1
100
2
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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
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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
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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
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. AH educators interviewed said any complaint, whether written or ver~
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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
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WATERMARK / September 14, 1994 8
HEALTH & HIV NEWS
CITING DRUG FAILURES, FEDS EXPAND ALTERNATE PROGRAM TREATMENTS
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Less than a month after an international AIDS conference in Japan reported little progress in drug therapy, the federal government has launched a $25 million program for alternative treatments. More money and applications are slated to be approved next year, officials of tlje National Institutes of Health said Thursday. They acknowledged that the future of drug and vaccine therapies appears gloomy in the battle against AIDS.
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.”
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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).
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Watermark m&emmymr Letters to the Editor* Ail letters are subject to | editing for content and length. Letters should bg sent to:
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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
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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
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A Gay American Southern Style Saloon
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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WATERMARK / September 14,1994 19
OUR CULTURE
shthat
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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
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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
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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
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(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
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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
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Wills. Living Wills Affidavits, and Revocable Living Trust
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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
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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!
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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
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In Memoriam Of Our Founder, Cecil Ray deLoach (1952-1991)
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A. Bach
ACLU
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Alison Bechdel
Altamonte Springs
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Arthur Dong
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Yvonne Vassell
-
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/2f6f13de17b31f38bb88abbcd8bf342e.pdf
3fd21184a638b5ece8e29b4a043116aa
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. 1, August 31, 1994
Alternative Title
Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 1
Subject
Gay culture--United States
Description
The inaugural issue of <em>The Watermark</em> was published on August 31, 1994, and focused on several hot topics that were abuzz in the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community. Hit topics included the cover story interviewing <em>Married… With Children</em> co-star Amanda Bearse (b. 1958) who was promoting her new special <em>Out There II</em>, an all LGBTQ+ comedy special. Similar topics of LGBTQ+ public exposure are scattered throughout the issue, including Fran Pigone, a pro-LGBTQ candidate for Orange County Commission Chairman, "Florida’s Freshest Fruit," an all LGBTQ improv troupe, and Brian Fagan, a gay man and one of Orlando’s premier runners. This first issue also included national LGBTQ+ news stories such as California’s Spousal Rights Bill, Yale’s same-sex partner health care plans, and Maine’s anti-gay initiatives. Another major component of the issue was discussion about Orlando’s LGBTQ+ nightlife locations and opportunities. In this issue, it was discussed that Tracks, a prominent bar had closed, and that Boxcars had opened in its place. Boxcars subsequently published a full page ad on the final page of the issue.<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. 1, August 31, 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. 1, August 31, 1994.
Coverage
Orlando, Florida
Winter Park, Florida
Augusta, Maine
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Sacramento, California
Boxcars, Casselberry, Florida
Creator
Bach, R. A.
Dyer, Tom
Fowler, G. K.
Kilgore, Michael L.
Liebman, Marvin
Maines, Ted
O'Lay, Lola
Schultz, Nan
Sheldon, Laurence
Singhaus, Sam
Publisher
<a href="http://www.watermarkonline.com/" target="_blank">Watermark Media</a>
Date Created
ca. 1994-08-31
Date Issued
1994-08-31
Date Copyrighted
1994-08-31
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
FLORIDA'S DISTINCTIVE GAY AND LESBIAN PUBLICATION.
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1 AUGUST 31,1994
AMANDA’S OUT THERE!
Amanda Bearse is well known as the flighty, flaky Marcy D’Arcy on TV’s Married.. .With Children. Many also know that she’s very comfortably out as a lesbian. In the past she has stated, “I feel no shame about being a homosexual. I live my life in the light. The more we stand up and be counted, the harder it will be to discount our community. We need to put a face on gay America.” She was an active participant in this summer’s gay pride festivities in New York, and she will host Comedy Central’s upcoming gay and lesbian comedy special.
Many don’t know, however, that Amanda grew up right here in Central Florida, attending Winter Park High School and acting at the Central Florida Civic Theater. Her sister still lives in Winter Park. In conversation, Amanda is funny, upbeat, intelligent, articulate, and clearly committed to gay equality. Her comedy special, “Out There II”, will begin airing on Comedy Central on National Coming Out Day, October 11.
Would you talk a little about your role in the television series Married...with Children?
We’re starting our ninth season. Doing a show for 8 years, all of the characters have evolved in different directions. All of the women on the show are portrayed as sort of overly sexed, aggressive “types”. Our show isn’t something you could call positive when it comes to female role models, but then I don’t know that it’s positive about male role models either (laughs). Everybody has their faults...[they are] very visible to the audience at home...and that’s where we try to get the comedy from.
What about Marcy?
My character is probably the most polar opposite from the lead character A1 Bundy and that makes for a lot of good conflict; we just have to find excuses for us to be in the same room at the same time. I like Marcy very much [although] we’re not really that much alike. We have the same eye color (laughing)...and the same legs, which they make fun of, usually on a weekly basis!
What about the future of Mar?
I’ll be with the show as long as they’ll have me. I plan on going down with the ship. [Not only] because it’s been a great job, but also because of the group of people I’ve been working with. It’s really sort of a family situation and I’m not quick to say goodbye to those folks. Although I do hope there’s life after Married with Children.
Since you came out publicly, what has been the response of other cast members?
We know each other very well...and the cast knew that I was gay before I made that sort of “professional” political statement last year. They were very supportive of the fact
interviewed by Nan Schultz
that I did what I did by making such a public statement. That support continues to this day.
What about being out in your personal life?
I’ve been out of the closet for many, many year s, and as people come to know me, they come to know that about me. It’s not something that I wear as a badge or on my sleeve or anything. It’s definitely a part of who I am, [although] it’s not all of who I am. It’s more like a one-on-one relationship that I have with people. As you make new friends, you get
AMANDA BEARSE HOSTS COMEDY CENTRAL’S SECOND ALL GAY AND LESBIAN COMEDY SPECIAL, “OUT THERE II”, DEBUTING OCTOBER 11.
to know one another, and certainly that’s something to know about me.
Do you feel that shows like “Out There II” are good public relations for gays and lesbians?
Well, most definitely, but it’s not limited to that. That’s what was so wonderful about the success of the first one,
“Out There”. Yes, it was a gay lineup of talent, both men and women, and a lot of their material is oriented toward the fact that these are gay people, but they had great success in crossing over into the heterosexual audience. Comedy Central had great response to that show both from a gay and a straight audience
So, is it important in some larger context?
Yes, I think it’s important first of all to put more faces to the gay community because the more of us who are visible and out there, the harder it is to sort of pass us by. Gay people are really good at being invisible and what our movement is about is putting that visibility out there so that we cannot be discriminated against. It’s easier to discriminate against something you don’t Know. So, I think in that way, to show that these are people who are talented, who are funny, who are working professionally, and who are successful at what they do, [and] who also happen to be gay, I think it’s an important statement to make.
I understand you’re going to host the show.
Yes, we taped the show at the Stonewall celebration in New York City this summer. It went very well; it was an exciting week to be in New York and be a part of the Gay Games, as well as the Stonewall event. They deliberately chose that venue to tape this special. The first “Out There” was taped on National Coming Out Day in San Francisco and shown later, so it’s nice that this one will be aired for the first time on Coming Out Day.
You also participated at the Gay Games this summer. How did that feel?
I was very busy with the work that I was doing for “Out There II” so I didn’t get to go to any of the sporting events. But I did get to participate in the closing ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. I got to walk out onto the field at Yankee Stadium all by myself. It was awesome to look up at the thousands and thousands of people, mostly gay, and have them respond to me because of who I am and what I’ve done.
And the Stonewall activities?
I marched and I got to be onstage at the rally. I hosted an hour at the grandstand in Central Park. Just to look out over all those people...unified with one purpose. To say simply, “Yes. We’re here. Don’t count us out.” It was a very powerful experience.
You graduated from Winter Park High School. What impressions do you still carry from there?
I had a wonderful childhood growing up in Winter Park. It was a wonderful place to grow up...a very safe place for me so I have a lot of good memories. The strongest one in terms of high school is that I really got a lot of direction in my life from one of my teachers there, a woman by the name
Continued Page 3
WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 2
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NEWS
FRAN PIGNONE TELLS US WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
by Tom Dyer
Talking with Fran Pignone is like playing a good video game. Both are stimulating, unpredictable, and difficult to quit. She has intelligent, often unexpected opinions, expressed with none of the conversational reticence endemic to politicians.
Fran Pignone wants to be Orange County’s next Chairman; responsible for 8000 employees and a $2 billion budget. She faces an uphill battle against incumbent Linda Chapin, who has raised twice the money and is spending it as the election draws closer. But Pignone has adopted a bold “take me as I am” approach to the election, Preferring to lure voters with her candor rather than tiptoeing through the campaign mine field without setting off any voting blocks.
Pignone is outspoken in her belief that the present county administration has attended to growth and development while neglecting quality of life issues. A longtime Orange County resident, she asserts that, “Since I’ve been a child, two things have always been left behind; the declining school system and the lack of a rich cultural life.” She’s quick to point out the paradox. “The
stellar landmarks for attracting new business to a community are the quality of your education system and the quality of your cultural richness.”
Pignone is also outspoken about the loss of our symphony. “It takes political leadership. I was one of the few who voted for that last $50,000 to try and keep the symphony alive because I knew intuitively that its easier to try and keep something alive than to recreate it.” She also faults present local government for not addressing the issue of a performing arts center. “I’ve been in Bob Carr when the sound was so distorted that it was a worthless experience.”
She faults current leaders for not sufficiently tapping some conspicuous local revenue sources; Orlando’s mega-tourist destinations. “We’re like a third world country. The conquerors have arrived to extract the riches, then they go home. Disney, Universal, Anheuser Busch...they make their money here, but none of them have their headquarters here. Each provides enormous support for the arts in what they perceive as their home community.”
Inevitably, Pignone has run into a few
mines during the course of her high energy campaign. Pignone has been criticized by many for her support of the gay and lesbian community and participation in June’s Gay Pride Parade. According to Pignone, some of this criticism has come from her peers on the county commission.
But Pignone firmly asserts that, “Political campaigns ought to be about what’s going on in the community. And among other things, government ought to be about access and diversity.”
Pignone’s opinions are often punctuated by personal experience. “I’ll tell you what I found to be the most extraordinary thing. Last summer my son and I were at a museum in New York on a Sunday and we ran into their Gay Pride Parade. We stayed there on the sidewalk absolutely spellbound for three full hours. I’ve never seen such an enormous diversity ©f people and such a tremendous feeling of good will, among the paraders, the police, the spectators. I was absolutely transfixed.”
When asked whether politicians had been present, Pignone nods. “Yes. Every candidate and elected official was walking in the parade, and probably would have been considered somehow derelict in their duties if they didn’t. Quite different from what people in Orange County apparently expect.”
Refreshingly, few of Pignone’s opinions are restricted to sound bytes. “Some in our community try to preach a certain moral and ethic, while at the same time the whole community is changing. These people want to keep their blinders on. We say out of one side of our mouth, ‘Move here.. .come here and have your vacation.. .all of you of every culture, race and experience’...and these people would say, ’Come here but only be a certain kind of person.’”
It is rare that a politician and elected official in Central Florida openly accesses the gay and lesbian community. But Pignone is clearly not campaigning on this issue; she is simply being true to her value system. “I mean it sincerely. Regardless of how the election turns out, I don’t want to look back at my life and say, ‘Gee.. .these folks asked me to do something and the first thing I thought about was my political future, and not what it felt like or whether it was congruent with who I am.’”
Note: Watermark requested an interview with all candidates for County Chairman prior to the September 8 primary election. Linda Chapin declined, citing scheduling difficulties. Tom Dorman did not respond to our request.
TONY CHILDRESS & ROCKY WARD SPEAK WITH REPORTERS
MARRIAGE
APPLICATION
REFUSED
On any given day, dozens of couples apply fora marriage license, and hence, a change in their legal status. They become presumed heirs and guardians. They can file taxes as a unit. They gain access to insurance coverage. And perhaps most importantly, their love is made legitimate.
On August 12,1994, Rocky Ward and Tony Childress sought this status for their committed relationship. Accompanied by TV and radio news crews, they walked up to the county clerk’s office and asked to apply for a marriage license. A clerk directed them to another clerk, this one with an office, who referred them to Florida Statute 741.041. “No clerk of the circuit court shall issue a license for marriage unless.. .one party is a male and the other party a female.”
Ward and Childress are the third same sex couple to apply for a marriage license in Orange County. Like one female couple before them, they have decided to challenge this statute. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing both couples.
Ward and his companion took this step because, “every individual should have access to the same benefits as citizens. Tony and I are as much a couple as most men and women who get married.” After widespread news coverage, Ward says, “We’ve received all kinds of cards and letters of support” One threatening caller also left this message: “You fucking faggots deserve to die just like the abortion doctor.” Ward and Childress have notified law enforcement.
AMANDA BEARSE
Front Page 1
my life from one of my teachers there, a woman by the name of Ann Derflinger. She passed away in the early 80’s at far too young an age...she was only 44. She was the director of the theater department, and she was one of the strongest mentors I had in my life.
So you began your association with acting and theatre at Winter Park High?
I was immersed in the theatre department, which was a very safe place for someone like me. You can be who you are. You can be different and you can be creativeand there doesn’t seem to be the judgement that can accompany other cliques, other circles. However, I did have friends outside of the theater department. My brother was a “surf rat”, so I knew a lot of the beach-types. Plus I grew up, in Winter Park, so I went to elementary and junior high with all the same people.
Did you identify yourself as gay while you were there?
No, I wasn’t out of the closet. I mean those terms weren’t even defined then. As far as I knew, I was the only gay woman anywhere. At some point in time, I started sleeping with other women. Even then you still sort of feel like you’re very much alone in it. I identified myself in terms of what was inside myself...my own feelings. It was a part of me that I was already beginning to
explore. I also explored dating boys, and I knew there was something else going on...something beyond that for me.
So what effect did being gay have on your personal life, your social life?
Well, I didn’t go to Winter Park’s Prom! I didn’t do a lot of the, I guess “traditional” things one might do. My time was occupied by doing theater. Not only did I do the theaterat the high school, but also I worked at the Central Florida Civic Theater, the Edyth Bush Theater. I was very active in that direction. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything, my life was very full. But I felt like I was doing something subversive, something that wasn’t going to be generally accepted, so I was closeted.
But my first job out of acting school was on ’’All My Children”. I played a high school kid...a very straight high school kid, so I got to go to the Prom in Pine Valley! I got to date boys...that sort of thing so, I sort of made up for it.
What about your current relationship to Central Florida?
Well, I still have strong ties to that community because my sister lives in Orlando. I actually spent a couple of weeks down there this summer with her and her family. I brought my daughter and we just had a nice, easy time. We did Park Avenue, and hung out at Cocoa Beach .
In closing, could you tell us a little about the recent adoption of your child?
Zoe, my daughter, is now 16 months old.
I have always been somewhat ambivalent about carrying a child. Some women know biologically, physiologically, that this is something they want to do with their bodies in this lifetime. I’ve gone back and forth about it. The fact that I’m the wage-earner in my family also factored into this. You never know how you’re going to feel with a pregnancy. If I had to go to bed for three months, it would certainly affect my job, my income. Doing what I do for a living it’s so very public. And being lesbian... it was just too precious of an event to have it exposed in that way.
And so you began looking into adoption?
The more I read, the more seminars I attended, the morespiritually “right” this decision became for me. I knew that if and when I made a match with the birth parent, this was going to be the child I was supposed to raise. I’m very providential that way. I did make a match with a young woman who was in her sixth month of pregnancy. We had the opportunity to make a connection which we hold onto to this day. Despite the fact that we live in different states and her life is hers, there’s still a very strong bond...one that I don’t think will ever go away. I hope that my daughter has the opportunity to know this woman and her family because it’s a wonderful heritage.
That’s terrific!
Yeah! I think it’s important for a child to know who they look like and where they come from. It was a highly emotional ex-
perience...I’m sure a very difficult decision for this young woman...to place her child [for adoption]. But she had the maturity to know that she wasn’t ready to parent at this time in her life. She said to me that she definitely wants to be a parent some day. I think she feels very good about the home, the family, that Zoe has. Life is good; life is really good. I feel very lucky.
WATERMARK / August 31,1994 4
CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
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ORLANDO LESBIAN REGAINS CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
An Alabama judge has ruled that three children would be better off in the stable Orlando home of their lesbian mother than in the troubled and sometimes abusive home of their heterosexual father. Family Court Judge Sandra Ross, citing the lack of expert evidence on such cases, awarded custody of the children to Gretchen Chateau even though she lost custody six years ago because she physically abused them.
Fred Chateau said he never expected a judge to put the children with his ex-wife since she openly lives with another woman. “Judge Ross has sent a message to my children that homosexuality is OK,” Chateau said. “Two young girls going into puberty and putting them with two lesbians in a gay neighborhood. Is that smart?”
Ms. Chateau admitted she thought her chances were “pretty slim.” “My main concern was they are three very bright, intelligent kids who deserve to be cultivated for their adult life and that’s not going to happen with my ex-husband,” she said. Ms. Chateau’s ex-husband conceded that other than her lifestyle, which he disapproves of, she has overcome her past problems and become a good and stable person.
He also admitted having used harsh discipline in the past, that the house had been disheveled and had little furniture, and that two of the children slept on the floor. The children - a 9-year-old boy and girls 12 and 14 - had been living in Chateau’s home near Columbiana, 20 miles south of Birmingham, until the judge ruled in May. All three children testified they wanted to live with their mother.
DISNEY WINS AIDS CONFIDENTIALITY CASE
An Orange County Judge has rejected a former Disney employee’s claim that his supervisors violated Florida law by disclosing his AIDS status. The former Disney employee, listed as John Doe, alleged that he informed his supervisor of his medical status to facilitate absences from work. Doe claimed that his supervisor then disclosed his medical condition to others, worsening his medical condition and forcing him to quit his job.
Circuit Court Judge Gary L. Formet found that, if anything, Doe’s supervisor only confirmed suspicions already held by fellow employees. “Because it is commonly known that the plaintiff was a gay male, a number of witnesses speculated he had AIDS after he took medical leave.” Formet ruled that Florida Statute 760.50, which requires confidentiality of employee medical records and information, is not applicable “when that information is given to [the employer] by [the employee] for reasons other than administration of health and life insurance benefits.”
Doe’s attorney, Jonathan Holingshead, feels this construction of the statute is unfortunate. “The kind of disclosure alleged in this case is exactly what the legislature hoped to prevent. Employees with AIDS should not be afraid to share this information with their employer for fear that it will be gossiped about.”
HOPE & HELP OPENS NEW CENTER
The Hope & Help Center dedicated their new Winter Park facility on Sunday, August 14. Winter Park Mayor Gary Brewer was among hundreds, including new neighbors, who welcomed the AIDS resource center to its suburban location. Located off Lakemont Avenue near Winter Park High School, the new center doubles their available space.
According to development director Michael Fuchs, Hope & Help needed more room. “We’ve grown from 7 employees when we moved downtown, to 23 employees now.”
Hope & Help has an annual operating budget of approximately $ l million.
Hope & Help’s major fund raising event, the outrageous, elegant, and wildly popular “Headdress Ball”, will be held Saturday, September 17 at the Hilton Walt Disney World Village. For tickets call (407) 645-2577.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES AT GLCS
The Board of Directors at Gay and Lesbian Community Services has created a new administrative position, appointing Bart R. Zarcone as Center Director. Mr. Zarcone will have overall responsibility for management of the GLCS Center. Lyle Miller will continue as Office Manager.
GLCS is also reconvening a young adults group for gays, lesbians and bisexuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Called the “Rainbow Connection”, this group will begin Thursday meetings on September 8th at 7:30 PM.
Jeffrey A. Miller
Attorney at law
Personal Injury Litigation
Congratulations to Watermark on Your Premier Issue
25 SOUTH MAGNOLIA AVENUE • POST OFFICE BOX 552 • ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32802 TELEPHONE (407) 872 -1610 TELECOPIER (407) 422 - 0998
CANDIDATES IN PRIMARY ELECTION SUPPORT GAY ISSUES
do not deserve die same civil rights as Pickman (D) - State House Dist. 35;
everyone else and I will do whatever I Linda Chapin - County Chairman; Fran
Florida House Dis
The primary election will be held on Thursday, September 8 this year to avoid conflicts with a late Labor Day weekend. Several candidates warrant special attention by the gay and lesbian community.
In the race for Governor, Republican candidates Jeb Bush, Ken Connor, and most notably, Ander Crenshaw, have each made statements suggesting a lack of support for gay and lesbian issues. One of many “Family Values” candidates in this election, Crenshaw has specifically stated, “Homosexuals
Pigrione - County Chairman; Thomas Tempia - Orange County Commission Dist. 4; Mable Butler - Orange County Commission Dist. 6; Roger McDonald - Circuit Judge Group 28; Deborah B lechman - County Judge Group 5.
Five of these candidates warrant rec-ognition for their consistent and outspoken support of gay and lesbian equality.
ban to stop them.” trict 35 candidate Bob Brooks, Republican, is also suspect.
In varying degrees, however, the following candidates have expressed or demonstrated support for lesbians and gays: Lawton Chiles (D) - Governor (see article at right); Art Simon (D) - Comptroller; Karen Gievers (D) - Insurance Commissioner; Doug Jamerson (D) -Education Commissioner, Gary Siegel (R) - State Senate Dist. 14; Susan
Karen Gievers
Insurance Commissioner
Roger McDonald
Circuit Judge Group 28
Susan Pickman
State House Districe 35
Deborah Blechman
County Judge Group 5
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Governor Lawton Chiles has agreed, in writing, to a Rainbow Democratic Club Candidate’s Pledge reading: sexual
orientation of an individual shall not be a consideration in hiring, promoting, or terminating of an employee in my elected office, and shall be so stated in my personnel policies and procedures. ”
All Candidates for public office in Orange County are being asked to sign the pledge, regardless of the contested position. To date, all Democratic candidates for the Cabinet, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate and House have signed, with the exception of State Representatives Bob Sindler and Alzo Reddick, and Bill Nelson, candidate for Insurance Commissioner.
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STATE NEWS
WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 6
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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MAINE ANTI-GAY INITIATIVE ADVANCES
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Leaders of a referendum drive to ban protections for gays under Maine human rights laws turned in petitions Monday which they said will ensure their proposal will go to a statewide vote next year.
Leaders of the petition drive submitted 10 cartons containing nearly 66,502 voters’ signatures - nearly 62,000 of them already certified by municipal officials - to the Secretary of State’s office. At least 52,308 signatures must be certified in order to force a statewide vote in November 1995.
“Shall a wealthy special interest group achieve the status and benefits equal to those of legitimate, needy, civil rights classes?” Concerned Maine Families leader Carolyn H. T. Cosby said. “Shall we... literally rewrite the civil rights code in our nation to now include self-proclaimed groups that can only be identified by their mere say-so?”
The proposal would restrict the classifications of people who can be protected by state and local anti-discrimination laws. People could be protected on the basis of race, color, sex, disabilities, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, family and marital status. But no protections on the basis of sexual orientation would be permitted. Passage would scuttle Portland’s gay rights ordinance.
The Legislature last year sent a gay rights bill to Gov. John R. McKernan, but he vetoed it.
CALIFORNIA SPOUSAL RIGHTS BILL PASSES SENATE
SACRAMENTO (AP) - A bill to give unmarried couples some of the same rights as spouses is one step from the governor’s desk after conservative lawmakers failed to bottle it up in the Senate. Final approval by the Assembly, which passed an earlier version of the legislation in May, will send the bill to Gov. Pete Wilson.
The bill would give unmarried “domestic partners” who registered with the state the right to visit their partners in the hospital and would make it easier for them to be selected as a conservator for an incapacitated partner. To register with the state, domestic partners would have to maintain a common primary residence, agree to share basic living expenses, not be married or related by blood in a way that would prevent them from marrying and be over age 18. Also, they could not have been a member of another domestic partnership in the previous six months unless that relationship ended with the death of the other member.
YALE OFFERS HEALTH CARE TO SAME SEX PARTNERS
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Yale University is offering health care coverage to same-sex domestic partners of graduate and professional students. Yale extended full spousal health benefits to partners of gay and lesbian faculty members, administrators and managerial staff in October. Those interested must show evidence of joint residence and economic interdependence.
Other universities offering health coverage to same-sex partners of graduate students include Stanford University, the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa and the University of Oregon. More companies are offering benefits to gay employees and their partners because fear of high costs have proved largely unfounded, and it gives some companies another edge in the recruiting game.
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WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 8
HEALTH & HIV NEWS
LOCAL PHYSICIANS REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE
b; Laurence Sheldon
Contrary to reports of doom and gloom coming from the Tenth International Conference on AIDS, there are some promising therapies now in place, and others being presently pursued are worth noting. Dr. Jeff Goodgame attended the conference in Japan and presented news and findings to an enthusiastic audience at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Orlando on Thursday, August 25.
At the conference, noted French researcher, Dr. Luc Montagnier, advanced a global therapeutic approach in which antivirals, antibiotics, antioxidants, and vaccines involving Interluken 2 are all ap-plied simultaneously to curb HIV replication. Along with Dr. Lynn Hopkins, Dr. Goodgame also reported that new antiviral drug strategies are being created to overcome the problems of drug resistance. One of these strategies is a class of drugs called Protease Inhibitors, which attempt to stop viral replication within cells.
Dr. Hopkins described some of the new therapies that are constantly being studied and examined. The most promising include gene therapy, which seeks to create a gene that would interrupt viral replication, and immune based therapy using Interluken 2 (and potentially 12).
Dr. Eileen Wright presented an explanation of psycho-neuro-immunology. She gave numerous examples of case studies involving mind-body interactions. This particular field of medicine originated thousands of years ago, and is based on the theory that thoughts, emotions, and the central nervous system are intrinsically linked.
Looking to the future, Dr. Goodgame described three major challenges: 1) curb the alarming spread of AIDS in the third world; 2) prioritize and expand research; and 3) provide the best possible care and treatment for HIV patients. According to Dr. Goodgame, about 4 million people worldwide have developed full blown AIDS in the last 10 years. 3000 women are infected each day by HIV; tragic proof that AIDS has never been confined to specific populations.
Drs. Goodgame and Hopkins are currently involved with 11 clinical studies and have 4 more pending necessary approvals. Any HIV infected man or woman interested in participating in one of these clinical trials is urged to contact their Maitland office at (407) 647-6000.
HALF WITH HIV GET NO TREATMENT
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - A study believed to be the first of its kind in California found that more than half the people in Santa Clara County with the AIDS virus don’t receive any treatment. “They don’t necessarily know they’re infected,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, the county’s acting health officer. “They may be spreading the illness and not know it.”
The study by the county public health department estimated that 4,100 residents have the human immunodeficiency virus but that as many as 2,500 aren’t being treated. Health officials, who released the survey results on Thursday, called for an education program to fight the spread of AIDS.
The survey also found that HIV infections are increasing the fastest among blacks and that the percentage of women with the virus also has increased. The department’s survey was conducted at 29 hospitals and
clinics that reported AIDS cases over the past two years.
MINERAL MAY PLAY ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF AIDS
ATLANTA (AP) - University of Georgia researchers published a theory in Friday’s Journal of Medicinal Chemistry suggesting that HIV produces proteins that consume the body’s supply of selenium. Although the proteins have yet to be found, scientists are trying to prove their existence.
According to the researchers’ theory, HIV needs selenium, which preserves the elasticity of body tissue and slows the aging process, to trigger its growth. Once the virus exhausts
the selenium in an infected cell, it breaks out in search of more, spreading the infection to new cells. Many AIDS patients lack selenium and have taken supplements on their own. For several years, a number of researchers and doctors have encouraged selenium as part of the patients’ dietary supplement.
It was thought that AIDS patients had trouble absorbing the nutrient from food, but the new work suggests the disease actually depletes the mineral from the body. “If this is true, then selenium biochemistry may be the key to understanding the control of the life cycle of HIV and perhaps some of the pathology of AIDS,” said Will Taylor, who headed the research team at Georgia College of Pharmacy. He said the length of time it takes to deplete the body’s stores of selenium could help account for HIV’s latency period, which can last for years. “This suggests that nutritional status may be a factor in some HIVpositive long-term survivors,” Taylor said.
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WATERMARK / August 31,1994 9
BUSINESS
TRACKS DERAILS — BOXCARS OPENS
If it seems like gay bars in Orlando open and close like railroad crossing bars, August was no exception. In early August, Tracks on Lee Road in Winter Park ceased operations. The venerable Tampa bar hoped to reproduce their success in what was perceived as a similar market. That was not the case, according to Operations Manager, Barry Barlow. “In Tampa, the bars network and work together to benefit each other and the community, too,” said Barlow. “Orlando was a completely different world.” Barlow has alleged that competing bars such as The Club, The Edge and Southern Nights authorized removal of Tracks’ advertising from publications distributed at their locations.
Barlow also thinks Orlando has a more conservative climate than Tampa. He cited difficulties using the words “gay and lesbian” in advertising, and speculated that gays in Orlando were unused to going to a bar not “hidden away or in some sleazy part of town.”
Barlow stated that, “No one in Orlando wanted to work with me, but I learned some
things while I was there. I thought your Pride Parade was great, even though almost none of your local politicians participated.” Meanwhile, Boxcars opened on August 12 in Fern Park, across from the Jai Alai fronton. The grand opening is scheduled for Labor Day weekend. Boxcars is located in
the unique railroad car building that housed two gay bars in the 70s and 80s, Old Plantation and then Central Station.
Owner Chris Dahn, who is gay, stated that it has long been his dream to open a gay bar in greater Orlando, particularly on the north side of town. Dahn is from Indiana, but he was stationed at the Naval Training Center in the early 80s and has wanted to relocate here ever since.
Dahn hopes to fill a void with Boxcars. “I think people in Orlando want to dance and be entertained, but they also want to sit, relax, talk and hear each other,” he Says. For that reason, Boxcars sound and light system will be focused primarily on the dance floor. Dahn states that Boxcars welcomes both lesbians and gay men.
PRUDENTIAL CHAIRMAN TAKES STAND AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
Robert C. Winters, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Prudential, has taken a bold stand against discrimination based on sexual orientation. In a letter to all Prudential associates, dated June 30, 1994, Winters stated:
“The Prudential’s policy of nondiscrimi-
nation has included sexual orientation for some time, but recent letters to the Leader (Prudential’s in-house newsletter) suggest that a reiteration of this policy is necessary.
The Prudential is committed to fostering an environment which encourages all individuals to contribute and grow to their fullest potential. It is therefore of utmost importance to show respect toward all associates and to treat them fairly.
Please read our policy statement.. .carefully. All associates have the right to a work environment that is free of any kind of discrimination. Discrimination based on sexual orientation will not be tolerated at The Prudential in any form or at any rank.”
MBA PLANS FUTURE GROWTH. ERIN SOMERS SPEAKS.
At their annual retreat in August, board members for the Metropolitan Business Association made plans for more activities and increased membership. According to President Debbie Simmons, MBA has 172 members and hopes to break the 200 barrier during 1995. Plans also call for MBA to expand their annual business expo in February, to be held this year at the Bahia Shrine Auditorium in Maitland.
Following the success of their Flirtations concert and Rob Eichberg program, MBA will also feature more nationally known speakers and special events in the coming
year. Speaking September 1 at 6:30 PM at the Radisson will be Erin Somers, host of “Passion Phones” on 104.1 FM. Dr. Mel White, former religious right ghostwriter and author of Stranger At The Gate: To be Gay and Christian In America, has been contacted for an upcoming speaking appearance. President Debbie Simmons and Program Director Tom Dyer recently met with Mayor Glenda Hood, and she has also promised to address MBA in the future. A concert and lawn party have been proposed for the Spring.
Not As Long As It Is Properly presented.
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WATERMARK / August 31,1994 10
VIEWPOINT
WINNING:
THE GREAT AMERICAN PASTIME
by Michael L Kilgore
iBl * • w
Chicago cubs fans are walking by the open window where I write. From the roars I’d heard over the past few hours and now from the animated cadence of their conversations, I gather it was one of those rare events in Wrigleyville — a Cubs win. Winning is an American passion. Almost all of us grow up believing that if we don’t overcome someone or something that somehow we’re the less for it. As the fans pass by reliving the day’s victory, my thoughts drift back to last night’s speeches and other conversations about winning.
I’d attended the Human Rights Campaign Fund dinner the evening before. The front cover of the program read, the People: A promise not yet fulfilled. ” while the back cover announced in graphic red, white and blue, “Because fighting for the rights of all people is a battle, we can, will, and must WIN.’’ In addition to the hundreds of thousands already raised in ticket sales, there is a special appeal to raise extra funds. We must defeat the anti-gay initiatives on the ballots this year in Oregon and Idaho. Everyone at my table takes out his or her checkbook. The smallest check I see passed to the table captain is for $100. An addi-
tional $1,500 is raised at our table alone. There are ninety-six tables. We know our fundamental rights as American citizens, perhaps even our lives, are threatened because of who we are. We’ve got to win.
The words of Dr. Mel White, author of Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America and former ghostwriter for Radical Right heavyweights Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, punctuate the evening. He’s telling us about standing outside a convention hall in Texas just a few weeks before. It’s a gathering of the so-called Christian Coalition, the American Family Association, and other assorted hatemongers who are also intent on winning. Their agenda is one which explicitly rejects gays and lesbians, “There will be much rejoicing in heaven when America no longer tolerates the presence of gay men and women.”
The convention hall setting he describes is a place where only a few years ago Dr. White would have been a welcome participant. Now out as an openly gay man, not only is he not welcome, but he’s physically threatened. A man shoved his finger in White’s face and screamed, “Where are you going to live, when we win?” The words
are chilling. They have their effect. We write more checks, and get out our charge cards. The silent auction is a huge success. Many items are going for significantly more than their retail value. An Art Modeme vase listed for $350 closes at $525. There are over two hundred silent auction items. The mathematics of this evening are staggering; but we’ve got to win.
Since I’d moved from Chicago to Orlando only two years before, I keep running into old friends as I wander through the maze of silent auction items. Despite the gravity of the cause the mood is upbeat. “Hey, how are you? Florida now?” “The chocolate torte was fabulous.” “Outstanding event; the speeches were short. They finally got that part right.” “Great to see you, you look great.” The dance music is now at fever pitch. The evening is a success — hundreds of thousands raised for the HRCF cause. People are feeling like they’ve done their part. Yet as I move through the crush of bodies, I feel out of step with the mood of the evening. I don’t know why.
One of the people I run into is an old acquaintance, Dan. We’d attended the same church and had had a cocktail party “friends of friends” type of relationship. He’s even better looking and funnier than I remember. He’s done well for himself and is now working in the Governor’s office in a major policy-making role. As we chat, he shares with me that he wants to start getting more active with human rights issues, especially after the election. But as he talks about his
job, I begin to realize that he hasn’t come out at work. He rationalizes by saying that it wouldn’t help anyone to know. I hear all the practical reasons and understand why. We exchange cards and promise to stay in touch.
Dan’s story is a gift. It makes me realize why I feel out of touch with the evening, and more importantly, what the real challenge is. I understand that the sum of all the checks written this evening will not defeat the Radical Right. Their power is
The power of the Radical Right isn't so much in their hatred of us, but in their keen understanding about how to manipulate the self-hatred of gay men and
neither in their well financed political campaigns, their numbers nor their passionate positions. The power of the Radical Right isn’t so much in their hatred of us, but in their keen understanding about how to manipulate the self-hatred of gay men and lesbians. They know that they’ll win if we don’t say who we are.
The voices outside my window are growing quieter as the baseball crowd thins. A child’s high pitched voice knifes through my thoughts, “It was a great game, Dad. Who won? I’m tired. When do we go home?”
CONSERVATIVELY SPEAKING
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,
Marvin Liebman, Leslea Newman, Rosanne Sloan, Joe Sarano photographers & illustrators Alison Bechdel, Eric Orner,
Russell Tucker, student contributors John 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
In recent years, it is a rare event indeed for an American politician — of either major party — to take a stand based solely on principle and conviction rather than on whatever expedience is required to keep or win a well-paying government job with all the power and perks of office. Such a rare event occurred not long ago at a Human Rights Campaign Fund leadership conference in Washington, when U. S. Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.) appeared to express his appreciation for a contribution of $ 10,000.
But he went far beyond just saying thanks.
Robb, running a tough and close race for reelection against radical extremists, “gave his strongest endorsement ever to homosexual rights, saying he will speak out on the issues even if it jeopardizes his reelection campaign,” reported The Washington Post in a story on the conference. “He condemned the ‘fundamental unfairness’ of anti-gay discrimination and called efforts to end it ‘the last front of the true civil rights struggle.’ He promised that ‘we’re going to get it right in the very near future.’”
There was no reason for Chuck Robb to stick out his political neck other than deep personal conviction. Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money but relatively insignificant in a campaign that will cost millions. His major opponent is the Republican nominee, Oliver L. North — public liar, hypocritical opportunist and a proud bigot whose targets include gays, lesbians and most likely every other minority group different from his white-bread, phony Norman Rockwell hero image, bought and paid for by direct-mail professionals who raise millions of hard-earned dollars from all too many impoverished and frightened Americans.
Is there a choice for those in the Virginia electorate who still value honor and decency? Is there even a question in the minds of gay men and lesbians? For me, there is none and only one choice: Charles Robb (who is every bit the Vietnam veteran that North is).
I have worked on the campaigns of, and voted for, Republicans most of my professional life, with only one exception in 1992 — Bill Clinton. I voted for him because I was repelled by the moral weakness and hypocrisy of the Republican Party and its candidate, as epitomized by the loathsome GOP national convention in Houston. In
retrospect, I would still have voted against the Republicans, even though Bill Clinton has reneged on too many campaign promises to the gay and lesbian community and to the nation.
I find myself in the same position once again. I am a conservative Republican who finds himself supporting Senator Chuck Robb, a liberal Democrat. Why this contradiction? It is because I am a gay man. Any politician — Republican or Democrat — who speaks out for us, who stands against bigotry and hatred, is my candidate. Even though we may differ on economic and other issues, we stand together in support of common humanity and the constitutional civil rights of all Americans. Our country can survive Democrats in the Senate and even Clinton in the White House. It cannot survive the bigotry, fear and hatred that have become the prime weapons of the radical extremists of the right, whether they be Democrat or Republican.
To the radical right, gay men and lesbians have replaced the Jews and Negroes of the past as prime targets. We have become the Reds of the ‘90’s, objects of fear and loathing. We are now the corrupters — of the media, the schools, the family, every “value” the professional extremists can think up on which they can raise money. Gay men and lesbians are stereotyped fuel for their fund-raising machines, all in the name of God.
Any friend of these radical extremists is our enemy. Anyone opposed to their ugly campaigns of hatred and bigotry is our friend. It has become that simple. The danger posed to our community is that critical. They promote raw hatred of each and every one of us. They proclaim their fundamentalist beliefs as religious gospel. The penalty for sodomy is death, they say. Do they really want us dead? Probably. We need all the real friends we can get. Those who stand with us against hate deserve all the support we can give them. Chuck Robb is one of those courageous few.
An additional note: In the past, I’ve criti-
by Marvin Liebman
cized the Human Rights Campaign Fund as being too “establishment”; too fearful of change. However, like it or not, HRCF is our establishment organization — the largest, the best-financed and the most widely recognized. It is because of this that it can provide the most comfortable platform for the Chuck Robbs to speak out for us. For this, all gay men and lesbians must be grateful. If it did nothing else but provide such a platform, HRCF would have sufficient value. For providing Chuck Robb that venue, I salute my HRCF friends and comrades.
I urge all who read this to provide whatever support you are able to keep Sen. Charles S. Robb in Washington. If you live in Virginia, offer your services as volunteers. But no matter where you live, send this man a check.
Marvin Liebman, author of Coming Out Conservative (1992, Chronical Books), lives and works in Washington, D. C.
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VIEWPOINT
WATERMARK / August 31,1994 11
JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
by Nan Schultz
“Who are we? Where have we come from? What are we here for?” The Mattachine Society, a pioneering gay organization, reportedly set itself to the task of exploring these questions. Formed at a time when the dearth of available information and the secrecy and shame surrounding homosexual activities caused many to doubt their sanity, or to believe themselves “the only ones”, the Society provided a vehicle for self-discovery and self-definition apart from prevailing social attitudes; attitudes which yielded such labels as “pervert”, “deviant”, and “criminal”.
Although the Mattachine quickly became a pragmatic and thus conservative organization providing mostly social opportunities and legal protection for its members, the questions they posed are still debated within gay and lesbian organizations. Since the results of this query are almost always divisive, I am prompted to add a fourth question: “What difference does it make?” Is self-definition a worthy goal, or is it a trap creating a group identity which confines us to our own stereotypes? What positive purpose might be served by exploring th2 ways being gay means more than simply being homosexual?
Who are we? Are we just doctors and lawyers and shop keepers whose primary sexual interest is in members of our own sex? Are we, as many among us would argue, “just like everybody else” except for who we sleep with? Or do we possess a sensibility which is the result of our unique experience in American society? Could we be possessed of an “outsider” consciousness which alters the perspective of our cultural observations? And might not our
tendency to stretch the limits of gender identity give us an insight into wholeness that may be hard to come by if one accepts the constraints of socially imposed sex roles?
Might we also have what Advocate senior editor Mark Thompson calls “a differentness that accentuates the gifts of compassion, empathy, healing, interpretation, and enabling?” Is it possible that, as one drag queen said, “when a man is feminine and a woman masculine...that person is more in touch with the total range of human experience?” I wouldn’t presume
.. .we are reaching a point in our social evolution where breakthrough change is not only possible, but critical to our survival...
to give you a definitive answer, but I suspect that we have at least the potential to add something unique and valuable to the American social/political fabric.
What are we here for? Good question! What is anybody here for? Can’t we just be here? Yes and no, for, as Judy Grahn, feminist poet and lesbian activist notes, her mere presence has an impact on society. Her clothes and bearing model a “certain freedom for women.” As she and her partner parent a child, they “present an obvious example of alternate family structure.” With very little effort she has become a one-
woman “alternative thought structure.” Without conscious thought or effort, and just as likely without our permission, we may be, as Ms. Grahn points out, “inextricably bound, historically and politically with ideas of pluralism, tolerance, multiculturality, sexual expression and free choice.” Not bad for people who are just like everybody else.
Buy this “we’re different” argument or don’t. Whether this makes any difference is far more relevant to our political and social choices, because what you aspire to is far more critical than what you really are. And because right now, right here, we face the political choice to either “breakthrough or break even.” We can continue to work for our piece of the same old pie, or we can get in the kitchen and bake up something new and better.
There is almost no way to deny that we are reaching a point in our social evolution where breakthrough change is not only possible, but critical to our survival and future chances for happiness and self-actualization. The new science of chaos and the study of change dynamics teaches us that systems are characterized by long periods of equilibrium punctuated by evolutionary branchings called bifurcations. According to Riane Eisler, historian and
futurist, the current rapid rate of technological change has precipitated the instability that makes such a branching likely. And while such branchings in chemical or biological systems are largely the product of chance, humans have the ability to act consciously and collectively to choose their own evolutionary path.
We can stay focused on the civil rights aspects of our struggle, reforming laws and securing our legal rights. We can recreate government and business-as-usual with tolerance for same sex pronouns. But as journalist Michael Bronski notes, “the legislative approach to gay liberation runs the risk of giving social power only to those homosexuals deemed ‘acceptable’, i.e. straight looking and acting.” Not to mention that such change is limited by existing social standards and the rigidity of legal and governmental systems.
Or we can seek to effect more far-reaching social change. We can seize the prerogative of being different. We can call on those unique experiences and insights gained through both the pain and joy of our “otherness” to imagine and create new social relationships based on the ideas of equality, partnership and connectedness to one another, to the environment, and to the world at large.
WATERMARK: LET THE SUN SHINE THROUGH
bj G. K. Fowler
Not too long ago the best advice for Orlando’s gay and lesbian residents was to leave town. If you wanted to be out, you had to get out. Those of us who stayed, or improbably arrived, joked about putting up a sign: WELCOME TO ORLANDO. SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK TEN YEARS.
Those days are over now. This is no longer the land that time and cranial development forgot. Orlando’s large gay and lesbian population is developing into a vibrant community. Like other minorities we celebrate our distinctiveness and choose empowerment. More and more we do business together, vote together, and work
Watermark was conceived during a visit to Atlanta; sperm met egg in the south’s most inviting gay ghetto, Virginia Highlands. At lunch one day, I noticed almost everyone, alone and in groups, perusing the same newspaper. Southern Voice had been distributed that day, and I was witness to the way this excellent weekly informs, energizes and unifies Atlanta’s gay and lesbian community.
Watermark's admittedly ambitious goal is to do the same for Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. Every other week we hope you’ll tuck us into your beach bag, spill eggs on us at Brian’s, and sneak looks at us during Reverend Brock’s sermon. We hope you’ll be aroused by our editorials, amused by our gossip and cartoons, and inspired by our “Transitions” section. Most importantly, we hope you’ll participate and take pride in our newspaper.
At present, we’re a full-time staff of three: myself, layout gal April Gustetter, and ad guy Keith Peterson. But the paper is clearly a collaborative effort, and there are many
together to defend our freedom and values. With Watermark, we have a twice-monthly newspaper to read together.
We named our paper Watermark because that word reminds us of what we love about Florida: the ocean, the gulf, our lakes and rivers, and the diversity of life they support. It’s classy too, like our community. It’s a myth we all have good taste, but no one can deny us, as a group, a certain flair.
Even better, it connotes honesty and excellence. On foreign currency, a watermark certifies that what you hold is genuine, the real thing. The watermark on fine bond
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:
A USER’S GUIDE TO WATERMARK
talented writers and photographers working with us. We’ve been overwhelmed by their shared enthusiasm
Tor this paper. Most will be featured regularly, and we hope you’ll come to know them and look forward to their contributions.
We also have four bright and energetic student interns who will cut their journalistic teeth with us. Importantly, to those friends in the gay and lesbian community who helped us get off the ground with their fi-
guarantees quality. Such marks, made by pressing wire patterns on new paper, are so pale they seem drawn in water. They are nearly invisible, like we’ve been for so long. But once brought to light, a watermark shines with an unmistakable quality, just like we do.
It’s been some time now since honest misconceptions about homosexuality congealed into hard, cold lies. But truth can’t hurt us. We know that it is human, not criminal, to value beauty and love. “Our kind” has always been defined by others, too often the fate and doom of powerless minorities. We won’t play that way anymore.
Hence one of our major goals at Watermark will be to help our community know itself and define for itself what it means to be gay in Central Florida, and in America, today. We’ll hold our community up to the light to see what shines through. We’ll search for the watermarks of what is true and essential in gay life. What we learn we’ll share with you, and with our hetero-
nancial support, my sincere thanks. You know who you are, so take a bow.
The paper has three sections. At the outset you’ll find news, including health, HIV, and business news. In the middle of the paper you’ll encounter “Artful Living”, containing entertainment news, reviews, personal announcements, astrology, gossip, cartoons, and a calender of events. The last few pages are devoted to the “Marketplace” directory, real estate and classified ads, and the sports page. These last pages will also soon contain “Voiceboard” telepersonal listings. In all sections, we’re committed to balanced content for lesbians and gay men.
Reading is passive; Watermark is intended to be an interactive process. We need you to share a little of your life with us. We need to know what you do at work and away from work. We need your ideas and opinions. We also hope you’ll be ambitious with your advertising. Let’s replace those business card ads with attractive, state-of-the-art advertising concepts that reflect the vital-
sexual neighbors. Too many of them are misguided by fear, the prey de luxe of cynical politicians and so-called religious leaders who peddle hate for power but settle for cash.
We’re writing for savvy, self-assertive gay people determined to live full lives despite the madness. We’ve got news you can use: what’s hot, what’s not, what hurts, what heals, what’s fun, and what requires serious voter turnout. News, sports, letters, comics...hey, it’s a gay world out there!
There’s too much joy and laughter, excitement, achievement, beauty and love in us for any of it to remain in restraints. Although bom into every race and creed we are a people of our own, a people in the making, and like all peoples, wonderful in our way. So here we are, God bless us. We hope we do us right. Maybe someday the best advice a local lesbian or gay man in Central Florida can get will be to pick up a copy of Watermark.
ity of the gay patrons you seek.
We’re excited about Watermark and the whole process of creating each issue. Call us with news tips. Send us letters. Show off photos in the “Gallery”. Place a classified ad. Tell us where you’d like to see Watermark distributed. And by all means, read our paper, pass it around, and as we change and grow with our first issues, let us know what you think.
Watermark welcomes letters to the editor. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. Letters should be sent to:
P. O. Box 533655 Orlando, FL 32853-3655
WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 12
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GAY COMEDY WITHOUT A NET
The Improvabilities are “Florida’s Freshest Fruit”
by R. A. Bach
The man and woman are center stage, acting out a horrific and hilarious free association about robots and exploding internal organs. Offstage, someone yells “Freeze! Tennessee Williams.” Instantaneously the actors begin fanning themselves and talking about mendacity in drippy southern voices filled with pent-up sexual frustration. The scenario continues on its new course until we hear “Freeze! Stephen Sondheim.” The actors become urban sophisticates as they begin singing about their neurotic, self-important lives...on the mansion...in outer space. This madcap display of inventiveness continues as a Greek tragedy with chorus, a Rogers and Hammerstein musical, an Oscar Wilde comedy of manners, and finally Shakespeare.
Improvisation is comedy without a net; part of the entertainment lies in the potential for disaster. Can they pull it off? Can they invent something funny without benefit of prior thought? Like a trapeze act, when the Improvabilities do pull it off you don’t know whether to laugh, applaud or gasp in amazement. And they pull it off time after time, often brilliantly, sometimes
just barely, and that’s fun too.
For almost a year, the Improvabilities have been providing Central Florida with hilarious, intelligent, insightful sketch comedy that assumes a gay sensibility. They are also one of the best entertainment values in town. On weekends, its no longer necessary to go to a bar after dinner to stay gay. Go to the Eola Theater, wave at friends, have a seat and prepare to be wildly entertained. These are funny, funny people, and it’s a privilege to catch them at this stage of their promising collective career.
Troy Tinker founded the Improvabilities after four years of improv work in Cleveland. His dream was “to form a comedy troupe that would make people laugh while shedding light on gay experience.” Several members were recruited from the Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island, and others were mined from Universal Studios, the Hat Box Revue, and local children’s theater.
Along with Troy, Dave Almeida is the group’s most versatile performer, comfortable and funny as daddy or diva. Catherine
Goodison has the wry wit and deadpan delivery of Roseanne’s Sara Gilbert John Connon,
his handsome face topped by a shock of peroxide blonde hair, could be the twisted anchorman for the John Waters Network.
Talented Rae L’Heureaux can be petite then brassy, stem then bawdy as she calls on a broad range of characters with impres-
THE IMPROVABILITIES: (clockwise from top left) Dave Almeida, John Connon, Rae LHeureaux, Martin Kunz, Troy Tinker. Not pictured: Catherine Goodison
sive ease. She’s Lucy, Bette, Roseanne and more. With his expressive face, a real artist’s tool, the hilarious Martin Kunz can draw laughter with little more than an arched eyebrow. At a recent show, he created a boy-in-the-bubble cruising the Parliament house by rolling his big orb up and down the balconies (“Look but don’t touch, baby”). It was comedic inventiveness worthy of Jonathan Winters.
One of the great pleasures of watching this versatile group is sharing their delight in each other’s courage and wit. It’s easy to tell when a peer has been impressed. Actors uninvolved in a partic-ular sketch will often jump in when an inspired comedic idea sparks their imagination. The hilarity builds exponentially as troupe members bounce off each other like speeding pinballs.
Performances last approximately two hours, with one fifteen minute intermission. The audience is involved throughout, calling out suggestions and often participating onstage. Catch these wonderful performers often and while you still can. After opening for the Fabulous Flirtations in May at The Club, The Improvabilities will be performing with them at selected upcoming concerts. The Improvabilities are also pursuing regional bookings.
Don’t miss The Improvabilities, “Florida’s Freshest Fruit”, at one of their upcoming Friday shows at the Eola Theatre on Wall Street Plaza. Showtimes are at 10:30 PM on Friday, September 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th. Call (407) 521-7499.
ONE OF BROADWAY’S ORIGINAL “C AGELLES” REMEMBERS FIVE YEARS IN HEELS
by Tom Dyer
La Cage Aux Folles is landmark gay entertainment. Based on a play by Jean Poiret, the French movie about ZaZa, a tightly wound female impersonator, and his longtime companion Georges, was funny, touching, and a surprise hit in the 70s. The transformation to Broadway musical several years later was an overwhelming creative and financial success.
La Cage Aux Folles will be performed at the Mark Two Dinner Theater through October 2nd; the perfect excuse to visit with Orlando’s Sam Singhaus, one of the original “Cagelles” in the Broadway production. Sam is known to many as the charismatic co-owner and driving force behind the fondly remembered downtown club “Big Bang”, and through his association with the popular Club At Firestone.
Musical by nature, Sam developed his interest in dance while attending Boone High School. After graduating, he took dance classes with Kip Watson and worked with what eventually became the Southern Ballet Theater.
Encouraged by his teachers, he went to New York to study dance and within weeks was awarded a scholarship
with the Richard Thomas Ballet Company. “The whole thing was really unbelievable,” said Sam. “I went to New York for three months and ended up staying ten years.”
SAM REVIEWS
MARK TWO’S LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
is
Sam was drawn to musical comedy, and he eventually left the ballet to train and take a job at Radio City. He did skit work on Saturday Night Live, and in time started auditioning for Broadway shows. His first big show was a national tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with Debbie Boone. “It was a great show and a lot of fun,” said Singhaus. “Debbie was great in it, but the New York critics couldn’t get over themselves enough to give her a good review.” After a successful tour, the show closed soon after reaching Broadway.
Continued Page 14
WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 14
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From Page 13
Then auditions for La Cage Aux Folles began. “For some reason I just had the feeling that this was the right show for me,” he remembered. “I didn’t know that much about it, just that it was Jerry Herman, Arthur Laurents and Harvey Fierstein and it was going to be a six million dollar musical and it was going to be a hit.” Apparently others felt the same way. Along with 1000 other dancers, Sam sought a role as one of the energetic “cagelles”. Auditions lasted for three full months as dancers were pared to the final ten.
According to Sam, “We weren’t told we would be in drag half the show until the very end. We were told to bring high heels to the final auditions.” So Sam went shopping. “I lived on the upper west side at the time, so I walked up to Harlem figuring I’d find larger sizes there. I went into this women’s shoe store and started looking, and after watching me for a while this saleslady asked if she could help me. Fortunately, Tootsie had just come out, so I asked her if she’d seen the movie. She said she had, so I told her it was a Tootsie thing. She sold me a great pair of shoes.”
In fact, Sam had never appeared in drag before La Cage, and it took weeks to get
used to the specially braced high heel shoes. “We tried out in Boston and changed the show every day. It was tough. I definitely hit my ‘Butterfield 8’ weight.” But he says it was clear that the show would be a hit from the start, and he ended up staying with La Cage until it closed almost five years later.
During the show’s run, Sam worked with the likes of George Hearn, Keene Curtis, Gene Barry, Peter Marshall, and his favorite, Van Johnson. “A real old Hollywood star. He’s sure nice and real, real fun. He always wore red socks, so when he came back to see the show after he’d left it, I snuck out and bought red socks for the cast. When the curtain came up for ovations, we lifted our pant legs and you could hear his boisterous laugh everywhere. He was great.”
Sam notes that there was initial criticism of the show from some gay quarters because, like the recent movie Philadelphia, there was almost no affection displayed between the principal gay couple. Sam thinks this criticism is misplaced. “First of all, Georges and ZaZa had been together for decades, so let’s be real. Also, much of the audience would have been turned off by them kissing and stuff. Instead, everyone who saw the play left thinking that the love between two men can be beautiful. After all, love is what the play is really about.”
THE CAST OF IHABXTiir 1 Bittttlft : THEATER’S
ucAmm
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GOV. CLAUDE KIRK
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PAULA
HAWKINS
• GOVERNOR CLAUDE KIRK, who actively opposed school desegregation; whose outrageous self-promotion led him to fight with lawmakers of both parties; and who was viewed as a buffoon by both j Republican and Democratic voters.
• SENATOR PAULA HAWKINS, who insulted Florida’s Cuban community by saying, "you know how they are"; who repeatedly trashed Florida in public forums around the U.S.; who was criticized in both Florida and Washington for playing fast and loose with the truth; who was described as a “lightweight” by the Wall Street Journat, and who was chosen one of the ten worst senators by Washington Monthly.
• GOVERNOR BOB MARTINEZ, who tried to defy Florida’s constitution by taking away women’s right to choose and who left behind federal lawsuits that turned prisoners back out on the streets after serving only 32% of their sentences; prisons that couldn’t open because there was no money to run them; and a welfare computer that crashed.
WE’VE SEEN FIRST-HAND WHAT THE REPUBLICANS HAVE TO OFFER.
DO WE REALLY WANT TO GAMBLE ON THEM AGAIN?
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IN REVIEW
c^UtxEd
MeDtA
The buzz on Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers has been good...good and violent. I’ve never been a particular fan of Stone’s, and I was prepared for his usual overboard style. Overboard does not begin to describe the buttons and barriers this film pushes. And by the way, I loved this movie.
Visually, Natural Born Killers is exciting. Trippy in fact. The actors, with one exception, are memorable. Standouts include the ubiquitous Tommy Lee Jones as a fiendish prison warden, and Juliette Lewis, who has perfected the role of mentally-unstable-woman-confined-in-a-hospital-room-or-jail-cell. Robert Downey, Jr.’s insipid Robin Leach impersonation was distracting, however. Why couldn’t Stone get Hugh Grant or Rupert Everett to play the smarmy British tabloid journalist?
Natural Born Killers presents a scathing portrait of our sick obsession with tabloid press and TV. And if you think it’s over-the-top, check out the “real-life” clips of those darling orphaned Menendez boys, our national hero O. J. Simpson the pitiful victim Lorena Bobbit, and the list goes on and on. Is this movie realistic? Yes and more. I left the theatre amazed at what I had just viewed, and feeling the same calm experienced after serious “anger work” with my therapist. This movie is cathartic.
I refuse to comment on how “violence begets violence”, and how teenagers will imitate the anti-heroes Micky and Mallory, played so magnificently by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis. Take a look at this movie and see it for what it is; a stunning, chilling portrait of our society and our sick obsession with gore, violence and scandal.
• Barcelona is pretentious, boring, and yes, obnoxious. The actors are miscast, the dialogue is stilted, the characters unappealing and implausible. I didn’t like Whitt Stillman’s last film, Metropolitan (1990); Barcelona annoyed the hell out of me. I left Enzian in a bad mood and had to cancel my plans to meet a friend at The Club for a nightcap.
• On video, check out Six Degrees of Separation, a sophisticated movie with outstanding performances, and witty, intellegent dialogue (are you listening Whitt Stillman?). Better than the Broadway play on which it was based. Also, take a look at Robert Altman’s Short Cuts. Despite its epic length, it was without doubt one of last year’s best films. The ensemble cast is unforgettable.
• My sister took me to my very first rock concert over twenty years ago (can that be real ???). I’ve loved Steely Dan ever since. And I might have loved them at their recent St. Petersburg concert if I had heard them. The Thunderdome is acoustics HELL. Its no excuse that the arena wasn’t designed for concerts, but for the baseball team that never was.
• I can’t believe I’m recommending a restaurant on I-Drive, but if you’re looking for a truly unique night out with friends or a date, visit Cafe Tu Tu Tango. Food, drink, artwork, artists and dancers all blend to make for one of the coolest, most original places to hang out in O-Town.
Sam Sinahaus
“I am what l am, and what I am needs no excuses,..” is just one of the lines in what has become the anthem of modern gay culture. It is part of the score to La CageAux Folks, a wonderful old-fashioned musical guaranteed to reach in and tug at those rusty old heart strings that we all hide so well. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one misty-eyed in the audience - the opening night onlookers seemed to adore the show. The audience consisted mainly of “mainstream” Americans - the kinds of mothers, fathers, relatives, and neighbors that we all might find ourselves “coming out” to, perhaps borrowing some of the above-mentioned score to plea our case. This show, as poignant as it is campy, was the winner of 6 Tony awards on Broadway in 1984. With the collaboration of Arthur Laurents (West Side Gypsy. The Way We Were) Jerry Herman C , Dolly!, Mame), and Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy), an incredible treasure of musical theater was created.
The show revolves around two gay male characters whose son is engaged to the daughter of a right-wing morals crusader. The story is one of “forbidden love” vs. family traditions (sound familiar?). It’s a bit Romeo And Juliet, a bit Side Story, and a bit of Thanksgiving dinner with your parents and your new “significant other”.
In this production, Biyce Ward stars as ZaZa, the headline female impersonator/entertainer in his lover’s night club. It’s hard to find enough good things to say about Mr. Ward. His performance k; filled with warmth, humor, showmanship, and professional artistry. He leaves you wanting more (and he looks so glamorous in those beaded dresses!). Michael
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Edwards plays his lover George; the solid support that ZaZa needs to keep at least one foot on the ground. Mr. Edwards gives a likeable performance, creating a very complimentary, believable character with the wisdom to sustain a twenty-year marriage to a true diva. As Jean-Michel (the “traitor” son), Todd Lee Piorier is a pleasure to listen to and look at, acting the role with integrity. He and Mr. Edwards make a convincing father-son casting choice.
Other performances worth kudos are Colleen Ashton as the bubbly and delicious Jacqueline, Ann Hurst as the “bridled-gone-giddy” Mme. Dindon, and Bob Perry’s “second-fiddle” Mercedes. Mary Rose Gray’s Mme. Renaud Ls the quintessential French country barmaid.
It’s difficult for me to criticize any theatrical endeavor, but since the Mark Two is a legitimate Equity (union) theatre, the few disappointing aspects of the performance I attended bear mentioning. The Cagelles were a bit too rough around the edges and their costumes far from flattering. But what they lacked in grace they certainly made up for with enthusiasm and shenanigans. Mr. Dindon was played a little too “Lower East Side” for an uptight French moralist, and Jacob was pleasant but lacked the fire of a drag-diva wannabe (just go for it, girl!).
Mark Howard’s direction and Bob Perry’s choreography (much of the original Broadway steps were recreated) kept the production swiftly on course. As we left the theatre singing “The Best ofTImes is No w”, Mark Two’s La Cage Aux Folles movingly reminded us to be proud of who we really are.
Thank you cast and crew for an inspirational and enjoyable evening of theatre.
G^Y VIEWER'S GUIDE TO
S Absolutely Fabulous
Reviewed by Dimitri Toscas
Okay. Who are those two women who are creeping into our culture? You know, the heavy one whose outrageous clothes don’t fit her anymore, and the blonde one who hasn’t changed her hair style since the sixties?
They’re popping up everywhere. On postcards. In our clubs. Hosting “drag races”. On our televisions. They are becoming a cultural landmark for the 90s...right up there with Ru Paul and Hillary Clinton.
Of course, Sweetie, darling.. .they’re Edina and Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous, the hit series that just arrived from England on Comedy Central. It’s been a craze on the BBC since 1992, so why has it taken so long to reach us?
“I think you’ll find, America, that Patsy and Edina have no redeeming qualities whatsoever,” the show’s producer,
Continued Page 16
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IN REVIEW
Continued Page 16
Jon Plowman, proudly spouts. “It’s been one of the reasons that America’s been reluctant.” But if you ask me, that’s the very reason Edina and Patsy are so attractive to this sterile, politically correct generation.
Before you clamor to your tele, America, there are a few things you need to know to assimilate yourselves to AbFab, as it is affectionately known. Here are some tips to help you.
1) Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) are fortysomething fashion gals. Their major addictions: smokes, alcohol, and drugs (every kind you can find), their obsessive issues: slaves to fashion, wealth, and other current trends, from psychic friends to Buddhist chant, from fad diets to isolation tanks (which Edina can only use if Patsy’s with her).
Edina’s hard up and heavy. Patsy’s coked up and homy (a confirmed nymphomaniac). Basically, they’re everyday people.
2) “Fags” are cigarettes, so don’t get offended.
3) Saffron is Edina’s daughter. She’s a smart, young, science student; the only stable thing in the house, but watch her tongue.. .it’s sharp.
4) Don’t be surprised if you recognize some odd characters. Since the show’s instant fame, stars like Germaine Greer, Miranda Richardson, and Helena Bonham Carter pop up in unexpected cameos.
5) “Colonic irrigation” is merely an ad-
vanced enema.
6) “LaCroix” is the name of a fashion line.
7) A television season at the BBC is only SIX episodes. So don’t be alarmed when you begin to see reruns of the twelve existing episodes. The third season is due in Spring of 1995, and then, according to Saunders, who is also writer and co-creator, the girls may be hitting the big screen.
8) You’ll find Comedy Central’s Absolutely Fabulous on Mondays at 8:30 PM, Saturdays at 4:30 PM, and Sundays at 11:00 PM, but before you set your VCR, be aware that the show is an odd 40 minutes or so. Check the listings.
Extra Bonus: Keep an ear out for the Pet Shop Boys’ dance track devoted to Patsy and Edie. It’s a groove.
Our suggestion for beginners: Tape the show and watch it a few times, until you can understand what the girls are saying.
And while trying to keep up with Patsy and Edina for you, we’ve discovered a major plot line for next season. Get this: Patsy and Edina are coming to New York!
“I just hope people think it’s funny,” Lumley states, no doubt maneuvering the words between her fag and her crooked smile. “I hope they will. And if it doesn’t work, it’s not my fault. I’m simply an actress.”
Don’t worry, Pats, as always, your adventures around Manhattan promise to be exhilarating, exhausting, and absolutely fabulous.
I GAY POLITICAL POTBOILER
Flashpoint by Katherine V. Forrest Reviewed by Harmony Brenner
In September, 1991, a California radio station broadcasts the governor’s plan to veto a crucial gay-rights bill. This news causes Donnelly, Flashpoint's central figure, to mobilize her diverse gay and lesbian cohorts in a rustic cabin retreat, thus setting the stage for Katherine V. Forrest’s latest novel. Flashpoint spins a provoking fictional web of reference around real political struggle.
Forrest animates and humanizes these characters by showing them simultaneously at their best and worst, as they challenge and comfort each other through loss and discovery. Donnelly is a multi-faceted activist with impressive connections, and she leads the group body and soul. Pat Decker owns the cabin, and thus serves as the group’s reluctant hostess. Averill Calder Harmon, a professional golfer with a dislike for activism, lives in self-hating fear with her secretary and lover, Angela. Rounding out the female characters is Querida Quemada, a successful Latina professional and Donnelly’s current lover. Donnelly’s ex-husband and his male lover complete the cast.
Throughout the book’s uncharacteristically terse chapters, each character shares common pain, common shame, and uncommon healing. They process their own unique experiences as homosexuals while Donnelly prepares to test their commitment. Challenges created by homophobic employers, families, schools and peers unite Forrest’s characters despite clear differences in gender, class and ethnicity.
Like many cohesive cliques, intriguing yet painful love triangles once existed within the group. As their shared bond, Donnelly helps each of them cope, passing from Bradley to Averill to Pat like an Olympic torch of optimism and activism.
As usual, Forrest spices the entire story with wonderful snippets of dialogue and detail. The tranquility and provincial charm of the woodsy cabin pleasantly contrast the cosmopolitan lifestyles and concerns of its inhabitants. Her characters banter naturally, observe unobtrusively, and soliloquize elo-
quently. Each offers insight into the gay and lesbian experience rarely found in contemporary fiction. Forrest’s polished yet believable style of characterization remains the trademark of her bestselling fiction.
At times Flashpoint may seem ponderous, but when the governor finally issues his veto, crisis dynamics reverberate within the secluded cabin’s walls. Donnelly confronts her friends with a mission, testing the bounds of their delicately woven friendships. Each character must weigh the consequences of solidarity and true political commitment.
The choices made range from startling to satisfying, but each is ultimately credible. For the ardent Forrest reader, Flashpoint breaks new and significant ground .Forrest is not typically political, thus excluding most reference to current events. This story is a well-timed exception. I highly recommend it to Forrest fans and to anyone who enjoys the struggles of determined underdogs. If for no other reason, read Flashpoint to ignite your own sense of pride, energy, and activism.
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WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 18
OUR CULTURE
&
Greg
Wasson
July 1963-August 1993
m
Trcansitions
In Loving Memory
TIME helps the hurting. LOVE keeps the memory. JUST like the song you sang to me. “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.”
-Jim
1-4-3
Actress Danitra Vance 35, died on Sunday, August 21st. An innovative and outrageous performance artist, Ms. Vance was once described as a cross between Laurie Anderson and Little Richard. In 1985 she became the first black woman to join the cast of Saturday Night Live. Ms. Vance lived in Brooklyn with her companion, Jones Miller. According to Ms. Miller, the cause of death was breast cancer.
Lesbian Pioneer, Rikki Streicher, 68, died on Sunday, August 21st. Ms. Streicher was a pioneer in San Francisco’s gay civil rights movement and owner of two of the city’s most famous lesbian bars, Maud’s and Amanda’s. Following Ms. Streicher’s death, San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan ordered flags flown at half-staff in her honor. Ms. Streicher is survived by her partner of many years, Mary Sager.
“Transitions" may include memorials, remembrances, weddings, anniversaries, promotions, and other announcements. Please send submissions with black and white photo to WATERMARK • P.O. Box 533655 • Orlando, FL 32853-3655. Announcements an; free of charge.
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MARK MATTHEWS PLACES IN MR. HOTLANTA. Orlando’s own Mark Matthews was the second runner-up in the 1994 Mr. Hotlanta International contest. Those who’ve done the Atlanta river expo know that the bodybuilding competition is a major production, theatrically and pectorally. Word is that many thought Mark should have won...it’s all so political. Congratulations, Mark. Readers, we’ll try and get hold of some pictures. ENZIAN’S GAY FILM SERIES ENDS. According to Manager Peg O’Keef, Enzian’s Summer Gay and Lesbian Film series was a moderate disappointment. “We were very pleased with the films presented,” said O’Keef, “ but disappointed that more people didn’t get to see them.” She reports that Go Fish, a seriocomic lesbian slice-of-life, was well attended, “probably because it got lots of national publicity and the Orlando Sentinel did a story on it.” Other films, however, did less well. The last film in the series, Coming Out Under Fire, an award-winning documentary about gays in the military, is presently playing. O’Keef states that despite the mixed response, Enzian will continue to present lesbian and gay films in Central Florida. The highly anticipated The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert begins playing in late September.
SOUTHERN COUNTRY HOSTS “O’TOWN HOEDOWN”. Southern Country Orlando will hold their second annual “O’Town Hoedown” on September 9th, 1 Oth, and 11 th. All events will be held at the Harley Hotel’s Eola Ballroom and at the Full Moon Saloon. According to Jerry Murtha, Souther Country President, anywhere from 300 to 500 people are expected. Proceeds from this year’s hoedown will benefit CENTAUR and the Hope & Help Center. Southern Country Orlando is one of 41 gay country/westem dancing clubs nationwide.
DESTINY OF ME OPENS AT ACTING STUDIO. The Acting Studio continues to offer innovative gay theatre with its upcoming production of The Destiny of Me. Destiny is Larry Kramer’s 1993 Obie Award-winning sequel to his earlier AIDS play, The Normal Heart. Destiny is directed by Ron Schneider, and will run from Friday, September 9th, through Sunday, October 16th.
Tickets are $ 12; seniors and students $ 10.
LOOKING AHEAD. Me and My Girl, called “the freshest and funniest musical to hit Broadway in ages” by Newsweek, opens the Civic Theatre of Central Florida’s MainStage season on Thursday,
September 15th. Call (407) 896-7365 ▼ The Friday, September 23rd performance of La CageAux Folles will be a “FamilyNight Out” to benefit the Rainbow Democratic Club. Tickets are $45, including dinner and show. Call (407) 649-7875 for tickets.▼ Tampa’s 5th Annual International Pride Film Festival will take place at the magnificent Tampa Theatre from Friday, September jqY MCC RAISED OVER $1500 AT THEIR AN-30th to Sunday, October 9th. Call (813) 837-4485 NUAL art AUCTION ON AUGUST 12TH & for more information. 13TH.PICTURED; JOE CLANTON (AS EASEL).
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WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 19
OUR CULTURE
1
MBA MEETING.
With guest speaker, Erin Somers of “Passion Phones”. Downtown Radisson. 6:30 PM. 420-2182.
COMING OUT UNDER FIRE.
Award-winning documentary about gays in the military. 5:30 PM. Enzian. 644-4662.
THU
THE IMPROBABILITIES.
“Florida’s Freshest Fruit”. Performing at the Eola Theatre.
10:30 PM. 521-7499.
LUAU ‘94. Annual Labor Day Weekend party begins at the Parliament House thru Sept. 5. 425-7571.
FRI
BOXCARS GRAND OPENING. At the railroad car building in Fern Park. Thru Sept. 4. 831-7559.
WHORES OF BABYLON. A return to Sodom & Gomorrah at The Club. Togas optional. 426-0005.
SAT
GAY DAY AT BUSCH GARDENS.
Gay & Lesbian day in the Busch (Gardens, that is), in Tampa. Sponsored by GLCS. 425-4527.
SUN
DELTA YOUTH ALLIANCE. Support group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth under 22. 6:00 PM. 236-9415.
MON
6
OUT & ABOUT BOOKS. Chill after Labor Day. Let owner Bruce Ground give you attitude. 896-0204.
G.L.C.S. While you’re downtown, check out The Center; Gay Activity Central. 425-4527.
TUE
FAMILY VALUES.
Gay & Lesbian radio on 91.5 FM. Talk, music, news, interviews, entertainment, community events. 646-2398.
ORLANDO
FRONTRUNNERS.
Meet at the red pagoda at Lake Eola. 7:30 PM. 857-1777.
WED
Free Tours and Wine Tasting
Mon-Sat 10-5 PM Sun Noon-5 PM
JUST 30 MINUTES FROM ORLANDO
6 MILES NORTH OF CLERMONT ON U.S. 27 • 1-800-768-WINE
8
PRIMARY ELECTION. Vote.
THU
THE
IMPROVABILITIES.
See Sept. 2.
THE DESTINY OF ME. Opening at The Acting Studio. 8:00 PM. 425-2281.
O’TOWN
HOEDOWN. Southern Country dancefest at the Harley Hotel and Full Moon Saloon. 1-800-859-0518 x.518.
FRI
10
BOWLING. GLBL
begins fall league at Fair Lanes Indian Hills. 831-717L
THE DESTINY OF ME. Continues at the Acting Studio. Thru Oct. 16.
O’TOWN
HOEDOWN. Continues at the Harley Hotel and Full Moon Saloon. Thru Sept. 11.
SAT
11
OBTA. Gay and lesbian round robin tennis. 10:30 AM. 292-8582.
SUN
12
GAYSKATE.
Semoran Skate way in Fern Park. 9:15 PM. 425-4527.
DELTA YOUTH ALLIANCE. See
Sept. 5.
ORLANDO
FRONTRUNNERS.
See Sept. 5.
MON
13
BOWLING. OBBA begins fall league at BowlAmerica Winter Park. 8:00 PM. 644-2244.
TUE
14
FAMILY VALUES.
See Sept. 7.
ORLANDO
FRONTRUNNERS.
See Sept. 7.
WED
OPEN FORI
RIi^nchIm
ill!! MililED
IJlIwImClm.
M-TH 10AM-9PM
|f-;sa
1 iiunfcft IfftTP AlMllJt filT
1*1 w m Rim jLRIm Ip
FRI & SAT
11118:30 PM -il:30Pk:iIB
GOURMET SALADS SANDWICHES
VEGETARIAN SPECIALS CAPPUCCINO
LATTE
BEER & WINE ICE CREAM
ORANGE AVENUE ANTIQUES MARKET
AND
THE WHITE WOLF CAFE
SENSATIONAL CATERING
DELIVERY AVAILABLE
1829 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE-ORLANDO-895-9911
* Redeem this ad for a free cappuccino #
WATERMARK / August 31, 1994 20
ARTFUL LIVING
backlot bungalow here at Paramount Pictures, I’m faced with an all too familiar dilemma. The script to “Meet Me in Gomorrah” (the studio’s last-ditch effort to save my Hindenburg-like career) has just been delivered and tossed onto my desk like some cheap dress off the clearance rack at Bergdorf’s. Do I read it or torch it?! The stench from the typewriter ink still lingers like Crawford’s signature cologne, "Depression. ”
How could this have happened? I was once the QUEEN of Hollywood - now I’m reduced to fighting for tabloid headlines with Charlene Tilton and Leigh Shannon. Whatever happened to great pictures like “Love On a Pogo Stick”, “Dial S For Suicide”, and “Shut Up Sweet Lurlene”? We didn’t have talent then, we had pussies! If you needed a hit picture, all it took was some "fancy footwork” on the ceiling. But like everything else in life, what goes up must come down. It seems to be hard-knocks time again - better stock up on the bulletproof Aqua Net. Oh, I’m not too worried - there’s always Aaron Spelling. Look what he did for Joan Collins! (Once a C-cup, always a B-girl!) And of course there are the wonderful product-endorsement opportu-
nities for television stars. I can see it now - “This is Lola O’Lay for Gold Bond Medicated Feminine Hygiene Time-Released Laxative Squares (in the “temper-resistant” packaging).” Perhaps Cher has the right idea - stand next to a fat lady and you can’t help but look good!
As bitter as a pot of day-old coffee? You bet! Wouldn’t you be if every career vehicle that came along had a dead battery?. This new writing assignment for Watermark will be just the ticket I need to get back in touch with my fans - the little people. Each issue, I’ll be bringing you juicy bits from the front lines and all the local watering holes of “Hollywood East”. So, mind your P’s and Q’s - information is pouring in by the thimbleful, and I want to share every morsel with you.
Here’s one that’s hot off the press. Hang on to your wigs, Girls! Rumor has it that a certain once-infamous downtown hot spot is currently about to "explode” again...I hope my booth is still available!
Oh, and about that new script - you’re all invited to a barbecue in Bungalow B! Who knows, the next dish served up could be YOU!
Life’s a bitch, and so am I!
Confidential to P.R.: If you want to keep that arm, you’d better keep it off my "novio”!
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS
• If you’re out and about on Sunday, or any time over the weekend for that matter, make it a point to check out the east shore of Lake Ivanhoe, across from Antique Row. Wild lesbians with jet skis. Shirtless and sweaty gay volleyballers. When did this happen? Why weren’t we told immediately?
• Speaking of out and about, our hero Bruce Ground is converting the back room at his wonderful book store into a coffee shop...the “Stage Door Canteen.” Only a perfect idea. Bruce should be serving you his own special blend by Thanksgiving. We pray every night that we’ll be stuck at Out and About Books if there’s a nuclear holocaust and nobody can go outside for three months. “Is it time to go already?”
• Do you well up with pride every time one of our gay superstars makes a public appearance? Elton, Martina, k.d., Melissa... each time I’ve seen them interviewed, they’ve been articulate, interesting, confident, comfortable, humble, witty and just
TRANSITS & LUNATIONS
plain nice. So much more well-adjusted than those other celebrities.
• Around 8:30 PM, dial up 106.7 FM and listen to “Just Plain Mark” play Guess The Lesbian. Mark gets two women on the phone, one gay and one straight, and asks them some loaded questions: “Who are the Indigo Girls?” “How many times have you seen Fried Green Tomatoes?” “Do you have a tattoo?” A guy contestant is then asked to Guess The Lesbian based on their answers. By all accounts, it’s done in good fun and can be a real hoot (lesbian for “funny”).
• Richard Simmons has replaced Terri Garr as David Letterman’s favorite foil. Personally, we can’t decide if Richard Simmons sitting on his feet in exercise shorts with greasy thighs mooning at David Letterman is a positive development in gay evolution or not. But we think it is.
• TCTBT...the kinda short but incredibly hunky mail guy at the front counter of the downtown post office.
DEB
BLECHMAN
FOR COUNTY COURT JUDGE • ORANGE COUNTY • GROUP 5
■ BRINGING
COMMON SENSE & DIGNITY TO THE COURTROOM
■ WORKING TOWARDS A SAFE COMMUNITY
ASTROLOGY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You must give and take, stubborn one. Communications with significant others, particularly children, may touch your last nerve. Be flexible and focus on mutual values, not pesky details. Career matters are murky, but swallow hard and let others shine. Your eighth house is active, so watch yourself regarding sex and finances. The full moon on the 9th will shake up your unconscious. Attend to it.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’re a fixed earth sign, but its time for a personal tectonic shift. We’re not talking a change in hair color. Take a trip and make that big decision you’ve been pondering. You’re ripe (rotting?) for a relationship of substance. Look for inner beauty...really. But by all means hide yptif^n-trolling nature. Let her pick the movie. Let him choose the restaurant. Then keep your mouth shut.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): We’ve all had times like Si&se. They suck. Get through it and move on. Focus on monetary:|||J sues and avoid confronting past, present or potential playtSJfe. If you can muster the energy, you may want to considef|vlethe£ | professional dissatisfaction is the source of your angst* Coming attractions...the return of your sex drive. |
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Mars is passing ovei the Sum1 Hide your credit cards. Avoid Park Avenue. Instead, use tbit energy in a flurry of dating activity. If you’re already “involved,” make sure you’re getting what you want. On all levels, corilfhii-nicate clearly and rationally. Parents may disagree with ypn, particularly about matters related to children. But if you’ve been pondering a visit to the sperm bank, you go girl.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Time and money are on your side, so go ahead and take that muebrdispussed trip with a special friend. But don’t venturejpo far; a Bice guest hoiise in the Keys, dear, not Monte Capb^a^c^ib PlrticuIar should not ignore health concerns. Those achy joints may reflect nutritional deficiencies. . .or ig||tf anyone wants to tell you how to spend your money, tell thefn to kips off. £* ~V, V; .s, ^
VIRGO (A(||l2|*Sept. 22): So many details! .li©w;o^jou df it all? you can’t. No one can* so loosen up cm family, friends::® neighbors. MeahwhilBliil' •
sw^M^BMlfrfesultin^fire^&ikS; Sex, romancl times mit your fingertips, so.^^^rd ber
swept away. If you help from a flieSd, ybuilget U LIBRA (Sept 2Mlci 22): Spell for me, please. 8-A-L-A-N-;|>E. You rpakej®|rs happy*same for"' yourselLY^uhajllthe knowhow. |§fu. have the%chh<|tigy|Brace|
Ii^9liiil»vihg,;do it. You have aboit as much c&aner of sparking a romance right now as tt :;tq:|^q|Mftrreer fulfillment issues. :
j||QpRPIi6 (Oct 23-Nov. 21): You’re in a very rewardmg-^®!* transformation, and beauty are indicated. Ypu’te " more:chi|ged up than the Energizer bunny, so don’t fight t|a|:p. impulse tb redecorate. And if you’ve ever thought about “cos-: metic enhancement”, now’s the time.. ;a good excuse to tmf|l|l Watch ter an unexpected invitation. Also watch vour waisItelL dear, ‘nuff said. ' 1l
BY MARK LAWH0N
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There’s upheaval on the home front ‘cause you’re way overdue for some changes. Courage. Look inside.. .and you know exactly what I mean. Like Jim and Tammy Faye, it may be time for a “values and priorities” makeover. But don’t get down, get creative. On the lighter side, you’ll have recreational opportunities and the energy to enjoy them.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your personal austerity is filially pushing you over the edge. Step back, step aside, it’s time tb dance. Life is like the Tower of Terror; scary but fun. Worry about counting calories later. If you meet someone special, and very well may, take the chance. Friends and family are be-tt®|pu. A small caution...avoid signing anything binding for ’now, ,
MQftitlUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think Auntie Marne, Aquar-:ishs,bcb|use a little grandiosity is appropriate. Don’t stifle it. Draw Qgiiyour unconscious (it’s particularly accessible to you and don’t feel constrained to make sense to the rest of bill’s time to begin converting those utopian dreams to reality. God knows you’ll have the energy, and we less astrologically fall into line.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): With this month’s lunation in Pisces* it’s an excellent time to look in the mirror and ask yourself w® this person really needs other than an eyebrow pluck. No jbaiterbow nervous it makes you, seek nothing short of inner ®fte; lYithout major doses of self-discipline, your life will al-:^M®rtainly suck for a while. Friends may seem a little fickle, but Biat’s them and not you, dear.
Mark Lawhon is certified by the American Federation of Astrologers, and is 407-894-1506.
A. Miller
Aaron Spelling
ACLU
Alison Bechdel
American Civil Liberties Union
Ander Crenshaw
Ann Derflinger
April Gustetter
Arthur Laurents
Averill
Bahia Shrine Auditorium
Barry Barlow
Bart R. Zarcone
Bearse
Bill Clinton
bisexual
Biyce Ward
Bob Carr
Bob Perry
Bob Sindler
Boone High School
Bruce Ground
Butler
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Calvin Klein
Carolyn H. T. Cosby
Cecil Ray Deloach
Charlene Tilton
Charles Robb
Charles S. Robb
Childress
Chris Dahn
Chuck Robb
Chuck Robbs
Colleen Ashton
Crenshaw
Dahn
Danitra Vance
Dave Almeida
David Letterman
Debbie Boone
Debbie Simmons
Dimitri Toscas
Dindon
Don Reid
Donnelly
Doug Jamerson
Duke Vanderbilt
Edwards
Edyth Bush
Eileen Wright
Eola Theatre
Eric Orner
Erin Somers
Fern Park
Fran Pignone
Frank Jordan
Full Moon Saloon
G. K. Fowler
Gary L. Formet
Gary Siegel
gay
George Hearn
Glenda Hood
Grahn
Gretchen Chateau
Harley Hotel
Harmony Brenner
Harvey Fierstein
Helena Bonham Carter
Hillary Clinton
homosexuality
homosexuals
Hopkins
Hugh Grant
Jeff Goodgame
Jerry Falwell
Jerry Herman
Jerry Murtha
Joan Collins
Joe Clanton
John Connon
John Doe
John Holland
John K. Tanner
John R. McKernan
Jonathan Holingshead
Jonathan Winters
Karen Gievers
Katherine V. Forrest
Katie Messmer
Keith Peterson
Ken Connor
Ken Kundis
Kenney
Kip Watson
Laurence Sheldon
Laurie Anderson
Lawton Chiles
lesbians
Leslea Newman
Lew Brooks
LGBT
LGBTQ+
Linda Chapin
Lorena Bobbit
Lumley
Mable Butler
Maitland
Mardi Gras
Mark Matthews
Mark Thompson
Mark Two Dinner Theater
Martin Kunz
Martin Lheureaux
Marvin Liebman
Mary Sager
Mel White
Michael Bronski
Michael Fuchs
Michael L. Kilgore
Mike Williams
Mr. Hotlanta
Nan Schultz
National Coming Out Day
Natural Born Killers
Naval Training Center Orlando
Norman Rockwell
O. J. Simpson
Oliver L. North
Oliver Stone
orange county
Orange County Commission
orlando
Parliament House
Pat Decker
Pat Robertson
Pete Wilson
Peter Marshall
Pickman
Pignone
queers
questioning
R. A. Bach
Rainbow Democratic Club
Republican Party
Richard Simmons
Richard Thomas Ballet
Rob Eichberg
Robert Altman
Robin Leach
Rocky Ward
Roger McDonald
Rogers
Ron Schneider
Rosanne Sloan
Ross
Rupert Everett
Sam Singhaus
same-sex
Sandra Ross
Sara Gilbert
Sarano
Southern Nights
Stonewall
Streicher
Tammy Faye
Terri Garr
The Destiny Of Me
The Watermark
Thomas Tempia
Todd Lee Piorier
Tom Dorman
Tom Dyer
Tommy Lee Jones
Tony Childress
trans
transgender
Walt Disney World
Ward
Winter Park
Winter Park High School
Winter Springs
Woody Harrelson
Yvonne Vassell
Zarcone