This is it gang – the finalist round for Watermark’s 2015 WAVE Awards. The most votes from this round will be the winners of the 2015 WAVES.
As always, one ballot per reader and you must vote in a minimum of 15 categories for your ballot to count. Find ballots for Orlando and Tampa Bay WAVE Awards after the jump:
Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski
In the first scene of Wild – halfway through her 1100-mile hike – Cheryl Strayed pauses to peel off her hiking boots and pull her detached toenail from her big purple toe. Then, one of her boots slides down a cliff. In frustration, she throws the other shoe after it while releasing a primal scream.
Don’t let that make you think everything is hopeless. Strayed is portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, the plucky heroine of Election, the Legally Blonde films, and Walk the Line. So, we already know with rock-solid certainty that she will be fine.
Richmond, Va. (AP) – A Virginia lesbian couple has won a legal fight to have both of their names listed on their twins’ birth certificates.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a Richmond judge recently ordered the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records to amend the birth certificates to show that Maria Hayman and her wife, Joanie Hayman, are the children’s parents.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bishop Brian Thom stood quietly in front of Idaho lawmakers, hastily collecting his thoughts before responding to a question in a room packed with supporters of religious freedom and hundreds of gay rights advocates.
“Can you tell me where gay people come from?” asked Democratic Rep. John McCrostie of Boise — Idaho’s only openly gay state lawmaker — as the crowded room let out a small laugh.
[UPDATE: Previously, the last line of this story stated that Ross “was tapped” to host a political talk show. The wording has been adjusted for accuracy. -Editor]
Orlando – Community activist Randy Ross was arrested and put in jail Jan. 23 on insurance fraud charges, according to the Orange County Jail website.
Ross, 49, made bail the same night he was booked. The specifics of his charges are unclear, but according to court documents, Ross is accused of four felonies and a misdemeanor.
Sarasota – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, locals can show support for both independent film and recent marriage equality wins by attending “The Perfect Wedding.”
The themed fundraiser is a partnership between The Sarasota Film Festival and Equality Florida and features two weddings—one on screen and one in person.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The couple whose lawsuit toppled Alabama’s gay marriage ban said they are grateful, overjoyed and still a little a bit in disbelief.
“We are still trying to take it all in. It’s overwhelming. We’re very grateful. Wow. It happened,” Kim McKeand said.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Gov. Rick Snyder hopes to resuscitate legislation that would protect gay and transgender residents from discrimination, while LGBT advocates explore asking voters to pass the bill since it’s unlikely to clear the GOP-led Legislature.
In his State of the State speech, the Republican governor called for continued discussion over amending Michigan’s civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents in employment, housing and places open to the public.
ATLANTA (AP) – A Texas lawmaker would strip the salaries from government officials who honor same-sex marriage licenses.
Other states would protect government officials who opt out of performing gay nuptials.
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He did nothing wrong? But still cant comment until evidence is gathered? I wonder if that is what he said... Jan 27, 2:17 PM
"tapped to host..."? If you mean he tapped himself, seeing as he is buying the airtime on CW18, then OK... Jan 27, 7:59 AM
Someone needs to explain to (nit)Whit Ayers that the US Military is not a "conservative" organization before he continues to... Jan 26, 3:48 PM
Thank you Watermark for being there on our special occasion. Jan 25, 1:48 AM
Ah. I was afraid there was no specific law ordering them to perform marriages. However, interfering with the income of... Jan 21, 8:37 PM
Watermark was founded by publisher Tom Dyer in Orlando in 1994, and expanded to Tampa Bay in 1995. Dyer is an attorney, former board member of the Metropolitan Business Association and Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and current advisory board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation.
