 ! 3 14 Girl You’re Up 1 4 3 15 M Team #22 4 3 ■■1 Terns #24 Bill 2 n Team #19 3 2 18 Team #3 3 2 ft Team #12 3 ' ill® 2& S ■Hill ! 2 21 Team #21 3 2 n mn 2 2 23 Team #28 2 1111 24 Team #15 min 2 25 Team #14 2 2 24 Team #8 ! 2 2 i n mtm 2 2 28 Team #26 2 % ft m I Tuesday Knights 2 2 mm 1 troop 2 mi awarded the tournament, the Orlando Marriott will function as the host hotel and banquet facility. Bowling centers will include Fairlanes Skybowl and Winter Park BowlAmerica. The IGBO Mid-year tournament would bring an estimated half million dollars in revenues to the host city. r WHEN YOU'RE READY TO BUY OR SELL A HOME! •FREE Market Analysis •Full Time Professional •Image ol The Prudential •Knowledge ot All Areas •Dedicated to Work Hard for You! MARK“MARKO”DOLE REALTOR ® 399-DOLE cellular ThePrudential Gallagher Properties 5425 S. Semoran Blvd . Suite 7 D Orlando. FL 32822 Bus (407) 380-3800 Fax (407)380-3408 L HEADLINE: SUBSCRIPTION AND CLASSIFIED AD ORDER FORM CHECK ONE: □ Roommates □ Services □ Travel □ Volunteers □ Announcements □ Employment - Seeking □ Employment - Offered □ Merchandise □ Real Estate - For Rent □ Real Estate - For Sale □ Miscellaneous SEND TO: Watermark P.O. Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655 FAX 407.481.2246 TEXT (Up to 30 words) W cq 2 u (A ac (A □ Please enter my one-year (25 issues) subscription. Enclosed is my check for $35, payable to: WATERMARK NAME:______________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS:____________________________________ PHONE (Optional): 1 J CLASSIFIEDS FRIENDSHIP Attractive Italian GWM, 5’8”, 159 lbs. romantic, healthy, masculine, sincere, honest, straight forward with varied interests, seeking similar inshape GWM 29-49 for friendship/ relationship, Tom (407) 647-7759. MISCELLANEOUS Healthy, loving, stable, long-term professional gay couple seek lesbian to function as surrogate mother. Flex-ible regarding nature of future involvement with child. SERIOUS RESPONSES ONLY. Will pay all medical and associated expenses. Reply c/o W. Thomas Dyer, Attorney at Law, 701 E. Washington St., Suite 2oo, Orlando, FL 32801. (407) 648-1153. Gorgeous AKC Registered DALMATION puppies. Available Oct. 6. Parents on premises. (6) males $300, (4) females $325 and up. Call Rick at 682-6096. All come with certificate of health. ROOMMATES NO TAN LINE. Beautiful 3/2 pool home. SE location. Will share with neat, employed, liberal M/F. $425/mo includes all but phone. Call (407) 282-3024. HOME TO SHARE. 3/2 w full house privileges. Quiet neighborhood. Washer/dryer. Cable. Avail, immediately. Prefer female. $330/mo includes utilities. Deposit. Call (407) 293-2961. SERVICES YOUR IMAGE. Needs a professional look - to get the job you want or to complete that college project. Put 14 years of experience behind your resume, documents, and word processing. Great prices and quick quality results. Call Patti at (407) 898-4237. LOVING LAWN CARE. Help to support a new family business. Blue Skye Lawn Service is a licensed, professional business that specializes in all aspects of lawn maintenance. Call (407)629-0302. MR. DOMEZTIC. Home and pool cleaning set to your individual parameters. Fast, convenient service. Call GAYLINE ONLINE. GayLink (BBS) has gone computerized. Our national network went online August 1st. For a free software package and a 30-day Free Membership, contact the Genesis Foundation. Call (407) 857-5444. Fax (407) 438-3695. MEET SOMEONE TODAY! Find that special guy or girl with the “Telephone Matchmaker.” Always a free call and anonymous. Call in Orlando at 648-9047. (Gay owned and operated). NEON/INTERIOR NEON. Mood lighting; Neon Sculptures, customized to your needs. LET ME LIGHT UP YOUR NIGHTS! BERND’S NEON - licensed & reputable. Telephone & Fax (407) 644-0553. References available. IN YOUR HOME one on one fitness experience designed to fit your personal needs, including weight loss, body, shaping, cardiovascular aerobics conditioning. Flexible hours & payment plans available. Call 932-4319. WANTED Watermark peeks correspondents and distribution persons for Volusia, Brevard, Osceola, Polk, and Lake counties. Please send resume and writing samples to Watermark, P.O. Box 533655, Orlando, FL 32853-3655. WATERMARK / September 14,1994 23 r In Memoriam Of Our Founder, Cecil Ray deLoach (1952-1991) fyachOut L ^ Ind The Medical Escrow Society Jielp foul MP Our Advance Cash Benefits program allows someone facing a life threatening illness, with up to a five year life expectancy, to obtain immediate cash from their life insurance coverage in order to improve their quality of life and fulfill wishes and desires. The Medical Escrow Society is the oldest and largest advocate for the insured. We represent you to several benefactor groups, in order to obtain the highest cash offer for your life insurance coverage. We will assist you regardless of whether your policy is an individual or group, large or small. Our service is quick, strictly confidential, and requires only one simple application. There is no cost and no obligation. Call now for more information! A personal representative is available 24 hours a day to assist and help you. ' The Medical Escrow Society... Jiere Today, Tor your Tomorrow! 1-800-422-1314 Founding Member, National Viatical Association A DR till id I— * v\vba*- I1M— MONA, MCMULLEN & liwwfwll HflM* BJIIII Ifcl It WWlFfc# I'AUMNA MTOB# 1 nm 1*81*11 IflfIMJljH ! 111 ' It’s time to take a closer look. Toyota Camry SE $22,913 Nissan Maxima SE $24,614 Pontiac Bonneville SSE $26,459 UST PRICE (per Volvo Store) VOLVO 940 s22,660 • Dual air-bags • Volvo's patented side-impact protection • ABS CFC-free air conditioning • 6 speaker sound system w/ anti-theft • And, of course,power everything THE STORE 1051W. Webster Ave. (next to the Winter Park Mall) - 628-0550 LIST PRICES (per Kelley Bluebook) Buick Park Avenue $27,624 W'W SUNDAYS sizz:le at BOXCARS with RETRO T DANCE 70's & 80's Classic Dance Starting September 18th Doors open at 4PM No cover til 6PM Featuring 25C draft, $1.50 wells and $1.75 domestic beer 6-9 PM Resident DJ Brent Simpson welcomes Retro DJ Chris Rehbein BOXCARS 140 Fnnwnd Bln) ■ Fen Falk. FL 32730 • (487) 831-7559 (Located across from the Orlando lai-Lai • Formerly “Central Station”) Plenty of free parking A. Bach ACLU Alan Ellis Alfred J. Kinsey Alison Bechdel Altamonte Springs Amanda Bearse American Civil Liberties Union Anthony S. Fauci Apopka Arthur Dong Atkins Barbara Stanwyck Bette Davis Billy Crystal bisexual Blechman Bob Brooks Bob Wattles Brandon Ethridge Breuer Brian Mcnaught Briscoe Bruce Nants Burt Reynolds C. Slapke Carrboro Cdc Charles Mahan Christopher Hynes Claudettte Colbert Clinton Dan Butler Dan Mathews Dan Spoone Dan White Danielle Steele David Driscoll David Letterman David Sanborn David W. Shea Dawson Daytona Beach Deborah Bleckman Dennis Sinclair Dennis Underwood Diaz Don Reid Doug Atkins Doug Ferguson Dudley Moore Edward Murphy Edwards Eric Orner Erin Somers Ethridge Ettore Scola Fern Park Fierstein Firestone Fosca Fowler Fran Pignone Fred Hutchinson Full Moon Saloon Garth Brooks Gary Webb gay George Maharis George Winslow, Jr. Gloria Goes Greg Dawson Hal Holbrook Harmony Brenner Harrell Harvey Milk homosexuality homosexuals Hugh Roweii Hynes Igino Ugo Tarchetti Jack Godley Jacksonville James A. Crescitelli James Cardinal James Hunt Jamie P. Still Jay Leno Jesse Helms Jim Brown Jim Towey Jimmy Stewart Joan Crawford John Edwards John K. Tanner Johnson Johnston Judith Pippin Judy Shaw Judy Tenuta Justin Elzie K. D. Lang Karen Gievers Karen Williams Katie Messmer Keith Baber Keith Meinhold Keith Peterson Ken Kundis Kenney Kevin Maye Key West Lake Ivanhoe Lawhon lesbians Leslea Newman letterman Lew Finch Lewis LGBT LGBTQ+ Linda Chapin Linda Evans Linda Gonzalez Linda Lenhardt Linda Stewart Mardi Gras Margo Channing Marian Simmons Martin Martin Mull Mary Tyler Moore McDaniel Meinhold Merri Wedemeyer Michael Johnson Michael L. Kilgore Michael Pelkowski Mike Williams Moira Lasch Murphy Nan Schultz National Institutes Of Health Newman Norma Shearer orange county orlando Paco Rabanne Parliament House Patty Villane Paul Gemignani Pete Clarke Peter Lupus Peter Warren Kenny Phillips Pignone queers questioning Rainbow Democratic Club Ramona Lane Richard Jeni Robert Holland Robert Young Robinson Ron Carpenter Rosaline Sloan Rosanne Sloan Rosie Daley Rrafael Gasti Rupert Murdoch Russell same-sex Sandra Bernhard Scott Kennedy Shauna Underwood Smith Southern Nights Stanford Stanley Sporkin Stewart Susan Pickman Suzanne Westenhoefer Tampa Taylor Teresa Diaz The Boston Herald The Orlando Sentinel The Semoran Skateway The Watermark Thomas Glamour Tom Dorman Tom Dyer Tom Johnston Tonya Harding trans transgender Truman Capote W. Thomas Wayne Wayne Smiled William Kennedy Smith Winter Park Yvonne Vassell https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/9e3375a5d9d8306d4a9ffa5b568908ae.JPG d3c2bfa890e6c97774addb538474b31e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Downtown Orlando Post Office Collection Alternative Title Orlando Post Office Collection Subject Orlando (Fla.) Post offices Churches--Florida Catholic Church--Florida Education--Florida Contributor Allison, Megan Baker, Keith Bernard, Sam Fallen, Riley Frye, Stephen Gold, Stephen Irizarry, Michael Joshi, Ashis Reed, Michael Shumate, Alayna Stoddard, James Tran, Tristan Is Part Of <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Exhibit, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/o4zfrls" target="_blank">Downtown Orlando Post Office</a>, Downtown Orlando, Florida. <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/106" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered Collection</a>, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida. <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/20" target="_blank">Orlando Collection</a>, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida. <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/46" target="_blank">Orange County Collection</a>, RICHES of Central Florida. Language eng Type Collection Coverage Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida Federal Building, Downtown Orlando, Florida St. James Cathedral, Downtown Orlando, Florida St. Joseph's Academy, Downtown Orlando, Florida Contributing Project <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Curator Cepero, Laura Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference Rajtar, Steve. <em><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/70911136" target="_blank">A Guide to Historic Orlando</a></em>. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2006. "<a href="https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/welcome.htm" target="_blank">Postal History</a>." United States Postal Service. https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/welcome.htm. <em><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/23369979" target="_blank">St. James Pioneer Days: Parish &amp; School Reunion : October 5-6, 1974</a></em>. [Orlando, Fla.]: [St. James Parish], 1974. "<a href="http://www.stjamesorlando.org/about-us/" target="_blank">About Us</a>." St. James Cathedral. http://www.stjamesorlando.org/about-us/. Description The new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in 1958. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format 1 black and white photograph Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Employees at New Downtown Orlando Post Office Building Description Postal employees after the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, circa 1941. The photograph includes 109 employees ranging from superintendent to clerk. The Postmaster and Assistant Postmaster are included in the middle row of the photo. The group is comprised of mostly white men; however, the second row shows a woman, and the first and third rows show three African-American men. The building was constructed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style from 1939 to 1941 and dedicated on April 14, 1941. It has been occupied by the United States Postal Service since 1941, the Federal District Courthouse from 1941 to circa 1974, and the office of the Roman Catholic Church since 2003. <br /><br />The building was renovated in the early 2000s and was modified for office and retail use, with the post office retaining 13,200 square feet. Plans included an adjacent parking garage on the north side, though that that aspect never came to fruition. St. James Roman Catholic Cathedral, located across Court Street from the post office, purchased the parts of the building not utilized by the post office and use it for Chancery office space. Date Created ca. 1941 Coverage Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida Source Original black and white photographic print: <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Exhibit, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/o4zfrls" target="_blank">Downtown Orlando Post Office</a>, Downtown Orlando, Florida. Source Repository <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by the <a href="https://www.thehistorycenter.org/" target="_blank">Orange County Regional History Center</a> and is provided here by <a href="http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank">RICHES of Central Florida</a> for educational purposes only. Transcript Row #1: Claude Chewning, Al Nottingham, Frank Belue, “Pogey” Elwood Roberts, Ray Chester, Cy Hetsler, Paul MacMurray, Basil Lahners, Harry Martin, Bill Hyatt, “Fixit” Donald Helms, Charlie Richards, Arvie Allison, John Long, Jeff Clay, Fred Wilson, Unknown, Ted Hooker, Al Lamp, Bruce Reynolds, “Wild Bill” Anderson, Johnnie Keefe, Ralph Thompson, Clyde Salley, Dick Lockman (on bike) Row #2: Jim Wiggins, Spizeman, Clarence Jacobs, Al Naylor, Elmer Rogers, Dave Rawley, Dave Forrest, Jess Jennings, Julian Bennett, Kiffen Allen, L.D. Geiger, George Westervelt, Robert Studstill, Don Pennington, Hugh Thornton, Ass’t Postmaster Dan Howell Jones, Postmaster L.A. Bryant, Elmer Clark, Sup’t of Mails N. Swickard, Jim Morrison, Foreman of Carriers Bill Anderson, Francis Bushman, Bill Henderson, Robert Ford, Ed Rambo, Barclay Webster, Jack Tice, W.C. Logue, Bill Corbeau, C. Reid, George Lockner, Wayne Wheeler, John “Shorty” Simpson, Art Buchanan, Ernie Rimmel, Ray Morris Row #3: Paul Montgomery, Sid Matthews, Lamar Lunsford, T.P. Butler, William Tabor, Special Delivery Taylor, Clarence Stiles, Vic Caverley, Coy Locke, Foy Powell, Don Dungan, Jerry Lebica, Aubine Batts, Joe Nichols, Mrs. Paul Calhoun, Vince Kimple, Arnie Larson, Herb Halliday, Henry Brooks, Neil Fischer, Ray Seals, Joe Noble, Norman Trowell, Jerry Pavlovsky, Emory Everett, W.D. McGarrity, R.C. Sellars, Roy Larder, William Baumgardner, Merv Cooper, John Mayfield, Henry Keith, Jim Vickers, E.G. Hancock, Virgil Chewning, Stanley Russell, George Davis, Spencer Locke, E.T. Wimbish, E.A. McGehee, Jacob “Speedy” Meckler, Jess Hendricks, Fred Webb, Mose Williams, T.C. Williams, Everett Kimberlin, Max Cohen, John Ralph Logue External Reference Kilsheimer, Joe. "<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/201942542" target="_blank">Old Post Offices Aid Revitalization Efforts</a>". AMERICAN CITY AND COUNTY. 119: 20-21. Rajtar, Steve. <em><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/70911136" target="_blank">A Guide to Historic Orlando</a></em>. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2006. Alternative Title Downtown Orlando Post Office Employees Subject Orlando (Fla.) Post offices Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photographic print. Is Part Of <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Exhibit, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/o4zfrls" target="_blank">Downtown Orlando Post Office</a>, Downtown Orlando, Florida. <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/157" target="_blank">Downtown Orlando Post Office Collection</a>, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida. Format image/jpg Extent 309 KB Medium 1 black and white photograph Language eng Type Still Image Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Civics/Government Teacher Geography Teacher Contributing Project <a href="http://orlandoremembered.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Remembered</a> Curator Joshi, Ashis Cepero, Laura Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> Al Lamp Al Naylor Al Nottingham Arnie Larson Art Buchanan Arvie Allison Assistant Postmaster Aubine Batts Barclay Webster Basil Lahners Bill Anderson Bill Corbeau Bill Henderson Bill Hyatt Bruce Reynolds C. Reid Charlie Richards Clarence Jacobs Clarence Stiles Claude Chewning Clyde Salley Coy Locke Cy Hetsler Dan Howell Jones Dave Forrest Dave Rawley Dick Lockman Don Dungan Don Pennington Donald Helms Downtown Orlando Downtown Orlando Post Office E. A. McGehee E. G. Hancock E. T. Wimbish Ed Rambo Elmer Clark Elmer Rogers Elwood Roberts Emory Everett employees Ernie Rimmel Everett Kimberlin Foreman of Carriers Foy Powell Francis Bushman Frank Belue Fred Webb Fred Wilson George Davis George Lockner George Westervelt Harry Martin Henry Brooks Henry Keith Herb Halliday Hugh Thornton Jack Tice Jacob Meckler Jeff Clay Jefferson Street Jerry Lebica Jerry Pavlovsky Jess Hendricks Jess Jennings Jim Morrison Jim Vickers Jim Wiggins Joe Nichols Joe Noble John Long John Mayfield John Ralph Logue John Simpson Johnnie Keefe Julian Bennett Kiffen Allen L. A. Bryant, Jr. L. D. Geiger labor laborers Lamar Lunsford Max Cohen Merv Cooper Mose Williams N. Swickard Neil Fischer Norman Trowell orlando Paul Calhoun Paul MacMurray Paul Montgomery Pogey Roberts post offices postmaster R. C. Sellars Ralph Thompson Ray Chester Ray Morris Ray Seals Robert Ford Robert Studstill Roy Larder Shorty Simpson Sid Matthews Special Delivery Taylor Speedy Meckler Spencer Locke Spizeman Stanley Russell Superintendent of Mail T. C. Williams T. P. Butler Taylor Ted Hooker U.S. Post Office Department Vic Caverley Vince Kimple Virgil Chewning W. C. Logue W. D. McGarrity Wayne Wheeler Wild Bill Anderson William Baumgardner William Tabor workers