We’re famous!
Shortly after Watermark’s Dec. 5 issue hit stands and online director Jamie Hyman’s “Boycott the Bellringers” article began circulating, the Catholic League sent out a press release titled “Gays Condemn The Salvation Army” and they call out Watermark, stating “a gay website, WatermarkOnline.com, is asking its readers nationwide not to give to the charitable organization.” That’s right folks; apparently Watermark is The Grinch of charitable giving – and apparently we’re THE Gays. In her regular occurring column, Hyman talks about the slew of anti-gay rhetoric voiced by the Salvation Army officials over the years and recommends placing small flyers into those familiar red kettles sharing our dislike of said rhetoric. Of course, the minute we learned we were mentioned by the group, we posted about it on Facebook and on our home page! Check out Hyman’s article on the boycott, and read some other responses from our readers.
NOH8 in Orlando
Macbeth Photography hosted an amateur NOH8 shoot Dec. 18. Hundreds showed up to pose with the iconic NOH8 logo scribbled across their cheek and a strip of silver duct tape across their mouths. The look is now a common way to share a message of hope and support for equality. This shoot was the brain child of assistant Charlotte Nash. If things go according to plan, we will all start seeing our favorite social media websites like Facebook and Twitter littered with profile pictures of people standing up for equal rights. Donations were accepted to benefit the Zebra Coalition. The organization helps LGBT homeless youth. For more information on the NOH8 campaign and Zebra Coalition, visit NOH8Campaign.com or ZebraYouth.org.
The Venue Renewed
After a brief, unscheduled closure to clear up some permitting issues – namely the addition of a handi-accessible bathroom, a drinking fountain and a ramp, which oddly enough leads up to the stage – The Venue is back in business with a vengeance and a gamut of new shows through the New Year. During the re-opening performance on Dec. 10, Venue owner Blue made sure to point out the new, permit-approved handy work numerous times. Since most of these renovations were unexpected, yet necessary, costs were discovered which were not in budget. As friends of Blue and the Venue, Revolution hosted a benefit to raise funds to cover these costs. On Dec. 12, the club held a silent auction along with a show, starring performers from Revolution’s own Majestic Theatre and Blue herself. The theatre was filled to capacity and tons of raffle prizes were given away. Now fully up and running, The Venue will next show Southern Winds Theatre’s 15th Anniversary of its one man A Christmas Carol starring David A. McElroy on Dec. 22, followed by “Let’s Go to Church” Christmas fellowship and potluck on Dec. 23 and the return of their “Fun Friday Happy Hour. For more information, visit TheVenueOrlando.com.
